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  • MIL-OSI China: Smart tourism applications offer unique experiences

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    People visit the 2024 China Culture and Tourism Industries Exposition in north China’s Tianjin, Sept. 13, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Wearing an elegant white dress, Umuhoza, a Rwandan businesswoman, took a photo in front of a smart photo device, which soon generated a photo depicting her as a valiant and chivalrous female with traditional Chinese features.
    “When people travel to China, they really want to take memories back home. The device can take a picture of you and then transform you into a Chinese kind of person. I really love it,” Umuhoza said.
    Umuhoza runs a travel website. She helps tourists from Asian countries travel to African countries, including Rwanda, Egypt and Tanzania. At the same time, her website has a “China package,” catering to travelers from Africa who want to go to China.
    At the 2024 China Culture & Tourism Industries Exposition held earlier this month in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, many foreign visitors were overwhelmed by the novel technologies adopted in China’s tourism sector.
    “That’s amazing. I am very interested in autonomous driving cars and many smart tourism scenes. Perhaps new trade cooperation can be carried out in the future,” Umuhoza said.
    Telling people more about China
    Putting on a virtual reality headset, Elena Jitari-Parry, a full-time travel blogger from Moldova, was instantly drawn to various places to experience the magnificent landscapes of China’s mountains and rivers.
    “So beautiful. It felt so authentic here,” Jitari-Parry said.
    She also quickly learned about securing travel tips for exploring Tianjin via an intelligent tourism companion system, which simply requires a person to ask questions at a booth provided by Midu, a company focusing on artificial intelligence and large language models.
    “Traveling in China can be so easy for foreigners! The digitalization and intelligence services of Chinese tourist attractions have become a new trend, enabling foreigners like me to enjoy a more comfortable and convenient travel experience in China,” Jitari-Parry said.
    With the desire to further explore China, Jitari-Parry chose to be a full-time travel blogger, documenting her travels and experiences in China. “Foreigners are very interested in China’s technological development. I always advise my audience to come to China and see something different.”
    The deep integration of technology and the cultural tourism sector not only creates a variety of experiential consumption scenarios, but also meets people’s new needs for personalized travel, immersive experiences and creative consumption.
    Data showed that by the end of 2023, the scale of China’s digital cultural tourism market had exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about 140 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for more than 30 percent of the entire cultural tourism industry.
    Experiencing smart, convenient services
    In the exhibition area of Meituan, one of China’s leading online services platforms, high-end technologies such as drones and autonomous delivery vehicles became the focus of foreign bloggers’ lenses.
    Ruben Diaz Jr. from the United States was amazed by it. “Some of these things are brand new to me. Tourists can specify drones to deliver the items they need directly to the scenic areas, which is definitely more convenient.”
    A staff member at the Meituan booth said that currently Meituan drones are operating on more than 30 routes in cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Guangzhou, and have completed over 300,000 orders in total.
    Thanks to the rapid development of smart tourism in China, tourists have become accustomed to using online payments, ticket purchases and guided tours during their travels.
    Data from iResearch, an industry research and consulting institute, showed that in 2023, the total number of monthly uses and total usage time of online travel apps had grown by more than 30 percent year on year on average.
    Some Chinese online travel service companies also use digital technologies to meet the growing travel needs of foreign visitors in China.
    In May, Tongcheng Travel launched an international travel reservation platform named HopeGoo, which supports payments in 16 global currencies and via various operating languages.
    Richard Santana, a product designer and blogger from the United States, said that with these online services, foreigners will be more willing to go to China, while their travels in China will also be more convenient.
    Ma Yiliang, chief statistician of the China Tourism Academy, said that “digitalization plus cultural tourism” has become a development trend.
    As “China Travel” has surged to be a hot global social media topic, demand for inbound tourism to China has increased significantly.
    “With the smarter and more convenient experience in China, foreign tourists can find a more open, more confident and safer China during their travels,” said Ma. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Israel has dealt Hezbollah blows ‘it could not have imagined’

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo shows the smoke caused by an Israeli air raid on the course of the Litani River in Litani, Lebanon, on Sept. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that his country landed “a series of blows” on Hezbollah in recent days that the group “could not have imagined.”

    In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu warned, “If Hezbollah hasn’t understood the message, I promise you — it will understand the message.”

    He emphasized Israel’s commitment to restoring security in the north, declaring, “We are determined to return our northern residents safely to their homes … We will do whatever it takes to restore security.”

    Overnight, Hezbollah expanded its rocket attacks, targeting areas near Haifa, including the headquarters of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Israel’s state-owned defense technology company, and a military airport in Ramat David base, both located in northern Israel.

    Amid the sharp escalation, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant affirmed that the military, in response, would continue its offensive.

    Gallant, speaking during his visit to an Air Force control center on Sunday morning, said Hezbollah “has begun to feel some of our capabilities,” referencing weekend airstrikes in Beirut that killed at least 37 people, including Ibrahim Akil, acting commander of Hezbollah’s Elite Radwan Force.

    Israel is also believed to be behind a series of attacks earlier this week, which saw thousands of wireless communication devices explode across Lebanon, killing at least 37, including civilians, and injuring thousands.

    In addition, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz released a statement saying he had spoken with “dozens” of foreign ministers, sending a clear message: if the international community does not pressure Hezbollah to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon, “Israel will do so.”

    Katz added that the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces is “essential” to create a security zone, allowing Israeli residents near the border with Lebanon to return to their homes.

    The Israeli military announced Sunday in a statement that it is continuing airstrikes in Lebanon and has bombed 400 Hezbollah sites since Saturday. According to Lebanese military sources, at least three people were killed and four others injured on Sunday in intense Israeli airstrikes.

    Amid fears that the cross-border fighting, which began in October last year, will escalate to an all-out war in the Middle East, United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert warned of an “imminent catastrophe” in the region.

    “With the region on the brink of an imminent catastrophe, it cannot be overstated enough: there is NO military solution that will make either side safer,” she wrote on the social media platform X.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The pressing case for a new emergency visa to help people fleeing Gaza and other conflicts

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane McAdam, Scientia Professor and ARC Laureate Fellow, Kaldor Centre for International Refugee Law, UNSW Sydney

    Recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza have displaced large numbers of people. In each case, Australia’s humanitarian response has been different. Some people have been able to acquire a visa and travel to Australia relatively easily; others have been stuck.

    Once here, wildly varying visa entitlements mean some people have access to work rights, health care and other services; others are barely surviving.

    In a new policy brief, we argue the Australian government should create a new emergency visa for humanitarian crises.

    We believe the government needs a more streamlined, equitable, predictable and effective response to assist people facing a real risk of persecution, extreme danger or other serious harm.

    An ad hoc approach to emergencies

    To date, Australia has used at least 25 different types of visas to respond to humanitarian emergencies. This has resulted in varying outcomes for those affected, as well as significant distress for diaspora communities in Australia concerned for the safety and welfare of loved ones stuck abroad.

    While the use of different visas has provided the government with flexibility, it has led to ad hoc and inconsistent approaches. It has also added to challenges and inefficiencies within the visa processing system.

    For instance, no special humanitarian visa has been announced for people fleeing conflicts in Gaza or Sudan, though Tony Burke, the new minister for Home Affairs, has indicated he is looking at ways to allow Palestinians to stay here longer.

    Large numbers of Palestinians have been refused visitor visas due to security concerns and, arguably, the politicisation of humanitarian assistance.

    In any case, visitor visas are far from an ideal response in such cases. They are intended for a short, temporary period and do not give people access to any government services or social supports.

    What’s wrong with other existing visas?

    One of the problems with existing visas is that even those designed for emergencies can be too slow to provide urgent protection. In addition, they typically help only a small number of individuals in immediate danger.

    Many visas are issued on a wholly discretionary basis. People must be invited to apply for them, and they cannot transition to a more permanent visa unless the minister permits them to do so.

    In some cases, special visa arrangements have been created for particular groups of people, such as Kosovar refugees in the late 1990s. By contrast, no special humanitarian visa regime has been created for people fleeing conflicts in Gaza or Sudan.

    The visa situation does not need to be this complicated. Yes, it can be reassuring for people to know there is more than one way to find safety in Australia. However, a preferable option would be to have an emergency visa that enables people to reach Australia lawfully and quickly, with a clear pathway to a long-term solution.

    What should an emergency visa look like?

    An emergency visa should enable people at risk to travel to Australia quickly and safely. Eligibility should be determined on the basis of sound and defensible principles, and guided by good practices from other countries and our own history.

    For example, the government could identify eligible classes of people in need of humanitarian emergency visas. Relatives and diaspora communities in Australia could assist in identifying those with connections to Australia (such as family members, past residents and people with links to Australian companies or organisations).

    This recommendation aligns with past practices of designating a particular cohort of people for protection. For instance, Australia’s former special assistance visa category (in use from 1991–2000) provided resettlement opportunities to categories of people with connections to Australia. This included those from the former Yugoslavia and Soviet Union, East Timor, Lebanon, Sudan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, as well as Ahmadi Muslims.

    An emergency visa should provide for an initial stay of 12 months. While this is shorter than some comparative visas, it would provide some certainty for people and allow for a reassessment of the circumstances in their country of origin after a year. At this point, they could either return voluntarily. Or, if it’s not safe to do so, they could be granted a pathway to permanent residence in Australia.

    Emergency visas should also provide immediate access to services (including Medicare and Centrelink), as well as work and study rights, language and cultural support, and assistance with accommodation. Access to work and study rights would enable visa holders to support themselves and alleviate the demands on relatives, community organisations, social service agencies and the government.

    Furthermore, anyone who is in Australia when a humanitarian emergency occurs in their home country should be granted an automatic visa extension or a bridging visa with the same conditions. This should not adversely affect their ability to apply for a different visa, including a protection visa.

    Why a more predictable system is important

    Establishing this kind of system would enable refugees fleeing conflict to rebuild their lives in Australia relatively quickly.

    It would likely encourage people to take steps to get their qualifications recognised and seek jobs commensurate with their skills – benefiting both themselves and the Australian community.

    It would also provide them with both legal and psychological security by removing the uncertainty and precarity of being stuck in a prolonged temporary status. Our research has shown this is detrimental to people’s mental health and wellbeing.

    Australia has an opportunity to take a bold, dynamic and forward-looking approach that would show real leadership in responding to humanitarian emergencies in a timely, well-considered and compassionate manner.

    Jane McAdam receives funding from the Australian Research Council. She is a member of the expert sub-committee of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Skilled Migration.

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

    – ref. The pressing case for a new emergency visa to help people fleeing Gaza and other conflicts – https://theconversation.com/the-pressing-case-for-a-new-emergency-visa-to-help-people-fleeing-gaza-and-other-conflicts-238877

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Municipality makes life easier for foreign talent

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

    Shanghai issued 13 measures on Friday to improve services for overseas talent attracted to the city.

    The measures, unveiled at the Fourth Shanghai Talent+ Summit, include streamlined procedures for obtaining visas, residence permits, permanent residency, work permits and financial services. For example, those who possess doctorates and others deemed to be outstanding foreign talent will benefit from streamlined procedures when applying for permanent residency.

    An official surnamed Liu, who is in charge of services for foreign experts at the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Talent Work, said that everyone from overseas who worked in Shanghai used to have to go to two different government departments to apply for a foreigner’s work permit and a residence permit.

    Liu said the two services were combined at one window several years ago for category A talent, and that will now be extended to all talent from overseas.

    Category A talent includes those who are employed by world-leading companies and research institutions, laureates of international prizes, those who possess innovative technological inventions or patents, and postdoctoral fellows below the age 40.

    The new measures will also optimize services for expat talent in scientific research, innovation and entrepreneurship, medical care, travel and online and social integration.

    At the summit, people from across Shanghai presented business plans in a contest designed to highlight their innovation and entrepreneurship. A section for expats was included for the first time this year.

    “Shanghai is a role model in inspiring entrepreneurs from home and abroad to put their business plans into reality in a positive and speedy way,” said Benoit Dubuis, president of the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences and also director of the Sino-Swiss Institute of Advanced Technology at Shanghai University, which is promoting the integration of some cutting-edge disciplines, including microelectronics, biomedicine and artificial intelligence.

    “Many businesses launched by expats in Shanghai increase investment or invest in other entrepreneurial projects if they succeed,” Dubuis said. “This part is critical to the development of the local business environment.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Families fired up about ceramics

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Like most, Sun Lixin, the eldest child in the family-run businesses in Jingdezhen, east China’s Jiangxi province, was born with a mission — succession.

    The firstborn son was followed by a brother and a sister in a family that has made porcelain for four generations and was trained to inherit the family’s ceramic making skills since he was a child.

    His father, Sun Tongxin, has a masterly skill for blue and white painting on porcelain and was a trailblazer in splash ink painting on ceramic panels, blending the innovative contemporary high-temperature technique with the expressive methods of traditional Chinese blue and white ink painting. One of Sun Sr’s pieces was collected by the Palace Museum in Beijing.

    Ink color is one of the color painting decoration methods of ceramics. It refers to a kind of porcelain painting technique that uses thick or bright black as the main colorant to paint on ceramics, presenting a light-black ink effect. It has a strong literati charm and an artistic appeal, showing an elegant and simple, green and subtle aesthetic feeling.

    “I grew up in an environment surrounded by ceramics and ceramists,” Sun Lixin, 57, said.

    He recalled that he did homework at the workshops where his parents worked when primary school finished. The three went home together after the adults got of work.

    In 1976, then premier Zhou Enlai decreed the protection for traditional craftsmanship of porcelain production.

    Thanks to the regulation, a group of teens in Jingdezhen was recruited by the local 10 state-owned porcelain factories to be trained in pottery-making techniques.

    “Though being wet behind the ears, I was thrilled to be an apprentice in a state-owned factory,” Sun Lixin said.

    He was only 13.

    “I liked to learn how to make ceramics, such as drawing, throwing and painting as many of my peers were also in the factory,” he said.

    Sun Lixin’s teacher was his father, who was very strict with the naughty boy. Luckily, his peer apprentices, in his words, learned from their parents’ friends, who were very friendly.

    “I was always sniveling as my father bawled me out for doing things frolicsome with other children,” Sun Lixin said. “One day, I ran away from home, saying to myself that I was damned if I was going to do pottery again.”

    However, he had no choice but to return home and continue his apprenticeship and his father had more teachers for the boy to sharpen his skill of Chinese painting.

    Sun Lixin was a fast learner and became a skilled porcelain painter.

    Time of change

    But things turned bad in Jingdezhen in the late 1980s and early 90s as all the workers were laid of due to the restructuring of the state-owned factories. Sun Lixin and other potters had to do something else to make a living.

    An entrepreneur from Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province, invited Sun Lixin to work for him, offering a fat salary of more than 2,000 yuan ($275) a month.

    “His offer is very impressive to me. You know, I earned a monthly income of only 300 yuan in Jingdezhen at that time,” Sun said.

    His parents were also among the massive layoffs, instead bringing home the bacon by drawing for some local people who were the first to run their own porcelain workshops.

    Sun Lixin returned to Jingdezhen from Guangzhou when he was told that his grandfather was fatally ill.

    “I am his firstborn grandson, whom the big family has great expectation on,” Sun said.

    He took with him all the money he had saved over several years in Guangzhou and rebuilt the kiln that the family had before 1949.

    Most of the Sun family members are artisans. Sun Lixin’s uncle has a mastery of porcelain pigments.

    In January 1975, the Jingdezhen-based ceramic research institute affiliated to China’s former ministry of light industry was assigned the special mission of making porcelain for Chairman Mao Zedong. More than 100 sets of porcelain, or nearly 10,000 pieces, which were coded as 7501, were produced in a year.

    Sun Lixin’s mother, who is specialized in underglaze polychrome enamels, was in the team for the important assignment.

    “In my childhood, I saw my mom doing underglaze enameling on a very thin piece in the middle of night. There was a slight sound of cracking. I saw a tear rolling down her cheek,” Sun Lixin recalled compassionately.

    “Flaws make porcelain prices drop, so no single flaw is allowed on ceramic pieces,” he said.

    But Sun has kept piles of porcelain wares with flaws, which, in his words, remind him of the time and effort his parents invested.

    “Hard work and dedication is the character of the Sun family to the core. I have a sense of purpose for making the family craftsmanship better,” Sun Lixin said.

    Family craftsmanship

    He is devoted to making the Sun’s kiln not only a workshop but also a place for doing research on ceramic making.

    Sun Lixin’s modern aesthetic perfectly complements the craftsmanship of the classic designs from Chinese ink painting.

    His ceramic panels are widely collected by museums such as the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, as well as individuals. He is one of the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage conferred by the Jingdezhen authorities.

    In 2006, the Jingdezhen ceramic hand-making technique was included in the first batch of traditional skills in China’s national intangible cultural heritage list. There are 1,899 inheritors of Jingdezhen’s intangible cultural heritage, more than 90 percent of whom are engaged in the inheritance of ceramic hand-making skills.

    When Sun Lixin found that his son was not into the porcelain making, he and his wife decided to have one more child. They had a daughter when Sun Lixin was 41.

    The girl’s early interest in drawing gives her parents and grandparents pleasure. “It seems that drawing is in her bones. She is making sketches much better than I do,” Sun Lixin said as he beamed with pride.

    While his 24-year-old son was studying biological engineering in Dalian city in Northeast China’s Liaoning province, his daughter, 16, is learning fine art in Beijing.

    As the intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Sun Lixin is taking on six young people as his apprentices. They learn to draw the traditional Chinese patterns such as lotus, peony, peach, bat and persimmon.

    “These flora and animals used as decorative motifs on porcelain pieces are symbols of traditional Chinese culture, which young people had better have a understanding of,” Sun Lixin said.

    The Bat, for example, represents good fortune, lotus stands for good luck and the peach means longevity.

    “I am obliged to tell them what I know about traditional Chinese culture,” he said.

    Linglong ware

    Lyu Yating, 31, is also the firstborn of a family that makes ceramics for five generations. She has a younger sister who does not find porcelain making appealing, as well as a younger brother who is still a middle school student.

    Shortly after graduating from a university where she studied international business management in the United Kingdom in 2014, the 21-year-old Lyu returned to Jingdezhen to take over the family business. “My mother told me that my father, 62, was out of sorts as he always put his nose to the grindstone,” she said.

    Lyu’s father started the Fuyu blue and white linglong ceramic company in the 1990s when the state-owned porcelain factories could not survive. He recruited all six of his brothers and sisters who were laid off from the factories, as well as other skilled artisans.

    Jingdezhen is the only place where linglong porcelain is produced. Grain-sized holes are hollowed out in the thin roughcast and covered with several layers of glaze when ceramists make linglong porcelain, also known as a “porcelain inlaid with glass”. It is famous for its exquisite carving patterns and glittering, translucent appeal. The process requires a high level of craftsmanship.

    Linglong porcelain is one of the most famous types of ceramics Jingdezhen produces. The others include famille-rose porcelain, blue-white porcelain and color-glazed porcelain.

    Like Sun Lixin, Lyu also grew up at the ceramic-making workshop.

    At that time, she dreamed of doing something different from what her parents did. The young artisan said: “I wanted to be independent.”

    But she has no heart to let her parents down. The Lyu family has a formula for glaze handed down from her great-great-grandfather.

    “After all, I am the eldest child and my father’s technique should be passed on. Our family business is well established in Jingdezhen,” Lyu said.

    She feels a sense of pride when she sees Chinese porcelain, especially items made in Jingdezhen, exhibited in foreign museums.

    Lyu started studying ceramic making comprehensively — the way to make the linglong glaze in particular — shortly after coming back to Jingdezhen.

    “Though I had no experience for ceramic making at that time, I was of intellectual curiosity and thought outside the box,” she said.

    The family business produces daily use porcelain at its production lines. At the same time, Lyu has a team focusing on research and development.

    She and her team have been experimenting with new media to achieve the best effects for linglong porcelain.

    “I want to find a type of glaze that can make the linglong ceramic more beautiful and more translucent,” Lyu said.

    “Fortunately, the production of the daily use ceramics has increased significantly and made big profit so that investment in R&D is possible,” Lyu said.

    New ways forward

    Now the young entrepreneur is dedicating herself to building brands as she knows that her production lines cannot churn out as much as the companies in Dehua, Fujian province, and Chaozhou, Guangdong province. The two places have a pile-it-high-and-sell-it-cheap strategy.

    “I don’t want to be an original equipment manufacturer. Instead, I want to sell our brands overseas,” she said.

    Lyu described herself as a well balanced person who is calm and reasonable and shows good judgment.

    “I hope that products of intangible cultural heritage can be salable rather than merely a symbol. In so doing, people can understand what the charm of intangible cultural heritage is,” Lyu said.

    Lyu, also a designated inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Jingdezhen, is ambitious to make ceramics that could be handed down from generation to generation.

    “I am grateful to my father who has created such a wonderful company,” she said.

    Her company has four brands; one started by her father and the other three by her. She is pouring a lot of effort into developing products such as coffee and tea sets, jardinieres and copies of antique porcelain.

    In Lyu’s words, the spirit of artisans means their craftsmanship and pursuit of excellence.

    Lyu received offers for graduate study from four foreign universities after her undergraduate education in the UK. When asked whether she regrets not undertaking graduate studies, Lyu said she had no choice but inherit the family business.

    ” Now I am having a great life, and I have no regrets,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Harris’ post-debate gains sustained in US polls, but Republicans likely to gain Senate control

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 49.2–46.2. In my previous US politics article last Wednesday, Harris led Trump by 48.9–46.0.

    Joe Biden’s final position before his withdrawal as Democratic candidate on July 21 was a national poll deficit against Trump of 45.2–41.2.

    It’s been nearly two weeks since the September 10 debate between Harris and Trump. In my previous article I was sceptical that Harris’ post-debate gains would be sustained, but they have been.

    The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner takes all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

    The Electoral College is biased to Trump relative to the national popular vote, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win in Silver’s model to be the Electoral College favourite.

    Harris’ Electoral College win probability fell to a low of 35% on September 9 in Silver’s model, but she has surged back to favouritism with a 54% win probability, up from 43.5% last Wednesday. Silver’s model is now in better agreement with the FiveThirtyEight model, which gives Harris a 62% win probability.

    Pennsylvania is the most important swing state with 19 electoral votes, and Harris now leads there by 1.5 points, gaining 1.4 points since last week. Harris also has narrow leads in Michigan, Wisconsin and Nevada. If Harris wins all states she currently leads in, she wins the Electoral College by 276–262.

    Since my previous US article on Wednesday, Harris has continued to get good national polls and better polls from Pennsylvania and Michigan (15 electoral votes). This explains why she is again the favourite in Silver’s model after Trump had been the favourite from late August until last Thursday.

    In North Carolina, Trump leads by just 0.1 point, but there’s been a scandal about Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson that broke Thursday, and there haven’t yet been North Carolina polls taken since this scandal. This scandal may hurt Trump in North Carolina, which has 16 electoral votes.

    Favourability ratings and economic news

    Harris now has a barely positive net favourability in the national FiveThirtyEight aggregate, at +0.3, with 46.9% favourable and 46.6% unfavourable. After large early gains, her ratings have improved slowly in the last month. Trump’s net favourability is -10.1, with 52.8% unfavourable and 42.7% favourable; his ratings are barely changed in the last month.

    Trump’s running mate JD Vance is unpopular with a -10.8 net favourable rating, while Harris’ running mate Tim Walz has a +3.8 net favourable, making him the most popular of the four. Biden remains unpopular with a -15.3 net approval. It’s best for Harris if Biden stays out of the headlines.

    In economic news, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.5 points last Wednesday, the first time they have been reduced since 2020. Rates had risen from nearly zero to over 5% from 2022 to 2023.

    Silver’s economic index that averages six indicators is currently at +0.10. Many on the left despise the stock market, but its recent performance is offsetting worse data in other indicators.

    Republicans likely to gain Senate control

    Elections for the House of Representatives and Senate will be held concurrently with the presidential election on November 5. Single-member districts are used to elect the 435 House members, with states apportioned House seats on a population basis.

    House terms are only two years, so the last election of the House was at the November 2022 midterm elections, when Republicans won the House by 222 seats to 213 for Democrats on a national popular vote share of 50.0–47.3.

    The FiveThirtyEight aggregate of polls of the national House popular vote has Democrats ahead by 46.7–44.5. If Harris wins, Democrats have a good chance to regain control of the House.

    There are two senators for each of the 50 states. Senators have six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years. Including independents who caucus with them, Democrats currently control the 100-member Senate by a 51–49 margin.

    This year Democrats and aligned independents will be defending 23 of the 33 regular Senate seats up for election (there will also be a byelection in the safely Republican Nebraska). Trump won West Virginia, Montana and Ohio easily in both 2016 and 2020, and Democrats are defending seats in all three states.

    With the retirement of former Democratic Senator (now independent) Joe Manchin, West Virginia is certain to be a Republican gain at this election, and the Republicans are also well ahead in Montana. If no other seats change hands, gaining West Virginia and Montana will give Republicans a 51–49 Senate majority.

    Democrats are just ahead in Ohio and have larger leads in Senate races in the presidential swing states of Arizona, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan and Pennsylvania (all Democratic held). They have outside chances of gaining seats in Florida and Texas.

    Even if Harris wins, Republicans are likely to gain at least a 51–49 Senate majority. The two senators per state rule advantages Republicans as they dominate low-population, rural states.

    If Democrats lose the Senate, even if Harris wins the presidency, Republicans would have a veto over Harris’ legislation, and her cabinet and judicial appointments. That means no left-wing judge would be appointed to the Supreme Court if a vacancy occurred.

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

    – ref. Harris’ post-debate gains sustained in US polls, but Republicans likely to gain Senate control – https://theconversation.com/harris-post-debate-gains-sustained-in-us-polls-but-republicans-likely-to-gain-senate-control-239385

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists from NSU and ICG SB RAS have developed a new approach to collecting, storing and analyzing information about wheat ears

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Scientists from NSU and ICG SB RAS presented a new approach to collecting, storing and analyzing information on the morphometric characteristics of a wheat ear. Students took an active part in the work on creating the SpikeDroidDB system Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU, Faculty of Information Technology NSU, and also Mathematical center in AkademgorodokWork on this project was carried out with the support of the Russian Science Foundation, project No. 23-14-00150.

    The SpikeDroidDB information system allows storing digital images of the ear, annotating their phenotypic characteristics according to 14 important traits and provides a flexible query system for accessing data.

    Using SpikeDroidDB, a collection of F2 hybrid ears from a cross between the Australian soft wheat variety Triple Dirk and the Chinese wheat sample KU506 Triticum yunnanense was digitized and annotated. An analysis of the variability of the ears in shape, length and width was carried out.

    The structure of the ear is one of the most important features of cereals, associated with such economically valuable qualities as productivity, resistance to environmental factors and pests, ease of threshing. Ears differ in shape, size, density, awns, color, etc.

    For breeders and geneticists, such parameters as the number of grains in an ear, the thousand-grain weight, and others are of great importance. These characteristics are closely related to plant productivity. A useful selection feature is the shape of the grain and such characteristics of the ear as its type, length, profile, the presence or absence of awns, the number of fertile and sterile spikelets (i.e., grain content), ear fragility, and the properties of the glume. Collecting and describing these features manually is a labor-intensive and lengthy process.

    — Researchers at our laboratory have long been working on an important task aimed at replacing the measuring methods of geneticists and breeders with a ruler and a computer or mobile phone. We would like to make it so that scientists no longer have to manually measure plant parameters, but simply take a photo of a wheat ear, while observing a number of technical conditions, and then obtain the information they are interested in by uploading this photo to our database. When creating it, we worked with conventional image analysis, that is, with digital vision, and applied deep machine learning in terms of image recognition using neural networks, identifying individual features and classification, — said the leading researcher at the Laboratory of Evolutionary Informatics and Theoretical Genetics of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, an employee of the Department of Information Biology Faculty of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University Dmitry Afonnikov.

    The complexity of the researchers’ work was that it was based on digital images of ears. They serve as the initial data when applying automatic phenotyping methods. When developing them, an important task is an expert assessment of many plant characteristics for their further use in training and verification of computer algorithms. However, many morphological features of the ear are usually assessed qualitatively, not quantitatively. Very often, they do not have a quantitative assessment. Such features include the shape of the ear, its density, the color of the ear, the pubescence of the glumes, the type of awns, the color of the awns, the shape of the ear, brittleness of the ear and many others. Therefore, the use of digital image analysis approaches to describe the shape of the grain and ear, as well as their comparison with the assessments of the ear features made by expert breeders, became an important task for the developers.

    — In our database, we have collected over 10,000 digital images of ears and described their structure and properties so that genetic scientists can obtain all the data they need from a photograph — the size of the ear, its thickness, width, presence of awns, color of the ears, etc., essentially replacing conventional measurements with image analysis. And as a result, we obtain more characteristics, and they are also more accurate. In this case, the automated system has more capabilities than a person. If a person determines some parameters “by eye”, then computer vision records them more accurately and productively. With the help of computer analysis of digital images, we can determine hundreds of parameters of ears — both basic and their derivatives, and then use them to develop methods and classifications, as well as to assess productivity. Such technologies provide a high degree of automation of information collection, its storage in databases, integration with data on the genotype and environmental parameters, and create the basis for intelligent analysis of the information received. There is another important advantage: a digital description of the ear and its image will be stored in the database for as long as necessary, whereas a dried ear placed in a paper envelope may crumble, change color or deteriorate, and the sample will be lost, explained Dmitry Afonnikov.

    In the SpikeDroidDB system, several images can be associated with each ear. For each of them, the protocol by which it was obtained is indicated. For shooting, the developers used two protocols for obtaining digital images of mature ears. They chose a blue background as the most contrasting to the color of the ears and allowing you to easily separate the object from the background. Shooting of the ears was carried out in two versions: in the first, the ear is located vertically in front of a blue background, the second shooting option provides for a horizontal position of the ears on the glass above the blue background.

    The prototype of the SpikeDroidDB system is available at this link http://speakedroid.biores.cytogen.ru/The main page contains brief information about the database, links for logging in or registering, and links to the main blocks of information in the database.

    Dmitry Afonnikov says that breeders and geneticists involved in developing new varieties of wheat are showing great interest in this development and are interested in working with it to automate painstaking and lengthy routine processes that require precision and concentration. In addition, the SpikeDroidDB system will help avoid subjective assessments, errors and inaccuracies in phenotyping ear samples.

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

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

    https://www.nsu.ru/n/media/news/nauka/uchenye-ngu-i-itsig-so-ran-razrabotali-novyy-podkhod-dlya-sbora-khraneniya-i-analiza-informatsii-ok/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 1 100 quality job vacancies to be offered at Job Fair for Residential Care Home Service Industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Labour Department (LD) will hold a large-scale job fair at MacPherson Stadium in Mong Kok on September 26 and 27 to provide a large number of vacancies from the residential care home service industry for job seekers.

         About 30 organisations will participate in the two-day job fair and offer over 1 100 quality job vacancies from the residential care home service industry. Participating organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered, including care worker, speech therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, nurse, health worker, driver, cook, programme assistant and clerk. Job seekers can visit the LD’s Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk) for more details of the vacancies.

         Around 97 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $14,000 to $26,000. About 87 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Five education level or below. Around 77 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.

         Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.

         The job fair will be held from 11am to 5.30pm at 1/F, MacPherson Stadium, 38 Nelson Street, Mong Kok (near Mong Kok MTR Station Exit E2). Admission is free, with final admission time at 5pm each day.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Have you seen Teyha?

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are appealing for assistance from the public to help locate 13-year-old Teyha, who has been reported missing.

    Teyha was last seen at her home in Glen Innes last Thursday 19 September.

    She is described as having brown, straight hair and a nose ring in her left nostril. She was last seen wearing dark clothing.

    It’s believed Teyha could be somewhere in the Albany area. She also has ties to the Whakatāne region.

    Police and her family have concerns for Teyha’s wellbeing and we ask anyone who sights her to please contact Police as soon as possible on 111.

    Additionally, anyone who has further information on her whereabouts should contact Police on 105, quoting file number 240921/4334.

    ENDS

    Tony Wright/Police Media

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

    Source: Auckland Council

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

    See below for more about Art Week 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Art Week 2024

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

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

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

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

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

    Photos by Jasper Johnstone Auckland Council.

    Q & A: Shannon Novak

    Can you explain how Random Acts came about?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech for National Commemoration of Service in Timor-Leste

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A warm welcome to you all as we gather to acknowledge the New Zealanders who were involved in peace support operations in Timor-Leste, and to remember those who lost their lives as a result of their service.

    I acknowledge the many military and civilian veterans present, and I am pleased this national commemoration provides the recognition your service so greatly deserves. 

    Welcome to all the families and friends here among us, and to the members of the Timorese community. 

    I especially want to acknowledge the families and friends of the five New Zealand soldiers who so tragically lost their lives in Timor-Leste:

    • Private Leonard William Manning
    • Warrant Officer Class Two Tony Michael Walser
    • Staff Sergeant William Edward White
    • Private Boyd Regan Henare Atkins
    • Private Dean Russell Johnston. 

    I also want to pay tribute to the three personnel from Fiji, Ireland and Nepal who were serving under New Zealand command who lost their lives.

    Every death in service is a tragedy, and my heart goes out to the families, friends and comrades who will be feeling the impact to this day. Our thoughts are with you today.

    I acknowledge His Excellency Alfredo Pérez Bravo Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Mexico, Her Excellency Felicidade de Sousa Guterres Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and all the members of the Diplomatic Corps who are here representing the many countries who served in Timor-Leste.

    I acknowledge Vice Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Mathew Williams, here representing the Chief of Defence Force, all the representatives of the New Zealand Defence Force and the National President of the Returned and Services’ Association Sir Wayne Shelford.

    I also acknowledge Greg O’Connor, Labour spokesperson for Veterans.

    Yesterday, the 20th of September, marked the 25th anniversary of the arrival of New Zealand troops in Timor-Leste to contribute to peace operations led by Interfet, the International Force East Timor. 

    The troops came to the aid of the Timorese people at a time of extreme violence and destruction, in the aftermath of a referendum which had confirmed overwhelming support for independence.

    New Zealanders served from 1999 to 2002 to support East Timor’s transition to a sovereign state, the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. After further violence broke out in 2006, New Zealand personnel were again deployed and continued to serve there until 2012.

    Approximately 7000 New Zealand personnel were deployed over these years.  

    In fact, New Zealand was one of the largest contributors to international efforts. The Special Air Service, air transport and helicopter support, three naval ships, and an infantry battalion which included sub-units from Canada, Ireland, Nepal, Fiji and Singapore, along with members of the Territorial Force, were all deployed at times throughout the conflict.

    Today is also a time to recognise the diplomats, members of the New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs, prison officers, legal staff, medical professionals and other New Zealand civilians who served alongside Defence Force personnel.

    On the Roll of Honour in the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, our national place of remembrance, the names of the New Zealanders lost in Timor-Leste are commemorated among those of all who have died serving our country. I am pleased we have the Timor-Leste Roll on display here in the Cathedral today as we honour the deceased.

    Today, let us also give thought to the suffering of the people of Timor-Leste and the impact of violence on their lives, homes and communities. Let us honour, too, their enormous courage in supporting independence despite the brutal repercussions from the militia.

    It is the nature of service in times of conflict that strong bonds are forged – between service personnel, with local communities, and nation to nation.

    We cherish our strong relationships with the Timorese people and the Timor-Leste government, relationships we owe to the contribution of our personnel and the trust they earned. 

    I understand Inspector Ray Sutton, former Commander of the first contingent of New Zealand Police to serve in the new nation, is with us today. I hope he doesn’t mind if I quote him about the importance of relationships:

    We had to think on our feet — everything we did was through diplomacy. Probably our best asset was our ability to get on with people.

    Ours is a relationship founded on shared values that are all the more important in today’s uncertain world – decency and human rights, democracy and the rule of law, equality and fairness, and guardianship and protection of our environment.

    The New Zealand Defence Force still maintains a presence in Timor-Leste, supporting the professional development of the Timor-Leste military.

    Because the peace support operations were relatively recent, many of those who served in Timor-Leste remain employed in the New Zealand Defence Force today. For all who were involved, the experiences in Timor-Leste must still be very close and vivid, and I know too that your experiences will have had lasting impacts on your lives.

    I am glad that we have this opportunity as a nation to say thank you on this important anniversary.

    We can be very proud of the contribution of New Zealand service personnel and civilians in Timor-Leste, standing alongside the local people and helping to provide a more secure and stable life during their country’s journey as the first new sovereign state of the millennium.

    Twenty-five years after New Zealand’s involvement began, your deeds are enshrined in our nation’s memory, and your achievements, and the bonds you helped forge, will live on as a testament to your service.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Correction: Have you seen Teyha?

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)


    Location:

    Auckland City

    A previous release mis-spelt the name of the girl missing from her Glen Innes home.

    Her name is spelled Teyha, not Tyrha as previously stated.

    We apologise for the error and any confusion caused.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The Albanese Government invests in future psychologists fast tracking workforce expansion

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    The Albanese Government will increase the number of postgraduate psychology places at universities and provide more psychology internships and supervisors so Australians can access a psychologist when needed.  

    This will help remove barriers to studying and working in mental health, which is sorely needed while Australia faces a critical shortage of mental health workers. 

    The Albanese Government will support Australia’s leading universities to provide up to an additional 500 student places and grow postgraduate psychology courses over a four-year period. 

    Despite strong demand and interest from students, currently only 10 per cent will complete the required postgraduate course to become a registered psychologist due to the limited number of university places.   

    The following universities successfully applied for funding through the 2023–24 Postgraduate Psychology Incentive Program Grant Round and will provide 146 additional student places this year: 

    •    Australian National University 
    •    Central Queensland University 
    •    Charles Darwin University 
    •    Curtin University 
    •    Deakin University 
    •    Federation University 
    •    La Trobe University 
    •    Murdoch University 
    •    Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 
    •    University of Adelaide 
    •    University of Canberra 
    •    University of Melbourne 
    •    University of New England 
    •    University of Queensland 
    •    University of South Australia 
    •    University of Southern Queensland 
    •    University of Sydney 
    •    University of Tasmania 
    •    University of the Sunshine Coast 
    •    University of Western Australia 
    •    University of Wollongong 
    •    Western Sydney University 

    To address bottlenecks in the psychology training pipeline, the Albanese Government will also provide Supporting Provisional Psychologists to Practice grants to increase the availability of psychology internships and supervisor training. 

    This initiative will support provisional psychologists by funding 681 one-year internships over a four-year period and up to 2860 Psychology Board of Australia endorsed supervisor training places. 

    To prioritise areas of greatest need, half the internships and supervisor training will be offered to people in First Nations communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and people living in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia. 

    The following organisations will deliver the internships and supervisor training: 
    •    Stream 1 – psychology internships: 
    o    Western Sydney University (NSW) – 84 places 
    o    Grand Pacific Health (NSW and ACT) – 30 places 
    o    Marathon Health (NSW) – 36 places 
    o    Therapy Pro (QLD) – 85 places 
    o    Flinders University (SA and NT) – 100 places 
    o    CatholicCare Victoria Tasmania (VIC and TAS) – 98 places 
    o    Autism Association of Western Australia (WA) – 48 places 
    o    The Cairnmillar Institute (National) – 200 places 

    •    Stream 2 – supervisor training: 
    o    James Cook University – 380 places 
    o    Deakin University – 480 places  
    o    The Australian Psychological Society – 1000 places 
    o    The Cairnmillar Institute – 1000 places 

    The Albanese Government has also committed to work with the Psychology Board of Australia to reform and redesign the psychology higher education and registration pathway to make it simpler for students to complete their studies and work in the mental health system.  

    The redesign will consider opportunities to streamline psychology training, embed a focus on practical learning, and address access and equity challenges with consultations due to commence early in 2025. 

    Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:  

    “Many students want to become registered psychologists but are unable to due to a lack of internships, supervisors and university places. Given the significant community need for this workforce it critical we expand training pathways. 

    “We are committed to ensuring Australians can access the mental health services they need when they need it and this investment into the psychology workforce will be essential to improving access.  

    “Our commitment will address the shortage of registered psychologists and help develop the next generation of registered psychologists.” 

    Quotes attributable to Minister Clare: 

    “We need more young Australians studying and working in mental health services. 

    “This is an important investment which will help support more Australians study psychology.” 

    Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister McBride: 

    “The Albanese Labor Government is building the mental health workforce, so that everyone can access the mental health care they need close to home.  

    “We are providing even more opportunities for students to become registered psychologists by investing in additional psychology internships, supervisors and postgraduate places. 

    “This investment will support people in regional, rural and remote communities to get the care and support they need from registered psychologists.” 
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New work-from-home guidance for public service

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government wants to see more public servants come into their place of work each day and is taking steps to make this expectation clear to chief executives, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. 

    “Updated guidance for the public service will make clear that working from home is not an entitlement and must be agreed and monitored,” Nicola Willis says.

    “While carefully defined working from home arrangements can benefit workers and employers, if the pendulum swings too far in favour of working from home, there are downsides for employers and employees. That’s even before we consider the effects for the CBD retailers, restaurants and cafes.

    “There are good reasons why employees have traditionally been physically brought together for work. It allows for face-to-face conversation, the sharing of skills and experience and relationship building. It supports younger and newer employees to observe, learn from and form connections with their more experienced colleagues.

    “Many good employers have been taking active steps to ensure their working from home policies are fit for purpose. It’s time the Government did the same.

    “I have asked the Public Service Commissioner to immediately communicate the Government’s expectations to public service chief executives and to issue revised guidance about working from home arrangements.

    “These guidelines will reinforce our expectation that:

    1. working from home arrangements are not an entitlement and should be by agreement between the employee and the employer;
    2. working from home arrangements should only be agreed to where they will not compromise the performance of employees and agency objectives, and; 
    3. agencies must actively monitor the prevalence and impact of working from home agreements, and be able to regularly report to the Public Service Commission about the number and nature of the agreements they have in place.

    “Data is not currently being centrally collected by the Public Service Commission regarding the prevalence of working from home arrangements.

    “I have asked the Public Service Commission to support agencies to implement the Government’s expectations, including ensuring information about working from home arrangements is captured in a way that allows for easy comparison between agencies.

    “I intend to then make this information public in a user-friendly way early next year,” Nicola Willis says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Road upgrades pave the way for safer journeys for Glen Innes motorists

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    Safer and more reliable journeys are on the way for motorists and freight operators in the Glen Innes region, with road upgrade works starting soon thanks to $13.5 million from the Albanese and Minns Governments.

    Glen Innes Severn Council has been approved to receive 2 packages of disaster funding under the jointly funded Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.

    The DRFA will allow Glen Innes Severn Council to complete improvement works on 9 local roads across the region including sections of Strathbogie Road, Rangers Valley Road, Furracabad Road, Glen Leigh Road, Pinkett Road, Shannon Vale Road, Haymarket Road, Maybole Road and Golf Links Road. The Shannon Vale Road upgrade was completed in February 2024.

    The Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package will help Glen Innes Severn Council carry out improvement work on regional roads including sections of Emmaville Road and Wellington Vale Road.

    The work includes strengthening through cement stabilisation of the base pavement and resealing to make the roads better able to withstand prolonged periods of wet weather and flooding.

    Geotechnical and design investigations are underway for both packages, with work expected to start later this year.

    Quotes attributed to Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for Emergency Management:

    “The Albanese Government is working with the NSW Government and local councils to ensure communities have resilient infrastructure they can rely on every day. We are working to ensure all road users are connected and make it home safely to their loved ones every day.

    “The Albanese Government is delivering reliable infrastructure and assets that keep regional communities in NSW connected and safe, especially during times of severe weather.”

    Quotes attributed to Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads:

    “This is great news for Glen Innes, in particular, for the villages of Emmaville and Deepwater.

    “Emmaville Road and Wellington Vale Road provide a critical link for residents and businesses to the major centre of Glen Innes.

    “These improvements being funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, will improve safety significantly while also ensuring reliable roads for residents in all types of weather.”

    Quotes attributed to NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose MLC:

    “It’s great to see all levels of government working collaboratively to improve regional roads across NSW.

    “This important work is ensuring our rural and regional communities remain connected throughout natural disasters and can bounce back quicker.”

    Quotes attributed to Bernard Smith, Glen Innes Severn General Manager:

    “We’re assessing all our local roads and preparing to start major repairs on Pinkett Road, Rangers Valley Road, Glen Legh Road, and Emmaville Road segments by September. Construction will begin in summer 2024/2025, with additional roadworks on Maybole Road, Golf Links Road, and others continuing through early 2026. These improvements are essential for better travel and safety in our region.

    “The design phase for our regional roads is progressing well, with Emmaville Road set for delivery in December 2024. These upgrades, including the remaining segments of Emmaville Road and Wellington Vale Road planned for the 2025/26 financial year, are crucial for enhancing transport links and supporting regional development across our towns.

    “This grant allows our council to fortify essential infrastructure, making it more disaster resilient. By upgrading our roads and transport networks, we’re ensuring they serve our community effectively, now and in the future.

    “The support and resources provided by Transport for NSW are invaluable. Their expertise and commitment to enhancing regional transport infrastructure align perfectly with our goals for Glen Innes Severn.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Woolworths and Coles sued by ACCC for allegedly misleading shoppers over the price of more than 500 products

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law, The University of Melbourne

    At a time most people are trying to cut their weekly grocery bills, Australia’s supermarket giants have been hit with legal action for allegedly misleading shoppers over the price of hundreds of products.

    The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Monday announced it was launching separate actions in the Federal Court against the largest and second-largest grocery chains, Woolworths and Coles.

    The ACCC alleges the two have systematically misled consumers over price discounts on hundreds of everyday products. The ACCC chair, Gina Cass-Gottlieb, said the alleged wrongdoing involved the sales of “tens of millions” of products, reaping “significant” extra revenue for the businesses.

    Woolworths’ list of 266 items included Arnott’s Tim Tams, Dolmio sauces, Doritos salsa, Friskies cat food, Kellogg’s cereal and Stayfree pads, while the 245 products allegedly targeted by Coles included Arnott’s Shapes biscuits, Band-Aids, Bega cheese, Cadbury chocolates and Libra tampons.

    These were not one-off pricing errors. The ACCC alleges the misleading conduct took place over 20 months as part of the Woolworths “Prices Dropped” and the Coles “Down, Down” promotional campaigns.

    How shoppers were allegedly misled

    The ACCC alleges on repeated occasions the supermarkets’ strategy was to temporarily raise the price of goods before applying the so-called discount.

    The approach meant that although the boldly placed, coloured discount tickets showed a reduction from the previous “regular” price of the products, the discounted price was still higher than the price before the temporary price rise.

    The ACCC gave the example of how consumers were allegedly misled over savings on a 370-gram family pack of Oreo original biscuits.

    From at least January 1 2021 until November 27 2022, Woolworths offered the Oreos for sale at a regular price of $3.50 on a pre-existing “Prices Dropped” promotion. Then, on November 28 2022, the price was increased to $5.00 for 22 days.

    On December 20 2022, the product was placed on a “Prices Dropped” promotion with the tickets showing a “Prices Dropped” price of $4.50 and a “was” price of $5.00. The “Prices Dropped” price of $4.50 was in fact 29% higher than the product’s previous regular price of $3.50.

    What is the legal claim?

    The ACCC does not regulate prices. Instead, it acts on breaches of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, including making false or misleading claims about the prices of goods and services.

    While it was true that Woolworths and Coles reduced the shelf price of the products, the ACCC alleges they didn’t reveal that the starting price had recently been increased. It is this conduct of promoting a discount from a recently inflated price that the ACCC says would mislead consumers.

    The ACCC’s argument is the “ordinary and reasonable” consumer expects a discount to be genuine, not coming off a recently inflated price. The net effect of that strategy is just an increased price.

    Other cases

    This is not the first time the ACCC has pursued such a claim. In 2020, the commission successfully went after online retailer Kogan for engaging in a similar strategy.

    Kogan ran an online promotion advertising to consumers that they could use the code TAXTIME to reduce prices by 10% at the checkout. The court found the ads conveyed false or misleading representations because Kogan had increased the prices of more than 600 of its products immediately before the promotion by at least 10% per cent.

    A similar strategy of offering discounts that were not genuinely delivered has also been raised against insurer IAG. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) alleges IAG did not deliver promised loyalty discounts to customers because their premiums were increased before the discount was applied by more than the amount of the discount.

    IAG is now facing action for civil penalties from the regulator (ASIC) and a class action by affected customers.

    Potential penalties Woolies and Coles might face

    The ACCC is seeking fines (civil penalties) which could be significant. In the Kogan case, the Federal Court awarded penalties of $350,000.

    But since November 2022, potential penalties have risen. These increases are designed to ensure companies do not treat the possibility of being penalised as a cost of doing business that is outweighed (and disregarded) by the benefits that might come from contraventions of the law.

    These new penalty amounts work on a sliding scale: they start at $50 million but can go up to potentially 30% of a company’s turnover during the period of the contravening conduct.

    This amount is per contravention. This means, if the ACCC’s allegations of misleading conduct are established, each time the supermarkets misled consumers, they would technically be liable to pay the full penalty amount.

    That said, in such a case, a court would likely take a more holistic approach in setting the penalty, taking several matters into account including: the extent of the conduct, its impact on consumers, the gain to the business and whether the conduct was deliberate.

    Fittingly, the ACCC is also asking the supermarkets to make a contribution to charities that provide food to people in need.

    Notably, in May Qantas agreed with the ACCC to pay a penalty of $100 million, subject to court approval and in addition to compensating customers, for misleading conduct in selling tickets for flights it had already cancelled.

    Jeannie Marie Paterson receives funding from the Australian Research Council and DFAT.

    – ref. Woolworths and Coles sued by ACCC for allegedly misleading shoppers over the price of more than 500 products – https://theconversation.com/woolworths-and-coles-sued-by-accc-for-allegedly-misleading-shoppers-over-the-price-of-more-than-500-products-239585

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

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

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said:

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

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

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

    Member for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill said:

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

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

    South Eastern Sydney Local Health District CEO Tobi Wilson said:

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

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

    Background

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

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

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

    The refreshed strategy’s five key pillars are:

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

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work begins on new rehoming facility to save Sydney Dogs & Cats Home

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 23 September 2024

    Released by: Minister for Local Government

    Construction of a new rehoming centre that will care for lost and vulnerable pets is about to begin thanks to the Minns Labor Government making a $12 million contribution to deliver on an election commitment to save the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home.

    For nearly 80 years Sydney Dogs & Cats Home has been providing shelter and veterinary care for lost and abandoned pets, rehoming 200,000 animals in their forever homes since the home began.

    While the former NSW Liberal Government provided the home with a peppercorn lease for a new site, funding to build a new shelter was not provided, putting them at risk of closure.

    The rehoming organisation also provides contracted pound services for several Sydney councils including Inner West, Randwick, Bayside, Georges River, North Sydney and Waverley.

    The new facility located on Crown land will more than double the organisation’s current capacity and will help cater for an increase in the number of pets being given up or abandoned, often due to cost of living pressures.

    The construction of the facility is being led by NSW Public Works which has extensive experience delivering projects for the NSW Government. The shelter is expected to be completed and handed over to Sydney Dogs & Cats Home by mid-2025.

    The $12 million in government funding will support the development of the first stage of the facility, with a second stage planned by Sydney Dogs & Cats Home in the future.

    The rehoming centre in Kurnell is part of the NSW Government’s broader commitment to ensuring best practice in companion animal management and the responsible reuniting and rehoming of pets.

    Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said:

    “I’m a great supporter of the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and the wonderful work they do helping to care for and rehome lost and injured pets.

    “When we heard that this Sydney institution was at risk of closure, we knew it had to be saved.

    “Hundreds of thousands of animals have been rehomed thanks to the incredible work of the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home and we’re proud to now be providing them with a new home too.

    “Our goal is to minimise the number of animals entering pounds and shelters in the first place, but for those that do end up there we need to give them the best outcomes possible.

    “We know rehoming organisations are under pressure right now and this significant investment will provide much-needed assistance so that more pets can find their forever homes.

    “This new facility will make a huge difference for thousands of animals and for the councils which rely on the Sydney Dogs & Cats Home to provide their pound services.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Investigation – Disability Service referred to Director of Proceedings 21HDC00035

    Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

    A disability service provider has been referred to the Director of Proceedings to investigate if further legal action should be taken. The Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner said there was public interest in holding the service to account for its failures, in a decision released today.
    Rose Wall said the service, and one of its care workers, breached multiple rights of a resident under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. She found several significant departures from accepted practice.
    The resident – a man in his thirties at the time – and the care worker, had known each other for around 20 years. Their relationship was characterised as ‘brotherly’ by the care worker.
    The breaches relate to multiple incidents involving the care worker, including the resident allegedly being supplied with marijuana and alcohol, physical violence, a strangulation event, sharing recordings of embarrassing acts, being injured by a piece of wood and unsafe driving.
    Ms Wall said, while she was unable to make findings on some aspects of the resident’s complaint, there was enough evidence to conclude the care worker acted inappropriately.
    “There was a clear power imbalance and Mr B failed to maintain the professional boundaries required of him in his role as a carer,” she said. She found that “by consuming alcohol with Mr A, being violent towards him, and driving in a way that made him feel unsafe, Mr B failed to provide services with reasonable care and skill.”
    Rose Wall was critical of the way the service managed the resident – and another care worker’s – complaints, noting it was important that vulnerable consumers, especially those in residential settings, are supported appropriately to complain about the services provided to them.
    “They have a right to expect that their complaints and concerns will be taken seriously and managed appropriately. Mr A raised several concerns about Mr B’s behaviour with the disability service over time… Despite this, the disability service largely dismissed these concerns and failed to manage them as complaints.”
    Ms Wall noted the service had failed to act on, or resolve, the man’s concerns about the care worker and had denied his right to efficient resolution of his complaints. No evidence was found of training or guidance on clear professional boundaries, nor were there adequate policies and procedures to manage professional boundaries and personal relationships between caregivers and residents in general, she found.
    Ms Wall also found that the service did not have a structure that provided safe and appropriate services in place for Mr A for his care planning and needs assessment.
    She noted there was a failure to provide services with reasonable care and skill, or comply with professional standards, which was in breach of the Code. The Ministry of Health also audited the facility and did not renew its contract with the service as a result.
    The service is no longer operating. Because of this, Rose Wall recommended a trustee, or senior staff member employed at the time of the events, formally apologise to the man.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CAF promotes a global network of scientists to protect the biodiversity of Latin America and the Caribbean

    Source: CAF Development Bank of Latin America

    CAF is fostering dialogue with scientific institutions to ensure the voice of science is heard ahead of COP16 and the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This effort aims to help promote and implement science-based solutions in its operations and in dialogue with countries.

    In this context, CAF, which will host a Latin America and Caribbean Pavilion open to all countries in the region at COP16, convened over twenty international scientific institutions to raise awareness about the importance of data, science, regional collaboration, and the application of scientific methods to solve problems related to biodiversity loss and restoration. The Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Astrid Schomaker, closed the event, highlighting the importance of science. The conclusions of the meeting, along with CAF’s proposals to address the identified challenges, will be presented in Cali.

    “We are engaging with scientists to identify what we can do to be more effective in preserving biodiversity. We need to understand how scientific recommendations can be translated into efficient public policies and explore new ideas and proposals that help us find solutions to the dilemmas modern societies are facing due to climate change,” said Sergio Díaz-Granados, CAF’s Executive President.

    CAF’s work with international scientists aims to strengthen multilateralism by connecting scientific advances and generating new lines of work being carried out in various countries to stop and reverse biodiversity loss.

    “To halt biodiversity loss, it is essential to develop robust scientific knowledge and, most importantly, put it into practice. This requires creating communication channels that accelerate the implementation of science-based policies and integrate them into national development agendas and business strategies,” said Alicia Montalvo, CAF’s Manager of Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity.

    In this regard, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) plays a fundamental role by fostering closer ties between the scientific community and decision-makers to build capacity and strengthen the use of science in public policy development. CAF aims to reinforce this work by bringing science closer to public and private financial institutions, promoting investment in biodiversity.

    CAF’s commitment to an ecosystem and science-based approach

    Latin America and the Caribbean is one of the richest regions in terrestrial and marine biodiversity. IPBES values the region’s terrestrial and coastal ecosystem services at $24.3 trillion per year. The region is home to six of the world’s seventeen megadiverse countries (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela) and contains between 60% and 70% of all known species, approximately 25% of tropical forests, and the most biodiverse habitat on the planet: the Amazon rainforest.

    In this context, CAF has adopted an ecosystem approach in its operations, addressing not only the needs of countries for the integrated management of land, water, and living resources but also the needs of ecosystems for sustainable and equitable conservation and resource use.

    Examples of this new approach include the Program for Integrated and Sustainable Management of Sargassum in the Greater Caribbean, which will benefit Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela through the promotion of sustainable sargassum management. Other examples include the coral reef restoration project in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Costa Rica; The Americas Flyways Initiative (AFI), which aims to identify and conserve more than 30 critical landscapes along migratory routes in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean; and projects to strengthen the management of protected natural areas in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pelosi Announces $16 Million Federal Infrastructure Grants for San Francisco Ferries

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi Representing the 12th District of California

    Washington, D.C.  – Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi announced that San Francisco is set to receive more than $16 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation.  This federal funding will help modernize the Bay Area’s ferry system and bring the San Francisco Bay Ferry one step closer to realizing a zero-emission fleet.

    “Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, our nation’s infrastructure is stronger than ever – and San Francisco continues to make progress in our mission to be a transit-first city,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.  “The federal Department of Transportation grants announced for San Francisco will improve the quality of life for Bay Area working families by modernizing our ferry system.  This upgrade will create a cleaner, greener city where reliable public transit reduces congestion and helps build equity and opportunity for all members of our community.”

    “San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission-free Ferry (REEF) Program is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a clean, congestion-reducing transit connection for some of San Francisco’s fastest growing waterfront neighborhoods,” said Seamus Murphy, San Francisco Bay Ferry Executive Director.  “Now, thanks to this federal investment, even more passengers will be able to ride the nation’s first network of zero-emission ferries.”

    “We are extremely grateful for the funding support to modernize our fleet in order to continue providing first-class ferry service to our users across the San Francisco Bay,” Denis Mulligan, General Manager of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District said.  “The District is looking forward to introducing a new, high-speed low-emission, 500-passenger ferry that will enhance service and reliability while taking cars off the U.S. Highway 101 Corridor.”

    The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Agency will receive $11.5 million to build two new electric ferry vessels to support the agency’s emission free ferry service between downtown San Francisco, Treasure Island and Mission Bay.  The project will reduce congestion and provide fast, clean and reliable ferry service to emerging neighborhoods and developing employment centers.  The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District will receive $4.9 million to buy a new low-emission ferry that will reduce emissions, enhance service reliability for passengers and relieve congestion on Bay Area roads.

    Today’s announcement was made following letters of support for the projects from Speaker Emerita Pelosi to the Federal Transit Administration.  This funding was awarded to the Bay Area from the Federal Transit Administration’s Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Grant Program in a competitive national selection process.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Offering end of life support as part of home care is important – but may face some challenges

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Tieman, Matthew Flinders Professor and Director of the Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University

    Andrew Angelov/Shutterstock

    Earlier this month, the government announced major changes to aged care in Australia, including a A$4.3 billion investment in home care.

    Alongside a shake up of home care packages, the Support at Home program will include an important addition – an end of life pathway for older Australians.

    This pathway will allow access to a higher level of in-home aged care services to help Australians stay at home as they come to the end of their life. Specifically, it will provide an extra A$25,000 for palliative support when a person has three months or less left to live.

    This is a positive change. But there may be some challenges to implementing it.

    Why is this important?

    Older people have made clear their preference to remain in their homes as they age. For most people, home is where they would like to be during their last months of life. The space is personal, familiar and comforting.

    However, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows most people who die between the ages of 65 and 84 die in hospital, while most people aged 85 and older die in residential aged care.

    This apparent gap may reflect a lack of appropriate services. Both palliative care services and GPs have an important role in providing medical care to people living at home with a terminal illness. However, being able to die at home relies on the availability of ongoing support including hands-on care and assistance with daily living.

    Family members and friends often provide this support, but this is not always possible. Even when it is, carers may lack confidence and skills to provide the necessary care, and may not have enough support for and respite from their carer role.

    The palliative care funding offered within Support at Home should help an older person to remain at home and die at home, if that is their preference.

    Unless someone dies suddenly, care needs are likely to increase at the end of a person’s life. Supports at home may involve help with showering and toileting, assessing and addressing symptoms, developing care plans, managing medications, wound dressing, domestic tasks, preparing meals, and communicating with the person’s family.

    Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can assist with equipment requirements and suggest home modifications.

    End of life supports may also involve clarifying goals of care, contacting services such as pharmacists for medications or equipment, liaising with organisations about financial matters, respite care or funeral planning, as well as acknowledging grief and offering spiritual care.

    But we don’t know yet exactly what services the $25,000 will go towards.

    What do we know about the scheme so far?

    The Support at Home program, including the end of life pathway, is scheduled to start from July 1 2025.

    We know the funding is linked to a prognosis of three months or less to live, which will be determined by a doctor.

    Further information has indicated that an older person can be referred to a high-priority assessment to access the end of life pathway. We don’t know yet what this means, however they don’t need to be an existing Support at Home participant to be eligible.

    The pathway will allow 16 weeks to use the funds, possibly to provide some leeway around the three-month timeline.

    Although more details are coming to light, there are still some things which remain unclear.

    Home care providers will be looking for details on what can be covered by this funding and how they will work alongside primary care providers and health-care services.

    Older people and their families will want to know the processes to apply for this funding and how long applications will take to be reviewed.

    Everyone will want to know what happens if the person doesn’t die within three months.

    We’re awaiting certain details on what this new pathway will involve.
    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    Some challenges

    Ready availability of appropriate supports and services will be crucial for older people accessing this pathway. Home care providers will therefore need to assess how an end of life pathway fits into their operational activities and how they can build the necessary skills and capacity.

    Demand for nurses with palliative care skills and allied health professionals is likely to increase. Providing end of life care can be especially taxing so strategies will be needed to prevent staff burnout and encourage self-care.

    How pathways are implemented in rural and remote areas and in different cultural and community groups will need to be monitored to ensure all older people benefit.

    Effective coordination and communication between home care, primary care and specialist palliative providers care will be key. Digital health systems that connect the sectors could be helpful. Family engagement will also be very important.

    Escalation pathways and referral pathways should be established to enable appropriate responses to emergencies, unexpected deterioration, and family distress.

    Finally, accurately determining when someone will die can be difficult. Knowing when the last three months of life starts may not be easy, particularly where frailty, cognitive issues and multiple health concerns may be present.

    This might mean some people are not seen as being ready for this pathway. Others may not be willing to accept this prognosis. An older person may also be expected to live with a terminal illness for many months or years. Their palliative care needs would not be met under this pathway.

    Despite these challenges, the announcement of an end of life pathway within the home care program is timely and welcome. As a population we are living longer and dying older. More details will help us be better prepared to implement this scheme.

    Jennifer Tieman receives grant funding from Department of Health and Aged Care and from SA Health. She is affiliated with Palliative Care SA, Palliative Care Australia and the Australian Institute for Digital Health.

    – ref. Offering end of life support as part of home care is important – but may face some challenges – https://theconversation.com/offering-end-of-life-support-as-part-of-home-care-is-important-but-may-face-some-challenges-239296

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister attends the CEOs Roundtable

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 7:01AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with technology industry leaders in New York in a Roundtable anchored by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), School of Engineering. The tech-roundtable focused on Artificial Intelligence and Quantum; Biotechnology and Life Sciences; Computing, IT and Communication; and Semiconductor technologies.

    The CEOs participated in a deep dive with Prime Minister on the evolving technology landscape at a global level and how these cutting-edge technologies are contributing to the well-being of people around the world including in India. They touched upon how technology is being leveraged for innovations, which have the potential to revolutionize the global economy and human development.

    Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of the MIT School of Engineering and its Dean for bringing the technology leaders together. He noted that technology collaboration and efforts such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies [ICET] lie at the core of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. He stressed that in his third term, India will make every effort to become the third largest economy in the world. He encouraged the companies to take advantage of India’s growth story for collaboration and innovation. They can co-develop, co-design, and co-produce in India for the world, harnessing the opportunities from India’s economic and technological growth. He assured the business leaders of India’s deep commitment to protection of intellectual property and to fostering tech-innovation.

    Prime Minister highlighted the economic transformation happening in India, particularly in electronics and information technology manufacturing, semiconductors, biotech and green development. He stated that his government was committed to making India a global hub of semiconductor manufacturing. He also dwelt on India’s BIO E3 policy to develop India into a biotech powerhouse. On AI, he noted that India’s policy is to promote AI for All, underpinned by its ethical and responsible use.

    The CEOs expressed their strong interest in investing and collaborating with India. India’s growing prominence as a global technology hub, driven by its innovation-friendly policies and flourishing market opportunities, got much appreciation from the tech-leaders. They also agreed that investing in startups would be a synergistic opportunity to innovate and develop newer technologies in India.

    MIT Professor Anantha Chandrakasan, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at the Institute and Dean of the MIT School of Engineering, who chaired the roundtable, thanked Prime Minister and CEOs for their participation, affirming MIT’s commitment to advancing technology and making it accessible for global good.

    List of CEOs who attended the Roundtable:

    Serial Number

    Name of the company

    Name of the CEO

    1

    Accenture

    Ms. Julie Sweet, CEO

    2

    Adobe

    Mr. Shantanu Narayen, Chairman, President, and CEO

    3

    AMD

    Ms. Lisa Su, CEO

    4

    Biogen Inc

    Mr. Chris Viehbacher, CEO

    5

    Bristol Myers Squibb

    Mr. Chris Boerner, CEO

    6

    Eli Lilly and Company

    Mr. David A. Ricks, CEO

    7

    Google

    Mr. Sundar Pichai , CEO

    8

    HP Inc.

    Mr. Enrique Lores, CEO & President

    9

    IBM

    Mr. Arvind Krishna, CEO

    10

    LAM Research

    Mr. Tim Archer, CEO

    11

    Moderna

    Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Chairman

    12

    Verizon

    Mr. Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO

    13

    Global Foundaries

    Mr. Thomas Caulfield, CEO

    14

    NVIDIA

    Mr. Jensen Huang, Founder, President and CEO

    15

    Kyndryl

    Mr. Martin Schroeter, CEO

     

    *****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2057695) Visitor Counter : 64

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

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

    Source: Government of India

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

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    And friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends, 

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

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

    Friends,

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

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

    Friends,

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

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

    Friends,

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

    Join me in saying:

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki Jai!

    Many thanks.

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM Modi congratulates President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 12:11AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today congratulated Anura Kumara Dissanayake for his victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Shri Modi expressed hope to work closely with Sri Lanka to further strengthen the multifaceted cooperation.

    In a post on X, Shri Modi wrote:

    “Congratulations @anuradisanayake, on your victory in the Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Sri Lanka holds a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of our people and the entire region.”

    *****

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2057688) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister addressed the Indian community in New York

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 SEP 2024 12:28AM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today addressed a large gathering of the Indian community at an event in Long Island, New York. Over 15,000 people attended the event.

    Prime Minister was welcomed by the community with exceptional warmth and enthusiasm. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister noted that the India-US relationship is profoundly enriched by the Indian American community, which plays a pivotal role in fostering ties between the two great democracies. Prime Minister spoke about his meeting with President Biden the previous day in his home in Delaware. This special gesture reflected the bridge of trust that the Indian community has built with the United States.

    Prime Minister spoke about his vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. He noted that the largest democratic exercise in human history had given him a historic third term, in which he was committed to work for the progress of India with ever greater dedication. He highlighted transformative changes in India in the last decade- from creation of next-generation infrastructure to pulling 250 million people out of poverty, India’s economic growth and going from being the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest, and now aiming at becoming the third largest economy in the world.

    Prime Minister underlined the government’s commitment to pursuing reforms to meet the aspirations of the people. He referred to the new vibrancy in the country, with innovation, entrepreneurship, start-ups, financial inclusion and digital empowerment propelling growth and prosperity. He highlighted the transformative impact at the grassroots level of women-led development and green transition.

    Prime Minister noted that India was a major contributor to global growth, prosperity, peace and security, climate change action, innovation, supply and value chains, and in filling global skill-gaps. India’s voice today resonated deeper and louder in the global arena, he added.

    Prime Minister announced plans to open two new Indian consulates in the US- in Boston and Los Angeles – and a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Tamil studies in the University of Houston. These initiatives would further strengthen the living bridge between India and its diaspora in the United States. He expressed the hope that the Indian diaspora, with its strong convening strength, would continue to play a crucial role in fostering closer ties between India and the US.

    *****

    MJPS/SR/BM

    (Release ID: 2057690) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ‘International Daughter’s Day’: India Post is giving concrete shape to Prime Minister’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, daughters are getting empowered through Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ‘International Daughter’s Day’: India Post is giving concrete shape to Prime Minister’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, daughters are getting empowered through Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

    4.50 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi accounts of daughters opened in Post offices of North Gujarat Region – Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav

    Department of Posts made 487 villages as complete Sukanya Samriddhi Gram in North Gujarat Region, securing future of daughters

    Posted On: 22 SEP 2024 5:44PM by PIB Ahmedabad

    Under the ‘Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana’ launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’, while many accounts of daughters up to age of 10 years have been opened in post offices, in many villages, accounts of all eligible daughters have been opened and declare them as complete Sukanya Samriddhi Gram. On ‘International Daughter’s Day’ (22 September), Postmaster General of North Gujarat Region, Ahmedabad, Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that till now about 500 villages in North Gujarat region have been made complete Sukanya Samriddhi Grams. Sukanya accounts of all eligible girls up to age of ten years have been opened in these villages in the post office. Not only this, in these villages, if there is an announcement of the birth of a daughter in any house, the postman immediately reaches there to open her Sukanya account. Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that with this step which is taken towards economic empowerment of daughters, more than 4.50 lakh accounts of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana have been opened in the post offices of North Gujarat region, while 15.22 lakh accounts have been opened in the Gujarat circle. All eligible girls are being connected to it by running campaigns in various schools and Dak Chaupals in villages.

    It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had launched Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana in January 2015 under the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign. Under this, Sukanya Samriddhi account can be opened in any post office for a minimum of ₹ 250 for girls up to age of ten years. Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that a minimum of ₹ 250 and a maximum of ₹ 1.5 lakh can be deposited in a financial year. In this scheme, money will have to be deposited only for 15 years from opening the account. When the daughter turns 18 years of age, 50 percent of the deposited amount can be withdrawn and the entire amount can be withdrawn after 21 years from the date of opening the account. At present the interest rate is 8.2 percent and there is also a provision for income tax exemption on the deposited amount.

    Postmaster General Shri Krishna Kumar Yadav said that Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is not only a medium of investment, but it is also linked to the bright and prosperous future of daughters. Social dimensions of this scheme along with the economic dimensions are also important. The amount deposited in this will be solely for the daughters, which will be useful in their education, career and marriage. This scheme will also promote women empowerment and self-reliant India in future by empowering daughters.

    AP/GP/JD

    (Release ID: 2057603) Visitor Counter : 116

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes move to encourage public servants to return to the office

    Source: Business Central

    Wellington Chamber of Commerce welcomes move to encourage public servants to return to the office
    The Wellington Chamber of Commerce supports the Government’s move to issue new guidance for working from home in the public service, and expects it to make a real difference to the capital. 
    Finance Minister Nicola Willis has issued new guidelines for public service CEOs to encourage more employees to work from the office.
    Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Arcus says the move will have a number of benefits, particularly in the capital.
    “Today’s announcement is welcome news for Wellington businesses and will have a positive impact on our city,” says Arcus.
    “Footfall is critical for a number of industries, especially retail and hospitality. These sectors have been struggling with a lack of customers with more Wellingtonians working from home. Many businesses have gone from expecting several days of profitable trading to turning a profit only one day a week,” he says.
    “CBD businesses pay the highest levels of rent, rates and insurance and rely on a thriving central city to survive.”
    Arcus says there are a number of other good reasons for encouraging employees to work from the office, whether in the public or private sector.
    “Working in the office also has benefits for productivity and team culture. It gives junior staff much better opportunities to be mentored by senior colleagues and encourages . The corporate sector has recognised this and has already moved to reduce working from home arrangements. It’s pleasing to see the public sector do the same,” he says.
    “We encourage local councils to follow the government’s lead and encourage their staff to come back to the office. This change will bring life back to our city, bringing benefit to businesses, communities and workers,” he says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – PSA strongly opposes any clawback on flexible work arrangements

    Source: PSA

    Govt job cuts to blame for Wellington’s ills, not working from home
    The Government’s reckless decisions to axe thousands of public service jobs are what is hammering the Wellington economy, not working from home.
    “If the Government really cared about the Wellington economy, then it shouldn’t have cut thousands of hard working, dedicated public service workers from its payroll,” said Duane Leo National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “The directive from Public Service Minister Nicola Willis to reduce numbers of people working from home is just a scapegoat for the real problem which is of the Government’s own making.
    “Taking the spending power of thousands of public service workers out of the Wellington economy is what is damaging businesses, and the Government must take full responsibility for its poor leadership and economic management.
    “Simply telling workers to come back to the city a few more days a week won’t revive the Wellington economy. In a cost-of-living crisis, people are already saving money by making their own lunches and cutting down on coffees and after work drinks.”
    The decision is out of step with modern workplaces, across the private and public sector and around the world which have embraced flexible working because of its many benefits.
    The latest Shaping Business Study by 2Degrees underlines this with the majority (51%) saying it has increased productivity and more than a third (37%) saying it helps to recruit and retain staff.
    “Many public servants already have flexible working built into the employment agreements that have been negotiated by unions and employers. The Government can’t just disregard negotiated employment agreements.
    “Workers have made decisions around their family life based on these agreements, and its particularly important for our disabled kaimahi. Flexible work arrangements make it easier for those who face challenges being in the office every day to have rewarding and productive 40-hour weeks.
    “The PSA will be backing our members to stand together to hold onto their legal entitlements.
    “This directive is just par for the course from a government which has consistently attacked public service workers and the role they play in supporting the economy.
    “More job cuts are likely, and the Government has made it clear in the latest Workforce Policy Statement that it wants to clamp down on pay rises.
    “All the evidence shows austerity doesn’t work. The Government should be investing in public services and stop blaming public service workers for the damage caused by its own policies,” said Duane Leo.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: View from The Hill: The Greens’ demands on the RBA make for bad economic policy. Is it also crazy politics?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    When the Greens tell Labor they’re ready to negotiate, what they usually mean is they’re preparing to make populist demands that can’t or shouldn’t be met.

    So it is with their “ask” on the Reserve Bank legislation.

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers wants to split the Reserve Bank board into two, one to run monetary policy and the other to administer the bank.

    He got close to agreement with the Liberals, but then they saw an advantage in walking away. The Greens jumped in to fill the void, demanding an interest rate cut in exchange for their support.

    “Both the Treasurer and the RBA Governor have said the reforms are important. Now they know what they have to do to get them done – provide some much needed relief to mortgage holders,” the minor party’s treasury spokesman Nick McKim said on social media on Monday.

    “We are unashamedly using our political power to fight for mortgage holders who are getting smashed by high interest rates.

    “The power exists for the Treasurer to bring down interest rates. Time to stop the pretence that the RBA is independent.

    “Time for Jim Chalmers to end his ritual ashen-faced handwringing, end the pretence there’s nothing he can do, and intervene to bring down interest rates,” McKim said.

    “We are deliberately bringing the RBA into the centre of the political debate where it belongs. The RBA board are unelected technocrats, not high priests who are beyond criticism. Every decision they make is political.”

    When it comes to the Greens, the government gives as good as it gets.

    “The Greens are out of control,” Finance Minister Katy Gallagher told the ABC on Monday. “It’s crazy what they’re saying to us,” adding, rather primly, that it was “a bit unseemly” for McKim to be “issuing ultimatums”.

    Leave aside the unseemly – that’s a common political trait. What about the crazy?

    What the Greens are demanding is bad economic policy. Whether it is crazy politics remains to be seen.

    From time to time the Reserve Bank comes under sharp criticism, from experts and from the public.

    Chalmers and McKim agree on one thing – the “smashing” power of high interest rates.

    But the bank’s essentially independent status is a bulwark against monetary policy becoming the creature of short-term politics, as McKim would have it.

    (The bank isn’t totally independent. Section 11 of the RBA Act gives the treasurer the power to overrule it, with statements from both the treasurer and bank tabled in parliament. The section has never been invoked.)

    What the Greens are proposing, having the treasurer use his power to overrule the bank board to get his way on legislation, is irresponsible.

    It’s also illogical. The whole point of the proposed dual boards is to strengthen the bank’s expertise as the independent setter of monetary policy. But McKim wants, in essence, to scrap that independence.

    The stand on the Reserve Bank is typical of the Greens policy positions more generally. They’re presently holding up the government’s housing legislation in the Senate, making demands they know the government won’t meet, such as controls on rents.

    When challenged, the Greens point out that after playing hardball on earlier housing legislation, they won extra funding.

    They’re probably hoping the government will decide to buy them off this time with some more housing money. Notably, they have delayed the latest bills rather than vote them down. To do this they’ve teamed up with the Coalition – expediency overcomes ideology with these bedfellows.

    Monday’s announcement that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched legal action against Coles and Woolworths over their allegedly misleading behaviour on product discounts feeds right into the Greens’ (and the Coalition’s) policy for the power to break up the big supermarkets.

    The government reacted on Monday by releasing an exposure draft of its mandatory food and grocery code of conduct, which has been in the pipeline for some time. A government inquiry by former Labor minister Craig Emerson argued against divestiture powers but it’s easy to understand how cash-strapped families struggling with grocery bills could see that as appealing.

    In general, is wild economics savvy politics? We won’t know until after the election.

    The Greens were on a roll in 2022. They ended up with four lower house members, up from the one (leader Adam Bandt) they had before. The extra seats, all in Queensland, were won from both Labor (one) and the Liberals (two).

    They also came out of the election with a record dozen senators (now 11, after Lidia Thorpe’s defection).

    In the hunt for more lower house seats, the Greens would hope to pick up votes from those on the left who see Labor as too conservative, people financially hurting who are attracted to populist solutions, and young voters turned off the major parties.

    Given its present radicalism, one wonders whether the Greens will hold the two Brisbane seats they won from the Liberals.

    It’s difficult to chart the likely trajectory of the Greens, given their small share of the vote, and the heavier concentration of their support in particular areas. But Labor is certainly afraid of them. With the government on the back foot, it knows the potential attraction of easy-sounding solutions.

    The Greens hope there will be a minority Labor government after the election, and that they would be in a position to twist that government’s arm on multiple issues.

    The risk for them, however, is that if they overreach now, some of their potential but still undecided voters might become wary about how they would behave if their power was much enhanced.

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

    – ref. View from The Hill: The Greens’ demands on the RBA make for bad economic policy. Is it also crazy politics? – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-the-greens-demands-on-the-rba-make-for-bad-economic-policy-is-it-also-crazy-politics-239595

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –