NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (with photos/video)
    FS attends thematic meetings at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting (with photos/video)
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         The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, concluded his visit to Davos, Switzerland, yesterday (January 23, Davos time). He attended thematic meetings at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting and met with political, business and financial leaders from around the globe.     In the morning, Mr Chan participated in a discussion session titled “Stemming Financial Fragmentation” and served as one of the panelist’s. The session focused on addressing the risks of financial fragmentation amid rising geopolitical tensions.     Mr Chan noted that while geopolitics may subject regional and global financial markets to greater volatility, Hong Kong boasts a robust financial system and strong buffer, maintains a free and open business environment, and steadfastly upholds the linked exchange rate system. A recent survey conducted by a foreign chamber of commerce in Hong Kong revealed that international investors and companies remain optimistic about the city’s business prospects. He emphasised that Hong Kong’s financial markets have undergone remarkable transformation on various fronts, including the stock market and asset and wealth management business which have achieved significant growth since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is actively embracing financial innovation, including the development of digital assets, with appropriate regulations in place to promote the responsible and sustainable growth. In response to questions, Mr Chan stated that China’s economy is steadily advancing, with solid progress towards high-quality development. The country is also committed to accelerating high-level openness and mutually beneficial cooperation as its national policy.     Later, Mr Chan participated in a thematic meeting organised by the Giving to Amplify Earth Action launched by the WEF, where he spoke on promoting investment in climate projects. He noted that Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, plays to its strengths as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”: on one hand, Hong Kong provides financial support for green and transition projects through its comprehensive financial services; on the other hand, it actively seeks to facilitate cooperation among the public, private and philanthropic sectors. Examples include hosting international conferences such as “Wealth for Good in Hong Kong”, which brings together decision-makers from global funds (including family funds) to promote synergies between global wealth and climate projects, thereby fostering impact investments. Through these efforts, Hong Kong seeks to make greater contributions to regional and global sustainable development.     Mr Chan also continued his meetings with various political and business leaders yesterday. He held bilateral discussions with the Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, Mr Khalid Al-Falih, and the Minister of Finance of Egypt, Mr Ahmed Kouchouk, respectively. During these meetings, they exchanged views on international and regional landscapes, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral investment and trade relations. Mr Chan said that Hong Kong actively seeks to develop trade relations with “Global South” countries, and extended invitations to the Ministers to lead business delegations to Hong Kong to explore mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities.     In the afternoon, Mr Chan met with the President and the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Ms Jenny Johnson, to discuss the business expansion plans of the international fund group in the region. They also exchanged views on the current global economic and financial market landscapes.     Mr Chan is scheduled to depart from Switzerland today (January 24, Davos time) and will return to Hong Kong on Saturday morning (January 25, Hong Kong time).

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 9:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Section of road within frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in Sha Tau Kok opens today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Section of road within frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in Sha Tau Kok opens today (with photos)
    Section of road within frontier closed area near Lin Ma Hang Village in Sha Tau Kok opens today (with photos)
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         The Government has, with effect from today (January 24), opened a specified section of road within the frontier closed area (FCA) near Lin Ma Hang Village in Sha Tau Kok, by exempting the requirement to apply for a closed area permit for the public travelling by green minibus passing through this section of road, with a view to facilitating travel for members of the public and tourists to Lin Ma Hang Village and Robin’s Nest Country Park.     A spokesman for the Security Bureau stated, “Robin’s Nest Country Park was established in November last year. Having considered public views on opening the relevant section of road within the FCA near Lin Ma Hang Village and after careful study of the feasibility, the Government decided to implement special arrangements to open the relevant road portion.”     The Hong Kong Police Force published in the Gazette today that, pursuant to section 38A(1) of the Public Order Ordinance, the requirement to apply for a closed area permit would be exempted for any person travelling to and from Lin Ma Hang Village by green minibus passing through the road within the FCA between Wang Lek and the entrance of Lin Ma Hang Village. Starting from today, members of the public and tourists can take green minibus No. 59K (Sheung Shui Station – Lin Ma Hang) from Sheung Shui MTR Station to reach Lin Ma Hang Village through the relevant section of road within the FCA. After alighting, members of the public can visit tourist attractions such as MacIntosh Forts and Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine directly via the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail and can continue towards the direction of Sha Tau Kok via the Robin’s Nest Country Trail to enjoy the scenery around Yan Chau Tong and Shenzhen Wutong Mountain.      “We hope this measure can facilitate visits by members of the public and tourists to Robin’s Nest Country Park and nearby areas for sightseeing and experiencing Hong Kong’s rich geological features and historical heritage,” the spokesman said. The spokesman added that this exemption is only applicable to persons travelling by green minibus through the relevant section of road within the FCA and does not apply to private vehicles, taxis or other vehicles without a valid closed road permit, or to members of the public using other means of travel such as walking or cycling.     “In fact, there are various ways to visit Robin’s Nest Country Park, not limited to the above road within the FCA. Members of the public and tourists may choose other transportation means and routes, including New Territories green minibus No. 55K (Sheung Shui Station – Sha Tau Kok), KMB bus No. 78K (Sheung Shui Station – Sha Tau Kok), or KMB bus No. 277A (Lam Tin Station – Sha Tau Kok), to arrive at the Tam Shui Hang stop of Sha Tau Kok Road (Shek Chung Au), and then to the entrance of the Lin Ma Hang Country Trail through Shan Tsui Village Road. Public transport operators will closely monitor passenger demand and reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to enhance frequency according to actual passenger growth,” the spokesman said.     For more information on Robin’s Nest Country Park, please visit the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department’s website (www.afcd.gov.hk) or the Enjoy Hiking website (www.hiking.gov.hk).

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 9:01

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview – ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast

    Source: Australian Ministers for Education

    CRAIG REUCASSEL, HOST: Dr. Anne Aly is the Minister for Early Childhood Education. She joins us now. Morning, Minister.

    MINISTER ANNE ALY: Good morning, Craig.

    REUCASSEL: Do you understand Kirsten’s frustration with the way this pay rise works?

    ALY: I do. I understand that for smaller organisations, smaller early childhood education centres, this can be quite an arduous task, which is why we’ve included $10 million for the sector to help them navigate the process. So, there’s $10 million out there. I heard that Kirsten’s looking at paying $4,500. That’s one option. There are a whole range of other options as well, and I would encourage her and the committee to contact the Department and they can steer them in the right direction of where they can get the assistance for applying for that grant.

    REUCASSEL: So, my understanding is that this is – my understanding is that $4,500 is an industry organisation that’s linked and has been actually directed through the department. Are there free options here or is there always some kind of payment required by – I think this is a small centre of about 40 children, so, you know, it’s not a large one.

    ALY: No, you’re right. But there are other options and I’d encourage them to contact the Department and have a look at some other options. I did just want to address the issue of it being a grant. Grants are a very normal way for the government to distribute funding. This is a $3.6 billion investment into the sector and the reason that it was done as a grant is to ensure that accountability, to ensure that the money goes into the pockets of that critical early childhood education workforce sector and that it is done efficiently and with accountability and with transparency.

    REUCASSEL: Yeah, I understand the efficiency and making it transparent and making sure that we’re aware it’s going to the right people is very important. But as you say a big part of it was getting into the pockets of the early childhood educators. What proportion of early childhood educators have received this grant at this date?

    ALY: So, right now, at this date, over 50 per cent of services have applied. Now that’s 50 per cent of services have applied in two months. I think that’s pretty good tracking when you look at it in that way. There are around 31,000 – we estimate around 31,000 workers have received that pay rise.

    REUCASSEL: Okay. Now in terms of this, if Kirsten’s organisation is slow at getting this done, you know, because they’re a small, you know, community run, not-for-profit, just say they get it in six months’ time. Do the workers get paid back for that six-month time? Is there retrospective?

    ALY: Absolutely, absolutely. You know, recognising that for some smaller organisations that perhaps don’t have agreements in place, that is why we backdated the grant. So, they’ve got right up until the end of this financial year to apply. And if they apply before the end of this financial year, every single worker that they have at their centre will get their pay backdated to December 1st of last year.

    REUCASSEL: Kirsten’s other frustration with this was she said, here’s the kicker, it’s going to end in two years. Are we going to see child care workers at the end of two years basically getting a 10 to 15 per cent pay cut?

    ALY: Well, let me tell you why we did it in this way, Craig, because there is a rationale to it. Okay. So, one of the first things that we did in government was we introduced legislation. Tony Burke, the relevant Minister, introduced legislation to the Fair Work Commission that enabled them to undertake what’s called gender under evaluation decisions. Right now, with the Fair Work Commission, there is a gender under evaluation process in place that will determine what is a fair and just increase to the award wage of early childhood educators. That process is going to take two years, which means that it will be sometime in the middle of next year. We recognise that there is a workforce crisis, that families and children and parents are missing out of early childhood education and care because of worker retention. That is why this grant is called a worker retention grant. So, we decided we would fund a wage increase for two years through a grant process, which is a normal way of getting government money out, until the Fair Work Commission can make this determination with its gender under evaluation case.

    REUCASSEL: Ok, so I understand. So, you’re hoping that the Fair Work’s gender under evaluation survey comes in place before the end of this two years, and therefore the wages are increased so that there’s not a sudden drop there. Do you think you were clear enough when you were setting this out at the beginning, because one of Kirsten’s complaints, and to be honest, maybe this is a criticism of the media, not necessarily of the government, was that they had no idea. This wasn’t how it was presented. It was presented, hey, there’s this pay rise coming for child care workers, you know, as if it’s just going to appear in their pay. And it didn’t necessarily suggest the problems. I mean, I look at the press release that was put out by yourself and the Honourable Jason Clare when this came out. It talked about this being phased in over two years. It didn’t necessarily say it was ending in two years. I must admit it didn’t give the impression of what was behind this.

    ALY: Well, you know, to be honest, I can’t control how the media reports the announcements that we make. I know –

    REUCASSEL: No, but as I said, I’m talking about your press release. Your press release also was fairly misleading.

    ALY: There are a couple of -there are quite a few press releases out there as well as information on the Department website. I know that in every media interview that I’ve done, I’ve explained that it’s a two-year grant, that every interview that Jason Clare has done, he’s explained that it’s a two year grant and every statement that the Prime Minister has made has explained that it is a two year grant. It is called a worker retention payment for a reason, because it is specifically to retain that critical workforce with the understanding that there is a current case before the Fair Work Commission that will take two years to work through.

    REUCASSEL: Yesterday when we discussed this, Georgie Dent from the Parenthood called in and said that it has been successful in actually retaining workers or getting workers. Has it kept workers in the early childhood sector? Has it overcome the kind of shortage there?

    ALY: Well, as Georgie said, there’s been a 22 per cent drop in job vacancies in the early childhood education care sector. Now, in the time that I’ve been the Minister for Early Childhood Education and Care, every single centre that I went and visited had vacancies. To see a 22 per cent drop in vacancies since the announcement of the wage increase is pretty phenomenal. So, it is doing what it was intended to do.

    REUCASSEL: Thank you for speaking to us, Minister. I think I understand it more. We’ll see whether it’s calmed Kirsten down, despite the amount of paperwork that has to be done at this point. But thanks for at least explaining it. And I do want to check in maybe at the end of this process. I want to find out how many child care centres have managed to do the application because, you know, we want it to be 100 per cent. This is meant to be getting to all child care workers, not just some.

    ALY: Absolutely. And that’s our intention, that every single worker who does this vital work deserves this pay rise.

    REUCASSEL: Alright. Thanks for speaking to us. Anne Aly is the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education there. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Declaración del procurador general Brown sobre el bloqueo temporal por parte del tribunal federal de la orden inconstitucional sobre la ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento en todo el país

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Un juez federal aprobó hoy la moción del estado de Washington para obtener una orden de restricción temporal en todo el país contra el intento inconstitucional del presidente Donald Trump de negar la ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento a los hijos de inmigrantes que nacerán en los Estados Unidos. La orden del juez impide que las agencias federales implementen la orden ejecutiva del presidente sobre la ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento mientras el tribunal examina inicialmente el caso.

    Al aprobar la moción del procurador general, el tribunal aceptó que es probable que la demanda de los estados prevalezca en base al fondo del asunto. Esta orden garantiza que las familias inmigrantes a nivel nacional estén protegidas de cualquier amenaza inmediata de que sus hijos pierdan la ciudadanía. El gobierno federal no puede adoptar ninguna medida para negar la protección de la ciudadanía a los niños que nazcan en los Estados Unidos mientras procede la demanda.

    “Esperamos que esta orden ejecutiva inconstitucional y antiestadounidense nunca entre en vigor gracias a las medidas que están adoptando los estados en nombre de sus residentes”, dijo Brown. “La ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento deja en claro que la ciudadanía no puede estar condicionada a la raza, la etnia o el origen de los padres. Es la ley de nuestra nación, reconocida por generaciones de juristas, legisladores y presidentes, hasta la acción ilegal del presidente Trump. Por eso intervenimos para proteger a los habitantes de Washington de cualquier daño”.

    Antecedentes del caso

    El procurador general Nick Brown presentó el 21 de enero una demanda federal multiestatal y solicitó una orden de restricción temporal contra la orden ejecutiva inconstitucional del presidente Donald Trump que intenta revocar unilateralmente la ciudadanía de estadounidenses de todo el país, incluidos miles de bebés que nacen en el estado de Washington cada año.

    A la demanda, presentada en el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Occidental de Washington, se unieron Oregón, Arizona e Illinois. La denuncia sostiene que la orden ejecutiva del presidente Trump para poner fin a la ciudadanía por derecho de nacimiento en el país viola la Decimocuarta Enmienda de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos y Ley de Inmigración y Nacionalidad federal. La demanda argumenta que el presidente no tiene autoridad para contradecir a la Constitución y que ninguna disposición constitucional ni ley le otorgan el poder de determinar quién debería o no recibir la ciudadanía estadounidense al nacer.   

    Obtenga más información sobre la demanda en inglés aquí y en español aquí.

    Colleen Melody, jefa de la División de Derechos Civiles Wing Luke, los subprocuradores generales Lane Polozola, Daniel Jeon y Alyson Dimmitt Gnam, y las asistentas legales Tiffany Jennings y Anna Alfonso están a cargo del caso por parte del estado de Washington.

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    El Procurador General de Washington sirve a la gente y al estado de Washington. Como el bufete de abogados más grande del estado, la Oficina del Procurador General brinda representación legal a cada agencia, junta y comisión estatal en Washington. Además, la Oficina sirve a la gente directamente al hacer cumplir las leyes de protección al consumidor, derechos civiles y protección ambiental. La Oficina también procesa casos de abuso de ancianos, fraude a Medicaid y maneja casos de depredadores sexuales violentos en 38 de los 39 condados de Washington. Visite www.atg.wa.gov para obtener más información.

    Contacto de prensa:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Teléfono: (360) 753-2727

    Contactos generales: Haga clic aquí

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense Contractor Executive Pleads Guilty to Bribery Scheme Involving $100 Million in Government Contracts

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Russell Thurston, a former executive vice president at Cambridge International Systems, Inc., a defense contractor headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he participated in a bribery scheme with other Cambridge employees and former Naval Information Warfare Center employee James Soriano.

    According to Thurston’s plea agreement, Cambridge – acting through Thurston and multiple other Cambridge employees – gave various things of value to Soriano, including expensive meals at restaurants in San Diego; a ticket to the 2018 Major League Baseball All Star Game held at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.; and a job at Cambridge for Soriano’s friend, Liberty Gutierrez. According to Gutierrez’s plea agreement, Gutierrez did minimal work at Cambridge and gave Soriano $2,000 a month from her Cambridge salary.

    In return, Soriano, acting in his position as a contracting officer’s representative at Naval Information Warfare Center, influenced the procurement process to ensure that Cambridge was awarded two large task orders. Soriano further ensured that Cambridge was able to capture a steady stream of government funds by influencing a series of projects on those task orders to be approved. According to Cambridge’s plea agreement, as a result of the conspiracy, the government obligated more than $32 million on one of the task orders and over $100 million on the other.

    Soriano also allowed Cambridge employees to draft various procurement documents for him, even when Cambridge was competing for contracts against other bidders. Thurston and Soriano also worked together to remove document properties so that other government employees would not know of Cambridge’s involvement in drafting the documents.

    According to Thurston’s plea agreement, Thurston received periodic pay bonuses from Cambridge – which totaled between $150,000 and $250,000 – based on the profits Cambridge received from the bribery conspiracy.

    Thurston is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson for sentencing on April 11, 2025.

    “The integrity of our nation’s procurement system relies upon the honest dealing of government contractors,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “This guilty plea shows a commitment to that principle by holding accountable a defendant who repeatedly bribed a government employee to benefit himself at the expense of others.”

    “This investigation clearly established Mr. Thurston’s guilt and his plea is a positive step toward accountability for his role in the crime,” said Bryan D. Denny, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office. “DCIS remains committed to working jointly with the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to investigate and deter public corruption within the Department of Defense.”

    “Mr. Thurston’s actions directly undermined the Department of Defense contracting process that ensures our warfighters get the best gear for their missions while ensuring our taxpayer dollars are responsibly allocated,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher, IRS Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office. “Our men and women in uniform volunteer to put their lives on the line in defense of the United States and they deserve better than to be put at unnecessary risk. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to partnering with fellow law enforcement agencies to protect our servicemembers from this sort of corruption.”

    “Using a position of public trust as a means to inequitably grant access to federal programs for personal gain will not be tolerated,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge, Weston King. “Our Office will remain relentless in the pursuit of those who seek to exploit SBA’s vital economic programs. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to seeing justice served.”

    Cambridge was separately charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 24-cr-00759-TWR. Cambridge was ordered to forfeit the $1,672,102.23 in profits it obtained from the bribery conspiracy and pay a $2.25 million fine.

    Soriano was charged as a co-defendant and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud and false statement in filing a tax return in 24-cr-0341-TWR. Soriano was also separately charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery in 23-cr-2282-TWR. Soriano is next scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson for sentencing on May 9, 2025.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick C. Swan, Katherine E.A. McGrath, and Carling E. Donovan.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24-cr-0341-TWR-2                         

    Russell Thurston                                             Age: 52                                   Mt. Pleasant, SC

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Conspiracy to Commit Bribery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 371

    Maximum penalty: Five years in prison; maximum $250,000 fine or twice the gross gain or loss resulting from the offense, whichever is greatest

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Defense Criminal Investigative Service

    Naval Criminal Investigative Service

    Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General

    Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation

    Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General

    If you have information regarding fraud, waste, or abuse relating to Department of Defense personnel or operations, please contact the DoD Hotline at 800-424-9098. 

                                                                                   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Owner of San Diego Surrogacy Consulting Businesses Admits to Stealing Client Funds

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Lillian Arielle Markowitz, former owner of three San Diego-based surrogacy consulting businesses, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud charges, admitting that she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in client funds from escrow accounts set up to pay for surrogacy-related services.

    According to her plea agreement, Markowitz admitted that she owned three businesses — My Donor Cycle, Surrogacy Beyond Borders, and Expecting Surrogacy — through which she marketed herself as a surrogacy consultant to those seeking to realize their dreams of becoming surrogate parents. Beginning around 2018, when Markowitz and her businesses began to experience financial distress, she devised a scheme to steal money from her surrogacy clients by, among other things, submitting fraudulent requests to the escrow company where her clients’ funds were maintained.

    Markowitz admitted to submitting four fraudulent escrow disbursement requests from the escrow accounts of two couples. One included what Markowitz knew to be a forged client signature, and each one resulted in her obtaining a check from the escrow company without the knowledge or consent of her clients.

    In addition, Markowitz admitted that beginning in January 2019 and continuing through May 2021, she defrauded nine additional clients by falsely promising their funds would be deposited into an escrow account and that they would be accessed only to pay for expenses related to their respective surrogacy journey. In fact, Markowitz deposited these clients’ funds into a business checking account and immediately accessed those funds to cover general business expenses, expenses related to other clients’ surrogacy journeys, and her personal expenses. As a condition of her plea, Markowitz has agreed to make restitution of at least $389,142.00 to her former clients.

    “The path to parenthood through surrogacy can be fraught with emotional and financial challenges,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “This defendant selfishly exploited vulnerable clients who were striving to fulfill their dream of becoming parents.”

    “Instead of aiding her hopeful clients on their path to parenthood, the defendant took advantage of their vulnerability, betrayed their trust, and stole their money,” said FBI San Diego Special Agent in Charge Stacey Moy. “FBI will continue to investigate these unique fraud schemes to protect the public against those who employ empty promises and prey upon vulnerable individuals.”

    Markowitz is scheduled to be sentenced on April 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., by District Judge Todd W. Robinson.

    If you believe that you may be a victim in this case, please contact the FBI San Diego field office at (858) 320-1800.

    This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark W. Pletcher.

    DEFENDANT                                                           Case Number 24-CR-0904-TWR

    Lillian Arielle Markowitz (aka Lillian Frost)             Age: 40                                   Portland, OR

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCY

    Federal Bureau of Investigation         

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Entire Pacific region at risk’, says UNAIDS on Fiji HIV outbreak

    RNZ Pacific

    Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services has declared an HIV outbreak.

    Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu announced 1093 new HIV cases from the period of January to September 2024.

    “This declaration reflects the alarming reality that HIV is evolving faster than our current services can cater for,” he said.

    “We need the support of every Fijian. Communities, civil society, faith-based organizations, private sector partners, and international allies must join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and ensuring everyone affected by HIV receives the care and support they need.”

    In early December, the Fiji Medical Association called on the government to declare an HIV outbreak “as a matter of priority”.

    As of mid-December, 19 under-fives were diagnosed with HIV in Fiji.

    The UN Development Programme has recently delivered 3000 antiretroviral drugs to Fiji to support the HIV response.

    World’s largest epidemic
    A report released in mid-2024 showed that in 2023, 6.7 million people living with HIV were residing in Asia and the Pacific, making it the world’s largest epidemic after eastern and southern Africa.

    “Among countries with available data, HIV epidemics are growing in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines,” the report said.

    The regional director of UNAIDS Asia Pacific Eamonn Murphy said rising new infections in Fiji “put the entire Pacific region at risk”.

    “Prioritisation of HIV by the government is critical for not only the people of Fiji, but the entire Pacific,” he said.

    “Political will is the essential first step. There must also be community leadership and regional solidarity to ensure these strategies work.”

    UNAIDS said the 1093 cases from January to September was three times as many as there were in 2023.

    Preliminary Ministry of Health numbers show that among the newly-diagnosed individuals who are currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, half contracted HIV through injecting drug use. Over half of all people living with HIV who are aware of their status are not on treatment.

    Second-fastest growth
    “Fiji has the second fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia and the Pacific region,” Murphy said.

    He said the data does not just tell the story about a lack of services, but it indicates that even when people know they are HIV-positive, they are fearful to receive care.

    “There must be a deliberate effort to not only strengthen health systems, but to respond to the unique needs of the most affected populations, including people who use drugs.

    “Perpetuating prejudice against any group will only slow progress.”

    UNAIDS also said the HIV Outbreak Response Plan called for a combination of prevention approaches.

    Since the sexual transmission of HIV remains a significant factor, other key approaches are condom distribution and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a treatment taken by an HIV-negative person to reduce the risk of contracting HIV if they are exposed.

    UNAIDS support
    Through the Australian government’s Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership, UNAIDS is supporting Fiji to scale up prevention approaches.

    United Nations Resident Coordinator in Fiji Dirk Wagener said the outbreak declaration and the launch of high-impact interventions, such as needle syringe programmes and PrEP, marked a critical turning point in Fiji’s efforts to combat the epidemic.

    “The Joint UN Team on HIV, with UNAIDS as its secretariat, stands ready to provide coordinated and sustained support to ensure the success of these strategies and to protect the most vulnerable.”

    The HIV Surge Strategy includes tactics for Fiji to achieve the Global AIDS Strategy targets — 95 percent of all people living with HIV aware their status, 95 percent of diagnosed people on antiretroviral therapy, and 95 percent of people on treatment achieving a suppressed viral load.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches communication tech test satellite

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China sent a new test satellite for communication technology into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan on Thursday.
    The satellite was launched by a Long March-3B rocket at 11:32 p.m. (Beijing Time) and entered the planned orbit successfully.
    According to the launch center, the satellite will be used for satellite communications, radio and television and data transmission services. It will also serve as a platform for testing and validating related technologies.
    This launch was the 558th mission of the Long March series carrier rockets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China willing to promote stable economic relations with US

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China is willing to work with the United States to promote stable, healthy and sustainable economic and trade relations, based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    “Tariff measures are not conducive to the interests of either China or the United States, nor to the rest of the world,” said He Yadong, the spokesperson for the ministry, during a regular press conference. He made the remarks in response to a question about the possible 10 percent tariff increase imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese imports starting Feb. 1.

    Answering a question about TikTok, He said China has always respected and safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises, and opposed actions that violate the basic principles of the market economy and harm the legitimate interests of enterprises.

    “We hope that the United States will listen more to the voices of enterprises and the public, and provide a fair and just business environment for companies from all countries, including Chinese enterprises,” He said.

    China hopes the United States will take more actions conducive to bilateral economic and trade cooperation and the well-being of the people in both countries, He added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Geely launches EV model Geely EX5 in Indonesia

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s automotive company Geely Auto introduced the Geely EX5 as its first model for the Indonesian market.

    “We firmly believe that Indonesia has great potential to become a hub for smart and sustainable mobility. Geely is here to offer mobility solutions that prioritize technology, sustainability, and an exceptional driving experience,” said Evin Ye, vice president of Geely Auto International Corporation, during the Geely EX5 launching in Jakarta on Wednesday.

    According to him, the company plans to establish a knock-down factory for local vehicle production in the archipelagic country and begin manufacturing in the third quarter of 2025.

    Cahyo Purnomo, investment promotion director for East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa at the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry, said that Chinese investment continues to grow and is an important part of Indonesia’s industrial development, particularly in the field of electric vehicles.

    Geely Auto’s presence is more than just business, according to Cahyo, it also brings the newest electric car technology, which adds to the domestic automotive ecosystem and supports the archipelagic country’s economic progress.

    Geely Auto is a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group, an automotive manufacturer based in Hangzhou, China, that has operated in over 100 countries.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Army announces upcoming deployments

    Source: United States Army

    WASHINGTON –The Department of the Army announced today the spring deployments of the following units:

    The 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), to Europe to replace the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the United States’ commitment to NATO allies and partners. For more information, please contact the 101st Airborne Division public affairs officer, Lt. Col. Martin Meiners, at martin.j.meiners.mil@army.mil or 270-798-3468.

    The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to Korea to replace the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, as part of a regular rotation of forces to support the United States’ commitment to the Republic of Korea. For more information, please contact the 4th Infantry Division public affairs officer, Lt. Col. Joseph Payton, at joseph.w.payton.mil@army.mil or 719-526-7525.

    The 83rd Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Battalion, 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, to U.S. Central Command to replace the 22nd CBRN Battalion as part of a regular rotation of forces. For more information, please contact the 20th CBRNE Command public affairs officer, Maj. Steven Modugno, at steven.m.modugno.mil@army.mil or 312-306-2718.

    The 4th Division Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, to U.S. Central Command to replace the 17th Sustainment Brigade, Nevada Army National Guard, as part of a regular rotation of forces. For more information, please contact the 4th Infantry Division public affairs officer, Lt. Col. Joseph Payton, at joseph.w.payton.mil@army.mil or 719-526-7525.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Brooke Rollins at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, questioned Brooke Rollins at the confirmation hearing on her nomination to be Secretary of Agriculture.
    During the hearing, Senator Fischer asked Rollins about her plans to hold America’s trading partners accountable, the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in creating new export markets, and the importance of the biofuels market for agricultural producers. Senator Fischer also asked Rollins to commit to working with her to complete the USDA Agricultural Research Service facility at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus.  

    Click the image above to watch a video of Sen. Fischer’s questioning
    Click here to download audio
    Click here to download video
    Senator Fischer questions Brooke Rollins:
    Senator Fischer: Mrs. Rollins, so good to see you. I really, really appreciated you coming to the office last month, and the great discussion that we had. As you know, the agricultural industry is the economic engine of Nebraska. We grow a lot of corn and beans and wheat and sugar beets and livestock. So, we understand the necessity of having that strong economy for our state, that food security, how important it is for our country.  And I look forward to working with you in the future on that. Brooke Rollins:  Thank you. Senator Fischer:  You noted in your testimony that we must demand strong and steady markets for our agricultural bounty. And this is a statement that I hear consistently from our producers as well. One of those really important markets for Nebraska’s agriculture is biofuels. 
    In his day one actions, President Trump emphasized the need for our country to be energy dominant. The President has long recognized that ag producers have a role to play in producing abundant homegrown energy. And he took steps in his executive order declaring a national energy emergency so that we can continue to allow for the sale of E15 year-round. And I’ve long led an effort to make this policy permanent, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to deliver on that part of the President’s agenda.
    We know that there’s going to be a number of other biofuel decisions that will be made in the coming months that will have significant impacts on the biofuel market. I know you’ve heard from a number of my colleagues on this committee about the importance of that. Can you just speak briefly about how you view the importance of biofuel markets for our farmers?Brooke Rollins: I will and Senator, thank you. Loved being in your office and meeting Fred Fisher. And really look forward to hopefully having more conversations in your office and in your home state of Nebraska, which is one of the shining stars of our country. 
    In the last few months, since the announcement was made that I was going to be hopefully, if confirmed, joining this administration and the Cabinet as the head of USDA, I have had multiple conversations with many of you on the committee and outside the committee. Your governor flew to Texas to give me a couple of hours of his time to make sure I understood specifically within your state, but frankly, how this affects so much of the Midwest and in our corn states.
    My commitment is to defend and protect and fight for all of American agriculture. Clearly, in the last administration, this issue was under the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, so I didn’t manage it under the Domestic Policy Council. But I was certainly in a lot of the meetings, which there were a lot of meetings. President Trump would tell you in the Oval Office about this. His executive order in the last few days, mentioning biofuels is a part of his all-of-the-above strategy to reclaim energy dominance across the world is important. Senator Fischer: President Trump was very generous with his time in his previous time in the Oval Office. And he’s correct, we had a lot of meetings in the Oval Office.Brooke Rollins: I think he said 27.Senator Fischer: Truly, and he would like to get this issue settled as well. I thought maybe we would in the CR, but we’ll continue to push for that. What we’ve seen over the last four years, and what I’ve heard has been a lot of disappointment from Nebraskans about the lack of any kind of trade agenda from the Biden Administration. 
    In fact, for the first time in decades, we’ve had an agricultural trade deficit. And as you said earlier, it’s projected to hit a record breaking $45 billion. I understand there can be a variety of factors that impact a trade deficit, but I am concerned that part of this stems from there not being really any kind of clear agricultural trade agenda from the last administration.
    We cannot see that happen again. Can you talk about how you would both hold our current trading partners accountable, and the role that you will or that you would want to see USDA play in developing these new export markets?Brooke Rollins: Yes, Senator, and that $45 billion, what’s remarkable about that is 42 percent of that is just in the last year. So, the wheels are falling off, and it is very, very important that the wheels get put back on as soon as possible.
    I think those that know me for a long time—but even Senator, you and I have just gotten to know each other in the recent months—know that I am a relentless cheerleader for whatever it is that I have been called to do. And for this moment in my life, and to me, this moment as Scripture says, I am called to take agriculture, to preserve our rural communities, and take our products to the world and work around the clock to ensure that that sort of trade deficit begins to peel back—and hopefully, by the end of our time here in the next four years, is completely gone. And in fact, we are back in the positive and I believe we can do that.
    I mentioned earlier, I think President Trump is the consummate deal maker. His heart, for rural America and for our farmers and ranchers, I think will hopefully lead the way. I certainly will be right next to him, whispering in his ear as we move forward on this and I think and hope and pray that we can begin to solve this immediately.Senator Fischer: Yes. Great. Another area that I focus on is how precision ag technology can help our farmers and ranchers to achieve better yields and reduce environmental impact, and improve economic returns.
    I’ve had a number of bills on that, and I’m going to be reintroducing and including, hopefully, in the Farm Bill that we work on. Additionally, myself and really the entire Nebraska delegation, along with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, have been working in a very close partnership with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) on the National Center for Resilience and Regenerative Precision Agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Innovation Campus.
    And last May, we broke ground on that facility. And I hope that I can continue to work with you to make sure that we get that facility completed. Can I get your commitment to continue working with me on this facility? Can I get your commitment to come to Nebraska? We had Sonny Perdue out at the ranch and had a great barbecue with neighbors. We can do that and another trip we can get you to Lincoln to see the ARS facility, what we’re doing there.Brooke Rollins: That would be my great honor. Senator Fischer: Great, thank you. Brooke Rollins: Thank you, Senator.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed, SH2, Ormond

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Matawai Road/SH2 is closed following a serious crash in Ormond this afternoon.

    Police were alerted to a two vehicle crash near Hatten Lane at around 1.10pm.

    Initial enquiries suggest there are injuries.

    The road is closed while the Serious Crash Unit examine the scene.

    Southbound traffic has diversions however it is not suitable for large trucks. There are no diversions for northbound traffic.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area, use alternate routes and expect delays.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information: burglaries, Rolleston

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attribute to Senior Sergeant Rachel Walker, Area Response Manager, Canterbury Rural South:

    Rolleston Police investigating reports of burglaries from residential addresses in recent weeks would like to hear from anyone who may have information that could help.

    Three separate incidents have been reported since the 1 January this year.

    Among the items that were stolen were a number of military medals, including a Pacific Star medal, distinctive jewellery and a go-kart. Police are appealing for any information that could reunite these items with their rightful owners.

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, and you have not yet spoken to Police, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250123/2449.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    We would also like to remind people to keep their homes as safe as possible if they’re going away this summer.

    Lock up doors and windows and ask a neighbour to check on your home regularly. Consider investing in an alarm system and sensor lights.

    Also ensure you have someone trusted to clear your mail and any other items that may be delivered. If you see any suspicious behaviour, please call 111 immediately.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon strike teams assist with Lilac Fire in San Diego County

    Source: US State of Oregon

    wo Oregon strike teams were assigned overnight to a new fire in Southern California to help protect life and property. Strike Team 17 (Linn County) and Strike Team 18 (Clackamas County), both made up of water tenders, are working alongside California resources on the Lilac Fire near Bonsall. The fire has prompted evacuations for those living nearby.

    The two teams are part of six water tender strike teams mobilized to California on January 11. They are assigned to a two-week deployment.

    “These strike teams were mobilized at 3 a.m. and quickly engaged with the fire to support the initial attack,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Ruiz-Temple said. “They are working seamlessly with our CAL FIRE partners as we carry out our shared mission of protecting lives and property.”

    Over the weekend, Ruiz-Temple was in Southern California, where she met with CAL FIRE officials, toured the fire-affected areas, and spoke with Oregon firefighters to learn about their experiences and work.

    “Firefighters from across the country are working around the clock to support these communities,” Ruiz-Temple said. “I thank them, their communities, and their families who support their efforts during this deployment. The ability to share resources across state lines ensures states have the extra capacity needed during critical times.”

    In total, the Oregon State Fire Marshal has sent 21 strike teams, 370 firefighters, and 105 apparatus to support California’s response to historic wildfires in the southern part of the state. This is the largest out-of-state deployment for the agency.

    The sharing of resources is made possible through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The requesting state pays the local fire agencies directly for all costs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland official visits Taiwan business people, compatriots ahead of Spring Festival

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese mainland’s top Taiwan affairs official has extended festive greetings to representatives of the Taiwan business community ahead of the Spring Festival, and reaffirmed the mainland’s commitment to deepening cross-Strait integrated development and delivering benefits to Taiwan compatriots.
    Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks during his visit to Taiwan enterprises and cross-Strait exchange events with nearly 400 Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots in Shenzhen, a technology hub in southern China, and Xiamen, a coastal city located near Taiwan, from Tuesday to Thursday.
    Song learned about the business operations and development of Taiwan enterprises and listened to their opinions and suggestions. He emphasized that the mainland will continue to refine policies and mechanisms to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, while further advancing cross-Strait integrated development.
    The shared values of peace, harmony and the pursuit of a better life among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain the foundation of the development of cross-Strait relations, Song said.
    He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, and work together to expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and achieve integrated development.
    “The warm atmosphere of Spring Festival brings a sense of comfort. The mainland’s support for Taiwan enterprises and compatriots has given those from Taiwan and Taiwan-funded businesses in Fujian greater confidence to continue their investments and support the cross-Strait integrated development,” said Wu Chia-ying, executive vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland. Wu attended a cross-Strait exchange event celebrating Spring Festival in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, on Thursday.
    Designated as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development, Fujian saw 920,000 trips by Taiwan compatriots in the past year, and 8,817 trips were operated on direct routes between Fujian’s coastal areas and Kinmen and Mazu, transporting over 1.37 million passengers, marking year-on-year increases of 67.2 percent and 78.8 percent, respectively.
    In 2024, the mainland achieved its primary goals for economic and social development, shaping new advantages for cross-strait economic cooperation and providing new opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and businesses to deepen their engagement in the mainland, Song said.
    Last year, 7,941 Taiwan-funded companies were newly opened on the mainland, and the trade volume across the Strait reached 292 billion U.S. dollars, up 9.4 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
    Guangdong Province, where Shenzhen is located, serves as the front line of China’s reform and opening up and is geographically close to Taiwan. It has become one of the first destinations for Taiwan compatriots and businesses venturing into the mainland.
    “Most of the Taiwan businesses in Guangdong were engaged in manufacturing in the past. But now they can leverage their advantages to make forays in the service industry, semi-conductors and artificial intelligence here,” said Jeff Chen, president of the Dongguan Taiwanese Business Association.
    Guangdong is a representative example of Taiwan businesses seeking success on the mainland. Official statistics reveal that by the end of 2024, Guangdong had introduced nearly 35,000 Taiwan enterprises, involving more than 94 billion U.S. dollars of investment.
    Hsu Fu-hsien, president of the Taiwanese association in Shenzhen, who also manages a manufacturing company, has been settled in Shenzhen for 35 years. “I benefited a lot from the reform and opening up in the 1990s. We are now keeping in pace with the times to invest more in automation and innovation,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Senior CPC official delivers Spring Festival greetings to religious groups

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, extends festive greetings at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Chinese New Year on Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Thursday delivered Spring Festival greetings to religious personages and believers nationwide.
    Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, extended festive greetings at a symposium with leaders of national religious groups ahead of the Chinese New Year.
    Speaking highly of the work of religious groups in 2024, Wang urged efforts to develop religions in the Chinese context, strengthen governance of religious affairs, and build active and healthy religious relations, in a bid to contribute to Chinese modernization.
    He stressed maintaining guidance of core socialist values and Chinese culture, and thus forming religious doctrines that are in line with China’s national conditions step by step.
    Highlighting strengthening law-based religious affairs governance, Wang called for efforts to enhance self-education, self-management and self-restraint of religious circles.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi inspects steelmaker in northeast China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday afternoon inspected a steelmaker in Benxi City, northeast China’s Liaoning Province.
    Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.ChinaNews App Download

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China promotes winter tourism, Spring Festival charm in Budapest

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

    BUDAPEST, Jan. 23 — Tourism professionals and cultural enthusiasts gathered at Budapest on Thursday evening for an event promoting China’s winter tourism offerings while celebrating the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival.

    Organized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism and its Budapest Tourism Office, the event featured vivid video presentations and cultural activities, highlighting China’s iconic winter destinations known for their rich ice and snow resources. Regions such as Xinjiang, Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia, and Hebei were showcased as premier travel spots.

    Li Huixin, director of the China National Tourist Office in Budapest, stressed the mutual potential for collaboration between China and the Central and Eastern European countries, noting their roles as both significant source markets and tourist destinations.

    China’s diverse and abundant ice and snow tourism resources make it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts worldwide, Li said. Featured attractions include Changbai Mountain and Harbin Ice and Snow World in the Northeast, Zhangjiakou Chongli (a key venue for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics), and the Tianshan Ski Resort in Xinjiang.

    Hungarian students Janka Kenez, currently studying master’s degree in China Studies at Eotvos Lorand University (ELTE), shared her personal experience of traveling in China. “Traveling through China is not just about famous sites like the Great Wall, it’s about the personal encounters that touch your heart,” she told Xinhua. Expressing admiration for China’s natural beauty, she called winter an ideal time to visit.

    Balazs Szigethy, a PhD student at ELTE, highlighted the convenience of exploring in China. “With high-speed rail and user-friendly apps, exploring China has never been easier,” he said, encouraging attendees to experience the country’s winter attractions and its people firsthand.

    The event also featured interactive activities, including a digital game to “light up” ice lanterns and a lucky draw. Guests also enjoyed Chinese delicacies and a musical performance of the “Spring Festival Overture” by the Cantabile Trio.

    The event showcased the synergy between China’s winter tourism offerings and its rich cultural heritage, inspiring attendees to explore the charm of the Chinese Spring Festival and beyond.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring Festival travel rush: Shenzhen airport sees surge in passengers, flights

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

    During the Spring Festival travel rush from January 14 to 22, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport saw nearly 164,000 inbound and outbound passengers and nearly 1,700 flights, up 48.7 percent and 50.1 percent, respectively, from the previous year.

    Outbound travel was mainly driven by tourism, while inbound travel saw a surge due to visa-free policies, with over 11,500 foreigners arriving in a week, up 11.5 percent year on year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team prepare for upcoming Spring Festival

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

    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team prepare for upcoming Spring Festival

    Updated: January 24, 2025 09:54 Xinhua
    A member of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team decorates the dining hall on Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 23, 2025. Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, is conducting a month-long marine ecosystem survey in the Amundsen Sea, which include a comprehensive investigation and monitoring of biological ecology, water, sedimentary and atmospheric environment, and pollutant distribution. Members of the expedition team decorated the vessel to greet the upcoming Spring Festival. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team prepare to deploy a Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) instrument on Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team work on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team decorate the dining hall on Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A member of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team works on board of Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team work on a boat in the Amundsen Sea on Jan. 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A member of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team filters the water sample on Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team decorate the dining hall on Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A member of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition team collects water sample from a Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) instrument on Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Jan. 18, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China eyes substantial progress in all-around rural revitalization by 2027

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

    China has issued a plan for all-around rural revitalization, aiming to advance agricultural and rural modernization to a new stage by 2027. This initiative, issued by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, targets substantial progress in rural revitalization.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches 6th batch of Spacesail Constellation satellites

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

    China has just sent a new satellite group into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province. The satellite group was launched at 1:15 p.m. Beijing Time on January 23 aboard a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket and entered orbit successfully. The group consists of 18 commercial satellites, which is the sixth batch that will constitute the Spacesail Constellation.

    Spacesail is a low-Earth orbit mega-constellation that aims to offer global satellite internet services, supporting sectors such as transportation, new energy, smart cities, smart agriculture, emergency disaster relief and the low-altitude economy. The constellation officially began commercial network construction on August 6, 2024.

    The modified Long March-6 carrier rocket is a new generation of medium-sized launch vehicle that both uses solid and liquid propulsion. The rocket has a carrying capacity of no less than 4.5 tonnes to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Source of the Founder’s Aspirations: Meichi and the 250-year Plan

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Source of the Founder’s Aspirations: Meichi and the 250-year Plan

    The Basic Business Philosophy guides Panasonic Group employees in striving to contribute to progress in society. At CES 2025, the opening keynote highlighted the founder Konosuke Matsushita’s recognition of the true mission of a company, and his grand vision to fulfill it. In this article, an epic anecdote demonstrates the thought of the founder, who announced the true mission of his business during a time of material scarcities.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Expressing Firm Determination to Solve Global Environmental Problems and Promote Business Transformation Using AI

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Expressing Firm Determination to Solve Global Environmental Problems and Promote Business Transformation Using AI

    He introduced the example of Panasonic HX, which efficiently supplies renewable energy by controlling the coordination of pure hydrogen fuel cells, solar cells, and storage batteries using an advanced energy management system while responding to changes in electric power demand and weather conditions. This solution is already in operation at the Kusatsu site in Japan and a manufacturing site in the UK, and it will be deployed in an office building in Munich, Germany, this spring.
    Kusumi also spoke about the OASYS residential central air conditioning system to be released in the US market, which air conditions and ventilates an entire house using a combination of a mini split air conditioner, an energy recovery ventilator, and transfer fans using a DC motor-driven ventilation system. He pointed out that it is at least 50% more energy efficient*1 than conventional air-conditioning systems.
    ＊1: Conventional air-conditioning systems use a heat pump cooling system (14.2 SEER2) and a gas furnace (80% AFUE) for houses that are performance-compliant with IECC 2015. OASYS uses Panasonic’s mini split air conditioners and transfer fans for both cooling and heating functions in houses that are performance-compliant with OASYS-required specifications (estimated by converting gas energy consumption to electricity).
    In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have taken the spotlight for their contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. Regarding automotive cylindrical lithium-ion batteries that support the widespread use of EVs, Kusumi mentioned that Panasonic has supplied a total of 15 billion cells to power over 3 million EVs. He also introduced the 2170 cell with the world’s highest energy density,*2 the high-capacity 4680 cell, whose mass production will begin soon, and the company’s collaboration with major carmakers. Furthermore, he mentioned the partnership with Redwood Materials Inc. in the US for the purchase of recycled cathode active materials and copper foil. JB Straubel, CEO of Redwood Materials, joined Kusumi and offered words of encouragement, “Panasonic is an incredible leader when it comes to technology and their commitment to sustainability.”
    ＊2: As of January 8, 2025, survey by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
    Upcoming issues will introduce key figures engaged in Panasonic HX, OASYS, and the automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery business.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two new councillors elected in Edinburgh as by-election result announced

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Neil Cuthbert (left) and Conor Savage

    The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election result has been announced at Waverley Court in Edinburgh.

    Neil Cuthbert of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and Conor Savage of the Scottish Labour Party have been duly elected to serve in the City of Edinburgh Council as members for the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward.

    The declaration was made in the early hours of Friday, 24 January by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence.

    Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said:

    Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election to elect two new councillors to represent their communities on matters affecting their ward and the wider city. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Neil and Conor as new councillors and look forward to working with them.

    I would also like to thank our elections team and council colleagues who have worked so hard on this by-election in recent months – not least given the extremely challenging circumstances of rescheduling the count at such short notice due to Storm Eowyn.

    The turnout for the by-election was 31.9%.

    For further details of the results, please visit the Elections section of the Council website.

    Published: January 24th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: WorkSafe New Zealand welcomes new Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    WorkSafe New Zealand welcomes Corey Sinclair as its new Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate. Corey started with WorkSafe on Wednesday 22 January.

    As Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate, Corey leads the design and delivery of our commercial investment and people strategies, to help enable WorkSafe to deliver our statement of intent and create a work environment that is consistent with our values.

    “Corey brings many years of senior leadership experience from working in the public service, banking and finance sectors. We are delighted to have him join the leadership team at WorkSafe,” says Chief Executive Sharon Thompson.

    Corey Sinclair, Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate

    Corey also has executive leadership credentials from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government, Accelerate Strategic, and the University of Auckland. 

    Corey joins WorkSafe from a secondment role at the Crown Response Office, where he led in the Crown’s response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions. Prior to that, Corey had senior leadership roles at Inland Revenue, where he transformed services delivered to customers and stakeholders across Aotearoa.

    He is passionate about business transformation, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. As a proud Kiwi-Samoan leader, Corey strives to serve the public interest and achieve positive outcomes for all New Zealanders.

    Corey says, “I’m excited to join the WorkSafe team. While I’m conscious of the considerable change the organisation and kaimahi have been through, I’m looking forward to supporting the new strategy and plans in place.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Reduce the risk of cryptosporidiosis this summer

    Source: Government of Victoria 2

    24/01/25

    The Department of Health is advising Victorians not to swim in public swimming pools for at least two weeks if they have had diarrhoea, as cases of cryptosporidiosis (‘crypto’) begin to increase across the state.

    There have been 87 cases of parasitic infection reported in Victoria so far this year. While cases typically increase in the warmer months, current figures are above the five-year average.

    It follows a record 2,349 crypto cases reported to the Department of Health in 2024, which was a 233 per cent increase on the previous year.

    Cryptosporidiosis can cause watery diarrhoea and stomach cramps for several weeks. People with a weakened immune system are at risk of prolonged illness.

    Chief Health Officer Tarun Weeramanthri confirmed that chlorine kills most germs in treated public pools but some, such as cryptosporidium, were highly resistant to chlorine at normal concentrations and can present a health risk.

    “It’s important to remember that you remain infectious for several weeks after your diarrhoea stops,” he said.

    “So don’t swim until two weeks after your symptoms have stopped,” Dr Weeramanthri added.

    “It’s the simple steps that are most effective – showering with soap before swimming will help keep germs out of the water.

    And of course, avoid swallowing the pool water if you can.

    If you think you or your child may have cryptosporidiosis, contact your doctor. The doctor will assist you for testing.”

    Five simple steps people can take to help keep the water clean:

    • Do not swim for two weeks after diarrhoea stops if you have had cryptosporidiosis or diarrhoea of unknown cause.
    • Shower and wash with soap, especially your bottom, before swimming.
    • Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet or changing a nappy.
    • Change nappies in nappy change areas only.
    • Avoid swallowing pool water.

    Find out more about how to be prepared for cryptosporidiosisExternal Link and practise healthy swimming.External Link

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Domestic violence and firearms offences – Johnson

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force have arrested a 30-year-old male in relation to domestic violence offences on Thursday afternoon.

    Around 10am Thursday, police received intelligence that a male who was allegedly involved in a domestic violence assault the previous day, Wednesday 22 January 2025, was in possession of a firearm and driving through the Palmerston area.

    Territory Safety Division (TSD) members attended the male’s residence on Tarakan Court, established a cordon, and the 30-year-old male was arrested. During a lawful search of the unit, officers located and seized a quantity of illicit substances.

    A subsequent search of the offender’s vehicle located a firearm and ammunition, which were also seized.

    The firearm was not used during either incident.

    The offender remains in police custody, with charges expected to follow. Investigations are ongoing.

    If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, please reach out on 131 444 or, in an emergency, call 000. You can also anonymously report through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joint Statement from AG Brown, Twelve Other Attorneys General: State and Local Law Enforcement Cannot Be Commandeered for Federal Immigration Enforcement

    Source: Washington State News

    OLYMPIA – Attorney General Nick Brown, along with the attorneys general of California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Vermont, today issued a joint statement addressing a memorandum from a Trump political appointee at the U.S. Department of Justice addressing state and local involvement in federal immigration enforcement:

    “It is well-established — through longstanding Supreme Court precedent — that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering states to enforce federal laws. While the federal government may use its own resources for federal immigration enforcement, the court ruled in Printz v. United States that the federal government cannot ‘impress into its service — and at no cost to itself — the police officers of the 50 States.’ This balance of power between the federal government and state governments is a touchstone of our American system of federalism.

    “Despite what he may say to the contrary, the President cannot unilaterally re-write the Constitution. The President has made troubling threats to weaponize the U.S. Department of Justice’s prosecutorial authority and resources to attack public servants acting in compliance with their state laws, interfering with their ability to build trust with the communities they serve and protect. Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper. But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions.

    “As state attorneys general, we have a responsibility to enforce state laws – and we will continue to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of immigration status. We will not be distracted by the President’s mass deportation agenda.” 

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    MIL OSI USA News –