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  • MIL-Evening Report: High Court strikes down government’s law to monitor former immigration detainees

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

    The High Court has struck down the Albanese government’s law enabling it to impose ankle bracelets and curfews on the more than 200 non-citizens it released from immigration detention in 2023 after  an earlier decision by the court.

    Wednesday’s decision, by a five-two majority, found the measures “punitive” and an infringement of the constitution.

    The plaintiff in the case  was a stateless Eritrean who was released from immigration detention last November. He was later charged  with six offences  for failing to comply with his monitoring and curfew conditions. The charges are  pending  in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria.  His earlier criminal record includes a 2017 conviction for offences of burglary and causing injury.

    Legislation for the measures was rushed through parliament a year ago, in response to the release of the detainees, many of whom had serious criminal records, including for murder, rape and assault.

    During consideration of the bill, the opposition forced the government to toughen it – from providing for the measures only where needed for community safety, to saying the minister must act unless satisfied the person did not pose a risk.

    At the time constitutional experts such as Anne Twomey, from the University of Sydney,nas well as the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills expressed doubts about the legislation.

    Twomey wrote: “the effects of the political bidding war to be seen as the ‘toughest’ and most punitive  towards non-citizens will make it infinitely harder for Commonwealth lawyers to defend these measures in the courts”.

    The opposition said in a statement the effect of the court decision would be that “215 dangerous non-citizen offenders including 12 murderers, 66 sex offenders, 97 people convicted of assault, 15 domestic violence perpetrators and others will be free in the community without any monitoring or curfews”.

    It said since being released, 65 of these people had been charged with new state or territory offences, with 45 remaining free in the community.

    The government should immediately bring in fresh legislation to deal with the situation, the opposition said.

    Surprisingly, the opposition did not ask the government in the House of Representatives question time what it planned to do.

    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. High Court strikes down government’s law to monitor former immigration detainees – https://theconversation.com/high-court-strikes-down-governments-law-to-monitor-former-immigration-detainees-243027

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global climate crisis requires cooperation, not geopolitics

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Participants pose for a group photo during the sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue in Paris, France, on Oct. 28, 2024. [Photo/The European Climate Foundation]

    Climate change knows no borders and demands a coordinated global response. The 2015 Paris Agreement was a landmark achievement in multilateral climate governance, with countries pledging collective action to mitigate carbon emissions.

    However, geopolitical tensions increasingly complicate the path to unified global climate action. Some nations are undermining international trust through protectionist policies and trade barriers driven by self-interest.

    Amid this backdrop, the recent sixth Friends of the Paris Agreement High-Level Dialogue, held in Paris on Oct. 28-29, offered a platform to reflect on the progress and challenges of global climate cooperation.

    In an exclusive interview with China.org.cn, Jiang Feng, a researcher at Shanghai International Studies University and chairman of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance & Area Studies, emphasized that combating climate change requires international collaboration rather than divisive geopolitics. 

    He emphasized the need for stronger China-Europe cooperation, warning that recent countervailing duties on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) could undermine global efforts to reduce emissions.

    Jiang noted that the Paris Agreement established ambitious, binding targets for global carbon emissions reduction, reflecting a consensus on the urgency of climate action. China, instrumental in shaping and committing to the Paris goals, has made notable progress and received widespread recognition. However, not all countries are showing the same level of commitment; some engage in more rhetoric than action and politicize the transfer of technology.

    Participants at the Paris meeting expressed concerns about the possible negative impact of the upcoming U.S. election on global emissions reduction efforts.

    A key takeaway from the dialogue was the need to broaden the focus of climate measures beyond just emissions reduction targets. Jiang stressed that technological innovation, biodiversity preservation and energy structure transformation should also be prioritized.

    “The Paris Agreement represents a shift – a need for humanity to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy,” he stated, calling it a historic opportunity for sustainable development.

    Such a transition requires countries to rethink their development philosophies and models to address the core issues of climate change. Jiang pointed to China’s investment in renewable energy as a key example. With strong policies, substantial investments, and technological innovation, China has fueled significant growth in renewables, supporting its economy while also aiding the global energy transition and emissions reduction.

    Jiang also highlighted the ambitious goals set by the European Union and some member states in their fight against climate change. For example, Aachen in Germany and RWTH Aachen University aim for carbon neutrality by 2030 – 15 years ahead of Germany’s national target. Jiang noted that this and other examples show a strong awareness among several countries in addressing climate change, bringing together governments, universities, businesses, and civil society.

    Yet, despite significant achievements, many challenges remain, particularly in the transfer of green technology. “Many innovative technologies are not being fully utilized due to rising geopolitics and trade protectionism, which politicize and instrumentalize the transfer of essential technologies and products globally,” Jiang lamented.

    The EU’s recent five-year imposition of countervailing duties on Chinese EVs illustrates this dilemma. Jiang stated that some countries have maliciously labeled China’s success in the photovoltaic and electric vehicle sectors as “overcapacity.” While the measure aims to give European manufacturers a “window” to strengthen their industries, experts fear it creates unnecessary barriers to technology exchange. Given that European industries require China’s advanced EV technology, such measures may ultimately hinder both Europe’s and global progress toward renewable energy. Instead of imposing trade restrictions, Jiang urged nations to create a supportive and collaborative environment for green technology transfer.

    During the dialogue, Chinese representatives met with experts from the International Energy Agency and European institutions to discuss enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.

    Jiang emphasized the importance of China-Europe collaboration, suggesting that as key global players, they should jointly plan technology research, development, and transfer projects for third parties or other regions, making these technologies more market-oriented and industrialized.

    “This can not only aid third-party countries and regions but also open up new opportunities for China-Europe collaboration, creating growth drivers for their relationship,” he explained.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Better Than Yesterday.” Stories of Moscow Creative Universities Graduates

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Just recently, these young artists were still studying: they went to rehearsals, wrote notes, took exams and began to seriously join the world of art. Today, they are members of the most famous creative groups in the country, they go out on the big stage – and the audience is gradually learning their names. The stories of an opera soloist, a jazz musician, an actor and an actress – in the material mos.ru.

    Janis Shklyaev: “The main thing is not to lose the fire”

    Graduate of the Moscow State Institute of Music named after A.G. Schnittke

    — I liked singing since childhood, and that’s when I started going on stage. After school, I entered the Krasnoyarsk College of Arts named after P.I. Ivanov-Radkevich, where my passion for singing only grew stronger. Then, however, I had to take a break in my career: I was called up for military service. But music accompanied me there too: I joined the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Alexandrov.

    Then I returned to Krasnoyarsk, got a job in the Siberian Male Choir, completed one course in the vocal department of the Siberian State Institute of Arts named after D.A. Hvorostovsky. Then I decided to move to the capital – I entered the Moscow State Institute of Music named after A.G. Schnittke. I was enrolled in the class of People’s Artist of Russia Mikhail Kizin.

    After graduating from the institute, I joined the Chelyabinsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after M.I. Glinka. I love all my roles, but especially the part of Lensky from “Eugene Onegin”. From a technical point of view, it poses challenges that are interesting to solve, and from an emotional point of view, it helps to reveal my temperament. By the way, I now see my hero completely differently, I find something in him that I had not noticed before. At school, when I read the novel, the image of Lensky was more lyrical for me, but now I feel his tragedy, his inner impulses. And in the future, I would like to perform the part of Maurice from the opera “Adriana Lecouvreur” by composer Francesco Cilea.

    The most pleasant thing about my work is to see the audience in the hall, to give them emotions, to awaken feelings, to let them experience the work together with me. I would advise those who have decided to study this profession not to lose the fire and desire to do it. Of course, the support of loved ones is also important. I was lucky: on my way I met understanding, knowledgeable teachers who believed in my strength, helped me overcome difficulties. I am especially grateful to all of them – as well as to my parents.

    Konstantin Boytsov: “We felt like rock stars”

    Graduate of the Jazz Academy

    — Like many children, I went to music school — more for general development. My parents couldn’t even imagine that I would seriously want to become a musician. Once I even decided to quit music school, but then I accidentally saw a concert of jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis on the Internet. I watched it over and over again, and each time I was captivated by these melodies. Then I fell in love with the music of Canadian bassist Alain Caron and saxophonist Michael Brecker. Jazz became real magic for me — I realized that I wanted to learn to improvise myself. When I told my parents about this, they supported me: my mother helped me find a teacher to prepare me for admission and bought me my first saxophone. Then I realized that talent is not the main component of success, work, self-development and discipline are much more important.

    And at the age of 16, I got to a concert by Igor Butman. Igor Mikhailovich became a source of inspiration for me – it seems, forever. And I am very happy that now I work in the Moscow Jazz Orchestra under his direction. Of course, it is not always easy: sometimes tours, flights and relocations are difficult, but it pays off with a huge number of stories, emotions that we get while traveling. And also with a range of feelings when we see the enthusiastic faces of people in the audience. This is the most valuable and precious thing in our work.

    I remember with particular warmth a concert in St. Petersburg, in which I participated when I was still a first-year student at the Academy. We were invited to an orchestral battle, there were almost 40 people on one stage. We played swing from the 1920s and 1930s, and the audience danced right in front of us. The atmosphere was incredible, we felt like real rock stars from the jazz world.

    Nelly Khaperskaya: “Acting is like a sport”

    Oleg Tabakov’s Theatre School

    — I come from a circus family, I spent my entire childhood in the arena and behind the scenes of the circus. Therefore, there were never any doubts about choosing a creative profession. Of course, everyone thought that I would follow in my parents’ footsteps, but completely by chance I passed the casting at Konstantin Khabensky’s studio, and there I realized that I wanted to connect my life with Oleg Tabakov’s School, and then with his theater. True, at first my dad did not want me to move away from the circus. But it seems to me that the circus and theater coexist quite closely: the skills I acquired in childhood were very useful in the acting profession.

    As a result, I entered the Oleg Tabakov School. I consider Vladimir Mashkov my main teacher, he is my creative dad. He gave me life in this profession, opened the doors to it. For me, Vladimir Lvovich is an example, I consider him a genius. This applies not only to the profession: he will always help those who need it. You want to follow him further and conquer new heights.

    I realized that acting is like a sport. You always have to work, constantly improve your knowledge and skills, constantly be in training and rehearsals. Every day you have to become better than you were yesterday. It’s not easy. For the guys who are just thinking about whether to connect their lives with the acting profession or not, I would say this: if you are passionate about it, then difficulties are pleasant.

    Now I work at the Oleg Tabakov Theatre. Among the productions I participate in is “Matrosskaya Tishina”, where I play Tanya. This is a legendary performance that Oleg Pavlovich himself staged. I go on stage with my teachers. Of course, they help a lot with advice, as always. In fact, we have been on the professional stage since our first years – this is a feature of the Oleg Tabakov Theatre School. Even when I was a student, I got roles in “Passions for Bumbarash”, “Fight”, “My Fair Lady”, “The Elder Son”, “Atom of the Sun”, “Heirs” and, actually, in “Matrosskaya Tishina”. Not all of these performances are in the repertoire now, but I sincerely love each role.

    Shvartsy from Tulchin. The story of Oleg Tabakov’s most anticipated performance

    Egor Khokhlov: “I understood where my place is”

    Oleg Tabakov’s Theatre School

    — When I entered the Oleg Tabakov Theatre School, I doubted my decision to become an actor, I didn’t fully understand who I wanted to be. But I saw the teachers, looked at the other guys — and suddenly I understood where my place was. A happy accident, it can happen to anyone. The main thing is to be attentive to yourself and feel it.

    At first, I was worried about how my family would react to my decision: no one is connected with the theater. Besides, it is a profession with zero guarantees, you can fail in it at all – there are hundreds, thousands of such examples. But my parents were understanding, very supportive, believed in me. I am also grateful to my teachers – first of all, Vladimir Mashkov, Alena Lapteva, Vitaly Egorov. Over the five years of study, they did a lot for us. They said that you need to study and improve constantly. To evoke emotions in the viewer, to push them to certain thoughts – all this requires colossal efforts.

    I started performing on stage at the Oleg Tabakov Theatre when I was still a student. This idea belongs to Oleg Pavlovich: he believed that students should see how professional artists work – this is the only way to pass on the profession to the young. My senior colleagues and teachers helped with advice and continue to do so. Now I am involved in several performances, including “Bumbarash Passion”, “Deadly Act” and “The Hunt to Live”.

    I think the most important piece of advice I can give to aspiring actors is this: Don’t be afraid to jump into every situation that comes your way. The stage is hard, and you have to be prepared for anything. Take every chance you get, try to imitate the behavior of different people. And one more thing that’s very important: Don’t be shy.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146210073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Knights of Sport: How the Burevestnik Fencing School Prepares Olympians

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    These guys have been wearing armor since the age of eight — impenetrable clothing, they can calculate moves in seconds, gallantly attack and defend themselves: they are fencers. This art has long since moved from combat to sports. It is a matter of honor for modern knights to become the first, to win in capital, Russian and international competitions. This is taught at the Sports School of the Olympic Reserve (SShOR) “Youth of Moscow” in fencing “Petrel”She turned 75 at the beginning of November.

    mos.ru correspondents visited a training session at the school and learned how to enroll, why the young fencers’ suits are connected to an electrical device, and also the differences between a foil, an epee, and a sabre.

    “Order” of Fencers

    The Youth of Moscow Fencing School Burevestnik is located at the Iskra stadium near the Botanichesky Sad metro station. The light-grey building is hidden behind a fence, a football field and trees, like a medieval castle.

    “The fencing department opened in 1949 at the Burevestnik stadium on Samarsky Lane in the Meshchansky district. The first and only fencing coach was frontline soldier Lev Matsukevich. Fencing was then considered a little-known sport in the USSR, but the director’s enthusiasm was enough to interest schoolchildren. One of his students was Mark Rakita, who later became a two-time Olympic champion. In the 1960s, Burevestnik was headed by senior coach, Honored Coach of the USSR Vladimir Ganson, who managed to create a team of like-minded people. In 1967, the school received the status of Olympic reserve, and our students repeatedly confirmed it with their victories. In 1977, construction of the Olympic sports complex began on the site of Burevestnik. Since then – and this is almost half a century – the Iskra stadium has been our home,” says Anna Ilyaskina, master of sports in fencing, honored coach of Russia, director of the sports school of the Olympic reserve “Youth of Moscow” in fencing “Burevestnik”.

    The display case at the entrance to the building displays sports trophies: cups, mostly gold. There are also Olympic awards: at the 2008 Games in Beijing, Burevestnik alumnus Victoria Nikishina won gold in the foil team, and in 2012 in London, foil fencer Aida Shanaeva won silver in the team tournament. “Our senior coach Andrei Alshan does not recognize simple participation in competitions and any places other than first. In reality, there are many more cups, there is not enough room for them all!” the mos.ru interviewee smiles.

    Guys of different ages run past us, smart, with their backs straight and their heads held high. They greet each other politely. Fencing also requires good manners. During the holidays, you can finally train in the morning, and not just in the evening after school. Some of the guys come here and stay, dedicating their lives to fencing. It is not just a hobby, but an honor, pride, the meaning of life, the desire to win all the competitions in the world.

    “Today, about 60 percent of students are girls. Usually, people start coming to us at the age of eight. We only accept those who have passed the entrance exams. In addition, in order to stay, you have to pass the control and transfer standards every year, and starting from the third year of study, you have to annually fulfill or confirm your sports category,” the director explains.

     

    To enter the initial training group, you need to pass sports standards: running a distance of 30 meters, bending forward from a standing position on a gymnastic bench, long jump, bending and unbending arms in a support position lying on the floor. Those who managed to pass this entrance test come to classes three times a week, from the second or third year of study – four to five times. One training session lasts an hour and a half, and at the stage of higher sports skills – four.

    Cords, guard and one and a half feet

    In the gym, a girl of about 12 is doing a concentrated warm-up before training: she does push-ups, bends over, touching her left and right toes with an outstretched hand. At the same time, she believes that there should be a certain number of exercises, and that attentiveness, discipline, and punctuality are the necessary qualities of a fencer.

    “The competition season has started, the guys are preparing for tournaments, including the Moscow Cup in fencing and qualifying competitions,” explains Anna Ilyaskina.

    The clanking of metal can be heard. The future participants of the competition are crossing weapons on the tracks. They are wearing non-slip sneakers, white breeches, golf socks, jackets and masks made of a small impenetrable metal mesh that covers the entire face, including the chin. “The clothes, although soft, cannot be pierced. They are made of a special fabric – Kevlar,” our interlocutor explains. This material resembles chain mail, but is very thin and weightless.

    A cord runs under the fencers’ clothing. One end with a plug sticks out of the sleeve: the weapon is connected to it. The other end, from under the hem of the jacket, is connected to a cord that leads to a reel, and from the reel to a small device. As soon as a participant strikes an opponent, the device transmits a signal to the board – and a light comes on there.

    “Why are the suits white? Because until the late 1950s there was no electrical device to record the injection. The tip of the weapon was dipped in special paint and this way they tracked the injection sites, which were clearly visible on light fabric,” says the school principal.

    The location of the wires under the suits depends on the type of weapon the fencer uses: each has its own striking surface. So, with a rapier you need to stab precisely into the electric jacket, which looks like a vest, with a sword – all over the body, and with a sabre – chop in the area from the waist to the crown.

    “This is not the only difference between the types of weapons. For example, a rapier has four edges, the blade is 90 centimeters long. It must be held in a bent arm, the elbow at the level of the protruding femur. In a rapier and a saber, there is tactical correctness: first the attacker pricks, then the defender. The judge decides who was right. The existing rules of the competition cannot be violated, otherwise the prick will not be counted,” says Marianna Dzakhova, a master of sports in rapier fencing.

    The epee is the heaviest: it weighs 750 grams. Those who take it out on the track can stab each other at the same time, hiding their hand behind the guard – a small hemispherical shield above the handle. And the sabre is the lightest and the only type of weapon that not only stabs, but also chops with the entire surface of the blade. To wield it, you need a quick reaction. A second – and you are defeated.

    What fencing has in common is the position of the feet. “You need to stand heel to heel and spread your toes. Then spread your feet one and a half feet apart and bend your knees. It is important to always remember this distance during movements, otherwise you will lose your balance and be vulnerable,” adds Marianna Dzakhova.

    Olympic scope

    There are 17 coaches working at Burevestnik. Nine of them are former pupils of the school.

    “I received a higher education in sports and wanted to work here. But there were no vacancies at that time, so I got a job as an instructor-methodologist at the Olympic Reserve Sports School “Youth of Moscow” in luge. Only seven years later, when I was already the deputy director, the opportunity arose to return to my native school as a coach. Both my uncles are masters of sports in sabre and graduates of “Burevestnik”, they were the ones who brought me here as a girl,” says master of sports in epee coach Anna Salykova.

    There are also graduates who do not work as coaches, but, having received the title of Master of Sports and even World Champion, still attend Burevestnik. Fencing is for life.

    “I came to Burevestnik when I was 11, now I am 23. There is no opportunity to participate in the Olympics yet, but I am not giving up. The goal of probably all fencers is to win gold at the Olympic Games. And age is not an obstacle in this sport. For example, one world champion from Italy continues to participate and win competitions, although she is 40 years old,” says Darya Drozd, a master of sabre, bronze medalist of the world championship, winner of the European championship and member of the Moscow and Russian teams.

    In anticipation of Olympic victories, master of sports in epee fencing Alexander Sobolev, multiple winner of the Russian championship and member of the capital and national teams, comes to the school for training. The young man, who is now 21, entered Burevestnik at the age of nine and practically never leaves the gym. “In the evening, I have to leave for competitions, and he is here. In the morning, fresh off the train, he runs to school and grabs his epee. Although athletes rest before and after competitions,” laughs Anna Ilyaskina.

    Another young man, 23-year-old Magamed Khalimbekov, a master of sports in sabre, silver medalist of the world championship and winner of the European championship, national champion, moved to Moscow from Dagestan. “Wrestling is popular here, and my family was involved in this sport. And a fencer needs a sharp mind, quick reactions, strong legs. At first, I didn’t have anything like that,” he admits.

    School pupil Victoria Yusova, an international master of sports in foil, bronze medalist of the world championship and member of the Russian national team, could have left fencing forever: at the international competition in Doha, she tore her Achilles tendon and underwent two operations. But the girl continued training and won silver at the Russian Fencing Cup and bronze twice at the Russian Championship as part of the Moscow team. Victoria Yusova also helps wheelchair Paralympians hone their skills. “There are no victories without defeats,” the athlete notes.

     

    Sports for mature minds

    However, according to Anna Ilyaskina, it is not necessary to dedicate your life only to fencing. Many manage to combine sports and higher education at a non-core university. For example, Ivan Tsypin, a master of sports in sabre and bronze medalist of the Russian championship, multiple winner of Russian championships, is a second-year student at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation. “My father always said: “There can be several priorities, the main thing is to set them correctly,” the young man smiles.

    Mikhail Kovalenko, a master of sports in sabre, winner of the Moscow and Russian championships, entered the economics department of the MISiS University of Science and Technology. “Sometimes I have to skip lectures for the sake of training, but the institute is understanding. Sport does not interfere with my studies, on the contrary, it helps. After all, an athlete is a person with a metal rod inside,” the young man notes.

    By the way, Mikhail Kovalenko joined Burevestnik at the age of 13, broke his arm several times and missed important competitions. But nothing stopped him.

    “In fact, fencing is a sport for mature minds. You need to think analytically, calculate moves, and not react to a hot head. The more mature you are, the better and more reliable it will be,” sums up senior sabre trainer Andrey Alshan, six-time world champion, Olympic silver medalist, and Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

    Sobyanin spoke about the reconstruction of the legendary Olympic sports complexSwimming, Boxing or Golf: Which Sport to Choose for Your ChildMoscow Mayor: Sports have become a natural part of the capital’s urban spaceFrom personal training to large projects: how Moscow is developing infrastructure for an active and healthy lifestyle

    You can enroll your child in the Youth of Moscow Sports School for Fencing “Burevestnik”, as well as in another sports school or section on the portal mos.ru.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146220073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Summer safety signs on Moscow’s water bodies have begun to be replaced with winter ones

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    About a thousand safety signs will be replaced on 270 Moscow water bodies by the end of November, the Moscow City Services Complex reported. Instead of summer information boards “No swimming!”, specialists from the State Unitary Enterprise “Mosvodostok” will install winter ones with the inscription “No going out on the ice!”

    Safety signs will also be replaced on Moscow’s most popular water bodies. Thus, four signs will be installed on Patriarch’s and Chistye Prudy, 55 on Tsaritsynskye Prudy, and 30 signs on Serebryano-Vinogradny and Borisovsky Prudy.

    Information boards on water bodies are changed twice a year: in mid-April and early November (shortly before ice forms on the surface of the ponds). This is necessary to prevent accidents. The installation locations and number of safety signs are selected so that they are visible from any point on the shore.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146223073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Underground parking and playground: a new building was built in Koptevo under the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Koptevo district in the north of Moscow, construction of a house under the renovation program has been completed. It was erected at the address: proezd Cherepanovykh, house 54a. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “The residential complex is located within walking distance from the Koptevo and Likhobory MCC stations. This is a single-section building with 119 apartments and an underground parking lot for 88 cars. The first non-residential floors house the concierge and stroller rooms; in the future, shops, services, order pick-up points or other organizations will open there,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The finished improved finish in the new apartments meets the standards of the renovation program.

    To ensure that the house fits harmoniously into the architectural ensemble of the area, its facades were made of suspended wall panels faced with clinker tiles. In addition, air conditioner baskets were installed on the external walls of the building, and the entrance groups were decorated with stained glass.

    The yard was landscaped, a children’s playground with a safe rubber surface, a sports area and recreation areas were equipped.

    “On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, special attention is being paid to the quality of work on residential properties under the renovation program in the capital. A total of 13 control and supervision events were held at the site. The committee’s specialists assessed the quality of construction work, finishing, installation of engineering systems and the completed improvement of the adjacent territory. Based on the results of the final inspection, a conclusion was issued on the compliance of the house on Cherepanov Drive with the design documentation,” noted the Chairman of the State Construction Supervision Committee

    Anton Slobodchikov.

    Previously Sergei Sobyanin reported, that 1.2 trillion rubles have been allocated in the draft budget for three years to implement the renovation program.

    More than 12.6 thousand Muscovites began moving into new houses under the renovation program in the third quarter of 2024

    Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the relocation of over 47 thousand people was ensured. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increasethe pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential buildings in the capital has doubled: from three million to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about national projects being implemented in Moscow, you can find out here.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146225073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Learn to negotiate and find motivation: what courses did Technograd prepare in November

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In November, the Technograd Innovation and Educational Complex at VDNKh invites everyone to courses to improve the efficiency of a company. Specialists from the career development center will help improve team management skills, interaction with employees, and competent decision-making. The programs are designed for business owners, managers, and HR specialists, as well as for everyone who values productivity and confidence in their professional sphere.

    On November 11, classes will begin on the online course “Effective Relationships with the Boss: Instructions”. Expert Yulia Elizarova, psychologist, polygraph examiner, profiler-verifier will tell you how to find an approach to any type of manager and become an indispensable employee in the company. In addition, she will teach you how to successfully negotiate and respond correctly to any tasks. Listeners will learn how to cope with overload and fight procrastination. They will talk about advanced training as a factor in the development of a specialist and how to change jobs if necessary.

    The program consists of four webinars. The classes will be held on November 11, 13, 15 and 17. They will start at 11:00 and 20:00. Required pre-registration.

    On November 12, everyone will be able to practice their management skills as part of the course “How to Engage and Retain Employees in Your Team.” Career consultant and experienced business coach Olga Tkachenko will talk about non-material motivation tools that are useful for project managers and team leaders. Listeners will learn how to identify and analyze people’s needs, create a favorable atmosphere in the team. They will be reminded of the skills a manager should have in order to influence employee productivity. The course includes one homework assignment and two final online workshops. The webinars will be held on November 12, 14 and 19 at 14:00. Required pre-registration.

    The course “How to achieve harmony between work and life” will begin on November 25. Listeners will discuss the problems of stress and professional burnout. Yulia Elizarova will tell you how to avoid neurosis in the pursuit of success, get rid of anxiety and find new meaning in life. Webinars will be held on November 25, 27, 29 and 30. Start at 11:00 and 20:00. Required pre-registration.

    On November 26, the online course “Changing World: How to Make Decisions in Uncertain Conditions” will open. Psychologist Olga Denisova will talk about flexible skills that will allow you to adapt to an unstable situation and achieve success. Listeners will master stress management techniques and get acquainted with the concepts of non-standard and systemic types of thinking that will help in solving problems. Classes will be held on November 26, 28 and December 3, 5. Start at 17:00. Required pre-registration.

    Innovative and educational complex “Technograd”— a unique platform at VDNKh. Here Muscovites can acquire new professional knowledge and master applied skills that are in demand in business in relevant areas. Classes are held online and offline. The project is supervised by Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow.

    The Career Development Center is one of the areas of activity of Technograd. Its specialists help in finding professions in accordance with the individual characteristics of applicants, in career planning and training.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146229073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five pre-revolutionary houses with glazed tile cladding will be restored

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Five buildings built before the 1917 revolution will undergo major repairs as part of the city program in 2024. Their special feature is facades covered with glazed tiles. Specialists from the Capital Repair Fund (CRF) have developed individual work plans and selected modern domestic materials and advanced technologies. The Moscow City Services Complex told about how historical buildings are being restored.

    Eclecticism in Yakovoapostolsky Lane

    This year, the six-story building at 15 Yakovoapostolsky Lane has already been renovated. It was built in 1913 according to an individual project in the eclectic style. The courtyard facades are made of brick, and on those facing the street, the four lower floors are faced with unpainted white ceramic tiles. There is a crowning cornice along the perimeter of the building.

    Here, the roof and facade were renewed, which together with the glazed tiles were cleaned and washed. In some places, if necessary, local repair of the brickwork was carried out. Then, open surfaces in places of dampness were treated with an antifungal compound, and the glazed tiles were made hydrophobic. The building was plastered, the upper floors and the courtyard facade were painted white by the craftsmen.

    The windows in the entrances were replaced with modern double-glazed windows. The specialists also replaced the ebbs and repaired the slopes, and hung a new drainage system on the building.

    In addition, the roof of the house was completely repaired: the old roof covering was dismantled, the rafter system and individual parts of the wall plate were updated, and the sheathing was replaced. All wooden structures were treated with a fire-retardant composition, and new roofing sheet covering was laid. The attic spaces were insulated with mineral wool slabs to stabilize the temperature and humidity conditions.

    Glazed tiles with decorative inserts on Plyushchikha

    This year, the former apartment building of V.V. Kiselev at 26/2 Plyushchikha Street will also be restored. The five-story building was built before 1917 according to the design of the architect A.F. Meissner in the Art Nouveau style. The main façade has protruding parts — rectangular bay windows. The retail area of the first floor is accentuated by wide panoramic windows and is plastered. At the level of the second to fifth floors, the street facades are finished with glazed tiles with decorative inserts. The building is completed with a crowning cornice.

    The house is undergoing a renovation of its glazed tile facade. They started with clearing open surfaces and repairing the plaster layer of the first floor and bay windows. Then they applied antifungal protection. The specialists will have to carefully repair the architectural elements. The wall segments covered with glazed tiles are water-repellent. Then the facades will be painted in the color “peach cream”. In addition, the craftsmen will replace the drainpipes and repair the entrances to the building.

    Dark turquoise majolica on Sushchevskaya street

    House 9 on Sushchevskaya Street has been completely renovated. It was built in 1910 according to the project of the architect F. F. Voskresensky in the Art Nouveau style. The building is four-story in the main volume, and its two-story part adjoins from the yard. Two vertical bay windows are symmetrically placed on the main facade. Dark turquoise majolica was used in the decoration. The building is completed by a crowning cornice.

    The specialists put the facade in order and replaced a number of internal engineering systems. The large volume of restoration work was divided into stages for the convenience of residents. First, the facades were cleared of old paint and accumulated dirt. Then the craftsmen knocked off the peeling plaster and restored the damaged areas. Wet areas were treated with antifungal and antiseptic compounds, all decorative elements were cleaned and restored. The walls were painted in the color “gray fog”.

    The base of the house and the entrances to the building were also plastered, and the drainpipes were replaced.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/146235073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI continues visit to Canada (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, arrived in Ottawa to continue his visit to Canada on November 5 (Ottawa time).

         Professor Sun attended the Seminar on Life Science and Global Health, themed “Innovation · Inclusion · Impact” and organised by the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Ottawa Chapter) and Invest Hong Kong, at the Parliament Building. In his keynote speech, Professor Sun said while Canada has long been recognised as a powerhouse in the field of life and health science, Hong Kong is also emerging as an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Government strives to support the development of life and health technology as one of the technology industries with an edge and of strategic importance.

         Professor Sun outlined a number of significant advantages that Hong Kong enjoys in developing life and health technology. Hong Kong’s flagship research and development initiative, InnoHK, has built collaboration with more than 30 world-renowned universities and research institutes from 12 economies, including Canada, and set up a total of 29 research laboratories with 16 of them focusing on healthcare-related technologies. A $6 billion subsidy programme to support local universities to set up life and health technology research institutes and a $3 billion Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme to accelerate cross-disciplinary researches are in place.

         “Adequate sites and sophisticated infrastructure are equally important for long-term I&T development. We will set up the InnoLife Healthtech Hub in the Hetao Hong Kong Park (the Loop) to attract top-notch research teams and talent from around the world. We will allocate another HK$2 billion to support the InnoHK research clusters to establish presence in the Loop, and HK$200 million to support start-ups in the Loop engaging in life and health technology in the form of incubation and acceleration programmes.” Professor Sun added that new I&T land will be available in San Tin Technopole to support I&T industry development, creating synergy with the nearby Shenzhen I&T Zone.

         Professor Sun continued that having the distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the best platform to connect I&T talent and companies from the Mainland and around the world. He strongly believes that apart from life and health technology, there is a lot of room for bilateral collaboration between Hong Kong and Canada in fields such as green technology, renewable energy, environmental protection and sustainability.

         Professor Sun also met with Canada-Hong Kong Parliamentary Friendship Group Member and Senator of Canada, Mr Woo Yuen-pau; the Group Chair and Member of Parliament of Canada, Mr Greg McLean; and Member of Parliament of Canada Mr Chandra Arya, at the Parliament Building. They had a brief exchange of views on areas of common interest, such as enhancing further collaboration on science, innovation and research between Hong Kong and Canada, as well as people and cultural exchanges between the two places.

         Professor Sun also called on the Chinese Ambassador to Canada, Mr Wang Di, to brief him on the progress of building Hong Kong into an international I&T centre, as well as the city’s continuous efforts in integrating into national I&T development. Professor Sun said that Hong Kong spares no effort in developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, including optimising the strategy and institutional set-up for the development of new industrialisation, and increasing investment for I&T industries.

         Professor Sun will proceed to visit Waterloo on November 6 (Toronto time).               

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Building international gold trading market

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ13: Building international gold trading market
    LCQ13: Building international gold trading market
    *************************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Rock Chen and a written reply by the Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan, in the Legislative Council today (November 6): Question:      The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, convened in July this year, adopted a resolution to, among others, consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. Meanwhile, the 2024 Policy Address has proposed to build an international gold trading market and develop world-class gold storage facilities, while exploring with the Mainland authorities the inclusion of gold-related products in the mutual market access programme. There are views that facilitating financial flows among Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the international market can consolidate Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether it has any specific plans to take forward the mutual market access regime with the Mainland to include gold products, and to consider conducting offshore Renminbi-denominated gold trading; if so, of the timetable and trading implementation rules, and whether it will study the related arrangements jointly with the National Financial Regulatory Administration and other relevant Central ministries; (2) whether it has plans to promote cross-industry collaborative mechanisms in the related work, thereby facilitating co-operation among the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, financial institutions, insurance companies, logistics companies, gold storage companies and traders; and (3) how it will promote the gold trading market in Hong Kong, particularly in attracting international and Mainland investors; whether it has plans to enhance ties with suppliers in the Middle East and the Southeast Asian region through organising international conventions or exhibitions? Reply: President,      Our consolidated reply to the three parts of the question is as follows:      The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) adopted the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization. The Resolution calls on Hong Kong to fully harness the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” while consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre.      In the Policy Address this year, the Chief Executive has emphasised the need to explore new growth areas. Building an international gold trading centre is a new growth point for Hong Kong to consolidate and enhance its status as an international financial centre. Gold serves as a crucial anchor in the precious metals category, possessing multiple attributes as a commodity, a reserve asset, and an investment product. Under increasing global political and economic uncertainties, gold is one of the key hedging tools. With the geopolitical environment becoming more complex and some regional situations remaining unclear, it is expected that global demand for gold will remain substantial. Many investors would like to store physical gold in different geographical locations, which presents opportunities for Hong Kong to develop the gold market.      Financial trading of gold generally refers to investors on the basis of needs making use of standard or tailored contracts to buy and sell physical gold or related spot or futures financial products (e.g. funds, forwards, swaps and futures). Experiences of overseas trading show that commodity markets, including those specialising in financial trading of gold, have their own characteristics. It takes time to build up trading and the ecosystem. While Hong Kong has the potential for both on- and off-exchange transactions, the relevant development requires detailed planning and a gradual and orderly progression.      As the first step, the Government will focus on the development of world-class gold storage facilities, thereby attracting more investors and users from different economies, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, to store gold in Hong Kong. Based on increased storage, we expect to scale up associated support services in insurance, testing and certification, logistics, etc, while in parallel expanding related transactions including collateral, loan and hedging, hence creating a comprehensive ecosystem in a progressive manner. This will drive all-round multi-currency trading, clearing and delivery, as well as the development of the regulatory system (covering transactions using offshore Renminbi), thereby establishing a holistic gold trading centre with an industry chain. We will also as appropriate explore with the Mainland institutions (including financial regulators) mutual access with the Mainland financial market.      In the proactive development of gold trading in Hong Kong, the wisdom, contributions and concerted efforts of different sectors involved are needed. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau will set up a working group within this year to formulate plans on enhancing the trading and regulatory mechanisms of the market. Issues to be looked into will cover gold supply and demand, product development, application of standards, clearing mechanism, logistics and storage, testing and certification, talent training, cross-boundary collaboration, etc. We are considering the composition of the working group, which will encompass industry professionals, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange, financial institutions, etc. We will also communicate and liaise with the Mainland exchanges concerned. When discussing specific issues, the working group will invite the participation of relevant industry practitioners (e.g. those from the insurance and logistics sectors). The working group will also explore conducting promotion activities in the Mainland and globally to attract Mainland and international investors and users to store gold and conduct trading, clearing and delivery in Hong Kong.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 12:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ21: Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund
    LCQ21: Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund
    *****************************************

         ​Following is a question by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6): Question:     To promote the development of Hong Kong as the East‑meets‑West centre for international cultural exchange, and to drive the city into an international cultural metropolis and a destination for tourists worldwide, the Government set up the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund (Mega ACE Fund) in April last year to attract and support large-scale arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong by providing funding support to the organizers of such events. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the following information since the establishment of the Mega ACE Fund (set out by year): (i) the number of grants and the amount of funding granted, (ii) the remaining balance of the funding, (iii) the number of applications received, and (iv) the number of events funded, the amount of funding received and the actual costs incurred for each event;(2) whether the Government has assessed the economic benefits brought to Hong Kong (including the number of inbound tourists attracted to Hong Kong, the amount of spending induced and the economic value generated) by the mega events funded by the Mega ACE Fund that were already held; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that, and whether it will conduct such assessment;(3) given that in its progress report submitted to this Council in April this year on the motion on “Promoting the in-depth integration of culture, sports and tourism to revitalize the tourism industry”, the Government indicated that it would set corresponding key performance indicators for each of the funded mega events and activities, of the progress of such work;(4) given that the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism indicated in 2022 that the Government’s initial plan was to allocate about $60 ‍million from the Arts and Sport Development Fund to fund around four events through the Mega ACE Fund each year, and as shown in the information provided by the Government in its reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on the Estimates of Expenditure for the financial year of 2024-2025, the respective number of events funded by the Government through the Mega ACE Fund in 2023 and 2024 has both exceeded four, of the reasons for the number of events funded in each of these two years exceeding the expected number, and whether the amount of the funding for each year has exceeded $60 million; if so, of the mechanism through which the Government reports to this Council in this regard; and(5) as there are views that the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee (Mega ACE Committee), currently responsible for vetting and approving the Mega ACE Fund applications, may draw reference from the composition of the committees for vetting and approving other funding applications in the past and include civil servants as members, whether the Government will consider appointing civil servants as ex-officio members of the Mega ACE Committee, so as to enhance the coordination of the events funded by the Mega ACE Fund; if so, of the implementation timetable; if not, the reasons for that?Reply:President,     Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Mrs Regina Ip is as follows:(1) and (4) The 2022 Policy Address announced the setting up of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund to provide incentives for organisers of large-scale arts and cultural events so as to attract and support international and mega arts and cultural events to be staged in Hong Kong, with a view to further developing Hong Kong into an arts and cultural hub.      The Government officially set up the Mega ACE Fund in April 2023. At the early planning stage, our initial plan was to allocate about $60 million from the arts portion of the Arts and Sports Development Fund to fund at least four events each year, which was budgetary in nature. The Government was pleased to note that many large-scale events have applied for the Mega ACE Fund since its launch, and the Fund has supported a number of mega events to be held in Hong Kong after the pandemic, which is in line with the Government’s objective of setting up the Mega ACE Fund.      In 2022, 2023 and 2024, we received two, 25 and 44 applications respectively. As of October 2024, 17 applications have been approved.     Details of the 17 approved projects are as follows: 

    Title of Event(according to the chronological order of the event)
    Approved Funding Amount (HK$)

    Art Basel Hong Kong 2023
    15,000,000

    Art Central 2023
    2,531,632

    “Madame Song: Pioneering Art and Fashion in China”
    8,000,000＊

    Freespace Jazz Fest 2023
    8,000,000

    INK ASIA 2023
    13,672,155.7

    “Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London”
    15,000,000＊

    Chubby Hearts Hong Kong
    7,785,000＊

    A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial • The World of Wuxia
    15,000,000＊

    ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024
    15,000,000

    Art Basel Hong Kong 2024
    15,000,000＊

    Art Central 2024
    11,000,000

    Voyage with Van Gogh
    11,800,000＊

    Chinese Kungfu x Dance Carnival
    14,686,070＊

    ART021 Hong Kong Contemporary Art Fair
    15,000,000＊

    Puccini’s Turandot
    700,000＊

    Hypefest Hong Kong 2024
    15,000,000＊

    A pop culture event(Details of the event will be announced in due course to tie in with the promotional plans of the organiser.)
    15,000,000＊

    ＊Actual grant amount to be finalised upon the submission of audited report by the grantee after the event.     The purpose of requesting the organisers of the approved projects to submit audited account report upon completion of their projects is to ensure that the grant provided by the Mega ACE Fund is fully and properly applied to the approved budget items.  As far as we understand, these projects may also incur costs that are covered by other sources of income, which the organisers are not required to report these items in their reports to us. Therefore, we do not maintain the information on the overall actual cost incurred for each project.(2) and (3) The Mega ACE Fund was established when the community was recovering from the pandemic. The number and variety of activities were crucial for the construction of a vibrant ecosystem of large-scale arts and cultural events, thus the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has been actively introducing arts and cultural events with different orientations and genres through the Mega ACE Fund. At present, we will request the organiser of each approved project to set suitable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) accordingly. The KPIs concerned will form part of the funding agreement, so that the effectiveness of the project will be monitored. According to the requirements of the Mega ACE Fund, grantees must follow the provisions of the funding agreement to carry out the proposals and fulfill the related obligations. They must also submit an event report after the completion of the event and will only receive the remaining grant amount upon the acceptance of the report.     Regarding the approved projects stated in our reply to parts (1) and (4) above, 15 projects were completed, attracting an attendance of over 4.76 million in total. The response has been positive and exceeded the targets, bringing a positive impact on the arts and cultural ecology of Hong Kong. For instance, ComplexCon Hong Kong 2024 attracted over 32 000 participants, among them 55 per cent were tourists, whereas Art Basel Hong Kong 2024 brought together 242 galleries from across 40 countries and territories, which attracted around 80 400 participants, of which half of them were visitors. Having said that, as different activities have different target audiences, it is inevitable that some activities will perform better in attracting tourists, and we should not adopt a broad-brush approach in assessing the effectiveness of the activities.      Apart from some quantifiable indicators such as the number of participants, these projects supported by the Mega ACE fund also bring unquantifiable values to the arts and cultural landscape of Hong Kong. A series of events covering a wide range of arts genres make arts more accessible to the public and tourists, encourage them to appreciate arts and arouse their interest, gradually creating a rich artistic atmosphere within the community. In addition, these projects are in line with the Government’s direction of promoting the development of arts and culture industries in Hong Kong, including fostering international cultural exchange with the Mainland and overseas countries, offering platforms for young and emerging artists to showcase their work, and contributing to the development of the industries, etc. For example, Art Central 2024 provided a platform for local young artists to create large-scale art installation, while the sculpture exhibition “A Path to Glory – Jin Yong’s Centennial Memorial • The World of Wuxia” will tour in the Mainland and overseas, exporting Hong Kong’s local characteristics and Chinese culture. In the long run, the Mega ACE Fund plays an important role in promoting the diversified development of Hong Kong’s arts and culture ecosystem.      The positioning of the Mega ACE Fund is mainly to support the development of Hong Kong’s arts, culture and creative industries. As the Mega ACE Fund has been fully operated for around a year and a half, we have not yet specifically assessed the economic benefits brought by the Mega ACE events for the time being. Taking into consideration the latest developments in Hong Kong’s arts and culture sector and ecology, the CSTB has reviewed the operation and funding mode of the Mega ACE Fund based on the experience gained after setting up the Fund and consulted the Mega ACE Committee and relevant stakeholders.(5) The Mega ACE Committee is an advisory body of the Government, responsible for advising the Government on the strategies to attract mega arts and cultural events to be held in Hong Kong as well as the operation of the Mega ACE Fund, and assessing applications under the fund for the Government’s approval. The Committee comprises leaders from the arts and cultural and other sectors. The CSTB provides secretariat service for the Committee, including communication with the applicants and grantees. In the course of processing the applications, the secretariat will also seek comments from relevant government bureaux or departments for the Committee’s reference.      The Mega ACE Committee is responsible for assessing the applications and making recommendations to the CSTB while the Government will take into account the recommendations of the Committee and consider the applications from different perspectives before making a final decision. The current mechanism leverages on the advice from leaders and the role of Government officials in the vetting process.           Having said that, when arranging the appointment for the next term of the Committee, the CSTB will actively consider the recommendation for appointing ex-officio member so as to enhance the coordination work of mega arts and cultural events.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 12:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tolland Estate set for a new lease of life

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Tolland Estate set for a new lease of life

    Published: 6 November 2024

    Released by: Minister for Housing, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

    The Minns Labor Government will deliver nearly 500 new homes to the Wagga Wagga community, 40 per cent of which will be new, modern social and affordable housing following the approval of the rezoning request for the Tolland Renewal Project.

    The Homes NSW planning proposal includes a diverse mix of housing types and will also include housing for seniors and First Nations people alongside new private market homes.

    As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to deliver the infrastructure and amenities that help build better communities, the proposal will also see a revised street layout and more public open space for residents and locals.

    Once commenced, Homes NSW expects the project to be delivered in stages over the next ten years, with the first stage of subdivision works expected to be completed during 2026. Over its life, the project will also create 1,200 construction jobs boosting the regional economy.

    The Tolland Estate was originally built in the 1970s which means the new homes within the redevelopment will also reduce ongoing maintenance expenses associated with older homes and provide improved facilities and amenity for existing and new social housing tenants.

    For more information on the redevelopment of Tolland Estate, visit: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/ppr/under-assessment/tolland-estate-wagga-wagga

    Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

    “The NSW Government remains committed to boosting housing supply, providing diverse housing options and increasing social housing in metropolitan and regional NSW.

    “Tolland Estate will be revitalised over the coming years, modernising the local area and benefiting the surrounding community by putting a roof over the heads of many vulnerable people in Wagga Wagga.”

    Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

    “I know there is high community demand to progress this redevelopment and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re delivering this project in stages and will ensure that all current social housing residents are appropriately relocated and can return once the development is complete.

    “Once built, the Tolland Estate redevelopment will deliver modern single and double storey homes for both social and private residents. These new homes will be easier to maintain and run, fostering community while fitting seamlessly into the local streetscape.

    “This is further evidence of the Minns Labor Government acting on our commitment to tackle the housing crisis and build safe, good quality, accessible homes for people who need them most.

    The Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, said:

    “This project will be transformative for Tolland, so planning approval is an important step towards delivering better housing opportunities and a rejuvenation of the suburb for many hundreds of residents.

    “This is a project I have been passionate about since I began as the local member. I welcome this next step.

    “The priority now is to ensure that work on the first stages of the project proceed smoothly so that houses earmarked for removal can be efficiently demolished to make way for modern, purpose-built social and affordable homes for local people and that the suburb is kept safe, with ongoing maintenance carried out.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating 18 years of helping Aboriginal mums and bubs

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Celebrating 18 years of helping Aboriginal mums and bubs

    Published: 6 November 2024

    Released by: Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Minister for Health

    The community, Aboriginal Elders, health care professionals and families who have used the Malabar Midwifery Group Practice are celebrating 18 years of the service providing culturally respectful pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care to Aboriginal families.

    Affectionately known as ‘Malabar Midwives’, the service has supported the births of over 1,500 babies since it was established in 2006.

    The service provides pregnancy, birth and postnatal care to Aboriginal women, and women with an Aboriginal partner, who choose to give birth at the Royal Hospital for Women.

    Malabar Midwives has a unique way of working that promotes flexible and culturally respectful midwifery care, and is available to Aboriginal women and families from anywhere in NSW who seek out the service.

    The midwives work alongside an Aboriginal Health Education Officer in a continuity of midwifery model of care, which supports women getting to know the midwives during their pregnancy journey.

    Four midwives work on a rotating 24-hour roster so women have a known midwife to provide care around the clock. Two midwives in the team are proud Aboriginal women.

    Local community members, Elders, health care professionals and families who have used the Malabar Midwifery Group Practice will be attending celebrations to mark this milestone at the La Perouse Medical Centre at 11:00am on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

    “The Royal Hospital for Women’s Malabar Midwifery Group Practice is an exceptional model of care that other services seeking to establish pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care for Aboriginal women and families can learn from.

    “The service is an outstanding example of the success that can be achieved when health professionals work collaboratively with communities to find the best solutions for their health care needs.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris:

    “Malabar Midwives is an example of how working alongside community can help close the gap to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

    “This successful model of maternal and infant health care for Aboriginal families sets the standard for Aboriginal midwifery initiatives.”

    Quotes attributable to the Member for Maroubra, Michael Daley:

    “Women from all over NSW travel to Sydney to attend Malabar Midwives, which is a testament to the solid reputation the team has developed across Aboriginal communities.

    “I congratulate the Malabar Midwives team on their great success over many years and look forward to them continuing their outstanding service for many years to come.”

    Quotes attributable to Aboriginal Health Worker, Malabar Midwifery Group Practice, Trudy Allende:

    “We know the women and families in this community and are able to support their voice within the health system. It’s an incredibly dedicated team and it’s a tribute to the service to have been around for 18 years.

    “I believe that the team at Malabar Midwives gives our local Aboriginal community the service and care it deserves to support best outcomes for mothers and babies.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Summerland Way back in business

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Summerland Way back in business

    Published: 6 November 2024

    Released by: Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads

    Motorists using Summerland Way will have a safer drive after the completion of two projects between Casino and Woodenbong, funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

    The first project at Stoney Gulley, 9km south of Kyogle, has taken just over three months for workers from Transport for NSW to complete.

    The team excavated unsuitable material and placed rock backfill to repair the slope above a 100m section of road, to stabilise the cuttings and provide a low-maintenance solution.

    The Burnetts Slip project, 52km north along Summerland Way at Dairy Flat, started in May and required similar repairs along a 126m section of road.

    Over the past three months the project team has excavated and installed rock backfill, while also carrying out extensive drainage repairs.

    Work was carried out under single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements which have now been removed.

    Transport for NSW thanks the community and all road users for their patience while this essential flood recovery work was completed.

    Quotes attributed to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

    “Summerland Way is an important route for the Northern Rivers, connecting communities from Kyogle to Casino.

    “We’re helping build the road back as efficiently as possible, and to a more resilient standard.

    “Work is now complete which is excellent news for everyone traveling in the region.”

    Quotes attributed to Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully:

    “Summerland Way is an important secondary transport route that links a number of major towns on the Northern Rivers.

    “This disaster recovery effort will take pressure off the major highways and is the transport lifeline for commuters and primary producers.

    “This work will make a big difference to daily lives of people on the Northern Rivers.”

    Quotes attributed to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

    “Repairing the Summerland Way is great news for the 700 vehicles who use this route every day, of which about 20 per cent are heavy vehicles.

    “This is an important route for locals, visitors and freight operators connecting southern Queensland with northern NSW and I’m sure all who travel along this section of road will be happy to see it’s back in business.”

    Quotes attributed to NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

    “The Summerland Way, an alternate route to the Pacific Highway, is a key rural road for daily commuters, freight carriers and tourists, and these two projects will help make driving conditions safer for all.

    “I congratulate Transport for NSW work gangs on making such great strides to stabilise flood-damaged slopes above both sections of road, reopening the Summerland Way to traffic in both directions.

    “I have a long history with the Summerland Way, securing $50 million from then NSW Minister for Transport Carl Scully to do a substantial upgrade.” 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Child Care Assistance Is Available for South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Child Care Assistance Is Available for South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene

    Child Care Assistance Is Available for South Carolinians Affected by Hurricane Helene

    South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA Child Care Assistance even if they did not have property damage.FEMA may award payment for Child Care Assistance under its Other Needs Assistance program to those with disaster-caused child care expenses following Hurricane Helene. Residents in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation are eligible to apply.Child Care Assistance covers standard child care service fees and/or personal assistance services for children with a disability, as defined by federal law.Assistance may be available for up to eight weeks per child or household, up to a maximum of $150 per child.Eligibility CriteriaFEMA Child Care Assistance addresses disaster-related expenses for eligible households with children aged 13 and under and/or households with children with a disability up to age 21, who need assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring (walking) and continence, and more.Eligibility begins on the date of the incident period for the declared disaster and continues through the end of the 18-month period of assistance unless the time is extended.Child care registration fees and health inventory fees are eligible expenses for applicants who require a new child care service provider.A registration fee is a one-time fee when registering an eligible child with an authorized child care provider.A health inventory fee is a medical office fee for processing required medical paperwork as part of the registration process.To qualify for Child Care Assistance, the general conditions must be met for FEMA Individual Assistance eligibility, and the applicant must have necessary expenses (child care facility damaged or inoperable) caused by the disaster. In addition to meeting the general conditions of eligibility as a direct result of the disaster, households must have a disaster-caused increase in financial burden for child care.The applicant’s gross household income has decreased; orThe applicant’s child care expenses have increased.Households must certify they cannot utilize child care services provided by any other source to qualify for Child Care Assistance. Households must submit documents showing a disaster-caused need for Child Care Assistance and amount of eligible expenses.Documents RequiredPre- and post-disaster gross household income documentation.Pre-disaster receipts, contract, or signed letter from the child care provider for child care expenses.Post-disaster receipts or estimates for child care fees, registration, and/or health inventory fees.A post-disaster child care provider’s license and post-disaster child care contract or agreement.Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), 504 plan, or a medical professional’s statement, if applicable, to verify disability for children up to age 21 who need assistance.A signed, written statement from the applicant.Limitations and ExclusionsIf a child is a member of multiple households, FEMA will only award Child Care Assistance to the primary custodial parent or guardian responsible for child care costs.FEMA will not help with any of the following:Fees for extra-curricular activities, educational services and additional services.Fees not related to the day-to-day child care services provided to the eligible child.Fuel expenses related to transporting the child to and from the child care provider.Medical care or services.Recreational camps or clubs.Households who did not have child care expenses pre-disaster but have incurred or will incur child care expenses because of the disaster may also be eligible, but must meet additional eligibility requirements.For additional information, contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center near you, visit fema.gov/drc.It is not necessary to go to a center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in designated counties can go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app to apply. If you use a relay service, such as video relay, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
    kwei.nwaogu
    Wed, 11/06/2024 – 03:28

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Unlocking Transport Connectivity in the Caucasus and Central Asia

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The geopolitical tensions and economic disruptions unleashed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 created new opportunities and challenges for transport corridors through the Caucasus and Central Asia. The transit complications through routes via the Russian Federation fostered renewed attention to the Middle Corridor and redirected trade flows through many countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) region. However, infrastructural hurdles, supply chain difficulties, gaps in regional integration and connectivity, complex geographies, and high transport costs continue to limit CAREC countries’ ability to fully unlock the potential of a sustained increase in trade and development.

    Unlocking Transport Connectivity in the Caucasus and Central Asia addresses these constraints and explores ways to enhance the efficiency of transport through the Middle Corridor, offering significant economic benefits for the CAREC region. These benefits include boosting cross-border trade, gross domestic product, investment, and employment while reducing transportation costs. However, there are major barriers to infrastructural investment, including the availability and costs of long-term financing, high initial costs, investment shortfalls, high risks, and uncertain benefits.

    The book discusses key developments in transport and trade through the Middle Corridor, focusing on CAREC transport corridor growth, its trade and economic impacts, and the digital, regulatory, infrastructural, and logistical dynamics.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tariffs axed for Aussie farmers exporting to the UAE

    Source: Minister for Trade

    The signing of the Australia – United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) paves the way for the elimination of tariffs on Australia’s key agricultural exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and solidifies both countries’ intent to drive investment in the sector.

    This trade agreement builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s trade wins for Australian farmers, creating new opportunities for exporters to diversify and expand their markets.

    The deal eliminates tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australia’s exports to the UAE, including on key products like meat, dairy, grains and oilseeds, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, horticulture and honey.

    Australian farmers and producers will benefit from an estimated $50 million annually in tariff savings alone.

    Canola seeds are Australia’s largest agriculture export to the UAE, topping $741 million in 2023; and our red meat exports to the UAE were worth over $480 million in 2023.  Australian exporters of these products will receive duty-free access from day one of the deal coming into force.

    The deal establishes modern, flexible and trade-facilitating outcomes with the UAE on rules of origin and commitments for customs procedures. These conditions, combined with the removal of tariffs, create commercially significant benefits for Australian exporters.

    Significantly, the deal contains Australia’s first standalone chapter on sustainable agriculture and food systems. 

    This recognises agriculture’s essential role in ensuring food security and driving climate resilience, emissions reductions and other environmental outcomes, while also ensuring that sustainability measures are not applied with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach or create barriers to trade.  

    The trade and investment package includes an MOU for cooperation in Food and Agriculture investment.   

    Details of the outcomes, including independent modelling and key benefits to agricultural businesses and Australia more broadly are published on the DFAT website: Australia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

    “The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to open up new opportunities for our exporters, farmers, producers and businesses to diversify their markets.

    “The UAE is an important export market for Australian products – it’s our largest market in the Middle East, with two-way trade valued at $9.9 billion in 2023. The UAE also acts a distribution hub for the Gulf region.

    “This is a great deal for Australian farmers and producers – over 99 percent of Australian products will enter the UAE tariff free.

    “This deal means more than just numbers. Every product we export to the world translates to thousands of Australian jobs.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP: 

    “The Australia-UAE FTA is an excellent outcome for the Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector, saving industry $50 million a year.

    “It further enhances market access and diversification opportunities for our producers to an extremely lucrative market, not only in the UAE but across the whole of the Middle East as the UAE is an important trading hub for the region.

    “I am proud to say that it is the first FTA to contain a standalone chapter on sustainable agriculture and food systems, recognising agriculture’s essential role in ensuring food security, driving climate resilience, emissions reductions and other environmental outcomes. It also ensures that sustainability measures are not applied with a “one-size fits all approach” and do not create barriers to trade for our world class agricultural exports.

    “In 2023-24, Australia exported over 70 per cent of its agricultural, fisheries and forestry production to 169 markets globally – the most diversified trade has ever been.  This is thanks to our Government.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Elon Musk’s flood of US election tweets may look chaotic. My data reveals an alarming strategy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Graham, Associate Professor in Digital Media, Queensland University of Technology

    As voting booths in the United States close and the results of the presidential election trickle in, tech billionaire Elon Musk has been posting a flurry of tweets on his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). So too has Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

    At first glance these tweets might appear chaotic and random. But if you take a closer look, you start to see an alarming strategy behind them – one that’s worth paying very close attention to in order to understand the inner workings of the campaign to return Trump to the White House.

    The strategy has two immediate aims. First, to overwhelm the information space and thereby manage attention. Second, to fuel the conspiracy theory that there is a coordinated campaign among Democrats, the media and big tech to steal this election.

    But it’s important to understand that the strategy on X is part of a master strategy of Trump’s campaign: a backup plan in case of a Trump loss, designed to encourage the public to participate in a grand re-wiring of reality via the meta-narrative of widespread voter fraud.

    Overwhelm the information space

    Musk has long been a prominent user of X, even before he became the owner, chief technology officer and executive chairman of the platform.

    But as I reported last week, since he endorsed Trump in July, engagement with his account has seen a sudden and anomalously large increase, raising suspicions as to whether he has tweaked the platform’s algorithms so his content reaches more people.

    This trend has continued in recent days.

    As well as posting on X, earlier today Musk also held a “freeform” live discussion on the platform about the election. It lasted for nearly one and a half hours. Around 1.3 million people tuned in. This is one of many live discussions he has hosted about the election over the past months, including notably with Trump.

    In an information war, everything is about attention management. Platforms are designed to maximise engagement and user attention above and beyond anything else. This core logic of social media is highly exploitable: who controls attention controls the narrative. In Australia, the “Vote No” campaign during last year’s referendum on Indigenous representation in government was a masterclass in attention management.

    By bombarding audiences, journalists, and other key stakeholders with a constant supply of allegations, rumours, conspiracy theories and unverifiable claims, Musk and the Trump campaign eat up all the oxygen of attention. When everyone is focussed on you and what you’re saying, they are distracted from what the other side is saying.

    And Musk and Trump want people to focus on the idea that the election is going to be stolen.

    Fuel the election fraud narrative

    From the beginning of the year, the narrative that the US presidential election is at risk of being defrauded has been steadily gaining steam. But in the past week leading up to election day, it has gone gangbusters.

    For example, starting on October 27, Trump started posting on X using the #TooBigtoRig hashtag. This refers to the idea that Trump will win the election by such a large margin that the result will be incontestable. Up to this point, the #TooBigToRig campaign was driven by Trump supporters. Now, Trump has officially joined – giving it the ultimate legitimacy.

    There has also been a dramatic spike over the last week in posts using similarly themed hashtags such as #ElectionFraud, #ElectionInterference, #VoterFraud and #StopTheSteal.

    Musk himself hasn’t been using these hashtags very much (although replies to him from other users are riddled with them). But he has been posting material that aligns with them. For example, earlier today he retweeted a post which claimed the electronic voting system in the US was insecure. Musk added: “Absolutely”.

    He has also falsely accused Google of encouraging Americans to vote for Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

    And as some early results have started trickling in, Musk has posted about Trump’s odds of winning being nearly 70%.

    “The prophecy has been fulfilled,” Musk wrote.

    Participatory disinformation

    In many ways this has all the hallmarks of participatory disinformation. This concept, developed by computer scientist Kate Starbird and colleagues, explains how both ordinary people as well as politicians and influential actors become active participants in spreading false narratives.

    Unlike the top-down model of propaganda, participatory disinformation describes how grassroots activists and regular people – often with strong convictions and genuine intentions – contribute to spreading and evolving narratives that are not grounded in facts. It is a collaborative feedback loop involving both elite framing of issues and collective sensemaking and “evidence” gathering.

    Before war breaks out, there are clear signs of what’s about to unfold, even if a country publicly denies they are preparing for battle. Blood supplies, troops and weaponry are transported to the border in preparation for an invasion.

    The same thing is at play here, except the weapon is us.

    The flood of tweets by Musk and Trump, in particular, is setting the stage for a full-blown participatory disinformation campaign to undermine the election results.

    Timothy Graham receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) for his Discovery Early Career Researcher Award, ‘Combatting Coordinated Inauthentic Behaviour on Social Media’. He also receives ARC funding for the Discovery Project, ‘Understanding and combatting “Dark Political Communication”‘ (2024–2027).

    – ref. Elon Musk’s flood of US election tweets may look chaotic. My data reveals an alarming strategy – https://theconversation.com/elon-musks-flood-of-us-election-tweets-may-look-chaotic-my-data-reveals-an-alarming-strategy-243021

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 1 Weld Pass to close for truck recovery

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    State Highway 1 Weld Pass will be closed Thursday night (7 November) to allow a crashed truck to be recovered and removed.

    The truck crash occurred before five am on Wednesday morning – the vehicle overturned and went down a bank south of Blenheim on Weld Pass.

    Crash site, SH1 Weld Pass

    Heavy lifting and heavy towing equipment will be needed to recover the vehicle, and trailer. Its load also has to be removed.

    Because of the crash location and the road’s narrowness, a full road closure is necessary to complete the recovery work.

    State Highway 1 will be closed between Blenheim and Seddon from seven pm to five am. There will be one opening at midnight to let queued traffic through, and then the road will be closed again.

    Access through Weld Pass will be available for emergency services at all times, and the highway will be reopened earlier if the crash site is cleared ahead of schedule. Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

    It is recommended drivers detour via the inland route – SH7 to Springs Junction, SH65/SH6 Murchison/Kawatiri Junction, and SH63 St Arnaud/Wairau Valley.

    This significantly longer route adds over 90 minutes to travel times between Christchurch and Blenheim. Drivers must factor this into their travel plans, especially those with Picton Ferry connections.

    For safety reasons, this vehicle must be removed as soon as possible. NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks the public for their patience and understanding while this crash scene is cleared.

    Detour map

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ18: Promoting the development of low-altitude economy

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

          ​Following is a question by the Hon Elizabeth Quat and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):Question:     Low-altitude economy is one of the country’s strategic emerging industries, and the 2024 Policy Address has proposed to establish the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy to formulate strategies and interdepartmental action plans for the development of low-altitude economy. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) whether the Government will set up research and development (R&D)-cum-test flight bases for low-altitude economic technologies in Hong Kong, so as to actively promote R&D and application certification of drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts, including conducting studies on how to design vertical take-off and landing points, how to ensure aviation safety of drones and eVTOL aircrafts in airways of narrow urban area or structurally complex landscape, the related automated flight technologies, remote control flight design, etc.;(2) as there are views pointing out that radio mobile communication network is indispensable for promoting low-altitude economic activities, whether the Government will, in respect of the planning of dedicated spectrum resources for low-altitude communications, advance discussions with telecommunications operators on the licensing arrangements for fifth generation (5G)/sixth generation (6G) mobile services radio base stations, and make planning for the allocation of dedicated spectrum resources for low-altitude communications towards building a low-altitude intelligent network;(3) whether the Government will assist telecommunications operators in advancing the testing and construction of the relevant ancillary network facilities, and formulate supporting policies (e.g. tax concessions) to encourage the early construction of a low-altitude intelligent network by telecommunications operators, including (i)‍ expediting the integration of various technologies such as 5G and 5G-Advanced (i.e. 5G-A with new enhanced capabilities such as integrated sensing and communication), BeiDou Navigation Satellite ‍System, satellite interconnection network, automatic dependant‍ surveillance-broadcast system, radar, etc., (ii) improving the‍ construction of an ancillary facilities network in respect of‍ low-‍altitude communications, navigation, surveillance, identification, meteorology, counter-drone, etc., and (iii) achieving interconnection with the relevant platforms in Guangdong Province and collating sensory data of various regions, so as to progressively build a comprehensive central low-altitude intelligent network serving the entire Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA);(4) as there are views that the development of low-altitude economy hinges on talents in different fields (including interdisciplinary talents in aviation, law, finance and engineering), whether the Government will estimate the number of talents required in different fields, conduct studies on the formulation of unified professional standards (including the certification standards of software and hardware, as well as the arrangements for mutual recognition of licences of the relevant professionals in GBA), and provide the relevant training;(5) as there are views pointing out that low altitude-international civil aviation intermodal transport is a cost-‍effective and convenient mode of travelling, and Mainland residents can fly to urban areas in Hong Kong or directly to the airport from in-town take-off and landing points in other Mainland GBA cities by helicopters or eVTOL aircrafts before making use of the frequents flights departing from Hong Kong to travel to places all over the world, while travellers from all over the world can use Hong Kong as a hub to travel to and from other Mainland GBA cities by helicopters or eVTOL aircrafts, and Hong Kong residents can also travel to and from urban areas in the Mainland via take-off and landing points in the urban areas of Hong Kong, whether the Government will conduct studies to improve the policy on low altitude traffic rights in GBA and enhance the utilization grouping of air traffic rights, including establishing low-altitude transport agreements with the relevant Mainland authorities, negotiating the extension of the existing civil aviation traffic rights to low-altitude airspace, and drawing up co-location or joint boundary control arrangement for low-altitude intercity transport, with a view to establishing such intermodal transport; and(6) as it is learnt that the Shenzhen Municipal Plan for Constructing High-quality Taking-off/Landing Facilities for Low-altitude Flying ‍(2024-2025) published by the Shenzhen Development and Reform ‍Commission has proposed the construction of more than 1 ‍000 ‍low-‍altitude aircraft take-off and landing platforms and 123‍ new‍ take-off and landing points for logistic transportation by the end of 2025, and that the Implementation Plan for Low-altitude Economic Development in Guangzhou Province issued by the People’s‍ Government of Guangzhou Province has also proposed the construction of more than five new hub-type vertical take-off and landing ports and more than 100 new regular take-off and landing points by 2027, and it has been reported that at present, there are 30, 8 and 11 national general aviation airports in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai respectively, whether the Government will draw reference from the experience of the aforesaid cities in planning the construction of general aviation airports as well as take-off and landing points for low-altitude aircrafts and logistic transportation in Hong Kong; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?Reply:President,     Low-altitude economy (LAE), with its great potentials, can be applied widely in different areas and help promote the development of various industries, thereby injecting new impetus into Hong Kong’s economy. In the 2024 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced the work direction for promoting the development of LAE, including the establishment of the Working Group on Developing LAE (the Working Group) led by the Deputy Financial Secretary to formulate development strategies and action plans. The Government will commence work on various fronts to press ahead with the promotion of LAE as one of the growth engines of new quality productive forces.     In consultation with the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, the Development Bureau, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA), the reply to Hon Elizabeth Quat’s question is as follows:(1) and (6) Promoting the development of LAE requires coordination of different policies, among which the development of infrastructure is of paramount importance. In the long run, the vibrant development of low-altitude activities requires a highly efficient, intelligent and digitalised low‑altitude infrastructure system to manage the networks of low‑altitude activities in real time and address the complex management and safety issues arising from low-altitude flying activities. Therefore, the Working Group will embark on technical studies and planning for low-altitude infrastructure. The scope of studies include the design of take-off/ landing points and related hardware facilities (including charging facilities, spatial requirements), air route network, communications network, signal reception of the global navigation satellite system, requirements of the low-altitude surveillance system, etc.      We note that some Mainland cities are planning to develop take-off/ landing point networks for low-altitude aircraft, with a view to facilitating different low-altitude flying activities. The Working Group will continue to closely monitor and make reference to the latest development in Mainland cities in respect of infrastructural development for LAE, and deploy relevant planning in Hong Kong according to local conditions. We are of the view that large-scale land creation projects such as the Northern Metropolis are well-positioned to provide sufficient land and design flexibility to cope with the land and spatial requirements of the infrastructural needs arising from LAE. In terms of specific town planning, facilities related to LAE such as vertiports and charging facilities can generally be accommodated under the permitted uses of the relevant zoning or their ancillary uses. In addition, even for developed areas, having regard to the economic development potentials and demand for LAE in the area, the Government will make feasible and pragmatic arrangements accordingly. The overall development of low-altitude infrastructure is a huge systematic project. The Working Group will co-ordinate the work of different bureaux and departments to ensure that the relevant work complements one another.      As regards the promotion of technological research and development (R&D) in LAE, the Government has all along been supporting R&D in different technology areas through the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), including supporting local universities, R&D centres and enterprises to conduct R&D in electronics, data transfer and processing, which are related to LAE, through funding schemes under ITF. To promote the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) industry, the Government encourages enterprises (including those involved in industries related to LAE) to set up R&D centres and new smart production lines in Hong Kong, including enabling production activities by capitalising on resources of Hong Kong’s existing manufacturing industry, to promote the development of the real economy. (2) and (3) Among the various infrastructure facilities, mobile radio communications network is inevitably an indispensable part for promoting low-altitude flying activities. To promote the effective use of spectrum and prevent interference among different services, the Communications Authority (CA) takes into account multiple factors in planning spectrum, including recommendations of the International Telecommunication Union, development trends in the Mainland and worldwide, relevant users’ demand for various radio equipment, technological development etc., for designating the uses of relevant spectrum bands, such as public mobile services, fixed services, broadcasting services and fixed satellite services. At present, unmanned aircrafts for aerial photography or performances can generally use the shared 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands assigned for wireless local area networks, or the fourth generation (4G) or fifth generation (5G) mobile networks for remote control, data transmission, and positioning purposes.     The Government will conduct two spectrum auctions in November 2024 and another one in 2025. The spectrum concerned can effectively support the operation of unmanned aircrafts. The OFCA will continue to closely monitor telecommunications market developments in the Mainland and worldwide, including the feasibility of planning dedicated spectrum bands for the exclusive use of unmanned aircrafts, so as to ensure that the spectrum planning in Hong Kong will align with the Mainland and other advanced economies, thereby promoting the development of LAE activities in Hong Kong.     On the development of mobile network, the Government has been implementing different initiatives to encourage mobile network operators (MNOs) to expand their communications infrastructure, including enabling MNOs to access the reserved space in specified buildings with building plans approved on or after April 1, 2025 to install and maintain mobile communications facilities through the amendment to the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106) (TO), proactively facilitating MNOs in installing radio base stations (RBSs) at government premises through pilot scheme, reserving space and loading capacity on multi-functional smart lampposts in various districts for installation of RBSs by MNOs, improving mobile coverage in remote and rural areas through subsidy scheme and actively coordinating 5G network capacity expansion at major public event venues, etc. In addition, under the amended Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112) which came into effect in January this year, MNOs can enjoy tax deductions for spectrum utilisation fees payable on radio spectrum acquired in future, providing greater incentives for MNOs to participate in spectrum auctions and invest in mobile network infrastructure to further improve network quality.     On conducting tests, CA will issue permits pursuant to section 7E of the TO for short-term assignment of spectrum in different frequency bands to MNOs and other interested parties free of charge, so that they can use their radio equipment for various radio transmission tests and applications, including unmanned aircrafts.      In the meantime, the Government will take forward the regulatory sandbox pilot projects progressively starting from early next year to explore more application scenarios for low-altitude flying activities. The pilot projects will be conducted under different scenarios to test various technical and ancillary facilities requirements, including the mobile radio communications network, signal reception of the global navigation satellite system and requirements of the low-altitude surveillance system, etc. The experience and data gathered from the implementation of pilot projects will help the Government formulate appropriate infrastructure system and related network supporting facilities in the long run. The Government will also continue to closely monitor and make reference to the latest developments in the Mainland, worldwide and other developed regions, drawing reference from the experience of other places to ensure that the infrastructure and ancillary facilities to be built will be compatible with those in the Mainland and worldwide. (4) The development of LAE requires talents in various fields, including those engaging in industries such as I&T. In respect of I&T talents, the Government has been adopting a multi-pronged approach to enlarging the local I&T talent pool. For example, regarding the nurturing of I&T talents, the Government launched the STEM Internship Scheme and sponsored the Innovation and Technology Scholarship, which encourage university students to experience I&T-related work and take part in in I&T-related exchange activities respectively. The Government also launches different schemes to assist the youth in pursuing a career in I&T after graduation. For example, through the Research Talent Hub, the Government funds qualified institutions and enterprises to recruit university graduates of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to conduct R&D work. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and Cyberport also provide the youth with internship and start-up opportunities through various schemes. In order to facilitate talent admission to Hong Kong, the Technology Talent Admission Scheme handles applications that involve the admission of non-local talent to undertake R&D work in Hong Kong expeditiously, covering 14 technology areas. While taking forward the development of LAE, the Government will review the talents required by the relevant industries and make timely planning accordingly. (5) The Government and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) expanded the Memorandum of Understanding under the Air Services Arrangement between the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2019, under which designated helicopter operators of both sides may operate flights between take-off/ landing points in Hong Kong and within the whole Guangdong Province that fulfill relevant customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) arrangements. This greatly enhances the choice of potential take-off/ landing points and the flexibility of services, providing a solid basis for expanding cross-boundary helicopter services between Hong Kong and other cities in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. Hong Kong and Guangdong will continue to explore measures to promote cross-boundary commercial helicopter services within the framework of the above-mentioned air services arrangement. The Transport and Logistics Bureau will also maintain close communication with CAAC on the relevant air services arrangement.     At present, there are two cross-boundary heliports in Hong Kong with permanent CIQ facilities, namely the cross-boundary heliports at the rooftop of the Sheung Wan Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal and the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Since 2019, serveral Mainland helicopter operators conducted trial flights between Hong Kong and Shenzhen/ Guangzhou. Relevant services are technically and operationally feasible. The Government will continue to facilitate the trial flight activities carried out by the helicopter operators, with a view to implementing cross-boundary helicopter services between Hong Kong and Guangdong as soon as possible. In addition, HKIA launched the Business Jet & Commercial Flight Wing-to-Wing Transfer Service in March this year, which allows passengers arriving at HKIA using cross-boundary helicopters and business jets to directly proceed to transfer to commercial flights under the escort of staff within the airside area, and vice versa. As the service can save about one-third of the transit time for travellers, it will help promote their use of cross-boundary helicopter services and transit through HKIA. The Government will continue to closely monitor the development and market demand of cross-boundary helicopter services and the services of other Advanced Air Mobility, and review the development of relevant facilities in a timely manner.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Opinion piece: Farming Power games squeeze the little guys

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Many Australian markets are dominated by a few big firms. Worse, over recent decades, market concentration has increased.

    A lack of competition doesn’t just harm consumers; it can also hurt businesses that have to deal with monopolies.

    Small‑scale farmers are the meat in a market concentration sandwich. Upstream, there is often no choice about dealing with large‑scale providers on inputs. Downstream, there is often no choice about negotiating with larger processors and retailers.

    In a new analysis, I study the competition squeeze on Australia’s farmers. For many commodities, there are a diverse range of farmers, making farming itself quite competitive. But that isn’t true of the markets where farmers buy their inputs and sell their outputs.

    A common way of measuring concentration is to look at the market share of the top 4 firms. When it comes to the inputs farmer buy, these markets can be heavily concentrated. In fertiliser manufacturing, the biggest 4 firms have 62 per cent of the market. In hardware and building supplies, the top 4 have 49 per cent of the market. For garden supplies, the leading 4 have 33 per cent.

    Downstream, farmers deal with concentrated markets for freight, processing and retailing. In rail freight, the largest 4 firms have a market share of 64 per cent. In shipping, the top 2 have 85 per cent.

    In fruit and vegetable processing, the big 4 have 34 per cent of the market. For meat processing, the top 4 have 44 per cent of the market. The 2 major supermarkets have two‑thirds of the market.

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

    A few examples show how market concentration hurts farmers. When it comes to seeds, the US Department of Agriculture found last year that the sector ‘has become highly integrated with agricultural chemicals and more concentrated, with fewer and larger firms dominating supply’. In the 3 decades from 1990 to 2020, the average seed price quadrupled.

    Or take wine.

    There are many wine growers, but few wine makers. A wine grape market study completed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that the largest 1 per cent of winemakers accounted for over 80 per cent of wine production. In winemakers’ dealings with grape growers, the ACCC raised questions about slow payment times and a lack of transparency.

    Beef markets have problems too. In a market study, the ACCC found evidence that conflicts of interest regularly arise in saleyard transactions when buyers bid for livestock on behalf of multiple clients, and when agents represent both a cattle seller and a cattle buyer in the same transaction.

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

    As for supermarkets, a report from the House of Representatives Economics Committee, chaired by Daniel Mulino MP, summed up the problem crisply: ‘Many agricultural suppliers are at risk of that power imbalance being used to negotiate outcomes that affect profitability and, therefore, the capacity and willingness to invest.’

    Our Labor government is committed to ensuring farmers get a better deal.

    First, a few months after winning office, we passed legislation banning unfair contract terms. These tougher laws were important last year, when the ACCC investigated complaints about fertiliser companies using contracts in a way that could disadvantage farmers.

    Contract terms allegedly gave larger suppliers the right to unilaterally vary the quantity delivered or to terminate the agreement and restricted buyers from raising issues about defects. Fertiliser suppliers co‑operated and changed the contract terms to address the ACCC’s concerns.

    Second, we’re making the Food and Grocery Code mandatory, with Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and Metcash subject to million‑dollar penalties for serious breaches.

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

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

    Third, Treasurer Jim Chalmers directed the ACCC to undertake a 12‑month inquiry into supermarkets. The interim report highlighted concerns from fresh produce suppliers about information asymmetries, power imbalances and specific practices that have enabled supermarkets to transfer disproportionate risk and cost onto suppliers.

    In the next phase of the inquiry, the ACCC will undertake 14 case studies to examine supermarket profit margins and how profits are distributed in the supply chain. It will hand a final report to the government in February 2025.

    Fourth, we recently appointed former competition minister Craig Emerson to lead an independent impact analysis of the wine and grape sector’s regulatory options. Dr Emerson’s report will examine fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation.

    Fifth, we have announced the most significant reforms to merger settings in almost 50 years. The proposed reforms will make Australia’s merger approval system faster, stronger, simpler, targeted and more transparent.

    Sixth, the Albanese government is working with state and territories to revitalise National Competition Policy. The original National Competition Policy underpinned a generation of growth from the 1990s. We are aiming to strike agreement with states and territories for the next phase of reforms by the end of the year.

    A lack of competition across Australia’s agricultural supply chains is bad for small‑scale farmers. It can mean higher prices for inputs and lower prices for outputs. Power imbalances in negotiating contracts. A lack of transparency around prices. Farmers can find themselves at the mercy of both monopoly power and its evil twin, monopsony power.

    It isn’t just farmers who are squeezed. A lack of competition has long‑term consequences for Australia’s economic and environmental sustainability and profitability. That’s why our government is focused on practical solutions to improve Australia’s competition settings. To make things fairer for farmers, and fairer for families.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An innovative method for cleaning wells from plugs was patented at Novosibirsk State University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Employees Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization of Novosibirsk State University (CTTC NSU) together with colleagues Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU patented two innovative methods for cleaning wells from asphalt-resin-paraffin deposits (ARPD), which are formed during the operation of wells. In the first version, cleaning is carried out with the help of service companies, while oil workers can use the second method themselves.

    Almost all Russian companies periodically face the need to remove heavy oil fraction deposits from wells, which significantly complicate the extraction of oil and gas.

    The standard method involves immersing a heating device into the well, which is connected to a special power cable and melts the plug like a boiler, but it requires a long supply of high current to heat it up. This technology requires the use of extremely expensive equipment, which is practically no longer supplied to our country today.

    The solutions patented by NSU are based on a burner created by Professor of the Hydrodynamics Department of the MMF NSU, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Sergey Sukhinin and a chemical composition for it, which provides a combustion mode that effectively removes deposits without damaging the pipe itself. We have previously talked about this invention, and now ready-to-use technologies based on it have been patented.

    — The first solution is designed for service companies, it involves immersing a burner into a well on a regular geophysical cable, which is often used when working at oil and gas fields and is always available. This significantly reduces the cost and simplifies the cleaning procedure. In the second version of the technology, instead of a cable, special rods are immersed into the well, which ignite upon reaching the required depth and burn out the plug. Oil producing companies can use this method themselves, — said Deputy Director of the NSU CTTC, PhD in Engineering Andrey Savchenko.

    Patented technologies also have other advantages over known technical solutions. The combustion temperature is calculated in such a way as to guarantee the burning of paraffins that have formed the plug, and the combustion itself is directed downwards in the well so that the combustion products rise up together with the gases from the well. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation where the melted plug thickens again in another section of the well (which periodically happens with standard cleaning methods), forcing oil workers to repeat the procedure again. This is especially important when it comes to removing extended plugs, which can be tens and hundreds of meters long.

    — Today, the technology has already attracted great interest, both its variants, both for service and for the mining companies themselves, including quite large players in this market. And now we are negotiating pilot projects for its testing in real conditions, — summed up Andrey Savchenko.

    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.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RGA Statement on Montana Gubernatorial Election

    Source: US Republican Governors Association

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Governors Association Chair and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement congratulating Governor Greg Gianforte on his re-election victory in Montana:

    “Governor Greg Gianforte has delivered win after win to the people of Montana, from lower taxes and record job creation to safe streets and neighborhoods. Governor Gianforte’s experience as a businessman and entrepreneur allows him to lead Montana into the future while protecting the Montana way of life.

    “The RGA is proud to congratulate Governor Gianforte on his re-election victory and looks forward to supporting his continued efforts to keep Montana on the path of prosperity.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple’s $1.5 billion deal with Globalstar will change direct-to-device satellite game, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Apple’s $1.5 billion deal with Globalstar will change direct-to-device satellite game, says GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    Following the news that Apple plans to invest $1.1 billion in satellite communications company Globalstar alongside a further $400 million for a 20% equity stake in the business;

    Emma Mohr-McClune, Chief Analyst, Technology at GlobalData, offers her view:

    “According to GlobalData, this prospective deal packs a competitive punch for virtually all corners of the connectivity market ecosystem, from carriers to OEMs. This is arguably the largest and most significant consumer OEM low Earth orbit (LEO) deal to date, and the arrangement puts Apple in a clear leading position among western OEMs for extended direct and mass-market voice satellite texting and even calling services for both emergency and remote use cases.

    “In addition to continuing to allocate 85% of its network capacity to Apple, Globalstar will use the $1.1 billion in preservice payments to deliver a new satellite service constellation, expanded ground infrastructure, and increased global mobile satellite services (MSS) licensing. The new arrangement represents a significant expansion of an earlier 2022 deal, which first gave iPhone 14 users access to Globalstar’s 31 L-band satellites for emergency text services – a service which has since been extended to remote or off-grid use cases with iOS 18.

    “The Apple-Globalstar arrangement also lowers the incentive for mobile network operators to strike their own deals with satellite providers for connectivity. There is now no doubt that Apple iPhone users are likely to have faster, readier access to more sophisticated and extended D2D use case services regardless of their wireless connectivity provider.

    “It can no longer be claimed that Apple has no interest in the connectivity business. On the downside, Apple’s B2C direct monetization plans for this investment are still hazy, and premium plans are likely still several quarters out. The OEM will probably continue to offer free satellite communications services with iPhone hardware in the short term, or at least until the end of 2025 for iPhone 14 users under the terms of the recent one-year extension on the original two-year free inclusive offer.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct Overnight Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on November 06, 2024

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on November 06, 2024, Wednesday, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor
    (day)    		 Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 75,000 1 11:15 AM to 11:45 AM November 07, 2024
    (Thursday)

    2. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1435

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Only 25% of older Queenslanders are aware of the risks heatwaves put on their health – new study

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mehak Oberai, Senior Research Assistant, Ethos Project, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University

    Los Muertos Crew/Pexels

    Parts of Australia are currently facing extreme heat, with high temperatures set to continue over the coming days.

    Though it’s unclear exactly what the upcoming summer will bring, climate change means Australian summers are getting hotter. Even this year in August we saw temperatures around 40°C in parts of the country.

    Heatwaves aren’t just uncomfortable – they can be deadly. Health emergencies related to extreme heat place significant strain on our health-care systems, with data showing increased ambulance callouts and hospital presentations during these periods.

    Although heatwaves can affect everyone, older adults are particularly at risk. But our new research has found older Queenslanders don’t necessarily believe heat poses a risk to their health. And this affects how they respond to emergency warnings.

    Older people and the heat

    Ageing brings physiological changes, including reduced ability to regulate body temperature, which can put older people at increased risk of issues such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

    Heat exposure can also worsen the symptoms of existing conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease or kidney disease, which are more common in older people.

    The risk is even more pronounced for older people who live in poor quality housing, are economically disadvantaged, or are socially isolated.

    A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that, of 2,150 hospitalisations due to extreme heat between 2019 and 2022, 37% were among people aged 65 and older (who make up around 16% of the population).

    So there’s an urgent need to prioritise the health of older Australians as the country braces for more intense and prolonged heatwaves in the future.

    When the weather is hot, older people are at greater risk of health complications.
    Kleber Cordeiro/Shutterstock

    Early warning systems

    As we’ve learned more about the risks of heatwaves, there’s been an increased focus on developing population-based early warning systems. These systems play a crucial role in encouraging people to adopt heat-protective behaviours such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous physical activity when temperatures are high, and wearing loose or light clothing.

    Queensland is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to heatwaves. Since 2015, heatwave warnings have been part of the state’s heatwave subplan, which sets out strategies for managing and mitigating the impacts of extreme heat events.

    These warnings involve alerts about upcoming high temperatures, and advice on staying cool. They come as notifications through the Bureau of Meterology’s weather app or via media outlets or social media. However, it’s not clear whether these warnings are reaching those most at risk.

    As part of a broader project on extreme heat and older people, we surveyed 547 Queenslanders aged 65 and over to understand their perceptions of heat risks and to determine if heatwave warnings were reaching them.

    We also wanted to know what factors influence how they receive and respond to these warnings, with a view to understanding how we can improve heatwave warnings for this group.

    What we found

    Only 25% of respondents were aware of the potential consequences of heatwaves on their health. The majority of participants (80%) perceived themselves to be at lower risk compared to others of their age group. This aligns with previous heat-health research which has similarly found older adults often don’t perceive heat as a personal risk.

    While most of the sample (87%) reported having one or more chronic health conditions, 30% were unaware having a chronic health condition increased their vulnerability to heatwaves.

    Several cultural and personal factors may explain why older people don’t think heat poses a danger to them. In Australia, heat is typically seen as a normal and even positive part of life. Heat risk messages are often less urgent than warnings for other natural disasters.

    Previous research has also shown older people tend not to think heat poses a risk to their health.
    Miguel AF/Shutterstock

    We also found nearly half of respondents had not heard a heatwave warning. Of those who had, roughly half took actions to keep themselves cool.

    What stood out from our analysis was that participants’ awareness and actions in response to heatwave warnings were significantly influenced by their knowledge and perceptions of heat risks. Factors such as age, gender and education were not so important.

    Respondents who believed they were at risk were almost twice as likely to hear the warnings, and 3.6 times more likely to take heat protective actions.

    This aligns with other research that highlights the correlation between heat-health risk perception and the efficacy of heatwave warnings.

    One limitation of our research is that we conducted the survey in 2022 during and following a La Nina period, where temperatures are usually lower. So there may have been fewer heatwave warnings throughout the season, potentially reducing participants’ perceptions of heat health risks.

    What needs to change?

    With another hot summer likely ahead, we need to rethink how we communicate about heatwaves. These are more than just hot days. We need to recognise heatwaves as a serious health risk, especially for older people, and effectively communicate that risk to the public.

    This might include using primary health-care professionals such as GPs, nurses and pharmacists to share heat-health information with older patients and their family members, or developing personalised heat action plans for the summer period.

    Text message alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology, along with app notifications, could be a good idea considering some older adults may not have a smartphone or be open to using apps.

    To improve heatwave communication, we also need to explore the barriers and facilitators to heat protective behaviours. This includes considering structural factors (such as housing design), environmental factors (for example, access to shade and cool refuges), individual factors (such as financial constraints or health conditions) and social factors (such as access to family and community support).

    Strengthening communication around heatwaves and health will not only protect individual wellbeing but enhance community resilience as extreme heat continues to affect our lives.

    Mehak Oberai is a Senior Research Assistant working on Ethos project and is also a member of the AAG (Australian Association of Gerontology) Student & Early Career Working Group.

    Ella Jackman is a PhD Candidate at Griffith University and a Research Assistant for the Queensland Heat Health Community of Practice (QHHCoP) and the Ethos Project.

    Shannon Rutherford co-leads the Climate Action Beacon Griffith University funded, Queensland Heat Health Community of Practice and receives funding from Wellcome and NEMA. She is an affiliate member of the HEAL network

    Steven Baker and Zhiwei Xu do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Only 25% of older Queenslanders are aware of the risks heatwaves put on their health – new study – https://theconversation.com/only-25-of-older-queenslanders-are-aware-of-the-risks-heatwaves-put-on-their-health-new-study-238875

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: The territories of the city’s MCD stations are being improved according to a single standard

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A unified standard for accessibility of city railway stations on the Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) is being introduced in the capital. Sergei Sobyanin spoke about this in his blog.

    “Any trip on the metro or MCD begins with leaving the house. A good pedestrian path. A fast bus route with stops as close to the entrance as possible. Convenient parking or a drop-off point for taxi and personal car passengers. Bright street lighting, a cozy little square or park next to the station, where you can wait for your wife or daughter late at night — these “little things” make up the impression of the trip. And they directly affect the desire of city residents to use public transport. Perhaps this has already been forgotten, but in 2011 we began our transport program by cleaning up and improving the area around the city’s main train stations and metro stations,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    After the opening of the MCD, work began to make the route from residential areas to Moscow’s ground-level metro stations comfortable and safe. It is being carried out according to a single city standard, which provides for the reorganization of public transport routes, improvement of pedestrian accessibility, and the creation of a high-quality urban environment in the immediate vicinity of MCD stations.

    An example of a station where the new standard has already been implemented is Sanino MCD-4 in TiNAO.

    “Until recently, the only way to get to the city station was on foot along a forest path. Ground transportation did not stop near the station at all. Today, you can get to the Moscow city station Sanino MCD-4 on foot, by car or by public transport. A turning circle has been created for buses, modern waiting pavilions have been installed at the entrance to the station, and new routes have been organized. Pedestrian crossings are equipped with contrasting lighting,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

    Not far from Sanino there is another Moscow city railway station – Kokoshkino. To get to it by the shortest route, residents of the new quarters used popular paths. Inconveniently located stops, lack of parking – all this also significantly complicated daily trips.

    Thanks to the extension of the road and the well-thought-out planning of the territory, a new direct pedestrian and car route was created. Public transport stops were placed 10 meters from the entrance to the city station. A quick drop-off zone for taxis and private cars was organized. In addition, intercepting parking lots were equipped.

    Wide sidewalks with safe crossings across the roadway now lead to residential areas. A small green park has been created near residential buildings.

    Among the unique projects implemented is Poklonnaya MCD-4. As a result, the new city station became a link between the Ramenki and Dorogomilovo districts.

    For this purpose, a pedestrian bridge was built across the railway tracks and stairways leading to General Dorokhov Avenue, General Yermolov Street and the nature reserve in the Setun River valley.

    Now residents of Pudovkina Street and 2nd Mosfilmovsky Lane, who just a few years ago had only one metro station, Kievskaya, which they had to get to by bus for about half an hour, can use the new Poklonnaya station of the MCD-4 and Park Pobedy of the Solntsevskaya and Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya metro lines.

    Sergei Sobyanin added that work is currently underway to improve accessibility at several more stations: Shcherbinka MCD-2, Kosina MCD-3, as well as Solnechnaya, Kuskova, Begovaya MCD-4. The first stage of work has been completed near the Serp i Molot station of the fourth Moscow Central Diameter. In 2025, improvements there will continue as part of the second stage.

    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://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11982050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ2: Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme
    LCQ2: Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme
    ***************************************

         Following is a question by the Hon Jimmy Ng and a reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (November 6): Question:      The Government has earlier on launched a three-year “Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme” (the Scheme), under which a total funding of $30‍ million has been earmarked for application by clansmen associations to organise activities promoting hometown culture. It has been reported that the Scheme has received overwhelming responses, and that the Home Affairs Department received 213 applications from 110 clansmen associations this year, of which 39 were approved with funding of about $10 million. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the respective themes of the funded hometown cultural activities; whether it has estimated the number of participants in such activities; if so, of the details; (2) whether it will expand the scope of the subsidy under the Scheme to assist clansmen associations in organizing more activities of different types, so as to promote the vast and profound Chinese culture and enhance public understanding of the latest developments in various provinces and municipalities of the motherland; and (3) whether it will extend the implementation period of the Scheme or even regularise it; whether it will introduce more schemes to help promote clansmen culture; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply:President,      Clansmen associations have a long history in Hong Kong, most of which were established by their ancestors who came to Hong Kong in the early days for development and then settled in, with a view to uniting and serving their fellow clansmen as well as promoting solidarity and mutual support amongst them. The associations play a bridging role between their fellow clansmen and hometowns. They have brought the culture of their hometowns to Hong Kong, enabling different hometown cultures and customs to converge here and make Hong Kong unique.      Being steadfast patriots supporting the country and Hong Kong, clansmen associations have effectively forged cohesion among clansmen who love the country, Hong Kong and their hometowns through their vast social networks and unique geographical backgrounds. They provide resolute support for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in implementing “one country, two systems”, promoting the development of Hong Kong, and fostering social harmony and stability. They are reliable and staunch partners of the HKSAR Government and a constructive force driving Hong Kong’s development.      Clansmen associations have been supporting the work of the HKSAR Government in many areas. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, clansmen associations volunteered to donate supplies and mobilise fellow clansmen to collaborate with the Government in fighting the epidemic. On the improvement of the electoral system of Hong Kong, clansmen associations’ active support and participation helped ensure that the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” was fully implemented.  Clansmen associations also strongly supported the improving of district governance, the election of District Councils and the formation of Care Teams.      In terms of activities, clansmen associations have been organising various clansmen cultural promotion, caring and exchange programmes to promote exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in different aspects, with a view to enhancing mutual communication and deepening the friendship between the people as well as fostering the inheritance of fine traditional Chinese culture.      To deepen the public’s understanding of and sense of belonging to their hometowns, thereby fostering the spirit of loving the motherland, Hong Kong and their hometowns; as well as to recognise and strengthen the longstanding efforts of patriotic clansmen associations, the Chief Executive announced in his 2023 Policy Address the launch of the “Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme” (the Scheme) for a period of three years. In the three consecutive financial years starting from 2024-25, an annual provision of $10 million (i.e. totalling $30 million) is earmarked for application by clansmen associations to subsidise their organisation of activities to promote and preserve hometown culture, unite clansmen in Hong Kong and facilitate exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland.      The Home Affairs Department (HAD) began accepting funding applications for the 2024-25 financial year under the Scheme in April this year. Within a one-month application period, a total of 213 applications from 110 clansmen associations were received. By the end of May, the HAD completed the vetting process and approved 39 applications, taking into consideration factors such as the reputation and experience of the applying organisations, as well as the content of their activities and plans. The total amount of subsidy granted is about $10 million.      In response to the questions raised by the Hon Jimmy Ng, the replies are as follows: (1) A wide variety of projects were approved in the first year of the Scheme, which included activities for promoting hometown culture and heritage (e.g. hometown markets, cultural festivals), uniting fellow clansmen in Hong Kong (e.g. home visits, organising volunteer work) and promoting exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland (e.g. parent-child heritage tours, youth exchange programmes). From early June to end-October 2024, a total of 20 approved projects were completed, with over 220 000 people participated.      For specific events, for example, the “Clansmen Associations Hometown Market Carnival” jointly organised by 28 clansmen associations at Victoria Park for five days in early June attracted approximately 200 000 visitors. The “Min-Kong Youth Maritime Silk Road Cultural Exchange Tour” and the “Hong Kong-Macao Youth Zhejiang Tour” organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations and the United Zhejiang Residents Associations respectively in July were participated by a total of about 1 000 young people to promote youth exchange between Hong Kong and the Mainland. The Federation of HK Guangxi Community Organisations and the Hong Kong Federation of Hainan Community Organisations held the “Cultural Celebration for National Day” and the “Hainan and Kowloon City Brilliant Night” carnivals in September respectively, engaging over 10 000 participants in promoting hometown culture. In September and October, the Federation of Hong Kong Beijing Organisations organised the “Thank You for Being There – Hand in Hand to Warm Hearts” event, where volunteer teams formed by its fellow clansmen visited grassroots families of about 1 000 people. From September to December, the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organisations is conducting the “Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage in Schools” programme to host cultural workshops in various primary and secondary schools. It is expected that nearly 1 000 students and parents will be engaged. (2) The scope of projects subsidised under the Scheme is wide. Any locally registered clansmen associations with good reputation and track record; which have all along been committed to promoting hometown culture and fostering exchanges between Hong Kong and hometowns in order to promote the spirit of loving the motherland, Hong Kong and hometowns; and with experience in organising relevant activities, are eligible to apply for subsidy under the Scheme. The subsidy can be used for funding various types of relevant activities such as those for promoting and preserving hometown culture, uniting clansmen in Hong Kong and facilitating exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland. There is no restriction on the form of the activities, as long as they are non-profit-making in nature and in line with the objectives of the Scheme.      Apart from the Scheme, the HAD and the 18 District Offices have been collaborating with clansmen associations and various district organisations from time to time to foster community building, while promoting Chinese culture and enhancing public understanding of the country. For example, the HAD co-organised with 28 provincial clansmen associations the “Bazaar Carnival in celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” (the Bazaar) from October 25 to 29 at Sha Tin Park. It provided a total of 75 market stalls offering a wide variety of local snacks, specialties and traditional crafts, showcasing the unique culinary and cultural traditions of different provinces and cities. The Bazaar also staged diverse cultural performances such as traditional ethnic dances, acrobatics, folk songs, as well as free screenings of patriotic-themed movies and cultural introductions of various provinces, enabling the public to experience the diverse and colourful Chinese culture from all corners of the country. The five-day Bazaar attracted about 180 000 visitors, with the value of total sales estimated to be more than $4.6 million, highlighting the Government’s close collaboration with clansmen associations to further promote patriotic sentiments and love for Hong Kong in the community.      Besides, clansmen associations also apply for funding support through the on-going Community Involvement Programme implemented by the HAD to organise different projects such as festivals with local characteristics, hometown cultural carnivals and traditional cultural performances to promote district harmony. Some clansmen associations also actively participate in the “Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland” implemented by the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau to apply for funding to organise youth exchange tours to the Mainland, supporting young people to broaden their horizons, deepen their understanding of the country and seize the national development opportunities. (3) In the first quarter of 2025, funding application under the Scheme for the financial year 2025-26 will be launched, with the focus on uniting clansmen in Hong Kong. The HAD will provide funding support for clansmen associations to organise various activities aiming at promoting patriotic education and fostering the spirit of loving the country, Hong Kong and the hometowns. The HAD will timely review the effectiveness and arrangements of the Scheme before the completion of the three-year programme, and will continue to maintain close contact and collaboration with clansmen associations. They have our support in organising all sorts of activities related to hometown culture promotion and patriotic education, and in collaborating with the HKSAR Government to promote the mainstream values of loving the motherland and Hong Kong that are in line with the core principles of “one country, two systems”.     Thank you, President.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, November 6, 2024Issued at HKT 13:28

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US election results: Trump takes first swing state of North Carolina

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    This is a rolling guide to articles and audio published by The Conversation in the immediate run-up to and aftermath of the election, with some explainers about the process. This page is updated from the top, so older references are moved down the page.

    Good morning world. The United States has made its choice. And, as of 5am Donald Trump and the Republican Party will be the happier contenders, having so far won the most electoral college votes and the first swing state of North Carolina, as well as regaining control of the Senate.

    It’s been a turbulent four months since outgoing president Joe Biden announced he was terminating his bid for a second term and the battlelines between the two candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris were drawn. Soon we will know who will lead the US for the next four years.

    From here, with the help of some of the sharpest analysts of US politics, we’ll keep you updated and informed as the situation develops.

    To get an idea of the scale of the task of counting votes, take a look at the below map of the US colour-coded by poll closing times. How long the count could take is anyone’s guess at this stage. Each state has its own rules.

    Ahead of the polls closing Richard Hargy, an expert in US politics from Queen’s University Belfast, wrote a guide to the process, when the votes are counted and when we might start to see results.



    Read more:
    US election: what time do the polls close and when will the results be known? An expert explains

    Delays are baked into the process, such as Pennsylvania, which doesn’t allow votes cast before election day or ballots posted in to be counted until polls close, which was at 8pm (1am GMT).

    So we’ll just have to be patient. In the mean time, you can also read Hargy’s explainer on the “electoral college” system, which can mean that the candidate with the most votes may not win the presidency.



    Read more:
    US election: how does the electoral college voting system work?

    Early voting and what it might mean

    Scott Lucas, professor of international politics at University College Dublin, believes that in a cliffhanger election, a clue to the outcome may be in the size of turnout. More than 80 million Americans voted early – around half of the total turnout in 2020 and around one-third of the eligible electorate.

    The 80 million figure takes on added significance with the recognition that it is not that distant from the 104 million who participated early in the “pandemic” election four years ago. And that 2020 ballot, with 158.4 million votes and almost 67% participation, was the largest turnout since 1900.

    Who does that favour? Probably Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Trumpists will turn out for their man come hell or high water. The large question mark has been whether potential Harris voters would sit on their hands, whether from lack of enthusiasm or dissatisfaction on issues such as Israel’s open-ended war on Gaza.

    Any prediction in this election is a risk. But it might be worth setting a marker: if turnout matches or exceeds the record set in 2020, Kamala Harris could be on the way to the White House.

    Tense moment for the US

    During the campaign there have been two assassination attempts on former president Trump as well as arson attacks on ballot boxes and ballots damaged. In Arizona the Democratic party was forced to close one of its offices after it had been shot at three times.

    Dafydd Townley, a fellow in international security at Portsmouth University, believes that there could be a reluctance to accept the result and that this could result in further disturbances. He has written about how much violence there has been during this campaign.



    Read more:
    US election: officials are issued with panic buttons as attacks on ballot boxes continue

    Dafyyd Townley comments on post-election violence.

    How race has played into the campaign

    Rhianna Garrett, PhD researcher and global coordinator of the critical mixed race studies executive board at Loughborough University, says that Trump’s campaign has been “littered with attempts to weaponise” the multiracial heritage of his Democrat opponent Kamala Harris.

    Much of this has been a dog-whistle attempt to stir up his own base, partly with fairly blatant appeals to latent feelings of racism, but also as a tool to position Harris as deceiving and untrustworthy by apparently blurring and shifting her own background.

    In August, not long after Harris took over the Democrat ticket from Biden, Trump appeared at the National Association of Black Journalists conference when he wrongfully claimed that Harris was changing her identity, stating: “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black, So I don’t know. Is she Indian or is she Black?”.

    For her part, Harris’s campaign has also used her multiracial heritage to further their political agendas. On the White House website, she is described as “the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American” to hold a vice-presidential position, which has effectively attempted to position her as a winner. Harris herself has also foregrounded “race” on her campaign website. In attempt to attack Trump’s campaign, she strategically aims to promote Black and Latino men specifically, as well as women’s rights. These are key voter groups she has aimed to mobilise through identity politics.

    Trump and winning male voters

    Donald Trump widened his appeal to male voters in this election, with polling indicating that he was picking up more support from Black and Latino men, as well as more young men more widely.

    One reason for this may be that in 2024 young men are more conservative than any other group in the US. Another reason why gender has become a divisive issue is the overturning of Roe v Wade, the legal case that gave American women abortion rights.

    Read more on the gender divide in this article from Natasha Lindstaedt, a professor of government at Essex University.



    Read more:
    US election: why more men and fewer white women say they will vote for Trump

    A free speech campaign?

    Julie Posetti, professor of journalism at City St George’s, University of London, and global director of research at the International Center for Journalists, recently conducted a survey of more than 1,000 Americans on their attitudes to the press.

    Breaking down the results, they were able to build a picture of what people in the US think of targeting journalists for criticism and even abuse. You can read all about the study here.



    Read more:
    New survey finds an alarming tolerance for attacks on the press in the US – particularly among white, Republican men

    – ref. US election results: Trump takes first swing state of North Carolina – https://theconversation.com/us-election-results-trump-takes-first-swing-state-of-north-carolina-241711

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Extreme weather has already cost vulnerable island nations US$141 billion – and 38% is attributable to climate change

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emily Wilkinson, Principal Research Fellow, ODI

    Multiverse / shutterstock

    Two years ago, when the curtain fell on the COP27 summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, developing nations on the frontline of climate change had something meaningful to celebrate.

    The creation of a new fund for responding to loss and damage was agreed after a hard-fought diplomatic effort, spearheaded by a group of small island developing states (sometimes known as the Sids). The fund would provide much needed support for climate-vulnerable nations faced with a spiralling human and financial toll from sea-level rise, extreme temperatures, droughts, wildfires, and intensifying floods and storms.

    Yet two years on, the world’s wealthiest nations – also the largest carbon emitters – are still dragging their feet. They’ve not followed up their pledges with anywhere near the finance required.

    Some nations, particularly the 39 Sids, which include places like Barbados, Grenada, Fiji and Vanuatu, are uniquely vulnerable to climate change and are already paying the price.

    Sky-high ocean temperatures created the conditions for Hurricane Beryl to develop in July this year, as the earliest-forming Category 5 hurricane on record in the Caribbean. As oceans warm up, climate science tells us that this rapid intensification is becoming more common.

    Fijians run for shelter as a cyclone approaches.
    ChameleonsEye / shutterstock

    The island nation of Fiji, best known as a tropical paradise, has experienced a frightening series of storms over recent years, linked to climate change. Cyclone Winston in 2016, one of the most intense on record, caused widespread flooding and lead to the loss of 44 lives.

    This episode reduced Fiji’s GDP growth by 1.4 percentage points. According to the Asian Development Bank, ongoing losses from climate change could reach 4% of Fiji’s annual GDP by 2100, as higher temperatures and more extreme weather hold back growth.

    This isn’t an isolated problem. Tropical cyclones and hurricanes have long battered small islands, but what is new is how often the most extreme storms and floods are happening, as well as our improved ability to measure their economic effects.

    Direct and indirect impacts

    Our latest research looked at extreme weather events affecting 35 small island developing nations. We first collected information about the direct consequences of these extreme weather events: the damaged homes, the injured people, and the bridges that must be rebuilt.

    We then looked at how these events have affected GDP growth and public finances. These changes are not felt immediately, but rather as the economy stalls, tourism dries up, and expensive recovery plans inhibit spending in other areas.

    In all, from 2000 to 2020, these direct and indirect impacts may have cost small island states a total of US$141 billion. That works out to around US$2,000 per person on average, although this figure underplays just how bad things can get in some places. Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused damage to the Caribbean island of Dominica worth more than double its entire GDP. That amounted to around US$20,000 per person, overnight. Almost a decade later, the country is still struggling with one of the largest debt burdens on earth at over 150% of GDP.

    Dominica’s lush forests were badly damaged by Hurricane Maria.
    Derek D Galon / shutterstock

    Of these huge aggregate losses across all the small island development states, around 38% are attributable to climate change. That’s according to calculations we made based on “extreme event attribution” studies, which estimate the degree to which greenhouse gas emissions influenced extreme weather events.

    What is clear is that small island economies are among the worst affected by severe weather. These island states have three to five times more climate-related loss and damage than other states, as a percentage of government revenues. That’s true even for wealthier small island states, like the Bahamas and Barbados, where loss and damage is four times greater than other high-income countries. For all small island nations, the economic impacts will increase, with “attributable” losses from extreme weather reaching US$75 billion by 2050 if global temperatures hit 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

    Our research helps us to see how far short the richer nations driving climate change are falling in their efforts to both curb emissions and to compensate the nations harmed by their failure to prevent climate change.

    Developed countries need to pay up

    One of the key discussions at the forthcoming COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, will be the “new collective quantified goal”. This is the technical name to describe how much money wealthy countries will need to contribute to help vulnerable nations to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

    That overall goal must also include a target to finance small islands and other vulnerable countries, with billions more needed per year in the new loss and damage fund. Given the extent of actual and likely losses, nothing less than ambition on the scale of a “modern Marshall Plan” for these states will do.

    In addition to this extra financing, the fund will need to work effectively to support the most climate vulnerable nations and populations when severe weather occurs. This can be done in a few ways.

    The fund could create a budget support mechanism that can help small island states and other vulnerable countries deal with loss of income and the negative effects on growth. It could make sure loss and damage funds can be released quickly, and ensure support is channelled to those who need it the most. It could also make more concessional finance available for recovery, especially for the most adversely affected sectors like agriculture and tourism.

    The world has a troubling history of missing self-imposed targets on climate finance and emissions reduction. But the stakes are ever higher now, and any target for loss and damage finance will need to be sufficient to deal with the challenges posed already by climate change, and in the years to come.

    Emily Wilkinson receives funding from the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office

    Ilan Noy, Matt Bishop, and Vikrant Panwar do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Extreme weather has already cost vulnerable island nations US$141 billion – and 38% is attributable to climate change – https://theconversation.com/extreme-weather-has-already-cost-vulnerable-island-nations-us-141-billion-and-38-is-attributable-to-climate-change-242640

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –