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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions stands-up to deliver STEP

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The UK’s prototype fusion energy powerplant programme will be led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman and Paul Methven – Image credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd.

    In a milestone moment on the journey to deliver the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, leadership of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme today transitions to UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS).

    UKIFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group and has been established to lead a public-private partnership that will design, build and operate the STEP prototype plant at the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire.

    UKAEA will continue to be STEP’s fusion partner, working alongside two industry partners – one in engineering and one in construction – to spearhead the development of a UK-led fusion industry.

    A major procurement exercise is currently underway to select STEP’s strategic, long-term industry partners, with the shortlist expected to be announced by the end of the year.

    Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and Senior Responsible Owner for STEP, said: “The launch of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions demonstrates significant progress and commitment to developing fusion as a viable clean energy source, and also to creating a UK-led fusion industry.

    “STEP is a national endeavour with global impact, and we will continue to work closely with public and private sector partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of a revolutionary sustainable new energy source that will drive economic growth.”

    STEP aims to pave the way for the commercial viability of fusion by demonstrating net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. The programme’s holistic approach was recently published in a special edition of Royal Society Journal, Philosophical Transactions A.

    Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of UKAEA Group, said: “UKIFS brings together an experienced team dedicated to translating decades of fusion research into a functioning prototype plant that will be capable of supplying low-carbon, safe, and sustainable energy to the grid.  

    “UKIFS will integrate partners in a national endeavour to build STEP as well as focussing on delivering enormous social and economic benefits to the UK, especially for the East Midlands region where the plant will be built.”

    The West Burton site in Nottinghamshire was chosen as the home for STEP due to its infrastructure, proximity to skilled workforces, and community support for innovative energy solutions.

    For the latest updates about UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and the STEP programme, visit the newly launched website step.ukaea.uk or follow social channels @STEPtoFusion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofsted praise for children’s services following focused visit

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Those are the findings of the recent week long focused inspection of Children’s Social Care Services by Ofsted. Inspectors Gareth Dakin and Sophie Wales looked at the city’s arrangements for children in need or subject to a child protection plan, with a primary focus on services provided to children in need.

    And they concluded that the needs of children and families ‘are understood’ and that areas of improvement identified at the previous inspection in 2022 have been advanced, with practice ‘strengthened as a result’.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “I am very proud of the fantastic work that our practitioners do, day in, day out, for vulnerable children, young people and families, and this brilliant report recognises this.

    “It is great that we had the opportunity to showcase our good practice through the focused inspection, and that Ofsted has confirmed that we are continuing to make excellent progress as we transform children’s social care services here in Wolverhampton.”

    Alison Hinds, Director of Children’s Services, added: “This is such a positive, reassuring report regarding our strong child focussed practice in the midst of what is a massive change programme in children’s social care, and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the inspection in any way.”

    In their report published today (Friday 1 November, 2024), the inspectors found children receive an ‘effective and timely response’ when they are referred to the Children’s Assessment Team, with ‘comprehensive family help discussions and plans’ providing a clear and focused analysis of their needs.

    Thresholds are ‘well understood and consistently applied’, with most children receiving ‘a consistent and effective service’ from ‘skilled and committed practitioners who show patience, kindness and understanding’.

    Rigorous and detailed management oversight is described as a strength by inspectors, who say it ‘provides clear rationale, direction and decision making’ which ‘ensures that children do not need to wait for interventions to commence’.

    A new Family Help Service has been introduced and is ensuring that most children and their families are ‘provided with the right level and type of support at the right time’. There is ‘a strong recognition and consideration’ around the needs of children and families and, where risks and other needs are identified, these are responded to in a timely way.

    Children who present as homeless receive a ‘timely and proportionate response’, safe and appropriate accommodation, and care and support in line with their needs. When children go missing, skilled practitioners respond in a ‘proportionate and considered way’ to safeguard children and mitigate risk.

    Managers are supported by clear systems and processes, and collaborate with practitioners to ensure that ‘informed and timely decisions’ are made for children and families, with interventions appropriately escalated and de-escalated in a timely way.

    Inspectors also reported ‘strong relationships across the council and with safeguarding partners’ and a collaborative and coordinated approach to working with children and families’ which ensure that most children access ‘the right services at the right time’.

    Meanwhile, practitioners told inspectors that they ‘feel positive and proud to work for Wolverhampton’ and are having an impact on the lives of children and families. Senior leaders, managers and practitioners are ‘strengthening the practice culture in Wolverhampton so that it is shared and understood by all’ which is ‘reflected in the strength of work with children and families in Wolverhampton.’

    Ofsted will consider the findings from the focused inspection when it is planning future inspections or visits.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: They’ve done some chemistry! The Polytechnic University staged a bright scientific show

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The large auditorium of the SPbPU Chemistry Building hosted the immersive theatrical show “Discovering the World of Experiments,” organized by activists of the student chemistry association ChemTeam.

    The chemical show was organized with funds from a Polytech Project grant. In 2023, the project won funding, and its ideological inspiration was Mikhail Udovichenko, head of the student chemical association ChemTeam.

    A large team of activists of the association prepared for the show, who worked hard to make it exciting and amazing for the audience. Everyone was able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the chemical laboratory and get imbued with the story of the main characters, – said Mikhail.

    The project is designed to popularize science among young people. The show itself was held in the format of a bright theatrical production, where student actors presented the audience with an improvised story about the love of science.

    Actors of the performance: Mikhail Udovichenko (4th year IMMiT), Irina Karaman (2nd year IBSiB), Artem Gorshkov (4th year Physics and Mechanics), Artyom Tereshkov (2nd year IMMiT), Liza Tararina (2nd year IBSiB), Natalia Bolsunovskaya (2nd year IMMiT) , Anastasia Dykova (4th year Phys.Mech).

    Responsible for design and PR: Anastasia Zolotova (3rd year IBSiB), Anastasia Temryazanskaya (2nd year IMSiB), Polina Sorokina (2nd year IBSiB), Artem Guselnikov (3rd year IPMEiT).

    Responsible for the equipment and experiments: Dmitry Mukhin (1st year master’s degree student at IPPT) and Anton Zhukov (4th year student at IMMIT).

    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 China: China rolls out plan to promote nuclear technology application industry

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

    BEIJING, Nov. 1 — China aims to see the annual direct economic output value of its nuclear technology application industry hit 400 billion yuan (about 56 billion U.S. dollars) by 2026.

    The target was set in an action plan, recently jointly released by China Atomic Energy Authority, the National Development and Reform Commission and other departments, which aims to support the development of the nuclear technology application industry over the next three years.

    According to the plan, the development of nuclear technology application industry is an inevitable trend to promote the high-quality development of the nuclear industry, as well as an important means of supporting the transformation and upgrading of the national economy.

    By 2026, the independent innovation capability of China’s nuclear technology application industry will be significantly enhanced, and the industrial field will be further expanded, said the plan.

    Over the next three years, breakthroughs will be made in a number of key technologies, a number of innovation platforms will be built, and new enterprises will be cultivated, focusing on the application of nuclear technology in the fields such as medical diagnosis and treatment, agricultural breeding, food processing, safety and security, it added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK to host Olympics body meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The 2024 General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) announced yesterday the successful bid of Hong Kong, China to host the 2026 ANOC General Assembly.

    The ANOC comprises 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and is responsible for protecting and advancing the interests of the world’s NOCs and supporting their mission of promoting Olympic values worldwide. The general assembly is the supreme governing body of the ANOC and a significant international sports event.

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Kevin Yeung said the successful bid shows international confidence in Hong Kong’s ability to host major sports events. 

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will fully support and guide the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China in hosting this important international meeting, co-ordinating close co-operation between relevant government departments and various sectors including tourism and business, with a view to demonstrating the synergy between sports, convention and exhibition as well as tourism, giving full play to Hong Kong’s strengths in connecting with the world and telling good stories of Hong Kong.

    Under the arrangements of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Portugal, Mr Yeung visited the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda yesterday morning and exchanged views with its curator on ways to promote culture exchanges through museums.

    Mr Yeung also met Secretary of State for Sport of the Government of Portugal Pedro Dias the day before to discuss the work and vision of the promotion of sports development in Hong Kong and Portugal.

    The sports chief then visited the Portuguese Football Federation’s Cidade do Futebol (Football City) in Lisbon, where he spoke to the federation’s president Fernando Gomes on exploring co-operation opportunities between the two places in promoting football development.

    He also toured Football City’s various facilities, including training and competition venues as well as ancillary facilities for sports medicine and science.

    Mr Yeung left Portugal for Hong Kong today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives investigating a violent watch robbery in Greenwich are appealing for witnesses

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a high value watch robbery in SE10 are appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward.

    At around 22:30hrs on Sunday, 27 October, three men, aged 20s, were walking on Millennium Way, Greenwich, when they were attacked from behind by a man armed with a heavy object – possibly a gas cannister.

    Two of the victims suffered head injuries while the third managed to escape unharmed and called police.

    A Rolex watch was stolen from one of the victims.

    The attacker is described as a white man with a beard. At the time of the attack he was wearing a white Nike T-shirt.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information or footage should call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 8042/27OCT.

    To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: HSBC Bank PLC: Post Stabilisation Notice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Aercap Sukuk Limited

     Post Stabilisation Notice

    HSBC (contact: syndexecution@noexternalmail.hsbc.com) hereby gives notice that no stabilisation was undertaken by the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below in relation to the offer of the following securities.

    Issuer: Aercap Sukuk Limited
    Obligor (if any): International Lease Finance Corporation
    Initial Guarantors (if any): AerCap Holdings N.V., AerCap Global Aviation Trust, AerCap Aviation Solutions B.V., AerCap Ireland Limited, AerCap Ireland Capital Designated Activity Company and AerCap U.S. Global Aviation LLC
    Aggregate nominal amount: USD 500,000,000                   
    Description: 4.50% due 3rd October 2029     
    Offer price: 99.338                                        
    Stabilising Manager: HSBC Bank plc
       

    This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction

    This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Offentliggørelse af prospekter, Investeringsforeningen Maj Invest

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    I forlængelse af gårsdagens børsmeddelelse vedrørende foreningens indgåelse af en ny hoveddistributionsaftale med Fondsmæglerselskabet Maj Invest A/S, offentliggøres hermed opdaterede prospekter for alle foreningens afdelinger.

    Prospekterne er blevet opdateret med nye estimerede løbende omkostningssatser samt en ændring i honoraret for Fondsmæglerselskabet Maj Invest A/S’ varetagelse af opgaven som hoveddistributør. 

    Prospekterne er vedhæftet denne meddelelse og kan ligeledes tilgås via foreningens hjemmeside.

    For eventuelle spørgsmål kontakt Lise Bøgelund Jensen, direktør i foreningens investeringsforvaltningsselskab, på telefon 33 28 28 28.

    Med venlig hilsen 

    Investeringsforeningen Maj Invest

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Web3 Introduces SpaceS: The First Meme-Fueled Fly-to-Earn Game on Telegram

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce that Bybit Web3 has launched SpaceS, a groundbreaking new game on Telegram that brings the popular phrase “to the moon” into a chaotic, meme-packed reality. In this first-of-its-kind fly-to-earn experience, players pilot through an unpredictable cosmic world filled with classic and new internet memes, delivering an irreverent twist on space exploration.

    “Blockchain gaming on Telegram introduces a new, approachable way for users to experience Web3,” said Emily Bao, Head of Spot and Web3 at Bybit. “SpaceS is a perfect game for those who want a break from the ordinary. It is a celebration of meme culture and a gateway to the next generation of Web3 interaction. We’re excited to see players explore this outlandish universe and connect over the shared internet culture.

    “We are excited about what the out-of-this-world spacefaring will bring, and trust the collective creativity will inspire the next Web3 gem at Bybit.”

    Reimagining Space, One Meme at a Time

    SpaceS turns the cold vastness of space into an internet-fueled playground. Players must dodge meme-inspired “asteroids” like Ghost Doges, Pumpkin-head Crying Jordans, and Vampire Pikachus, navigating a neon cosmos where the internet’s most iconic faces and figures replace cosmic debris. Each flight is a chaotic, laugh-out-loud journey through a universe as wild as the internet itself.

    A New Spin on Fly-to-Earn Gaming

    Combining the simplicity of retro mobile games with the culture of Web3, SpaceS is designed for meme lovers and gamers who crave something fresh. The game’s unique twist on classic fly-to-earn mechanics ensures that every run offers unpredictable encounters, with each narrowly avoided asteroid serving up a new meme moment to laugh—or cringe—at.

    Fly, Earn, and Laugh With Friends

    With an intuitive gameplay design that brings players straight into the action, SpaceS also emphasizes social interaction. Users can invite friends to form fleets, teaming up to survive the meme-laden cosmic madness together. Perfect for the Halloween season, SpaceS offers a nostalgic, meme-fueled adventure, turning space travel into a virtual trick-or-treating experience for crypto and meme enthusiasts alike.

    SpaceS is now available on Telegram for users looking for the most meme-packed adventure ever launched into the cosmos.

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitWeb3

    About Bybit Web3

    Bybit Web3 is redefining openness in the decentralized world, creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. We are committed to welcoming builders, creators, and partners in the blockchain space, extending an invitation to both crypto enthusiasts and the curious, with a community of over 130 million wallet addresses across over 30 major ecosystem partners, and counting.  

    Bybit Web3 provides a comprehensive suite of Web3 products designed to make accessing, swapping, collecting and growing Web3 assets as open and simple as possible. Our wallets, marketplaces and platforms are all backed by the security and expertise that define Bybit as the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, trusted by over 50 million users globally.

    Users can join the revolution now and open the door to your Web3 future with Bybit.

    For more details about Bybit Web3, users can visit Bybit Web3.

    Contact

    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Programme and Development Committee

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Programme and Development Committee
    Appointments to Programme and Development Committee
    ***************************************************

         The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau announced today (November 1) appointments to the Programme and Development Committee (PDC) and its six Art Form Sub-committees (AFSCs), namely Music, Dance and Multi-Arts, Theatre, Chinese Traditional Performing Arts, Community and Festivals. All appointments are for a two-year term up to October 31, 2026.     The PDC and its six AFSCs comprise members of different backgrounds with a great wealth of professional expertise and relevant experience. The PDC and its six AFSCs advise the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) on programme (including local, Mainland and overseas) strategies, plans, resource allocations and the support of budding and small-scale performing arts groups.     A spokesman for the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau thanked the Chairperson and members of the PDC and its AFSCs for their ardent support and invaluable contributions in the past years, including the outgoing Community Sub-committee Chairperson, Professor Winton Au Wing-tung, two outgoing PDC members, namely Ms Icy Lai Yin-ting and Mr Hanjin Tan, and 21 outgoing AFSCs co-opted members, namely Dr Au Yi-man, Mr Chan Wing-chuen, Mr Leo Cheung Kwok-wing, Ms Pewan Chow Pui-wan, Ms May Fung Mei-wah, Mr Nick Ho Lik-ko, Mr Ip Sai-hung, Ms Monica Kwok Kit-ling, Dr William Lai Chi-fu, Dr Linda Lai Chiu-han, Mr Maurice Lai Yu-man, Ms Eliza Li Pui-yan, Professor Lui Yu-hon, Ms Susan Pau Suk-hang, Ms Tang Mi-ling, Professor Wong Chuen-fung, Mr Kevin Wong Kin-wang, Ms Wong Tin-yee, Mr Johnny Yim Lai-hang, Mr Jacky Yu Yan-wah and Professor Nancy Yuen Miu-fun. He looked forward to receiving the valuable advice of the new PDC and its AFSCs on the performing arts programme plans and their implementation.     The membership list and terms of reference of the PDC are as follows:ChairpersonMr Tam Wing-pong MembersMr Chan Ching-kanMr Terence Chang Thomp-kwanMs Jessica Cheng*Ms Amanda CheungMs Margaret Cheung Kwok-wingMr Chiu Tsang-heiMr Ethan Kwok Chiu-lam*Ms Stella Lau Yin-lingMs Andrea Leung Tsui-shan*Ms Anna Lo Yee-kwan*Professor Johnny Poon Ming-lunMr Seto YokMr Tsang Man-tungMr Desmond Yip Koon-shingMs Karen Yu*Mr Chris Ip Ngo-tung (Ex-officio Member, Chairperson of Committee on Venue Partnership)Representative of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (Official Member)Representative of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (Official Member) *Newly appointed membersTerms of reference     To advise the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services on the strategies on performing arts programmes: 

    the consideration of long-term programme presentation strategies such as

           – Art Form Sub-committee’s proposals on development strategies in support of budding and small-scale performing arts groups;       – proportion of local and visiting programmes; and       – venue-based programming and decentralisation of programmes;

    the consideration and endorsement of the LCSD’s annual programme strategies/directions, resource allocation and programme plans;
    the review progress of the implementation of the annual programme plans; and
    the interface with the Committee on Venue Partnership.

         The membership lists and terms of reference of the six AFSCs are in the Annex.

     
    Ends/Friday, November 1, 2024Issued at HKT 16:18

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Online registration for free tickets to LCSD’s Cantonese Opera Day 2024 to start on November 6

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The annual Cantonese Opera Day, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will be held on November 24 (Sunday) afternoon at the Ko Shan Theatre and Ko Shan Theatre New Wing for the first time. The 22nd edition of the event, themed “Fun with Cantonese Opera, Joy at Ko Shan Theatre”, will feature a wide array of exciting performances and activities, which include Cantonese opera excerpt performances, demonstration sessions, workshops, a trial performance playground, talks, booth games, guided tours, autograph sessions and an exhibition. Members of the public are invited to join for free. Tickets are required for some of the performances and activities, which will be available through online registration starting November 6 (Wednesday) on a first-come, first-served basis. A small quantity of tickets will be reserved for walk-in participants while stocks last. The event is one of the programmes of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival.     Exciting programmes of this year’s Cantonese Opera Day include two Cantonese opera excerpt performances, namely “Up and Coming New Forces in Cantonese Opera” and “Child Cantonese Opera Stars Showcase”, featuring local talented young and child Cantonese opera performers respectively to showcase their learning outcomes. Audience members may also have the opportunity to sing classic Cantonese opera songs with veteran Cantonese opera stars and up-and-coming talent on the spot. Winners of primary and secondary school groups in the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival Cantonese Opera Competition and young Cantonese opera students will gather at the Ko Shan Culture Tea & Coffee for “Cantonese Operatic Songs Unplugged” and share their experience in learning Cantonese opera.     To enable participants to learn more about Cantonese opera, a world intangible cultural heritage item, from multiple perspectives, a number of workshops and demonstration sessions will be held on that day, covering stylised movements and postures, make-up, costume dressing, as well as miniature mask production. This year, the “Cantonese Opera Trial Performance Playground” is a newly added activity in which a Cantonese opera instructor will teach parents and their children to collaborate in performing a short segment of Cantonese opera, allowing them to experience the joy of acting and singing. The “Laugh and Craft: Cantonese Opera Playgroups” will feature a variety of family-friendly booth games such as quiz competitions and handicraft workshops to let members of the public have a taste of Cantonese opera culture. Talks on Cantonese opera culture and behind-the-scenes happenings, as well as guided tours of the Cantonese Education and Information Centre will also be arranged for participants. The Cantonese Opera Day features many fascinating programmes, and participants can redeem a souvenir by collecting stamps at designated locations while stocks last.     In addition, this year’s Cantonese Opera Day will once again feature the popular “Autograph Session” with Cantonese opera virtuosos such as Loong Koon-tin, Tang Mi-ling, Wan Fai-yin, Lau Wai-ming, Leung Siu-ming and Cheng Wing-mui. The “Cantonese Opera Art Exhibition”, which is co-ordinated by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, will also be held at the Exhibition Gallery of the New Wing from November 19 to 24.      Tickets are required for some of the performances and activities on a first-come, first-served basis. Members of the public can collect free admission tickets through the following methods:Online registration ———————–     Online registration will be open from 10am on November 6 (Wednesday) at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1799.html#tab_13_0. For “Up and Coming New Forces in Cantonese Opera” youth Cantonese opera excerpt performances and the “Child Cantonese Opera Stars Showcase” child Cantonese opera excerpts performances, each person is entitled to register for one of the performances only and obtain a maximum of two tickets with free seating. For workshops, demonstration sessions, talks and the “Cantonese Opera Trial Performance Playground”, each person is entitled to register for two of the activities only and obtain a maximum of two tickets for each activity with free seating. Ticket availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. On-site ticket distribution —————————      Tickets for the child Cantonese opera excerpt performances “Child Cantonese Opera Stars Showcase” and the youth Cantonese opera excerpt performances “Up and Coming New Forces in Cantonese Opera” will be distributed at the Foyer areas of Ko Shan Theatre and New Wing respectively from 1.45pm on the event day (November 24). Tickets for workshops, demonstration sessions, talks and the “Cantonese Opera Trial Performance Playground” will be distributed at the entrance of individual venues 15 minutes before the commencement of the activities. Each person is entitled to one ticket with free seating, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.     Limited seats are available at the “Cantonese Operatic Songs Unplugged” on a first-come, first-served basis. Admission is free and no admission ticket is required for the “Autograph Session”, “Laugh and Craft: Cantonese Opera Playgroups” game booths and the “Cantonese Opera Art Exhibition”. Members of the public are welcome to join on the spot.     For venues and time of the performances and activities of Cantonese Opera Day 2024, please see the Annex. For related event and ticketing information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1799.html or call 2268 7325.     In support of Cantonese Opera Day 2024, the “Your Memories with the Timeless Theatre” interactive exhibition, organised by the Yau Ma Tei Theatre of the LCSD, is being held at the Red Brick Building, 8 Waterloo Road, Kowloon. An online version of the exhibition is also available. Please visit the above-mentioned website for the relevant programmes and web links.     Hong Kong is the host city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival for the first time. It organises and co-ordinates over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held across the “9+2” cities of the Greater Bay Area. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region and foster cultural exchanges and co-operation among the cities. For detailed information about the festival, please visit www.gbacxlo.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Provisional statistics of retail sales for September 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest figures on retail sales today (November 1).     The value of total retail sales in September 2024, provisionally estimated at $29.6 billion, decreased by 6.9% compared with the same month in 2023. The revised estimate of the value of total retail sales in August 2024 decreased by 10.0% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2024 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total retail sales decreased by 7.6% compared with the same period in 2023.     Of the total retail sales value in September 2024, online sales accounted for 10.4%. The value of online retail sales in that month, provisionally estimated at $3.1 billion, decreased by 11.8% compared with the same month in 2023. The revised estimate of online retail sales in August 2024 decreased by 0.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2024 taken together, it was provisionally estimated that the value of online retail sales decreased by 2.0% compared with the same period in 2023.     After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales in September 2024 decreased by 8.7% compared with a year earlier. The revised estimate of the volume of total retail sales in August 2024 decreased by 11.7% compared with a year earlier. For the first 9 months of 2024 taken together, the provisional estimate of the total retail sales decreased by 9.2% in volume compared with the same period in 2023.     Analysed by broad type of retail outlet in descending order of the provisional estimate of the value of sales and comparing September 2024 with September 2023, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased by 1.1%. This was followed by sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-7.6% in value); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-17.9%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-3.2%); wearing apparel (-8.7%); medicines and cosmetics (-2.5%); commodities in department stores (-11.4%); motor vehicles and parts (-26.7%); fuels (-8.6%); furniture and fixtures (-14.4%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-3.8%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-17.7%); and optical shops (-10.6%).     On the other hand, the value of sales of other consumer goods not elsewhere classified increased by 2.9% in September 2024 over a year earlier. This was followed by sales of books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+20.3% in value).     Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales decreased by 1.0% in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the preceding quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales decreased by 2.0%.Commentary     A government spokesman said that the value of total retail sales continued to decline in September from a year earlier, but the rate of decline narrowed. On a seasonally adjusted month-to-month comparison, the value of total retail sales recorded an increase.     Looking ahead, the spokesman said that the near-term performance of the retail sector would continue to be affected by the change in consumption patterns of residents and visitors. Nevertheless, an improved outlook for the Mainland economy following the recent introduction of a wide range of stimulus measures, and a possible easing of the Hong Kong dollar alongside the US dollar with the commencement of the US interest rate cut, would be conducive to boosting sentiment and supporting spending. In addition, the Central Government’s various measures benefitting Hong Kong, the SAR Government’s various initiatives to boost market sentiment and increasing employment earnings would also benefit the retail sector.     The spokesman added that the Policy Address this year includes various measures that would benefit the retail sector, such as developing new tourist hotspots, relaxing visa application criteria for some ASEAN countries, and boosting “silver consumption”. The Policy Address has also launched a series of measures to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including those in the retail sector, in addressing the challenges encountered in the process of economic restructuring. These include relaunching the principal moratorium under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme to ease the repayment pressure of enterprises, expanding the geographical coverage of E-commerce Easy to the 10 ASEAN countries, and relaunching the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in the next two years to help SMEs develop e-commerce business to expand their markets. These measures would help the retail sector in transitioning through the economic restructuring period and improve its prospects.Further information     Table 1 presents the revised figures on value index and value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for August 2024 as well as the provisional figures for September 2024. The provisional figures on the value of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet as well as the corresponding year-on-year changes for the first 9 months of 2024 taken together are also shown.     Table 2 presents the revised figures on value of online retail sales for August 2024 as well as the provisional figures for September 2024. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 9 months of 2024 taken together are also shown.     Table 3 presents the revised figures on volume index of retail sales for all retail outlets and by broad type of retail outlet for August 2024 as well as the provisional figures for September 2024. The provisional figures on year-on-year changes for the first 9 months of 2024 taken together are also shown.     Table 4 shows the movements of the value and volume of total retail sales in terms of the year-on-year rate of change for a month compared with the same month in the preceding year based on the original series, and in terms of the rate of change for a three-month period compared with the preceding three-month period based on the seasonally adjusted series.     The classification of retail establishments follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.     These retail sales statistics measure the sales receipts in respect of goods sold by local retail establishments and are primarily intended for gauging the short-term business performance of the local retail sector. Data on retail sales are collected from local retail establishments through the Monthly Survey of Retail Sales (MRS). Local retail establishments with and without physical shops are covered in MRS and their sales, both through conventional shops and online channels, are included in the retail sales statistics.     The retail sales statistics cover consumer spending on goods but not on services (such as those on housing, catering, medical care and health services, transport and communication, financial services, education and entertainment) which account for over 50% of the overall consumer spending. Moreover, they include spending on goods in Hong Kong by visitors but exclude spending outside Hong Kong by Hong Kong residents. Hence they should not be regarded as indicators for measuring overall consumer spending.     Users interested in the trend of overall consumer spending should refer to the data series of private consumption expenditure (PCE), which is a major component of the Gross Domestic Product published at quarterly intervals. Compiled from a wide range of data sources, PCE covers consumer spending on both goods (including goods purchased from all channels) and services by Hong Kong residents whether locally or abroad. Please refer to the C&SD publication “Gross Domestic Product by Expenditure Component” for more details.     More detailed statistics are given in the “Report on Monthly Survey of Retail Sales”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080003&scode=530).     Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel. : 3903 7400; E-mail : mrs@censtatd.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Licence applicants to provide verified e-contact means to TD starting from November 18 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Licence applicants to provide verified e-contact means to TD starting from November 18 (with photos)
    Licence applicants to provide verified e-contact means to TD starting from November 18 (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Transport Department (TD) today (November 1) reminded members of the public that, from November 18, 2024, applicants for the new issue or renewal of 21 driving and vehicle licences must provide and verify a Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address as an e-contact means (ECM) for receiving electronic messages issued by the Hong Kong Police Force and the TD in future, in preparation for the Traffic e-Enforcement System to be implemented gradually in the first half of 2025.     Starting from November 18: 

    “Online applications, instant verification”: The TD encourages the public to submit licence applications online, so that they can provide and instantly verify the ECM using a one-time password (OTP) during the application process, thereby saving time and enjoying convenience;
    “Applications in paper form, verification via designated platform”: If a paper application is necessary, the applicant must provide and verify the ECM via OTP on the TD’s designated online platform within three months prior to application submission, and provide the same verified ECM in the application form before submission. The designated online platform will be launched at 10am on November 4;
    The verified ECM will only be updated in the applicant’s records of driving licence and/or all vehicle(s) registered under his/her name after the application concerned has been approved to ensure that it is accurately updated;
    If an ECM cannot be provided or verified, or if the ECM provided is inconsistent with the verification record, the application cannot be processed;
    For any change of ECM, the applicant must notify the TD within 72 hours of the change through the online services in GovHK or by submitting form TD559;
    Holders of licences that have not yet expired do not need to rush to provide and verify the ECM early; and
    Driving licence holders who have not provided an ECM to the TD before are also welcome to provide and verify their ECM through the online services in GovHK or by submitting form TD559.

         A spokesman for the TD said, “Providing a frequently used and verified ECM is of utmost importance. If the Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address is incorrect or not frequently used, the licence holder will not be able to receive notifications issued by the Police and the TD, which may result in e-Tickets and tunnel tolls not being paid timely, and may need to bear the legal responsibilities such as penalties or surcharges. Applicants must ensure that their Hong Kong mobile phone number or email address is correct. If different ECMs are provided or verified at different times, the latest record will replace the old one, rendering the original ECM invalid.”     Applicants providing a Hong Kong mobile phone number as their ECM should note that the TD has participated in the SMS Sender Registration Scheme under the Office of the Communications Authority. SMS messages issued by the TD will bear the ID “#TDeContact” with the prefix “#” for easy authentication. The TD will not send SMS messages or emails with hyperlinks.     From September 2024, the TD has held over 10 briefings for the transport sector, including the goods vehicle, taxi, public light bus and non-franchised bus trades, as well as stakeholders covering driving schools, vehicle dealers and financial institutions, which handle first registration of new vehicles and application for vehicle licences for their clients, to brief them on the new legal requirements regarding provision and verification of ECM. The TD will issue letters in batches to holders whose licences will soon expire, informing them of the detailed steps for providing and verifying an ECM. The TD will also deploy service ambassadors at its four Licensing Offices and the Cross Boundary Unit from November 4 to assist the public in submitting applications and verifying their ECM.     The passage of the Electronic Traffic Enforcement (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2023 by the Legislative Council on June 19, 2024, provides a legal basis for the Police to serve fixed penalty notices against traffic offences or contraventions by electronic means; it also requires registered owners of vehicles, holders of various types of licences and permits, and holders of driving licences to provide the TD with their ECM in their applications. The Government then published in the Gazette that relevant provisions on collecting ECM would be implemented on November 18.     The public may refer to the TD’s thematic webpage, HKeMobility mobile application and Agent T Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AgentT.hk), or call the hotline at 2804 2600 for details.

     
    Ends/Friday, November 1, 2024Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Ministry of Economic Affairs Invites Offshore Wind Developers to Discuss Prompt Grid Connection at the agreed-upon schedule

    Source: Republic Of China Taiwan 2

    To ensure prompt grid connection of wind farms and adequate supply of green electricity, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) held a symposium on September 23rd, with offshore wind farm developers to discuss issues encountered in achieving timely grid connection. Industry representatives raised topics such as follow-up actions for the Industrial Relevance Policy, geological survey regulations, and state-owned banks’ participation in financing.

    The MOEA stated that it is currently in consultation with the EU under the WTO framework. Adhering to the principle of mutual trust, the consultation results need to be kept confidential, thus no detailed information can be disclosed at the moment. Nonetheless, the atmosphere of the consultations is positive, with efforts being made towards settling, and the MOEA is planning to loosen up the Industrial Relevance Policy. The MOEA explained that as long as the wind farms are completed on time and connected to the grid in compliance with public interest and relevant laws, the administrative departments will assist developers in overcoming related obstacles. Regarding the Industrial Relevance Policy involving force majeure or unattributable reasons, the Industrial Development Administration of the MOEA will follow general principles and adopt a case-by-case review approach, aiming to complete relevant reference models by the end of September to help developers complete wind farm installations on schedule.

    In response to the industry’s proposal for state-owned banks to participate in the offshore wind farm financing, the MOEA also mentioned that it had arranged for representatives from the National Development Council, the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Supervisory Commission, and state-owned banks, to visit offshore wind farms by the end of September, where they exchanged views on offshore wind farm financing issues, provided practical experience to banking industry representatives, and establish trust for the fiance of offshore wind farms, thereby creating a healthy financing environment.

    The MOEA emphasized that domestic corporate users have a significant and competitive demand for green electricity for exports (such as RE100) and that advanced manufacturing processes require higher proportions of green energy. Increasing the proportion of green electricity in Taiwan’s manufacturing by 2030 has become a priority. The MOEA will continue cooperating with offshore wind power developers to provide sufficient green electricity and enhance the international competitiveness of Taiwan’s industries.

    Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director General, Chun-Li Lee
    Phone: 02-2775-7700, 0936-250-838
    Email: chunlee@moeaea.gov.tw

    Business Contact: Director, Chung-Hsien Chen
    Phone: 02-2775-7770, 0919-998-339
    Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE and the Spanish National Police train Mediterranean border security officers on gendered aspects of cross-border crimes

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE and the Spanish National Police train Mediterranean border security officers on gendered aspects of cross-border crimes

    OSCE and the Spanish National Police train Mediterranean border security officers on gendered aspects of cross-border crimes | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases OSCE and the Spanish National Police train Mediterranean border security officers on gendered aspects of cross-border crimes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched following fatal stabbing in Harrow

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A murder investigation has been launched after a man assaulted in Harrow has died from his injuries.

    Detective Inspector Luke Hampton of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “This is a complex scene with multiple people living inside the address. We have made an arrest and our enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing.

    “At this early stage we believe this to have been an isolated incident and there is no apparent risk to the public.

    “A man has lost his life and a family has received the worst possible news. If you have information please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

    Police were called by the London Ambulance Service just before 16:40hrs on Wednesday, 30 October to reports of an injured man at an address on Sussex Road, Harrow.

    Officers attended. At the scene, a 48-year-old man was found with knife injuries. He was taken to hospital where, despite the efforts of medical professionals, he sadly died at 14:35hrs.

    The victim’s family has been notified. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

    A 37-year-old man was arrested later that evening on suspicion of attempted murder. He was taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries before being taken into custody at a north London police station where he remains at this time.

    Superintendent Chris Clarke leading local policing for Harrow, Barnet and Brent said: “We are supporting our Specialist Crime colleagues as they make their enquiries and local people will notice a more visible police presence in the area to provide reassurance.

    “If you feel worried or if you have information please don’t hesitate to approach officers or get in touch with your local Neighbourhood policing team.”

    Anyone with information that may assist the investigation team is asked to call 101 and quote CAD reference 5281/30OCT24.

    To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit TR Launches Localized App to Elevate Crypto Asset Investment Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit TR, the partner site of Bybit.com, proudly announces the launch of its new localized app, specifically designed for Türkiye market. With this move, Bybit TR strengthens its commitment to the local crypto community.

    In partnership with Narkasa, the Bybit TR app is set to redefine the crypto investment landscape in Türkiye. Bybit TR has been included in the ‘Crypto Asset Service Providers – List of Operating Companies by CMB, ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

    The Bybit TR app stands out for its user-friendly interface and innovative features, catering to both new and seasoned cryptocurrency investors. Its intuitive design allows users to trade quickly and stay up to date with the latest market movements, offering a streamlined experience tailored to the unique needs of Turkish investors.

    With the Bybit TR app, users can access popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a wide variety of altcoins, including Türkiye’s own Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe Fan Tokens. Faster access to TRY trading pairs and a diverse range of crypto projects makes this app the ultimate tool for crypto traders in Türkiye.

    Kutluhan Akçın, Bybit TR Country Manager, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch: “We are thrilled to introduce the Bybit TR app, offering a secure, localized crypto trading experience. Our goal is to lead and innovate in the Turkish crypto market by integrating Turkish Lira and delivering unmatched customer support. With this launch, we’re ensuring that our users can trade confidently and efficiently within a fully compliant framework.”

    Security remains a top priority at Bybit TR. The Bybit TR app employs the latest security protocols, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and cold wallet solutions, to safeguard user assets.

    In addition to providing a secure trading environment, Bybit TR offers a comprehensive educational library to help users expand their knowledge of cryptocurrency trading. Plus, with 24/7 customer support, users can quickly receive assistance whenever they need it.

    The Bybit TR app not only enhances accessibility to cryptocurrency trading but also instills confidence in users as they navigate the dynamic world of crypto investment. With its localized features and commitment to user security, Bybit TR is the go-to platform for anyone looking to enter or deepen their involvement in the world of cryptocurrencies.

    Users can download the Bybit TR app on the App Store and Google Play.

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

    About Bybit TR

    In June 2024, Bybit reinforced its commitment to the Turkish crypto market by rebranding Narkasa as Bybit TR. This strategic move underscores our dedication to offering Turkish users a localized and secure crypto trading experience. Operated by Narkasa Yazılım Ticaret Anonim Şirketi, Bybit Türkiye stands as an independent brand, tailored to meet the specific needs of the Turkish market while ensuring the highest standards of service and security.

    Twitter: https://x.com/BybitTurkiye

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bybitturkiye/?hl=en

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bybit-turkiye/?trk=ppro_cprof&originalSubdomain=tr

    Contact

    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN presides over the oath-taking ceremony of the new Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today presided over the oath-taking ceremony of H.E. San Lwin as Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community for the term 2024-2027, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. The oath-taking ceremony was followed by an introductory meeting to briefly discuss ongoing initiatives and priorities as well as other important follow-up under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community pillar.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN presides over the oath-taking ceremony of the new Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today had a meeting with the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to ASEAN, H.E. Amb. Aung Myo Myint, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They discussed, among others, follow-up to the recently-concluded 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, particularly pertaining to the ASEAN Community building efforts.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – KOF Employment Indicator remains stable

    Source: KOF Economic Institute

    The current level of the KOF Employment Indicator is virtually unchanged compared with last quarter. There are hardly any changes in the individual sectors either. The indicator value suggests that employment in Switzerland will continue to perform well over the coming months.

    The KOF Employment Indicator currently stands at 3.9 points after having been 3.8 points in the third quarter of 2024 (revised from 5.2 points). Having peaked at 16.6 points in the second quarter of 2022, the indicator has fallen continuously ever since. However, the KOF Employment Indicator has stabilised since the first quarter of this year and has now recorded values of around 4.0 points for three consecutive quarters. The indicator is marginally above its long-term average overall. As it is slightly ahead of the actual employment trend in Switzerland, the latest figures point to moderate employment levels over the coming months.

    The analysis conducted for the fourth quarter of 2024 is based on the responses of around 4,500 firms that were surveyed in October about their employment plans and expectations. On balance, the majority of participating businesses still consider their current staffing levels to be too low. The proportion of firms planning to increase their workforces in the next three months slightly exceeds the proportion of those planning to cut jobs.

    Minor changes in the individual sectors

    The picture varies from sector to sector. The employment outlook in manufacturing, construction, hospitality and banking has changed little compared with last quarter. The employment indicators for these industries remain close to zero. The KOF indicator for wholesale fell yet again from an already low level and is now firmly in negative territory (minus 12 points). Although the outlook for the insurance sector has also deteriorated, the employment indicator for this industry remains positive. By contrast, other service providers are planning to increase staffing levels considerably. This category includes key sectors in terms of employment, such as information and communication, real estate and housing, scientific and technical services, and health and social services.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Ōtāhuhu Fire Final Update

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency crews will remain at the scene of a factory fire in Ōtāhuhu for several hours, but there is no further danger to nearby residents from smoke.
    Incident Controller James Hall says that firefighters are in the clean-up phase, making sure that all the material that was burning inside the buildings is completely out.
    The emergency mobile alert that was issued earlier this evening due to smoke has been lifted as there is no longer any need for nearby residents to stay inside or keep doors and windows shut.
    “We are confident that we have dealt with the blaze and we are dampening down the remaining hotspots,” James Hall said. This is likely to take several hours.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Ōtāhuhu Fire Update #3

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Firefighters are continuing to work on a fire in an industrial area in Ōtāhuhu and Fire and Emergency is still advising people in the area of McGee St to stay inside with doors and windows shut to avoid being exposed to smoke.
    The building where the fire was first reported was already well ablaze when the first crews arrived. It then spread to an adjoining premises.
    Incident Controller James Hall says that firefighters have contained the fire in the second building and are now working to fully extinguish it, and are continuing to mop up remaining hotspots in the original building.
    Very little smoke is now being generated by the fire, but James Hay says that people should still keep their doors and windows closed and stay away from the area so they don’t get in the way of emergency services.
    A fire investigator is at the scene.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects smuggling case involving ocean-going vessel and goods worth about $140 million (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving an ocean-going vessel destined for the Philippines on September 26. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $140 million was seized.

         Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods and thus formulated strategies to combat related activities.

         On September 26, Customs officers identified an ocean-going vessel preparing to depart from Hong Kong for the Philippines for inspection and seized a large batch of suspected smuggled items, including new tyre rims, red wine, game consoles, CPUs and electronic products inside two containers which were declared as carrying plastic protective travelling cases and plastic tableware respectively aboard the vessel.

         An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

         Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, with targeted anti-smuggling operations carried out at suitable times to disrupt these activities.

         Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

         Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Tobacco seizure – Operation Hook – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police Drug and Organised Crime Division (DOCD) have executed a large illicit tobacco seizure earlier today.

    On Friday 1 November, detectives from the DOCD attended a convenience store on Progress Drive in Nightcliff and conducted a lawful search after receiving intelligence relating to illegal tobacco products.

    During the search, detectives located and seized a total of:

    • 4.325 kg of illicit loose-leaf tobacco.
    • 1,140 illicit tobacco cigarettes.
    • 1,225.00 AUD in cash, allegedly being proceeds of the illicit sale of tobacco.

    Infringements were issued to a 32-year-old man in relation to the seizure.

    Constable Jimmy Parimeros said, “The purchase of illegal tobacco products directly funds organised crime groups, not just locally, but also interstate and overseas.”

    Operation Hook was established to disrupt the sale and supply of illicit tobacco and vapes in the Northern Territory by interstate Organised Crime entities. Today’s seizure brings the total estimated value of illicit products seized during Operation Hook to $17.88 million AUD.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Washington man sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for trafficking eagles, hawks killed on the Flathead Indian Reservation and sold on black market

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MISSOULA — A Washington man who conspired to hunt and kill bald and golden eagles and hawks on the Flathead Indian Reservation to sell on the black market was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $777,250 restitution, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

    The defendant, Travis John Branson, 49, of Cusick, Washington, and formerly of the Flathead Reservation, pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy, two counts of unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles and violation of the Lacey Act, which prohibits interstate trade in wildlife that has been taken, possessed, transported or sold in violation of federal or state law. The Lacey Act also prohibits any person from making or submitting any false record, account, label for or identification of wildlife that has been or was intended to be transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

    U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The court ordered Branson to self-report to the Bureau of Prisons.

    “The bald eagle, adopted as America’s national symbol in 1782, represents our country’s core ideals of freedom, strength, and justice. Once on the brink of extinction, eagles recovered only because of conservation efforts by the American people and federal laws protecting them. None of that mattered to Travis Branson. Instead, Branson went on self-described ‘killing sprees’ for thousands of eagles and hawks, butchered them, and sold the parts and feathers for profit on the black market. He knew he was committing felonies and even joked his cost to kill them was the price of a bullet. But his conduct was no laughing matter. With today’s sentence, the cost to Branson was more than a bunch of bullets – he forfeited the very freedom the bald eagle symbolizes,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.  

    “The unlawful killing of these majestic birds violates federal law and is a profound offense against our nation’s cherished natural heritage,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Travis Branson’s blatant disregard for the law and the sanctity of these protected species highlights the urgent need for stringent enforcement and greater public awareness regarding wildlife trafficking. His actions are particularly egregious, considering the significant number of bald and golden eagles he killed for personal profit, and such behavior will not be tolerated. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect America’s wildlife and hold accountable all who are engaged in these illicit activities.”

    “We are going to feel the impacts of the Flathead Reservation’s raptor loss for years to come,” said Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman Mike Dolson. “We hope this helps put a stop to illegal poaching on our homelands and gives these birds a chance to recover. Eagles are not only a treasured and important part of the Reservation’s ecosystem, but they also have a profound place in CSKT cultural and spiritual practices.”

    In court documents, the government alleged that from about January 2015 until about March 2021, Branson and others hunted and killed eagles on the Flathead Reservation. Branson then sold the eagles on the black market across the United States and elsewhere. Brandon traveled from Washington to the Flathead Reservation, where he met co-defendant, Simon Paul. Branson and Paul would then shoot, transport and ship bald and golden eagles for future black-market sales. Co-defendant Paul remains a fugitive.

    The government sought restitution values of $5,000 per eagle and $1,750 per hawk.

    The government estimated that from 2009 until 2021, Branson made between $180,000 and $360,000 by selling eagles feathers and parts for profit on the black market.

    The government’s investigation showed that Branson and others killed approximately 3,600 birds during the conspiracy. At least 118 eagles and 107 hawks killed were directly traceable to Branson and documented through his own text messages. Branson had taken up to nine eagles at a time. The photograph below shows nine sets of feathers, with one set stacked on top of the other in the upper left corner.

    Law enforcement also recovered text messages from Branson stating he was specifically looking to shoot a baby eagle.

    Not only did Branson kill eagles, but he also butchered them into pieces to sell. On March 13, 2021, Branson shot and killed a golden eagle near Polson. Law enforcement stopped Branson and recovered from Branson’s vehicle the feet and feathers of the golden eagle and later recovered the remainder of the carcass in a field. The claws are identified here:

    Branson knew killing and selling eagles was illegal and that he did not have a permit for any of the activities. When negotiating a purchase price for eagle feathers with a potential buyer, Branson said:

    “I don’t get em for free though ..out hear committing felonies”

    Branson told another potential buyer he would obtain other eagle tails by “[g]oing on a killing spree.”

    Further, Branson acknowledged that international shipping was illegal:

    “International is still illegal ..I just get em for 99 cents ..price of a bullet..lol”

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Fish and Game Department conducted the investigation.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Independent experts outperform group assessments in complex situations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Joint research of associate professor Faculty of Economic Sciences, National Research University Higher School of EconomicsSergey Stepanov, experts from the INSEAD business school and New York University in Shanghai showed that for tasks with a high level of uncertainty, when there is no certainty which of the decisions taken is better, consultation with individual experts will be more useful than with a whole group. The study was published in the journalGamez and Economic Benavior.

    In real life, decision makers often face the choice of whether to use the opinions of several independent experts or a collective discussion. Individual expert assessments are common in science and medicine. For example, when reviewing articles in academic journals, several reviewers evaluate the work independently and do not know who else is checking it. Collective assessments are meetings of directors, think tanks, commissions, and councils where the decision is discussed together.

    To understand when it is better to rely on the opinions of individual experts and when to listen to a collective assessment, the researchers developed a model that involved two hypothetical experts. They received information about a situation, but could interpret it differently. Their task was to convince the decision maker of their competence, that is, to give the most accurate forecast possible. The model included two scenarios: an independent assessment, in which the experts were unaware of each other’s participation, and a joint assessment, in which they could discuss the information before presenting a unified conclusion.

    In the model, the honesty of experts’ conclusions is influenced by their desire to preserve their reputation. When a certain decision is considered the most probable in the community, an expert may be reluctant to contradict this opinion. And in groups, employees can share doubts with each other without fearing for the reputation of the team, so groups can give a more accurate answer in such a situation. Where individual experts are reluctant to speak out, groups can persuade management to accept a different point of view if it seems more correct to them.

    The results of the study showed that the effectiveness of one or another approach depends on the level of certainty of the situation. In conditions of certainty, where the probability of success of each option is approximately known, a collective approach allows collecting more data and making a common decision. By discussing and processing information together, a group of specialists can come to more accurate conclusions and minimize disagreements.

    However, when the situation is complex and unpredictable, independent assessment works better. Due to the lack of consensus, an individual expert is not afraid of pressure and can express any point of view. This approach also helps to avoid the influence of groupthink, when pressure on experts forces them to accept the opinion of the majority.

    By high uncertainty, scientists mean situations where there is no obvious and widely accepted understanding of the outcome. These may include unconventional economic forecasts, unstable political situations, unfamiliar medical cases, and other examples where assessment requires flexibility and an unconventional approach.

    “The results of the study change our understanding of what advice is better – collective or individual. For the decision maker, this choice does not depend on the problem itself that he needs to solve, nor on his preferences,” comments Associate Professor of the Faculty of Economic Sciences Sergey Stepanov.

    When there is no single correct answer, individual experts are able to give a more objective assessment. This is observed, for example, when polling economists to forecast inflation or GDP growth, where the complexity of economic processes does not allow one to identify the “correct” point of view in advance. The media, analytical agencies and government services involve different specialists in such polls in order to obtain a multifaceted assessment of the situation.

    “In some cases, we can really choose whether to interview an individual specialist or seek advice from a group,” says Sergey Stepanov. “For example, when making a complex diagnosis, you can consult several doctors individually or organize a medical consultation. Each of these approaches will be effective.”

    Thus, according to scientists, the choice between individual and collective assessment depends on the specific situation, its complexity and the available data.

    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 Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with U

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Dr. Rumman Chowdhury, U.S. Science Envoy, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During their meeting, Dr. Kao and Dr. Chowdhury exchanged insights on the global development of cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data, as well as their potentials to enhance regional cooperation in science, technology, and innovation. They also discussed effective strategies for implementing the ASEAN-United States Leaders’ Statement on Promoting Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI, recently adopted at the 12th ASEAN-U.S. Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with U.S. Science Envoy appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MOD signs advisors to develop surplus land for community use

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Local communities will benefit from real estate and environmental & technical advice in developing surplus Defence sites for residential use.

    Local communities will benefit from real estate and environmental & technical advice in developing surplus Defence sites for residential use.

    The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has appointed three Strategic Property Advisors (SPA) and three Strategic Environmental & Technical Advisors (SETA) to support the single biggest estates change programme within Defence: the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio.

    The six contracts are divided into three packages partnering real estate advisors Savills UK, Avison Young (UK) Ltd and WSP GL Hearn Ltd (working closely with Jones Lang LaSalle) with technical consultants Tetra Tech Ltd, Jacobs UK and Drees and Sommer UK Ltd (working closely with WSP in the UK) respectively.

    Together they will provide comprehensive advice on how former military sites can be redeveloped for alternative residential and commercial use to support local community needs.

    Catherine Davies, Head of Estates for the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said:

    “Working with industry experts helps us to ensure we are finding the right future use for sites which are surplus to military requirements, considering local needs and generating value for the taxpayer. These appointments offer a great opportunity to embrace Social Value, to create diverse teams working on MOD sites and to positively impact local communities.”

    DEO is investing £5.1Bn in more modern and sustainable infrastructure with projects ranging from new homes for military personnel and their families through to bespoke technical, combat and medical facilities as well as cyber warfare and fast jet training infrastructure.

    As these new military assets come into use the SPA & SETA contracts will provide strategic planning and land sales expertise to dispose of those sites that become surplus to military requirements.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DVLA and VCA business plans for 2024 to 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Publication of 2024 to 2025 business plans for the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and Vehicle Certification Agency.

    Location:
    House of Commons
    Delivered on:

    I am pleased to announce the publication of the 2024 to 2025 business plans for 2 of the Department for Transport’s motoring agencies:

    Each agency’s business plans sets out:

    1. The key business priorities that each agency will deliver and any significant changes they plan to make to their services.
    2. The key performance indicators, by which their performance will be assessed.

    These plans allow service users and members of the public to understand the agencies’ plans for delivering their key services and managing their finances.

    The business plans will be available electronically on GOV.UK and copies will be placed in the libraries of both Houses.

    The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) 2024 to 2025 business plan will be published separately as we continue to work with them on measures to drive down practical driving test waiting times.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 November 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Islamophobia Awareness Month challenges stereotypes in 2024

    Source: City of Derby

    Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) returns this November to rally communities across the UK toward meaningful change. This year’s theme, Seeds of Change, invites people from all backgrounds to take small, impactful steps toward combating Islamophobia and promoting unity.

    IAM 2024 raises awareness about Islamophobia, highlights the contributions of Muslims to society, and encourages allyship among communities. Seeds of Change emphasizes how small actions, like starting conversations or challenging stereotypes, can lead to significant transformation. By coming together and understanding each other, we can help reduce violence and hate against Muslims.

    Recent statistics illustrate the challenges facing Muslims in the UK:

    • 38% of all recorded religious hate crimes targeted Muslims in 2024 alone.
    • 70% of young Muslims who face mental health challenges also report being victims of Islamophobia.
    • 42% of Mosques in the UK have experienced religiously motivated attacks in the past three years, with many attacked on a near-annual basis.
    • 59% of media in articles about Muslims associates them with negative behaviour

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

    Islamophobia Awareness Month is a powerful opportunity for all of us to come together in compassion and solidarity. This month is about understanding, learning, and embracing the rich diversity that our Muslim community brings that makes up the UK.

    The statistics are disappointing and saddening.  By taking the time to listen, learn, and stand against stereotypes, each of us can play a role in building a society rooted in respect and unity. I encourage everyone to get involved, spark conversations, and plant those seeds of change that will help create a more inclusive and compassionate future for everyone in Derby.”

    Samantha Dennis, corporate sponsor of the BAESN staff network and Director of Communities at Derby City Council, said:

    Here in Derby, we believe that everyone belongs, and this November, as we observe Islamophobia Awareness Month, we’re reaffirming our commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community for all. Islamophobia has no place here, and together we stand against intolerance and prejudice in all its forms. We acknowledge the challenges felt within our communities and the resilience shown across the city; we are committed to embracing diversity and fostering mutual respect, we’re building a Derby where everyone can feel valued, supported, and proud to call this fabulous city home.”

    You can learn more about IAM by visiting their website. You can learn more about what a hate crime is and how to report it on our webpage. If you have been the victim of hate crime or know someone that has, report it to Derbyshire Constabulary by calling 101 or 999 (in an emergency) or report it online.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –