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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Replicating ADB Projects from the People’s Republic of China

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    Projects in the PRC offer rich potential for learning and replication—both domestically and abroad.

    Echoes of Success assembles five case studies in demonstration and replication of ADB-financed projects in the PRC.

    The five projects span diverse sectors—from nature conservation, green finance, water management, and energy efficiency, to road safety.

    Jiangsu Yancheng Biodiversity Protection Project restored nature reserves, and strengthened wetland protection and habitat management.

    The project’s insights in nurturing coexistence of rare species and humans have been applied to other wetlands, and inspired ADB’s Regional Flyway Initiative.

    Shandong Green Development Fund Project is a funding mechanism that mobilizes investment for climate projects and the environment.

    It has stimulated similar green finance initiatives in Southeast Asia, Central, and West Asia.

    Shaanxi Mountain Road Safety Demonstration Project is ADB’s first standalone road safety project.

    It adopts international road safety inspection, impact assessment, and design.

    The road safety program has been replicated in the PRC and Mongolia and won a global award from the International Road Federation.

    Shaanxi Accelerated Energy Efficiency and Environment Improvement Financing Project channeled funding to small and medium-scale clean energy investments in energy efficiency and emission reduction.

    The project’s pollution reduction, renewable energy heating, energy conservation technologies were replicated in two cities in Henan province.

    Wuhan Urban Environmental Improvement Project integrated sludge treatment and disposal systems, rehabilitated lakes, and strengthened water management.

    Lessons from the project design and implementation were applied to ADB projects in Huangshi and Huainan.

    Successful replication of projects requires active knowledge exchange, strong government support, and official recognition.

    ADB and the PRC will continue to promote regional and global development by sharing best practices and lessons in the PRC with other developing countries. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken delivers remarks on American Diplomacy for a New Era – 9:15 AM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks on American Diplomacy for a New Era at the Foreign Service Institute, on October 30, 2024.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb_OWZ9IDnE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks by President  Biden on a Campaign  Call

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    6:53 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT:  (In progress) — and your friendship.  And thanks to everyone — MS. TERESA:  So, President — THE PRESIDENT:  — at Voto Latino.  (Inaudible.) MS. TERESA:  So, President Biden, before we get started — before we get started, I just want to say, literally, three and a half years ago, we — when we were hunkered down, we were doing Zoom calls very similar to this, you came in and you talked to our community, and you said, “Maria Teresa, we are going to have the largest climate change legislation, the biggest infrastructure,” and you listed 20 things, and he’s like, “Will you be there with me?”  And I said, “Absolutely.”  And I said, “Do you think we’re going to get it done?”  You’re like, “Absolutely.”  And you know what?  You have.  So, I’m incredibly grateful for all the work that you’ve done, and I would love for you to say a few words to — to the community based on your ability to deliver every single time. THE PRESIDENT:  We got it done.  I didn’t get it done.  Every major thing we tried to do, from over a trillion dollars in infrastructure to work on communities that need help to health care to — I mean, a whole range of things, and we got it done. As I said earlier, your partnership, your friendship, and your leadership has really made a big difference.  And thank everyone at Latino — you know — excuse me, thank everyone at your organization, Voto Latino, for all you do.  You know, you’ve always had my back, and I think it’s fair to say I’ve always had yours. This is it.  This is it.  Seven days to Election Day, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.  And that’s not a — that’s not an exaggeration.  The choice couldn’t be clearer. Presidential historians tell us the most important thing about a president is character — does he or she have character.  Kamala has character.  She’ll always stand up for Latinos, but not just Lati- — she’ll stand up for everyone who deserves to be stood up for, and that’s all Americans. Donald Trump has no character.  He doesn’t give a damn about the Latino community.  He’s failed businessman.  He’s — he only cares about the billionaire friends he has and accumulating wealth for those at the top.
    You know, he says immigrants are “poisoning the blood” of our country.  Give me a break.  He wants to do away with the birthright citizenship.  Who the hell else said that in the last 100 years? 
    And just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage.”  Well, let me tell you something.  I don’t — I — I don’t know the Puerto Rican that — that I know — or a Puerto Rico, where I’m fr- — in my home state of Delaware, they’re good, decent, honorable people.  The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporter’s — his — his demonization of Latinos is unconscionable, and it’s un-American.  It’s totally contrary to everything we’ve done, everything we’ve been.   Now, Trump has di- — tried to divide the country based on race, ethnicity, anything that does harm, to take their eye off the ball about what the terrible things he’s done and will do.  But Kamala Harris has fought for all Americans and will be a president for all of America. Look, folks, we’ve gotten a lot done together, as you pointed out.  Look, Maria Teresa, we did everything from the infrastructure bill to health care to making sure that veterans are taken care of.  I mean, across the board, we’ve done so much.  We’ve created over 16 million jobs.  More Latinos have jobs than ever before. Look, a quarter of all — here’s the way I look at it.  A quarter of all the children in our schools today are Latino — are Latino, a quarter of them.  How could we possibly not invest everything we have in a quarter of our population that’s going to be our future?  It’s going to make a major, major, major, major piece of what this country looks like and what we think and what we believe.  So, these are going to have to be the doctors, the teachers, the scientists, and, yes, presidents. You know, I know we’ve asked a lot of each other, but I’m talking to you about one more thing and asking you, as a favor, all of you listening, to vote.  Get out early and vote.  Do it early. You know, I — I know the long waits on Election Day are all too common, especially in Latino communities.  You know, I cast my ballot yesterday.  I stood in line for 40, 45 minutes with all the people in Delaware, and I cast my vote yesterday in my home state.  I waited in line with a lot of other people.  There was a woman ahead of me, an elderly woman, who was in her 90s in a wheelchair, and it was a heavy wheelchair and the person pushing it was having trouble, so I spent time with her.  She — she’s — she’s over 90 years old, and she’s breaking her neck to vote because she knows how important it is. Today is National Vote Early Day.  Let me say it again.  Today is National Vote Early Day.  Remind folks to vote early, to return mail-in ballots.  Vote for access to a good education so everyone has an opportunity.  Vote to eliminate not — what Trump wants — he wants to eliminate the Department of Education and no early education.  We’re fighting like hell, and we’re fighting like hell for early education because, you know, it increases exponentially the prospect of success for our sons and our daughters.  Vote to give our daughters the same opportunities we give our sons, instead of taking away their rights.  Vote to make sure we maintain a significant health care that would provide for our parents and our families and basic health care for all Americans.  Trump is trying like hell to get rid of it.  More people have health care now than ever before.  He says he’s going to — wants to get rid of it. Vote to continue the progress we made on job growth — the growth in jobs for everyone, including Latinos — a significant job growth. Vote for comprehensive imm- — immigration reform instead of mass deportation.  What’s he talkin- — think about it.  You know, I travel the world because of my role as president and my knowledge of foreign policy.  I get inquiries from other heads of state, “Does Trump really mean it?  Are you really going to send out the police to gather up thousands and millions of people and deport them?”  What the hell is going on here?  Vote for comprehensive immigration reform instead of mass deportation.  In short, vote to keep Donald Trump out of the White House.  He’s a true danger to not just Latinos but to all people, particularly those who are in a minority in this country.  You know, we have to vote to elect Kamala as president, Tim Walz as vice president.  It’s (inaudible) — it’s never been more important. We’ve known each other a long time, Maria Teresa — a long time.  And I want to tell you something I can say without equivocation.  Our democracy is at stake.  And to translate that into pure English — and that’s wh- — I should be able to speak Spanish, but I can’t.  We should be able to talk about what this means. He wants to fundamentally change the way our Constitution works.  He wants to take away people’s rights.  He wants to concentrate power in the hands of a very few — people like him. So, go to IWillVote.com and make your plan to vote early.  Make it today, because voting early (inaudible) now basically through election.  Make a plan to vote, please, please, please.  Your vote is critical.  A Latino vote is critical.  Let’s make it heard. I want them to remember who you are and who we are.  We’re the United States of America.  And there’s nothing, nothing at all beyond our capacity when we do it together. So, God bless you all.  And God bless you, Maria Teresa, for all you’ve been doing.  We have more to do, but we got to get it done.  This el- — this election is the most consequential election we’ve ever voted in, no matter how old or how young you are — this election. God bless you all.  And God protect our troops. MS. TERESA:  Thank you so much, President Biden.  And I have to tell you, what you really — what you are saying is a clarion call.  It’s a multicultural democracy, and it’s us, as Americans first, that will save this country and our democracy.  And I’m so grateful for the time — THE PRESIDENT:  The reason why we’re strong. MS. TERESA:  — you’ve spent with us.  (Inaudible.) THE PRESIDENT:  We’re the most diverse country, and that’s why we’re strong.  That is our strength. MS. TERESA:  Right.  (Laughs.) THE PRESIDENT:  (Inaudible) our weakness.  It’s our strength. MS. TERESA:  No, I call it our superpower — our superpower.  And I always say, like, you don’t have to take my word for it.  The reason that you have disinformation around race is because the Russians and the Chinese recognize that racism is our Achilles heel, but it — they also recognize that it’s our multiculturalism that is our superpower and our strength. THE PRESIDENT:  We bring all the best of every culture together.  We really do.  It’s not hyperbole.  That’s a fact. MS. TERESA:  It’s true. THE PRESIDENT:  Sometimes I think our folks (inaudible) don’t realize it, but it’s truly a fact.  Anyway. God love you for what you’re doing.  Keep it going, kid. MS. TERESA:  I’m super grateful. THE PRESIDENT:  Keep it going. MS. TERESA:  Yeah, we’re not done yet.  We’re just getting started. THE PRESIDENT:  We’re not even close to done. MS. TERESA:  (Inaudible.)  (Laughs.) THE PRESIDENT:  And I may be — I may be leaving office on January 20th, but I’m not leaving.  MS. TERESA:  I — I — THE PRESIDENT:  I’m not leaving. MS. TERESA:  You promise? THE PRESIDENT:  I’m leaving office, but I’m not leaving this fight.  MS. TERESA:  (Laughs.) THE PRESIDENT:  God love you.  Thank you so much. MS. TERESA:  I’m going to remind you of that.  Much love.  Say hello to Jill. THE PRESIDENT:  Well, you don’t (inaudible) — I’m going to ask for your help and let me join you. MS. TERESA:  I will always be there, President.  
    7:02 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Expert Meeting on Dissemination and Communication of Statistics 2023

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    About the meeting

    In today’s rapidly changing world, statistical organisations are facing increasingly complex challenges in effectively disseminating and communicating data. With the continuous emergence of new technologies and platforms, the growing need to provide the right data product to the right people in a timelier manner as well as the rising competition from private data providers, statistical organisations must adapt quickly to continue serving their critical role as providers of official statistics that are fundamental to informed decision-making in society.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police target organised crime group and seize significant quantity of cannabis

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Last week Police across Counties Manukau, Auckland City and Waitemata Districts executed over 30 search warrants at addresses around the Districts, targeting an organised crime group using residential properties to set-up sophisticated indoor cannabis growing systems.

    The termination has resulted in a significant seizure of illegal drugs and the arrest of 11 people. 3,385 cannabis plants at various growth-stages have been seized and destroyed, along with 48 kilograms of dried cannabis. The estimated total value of the seizures, based on estimated yield of the plants, is $18 million.

    The majority of those arrested were in New Zealand illegally and a result, Immigration New Zealand has deported 11 Vietnamese nationals. All 11 have left New Zealand and are back in Vietnam.

    Enquiries are ongoing utilising intelligence gathered during the operation and Police cannot rule-out the possibility of further arrests.

    Acting Detective Inspector Greg Brand of Auckland City Police says the arrests come as a result of an investigation that has spanned Tamaki Makaurau and which targeted a sophisticated and profit-driven criminal syndicate.

    “This group were cultivating and dealing in large amounts of cannabis and their actions mirror similar operations recently uncovered in Australia where criminal groups, primarily of Vietnamese descent, were running a large number of indoor cannabis growing operations,” says Acting Detective Inspector Brand.

    “Make no mistake, these syndicates are well connected to gangs and this cannabis is a large source of income for their illegal operations.

    “Often the properties used by these groups will appear innocuous and will not really attract neighbours’ attention. However the operations that are set-up within are capable of producing large quantities of cannabis to sell.

    “These individuals are significantly modifying rental properties to cultivate cannabis with extremely dangerous electrical installations.

    “Not only is this extremely dangerous and creates a significant fire risk, we’d estimate millions of dollars’ worth of electricity is being stolen every year to run these operations.”

    Police is working alongside Immigration New Zealand in relation to the foreign nationals involved in this investigation, as we want to ensure migrant communities are kept safe from those who would exploit the conditions of their work visas.

    WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

    Police are reminding landlords to be vigilant when renting out their properties.

    • Ensure there are regular property inspections.
    • Carry out thorough vetting: get two forms of photo ID and sight the original document, compare the photo with the applicant.

    It’s important for the community to remain vigilant as well.

    If you see suspicious activity, such as deliveries of easy grow and fertilizer bags being dropped off, or signs that an electricity meter has been tampered with, please contact Police.

    • Report any information you have by calling 105
    • Go online to make a report at www.police.govt.nz/use-105
    • Contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
    • If migrant communities are concerned with possible exploitation, contact MBIE on 0800 20 90 20

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    Note for media: a small number of video clips are available for release to media outlets, please contact Police Media team for download details.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Reminds Louisiana Residents to Maintain Flood Insurance Coverage

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>BATON ROUGE, La. – FEMA is reminding flood survivors who received a temporary Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) of the need to purchase an individual flood insurance policy. The three-year GFIP expired Monday, October 28, so policyholders must plan now to switch to a standard flood insurance policy to ensure continuous flood insurance coverage.
    It’s important that GFIP holders purchase a new flood insurance policy when the GFIP expires, to not only be covered in the event of flood damage, but to remain compliant with the obligation to get and keep flood insurance as a condition of past FEMA disaster assistance. To learn more about the requirement, visit https://agents.floodsmart.gov/disaster-assistance-flood-insurance-requirement.
    Following Hurricane Ida, FEMA purchased over 500 GFIPs for eligible disaster survivors whose homes were flooded. This helped those survivors meet the obtain and maintain flood insurance requirement for households that receive FEMA flood disaster assistance when their home is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). 
    Part of the eligibility requirement for receiving future federal financial assistance after a flood is that household get and keep flood insurance. For homeowners: Even if the property is transferred or sold, the requirement stays with the address, so the new owners are required to have flood insurance as well. For renters: They need to get and keep flood insurance as long as they remain at the rental address. Those that don’t buy a flood insurance policy will likely not receive federal disaster assistance for home repairs or personal property replacement if they experience another federally declared flood event.
    Steps to Take Now
    Purchase an individual flood insurance policy through a local insurance agent or from the NFIP Direct at NFIP Direct – Sign In before your GFIP expires. GFIPs are not renewable. However, policyholders have a 30-day renewal grace period offered through standard NFIP flood insurance policies. This means that even though a GFIP expires on October 28, 2024, policyholders have 30 days to pay in full for a standard NFIP policy without experiencing a lapse in coverage. For example, if they purchase a standard NFIP policy before the 30-day window ends on November 26, 2024, the effective date for their new policy would be October 28, 2024. They would not have to wait the typical 30 days for a new policy to go into effect and could be covered for any flood losses during that time. Don’t delay.

    For more information regarding GFIPs and purchasing a Standard Flood Insurance Policy, call the NFIP Direct at 800-638-6620 and select option number 2.
    Call the FEMA Disaster Assistance line at 800-621-FEMA (3362) to verify how much assistance you previously received. By law, you must purchase at least as much flood insurance coverage as the amount of federal home repair and personal property assistance you received for flood damages. Consider purchasing more coverage than required, as flood insurance claims can be made at any time.

    FEMA sends GFIP certificate holders a welcome packet when they first receive the policy, annual reminders, a reminder letter 45 days before the GFIP expires, as well as a final expiration notice.
    Flooding is the nation’s most common and costly natural disaster.  Flood insurance policies are crucial to recover quickly following a flood event as homeowners and renters’ policies do not typically cover flood damage. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more.
    Follow the FEMA Region 6 X account at X.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station celebrates successful ewe breeding season

    Source: New South Wales Department of Primary Industries

    30 Oct 2024

    The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station has experienced one of its most successful breeding seasons to date.

    Building on six years of strong lamb marking and weaning results, this year’s success can be largely attributed to flock and pasture management despite the slow early winter pasture growth and the cold, wet and windy winter conditions experienced in late June and early July. It was also enhanced by tactical use of forage crops and optimal use of pregnancy scanning data.

    This year’s lamb marking results for the Merino flock at the research station have been nothing short of exceptional, with lamb marking rates between 130% and 140% per ewe joined.

    This impressive performance is well above the national lamb marking average of 90% for Merinos, which can vary significantly due to local conditions such as; cold temperatures, wet conditions, windy weather or drought.

    NSW DPIRD Livestock Systems Senior Research Scientist Dr Gordon Refshauge said the excellent results showcase the effectiveness of the ongoing research and management practices implemented by the Department’s research team.

    “The Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station staff’s dedictation and expertise are driving performance well above the industry average, ” Dr Refshauge said.

    “Staff categorised pregnant ewes into groups based on litter size of singles, twins, and multiples and provided feed quality and quantity tailored to each group’s specific needs.

    “The combination of these strategic practices, alongside a healthy and well-managed flock, led to a successful lambing season, showcasing the Station’s commitment to maximising lambing potential.”

    This season, the Station’s flock exhibited lower pregnancy rates than normal but also an unusually high number of triplets and quadruplets.

    Dr Refshauge said this unusual occurence can be attributed to the ewes being in excellent condition prior to mating and continuing to gain weight during the mating period.

    “Due to limited pasture growth, and high feed demands, the ewes were placed in their lambing paddocks earlier than usual, after finishing grazing mixed species forage crops or dual-purpose canola,” Dr Refshauge said.

    “These pre-lambing management decisions were critical for lambing, as pastures had been rested from grazing for 4 – 6 weeks prior to the commencement of lambing and the ewes were in the right body condition for lambing.

    “By integrating these precision management strategies with optimal feeding practices, we’ve exceeded our lambing goals for 2024, showcasing the capability of our flock and team and hoping to continue this for years to come.”

    For more information on the NSW DPIRD Cowra Agricultural Institute, please visit our website

    Media contact:
    For more information, please contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley Visits COMLOGWESTPAC, October 9, 2024 [Image 3 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (October 9, 2024) Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, signs a guest logbook during a scheduled visit to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73), Oct. 9, 2024. COMLOGWESTPAC supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional Allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 10.09.2024
    Date Posted: 10.10.2024 01:41
    Photo ID: 8689163
    VIRIN: 241009-N-ED646-1026
    Resolution: 7686×5124
    Size: 6.88 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 8
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley Visits COMLOGWESTPAC, October 9, 2024 [Image 3 of 3], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USNS Carl Brashear Conducts RAS During Keen Sword 25 [Image 1 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USNS Carl Brashear Conducts RAS During Keen Sword 25 [Image 5 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 25, 2024) – The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Takanami-class destroyer JS Ōnami (DD-111) approaches the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) to conduct a refueling-at-sea during Keen Sword 25, Oct. 25, 2024. Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (Courtesy Photo)

    Date Taken: 10.25.2024
    Date Posted: 10.29.2024 22:20
    Photo ID: 8725101
    VIRIN: 241025-N-N0900-1005
    Resolution: 1425×952
    Size: 436.48 KB
    Location: PHILIPPINE SEA
    Web Views: 1
    Downloads: 0

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    This work, USNS Carl Brashear Conducts RAS During Keen Sword 25 [Image 5 of 5], must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: CORRECTION: DoD Releases National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The Department of Defense (DoD) today published the unclassified National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP), detailing how the DoD will achieve the four strategic priorities laid out in the NDIS. Released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)), the document outlines ongoing and future actions that DoD is taking, to modernize the defense industrial base.

    The NDIS-IP describes six cross-cutting initiatives and associated lines of effort, which will enable the DoD to achieve a more resilient defense industrial ecosystem and buy-down risks. In addition to detailing the work being done across the Services and DoD components, the NDIS-IP demonstrates activities and initiatives that the U.S. Government, private industry, and international allies and partners are undertaking, emphasizing that this effort cannot be a DoD-only initiative.

    “Publishing the NDIS was a significant accomplishment as we work to strengthen the size and resilience of our industrial base,” Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante said, “But we’ve always said that it was only the first step—implementation is what really matters. While we still have a lot of work ahead of us, this implementation plan is showing that we remain focused on putting words into tangible actions.”    

     “This implementation plan offers industry, global allies, and partners clear direction on the Department’s priorities for industrial capacity building.” said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale. “Implementing these initiatives will require coordinated efforts across the DoD, and support and cooperation from our interagency, industry, and international stakeholders, as well as our champions in Congress.” 

    An NDIS-IP Classified Annex is forthcoming and will further detail vulnerabilities and articulate the necessary steps the DoD is taking to ensure its resilience and strength. The unclassified NDIS-IP and a corresponding factsheet are available here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pacific leaders’ mission to Nouméa – Mapou says New Caledonia at ‘turning point’

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/Bulletin editor

    A three-day fact-finding mission, headed by three Pacific leaders, has wrapped up in Nouméa, and New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou says the French territory is at a “turning point”.

    The semi-autonomous Pacific territory has been riddled with violent unrest since May.

    While tensions have reportedly eased for now, the main political decision-making body for the Pacific region has been in Nouméa this week on a “strictly observational” but “critical mission”.

    New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou . . . “They willingly shared their own history.” Image: 1ère TV

    Territorial President Louis Mapou told reporters why the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) “troika -plus” visit was so important.

    “They have a shared intention with government members, drawing on their own experience in the region: the Cook Islands, which are in free association with New Zealand; Tonga, a country that was never colonised; and the Solomon Islands, which have experienced interethnic conflicts in the northern part, where youth played a significant role,” he said.

    “And finally, Fiji, which gained independence, decided to withdraw from the Commonwealth, and is now re-evaluating its connection with the British Crown. So, they willingly shared their own history.

    “They pointed out that in each of these histories, it was often the internal decisions of the populations involved that ultimately shaped the choices made about their country’s future.”

    What a pleasant honour to have Hon. Prime Minister @slrabuka welcomed by @LegionEtrangere & @RSMA_NC , writing a poem about his visit in New-Caledonia as a member of the @ForumSEC high level Troïka-Plus information mission . pic.twitter.com/HVVoebqPfA

    — Véronique Roger-Lacan (@rogerlacanv) October 28, 2024

    Hope and perspective
    Local government spokesperson Charles Wea said the visit brought hope and perspective.

    “It is important that that people from New Caledonia can arrive to express their views, and also the political perspectives, in terms of political future,” he said.

    “The process of decolonisation, for example, which is quite a major subject topic that will be in the discussion with a mission”

    Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni led the PPIF troika-plus delegation — Rabuka was the “plus” factor.

    “We are not there to judge you or to tell them what to do right now. It is a preliminary visit. So, basically, we just want to listen.”

    While it is a fact-finding mission, there are some indisputable facts, such as New Caledonia being on the United Nations Decolonisation List.

    Tuvalu MP Simon Kofe has expressed his thoughts on this.

    Pacific ‘needs to support decolonisation’
    “My position is for independence, we need to continue supporting the decolonisation of the Pacific,” Kofe told RNZ Pacific.

    Hu’akavameiliku’s views were somewhat more diplomatic.

    “I do believe that there is a way of having some sovereignty and control of your country. There are various models in the Pacific. You have Niue and Cook Islands. Then you have American Samoa.

    “We are not the ones who will tell [New Caledonia] what is working and what is not. We respect their sovereignty.”

    But amid the politicking, a Kanak leader from the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia, Billy Wetewea, said people were struggling.

    In particular, the indigenous population, who were battling inequities in education, employment and health, he said.

    “The destruction that the youth have made since May, was a kind of expression of the frustration towards all of these social injustices,” he said.

    “We are fighting for our humanity. So, it’s for the dignity of our humanity, and our humanity is the humanity of everyone.”

    ‘Neither marginalised nor mistreated’
     The pro-France loyalists, however, have a different perspective.

    “Contrary to what some separatists suggest, the Kanak people are neither marginalised nor mistreated,” they said in a statement.

    “On the contrary, [Kanaky people are] one of the most advantaged in our Oceanian region.”

    Wea said the Pacific leaders had the chance to hear from all sides involved in the unrest.

    The findings will be presented to the 18 Pacific leaders at next year’s leaders meeting.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Martha Stewart paved the way for influencers. But not everyone finds her brand empowering

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Yang, Doctoral student, School of Economics, Finance, and Marketing, RMIT University

    From showing us how to cook the perfect turkey to mastering the art of folding a fitted sheet, Martha Stewart’s name has long been a byword for doing things well at home – “how very ‘Martha Stewart’ of you”.

    New Netflix documentary, Martha, promises insights into her extraordinary life – from a teenage model to the original influencer and America’s first self-made female billionaire, with a prison stay and friendship with Snoop Dogg along the way.

    Behind the expertly folded linens and immaculately set tables lies something more.

    Martha Stewart created a brand empire that redefined the domestic lifestyle, monetised it and paved the way for others.

    Beginnings and barriers

    Stewart’s connection to the domestic arts began early.

    Raised in New Jersey, she learned essential homemaking skills like cooking and sewing from her mother, while her father introduced her to gardening.

    She studied art and architectural history yet Stewart started her career as a stockbroker. But her passion for the domestic realm led her to entrepreneurship.

    As she once reflected, “the life of the homemaker was more interesting to me than the life of Wall Street”.

    In 1972, she launched a catering business from the suburbs of Connecticut. It soon gained recognition for its elegant food presentations. A publisher client led to her 1982 book, Entertaining. It included notes for how to prepare a clambake for 30, a cocktail party for 200 and ranked presentation as highly as the food itself.

    Book success sealed a partnership with Kmart in 1987 and eventually took her homewares brand into millions of American homes.

    By 1999, she took her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (which encompassed her television show, magazines, websites and merchandising product lines) public, becoming America’s first self-made female billionaire – albeit momentarily.

    A few years later, Stewart was embroiled in scandal. She received a five-month prison sentence for insider trading and obstruction of justice. Many expected this to mark the end of her career – but Stewart defied the odds.

    Breaking new ground

    After her release from prison, she didn’t shy away from her past. Instead, she continued sharing skills including those she honed during her time at prison camp – whether it was crocheting or experimenting with new recipes. As always, Stewart seized every opportunity to expand her brand.

    Her genius lies in her ability to “sense a void in the culture” and turn a personal touch into commercial success.

    Since selling her namesake brand, Stewart has stayed in the spotlight, sometimes sharing it with rapper Snoop Dogg. The unlikely duo struck up a seemingly genuine friendship that produced a television potluck series, appearances and prison jokes.

    She continues to connect with millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where her long-term influence is perhaps most evident.

    The OG influencer

    Stewart’s living legacy is unmistakable in today’s digital world. Scrolling through social media, you’ll find traces of her in meticulously arranged tablescapes or perfectly organised cabinets.

    Popular “cleanfluencers” like Mrs Hinch and Australia’s Mama Mila have built massive followings by turning domestic tasks into visually captivating content.

    Minimalist tidy maven Marie Kondo took the world by storm, with her philosophy of keeping only what “sparks joy”. Her global brand follows Stewart’s signature collection model. Stewart’s clean and white aesthetic and multichannel branding can be seen in Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop too.

    When housework is repackaged as life-changing and transformative, it transcends private duty to become a public, respected and potentially profitable business.

    But is this feminism?

    Yet, the rise of domestic lifestyle influencers also raises critical questions in feminist circles.

    As far back as Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, published in 1949, housework has been seen as part of the trap of domestic femininity.

    Figures like Stewart may represent success stories in economic terms. But their ventures risk reinforcing the stereotype that homemaking is inherently women’s work, often packaged alongside an ever-growing array of consumer products designed to perfect it.

    Stewart’s vision of domestic success – immaculate homes, flawless dinners, and perfect organisation – sets a standard that is unattainable for most. Scholars argue her media empire presents an upper-class fantasy, where the appearance of a wealthy lifestyle is emphasised over the reality of it.

    Focusing on domesticity is not inherently regressive, but what happens when the standards of success are too high to reach?

    The “solution” is often hidden in the consumerism trap, with women endlessly buying goods to chase an idealised lifestyle.

    Stewart’s embrace of perfectionism fuelled her success. In her words, “being a perfectionist can be profitable”. Yet for women and consumers, the pursuit of “Martha Stewartness” often feels out of reach.

    Martha is streaming on Netflix from today.

    Di Yang 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. Martha Stewart paved the way for influencers. But not everyone finds her brand empowering – https://theconversation.com/martha-stewart-paved-the-way-for-influencers-but-not-everyone-finds-her-brand-empowering-241802

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Inflation is sinking ever lower. Now that it’s official what’s the RBA going to do?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Hawkins, Senior Lecturer, Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra

    Lower petrol prices and an electricity rebate have contributed to a further fall in the quarterly measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index.

    The rate in the September quarter dropped to 2.8%, putting it for the first time within the Reserve Bank’s target range of two-point-something since the March quarter of 2020.

    The fall was broadly in keeping with market expectations, and keeps low the likelihood of an interest rate cut this year. The next Reserve Bank meeting is scheduled for Tuesday.

    The bank pays more attention to the long-running quarterly measure of the CPI than the more volatile monthly version which already dropped into its target range in August.

    The monthly measure dropped further, to 2.1%, in September.

    The quarterly CPI is also more important because it is included in all sorts of workplace and other contracts and indexation formulas.

    The main reason for the fall in inflation was the electricity rebates announced in the federal budget and by some states.

    Also helping were the falls in petrol prices, mainly reflecting declines in global oil prices. Cheaper or free public transport in Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin also contributed.

    Preventing a larger fall were the continuing strong growth in insurance costs and rent. The rise in insurance costs reflects a series of extreme weather events such as bushfires and floods. It is a way in which climate change is exacerbating inflation.

    Contrary to what many people think, the increase in rents is not due to landlords passing on higher interest rates. Landlords may want to do this but they are only able if vacancy rates are low, otherwise tenants just move elsewhere.

    History shows it is low vacancy rates that drive up rent regardless of the level of interest rates. The inability of landlords to pass on interest rate increases has been confirmed by a study just published by the Reserve Bank using tax return data.

    It showed that only three cents of every dollar in extra interest costs is passed on.

    The fall in inflation to a rate significantly below the 4% at which wages are increasing means that the cost of living crisis is abating, although not yet over.

    The dramatically lower inflation rate puts Australia in a comparable position to the United States, whose inflation rate is 2.4%, the United Kingdom, whose inflation rate is 1.7% and New Zealand where it is 2.2%.

    The US, UK and New Zealand all have inflation targets (or midpoints) of 2%, so inflation is now only slightly above the target in the US and New Zealand. It is actually below it in the UK. In response all three have cut their key policy interest rates.

    Yet it is unlikely that the Reserve Bank will follow their lead until next year, despite growing pressure.

    One reason is that, even after their cuts, interest rates in our three peers are still higher than in Australia, at around 4.75% to 5%.

    But more importantly, the Bank has stressed recently that it pays more attention to the “underlying” rate of inflation, which looks through temporary measures such as the electricity subsidies. The Bank will only cut interest rates when they are “confident that inflation was moving sustainably towards the target range”.

    The bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation, the so-called trimmed mean, has also fallen.

    But at 3.5%, it is still above the target. A positive aspect is that it has reached 3.5% ahead of the Bank’s most recent forecast which had 3.5% only being reached by the end of 2024.

    Monetary policy, however, has in Milton Friedman’s famous words “long and variable lags”.

    As the then future governor Glenn Stevens remarked back in 1999,
    “the long lags associated with the full impact of monetary policy changes mean that policy changes today must be made with a view not just to what is happening now, but what is likely to be happening in a year’s time and even beyond then”.

    In other words we want to drive by looking ahead rather than just at the rear view mirror. The Bank is like a footballer who needs to head to where the ball will be rather than where it is now.

    There is therefore a risk that if the Reserve Bank keeps interest rates high until inflation reaches the middle of the target, it will be too late to prevent the economy slowing too much and inflation will undershoot the target. This would likely be associated with unnecessarily high unemployment.

    That is why the Reserve Bank board faces a difficult balancing act in taking its decisions.

    John Hawkins was formerly a senior economist and forecaster in the Reserve Bank and the Australian Treasury.

    – ref. Inflation is sinking ever lower. Now that it’s official what’s the RBA going to do? – https://theconversation.com/inflation-is-sinking-ever-lower-now-that-its-official-whats-the-rba-going-to-do-240336

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Oregon Small Businesses Economically Impacted by the Microwave Tower Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    “As communities across the Southeast continue to recover and rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the SBA remains focused on its mission to provide support to small businesses to help stabilize local economies, even in the face of diminished disaster funding,” said Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “If your business has sustained physical damage, or you’ve lost inventory, equipment or revenues, the SBA will help you navigate the resources available and work with you at our recovery centers or with our customer service specialists in person and online so you can fully submit your disaster loan application and be ready to receive financial relief as soon as funds are replenished.”

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses economically impacted by the Microwave Tower Fire that occurred July 22-Aug. 11, SBA’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced today. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Tina Kotek on Oct. 28.

    The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Marion, Sherman, Wasco and Wheeler counties in Oregon; and Klickitat County in Washington.

    “Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration.

    “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing,” Sánchez continued.

    “When disasters strike, our virtual Business Recovery Centers are key to helping business owners and residents get back on their feet,” Sánchez added. “At these virtual centers, people can connect directly with our specialists to apply for disaster loans and learn about the full range of programs available to rebuild and move forward in their recovery journey.”

    “Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 30, SBA customer service representatives will be available at the following virtual Business Recovery Center to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each business owner complete their application,” Sánchez said. The virtual center will be open on the days and times indicated below. No appointment is necessary.

    VIRTUAL BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTER
    Monday – Friday
    8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
    FOCWAssistance@sba.gov
    (916) 735-1712

    Opens at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30

    Closed on Monday, Nov. 11, for Veterans Day

    Closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving Holiday

    Eligibility is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for small businesses and 3.25 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years and are restricted to small businesses without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    On October 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.

    Applicants are encouraged to submit their loan applications promptly for review in anticipation of future funding.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 29, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Alford Demands Answers from Postmaster DeJoy on the Disenfranchisement of Service Members Overseas

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As first reported by Breitbart, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) sent a letter this week to U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to express his grave concern over reports that service members stationed abroad are being disenfranchised by the Postal Service’s delays in delivering their ballots to election authorities.

    Congressman Alford described voting as a fundamental right for all Americans and called on USPS to take urgent measures to address the issue and ensure that no service members are denied their Constitutional right to vote.

    “Election integrity is a key pillar in our democracy, and any actions that undermine free and fair elections are completely unacceptable,” said Congressman Alford. “The right to vote is a fundamental right for all Americans, enshrined in the United States Constitution. It is deeply concerning that members of our Armed Services stationed abroad could potentially be denied this right due to USPS errors.”

    “With Election Day fast approaching, I am concerned with how USPS plans to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen stationed abroad can exercise their right to vote,” Congressman Alford continued. “The failure to meet the Congressionally mandated six-day delivery windows is troubling, and it poses a significant disservice to any Service Member whose vote is not counted.”

    In the letter, Alford described the current situation as unacceptable and condemned USPS’s inability to fulfill their duty.

    “There is no excuse for something as egregious as a failure to deliver our service members’ ballots. It is clear the USPS must take urgent measures to address this issue, and to prevent it from worsening. We cannot deny our servicemembers this Constitutional right, and it is your duty to ensure this does not continue,” Congressman Alford concluded.

    Text of the letter can be found HERE or below:

    Mr. Louis DeJoy

    Postmaster General

    United States Postal Service

    475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 10300

    Washington, DC 20260

     

    Dear Postmaster General DeJoy,

     

    I am writing to express my deep concern about a report I have received that servicemembers stationed abroad were disenfranchised by the United States Postal Service (USPS) failing to deliver their ballot in a timely manner. Election integrity is a key pillar in our democracy, and any actions that undermine free and fair elections are completely unacceptable.

     

    The right to vote is a fundamental right for all Americans, enshrined in the United States Constitution. It is deeply concerning that members of our Armed Services stationed abroad could potentially be denied this right due to USPS errors. With Election Day fast approaching, I am concerned with how USPS plans to ensure the hundreds of thousands of Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen stationed abroad can exercise their right to vote.

     

    The failure to meet the Congressionally mandated six-day delivery windows is troubling, and it poses a significant disservice to any Service Member whose vote is not counted. The current situation is unacceptable and the USPS’s inability to fulfill their duty is worrying.

     

    I understand the USPS has attributed recent mail delays to major staffing shortages, an issue affecting various businesses nationwide. While I recognize the dedication of postal workers and mail carriers, there is no excuse for something as egregious as a failure to deliver ballots to our servicemembers. It is clear the USPS must take urgent measures to address this issue, and to prevent it from worsening. We cannot deny our servicemembers this Constitutional right, and it is your duty to ensure this does not continue.

    For these reasons, I request a timely response to the following questions:

     

    1. What specific strategies are the USPS implementing to assist Service Member’s abroad in voting?

     

    1. What measures are being taken to ensure that Military members ballots are processed in a timely manner?

    I appreciate your attention to this matter and the hard work of USPS employees in fulfilling their duties. Thank you for your prompt consideration of this urgent matter.

    I appreciate your attention to this matter and the hard work of USPS employees in fulfilling their duties. Thank you for your prompt consideration of this urgent matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gang member arrested after homemade firearm located

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Aimee Whitley, Hamilton City Area Response Manager:

    Two people, including a gang member, have been arrested and a homemade firearm seized following an incident in Hillcrest, Hamilton.

    Around 2pm yesterday, Police responded to Masters Avenue following a report of a disorder involving a firearm. No-one was injured.

    A person believed to be in possession of a firearm left the scene in a vehicle.

    Police swiftly responded, armed as a precaution, searching the Hillcrest area and locating the vehicle of interest further down Masters Avenue.

    The vehicle was stopped and two people from the vehicle were arrested without incident.

    A small home-made pistol, capable of firing .22 calibre rounds, was located and seized, along with 203 grams of cannabis also located in the vehicle.

    A 30-year-old Waikato man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Friday 1 November on charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm and unlawfully possessing ammunition.

    A 23-year-old Waikato man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Tuesday 5 November on a charge of possessing a cannabis plant.

    Thanks to the detailed and prompt report made by a member of the public, Police were able to swiftly locate the vehicle of interest, taking one more firearm off the street.

    Police work hard to hold offenders to account, especially those with the potential to cause serious harm in our communities, such as those unlawfully in the possession of firearms, or those who take it upon themselves to craft homemade firearms.

    Homemade firearms have the potential to cause serious harm, not only to officers and the community but also to those using them.

    If you witness any unlawful activity and it is happening now, please contact Police on 111 as soon as possible with as much information as possible, including descriptions of the offenders, their vehicles, and what direction they may have travelled in.

    Information can also be reported to Police online or by calling 105.

    Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Four property owners fined over $104,000 in total for failing to comply with fire safety directions

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Four property owners fined over $104,000 in total for failing to comply with fire safety directions
    Four property owners fined over $104,000 in total for failing to comply with fire safety directions
    ******************************************************************************************

         Four property owners were convicted and fined over $104,000 in total at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts on October 17 for failing to comply with fire safety directions issued under the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (FS(B)O) (Cap. 572).      The Buildings Department (BD) issued fire safety directions under section 5(2)(a)(ii) of the FS(B)O to the respective owners of four domestic flats in a 70-year-old composite building on Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, requiring them to comply with the fire safety construction requirements by providing fire-rated doors at the unit entrances, which open directly to staircases.      Failing to comply with the statutory directions, the four owners were prosecuted by the BD and were convicted by the court. Each of them was fined $26,120.      “According to the FS(B)O, failing to comply with a statutory direction issued under the ordinance without reasonable excuse is a serious offence. The BD may instigate prosecution proceedings against the owner”, a spokesman for the BD said today (October 30).      Pursuant to section 5(8) of the FS(B)O, any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a statutory direction, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine at level 4 ($25,000 at present) and to a further fine of $2,500 for each day of non-compliance. Upon conviction, an application may also be made to the court for a Fire Safety Compliance Order against the owner under section 6(1) of the FS(B)O directing the owner to comply with the requirements of the direction.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese scientists extract world’s longest ice core outside polar regions

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    An aerial drone photo shows members of Chinese scientific expedition team heading deep into the Purog Kangri Glacier in southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Chinese scientists announced Tuesday that they had successfully extracted a 324-meter ice core from the thickest glacier on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau — the longest ice core ever drilled on the plateau and the longest globally outside the polar regions.
    Braving the wind and snow, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) had worked tirelessly on the summit of the Purog Kangri Glacier in Tsonyi County, China’s highest county in altitude with over 5,000 meters above sea level on average in Xizang Autonomous Region, for over a month.
    The ice core surpassed the previous record set in 1992, when scientists from China and the United States drilled a 308.6-meter ice core from Guliya Ice Cap in Xizang’s Ngari Prefecture on the plateau, according to the CAS.
    Glaciers contain important information about the Earth’s climate history.
    “The longest ice core here has unique geographical and climatic characteristics, recording long-term climate and environmental information for the area,” said Xu Baiqing, deputy director of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, CAS, who led the extraction project.
    During the Purog Kangri Glacier scientific research project, which started in September, scientists identified it as the thickest glacier on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, following the discovery of an ice field with a maximum measured thickness of nearly 400 meters.
    Lonnie Thompson, a member of the American Academy of Sciences and a foreign academician of the CAS, joined the research in September.
    “Currently, glaciers worldwide are retreating. Once they melt, the historical records encapsulated within them will also disappear,” Thompson told Xinhua during his trip to the research site.
    “Therefore, extracting and preserving ice cores is crucial for retrieving historical information,” he added.
    The ice core drilling and thickness measurement of Purog Kangri Glacier are part of China’s second scientific expedition and research project on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, initiated in August 2017 and headed by Yao Tandong, an academician of the CAS.
    By measuring the thickness and extracting ice cores, scientists can better examine the changes occurring in this largest ice field in the mid-to-low latitudes and the environmental changes it has recorded, thereby gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of global warming on glaciers, Yao said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Intel unveils additional investment in China

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Workers set up the exhibition booth of Intel Corporation in preparation for the fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 2, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. chip giant Intel on Monday announced the expansion of its packaging and testing base in southwestern China to boost local supply chain efficiency and better serve Chinese clients.

    With a capital increase of 300 million U.S. dollars, the added capacity at its base in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, will primarily focus on packaging and testing services for server chips to meet Chinese clients’ demand for customized packaging solutions. A new customer solutions center will also be established to enhance the efficiency of the local supply chain and increase support for Chinese customers, the company said in an announcement.

    China’s persistent pursuit of high-quality development and high-level opening-up serves as the foundation and driving force for Intel’s long-term development in the Chinese market. Intel’s strategy of being rooted in China and serving its customers remains unchanged, according to Wang Rui, senior vice president and chairman of Intel China.

    The Chengdu base, put into operation in 2003, is one of Intel’s largest chip packaging and testing centers globally.

    Amidst the challenging global economic recovery, preserving the resilience and stability of global industrial and supply chains is crucial for fostering growth.

    Intel has been under considerable revenue pressure in the global market in recent years. Bai Ming, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, said Intel aspires to leverage the growth of the Chinese market to overcome business challenges and enhance its overall performance.

    Intel has been in China for nearly four decades, establishing its first representative office in Beijing in 1985. China has become the regional market where Intel has the largest investment and the most comprehensive organization outside the United States. Nearly a quarter of Intel’s global revenue of over 50 billion U.S. dollars comes from the Chinese market.

    The fresh move once again demonstrates the importance of the Chinese market to global chip players. Last year, executives of several chip giants visited China, seeking closer collaboration with the world’s largest semiconductor market. Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, when visiting China in April 2023, said China plays an incredibly important role in Intel’s business strategy.

    While Washington in recent years has continuously imposed semiconductor trade restrictions on China and even attempted to cut off U.S. capital flow to the Chinese high-tech sectors, U.S. chipmakers have found it both impossible and unbearable to “decouple” from the world’s second largest economy. A 2021 report by the U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association clearly stated that “access to this massive (Chinese) market is essential to the success of any globally competitive chip firm today and in the future.”

    “China’s steady economic fundamentals, coupled with the continuous improvement of its business environment, have helped bolster the confidence of foreign enterprises, including Intel, in their pursuit of growth in the country,” said Bai.

    A total of 42,108 new foreign-invested firms were established in China in the first nine months of 2024, up 11.4 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: New direct air service links Guiyang with Singapore

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tianjin Airlines announced on Tuesday that a direct flight route will be available starting Nov. 15, connecting Guiyang, the capital city of southwest China’s Guizhou Province, with Singapore.

    The new air service will operate with an Airbus A320 aircraft, offering four round-trip flights per week, with each flight lasting approximately four hours or more.

    This will be the only direct flight from the mountainous province to Singapore, further expanding the international air routes available from China’s southwestern region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Alphabet reports 15% growth in Q3 revenue

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Alphabet Inc., Google’s parent company, on Tuesday reported its third-quarter revenue at 88.3 billion U.S. dollars, up 15 percent from a year ago.

    Announcing its financial results for the quarter ending Sept. 30, the company said its net income was 26.3 billion dollars, compared with 19.69 billion dollars a year earlier. Its diluted earnings per share were 2.12 dollars, up 37 percent year on year.

    Of the entire quarterly revenue, 76.51 billion dollars came from Google Services total including YouTube advertising, the company’s financial report showed.

    Google Cloud sales grew to 11.35 billion dollars from 8.41 billion dollars a year ago.

    “Our commitment to innovation, as well as our long-term focus and investment in AI, are paying off with consumers and partners benefiting from our AI tools,” said Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Alphabet and Google.

    YouTube’s total ads and subscription revenues have surpassed 50 billion dollars over the past four quarters for the first time, Pichai added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China expresses disapproval for EU’s tariff ruling over Chinese EVs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China-made new energy vehicles await shipment to Europe in Xiamen, Fujian province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China does not approve of or accept the European Commission’s decision to impose extra tariffs on China-made electric vehicles, a spokesperson with the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Typhoon Kong-rey expected to make landfall in Zhejiang, Fujian on Thursday

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

    Typhoon Kong-rey, the 21st typhoon of this year, is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of Taiwan between noon and evening on Thursday and will gradually shift northeast towards the coastal areas of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, where it may weaken but still pose a risk of grazing the coast, the China Meteorological Administration said on Tuesday.

    Dai Kan, deputy director of the National Meteorological Center, said Typhoon Kong-rey formed in the Northwest Pacific on Friday. By Tuesday afternoon, its center was located approximately 780 kilometers southeast of Taidong, Taiwan with maximum winds of 13 levels near the center.

    Influenced by cold air, areas near the typhoon’s center could see wind speeds of 13 to 17 levels in the following days, with gusts exceeding 17 levels. From Wednesday to Friday, heavy to torrential rain is anticipated in Taiwan, eastern and northern Fujian, Zhejiang, Shanghai and southern Jiangsu province, the administration said.

    CMA statistics show that no typhoons have made landfall or grazed the coasts of Fujian and Zhejiang after Oct 25 since 1949.

    “Residents in these areas should closely monitor the typhoon’s trajectory and take precautions against wind and rain,” Dai said.

    In addition, Typhoon Trami, along with cold air, have brought strong winds and heavy rain in the coastal areas of Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Hainan provinces starting Monday, the administration said.

    This month, temperatures in most areas in China have remained close to or above average, with significant fluctuations between warm and cold conditions, said Jia Xiaolong, deputy director of the National Climate Center.

    “There have been two major rainfalls, alleviating drought conditions in the Sichuan province and Chongqing, as well as areas along the Yangtze River,” Jia said.

    The national average temperature was 11.8 C in October, 0.9 C higher than that in a normal year, while five cold air events affected the country, he added.

    From Sep 29 to Oct 3, a cold wave brought temperature drops of 8 to 14 C in central and eastern areas, causing frost and snow damage in parts of Inner Mongolia autonomous region and northern Gansu province.

    The average national rainfall reached 35 millimeters, a 6.3 percent above the usual level for the same period of the year. “Some weather stations reported daily rainfall that broke historical records for October,” Jia said.

    In the coming 10 days, China is expected to experience wind and rain from Typhoon Kong-rey and another round of strong cold air. From Nov 3 to 5, strong cold air will move from the north to the south, bringing winds and cooling temperatures, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches Shenzhou-19 manned spaceship

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

    China launched the Shenzhou-19 manned spaceship on Wednesday, sending three taikonauts to space.

    A Long March-2F carrier rocket blasted off with the spaceship at 4:27 a.m. from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The Shenzhou-19 crew, comprising mission commander Cai Xuzhe and members Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, will stay in orbit for about six months.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Villagers air rice in Debao County, S China’s Guangxi

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

    Villagers air rice in Debao County, S China’s Guangxi

    Updated: October 30, 2024 10:19 Xinhua
    Villagers air rice at Nazao Village in Debao County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Villagers air rice at Nazao Village in Debao County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2024 shows a villager airing rice at Nazao Village in Debao County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2024 shows rice aired on the roofs of buildings at Nazao Village in Debao County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2024 shows villagers airing rice at Nazao Village in Debao County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2024 shows rice aired on the roofs of buildings at Nazao Village in Debao County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on Oct. 29, 2024 shows rice aired on the roofs of buildings at Nazao Village in Debao County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2nd ‘Smile of Cambodia’ event kicks off at famed Angkor Wat

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The second “Smile of Cambodia” event was held in front of the famed Angkor Wat here in northwest Siem Reap province on Tuesday, aiming at promoting culture and the world heritage site to tourists.

    Angkor Wat is a major ancient temple in the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-day event, Phoeurng Sackona, minister of culture and fine arts, said the event was designed to promote culture and enhance tourism to attract international visitors to the Angkor.

    “This event has not only promoted Cambodia’s arts, culture, tradition and custom, but also contributed to revitalizing the tourism sector, which is one of the key catalysts for the kingdom’s economic growth,” she said.

    Sackona said the event was hosted by the APSARA National Authority (ANA), a government agency responsible for managing, safeguarding and preserving the Angkor Archaeological Park, in collaboration with the Khmer Artists Association.

    According to the ANA, activities during the two-day event include exhibitions of local cuisine and souvenirs, entertainment programs, and cultural shows, among others.

    The 401-square-km Angkor Archaeological Park, which is Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination, is home to 91 ancient temples, built from the ninth to the 13th centuries.

    The ancient park attracted almost 700,000 international visitors during the January-September period of 2024, earning a gross revenue of 32.5 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the state-owned Angkor Enterprise. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Zhang Yiming tops the list of Chinese billionaires

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    ByteDance’s founder Zhang Yiming’s wealth value has topped 350 billion yuan ($49.15 billion) this year, increasing by 105 billion yuan from 2023, and nominated as China’s richest person of 2024, according to the Hurun Research Institute on Tuesday.

    This is his first time being nominated as China’s richest person, the first one to make the list who was born after the 1980s and an entrepreneur that started from scratch, the report said.

    ByteDance’s global revenue surpassed 850 billion yuan in 2023, up 30 percent year-on-year, according to the report.

    The Hurun Rich List report for 2024 based wealth calculations as a snapshot of Aug 30, 2024. It identified the threshold for top 10 at 165 billion yuan.

    A total of 1,094 entrepreneurs with a personal wealth of more than 5 billion yuan made the list this year, the institute said.

    Nongfu Spring’s Zhong Shanshan and Tencent’s Ma Huateng grabbed the second and third spots on the list, with wealth values of 340 billion yuan and 315 billion yuan, respectively.

    Moreover, the top five sectors of wealth for listed entrepreneurs are industrial products, consumer goods, general health, real estate as well as food and beverage.

    The top three cities with the highest concentration of entrepreneurs on the list are Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tse Chin-wan attends SZ seminar

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan today attended a seminar in Shenzhen, hosted by the Ministry of Ecology & Environment, on ecological and environmental protection in the Greater Bay Area.

    The seminar was aimed deepening such protection, strengthening collaboration towards it matter among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, and exploring measures to accelerate the building of “an international first-class beautiful bay area”.

    Mr Tse highlighted four relevant areas of focus for Hong Kong: enhancing environmental governance to build a beautiful Hong Kong; promoting green and low-carbon transformation; green transportation development; and advocating for the establishment of a “Zero-waste City”.

    Highlighting that the three places have in place effective co-ordination mechanisms to promote ecological and environmental protection, Mr Tse added that Hong Kong will continue to contribute to the development of picturesque landscapes and a beautiful bay area.

    He elaborated that Hong Kong is looking forward to collaborating with Mainland cities in the bay area to jointly promote a circular economy, facilitate green transformation and explore opportunities for the development of green industries. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Strive and Rise Programme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Martin Liao and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 30):
     
    Question:
     
         Regarding the second round of the Strive and Rise Programme (the Programme), will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) given that the Strive and Rise Alumni Club (Alumni Club) under the Programme has organised a number of exchange tours to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and also offers local job tasting or internship programmes for Alumni Club members aged between 16 and 21, and it is reported that some Mainland multinational enterprises intend to hire mentee graduates of the Programme, whether the authorities will consider extending the job tasting or internship programmes of the Alumni Club to GBA, so that mentees may gain a deeper understanding of the development of GBA at an early stage and widen their horizons; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as it is reported that some mentors in the first round of the Programme were unable to spare time and participate in the activities with their mentees due to their busy schedules, and remained unaware of the emotional issues among the mentees by the end of the first round of the Programme, whether the authorities will make appropriate adjustments to the mentorship mechanism in the second round of the Programme to accommodate mentees with special needs and arrange for the mentors to receive training first, so as to help the mentors identify and address the emotional needs of the mentees; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that a number of interest classes offered to mentees under the basic training sessions of the Programme are very popular among the mentees, but the costs of the interest classes in sport, musical instruments, art, etc, are too high that it is difficult to meet mentees’ long-term learning needs despite a subsidy totalling $10,000 is provided to them in two phases under the Programme, whether the authorities will introduce measures and collaborate with schools and various sectors where practicable, so as to support mentees in continuing to develop their interests; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) as there are views that the Child Development Fund is similar to the Programme in nature and content, for example, both with the elements such as “personal development plan” and “mentorship”, whether the Government will consider reviewing their contents and make appropriate integration or project collaboration, so as to optimise resources; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The second cohort of the Strive and Rise Programme (the Programme) was launched in October 2023, with a number of enhancement measures introduced with reference to the results from the impact assessment conducted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University research team on the programme’s first cohort. The enhancement measures include increasing the number of mentees from 2 800 to 4 000 with the coverage expanded to Secondary 4 students, enriching the variety of group activities (such as organising more Mainland study and exchange tours), introducing mentorship groups, and establishing the Strive and Rise Alumni Club (the Alumni Club) for graduates.
     
         The reply to the question raised by the Hon Martin Liao is as follows:
     
    (1) Graduates of the first and second cohorts of the Programme will automatically become members of the Alumni Club established in November 2023. It organises different types of activities for the alumni, including exchange activities to the Mainland, with a view to broadening their social network and horizons, and sustaining the effectiveness of the programme. Also, the Alumni Club provides short-term five-day job tasting/internship opportunities for alumni aged 16 or above to assist them in identifying their talents and career aspirations. It will continue, in collaboration with supporting organisations, to line up Mainland study and exchange tours as well as various experiential activities, including visits to workplaces of different enterprises, to help alumni understand the development and prospects of different industries on the Mainland, widen their horizons and set goals for their future.
     
    (2) One of the enhancement measures implemented in the second cohort of the Programme is the introduction of mentorship groups on top of the one-to-one mentor-mentee pairing, under which two to three pairs of mentors and mentees would form a mentorship group to participate in group activities and exchanges for better interaction, sharing and support. When matching mentors and mentees, consideration will be given to the latter’s career aspirations and hobbies/interests, as well as their gender, language and special needs (e.g. special educational needs (SENs)). The programme also provided different kinds of training for mentors, including basic and advanced training, and skills for interacting with mentees with SENs or from ethnic minority groups and their parents. If mentors encounter difficulties in offering guidance to mentees, they may contact the respective District Organisers which will arrange social workers to render support as appropriate.
     
    (2) The enhanced Programme consists of a one-year intensive foundation programme and two years of activities in the Alumni Club. In the first year of the Programme, a start-up sum of $5,000 is awarded to student participants for implementing their personal development plans under the guidance of their mentors, whereas a scholarship of $5,000 is further awarded to student participants upon completion of the Programme for their own deployment by applying the financial planning skills acquired. Graduates will automatically become members of the Alumni Club and can continue to participate in its whole-person development activities covering six major aspects, namely Financial Education, Career and Life Planning, Leadership Development, Sports and Healthy Lifestyle, Arts and Cultural Expressions, and Social Networking and Civic Engagement, as well as job tasting/internship opportunities, with a view to broadening their social network and horizons while continuing to facilitate their development of talents and interests.
     
    (4) In 2023, the Social Welfare Department completed a review of the Child Development Fund Programme (CDF Programme) to enhance its uniqueness and ensure effective use of resources in supporting underprivileged children. Relevant enhancement measures have been introduced to the projects launched in March 2024. For example, target participants have been changed from students of Primary 4 to Secondary 4 to students of Primary 3 to Primary 6, so that underprivileged children can benefit at an early developmental stage from the CDF Programme, including development of savings habits, good characters and positive values through the three components of Personal Development Plan, Mentorship, and Targeted Savings. The enhanced CDF Programme complements the Strive and Rise Programme which focuses on supporting Secondary 1 to 4 students from underprivileged families. The two programmes complement each other in catering to the needs of Primary and Secondary students from underprivileged families at their different developmental stages.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –