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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: Twelve Defendants Charged in Alleged Methamphetamine Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MACON, Ga. – A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a dozen defendants with allegedly participating in a methamphetamine production and trafficking conspiracy operating out of a ten-acre Walton County property.

    According to the indictment unsealed on Oct. 23, and the search warrant, as well as statements made public in court, on Aug. 13, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at 2370 Mountain Creek Church Road, Monroe, Georgia, as part of a joint law enforcement operation, where agents seized a total of 4,346 grams of “finished” crystal methamphetamine, 22 gallons of liquid methamphetamine (approximately equivalent to 377 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine) and $5,401. A federal search warrant was also executed on a Chevrolet Traverse occupied by Yuretzi Gomez, Yirla Gomez, Rafael Gomez and Uriel Garcia where agents recovered 1,046 grams of methamphetamine and $4,350 in cash. In addition, agents seized 4,523 grams of methamphetamine inside a Camaro occupied by Jared Calhoun and Ebony Jones-Tate.

    The following defendant charged by indictment will have his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Nov. 4:

    James Len Ramey, 52, of Comer, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The following defendants charged by indictment have had their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Weigle:

    Christopher Hyatt, 44, of LaGrange, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Kendell Cawthon, 59, of Baldwin, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Bonterris Turner, 44, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Demetrius Appling, 36, of Crawford, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Andrea Robinson, 44, of Cleveland, Georgia; is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine;

    Yuretzi Adame Gomez, 39, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Yirla Adame Gomez, 24, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Rafael Gomez Flores, 21, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Uriel Garcia, 32, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Jared Calhoun, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; and

    Ebony Jones-Tate, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.

    An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MACON, Ga. – A newly unsealed federal indictment charges a dozen defendants with allegedly participating in a methamphetamine production and trafficking conspiracy operating out of a ten-acre Walton County property.

    According to the indictment unsealed on Oct. 23, and the search warrant, as well as statements made public in court, on Aug. 13, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at 2370 Mountain Creek Church Road, Monroe, Georgia, as part of a joint law enforcement operation, where agents seized a total of 4,346 grams of “finished” crystal methamphetamine, 22 gallons of liquid methamphetamine (approximately equivalent to 377 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine) and $5,401. A federal search warrant was also executed on a Chevrolet Traverse occupied by Yuretzi Gomez, Yirla Gomez, Rafael Gomez and Uriel Garcia where agents recovered 1,046 grams of methamphetamine and $4,350 in cash. In addition, agents seized 4,523 grams of methamphetamine inside a Camaro occupied by Jared Calhoun and Ebony Jones-Tate.

    The following defendant charged by indictment will have his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles H. Weigle on Nov. 4:

    James Len Ramey, 52, of Comer, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The following defendants charged by indictment have had their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Weigle:

    Christopher Hyatt, 44, of LaGrange, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Kendell Cawthon, 59, of Baldwin, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Bonterris Turner, 44, of Athens, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Demetrius Appling, 36, of Crawford, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Andrea Robinson, 44, of Cleveland, Georgia; is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine;

    Yuretzi Adame Gomez, 39, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Yirla Adame Gomez, 24, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Rafael Gomez Flores, 21, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Uriel Garcia, 32, of Mexico, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine;

    Jared Calhoun, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine; and

    Ebony Jones-Tate, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison and a $10 million fine.

    The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government.

    An indictment is only an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Charged For Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Thomas Fattorusso, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”); and Francis J. Russo, the Director of the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”),  announced today the arrest of ARSEN LUSHER, who orchestrated a scheme to defraud more than 20 investors of more than $5 million between 2017 and 2021.  LUSHER was arrested earlier today and will be presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein.

    U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, the defendant allegedly solicited investors’ funds by representing that he had a hugely profitable trucking business.  That wasn’t true, and the defendant instead allegedly used the funds to run a classic Ponzi scheme, enriching himself along the way.  When luck ran out, the victims sustained millions of dollars in losses.  Today’s arrest serves as a stark reminder that the illusion of success built on fraud and deceit will inevitably fail.”

    FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy said: “For four years, Arsen Lusher allegedly defrauded numerous victims of more than $5 million by cycling their investments to conceal the business’s inability to produce its promised returns, and altered official tax documents to reflect inflated balances in furtherance of this ploy.  The alleged empty assurances allowed the defendant to wrongfully haul in funding from investors and selfishly benefit from their losses.  The FBI will continue to disrupt and hit the brakes on any investment scheme rooted in deceit.”

    IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso said: “It’s alleged Lusher acted with impunity for years, deceiving over 20 investors out of more than five million dollars.  He created a ‘get-rich-quick’ scheme, then sold his victims a dream of high-returns on their investment.  Instead of a profit, investors were left with a loss of money and of trust.  Today’s arrest ensures that Lusher can now be held accountable for his alleged fraud.”

    CBP Director Francis J. Russo said: “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have played an important role in this investigation that resulted in the takedown of an elaborate conspiracy to defraud the United States.  This case serves as a great example of how collaborative law enforcement efforts can dismantle nefarious enterprises that cause economic harm to their competitors.”

    According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

    Between 2017 and 2021, LUSHER engaged in a scheme to defraud more than 20 victims of more than $5 million.  LUSHER and a small group of trusted lieutenants acting at LUSHER’s direction solicited investments from the victims, usually by representing that LUSHER had a profitable trucking business that enjoyed delivery and installation contracts with multiple large retailers.  LUSHER and his lieutenants typically represented that the victims’ investments would fund the purchase of trucks, each truck costing around $45,000.  Through written and signed investment agreements, LUSHER and his lieutenants normally guaranteed the victims that their investments would generate high rates of return over a fixed period—typically between 30 and 40 percent over one or two years.  In that way, LUSHER succeeded in raising more than $40 million.

    In fact, though, LUSHER did not have a large trucking business.  Instead, LUSHER had a small trucking business that performed a small amount of work—less than $300,000—for just one large retailer.  The amount that LUSHER earned from his legitimate trucking business could not have compensated the victims and produced the promised returns.

    Indeed, LUSHER did not use the victims’ funds to purchase trucks or to grow his trucking business.  Instead, for years, LUSHER engaged in a Ponzi scheme: LUSHER paid earlier victims with later victims’ funds.  LUSHER also used the victims’ funds to enrich himself, such as by gambling or shopping for high-end goods.  In that way, LUSHER was able to sustain his scheme for a number of years.  But in early 2021, the scheme collapsed, leaving numerous victims with losses totaling more than $5 million. 

    LUSHER used fake documents to carry out his scheme.  For example, in December 2020, LUSHER caused to be sent to a particular victim an apparent U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation for one of the companies that LUSHER controlled and used to perpetrate his scheme.  That alleged tax return was falsified:  the accountant listed as having prepared the return did not, in fact, prepare it.  And in February 2021, LUSHER altered account balances on an email sent by a bank employee to make it appear that LUSHER’s companies had healthy account balances when, in fact, they did not.  Specifically, while the bank employee wrote that LUSHER’s companies had account balances of $8,767.26 and $320.76, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email before forwarding it to state that his companies had account balances of $1,228,767.26 and $987,320.76 (italics and bold added).  In other words, LUSHER altered the bank employee’s email such that the account balances for his companies were approximately 140 times and 3,078 times greater than they actually were.  LUSHER then caused that falsified email to be sent to a particular victim.

    If you believe you or your family has been a victim of LUSHER’s fraud, please contact XtremeHDtips@fbi.gov.

    *                *                *

    LUSHER, 49, of Millstone, New Jersey, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.

    The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

    Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the IRS, the CBP, and the New York City Police Department. 

    This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth in this press release, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Early Warning News Release

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marie-Josee Kacira (the “Acquiror”) announced today that, further to the press release issued by Altai Resources Inc. (“Altai” or the “Company”) on October 22, 2024, announcing the death of Niyazi Kacira, the Acquiror’s spouse, the Acquiror has assumed direct ownership of 8,226,157 common shares of the Company (the “Acquisition”), representing approximately 14.7% of the total issued and outstanding common shares of the Company (the “Shares”). Prior to the Acquisition, the Acquiror directly owned, independently of the Acquiror’s deceased spouse, 1,500,000 Shares, representing approximately 2.7% of the total issued and outstanding Shares. After giving effect to the Acquisition, the Acquiror has direct ownership of 9,726,157 Shares, representing approximately 17.4% of the total issued and outstanding Shares. These shares are for investment purposes.

    The above ownership of Altai shares has been reported in the System for Electronic Disclosure by Insiders (SEDI). Marie-Josee Kacira, may from time to time, increase or decrease her securities holdings in Altai depending on market conditions or any other relevant factors.

    This news release is being issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which requires a report to be filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters.

    The name and address of the Acquiror filing the report are:

    Mrs. Marie-Josee Kacira
    c/o 895 Don Mills Road
    Two Morneau Shepell Centre, Suite 900
    Toronto, ON, M3C 1W3
    info@altairesources.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Individual On Parole For Robbery In New Jersey Indicted For Two More Robberies In Florida

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Rodriguez (65, New Jersey) with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

    According to court documents, on August 4, 2024, Rodriguez entered a pizza restaurant located in a shopping plaza in Tampa and attempted to rob the restaurant at gunpoint. The clerks fled in fear, and Rodriguez ultimately left empty handed.

    Approximately one month later, on September 11, 2024, Rodriguez returned to the same plaza. This time, he walked into a cellphone store and attempted to rob it at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodriguez directed an employee to the business’s safe in a back room while stating, “Don’t move or I’ll shoot you.”

    Two days later, ATF special agents and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle used during the two incidents. Surveillance of that vehicle identified Rodriguez, and a subsequent search warrant of his residence revealed a pistol—which he is prohibited from possessing due to his status as a convicted felon. That pistol had been reported stolen by an elderly man in New Jersey whom Rodriguez had previously cared for. At the time of these incidents, Rodriguez was on parole in New Jersey for robbery.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China expels Philippine vessels for unlawfully entering waters near Tiexian Jiao

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A China Coast Guard (CCG) spokesperson on Saturday said two Philippine vessels have been expelled for unlawfully intruding into waters near Tiexian Jiao of China’s Nansha Qundao.

    The vessels, which attempted to illegally land on the reef and collect sand samples on Friday, have been warned and driven away by the CCG, according to spokesperson Liu Dejun.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Comments on Hegseth Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement today on the nomination of Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense:
    “The most consequential cabinet official in any Administration is the Secretary of Defense. In the face of the gravest threats to U.S. national security interests since World War II, this position is even more important today.
    “Major adversaries are working closer together to undermine U.S. interests around the world. And America’s military capabilities and defense industrial capacity are increasingly insufficient to deter or prevail in major conflict with China or Russia, especially given the real risk of simultaneous challenges from other adversaries like Iran or North Korea.
    “Stewardship of the United States Armed Forces, and of the complex bureaucracy that exists to support them, is a massive and solemn responsibility. At the gravest moments, under the weight of this public trust, even the most capable and well-qualified leaders to set foot in the Pentagon have done so with great humility – from George Marshall harnessing American enterprise and Atlantic allies for the Cold War, to Caspar Weinberger orchestrating the Reagan build-up, to Bob Gates earning the wartime trust of two Commanders-in-Chief, of both parties.
    “Mere desire to be a ‘change agent’ is not enough to fill these shoes. And ‘dust on boots’ fails even to distinguish this nominee from multiple predecessors of the last decade. Nor is it a precondition for success. Secretaries with distinguished combat experience and time in the trenches have failed at the job.
    “Effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world is a daily test with staggering consequences for the security of the American people and our global interests.
    “Mr. Hegseth has failed, as yet, to demonstrate that he will pass this test. But as he assumes office, the consequences of failure are as high as they have ever been.
    “The United States faces coordinated aggression from adversaries bent on shattering the order underpinning American security and prosperity. In public comments and testimony before the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Hegseth did not reckon with this reality.
    “President Trump has rightly called on NATO allies to spend more on our collective defense. But the nominee who would have been responsible for leading that effort wouldn’t even commit to growing America’s defense investment beyond the low bar set by the Biden Administration’s budget requests.
    “In his testimony before the Committee, Mr. Hegseth provided no substantial observations on how to defend Taiwan or the Philippines against a Chinese attack, or even whether he believes the United States should do so. He failed, for that matter, to articulate in any detail a strategic vision for dealing with the gravest long-term threat emanating from the PRC.
    “Absent, too, was any substantive discussion of countering our adversaries’ alignment with deeper alliance relationships and more extensive defense industrial cooperation of our own.
    “This, of course, is due to change. As the 29th Secretary of Defense, Mr. Hegseth will be immediately tested by ongoing conflicts caused by Russian aggression in Europe and Iranian-backed terror in the Middle East. He will have to grapple with an unfinished FY25 appropriations process that – without his intervention – risks further harming the readiness of our forces.
    “By all accounts, brave young men and women join the military with the understanding that it is a meritocracy. This precious trust endures only as long as lawful civilian leadership upholds what must be a firewall between servicemembers and politics. The Biden Administration failed at this fundamental task. But the restoration of ‘warrior culture’ will not come from trading one set of culture warriors for another.
    “The single most important way for Secretary Hegseth to demonstrate his professed devotion to America’s warfighters will be to equip them – urgently – to deter aggression… and rebuild the defense industrial capacity to restock the depleted arsenal of democracy. In this cause, he will find willing partners on the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, which will expect and receive his candid testimony.
    “I wish Secretary Hegseth great success, and I look forward to working closely with him to restore American hard power. Every member of the uniformed services will be looking to him for decisive, principled, and nonpartisan leadership.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: GlobalData tracks 40 years of innovation in FDA review designations

    Source: GlobalData

    GlobalData tracks 40 years of innovation in FDA review designations

    Posted in Pharma

    Regulatory authorities, particularly the US FDA, have played a crucial role in accelerating and incentivizing the development of innovative treatments through review designations. Since the first designation in 1984, the FDA has seen a substantial rise in the number of designations granted, reaching 694 in 2020. This surge reflects key pharmaceutical milestones, including the biotech boom and the advent of groundbreaking scientific advancements over the past four decades, observes GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Jasper Morley, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “To date, the FDA has implemented seven different types of review designations, which accelerate and incentivize drug development. Each designation offers specific benefits to the drugmakers. For example, the orphan drug designation (ODD) is granted to drugs intended to treat a rare condition providing tax credits for qualified clinical trials, exemptions from user fees, and a potential of seven years market exclusivity following approval.”

    GlobalData’s report, “Pharmaceutical Review Designations – Trends and Industry Insights,” reveals that the FDA awarded its first 22 designations, consisting solely of ODD, in 1984. From 1984 to 1997, it awarded an average of only 23 designations per year, indicating limited adoption of review designations. However, between 1998 and 2012, an average of 93 designations were awarded yearly, and in 2012, the 182 review designations awarded was over 10 times the number awarded in 1997.

    This finding is aligned with the Modernization Act of 1997, whereby the FDA sought to speed up the approval of new drugs which saw the introduction of the fast-track and priority review designation types, in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Furthermore, this period also coincided with the advent of the biotech industry, whereby the 2003 completion of the human genome project catalyzed gene therapy developments.

    The period between 2012 and 2020 saw another rapid increase in the annual numbers of review designations awarded. Over this period, annual designations awarded by the FDA increased almost four-fold. This period included the implementation of novel designation types: qualified infectious disease product designation (in 2012), breakthrough therapy (2013), rare pediatric drug designation (2014), and regenerative medicine advanced therapy designation (2017).

    Morley adds: “The introduction of these specific designation types reflects the booming biotech industry, and embracing of novel technologies to develop advanced biologics, which began entering clinical development.”

    In 2020, the number of designations awarded reached a peak of 694. This reflected heightened pharmaceutical activity and investment during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the development of critical therapies and vaccines. Since 2020, the number of review designations has declined from this heady peak, with only 506 awarded in 2024. This decline is attributed to the return to the post-pandemic normality, whilst still maintaining historically high levels of activity compared to earlier decades.

    Morley concludes: “Since the introduction in 1984, the FDA has overseen increases in the annual awarding of review designations. This trend mirrors the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry, in terms of investment and utilization of novel technologies. Today, seven review designations remain an integral part of the FDA’s toolkit, expediting the approval of critical therapies and ensuring that life-saving drugs reach patients as quickly as possible.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Navigating Trump’s tariffs and social media key strategic priorities for retailers in 2025, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Navigating Trump’s tariffs and social media key strategic priorities for retailers in 2025, says GlobalData

    Posted in Retail

    2025 will present significant challenges for retailers globally, as geopolitical issues and the disruptive force of AI continue, with the added challenge of navigating the impacts of the Trump administration, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Strategic Intelligence: Top Themes in Retail and Apparel 2025,” reveals that international trade and social media will be among the major themes impacting the retail sector in 2025.

    Sophie Mitchell, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Trump’s proposed tariffs and tougher import tax regulations will cause major issues for retailers, especially those who operate highly globalized supply chains, adding significant import costs that will ultimately be passed on to the consumer. Solutions to this, including diversifying or localizing supply chains, will not happen overnight and come with their own costs, such as the higher cost of labor, which could again be passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.

    “Shein and Temu could be two of the biggest retailers to be hit by the measures, as for instance, Europe could also impose retaliatory tariffs to ensure it does not become the primary destination for Chinese goods as they are displaced from the US.”

    Something Trump has immediately taken action on is negotiations with China over TikTok. Trump’s pause on the ban on TikTok in the US indicates that he intends to reach a deal with its Chinese owner. However, the brief ban and prior noise around its implications have highlighted how essential a social media strategy centered around short-form video content with shoppable links, particularly on TikTok, is to driving retailers’ sales.

    GlobalData’s global survey of respondents in seven countries (US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, China, and the UK) conducted in December 2023 found that 33.5% of consumers use TikTok (excluding China), making it the fourth most used social media app after Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, overtaking X/Twitter*.

    Mitchell continues: “TikTok Shop provides a significant opportunity for retailers to convert usage and content consumption into sales, with consumers being able to discover and purchase products on one platform, whereas previously social content was primarily a brand awareness raising exercise.”

    TikTok has been particularly instrumental for retailers as it has allowed for the growth of micro-influencers, larger influencers, user-generated content, and brand/ retailer-generated content all in one platform due to the way the algorithm works. Retailers can take a 360-degree strategic approach to targeting consumers on the platform, with a combination of paid ads, organic reviews, and brand campaigns, convincing them to buy a product that they may not even have to leave the app to purchase.

    Mitchell concludes: “An effective social media strategy is essential for retailers in 2025, and should a permanent ban on TikTok come into effect in the US, retailers should pivot to other social media platforms that offer multi-pronged approaches to marketing and the ability to complete the shopping journey in-app, as TikTok’s efficacy has been proven.”

    *GlobalData’s 2023/24 Global Survey was conducted in December 2023 with 1,000 consumers per country

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: South Korea bone graft and substitutes market to grow at 4% CAGR through 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    South Korea bone graft and substitutes market to grow at 4% CAGR through 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    The increasing prevalence of orthopaedic conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and trauma-related injuries is driving the need for innovative and efficient bone regeneration solutions. Against this backdrop, South Korea’s bone graft and substitutes market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4% through 2033, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s report, “Bone Grafts and Substitutes Market Size by Segments, Share, Regulatory, Reimbursement, Procedures and Forecast to 2033,” reveals that South Korea held around 5% of the Asia-Pacific bone graft and substitutes market share in 2024.

    Jyoti Sharma, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Conventional bone graft products often face challenges such as insufficient adhesive strength and difficulties in maintaining their shape in complex cases. Novel products, such as injectable hydrogels, are expected to offer promising advancements by addressing these gaps and enhancing outcomes in bone defect management.”

    Researchers from South Korea-based Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have recently developed an innovative injectable adhesive hydrogel for bone regeneration. This hydrogel utilizes visible light to simultaneously achieve cross-linking and mineralization. Its unique formulation, which includes alginate, mussel adhesive protein, calcium ions, and a photo initiator, ensured robust adhesion and structural stability in animal models with femoral bone defects.

    Sharma concludes: “Due to the growing nature of this market, the ongoing research is making significant efforts to address the challenges in bone defect management. While these solutions are still under development, once clinically validated, they have the potential to transform treatment approaches, improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: US pulsed field ablation market revenue surpasses $500 million in 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    US pulsed field ablation market revenue surpasses $500 million in 2024, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a treatment for atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat disorder, with a lower chance of damaging surrounding structures than previous methods. PFA uses electrical pulses that allow for a more targeted approach in order to only destroy abnormal tissue. PFA revenue exploded in Q1 2024 after FDA approvals for Boston Scientific’s FARAPULSE and Medtronic’s PulseSelect. Over the last year, the PFA market has grown to over $500 million, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    In Q4 2024, Medtronic launched its new PFA device, the Affera Sphere-9, after receiving FDA approval in late October. In its first month, Sphere-9 made about half of the revenue that FARAPULSE made in its first month after approval, according to GlobalData’s US Healthcare Facility Invoicing Database. In December, two months after approval, Sphere-9’s revenue was at about a quarter of FARAPULSE’s revenue at the same point in its launch cycle.

    Amy Paterson, Medical Analyst at GlobalData comments: “Medtronic’s Sphere-9 launched at a lower price than Boston Scientific’s Farapulse originally did. It appears that Medtronic is intending to be price competitive with Boston Scientific in order to gain some of the market share.”

    Boston Scientific and Medtronic are currently the two major players in the PFA market. Boston Scientific dominated the market with the release of the Farawave in Q1 2024, despite PulseSelect’s earlier approval.

    Paterson adds: “Despite accumulating less revenue than the Farawave, Sphere-9 has doubled in sales in its second month after launch. So far, we have not seen this increase in sales have an impact on Boston Scientific sales, which currently hold the majority of the PFA market.”

    Paterson concludes: “It will be interesting to see if Medtronic is able to take over some of the market share that Boston Scientific has led since the beginning of 2024. As well, we will continue to monitor how new players like Johnson & Johnson’s Varipulse will shake up the market.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Storm Éowyn information

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    24/1/25, 9am

    Due to Storm Éowyn, Council housing repairs today will be on an emergency basis only.

    People are asked to keep windows closed today due to the high winds.

    24/1/25, 8.26am

    *** ADDITIONAL CLOSURES ***

    Due to Storm Éowyn

    All Aberdeen City Council Museums and Art Galleries

    24/1/25, 8.15am

    *** CLOSED TODAY ***
    Due to Storm Éowyn
    * All schools
    * No bin collections
    * Libraries
    * Community learning centres
    * School lets

    24/1/25, 7am

    Be prepared in Storm Éowyn
    * The Ready Scotland website Advice for emergencies in Scotland
    *  Call 105 in the event of a power cut
    * Scottish and Southern Energy has a Priority Services Register https://www.ssen.co.uk/news-views/2025/Were-ready-to-respond-to-Storm-Eowyn/ which provides extra help and support during a power cut
    * Ensure mobile phones and powerbanks are charged up
    * Listen to latest police advice for travel https://www.scotland.police.uk/default.aspx or local radio updates
    * Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Info here

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    24/1/25, 9am

    Due to Storm Éowyn, Council housing repairs today will be on an emergency basis only.

    People are asked to keep windows closed today due to the high winds.

    24/1/25, 8.26am

    *** ADDITIONAL CLOSURES ***

    Due to Storm Éowyn

    All Aberdeen City Council Museums and Art Galleries

    24/1/25, 8.15am

    *** CLOSED TODAY ***
    Due to Storm Éowyn
    * All schools
    * No bin collections
    * Libraries
    * Community learning centres
    * School lets

    24/1/25, 7am

    Be prepared in Storm Éowyn
    * The Ready Scotland website Advice for emergencies in Scotland
    *  Call 105 in the event of a power cut
    * Scottish and Southern Energy has a Priority Services Register https://www.ssen.co.uk/news-views/2025/Were-ready-to-respond-to-Storm-Eowyn/ which provides extra help and support during a power cut
    * Ensure mobile phones and powerbanks are charged up
    * Listen to latest police advice for travel https://www.scotland.police.uk/default.aspx or local radio updates
    * Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: River of Light smashes previous festival records

    Source: City of Liverpool

    An illuminating report has revealed that last year’s River of Light festival was the most successful ever.

    The 12-night light festival attracted double the number of visitors from previous years and was worth £18.9m to the local economy – a significant increase on previous editions of the event.  

    The festival’s popularity was felt right across the city centre with footfall up, and restaurants, bars and shops reporting a boost in sales.

    At Liverpool ONE, in comparison to the impact of the 2023 edition of River of Light, there was a huge spike in footfall during 5-9pm, with reports of an 11 percent increase in footfall with almost 1 million visitors to the retail and leisure complex during River of Light, while restaurants saw a 22 per cent increase in sales.

    Over at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, many of the outlets there benefitted from River of Light. Rosa’s Thai experienced its biggest sales since it opened in 2019, Francie’s Focaccia & Coffee – which went viral on social media for its hot chocolate – had an impressive  40 per cent increase in sales, and Gusto welcomed a different, younger clientele to what they are used to, with non-stop business each event night, from 4-11pm.

    Liverpool BID Company which represents city centre businesses reported a significant increase in footfall around the Church Street, Lord Street and Whitechapel areas throughout the duration of the event period in comparison to 2023, with just over 186,000 extra people recorded. Numbers peaked on Saturday 2 November when there was a 122 per cent increase in the number of visitors.

    Hotel occupancy also increased in comparison to 2023, an indication that people from outside Liverpool City Region are travelling to enjoy the light trail. There was a 96.6 per cent occupancy rate on 1 November – up 17 per cent on the previous year.  

    Research from North West Research – part of the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership – also showed that of the audience surveyed, 55 per cent responded to say that they don’t attend any other cultural events or activity during the course of a year, reinforcing how crucial the festival is in engaging the widest possible audience in free, world-class art. 

    Around 30 per cent of those surveyed had never been to River of Light before, and 83 per cent said they are likely to return to Liverpool again.  

    It also proved a huge hit online with 1.1 million views across the official Visit Liverpool event pages – the site’s highest web traffic for the site in that period, with interest from across the UK, Spain, Germany and the United States.

    River of  light will be back for the eight time from Friday 24 October to Sunday 2 November, this year’s theme will be Optics – Science and Light.

    Any artists who would like to propose a new or existing artwork for the festival should contact cultureliverpool@liverpool.gov.uk so they can be sent a more detailed commissioning brief.

    Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture said: 

    “These results are stunning. We all saw how busy the festival was this year but that huge economic impact figure has smashed our previous festivals.

    “I think we were lucky enough to have a perfect set of circumstances – the weather was unseasonably warm and dry, the artworks were incredible and interactive, it was a strong marketing campaign and of course the dates fell perfectly for family audiences to attend. I am not expecting every year to have impact figures like this, but a huge congratulations to everyone involved in 2024 for such a bumper edition!”

    Claire McColgan CBE, Director of Culture Liverpool said

    “River of Light continues to grow and just get better and better. The fact that so many of our audience are young and often don’t engage in other cultural events and activity is so special – the festival has become a place where everyone can spend time with families and friends alongside incredible free art. It is a perfect Liverpool event and again shows that nowhere in the UK embraces outdoor art like this city. 

    “I am really excited about this year’s festival – a collision of art and science in the most spectacular and accessible way. As a city which boasts some of the most innovative science and creative industries, it is wonderful to be able to shine a spotlight on some of that work which many people might not be aware of. Already we have some jaw-dropping artworks and unexpected collaborations lined up, but we are keen to hear from artists or scientists who might have ideas for an installation that can capture the scale and theme of the project in 2025.” 

    Iain Hoskins, Managing Director – Ma Pub Group, responsible for Nova Scotia, said:

    “We love River of Light and it’s an absolute fixture of Liverpool’s cultural events calendar that we all look forward to each year. 

    “As a waterfront business, it’s incredible to have something to drive such huge footfall in the traditionally harsh trading conditions between the end of the summer and the start of Christmas. 

    “Each year it gets better and better and the feedback we get as a hospitality business from locals and tourists visiting River of Light, it’s something that the city should be very proud of. It brings together an incredible cross-generational appeal that you rarely see in public festivals. 

    “As a business we see a massive uptick in our sales during the festival period. Additionally, we also find it brings people through our doors for the first time, that then becoming reacquiring customers. So, the benefit of this extra footfall is not just during the festival, but throughout the year.” 

    Katherine Caldwell from The Nest – an art and design shop based at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, said: 

    “Events like River of Light show how Liverpool can produce spectacular, immersive, and joyful cultural events for visitors that are hugely popular.

    “It encourages people of all ages to play and expand their imagination within a programme of exciting installations that are totally unique to the city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lady Anne Dodd to be awarded top civic honour

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Anne, Lady Dodd, the wife of beloved comic Sir Ken Dodd, is set to receive one of Liverpool’s greatest accolades.

    Lady Dodd will be admitted to the city’s Roll of Citizen of Honour, after a decision made by Councillors tonight (Wednesday 22 January).

    Lady Dodd is one of the Trustees of the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, which works to support performing arts charities and organisations. In the past six years, the Foundation has made over 50 donations to more than 30 charities, many of which are based in Liverpool and Merseyside.

    Some of the recipients of these donations include Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, Liverpool Theatre School, and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

    Outside of the Foundation, Lady Dodd has personally supported a number of projects in the City. Her contributions to her local community were highlighted through letters of recognition from St John the Evangelist Church and Happiness Hall in Knotty Ash, as well as Knotty Ash Primary School.

    Tonight’s meeting also saw Councillors agree to award the Liverpool Law Society with the Freedom of Association for their work to provide free legal advice to those in need who may otherwise be unable to access it.

    Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp CBE said: “Anne, Lady Dodd works tirelessly to improve the lives of others, and she is well deserving of the Citizen of Honour title.

    “Lady Dodd has supported countless organisations and community projects both in Liverpool and further afield. Her compassion and generosity have made a significant difference to thousands of lives.

    “Her work, both individually and through the Kenn Dodd foundation, is often done without great fanfare. It is clear that Lady Dodd does not help others for recognition, but for a genuine love for her community and her desire to support those who need it the most.”

    Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson said: “The Citizen of Honour accolade recognises people who make an exceptional contribution to the City and Anne, Lady Dodd is the perfect embodiment of this.

    “Not only has she worked closely with community groups and organisations in her home of Knotty Ash, but her work through the Kenn Dodd Charitable Foundation has seen millions of pounds donated to an incredible number of Liverpool and Merseyside charities.

    “Lady Dodd’s selfless support and dedication to those in need make her an incredible role model.”

    Anne, Lady Dodd said: “When I received the letter from Liverpool City Council I was amazed, overwhelmed, undeserved, I feel, but so honoured to hear that I would receive this award. 

    “I love Liverpool, my adopted home for over fifty years. During the last six years, as Trustees running The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation with Ken’s nephew, John Lewis, I have met so many incredible workers and volunteers in a variety of charitable organisations, and particularly Liverpool Hospitals, who give extra time and effort to making people’s lives better.

    “My family, friends and I are so very proud to have this recognition for spending what really have been joyful times doing all the things that Ken’s legacy and his wishes have enabled me to do on his behalf since he passed away in 2018.

    “I am very much looking forward to the ceremony and receiving the Citizen of Honour scroll.  I am truly thrilled to bits or as Ken would say, I am completely discomknockerated!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Open Forum: Building Communities, Brick by Brick

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Access to affordable, safe housing is a basic right, but many face poor conditions, homelessness, or are priced out of neighbourhoods, deepening social inequities and division.

    How can we ensure housing policies promote social justice and cohesion and prevent exclusion as well as displacement?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pISwc4Qvc7U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: profitflex247.com: BaFin warns of website and points to identity theft

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The website operator appears under the name ProfitFlex247, without using a legal form. He does not provide any information about his place of business. The operator claims to be authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It links to the FCA’s homepage to a publication there about the registration of the company Flex Instant Services Ltd. The BaFin has no information about a possible connection between Flex Instant Services Ltd and the website profitflex247.com. Rather, it is assumed that the company’s identity has been stolen.

    Recently, a large number of websites with almost identical content have come to light, and BaFin has also issued warnings about these. In all cases, the presentation on the websites begins with the following sentence: ‘Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence & [name of website]’ or, more recently, ‘Enter the trading arena with confidence & [name of website]’. In addition, BaFin has evidence of a link between the ‘Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence’ platform series and the ‘Trade Wisely’ platform series, which BaFin has also already warned about.

    Anyone offering financial or investment services in Germany requires the permission of BaFin. However, some companies offer such services without the required permission. Information on whether a particular company is authorised by BaFin can be found in the company database.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing parks plan 156 Spring Festival cultural activities

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing’s municipal parks and the Museum of Chinese Garden and Landscape Architecture will host 156 cultural activities during the Spring Festival, featuring festive decorations and themed events.
    The Beijing Municipal Administration Center of Parks will present 10 categories of events from Jan. 22 to Feb. 12, spanning flower exhibitions, cultural displays, intangible cultural heritage experiences, science education, artistic performances, patriotic education, winter activities, creative markets and Lantern Festival celebrations. The center has also created a snake mascot called “Lingbao” and related products for the Year of the Snake.
    Parks expect about 4 million visitors during the eight-day holiday, with major venues like the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park increasing their activities by nearly 90% from last year, said Miao Xiangliu, director of the center’s Service Management Department. Each park is offering six to seven categories of activities ranging from sightseeing and entertainment to food and shopping.
    The parks feature more than 6,800 plants representing over 300 indoor flower species across nearly 3,000 square meters. The National Botanical Garden’s newly renovated greenhouse will host evening cultural activities, including plant explorations and traditional music performances. Zhongshan Park is showcasing over 20 flower varieties using “Tang Flower” techniques, including plum blossoms, azaleas, winter jasmine and flowering crabapples. Meanwhile, Yuyuantan Park is hosting a cherry blossom market featuring greenhouse-grown cherry blossoms, traditional opera, intangible cultural heritage crafts and snacks.
    Parks like Xiangshan, the Summer Palace, Taoranting, and Zhongshan are hosting patriotic education activities, integrating ancient architecture, historic trees and revolutionary history to transform their gardens into “living classrooms.”
    Famous calligraphers at Beihai, Zizhuyuan, Yuyuantan and Baiwangshan parks will create and give away Spring Festival couplets and traditional decorations, including the Chinese character “Fu” — meaning fortune and luck in English —and paper-cut designs for visitors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing Customs unveils 10 measures to boost inbound tourism

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Beijing Customs announced 10 measures on Wednesday to facilitate inbound tourism and consumption, including streamlined transfer procedures at the city’s international airports.
    Under the new measures, arriving passengers can pre-declare luggage through apps including Mobile Customs, WeChat and Alipay before arriving in Beijing. Travelers can also access customs regulations and submit declarations through these platforms’ customs service features.
    “Seamless clearance” will be further implemented. This initiative uses technologies like preliminary machine inspections to integrate luggage checks into the regular baggage handling process.
    For international transit passengers, Beijing Customs now supports airlines offering international transit flights and mixed international-domestic routing services with direct luggage check-in, eliminating the need for multiple baggage handling.
    Departing travelers will also benefit from enhanced convenience. They can complete check-in and baggage procedures at city terminals like Caoqiao subway station, with customs providing remote luggage supervision to improve the travel experience.
    The measures also encourage both downtown and port duty-free shops to sell domestic trendy products, helping Chinese brands reach international markets.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: CPEC symbolizes Pakistan-China friendship, shared vision

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 17, 2024 shows a view of fishermen dockyard near the Gwadar port in Gwadar, southwest Pakistan. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a testament to the enduring friendship and shared vision nurtured by Pakistan and China over decades.

    Speaking at a ceremony here on Wednesday to celebrate the forthcoming Chinese New Year and to recognize the contributions of 30 outstanding Chinese staff working on CPEC projects in Pakistan, Iqbal said that CPEC represents a roadmap for sustainable development, mutual growth, and prosperity, not only for the two nations but for the entire region.

    Highlighting the contributions of the Chinese staff, Iqbal praised their dedication, technical expertise, and relentless hard work, which have been instrumental in transforming ambitious projects into tangible realities.

    “From energy generation and infrastructure development to logistics and technology, your efforts have been crucial in overcoming challenges and ensuring the successful completion of numerous landmark initiatives,” he said.

    Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. While the first phase focused on energy, transport, and industrial cooperation, the second phase expands into areas such as agriculture and livelihoods.

    Discussing the second phase, Iqbal noted that it will unlock immense opportunities, modernize agriculture, digitize industries, drive economic diversification, create millions of jobs, and enhance Pakistan’s global competitiveness.

    Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also addressed the gathering, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s economic growth under the government’s leadership and with the collective efforts of its people.

    “The cooperation and partnership between China and Pakistan will continue to progress steadily, fostering lasting development,” he added.

    The event featured vibrant traditional dances by both Chinese and Pakistani performers, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the two nations. The audience showed keen interest in the performances and expressed gratitude to China for its pivotal role in strengthening Pakistan-China relations.

    A special recognition segment was held during the ceremony to honor the best-performing Chinese companies involved in CPEC projects. Certificates of excellence and souvenirs were presented to acknowledge their outstanding contributions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Billiards hall restrictions relaxed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Leisure & Cultural Services Department announced today that applications will be considered from licensed billiards establishments for a relaxation of entry restrictions for youngsters. Applications can be made from February 25.

    The relaxations would include lowering the minimum age for entry to licensed billiards establishments from 16 to 8; changing hours of restricted entry for young patrons to eight hours (11pm to 7am) from the current 14 hours (8pm to 10am); and permitting those wearing school uniforms to enter such establishments.

    Based on the discussions of a working group formed last year to explore measures aimed at promoting the development of billiards in Hong Kong, the department will relax the entry restrictions for establishments that meet requirements outlined in the Places of Amusement Regulation.

    Factors that will be considered in the processing of applications include the operational situation and surrounding environment of establishments, as well as their facilities and other activities on their premises.

    Contact the department’s Licensing & Prosecution Unit on 2601 8799 or by email at lpu@lcsd.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at Award Ceremony for Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition 2025 (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition 2025 today (January 24):
     
    Michael (Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Mr Michael Moriarty), Kelly (Senior Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Asia, Mr Kelly Willis), finalist teams and friends, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good afternoon. I am most delighted to join you all here at this year’s version of the award ceremony for the Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition. I look forward to celebrating and witnessing the wonderful achievements of the most creative young talents in Hong Kong.    
          
         Disney Imaginations Hong Kong Design Competition is now one of the best-known youth creative competitions in Hong Kong, providing an amazing platform for youngsters with different geographical, education and professional backgrounds to showcase their technical, artistic and creative expertise since 2011. I feel truly encouraged to learn that this year, the competition has received an overwhelming response, with nearly 200 participating teams. This was more than double as compared to last year. It is also the second consecutive year for the competition to be extended to cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and students from all disciplines.
          
         The overwhelming participation not only exemplifies the flourishing creativity and innovation of the younger generation of Hong Kong and the GBA, but also showcases their aspiration to become global citizens when taking forward projects such as eradicating poverty and hunger, enhancing health and well-being, developing sustainable cities and communities, and reducing inequality. So, thank you Michael and Kelly for creating such a great and meaningful opportunity for nurturing our young talents.
          
         For the finalist teams, may I congratulate you all. This is a very competitive competition, and whether or not you would come on stage in a moment or not, you are already amongst the best. Equally important, you have earned the most important and valuable experience, knowledge and friendship. Do cherish the exciting chemistry created by the diverse views and ideas when exchanging with each other. I am sure that when you look back some years later, this would be one of the most unforgettable journeys of your life.
          
         Speaking of treasuring innovation and creativity of our young generation, the Government is inspired to encourage and support them to seize opportunities and to shine bright in the creative industries, bringing the integration of arts, culture, sports, creativity, tourism and entertainment in Hong Kong.
          
         The creative industries are not only Hong Kong’s new economic drivers, but also a popular career choice among our young people. We aim to promote Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and to nurture a creative atmosphere in the community. To better foster its development, in 2024 the Government restructured the previous Create Hong Kong under my bureau as the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, now commonly known as the CCIDA. With a more co-ordinated role, the CCIDA provides one-stop services and support with a mission to boost the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. In particular, we have new dedicated teams to proactively identify external opportunities for relevant industries, and lead them to arrange delegations to various showcases worldwide to export Hong Kong’s cultural and creative industries, foster business opportunities and enhance Hong Kong’s international status. Looking ahead, the CCIDA will continue to unleash the immense potential of the industries, which I believe will present tremendous opportunities for the new blood of the industries.
          
         Today, we are at one of the most creative places in Hong Kong, that is, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Together with Disney fans in Hong Kong and worldwide, I eagerly look forward to Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary celebrations this year, which will certainly bring tourists from around the world, and locals alike, holidays beyond imagination. I believe Michael and Kelly will continue to show us their boundless imaginations and introduce more and more amazing projects and offerings as we move ahead, bringing the Resort to another new height. The Tourism Commission will work closely with Disney to roll out the highly anticipated projects under the multi-year expansion and development plan, that is, the Marvel-themed new area, and to explore new future plans, with a view to enhancing the appeal of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort to visitors from the region, creating business synergy, and consolidating its position as an iconic and landmark tourist attraction in Hong Kong.
          
         As we approach the Lunar New Year, may I also take this opportunity to wish you all a prosperous Year of the Snake filled with good fortune, health, and happiness. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, an IT project laboratory was opened in a school in Udmurtia and sports halls were renovated

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    With the support of PJSC Udmurtneft (operates under the management of NK Rosneft and the Chinese petrochemical corporation Sinopec), a programming project laboratory was created at the V.I. Kudinov Secondary School in the city of Votkinsk in the Udmurt Republic, and two sports halls were renovated.

    The project is aimed at supporting the education sector in the region, which corresponds to the tasks and national development goals defined by the President of Russia in his Address to the Federal Assembly. Rosneft implements social projects aimed at creating favorable living conditions in the regions of its presence. In particular, it supports the development of educational institutions and initiatives in the field of education of the younger generation.

    The unique educational space – the IT laboratory – is equipped with an interactive panel, a 3D printer, a laser 3D scanner, and other modern equipment and software for working in the field of information technology. The created IT laboratory will become a platform for conducting programming and computer modeling lessons, as well as scientific conferences with the defense of research and project work.

    In addition, interior finishing was carried out in two of the school’s gyms: utility lines were updated, locker rooms, coaching rooms and showers were renovated, and basketball backboards were installed.

    The V.I. Kudinov Secondary School is one of the largest comprehensive schools in the city of Votkinsk, with over a thousand children studying there. Rosneft pays special attention to the creation and development of a system of pre-university training and professional orientation for schoolchildren. For this purpose, in 2007, the first Rosneft class in Udmurtia was opened at the school, with in-depth study of physics, chemistry and mathematics. Today, there are seven Rosneft classes in the republic, in Igra, Sarapul, Votkinsk and Izhevsk. They are the first stage of the corporate system of continuous education “school-university/college-enterprise”.

    Reference:

    PAO Udmurtneft is the largest oil producing enterprise in Udmurtia, which provides 60% of the raw materials produced in the Udmurt Republic. The company’s assets include 70 licenses for geological study, exploration and production of oil and gas at the region’s fields. Since 2006, the company has been operating under the management of PAO NK Rosneft and the Chinese petrochemical corporation Sinopec.

    Throughout its activities, Udmurtneft has provided support to various social facilities in the republic: social rehabilitation centers, kindergartens and schools, cultural and sports institutions. These include the improvement of public spaces in the areas of the enterprise’s production activities, the modernization of educational sites, the provision of medical and sports equipment, and the holding of social and environmental campaigns.

    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 begins mass production of homegrown X/γ radiation dose detection chip

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China’s self-developed X-ray and gamma-ray (X/γ) radiation dose detection chip has successfully commenced mass production, according to the Science and Technology Daily on Thursday.

    The chip, developed by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), offers a dose rate measurement range for X/γ rays from 100 nSv/h to 10 mSv/h. It can detect energies between 50 keV and 2 MeV.

    With a compact size of just 15 mm by 15 mm by 3 mm, it can operate within a temperature range of minus 20 to 50 degrees Celsius. Additionally, it boasts ultra-low power consumption of only 1 mW.

    Users can easily perform straightforward secondary development based on the chip’s data manual, enabling its use in radiation dose monitoring across nuclear-related workplaces, personnel and environmental scenarios, according to the CNNC.

    It also features a standardized interface design, allowing it to function as a universal radiation sensor, which can be quickly integrated into various smart devices such as smartphones, smart helmets and drones.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China has nearly 70,000 HR service agencies

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China currently has 69,900 human resources service agencies and about 1.06 million agency personnel nationwide, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security on Thursday.

    The figure for the agencies was 2.5 times that in 2012, while the figure for personnel was 3.1 times that for 2012, the ministry said at a high-quality development promotion conference of the human resource service industry held in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province.

    Human resources service agencies nationwide provide 300 million job-hunting, job-selection and job-switch services for workers each year, and 50 million employment and management services for employers, 40 percent of which are manufacturing firms.

    The ministry said it will make specialized plans, optimize the policy system, strengthen digital empowerment and improve market governance to establish a unified and standardized human resources market system.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2024 grain output expected to exceed 700M tonnes

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A farmer loads newly harvested paddy rice seeds in Cengong County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Aug. 26, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s grain output is projected to hit a record high of 700 million tonnes this year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said on Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China offers over 150B yuan in employment support

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken on March 18, 2023 shows a view of a job fair in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Chinese government provided over 150 billion yuan (about 21.1 billion U.S. dollars) in employment support for businesses and employees in the first nine months of 2024, official data showed Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 233-2024: List of unregistered treatment providers: Treatment provider unacceptable – Logoo Packing Centre Hamburg GmbH (AEI: DE4018SB)

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    25 October 2024

    Who does this notice affect?

    Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including vessel masters, freight forwarders, offshore treatment providers, Biosecurity Industry Participants, importers, customs brokers, principal agents and master consolidators.

    What has changed?

    Following the identification of critical non-compliance, the department has listed Logoo Packing Centre Hamburg GmbH (AEI: DE4018SB) as unacceptable on…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Sonali Basak, Bloomberg Television

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    SONALI BASAK:

    This is Bloomberg Markets, and I’m Sonali Basak. The IMF recently warned that Australia may need to cut spending even though it just had a second budget surplus in a row. We’re going to discuss this with the man in the middle of this issue, Treasurer of Australia, Jim Chalmers. What do you make of the IMF’s report? Let’s start right there, because of course, really, the IMF’s growth forecasts and recommendations, it’s a shot heard around the world.

    How do you feel about your budget in relation to what they had said?

    JIM CHALMERS:

    First of all, Sonali, thanks for having me back on Bloomberg TV, it’s a real pleasure. There’s obviously a lot of insights in the IMF’s reports that we find valuable, but the reality is in Australia we’ve made really quite extraordinary progress in the fight against inflation.

    When we came to office a little over 2 years ago inflation had a 6 in front of it, now it has a 3 in front of it. Next week we’ll learn more about the situation as it relates to inflation in Australia.

    But we’ve made a lot of progress, that progress has been welcome, it has been encouraging, and a big part of our success has been the responsible way that we’ve gone about managing our budget.

    The 2 surpluses that we’ve just delivered are the first back‑to‑back surpluses for almost 2 decades in Australia, and they are a consequence, a welcome, deliberate consequence of the spending restraint that we have shown, the savings that we have found in the budget so that we can rebuild our fiscal buffers, as the IMF has been recommending all of us to do in the face of these uncertain global conditions.

    BASAK:

    Jim, I’m glad you also brought up the inflation story here, because, of course, all eyes will be on that third quarter CPI report next week, and you were saying, yes, inflation has come down, but it hasn’t come down as much as other countries, and do you accept that perhaps rates need to stay higher for longer in Australia in order to bring down that last mile of inflation?

    CHALMERS:

    First of all, there’s an important convention in Australia that politicians don’t make predictions or don’t give free advice to our independent Reserve Bank. That’s an important convention that I adhere to.

    But when it comes to the inflation story in Australia, again we’ve made really quite outstanding progress in the fight against inflation, and any differences between our inflation rate and what we’re seeing in some other countries are a consequence really of 2 things. First of all, inflation in Australia peaked lower and later than most countries that we compare ourselves with, that’s a really important point.

    And secondly, some countries that have lower headline inflation than Australia have got much higher unemployment, or they’ve got weaker growth, or some other combination of undesirable aspects of the economy.

    What we’ve done in Australia is we’ve focused primarily on the fight against inflation, but we’ve done that without ignoring the risks to growth. We’ve struck a really effective balance between those primary economic objectives, and that’s because we’ve taken the view that it is much better to avoid a hard landing in our economy than to clean up after one.

    We are on track for a soft landing in our economy, we’re confident but not complacent about that. The policy decisions that we’ve taken, whether it’s the 2 budget surpluses, the way we’ve delivered our cost‑of‑living relief, the way that we’re investing in productivity and dynamism in our economy, all of these things are really important ways that we’re getting that inflation rate down without ignoring the risks to growth, which are coming at us from an uncertain global environment and from some domestic sources as well.

    BASAK:

    Treasurer, to that end, do you think that the RBA needs to be moving faster or do you think that they’re being too cautious?

    CHALMERS:

    Again, I don’t give free advice to our independent central bank; there’s good reasons not to do that. I take responsibility for our part of the fight against inflation. Fiscal policy is playing a helpful role, the Governor of the Reserve Bank has said herself that our 2 surpluses are helping in the fight against inflation, and the way that we’re managing our budget and our economy in the most responsible way that we can, those are my responsibilities. I’ll leave decisions about the trajectory of interest rates in Australia to the Board of the Reserve Bank, which takes its decisions independently and appropriately.

    BASAK:

    We only have about a minute left here. But I do want to get your view here on your relationship with China. The removal of restrictions on lobster exports is imminent. And do you think that there’s a new stage around the corner, around the relationship between Australia and China?

    CHALMERS:

    We recognise that the relationship with China is full of complexity and full of opportunity. We have our differences with China, we don’t pretend that they aren’t there. But our efforts to stabilise that key economic relationship have borne fruit and including when it comes to the removal of some of those trade restrictions.

    We welcome the progress we’ve made in the lifting of those trade restrictions in some of our key exports, but we know that it’s a complex relationship, we know that it needs ongoing management. We believe that you get more out of engaging with our major trading partners than the alternative, and so far, that has proven to be the case.

    BASAK:

    Jim, we have to leave it there. That is Jim Chalmers, the Treasurer of Australia, of course, joining us on the sidelines of those IMF World Bank meetings.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Appointment – full-time Second Commissioner of Taxation – Australian Taxation Office

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government will appoint Mr David Allen as a full-time Second Commissioner of Taxation to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for a seven-year period beginning on 1 November 2024.

    Mr Allen has extensive experience in the public sector. Mr Allen is currently acting as the Second Commissioner and has been in this role since May 2024. He was previously acting as the ATO’s Chief Service Delivery Officer since May 2023.

    Mr Allen joined the ATO in 2010 as the Assistant Commissioner of Large Business Risk and was the ATO’s delegate to the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD), based in Paris.

    Prior to joining the ATO, Mr Allen held senior roles in different tiers of the public service including the Commonwealth, United Kingdom, NSW and local governments.

    This appointment will continue to ensure a high level of skills and experience are available to the ATO.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ​​Open government, closer ties, and digital uplift: Insights from South Korea and Singapore​

    Source: Australia Digital Transformation Agency

    Last month, I had the privilege of joining colleagues from across the globe in Seoul and Singapore. My engagements provided valuable insights into strengthening our relationships with global neighbours, trends around open government, and opportunities for digital uplift across the public sector. 

    MIL OSI News –