NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Response to the lead commissioner’s report

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Tuesday, 22nd October 2024

    The city council leader has responded to the report from the lead commissioner Max Caller.

    Leader of Birmingham City Council Cllr John Cotton said:

    “We welcome the publication of this report from the lead commissioner and acknowledge that while progress is being made, there is much more to do in our ongoing efforts to ensure we become a financially sustainable, well-run council that delivers good services.

    “We continue to engage constructively with the new Government, and like councils across the country, are awaiting both this month’s budget settlement and a local government finance settlement later in the year which will set out a one-year emergency package of support for local councils.

    “The Government is also committed to a multi-year settlement following next year’s spending review which will give councils much needed clarity and allow us to plan for the future.

    “Nevertheless, we face another very difficult budget, and it remains clear that the pace of change must further increase, as further savings are identified, and we transform services. Our new Managing Director Joanne Roney is focussed on that challenge and there will be no let up as we work together to get the council back on track.”

    NOTES

    • We have appointed a permanent Managing Director in Joanne Roney CBE, who is already providing pace, grip, and authority in driving the necessary changes, working with the senior officer team and Commissioners.
    • The Improvement and Recovery Plan was agreed in April 2024 and has set the overarching direction and actions to address the issues identified in the intervention. The first part of the plan has been implemented and further stages are now underway, including the development of a refreshed Corporate Plan which will outline what the council will seek to achieve over the next three years.
    • A whole council operating model is being developed so that the council can deliver good services, even whilst operating under the financial pressures that are a reality for local government.
    • Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together has seen us set a new direction for the council to involve citizens and partners in a much greater way.
    • The council’s corporate services have been reviewed, with a commitment to a new workforce strategy that will help deliver the staffing we need to deliver quality services for our residents. This includes a refreshed HR function to enable the effective recruitment and management of staff and improve our culture and achieve best value.
    • Financial management improvements continue, with the move to make a permanent appointment to lead the finance directorate. Work continues at pace to identify the savings and cuts that are needed to deliver a balanced budget.
    • A much-needed reimplementation programme is now underway for Oracle.
    • Progress is being made against the equal pay liability, including a revised a job evaluation scheme and settlement of the outstanding litigation with a target of April 2025 for completion.
    • A plan is underway to improve the procurement operating model with a focus on strategic contract management in order to achieve best value.
    • Within the housing directorate, progress has been made in response to the Regulator of Social Housing’s letter, reconfiguring the HRA budget to focus on improving the quality of the existing housing stock.
    • Within children’s services, the council has completed the review of spend control on children’s social care, and progress is being made on greater join up of services for families to make our services more effective.
    • A transformation programme is now in place to improve the waste service – which is the most public facing area of the council which has not been performing at the level our residents expect. By transforming staffing and management arrangements, and procuring a new fleet, we will see improvements in this service in the months ahead.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bury director jailed after failing to produce accounts for company which owed more than £200,000 in tax

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Director jailed for offences under the Insolvency and Companies Act

    • Vezubuhle Ndlovu was the director of VN Electrics Limited when it went into liquidation owing more than £200,000 in unpaid tax 

    • Ndlovu failed to deliver accounting records to the liquidator as he was required to do so under law 

    • This failure meant his company’s accounts could not be investigated, resulting in criminal investigations into the 41-year-old by the Insolvency Service 

    A Bury director who failed to produce accounting records and refused to co-operate with the Insolvency Service after his company went into liquidation owing more than £200,000 in unpaid tax has been jailed. 

    Vezubuhle Ndlovu was sentenced to 10 months in prison when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 15 October. 

    The 41-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to offences under the Insolvency Act and Companies Act for his VN Electrics Limited business. 

    Ndlovu, of Spinney Crescent, Bury, failed to provide up-to-date records to the Insolvency Service when VN Electrics was liquidated in 2019, meaning the Official Receiver could not accurately assess the company’s position and liabilities. 

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Vezubuhle Ndlovu’s offending was persistent and he has shown no insight into his criminal actions.  

    If a company fails to keep proper records it exposes creditors and trading partners to unacceptable levels of risk. A company that does not keep records is more likely to fail and the Official Receiver or insolvency practitioner will be unable to identify and take steps to recover the company’s assets. 

    Ndlovu failed in his statutory duties to deliver up-to-date accounting records and at no point engaged with the Official Receiver or our investigators when asked to do so. 

    VN Electrics was established in May 2017, with Ndlovu the sole director. The company’s business was described on Companies House as ‘non-specialised wholesale trade’. 

    The company was liquidated in December 2019 after a petition from HM Revenue and Customs, which was owed £221,600 by VN Electrics. 

    The Insolvency Service wrote to Ndlovu on three separate occasions after VN Electrics was wound-up, reminding him of his statutory duty to preserve the company’s books and records and to deliver them to the Official Receiver. 

    Ndlovu failed to respond and did not turn up to an interview at the Official Receiver’s Office. 

    Civil proceedings which resulted in a seven-year director disqualification for Ndlovu began in September 2020 and concluded in April 2022. At no point did Ndlovu engage with the investigation. 

    Just one month after Ndlovu’s director ban, criminal investigators from the Insolvency Service invited him in for interview. Again, Ndlovu failed to respond or attend the interview. 

    Ndlovu’s failure to deliver books and records meant the Official Receiver was unable to establish if sales and purchases of just more than £1 million were the true level of VN Electrics’ income and expenditure between August 2017 and February 2019. 

    The Official Receiver was also unable to determine if VN Electrics owned any assets at any time between incorporation and liquidation, and if so, what happened to them. 

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.208 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.208 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 22, 2024)

    In order to keep liquidity adequate at a reasonable level in the banking system, the People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB158.4 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on October 22, 2024.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Volume

    Rate

    7 days

    RMB158.4 billion

    1.50%

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月22日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on SFISF Operations No.1 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on SFISF Operations No.1 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, October 21, 2024)

    In order to better leverage the role of security firms and funds companies in stabilizing the market, the People’s Bank of China has conducted the Securities, Funds and Insurance companies Swap Facility (SFISF) operation for the first time with an allotment amount of RMB50 billion. Twenty institutions participated in the tender. The highest and lowest bid rate was 50 bp and 10 bp, respectively, and the winning rate was 20 bp. 

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月21日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Deputy Governor Xuan Changneng Moderates the Lecture Given by BOK Governor Rhee Chang Yong

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    At the invitation of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), Governor of Bank of Korea Rhee Chang Yong gave a lecture entitled “Monetary Policy in Practice: Applying a Dose of Integrated Policy Framework and Forward Guidance”, and answered questions from the PBOC and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange staff. Deputy Governor Xuan Changneng moderated the lecture.

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年10月22日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BaFin warns consumers about a further FinFlex website: finflex.info

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    On 9 August 2024, BaFin issued a warning about FinFlex and its website finflex.org, which has since been deactivated. The unknown operators are now using the nearly identical website finflex.info. BaFin suspects the operators of the websites of offering consumers financial and investment services on these platforms without the required authorisation.

    The content of the websites is identical to other platforms that BaFin has previously warned consumers about and that display the same opening sentence: “Upgrade Your Trading With…”.

    Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    Theinformation 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 Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: American Bar Association Offers Free Legal Aid to Hurricane Helene Survivors in South Carolina

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    ree legal assistance is available to disaster survivors in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina. 
    If you need help, you can call (803) 799-6653 ext. 120 or (803) 576-3815 8:30 a.m. — noon; 1:00 — 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. If after business hours, survivors can leave a message. The hotline is available to connect survivors to free legal services in qualifying counties who cannot afford an attorney.
    Legal Aid may be able to help survivors in the following ways: 

    FEMA and SBA financial benefits.
    Home repair contracts and property insurance claims.
    Re-doing wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster.
    Price gouging, scams or identity theft.
    Landlord or tenant problems, or threats of foreclosure.
    Disability-related access to federal, state and local disaster programs.

    The Disaster Legal Services program works with state and local partners to provide free legal help for low-income disaster survivors. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, FEMA, and various organizations and volunteer attorneys. 
    Hotline partners cannot help in all cases. For example, the Disaster Legal Services program cannot take cases where a settlement could include legal fees or an award, but DLS can refer those cases to other legal help.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Popular Apple Fair extended to two days

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Popular Apple Fair extended to two days

    22 October 2024

    The popular Apple Fair returns with gusto to Castlederg this year as two days of entertainment and fun are planned to celebrate the Halloween season.

    Running over Friday 25th and Saturday 26th October all the activity will be focused around the town’s newly refurbished Diamond area.

    This year the event is being organised by the Castlederg Community Events Committee. Rois Kelly from the group explained, “We are really delighted to bring the Apple Fair back to the town, and to be able to extend it to run over two days. We have lots of entertainment, family fun, bespoke stalls and of course apples to make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

    Ahead of the official start of the Apple Fair the entertainment gets underway with ‘Man in Black’ – a special performance in Derg Parish Church on Thursday evening at 7.30pm. It will feature the story and songs of Johnny Cash, as told by David Kelly.

    The fun runs throughout the day from 11am-4pm on Friday. The Fair will be opened with a special performance of ‘A Million Dreams’ by pupils from four of the local primary schools – St Patrick’s PS, Edwards PS, St Caireall’s and Killen PS.

    Friday will continue with the arrival of Roland Dukes, one of the traditional apple sellers making the trip from Portadown to the Tyrone town for the occasion with a selection of tasty apples available from his vintage truck.

    A variety of other arts, crafts, and food stalls will be selling their wares throughout the two days. There will also be a number of local DJs playing and karaoke available. On Friday, The Derg Arms is running a pumpkin carving competition, while Bradley’s Pharmacy has organised a special fancy dress competition where people are asked to get their picture taken in front of the Apple Fair/Halloween Window display. Bring an Apple Fair prop and dress up, then come along, fill in an entry form in store and develop your photo free. You’ll also be in with a chance of winning a £50 Bradley’s voucher.

    Bringing Friday to a close is the Churchtown Community Association’s Halloween Hoolie in the Ard Mór Centre from 6-9pm.

    Saturday sees the arrival of a host of fun and activities for local families to enjoy. Running from 12-5pm there will be amusements, face-painting, live music, inflatable mascots, performances from Much Ado Stage School, and dance acts.

    Encouraging people to come out and support this year’s Apple Fair, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Lilian Seenoi Barr said, “The Castlederg Apple Fair is a long-running tradition in the town with apple sellers travelling from Co Armagh in the lead-up to Halloween for the past 100 years. It’s brilliant that the event has been expanded to two days this year. Well done to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen, and I would encourage everyone in the town to support the event and make sure they get along and enjoy it this weekend.”

    The Apple Fair is free, however tokens need to be purchased for the amusements and facepainting.

    For more information about any of the events taking place in the Strabane District this Halloween, go to http://www.strabanehalloween.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, the Days of Culture of Indigenous Peoples of the Tyumen Region opened

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    With the support of RN-Uvatneftegaz (part of Rosneft), the Days of Indigenous Peoples Culture have started in the Tyumen Region. It is expected that over 1,200 guests will visit the festival in two weeks.

    In the ethnographic center “Uvas Mir Hot” (House of Northern People), created with the support of “RN-Uvatneftegaz”, guests get acquainted with the rich culture of northern ethnic groups, their customs and traditions. The concert program of the opening of the festival included performances by dancers and throat singers accompanied by a jaw harp. Excursions around the ethnic camp were organized for adults and children, and they could also take part in games in national sports and taste dishes of national cuisine.

    The Days of Culture will include interactive excursions and themed events for schoolchildren and large families. For residents of the Uvatsky District, the festival will also include performances by creative groups, competitions in national sports “Northern All-Around”, master classes in arts and crafts, an exhibition of photographs and works by northern poets and writers. Guests of the festival will also be able to watch the film “Master of the Taiga”, which introduces the unique culture and way of life of the Eastern Khanty. The festival program will end in the Uvatsky District, where 30 families of indigenous peoples live in 11 camps today.

    The assistance of the oil producing company RN-Uvatneftegaz in organizing this and other traditional national holidays helps popularize culture and strengthen ties between families and generations.

    The territory of “Uvas Mir Hot” hosts ritual festivals and cultural events, concerts, interactive excursions, local history and national language lessons, and master classes all year round. To immerse guests in the culture and life of indigenous peoples, the ethnic camp has recreated in detail a Khanty hut, a Nenets tent in summer and winter versions, a storage shed for food, a kitchen with a clay oven, a hunter’s hut, and animal enclosures. Interest in the “House of Northern People” is growing – since the beginning of the year, it has been visited by 14,800 tourists.

    Preservation of the national culture of the indigenous peoples of the North is one of the significant areas of Rosneft’s social policy. The Company’s enterprises implement many social projects in the regions of their operations, develop the infrastructure of northern villages, help reindeer herder families, improve the material and technical base of educational institutions, social and medical facilities in areas of traditional residence.

    RN-Uvatneftegaz, together with the administration of the Uvatsky municipal district, supports representatives of the Khanty, Mansi and Evenki of the Tyumen region, providing comprehensive assistance in preserving their way of life. The company pays for the education of young people in secondary specialized and higher educational institutions, finances participation in competitions in a national sport – oblas (boat) races. Oil workers provide access to winter roads and ice crossings that are built for production needs, organize the distribution of fuel at the fields closest to the camps. The company is also one of the organizers of the annual festival “Wealth of the Uvat Taiga”, which includes a fair of goods of traditional crafts and trades of indigenous peoples living in the Uvatsky district.

    Reference:

    RN-Uvatneftegaz LLC, a subsidiary of Rosneft Oil Company, is conducting exploration and development of a group of fields located in the Uvatsky District of the Tyumen Region and the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. The Uvatsky project includes 19 licensed areas, their total area exceeds 25 thousand square kilometers.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 22, 2024

    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 United Kingdom: Safety information for local communities | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Demonstrations and major events in central London

    There are often major events and demonstrations in central London.

    Whilst any protest will be managed by the police and other partners, they may have an impact on the communities around them. We are working closely with the police and partners to ensure the safety of everyone who may be impacted by these actions.

    We would also encourage residents and businesses to follow the Met Police’s social media feeds to keep up to date with the latest information from them about what’s happening on the ground @metpoliceuk

    For the latest on any travel disruption, follow @TfL on Twitter/X.

    Follow us on Twitter/X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram for updates from the council.

    Keeping residents and businesses safe

    Our City Inspectors remain visible and working across Westminster, ensuring we are there to support residents and businesses.

    The council and our contractors are on hand to ensure the streets are cleaned and any graffiti and stickers removed. Anything offensive or that might constitute a criminal offence will be reported to the police, and removal will be expedited in line with usual practices.

    If you see any racist or hate material, please report this immediately to the police by calling 101 and online us via the report-it app so that we can arrange to have this removed. This is monitored over the weekend so swift action can be taken.

    We continue to work with the Metropolitan Police Service to plan for and take action to keep everyone safe. The Metropolitan Police has said that Londoners will see more police officers on the streets across the capital to reassure and protect communities, particularly those who have been affected, and we fully support them with this work. We are also reaching out to local groups to offer whatever support we can.

    How we are supporting faith groups in Westminster

    The council is working with the police and other agencies to support faith groups in Westminster.

    Neighbourhood police officers and our city inspectors will continue to provide practical safety advice and visible reassurance to all communities in the city.

    If venues are concerned about their security, in the first instance, they should be encouraged to contact specialists within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). 

    The council has strong links with the MPS, and our Community Safety and Highways teams work closely with the MPS and venues to consider recommendations related to the public realm.

    We’re doing everything we can to keep people in the city safe.

    Information about hate crimes and how to report them

    If you have been the subject of a hate crime, here is information from the police about what to do:

    • if someone is in immediate danger or needs support right away, then dial 999.
    • hate crime can be reported online, by 101 phone or at a police station.
    • if you’ve seen something on a website or social media that promotes hatred or violence against a particular group, use the police’s online form to report it.

    Keeping up to date

    Stay up to date by following the Metropolitan Police’s main social media account: @metpoliceuk

    Alternatively, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, for local updates.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OPSS issues children’s Halloween costume warning

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Public asked to be vigilant following tests.

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has asked the public to be vigilant following tests carried out on Halloween fancy dress costumes for children.

    Tests on 128 costumes aimed at under seven years olds found more than 80 per cent failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation from cords.

    Costumes were purchased from a range of online marketplaces and tested against the Safety of Toys Regulations 2011. All those which failed have since been removed from sale by the platforms.

    OPSS is now urging the public to always buy costumes from trusted sources and take care when near fires, particularly open flames.

    Head and neck drawstrings or cords can also strangle or entrap children so always check for long cords or other strangulation hazards.

    Said OPSS Chief Executive Graham Russell:

    Fancy dress can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but our tests show many costumes for sale, particularly those online, pose serious risks to young children. Please take extra care before you buy.

    Tests conducted June 2024

    Standards tested against Number of items tested Pass Fail Inconclusive
    BS EN 71-2: 202) – Flammability of toys 128 99 28 1
    BS EN 14682:2014 – Safety of children’s clothing. Cords and drawstrings on children’s clothing 73 14 59 0
    Labelling 128 30 98 0

    Products are required to have the following labelling requirements:

    • Reg 18 CE (or UKCA mark)
    • Reg 19 Type, batch or serial or model number
    • Reg 19 Manufacturer name, trade name or trademark
    • Reg 19 Single manufacturer address
    • Reg 20 Suitable instructions safety information
    • Reg 27 Importer’s name, trade name or trademark
    • Reg 27 Importer’s UK/EU address

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Governor Ulrik Nødgaard’s presentation at Grisekongres 2024

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Financial stability and financial risks

    Governor Ulrik Nødgaard gave a presentation at Grisekongres 2024 on 22 October. The presentation gave an overview of the Danish economy, geo-economic fragmentation, and the economic situation in the agricultural sector. The main messages were: We expect a soft landing for the Danish economy; there are initial signs of fragmentation in the global economy, and the agricultural sector has generally become more economically robust. (The presentation is in Danish only).

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor welcomes updates from Google to combat mobile phone theft

    Source: Mayor of London

    • New Android anti-theft features enhances security for billions of mobile phone users, with a Theft Detection Lock automatically locking the device if someone snatches it and tries to run, bike or drive away.
    • It follows the Mayor and Met Commissioner’s landmark meeting with world-leading mobile phone companies and ongoing partnership work to ‘design out’ mobile phone theft.
    • Android has a new comprehensive set of theft protection features designed to protect users and their data to make the phones less attractive to thieves.
    • The Mayor will continue to work with the global mobile industry on further measures that could put an end to the illegal trade in stolen mobile phones.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today welcomed the introduction of new technology that will enhance security for Android phones and provide better protection for users, as part of work to ‘design out’ mobile phone crime in the capital and beyond.

    The Mayor visited Google’s London offices to hear about new state-of-the-art AI technology that will make Android mobile phones less attractive to thieves and protect users and their data. The new enhanced security includes automatically locking the screen if the phone is snatched and allowing remote locking of a stolen device.

    These updates are part of an ongoing partnership to ‘design out’ mobile phone robbery, and follow the Mayor and Met Commissioner’s landmark meeting with world-leading mobile phone companies at City Hall in October last year[1], where Sadiq called on them to find the most effective deterrents to combat phone theft.

    New figures show that mobile phone crime is driving the rise in robberies and thefts in the capital with 33 per cent of all robberies last year involving a phone being stolen – equating to more than 11,800 offences. And 69 per cent of all thefts in London last year related to mobile phones.[2]

    The Met is spearheading dedicated and targeted police work to prevent these crimes but the criminal demand for high-value mobile phones continues to grow. 

    Today the Mayor has praised the changes introduced by Google which will enable Android device owners to hide sensitive apps behind a separate PIN-locked area. The new update will also use AI and sensors inside a device to identify when a thief has grabbed and fled with a user’s phone, locking the screen to prevent them accessing it or any data stored on it. The new Remote Lock feature will lock a device using just the phone number should it be lost or stolen, which will help users who cannot remember their Google credentials in the moments after a theft, but still need to secure their personal data.[3]

    The Mayor is urging Londoners to ensure they install the latest Android software updates available and activate these settings to ensure their device is best protected against thieves. The Mayor also continues to work alongside other phone companies, including Apple who have taken action with the new iOS 18 software update making it substantially harder for iPhones to be broken up for parts in the UK and internationally.

    Sadiq will continue to work with the major phone companies to explore if all phones can be disabled following a theft, whether here in the UK or elsewhere in the world. 

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The theft of a mobile phone is hugely distressing and we are seeing numbers increase all around the world. While the Met are taking targeted action with patrols in London’s worst hotspots it is far too easy and profitable for criminals to repurpose and sell on expensive stolen phones.

    “Last year I called on mobile companies to do what they can to ensure that their devices are not appealing to thieves, and I’m pleased that Google are introducing these important new security updates.

    “We know there is much more still to be done to tackle this problem, but I am committed to continuing to work with the mobile phone industry and the Met to catch the criminals behind this appalling industry, as we build a safer London for everyone.”

    Katie O’Donovan, Director of Public Policy for Google UK: “Android’s new anti-theft features will give added security for billions of people, including Londoners. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of London to Google today to demonstrate our commitment to device safety.” 

    Annika Bizon, Director of Marketing, Omnichannel & Head of Ireland – MX Division, Samsung Electronics, said: “At Samsung, we are deeply committed to protecting the security and privacy of our Galaxy users. Working with Google we are giving users complete control over their devices, ensuring their data remains secure even when their device is not physically with them. We are striving to offer an even more secure user experience. Information about additional updates will be shared in the near future.” 

    Claire Waxman OBE, London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner, said: “Mobile phone crime is an extremely traumatic experience for every victim and has a lasting impact far beyond the loss of personal possession. What’s worse is that it can really heighten victims’ fear of crime and leave them feeling vulnerable as they go about their daily lives.

    “Our lives are on our phones, and they are a form of safety and comfort for people but taking someone’s device robs them of that security and leaves victims worrying about where their private data and information may end up.

    “That’s why I welcome the update from Google today and the introduction of this new technology is a step in the right direction in enhancing security and protection for Android phone users and their data. It is clear though that more improvements need to be made which is why I support the Mayor’s action with the mobile industry to come up with further measures that can make stealing phones less attractive for thieves and put an end to the illegal trade in stolen mobile phones.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director of Health attends WHO Western Pacific Regional Committee meeting (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, is leading a delegation from the Department of Health (DH) to attend the meeting of the 75th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Manila, the Philippines.
             
         The Regional Committee meeting (RCM) is set up to formulate policies, provide oversight for regional programmes and their progress; consider and endorse new initiatives and adopt resolutions and make decisions that guide the Regional Office’s work for the coming year. This year, the theme of the RCM is “Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region”. In recent years, the Western Pacific region has been facing a series of public health challenges, including ageing population, increased burden on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and communicable diseases, mental health, health security threats, climate change, digital health, and oral health. At the meeting this year, which is being held from October 21 to 25, member states and areas will exchange views, explore collaboration and pass resolutions on the above issues. Five visions of weaving health, namely transformative primary care for universal health coverage, climate-resilient health systems, resilient communities, societies and health systems for health security, healthier people throughout the life course, and technology and innovation for future health equity, have been endorsed by the RCM to address the above challenges.
             
         Speaking at the agenda item of the Address by and Report of the Regional Director, Dr Lam said, “Hong Kong, China noted the Report of the Regional Director, and will fully support the newly defined five visions of weaving health. While we are enjoying one of the best health indices in terms of life expectancies, maternal and infant mortality rates and so forth, we are facing similar challenges as other member states and areas such as ageing population, rise of NCDs, and health security threats. As announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, Hong Kong, China is now embarking on substantial health reforms via two major themes of “Deepen Reform of the Healthcare System” and “International Health and Medical Innovation Hub”. The five visions of the WHO Western Pacific Region is in alignment with our health initiatives of the “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”. Hong Kong, China will continue to work closely with the WHO in achieving health for all in the Region.” 
          
         The DH has been actively contributing to global public health by supporting the WHO in tackling various public health challenges. The DH is designated as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Traditional Medicine and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Smoking Cessation and Treatment of Tobacco Dependence. Furthermore, the WHO has designated the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH as a reference laboratory for various communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, measles/rubella, influenza A (H5), SARS and COVID-19, making significant contributions to fighting epidemics worldwide. The DH will keep on maintaining close contact with member states and areas of the WHO on various issues to safeguard the health of the people.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation – Managers’ transactions (Hammarén)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Managers’ transactions
    22 October 2024 at 14:00 EEST

    Nokia Corporation – Managers’ transactions (Hammarén)

    Transaction notification under Article 19 of EU Market Abuse Regulation.
    ____________________________________________
    Person subject to the notification requirement
    Name: Hammarén, Patrik
    Position: Other senior manager

    Issuer: Nokia Corporation
    LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06
    Notification type: INITIAL NOTIFICATION
    Reference number: 81967/5/4
    ____________________________________________

    Transaction date: 2024-10-21
    Venue: NASDAQ HELSINKI LTD (XHEL)
    Instrument type: SHARE
    ISIN: FI0009000681
    Nature of the transaction: ACQUISITION

    Transaction details
    (1): Volume: 156 Unit price: 4.31633 EUR

    Aggregated transactions
    (1): Volume: 156 Volume weighted average price: 4.31633 EUR

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation – Managers’ transactions (Uitto)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Managers’ transactions
    22 October 2024 at 14:00 EEST

    Nokia Corporation – Managers’ transactions (Uitto)

    Transaction notification under Article 19 of EU Market Abuse Regulation.
    ____________________________________________
    Person subject to the notification requirement
    Name: Uitto, Tommi
    Position: Other senior manager

    Issuer: Nokia Corporation
    LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06
    Notification type: INITIAL NOTIFICATION
    Reference number: 81972/4/4
    ____________________________________________

    Transaction date: 2024-10-21
    Venue: NASDAQ HELSINKI LTD (XHEL)
    Instrument type: SHARE
    ISIN: FI0009000681
    Nature of the transaction: ACQUISITION

    Transaction details
    (1): Volume: 156 Unit price: 4.31633 EUR

    Aggregated transactions
    (1): Volume: 156 Volume weighted average price: 4.31633 EUR

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia
    Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Lebanon: Israeli attacks on financial institutions are possible war crimes

    Source: Amnesty International –

    There have been multiple attacks on branches of Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit financial association affiliated with Hezbollah 

    Under laws of war, financial institutions are civilian objects unless being used for military purposes

    ‘Israeli forces have targeted an institution that serves as an economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    The Israeli military’s targeting of branches of Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit financial association affiliated with Hezbollah with over 30 branches across Lebanon, is likely to be a violation of international humanitarian law and must be investigated as a possible war crime, Amnesty International said today. 

    Under the laws of war, branches of financial institutions are civilian objects unless they are being used for military purposes. These attacks are likely to constitute a direct attack on civilian objects. 

    On 20 October, the Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson announced on X that its forces would begin “attacking infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah’s Qard al-Hassan”, instructing residents to immediately move away from areas in the vicinity of these buildings. The first attack was reported only 35 minutes later at around 9:30 pm. 

    Lebanese state media has reported a total of 11 attacks on Qard al-Hassan buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, as well as several other branches in other parts of the country, including in the south and in the Bekaa Valley.

    Qard al-Hassan, operating under a licence granted by the Lebanese government, is currently Lebanon’s biggest microcredit provider and is used by many Lebanese civilians, predominantly Shiites, to access small, interest-free loans. Many Lebanese people from various religious communities have increasingly relied on Qard al-Hassan for loans to pay for education, healthcare and small businesses, particularly since the collapse of Lebanon’s banking sector in 2019. It has been under US sanctions since 2007. 

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

    “Israeli forces have targeted an institution that serves as an economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians. 

    “This, along with an evacuation warning issued less than 40 minutes before the start of the strikes, shows Israel’s disregard for international humanitarian law.

    “Even if as the Israeli military alleges the institution does provide financing to Hezbollah it is not likely to meet the definition of a military objective, particularly for branches serving civilian customers.

    “Under international humanitarian law, attacks against civilians and civilian objects are prohibited. An international investigation into the attacks on Qard al-Hassan must be urgently initiated. 

    “Israel must abandon a definition of military objectives that is so broad as to include branches of a financial institution.”

    Civilian objects protected under international humanitarian law

    International humanitarian law prohibits direct attacks against “civilian objects” such as homes, businesses and shops unless these buildings are being used for military purposes. Having an association with Hezbollah is not sufficient to classify a civilian building or the civilians inside it as military objectives. Many of Qard al-Hassan’s branches and offices are located in residential buildings in the middle of densely-populated residential areas. Hundreds of residents had to flee their homes after the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings. A senior Israeli intelligence official was quoted in the media stating that in addition to hindering the ability of Hezbollah to function and rebuild following the war, “the main objective is to affect trust between Hezbollah and a lot of the Shiite community that uses this association as a banking system”. Undermining trust between Hezbollah and the Shiite community is not a lawful justification for militarily targeting an institution.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Navatar’s Latest CRM Platform For M&A Helps Investment Banks Leverage Superior Proprietary Intelligence As M&A Deal Activity Increases

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The M&A advisory business relies on good intelligence. Bankers must connect a lot of disparate threads of information whether they are pitching, researching buyers, managing sponsors, executing mandates or simply prioritizing their agenda for the week. To do that, bankers must find a way to automatically capture and then connect all of this proprietary information, most of it gathered painstakingly from their network over time.

    The new Navatar platform is designed to capture and harness this intelligence for investment bankers. It uses AI to automatically capture information from all of the firm’s interactions and then consolidates intelligence for each company, person, lead, sponsor, pitch, mandate, sector or even a niche subsector.

    The ability to create a sector/subsector knowledge-base incorporating proprietary intelligence is becoming critical as sector-specific opportunities in technology, energy and life sciences drive deal activity, according to the latest EY M&A Activity Report.

    “Today’s market demands your A-game. Your A-game primarily relies on proprietary intelligence. This intelligence must be collated from all the information your team painstakingly acquires from your network. The new Navatar Platform will synthesize this intelligence to help step up your game,” said Alok Misra, CEO of Navatar.

    For more information on Navatar for M&A advisory, please visit:
    https://www.navatargroup.com/mergers-and-acquisitions-crm-software/

    ABOUT NAVATAR
    Navatar (@navatargroup), the CRM platform for alternative assets and investment banking firms, raises the bar to help dealmakers move beyond efficiency gains and focus on competitive differentiation. Navatar is used by hundreds of firms including private equity funds, M&A boutiques and bulge brackets, fund of funds, multi-asset credit, hedge funds, real estate funds, venture capital firms, corporate development groups, family offices, private placement and other financial services companies.

    Sales Team
    Navatar
    sales@navatargroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Secures Contract with Global Automotive Manufacturer to Enhance Security at Select North American Facilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) today announced that its AI-based security solutions have been chosen by a leading global automotive manufacturer of cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks to secure five of its North American facilities. System deployment will start at their Tennessee and Ohio locations, with plans for future installation at more facilities.

    After a comprehensive evaluation of available solutions, Xtract One was selected for the Company’s precise weapons detection capabilities and flexible integration into daily business operations and the physical environment. Aiming to enhance security and operational efficiency, this deployment sets a new standard for safety and innovation in the automotive industry while furthering Xtract One’s leadership in threat detection and security solutions in the space.

    “We’re excited to be working with another major player, our fourth, in the automotive field and to be expanding our growing scope of innovative customers across different industries,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “By implementing our cutting-edge solutions, we aim to provide security measures to combat modern threats and provide a seamless experience for all guests and employees. This deployment will also enhance operational efficiency, further demonstrating how our solutions fit seamlessly into the manufacturing facility landscape.”

    Xtract One’s security solutions enhance entry experience and detect threats while preserving guests’ privacy and comfort. These systems deliver fast, reliable, and frictionless screening that unobtrusively scan patrons for weapons and other prohibited items as they walk through. This eliminates the need to empty pockets and optimizes the guest experience by reducing time spent in security lines. The Company’s Multi-Sensor Gateway portfolio was recently awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security DHS SAFETY Act Designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT), highlighting the efficacy of Xtract One’s innovative security solutions in safeguarding public spaces against modern threats.

    To learn more, visit http://www.xtractone.com.

    About Xtract One
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that enable facility operators to prioritize and deliver improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while providing unprecedented safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffics. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit http://www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

    No securities exchange or commission has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com   
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, cwitty@darrowir.com, 646-438-9385
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, kristen@jmgpr.com, 212-206-1645

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CW Petroleum Corp (OTCQB: CWPE) Reduces Outstanding Shares by 81.66% Through Share Exchange Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Katy, Texas, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CW Petroleum Corp (OTCQB: CWPE) (the “Company”), a leading provider of Specialty Renewable and Hydrocarbon Motor Fuels, today announces to its investors and future investors it has reduced its Outstanding Shares of Common Stock from 122,445,898 to 22,445,898, an 81.66% reduction.

    Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Williams, has elected to exchange his 100,000,000 restricted shares of Common Stock for 1,000,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to reflect Mr. Williams’ previous ownership in 2022. The original share exchange occurred on June 14, 2022, and was effectuated due to a potential capital raise and up list to Nasdaq in 2023, which did not occur.

    6.14.2022 – Form 1-U
    2.10.2023 – Form 1-U

    Mr. Williams commented, “We are committed to growing the Company and providing shareholder value. This share exchange will help place the Company in a better share structure, allowing greater access to growth capital and greater market liquidity for its common stock in the open market. Company revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 were $6.27MM”.

    Additional accurate information about the Company can be found on the OTC Markets website at the following links and on the EDGAR filing website provided by the Securities and Exchange Commission:

    CWPE Overview
    CWPE Security Detail
    CWPE Financials
    CWPE News
    CWPE Disclosures

    SEC Filings

    For additional information, visit our website at cwpetroleumcorp.com, email: investor@cwpetroleumcorp.com, or call 281-817-8099

    About CW Petroleum Corp

    CW Petroleum Corp was incorporated in the State of Texas on April 29, 2005, and began operations in 2011. On April 14, 2018, CW Petroleum Corp was incorporated in the State of Wyoming. On April 15, 2018, the Texas corporation became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company through a share exchange. CW Petroleum Corp (Wyoming) is a holding company and through our wholly-owned subsidiary, we supply and distribute biodiesel, biodiesel blends, ultra-low sulfur diesel, gasoline blends, renewable gasoline, and a proprietary EPA-approved reformulated no ethanol gasoline to distributors, convenience stores, and marinas.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release may contain “forward-looking statements” regarding future events and our future results. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the oil and gas markets, energy markets, and other markets in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “endeavors,” “strives,” “may,” or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, estimate, or verify. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those factors described in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 1-K, which may be amended or supplemented by subsequent semiannual reports on Form 1-SA or other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements. For more information, please refer to the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Marex Group Plc to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Earnings on November 7, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) today announced that it will release its fiscal 2024 third quarter results before market open on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The earnings release and supplementary materials will be available through the “Investors” section of the Marex website at https://ir.marex.com/.

    A conference call to discuss the results will take place at 9am ET the same day. Analysts and investors who wish to participate in the live conference call can register using the link here: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI35bc4ad5c3ed48f8b2e48ab5dbfeb65e

    About Marex:

    Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) is a diversified global financial services platform providing essential liquidity, market access and infrastructure services to clients across energy, commodities and financial markets. Enabling access to 58 exchanges, the Group provides coverage across four core services: Clearing, Agency and Execution, Market Making and Hedging, and Investment Solutions. It has a leading franchise in many major metals, energy and agricultural products, serving over 4,000 active clients and executing around 129 million trades and clearing 856 million contracts in 2023. The Group provides access to the world’s major commodity markets, covering a broad range of clients that include some of the largest commodity producers, consumers and traders, banks, hedge funds, and asset managers. Headquartered in London with more than 35 offices worldwide, the Group has over 2,000 employees across Europe, Asia and the Americas. For more information visit http://www.marex.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers eulogy at the special funeral of Dr. Tito Mboweni

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers eulogy at the special funeral of Dr. Tito Mboweni

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Abaxx Announces C$2.795 million Strategic Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/

    TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA:ABXX) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, is pleased to announce that it anticipates entering into a binding agreement with a strategic investor, pursuant to which the investor has agreed to purchase 215,000 common shares (the “Shares”) of the Company at a price of CAD$13.00 per common share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$2,795,000 on a private placement basis (the “Financing”).

    The proceeds of the Financing are expected to be used for general corporate and working capital requirements, including to fund ongoing operations and/or working capital and minimum regulatory requirements for Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing. No finder’s fees or commissions were paid in connection with the Financing. The parties must enter into a binding subscription agreement to complete the Financing which is expected to close as soon as reasonably practicable and is subject to final acceptance of Cboe Canada.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities issuable under the Financing have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold to or for the account or benefit of persons in the “United States” or “U.S. persons” (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

    About Abaxx Technologies
    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is a majority-owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, subsidiaries recognized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as “recognized market operator” and “approved clearinghouse”, respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:

    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: 647-490-1590

    Media and investor inquiries:

    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes but is not limited to, Abaxx’s objectives, goals or future plans, the anticipated closing and timing of closing of the Financing, regulatory approvals in connection with the Financing and intended use of proceeds from the Financing. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: the ability to enter into a binding subscription agreement and completion of the Financing on the terms as announced or at all; risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions, protection of intellectual property rights, contractual risk, third-party risk; clearinghouse risk, malicious actor risks, third-party software license risk, system failure risk, risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; and changes in the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Keiretsu Forum’s Last Call for the 2024 Investor Capital Expo

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 12th Annual Investor Capital Expo, hosted by Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, South-East, and Texas, will take place on October 31, 2024, at Convene City View in Philadelphia. This signature event connects accredited investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs for a day of networking, insights, and presentations from promising early-stage companies. Registration is still open, and this is the final opportunity to secure your spot.

    Event Highlights:

    Exclusive Presentations from Emerging Companies:

    Attendees will have the opportunity to see 10-12 presentations from early-stage companies that are making significant strides in their industries and actively seeking funding. Each presenting company has undergone the comprehensive Keiretsu Due Diligence process, ensuring they are well-prepared and investment-ready.

    Expert Panel on Early-Stage Investing:

    The Expo will feature a distinguished panel of legal and investment experts who will address essential issues impacting early-stage investors in 2024. Discussions will include regulatory changes, strategic investment approaches, and tax considerations that can affect portfolio decisions. Attendees will gain practical insights to navigate the evolving investment landscape and make informed decisions.

    Stephen M. Goodman Most Valued Company Award:

    A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the prestigious Stephen M. Goodman Most Valued Company Award, sponsored by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius. This award honors the legacy of Steve Goodman, a trailblazer who supported innovation and growth in emerging businesses across the Mid-Atlantic region. Accredited investors attending the Expo, both in-person and online, will vote to select this year’s winner from a select group of Series A-B Round companies.

    Vote Integrity Sponsored by Votegrity:

    Again this year, Votegrity will manage the tabulation of votes from our investors, ensuring a secure and accurate selection process for the Stephen M. Goodman Most Valued Company Award.

    Networking Opportunities:

    The Expo will bring together over 200 accredited investors, providing a unique chance to connect directly with entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, including technology, life sciences, and finance. Investors can expand their networks, share insights, and discover new opportunities in a collaborative environment.

    Don’t Miss Out – Register Today:

    With limited time remaining, interested participants are encouraged to register now to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with industry leaders and explore vetted investment opportunities.

    Register Here

    About Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, South-East and Texas

    Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, South-East, and Texas are part of a global network of angel investors dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and funding opportunities for early-stage companies. Since its inception, the Investor Capital Expo has become a premier event for bringing together investors and entrepreneurs, facilitating essential connections, and supporting the growth of the startup ecosystem.

    Media Contact:

    Cindi Sutera
    CindiS@AMSCommunications.net
    610-613-2773

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Ranked Among Top U.S. Universities for Patent Issuances

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn has been named one of the top 100 universities for patent issuances by the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).

    UConn is number 72 on this list. In 2023, UConn inventions received 25 U.S. patents.

    “It’s a great feeling,” says Abhijit Banerjee, UConn associate vice president for innovation and entrepreneurship. “I think it’s a reflection of the University’s total research mission as well as the accomplishments our faculty and scientists are doing every day. Increasing in patents is just one reflection of that.”

    Published annually, this list highlights and celebrates U.S. universities that play a large role in advancing innovation and invention in the United States. NAI has published rankings since 2013, starting with the Top 100 Worldwide Universities list. Last year, they introduced the Top 100 U.S. Universities rankings.

    The National Academy of Inventors bases its list on data from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

    By filing patents, UConn helps researchers protect their work from infringement by others. Technology Commercialization Services (TCS) actively commercializes patents for licensing to third parties and to support the creation of startups.

    A vast majority, approximately 90%, of UConn’s provisional patents are filed in-house with two attorneys hired in 2021. A fraction of provisional patents may still require the support of external law firms with expertise in special topics.

    This strategy has vastly reduced the cost of filing patents and helped UConn develop a more targeted strategy about what to patent based on the market it would be entering and its commercialization potential. It has also supported filing quality patents and better coordination with external law firms.

    TCS periodically reviews the University’s patent portfolio to identify patents for continuation, commercialization, infringement, and portfolio development.

    The University’s patent portfolios help demonstrate areas of research expertise, such as climate and sustainability.

    TCS not only supports researchers in filing patents but defends those patents in court if they are infringed.

    “At UConn, Technology Commercialization Services is the guardian angel for protecting our patents,” Banerjee says. “We are the ones that preserve one of the University’s most valuable assets which is intellectual property.”

    UConn’s patenting strategy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting research and innovation that contributes to the public good, Banerjee says.

    “Patents are a testament to faculty’s contribution to the field,” Banerjee says. “And it demonstrates faculty’s inclination towards research commercialization, entrepreneurship, and, most importantly from the University’s standpoint, having these patents do public good in the future.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Month of Discovery: Undergraduate Researcher Krithika Santhanam

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Krithika Santhanam’s ’25 (CLAS) research activities started early on in her time at UConn.  

    During her freshman year, Santhanam reached out to Caroline Dealy, professor of orthodontics, about working in her lab.  

    Santhanam spent her first and sophomore years in Dealy’s lab, which researches treatments for osteoarthritis. 

    “Osteoarthritis is a condition where there’s a spontaneous degeneration of cartilage cells which impacts our joints,” Santhanam says.  

    There is currently no treatment for osteoarthrosis. That’s why Dealy’s lab is working on finding a way to get cartilage cells to spontaneously regenerate. Santhanam found that when certain BMP ligands, a type of molecule, were removed in mouse models, something caused cartilage cells in their knees to regenerate.  

    Santhanam had the opportunity to present her findings at the 16th International Conference on Limb Development, Regeneration, and Evolution and the New England Science Symposium at Harvard University.  

    “The amount of skills that I gained, the confidence that I gained through that opportunity as a freshman,” Santhanam says. “I was able to talk to professional scholars within the field, which was amazing.”  

    After identifying a new cell population within the cartilage of mice samples, Santhanam continued her work with Dealy through a SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Find) Award. With the SURF Award, Santhanam dug deeper to determine what was causing the regeneration she had observed in the last step of her project.  

    “My project proposal was looking at what properties do these new cells have,” Santhanam says. “Because we have no idea what type of cartilage cells these are, what is allowing them to regenerate, what stage of chondrocyte maturation are they in?”  

    After a long process of trial and error, Santhanam found that the cells matched with a tag called RUNX2, which is related to bone cell differentiation. 

    Santhanam is now working with Fumilayo Showers, assistant professor of sociology and Africana studies, on a project looking at frontline and non-frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of how health care had to change during the pandemic and what we can learn from the emergency. 

    Santhanam is also currently putting the finishing touches on a documentary project about disability advocacy in South India that she made through the BOLD Scholars program.  

    Santhanam’s individualized major in health policy and racial disparities has allowed her to take classes in a wide array of subjects including women’s, gender, and sexuality studies and human development and family sciences. In these classes, she learned about harmful patient-provider interactions where individuals with disabilities do not feel heard or lack access to healthcare facilities in the first place.  

    “This was interesting to me because I feel like when we talk about intersectionality between race, class, gender, and all these things, sometimes we don’t think about disability as one of those social determinants of health,” Santhanam says.  

    Santhanam went to her parents’ home of Chennai, India to interview people involved in disability advocacy there. 

    “The differences and cultural stigmas I see when I go back really is something that is not talked about enough,” Santhanam says. “I know individuals with disabilities in India, and I know how that care is different, and I really want people to know that, and I also want people to know the positive strides that have been made in the past 20 years.”  

    Santhanam interviewed doctors and people involved with advocacy groups, including Dr. Aishwarya Rao, pediatrician, disability rights activist, and the founder of Better World Shelter, a rehabilitation shelter for women with disabilities; Sharada Devi, an assistant professor at the University of Kerala’s Institute of English; and KVJ Sumitra Prasad, founder of SAI Center, which promotes the importance of adults with disabilities living independently through the DORAI Foundation.  

    Santhanam will screen her documentary at UConn Storrs in January. 

    Santhanam plans to attend medical school after graduation with the long-term goal of opening a clinic focused on women’s health.  

    During her sophomore year, Santhanam participated in the UConn Health Leaders program where she screened patients for social determinants of health. She quickly realized that in Connecticut there are massive disparities in people’s ability to access healthcare, like healthy food and transportation that support wellbeing.  

    “That experience really was eye-opening,” Santhanam says. “Doing that program really made me feel like this is my calling, and really sent me into wanting to see what internal medicine was like. In my opinion, I believe primary care is the first place and the most important place where you can make an impact on someone’s health outcomes.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. construction costs rose slightly for solar and wind, dropped for natural gas in 2022

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    October 22, 2024

    The average U.S. construction costs for solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines in 2022 were close to 2021 costs, while natural gas-fired electricity generators decreased 11%, according to our recently released data. Average construction costs for solar generators increased by 1.7% in 2022, and for wind turbines they increased by 1.6%.

    These three technologies—solar, wind, and natural gas—comprised 86% of the capacity added to the U.S. electric grid in 2022. Investment in new electric-generating capacity in 2022 decreased by 27% from 2021 to $36.9 billion dollars.

    Generator cost data are reported to EIA through the EIA-860, Annual Electric Generator Inventory. The costs discussed in this article reference our electric generator construction costs data, which organize the nominal construction cost values for generators installed in each reporting year. The recently released data examine trends from past years. Discussion of additional cost information and trends is available in our Short-Term Energy Outlook.

    Solar
    Average U.S. solar construction costs across all solar panel types increased 1.7% to $1,588 per kilowatt (kW) in 2022. The increase was primarily driven by a 13% increase in the construction cost for crystalline silicon tracking panels, which increased to $1,605/kW, the highest price since 2018.

    The average construction cost for crystalline silicon fixed-tilt panels decreased by 13%, but they remained the most expensive of the major solar technologies at $1,788/kW. The average cost for Cadmium telluride panels also decreased by about 6% to $1,529/kW in 2022.

    Most solar panels installed in the United States are crystalline silicon tracking panels. Unlike fixed-tilt systems, solar tracking systems automatically move to follow the sun as it moves across the sky, allowing more continuous sun exposure and, therefore, greater electricity production.

    Wind
    The average construction cost for U.S. onshore wind turbines increased 1.6% in 2022 to $1,451/kW. Higher costs were driven by increases in construction costs for wind farms greater than 100 megawatts (MW) in nameplate capacity. The cost for wind farms between 100 MW and 200 MW of capacity increased by 10% to $1,614/kW. Construction costs for the largest wind farms—those with more than 200 MW—also increased to average $1,402/kW in 2022, up 1.4%. Construction costs for wind farms with 1 MW to 100 MW of capacity continued to decrease, this time by an average of 7.3% to 1,806/kW in 2022.

    Natural gas
    The average construction cost for natural gas-fired generators fell 11% between 2021 and 2022. The decrease was driven primarily by decreases in the cost for combined-cycle facilities. The average construction cost for generators at combined-cycle facilities fell by 42% in 2022 to $722/kW.

    The costs for other natural gas technologies increased in 2022. The average construction cost for a combustion turbine almost doubled between 2021 and 2022 to $1,006/kW, and the cost for internal combustion engines fueled with natural gas increased by 27% to $1,677/kW.

    Principal contributor: Alex Mey

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Sports complex to be built in Rostokino district

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Plans have been approved for the construction of two social and public-business infrastructure facilities, which will create over 1,100 jobs. This was reported in on your telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported.

    “Plans for the construction of two facilities in the north-east and west of Moscow have been approved: a sports complex on Selskokhozyaistvennaya Street in the Rostokino district and a multifunctional business center on Vereiskaya Street in the Mozhaisky district. They will be built at the expense of investors program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunitiesAs a result, the city will receive over 1.1 thousand new jobs,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    The program to stimulate the creation of multi-apartment buildings was approved by the Moscow Government in 2019 (Resolution No. 1874-PP of December 31, 2019) to attract housing developers to actively build industrial, business, social, cultural and other important facilities for the city. Investors who simultaneously create jobs while constructing multi-apartment buildings receive a benefit on payments to change the type of permitted use of land for housing construction.

    The implementation of the program stimulates balanced integrated development of new districts, reduces the shortage of jobs in neighborhoods with established planning, and also reduces excessive pendulum migration.

    Over the four years of its implementation, the program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities has covered almost all districts of the city. The Moscow government has concluded more than 130 agreements with investors, which provide for the construction of over six million square meters of commercial real estate – these are industrial enterprises, logistics complexes, office and retail facilities, as well as educational, cultural and sports institutions. In total, more than two trillion rubles will be attracted to the development of the city and the creation of employment opportunities. As a result, over 290 thousand jobs will appear in almost all sectors of the capital’s economy.

    Developers can apply for special status at Moscow investment portal.

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

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

    https://vvv.mos.ru/major/themes/11932050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Task Group on New Medical School holds first meeting today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, cochaired the first meeting of the Task Group on New Medical School today (October 22) to discuss strategic directions and major parameters for the establishment of a third medical school in Hong Kong.

         At the meeting, members of the Task Group discussed the considerations for establishing a third medical school in Hong Kong, and concluded that the third medical school should adopt an innovative strategic positioning in pursuit of complementary development with the two existing medical schools. The Task Group recommended that the curriculum design of the new medical school should be accorded top priority in consideration, requiring the medical curriculum to meet the requirements as stipulated by the Medical Council of Hong Kong. Proper arrangements should also be made for medical students to undergo an adequate amount of clinical training, thus ensuring that the medical students are well equipped with both professional knowledge and clinical skills to safeguard the interest of patients. The new medical school should also set out a forward-looking long-term development plan for its campus and teaching facilities, as well as an interim arrangement for a campus and a teaching hospital if admission of students is essential before the long-term facilities are available, alongside strategies to ensure financial soundness.

         Professor Lo said, “The establishment of a third medical school is a significant project in the development of medical education in Hong Kong. Not only will it attract global talent and help nurture more outstanding doctors for further reinforcement of the city’s healthcare system in the sustainable provision of healthcare services with enhanced quality and quantity, but also serves to promote high-quality development in medical education and research, dovetailing with the city’s development as an international hub for medical training, research and innovation.”

         Dr Choi said, “The establishment of a new medical school will further elevate Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub. Taking this unique opportunity, the scope of local medical teaching and research will be expanded through an innovative curriculum design and diversified student recruitment arrangements, complementing our goals of nurturing future talent and promoting the development of the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand.”

         The first target of the Task Group is to extend an invitation of proposals within this year to local universities interested in setting up the new medical school. The Task Group will liaise with respective universities and assess the proposals, addressing issues on funding arrangements, course accreditation, sources of teaching staff and students, a teaching hospital and research etc. The Task Group will subsequently submit to the Chief Executive in Council recommendations on the establishment of the new medical school and related arrangements. Land will also be reserved in the Northern Metropolis Ngau Tam Mei for the construction of the new medical school campus and the associated integrated medical teaching and research hospital.

         The Chief Executive announced in the Policy Address last Wednesday (October 16) that the Government supports the plan, by local universities, to establish a third medical school. The Task Group on New Medical School was then established the next day (October 17) to take up the responsibilities of devising the direction and parameters for establishing the new medical school, exploring ways to nurture more local medical talent and enhance Hong Kong’s healthcare system, as well as promoting various measures for Hong Kong to become an international medical training, research and innovation hub. The Task Group comprises seasoned local, Mainland and overseas academics for medical teaching and university management, professionals, the Chairman of the Medical Council of Hong Kong, the President of the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, as well as representatives from relevant government bureaux and departments.         

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A competition for reconstruction projects of the theater “Grandfather Durov’s Corner” has been announced

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Moscow Committee for Architecture announced contest for the reconstruction of the complex of buildings of the theater “Grandfather Durov’s Corner”. The building with a small stage and a museum, which is a cultural heritage site, will be restored, its historical appearance will be preserved. This was reported by the chief architect of the capital, first deputy chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development Sergey Kuznetsov.

    “Due to the fact that the main building is not only a cultural heritage site, but also an important landmark for Muscovites, it was decided to select the best architectural concept for the new theater facilities through an architectural competition. Currently, the theater does not meet modern requirements either technically or functionally. The competitors will have to develop a unique proposal, within the framework of which the existing complex of buildings will be modernized. We invite leading Moscow bureaus with experience in working with cultural heritage sites, reconstruction and restoration of varying complexity to participate,” Sergei Kuznetsov specified.

    The reconstruction project will affect building 2, buildings 1 and 2, building 4, buildings 1 and 2, and building 4, block 2 on Durov Street. One of the theater buildings is an architectural monument of regional significance. This is an old mansion built by the Austrian architect August Weber in 1894, where the theater founder Vladimir Durov lived and worked from 1908.

     

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145601073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –