Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Announces HELP Hearing on Food Labeling 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today announced that the committee will hold a hearing on December 5 at 10:00 a.m. ET about the urgent need for the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to adequately protect Americans – especially children – from unhealthy foods that are pushed on consumers by the food and beverage industry.
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of childhood obesity in America has tripled since the 1970s. Today, one out of every five children and over 40 percent of adults in our country are obese.
    “For far too long, the food and beverage industry has been allowed to use deceptive and misleading tactics to entice children to eat foods and consume beverages loaded up with added sugar, salt, and saturated fats that are purposely designed to be overeaten,” said Sen. Sanders. “The FDA can and must do more to ensure that Americans, especially children, teens, and their parents, understand the health risks associated with the consumption of these unhealthy and ultra-processed foods. It is time to make it clear to the food and beverage industry that their profits are not more important than the health and wellbeing of our children. Other major countries around the world have moved forward aggressively in this area and there is no reason as to why the United States is lagging so far behind.”
    The senator sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf and Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner of the FDA Human Foods Program, inviting them to testify before the committee and discuss efforts made by the FDA to design front-of-package labels that would help consumers understand which products are harmful to their health.
    DetailsWhat: Senate HELP Committee Hearing on Food Labeling When: 10:00 a.m. ET, Thursday, December 5, 2024Where: Room 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building. The hearing will also be livestreamed on the HELP Committee’s website and Sanders’ socials.Who: Witnesses to be announced

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Medical school proposals welcomed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said establishing Hong Kong’s third medical school will be a huge task with very important implications for the future for the city’s medical education, and stressed that the Government welcomes institutes to submit proposals for the new medical school’s development.
     
    While elaborating on the healthcare related measures announced in yesterday’s Policy Address at a press conference today, Prof Lo highlighted that establishing a third medical school will cultivate a positive outcome for the city’s sustainable healthcare service, its high-quality service, as well as its planned mission for a medical innovation hub.
     
    Apart from pointing out that the Government is open to any proposal, he explained that it also has to be very cautious when it comes to planning for the new medical school.
     
    “It involves a lot of resource implications, not just in term of finance, but in the teaching hospital, the faculty facilities. One of the areas is in the piece of land and the potential teaching hospital.
     
    “We are mindful that in Hong Kong, we are short of space, land. Of course, we would welcome the institutes which submit proposals for the development of this new medical school to provide us with a proposal as to how they can start the medical school, what time, the timeline of this plan. Of course, the major issue that we have to consider is the campus, as well as the teaching hospital.
     
    “The institutes that would propose the new medical school can certainly explore other opportunities and possibilities. For example, they can consider any existing hospitals as teaching hospitals or they can find alternative sites to build the campus.”
     
    The health chief added that setting up the new medical school’s campus and teaching hospital in the Northern Metropolis’s Ngau Tam Mei could be a long-term plan, and institutes can consider some temporary facilities in their proposals.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will finance the implementation of priority investment projects in the Far East and support transportation along the Northern Sea Route

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Order dated October 17, 2024 No. 2883-r

    Document

    Order dated October 17, 2024 No. 2883-r

    More than 14.3 billion rubles will be allocated for the implementation of priority investment projects in the Far Eastern Federal District, as well as for subsidizing transportation along the Northern Sea Route. The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    Of the total amount, over 14 billion rubles will go towards launching priority projects, including the implementation of master plans for Far Eastern cities, including Ulan-Ude, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Birobidzhan, Magadan, and Svobodny.

    Announcing this decision atGovernment meeting on October 17, Mikhail Mishustin noted that the Government, on the instructions of the President, continues to rapidly develop social and industrial infrastructure in the Far East and the Arctic, create new points of economic growth, and improve the quality of life of people.

    In addition, federal funds will be used to subsidize regular transportation along the Northern Sea Route. 300 million rubles will be allocated for these purposes. They will be sent to shipping companies to compensate for lost income due to preferential tariffs, as well as expenses related to ship calls at ports.

    The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal projects “New Opportunities for the Far East” and “Development of the Northern Sea Route”.

    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://government.ru/nevs/53029/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister for Development speech at Chatham House

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Minister for Development outlines a new “modern approach to development” in first major speech at Chatham House today

    It is an immense honour and privilege to be here today for the first time as Minister for Development and for Women and Equalities.

    Chatham House of course has a long history of being at the cutting edge of foreign policy and development thinking. It is the perfect place to share my vision for a modern approach to international development. I am delighted to see so many of you here, including so many of our partners – from Gates, to Gavi, to the Global Fund.

    I am proud to be able to say to you all – Britain is back on the world stage, with a minister at the top table, advocating for projects and assistance to advance that goal just mentioned of a world free from poverty on a liveable planet.

    [political content redacted]

    Today is the ‘International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’. Between the late 1990s and the early2020s, the world did make headway in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. Lives saved and lives changed.

    Many of these gains can never be undone. But as was mentioned the geopolitical challenges now are stark – and progress against the Sustainable Development Goals is stalling.

    We do live in a multipolar world with intense competition. We need to adapt and respond to to that world. The world is different – first – because over the last four years, the number of people in humanitarian need has doubled. A vicious cycle of an unprecedented profusion of conflicts and the climate crisis, which is now compounding the suffering of some of the most vulnerable people in the world. And many women, girls, and marginalised people are experiencing a devastating roll-back of hard-won rights, services, and democratic freedoms.

    I saw this first-hand during my recent trip to South Sudan. In the horrendous conditions of the camp in Bentiu for internally displaced people, I heard heart-breaking accounts from those who were forced to flee the brutal civil war in Sudan, as well as meeting people suffering from South Sudan’s own humanitarian emergency, caused by the legacy of civil war and the climate crisis.

    The conflict in Sudan has now forced more people from their homes than any other conflict – some ten million people. It has pushed nearly nine million people into emergency or famine levels of food insecurity, and as I raised at the UN last month – there is a real risk that without global action to prevent it, the worst famine in several generations could happen on the world’s watch.

    Around the globe, millions of people, who long to return home are beginning to despair that they ever will – including the Syrian refugees I met in Jordan, still there over a decade after they fled the conflict, and so many communities enduring such suffering – from the DRC, to Yemen, Ukraine, and Myanmar, to Gaza and the wider Middle East.

    In all this, political efforts have been vital to get aid in – including our reinstatement of £21m of UK funding to UNRWA, as the only Agency able to deliver at scale in Gaza, and the further £10-million of wider humanitarian support for Lebanon we announced earlier this month.

    By the end of this decade, unless more action is taken, some two-thirds of those living in extreme poverty will be living in fragile and conflict-affected states. At the same time courageous humanitarian aid workers on the front lines of getting help to them around the globe are under attack.

    We have a moral imperative to help turn things around. People everywhere – including the British people – understand instinctively that this is the right thing to do, Compassion, fairness, and refusing to look the other way when someone is in need are all British values. And action is in all our interests as well.

    The new government’s commitment to tackle irregular migration at source is important for those who would otherwise be forced to leave their homes, and important for people in the UK too. That is why, during the European Political Community meeting, the Prime Minister announced up to £84 million for projects across Africa and the Middle East – to address the factors that end up pushing people into small boats.

    The world is also changing because we see new leadership from the likes of President Lula of Brazil, and Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, on everything from reforming the global financial system, to tackling hunger and poverty around the world – through the emerging G20 Global Alliance for which I was so proud to announce UK support in Brazil.

    I have seen leadership among the women forest rangers who I met in Sulawesi in September. Visiting them gave me an inspiring reminder of the difference we can make to our planet and to peoples’ lives, when we work together as genuine partners – where action to preserve forests also promotes sustainable livelihoods, and where economic development goes hand in hand with combatting climate disaster.

    Today’s world is very different. But as our Foreign Secretary set out, our progressive, realistic approach draws on the same spirit that Ernest Bevin and Robin Cook animated and energised. For our country to once again lead on development, we will need a new, modern approach, based on genuine partnership, trust, and respect.

    It will mean recognising that for our partners, tackling the climate and nature crises is not separate from promoting economic growth and meeting humanitarian need, but intrinsic to both. And it will mean making good on our word, not leaving our partners high and dry and making the most of British talent and expertise to improve peoples’ lives, now and in the future.

    [political content redacted]

    We have to turn the page, if we are genuinely to work in partnership again. Consider that asylum costs, which have spiralled in recent years, at present account for almost 30% of our development spending while the backlog has soared, with people waiting years to receive a decision – which the Home Secretary is now taking action to rectify.

    Consider too that so much of our country’s current international climate finance commitment was backloaded into these final two years – but we are now committed to make good on the promise that the UK will get help to those who need it.

    [political content redacted]

    While we do not underestimate the significance or the complexity of these challenges in the shorter term. Neither should we underestimate our ability to respond under pressure in the long term. The UK has been ambitious on international development before. I am determined it will be again. Of course, that starts with boosting the effectiveness of our efforts.

    I want to thank everyone from the sector who fed into the White Paper, and the civil servants who worked so hard – and I want to reassure you that I value it, as a diagnosis of the problems we face and how UK development can help meet them.

    But I must be clear that we must now prioritise, and provide the strategy and the plan that has been lacking – and that is what I am now building. A core element of this is increasing our capability and capacity.

    The Development Review, led by Baroness Minouche Shafik, is about building on the breadth and depth of development experience, expertise, and innovation represented here today. In addition, we will work closely with the Independent Commission for Aid Impact – making sure our official development assistance reaches those who need it most, and where and when it is most effective.

    [political content redacted]

    Yet we must go further still if we are to shift our approach, quite determinedly – so it is truly modern. First and foremost – that means genuine partnership. Britain is back. Back in business. Back on the world stage.

    And back pursuing our mission of a world free from poverty, on a liveable planet. And my message is that we will work with others, in good faith, to build genuine partnership, underpinned by our respect for other governments, organisations, communities, and individuals.

    That means building shared plans for the future – not imposing our own, and – to quote the Prime Minister – listening a lot more, speaking a bit less.

    This is exactly the approach the Foreign Secretary is taking – as he recently set out so movingly in his speech at Kew Gardens, to friends from across the Commonwealth, and at the United Nations in New York.

    Currently, we are seeing those nations which were unable to industrialise bearing the brunt of the climate crisis – with a terrible cycle of floods, droughts, and hurricanes. Because climate and development are interlinked and interdependent, we will put tackling the climate and nature crisis at the heart of everything we do. Domestically, this government has an ambitious climate policy.

    The drive for cheaper, cleaner power, being led by Ed Miliband, will not only bring down bills here, help us achieve energy security, and meet our goals to decarbonise – it also gives us credibility and expertise abroad, as we lead the response to the climate and nature crisis both bilaterally and through multilateral organisations.

    Secondly – we will champion reform for a global, multilateral system that includes everyone, works for everyone, and is fit for the future.

    [political content redacted]

    That means not just listening to our partners, as a priority – but making sure we take action together. When it comes to the humanitarian and development system that is so stretched, we look forward to seeing Tom Fletcher making the most of his new role as UN Relief Chief, and to working with our partners to take a less siloed, more joined up approach – across everything from climate, to the needs of women and girls, to humanitarian relief.

    And when it comes to finance, time and again, we have heard from small islands and other vulnerable states, how difficult it is to access what they need to pursue their ambitions and priorities, escape the trap of unsustainable debt, and get on a sustainable footing.

    That is why, in his speech to the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister set out the case for accelerating reform of the multilateral development banks, including shouldering more risk so they can unlock hundreds of billions of dollars so they can do more to unlock hundreds of billions of dollars and do more to build a more sustainable economy and help the poorest.

    Next week I will go to the World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington so they to press them to shoulder more risk so they can unlock the money that is so desperately needed. We will work with our partners – including fragile and climate vulnerable states to help them access more, better-quality, well-targeted, multiannual finance, including for adaptation, through a global financial system that is reformed and ready for the future, and through wider global forums where they have greater representation in the bodies that help shape our shared future – including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

    We will champion financial innovation – from the insurance and guarantees our partners are seeking, to the Climate Resilient Debt Clauses promoted by the UK, that we are calling on all creditors to offer in their current and future lending.

    Both within government and working with the financial services industry, we will make sure there is more to come – including helping countries tackle the barriers to investment that choke off the flow of private finance.

    On so many fronts, from trade to taxation – globally, momentum is now building for the sort of change we need to see, and we are committed to making the most of every opportunity to urge it ahead.

    That is why at the UN, the Prime Minister called on all donors to make the most of the International Development Association replenishment, as a critical milestone in the fight against poverty.

    It can be bigger, better, and help more people, especially those in fragile states and conflict zones. So, on that basis, under this new government, the UK will be ambitious too – increasing our pledge, and encouraging others to play their part. And as the Prime Minister highlighted at the UN in recent weeks, there are measures that we can crack on with right now, to unlock further resources for sustainability, resilience, and renewal – like a new levy on global shipping that takes account of the true cost of emissions, and puts the proceeds cutting them even further, and helping communities cope with their impacts.

    Third – we will make sure the UK’s expertise and ideas are at the heart of reliable development partnerships. When we work together across development and diplomacy, we maximise our impact – in everything from helping countries harness the opportunities of renewable energy, to reversing the vicious cycle of conflict, to empowering women and girls. This government will be proactive about all that the UK has to offer the world. Our country is brimming with talent and brilliance.

    We are home to research and innovation on everything from nutritious and resilient crops, to new medicines and vaccines, cleaner mining, and emerging technologies. We have world-class universities, finance institutions, and expertise in leveraging private capital into low-income emerging countries – including through BII.

    Both within government and in the City of London, we will make sure there is more to come, Including helping countries tackle the barriers that choke off the flow of private finance.

    We also of course harbour top-tier businesses ready to share their insights and innovation with peers around the world. And we harbour dedicated volunteers in everything from health to education, to search and rescue, to the protection of nature – and so much more.

    We are determined to put this talent and commitment to work, making sure we can connect British expertise and British solutions with international partners, in the spirit of collaboration and partnership.

    And as the Member of Parliament representing a large part of Oxford, a city full of people who have dedicated their entire working lives to serving others in need, this is personal priority for me.

    Fourthly – in doing all of this, the new government will be confident in publicly championing the power of international development – so we all feel the benefits of working together to make headway.

    At a time when the Prime Minister and Chancellor have set us all a challenge to grow our economy and bring opportunity to people across our country, we know our partners around the world share these goals for their countries and their people as well – from clean energy, to protecting and restoring nature – land and sea – and from trade, to tackling illicit finance.

    So that means no more apologising for making progress where we can, and more recognition that putting our best foot forward, in all we do at home and around the world, is in everyone’s best interests.

    Finally – I want to emphasise how much I look forward to working with all of you in the months and years ahead. In the last fourteen weeks, I have seen what development can achieve. From promoting green growth in Indonesia to helping keeping Syrian girls in school in Jordan, to promoting a literal life-line in South Sudan.

    I have seen how the UK can promote modern partnerships – at big global meetings from Rio to New York to Hamburg. And time and again, I have been reminded that as Mandela said, our human compassion binds us to one another, not in pity or paternalism, but in pursuit of our common purpose – of relieving suffering, and reinvigorating hope for our shared future by working towards it together.

    Mandela also said that together, as you all know, we could make poverty history. Well, much has changed since that time, twenty years ago, under a Labour government – for good and for bad.

    But it remains the case that the only way we can tackle shared challenges – from getting help to those in need, to preventing global health crises –i s by working towards it together.

    That is the only way we can make the most of shared opportunities – from reforming the global financial system, to healing the natural world. And that is the only way we can make good on the promises we have made at home as well – from the first duty of government to keep our nation safe, to our mission to grow our economy, so we bring opportunity to all.

    Sadly, there are forces hell-bent on setting the Global North in opposition to the Global South. Yet partnership is part and parcel of how we overcome them, and make sure that those of us who care about our shared future are able to work towards it together – ministers and civil servants, everyone here today, medics, firefighters, teachers volunteering their services, brave journalists, and people up and down our country – including our proud diasporas doing so much for our communities here and their families overseas.

    The British people understand this deeply, and it is extraordinary that even in such challenging times, people find a way to help – I have no doubt that the compassion of the British people will shine through once again now.

    Today, I am delighted to announce that the government will match public donations to a new Disaster Emergency Committee appeal, to help charities do more to get life-saving help to civilians caught up in the conflict in the Middle East, across Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, people who find themselves in desperate need of humanitarian relief. This support builds on the humanitarian aid this government has announced for Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, since July. We will match public donations to the new appeal up to £10 million – and together, we will make a difference.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “We must show up for Black children in the youth justice system”

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Jacob Sakil, YJB Board Member and race champion reflects on Black History Month, identity, and how he’s showing up for Black children in youth justice.

    Jacob Sakil, YJB Board Member

    I moved from Brooklyn New York when I was 11 years old to Lewisham in South London. My mum was British and after she had my youngest brother decided she wanted us to move back to the UK. The first things I noticed were the differences in language, customs, and culture. My mother’s family heritage is from Jamaica and Cuba, and I was beginning to recognise the links between my identity and my Caribbean roots.  

    I wanted to understand the history of the UK and how it’s applied to my identity. What was interesting, is that Black British history was not covered in school in the same way I learnt about Black American history during my time at elementary school in the US. Some people don’t realise that Black British history is British history – it’s for everyone. It helps us to understand our past and recognise the impact of inequality and inequity, and to understand that children and young adults should be able to show up as their best selves without discrimination. 

    At home, my family would often watch the news together and we would discuss our opinions on things that were happening in the world and what needed to change to make things better and fairer. I loved this because when adults where exchanging ideas, my siblings and I were included. I suppose this is where my interest in social action and community stems from. Recognising that our ideas and dreams were just a valid as any adult’s. These interests led to me campaigning to become elected as the Young Mayor of Lewisham at just 16, and taking a greater role and a greater stake in my community. 

    As an adult, I enjoyed youth work; in fact, it became my passion. I was so motivated by how you could bring change for children and young adults. I wanted to inspire them to better understand their heritage and get a real sense of who they are. As a Black man, the importance of role models is important to me. For professionals in youth justice, those of us from Black communities, it’s vital to show up and show who we are and show our heritage, so children feel represented. It is also about occupying space and giving back to a society which at times may not have always been inclusive but has benefited from the duty and determination of people like the Windrush generation.  

    Becoming a YJB Board member

    This is what brought me to the Youth Justice Board. I wanted to be in spaces and places where decisions are being made and to use my identity and lived experiences to bring a greater impact and influence system change. I use my position on the Board as an opportunity to be reflective and demonstrate how we as professionals must show up for children. This coupled with still being an active Youth Worker is one way of staying grounded and remembering the best solutions come from collective and informed decision making. 

    Just last week I recorded a podcast for the YJB with Ricky Otto from Walsall. He works with children in custody and spoke at the Youth Justice Leaders’ Summit earlier this year. That conversation with him about his journey showed me the richness and importance of telling our stories, and reflected how through telling our stories we can create change within the youth justice system. Speaking to Ricky, I was inspired by his pride and his sense of purpose. The importance to him of fatherhood, and what this means to boys in custody was inspirational. He represents the impact and meaning of showing up in the lives of these children. If you get time, please do listen to the podcast.

    Jacob Sakil and Ricky Otto recording a podcast

    The statistics on overrepresentation of Black and Mixed heritage boys tell me that they are not being seen and not being supported. It is so important to allow the conversation of custody to widen and include a renewed focus on rehabilitation and prevention. We need to look towards their futures, their opportunities and at their potential. These boys are more than just numbers.  

    Black History Month, of all the months, is a great chance to reignite the conversation about what change looks like in the UK. It serves as an annual opportunity to deepen the impact of reflection and inform how we go forward. 

    I am proud to be a Black man. I am proud to work with children and young adults, and I am proud to be a YJB Board member. As part of my role on the Board, I am the lead for Equity Diversity and Inclusion. I am showing up for Black and Mixed heritage boys and girls who are overrepresented in the justice system and working to bring change. I am proud to do this because who we are, our identity and our heritage should and does reflect the richness and diversity of the communities we serve.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transport Minister celebrates community transport in West London

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Government is committed to improving local transport networks and making them more inclusive to enable vulnerable people to travel safely and confidently.

    • Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visited Westway Community Transport in West London to celebrate the work of operators across the country
    • Minister heard first-hand how services help passengers to reach hospital appointments on time, shop and socialise
    • follows government commitment to hand bus powers back to local authorities to support the sector

    Elderly and vulnerable passengers that benefit from on-demand bus and taxi services met with Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, in West London today (17 October 2024) to mark Community Transport Week.

    The Local Transport Minister celebrated the work of operators as he visited Westway community transport in Westbourne Park.

    The minister heard first-hand how services step in to fill the gap where users might not be able to use conventional public transport or drive. This provides a lifeline, allowing users to attend vital hospital appointments, undertake important tasks like food shopping and ensure users can see friends and family.

    To support services, the government currently makes up to £3.8 million available annually to community transport operators. As plans to hand back control of bus services to local authorities gather pace, the government is exploring how this initiative can incorporate the community transport sector.

    Under these plans to deliver the biggest overhaul to bus services in a generation, this government wants to grow passenger numbers and offer more frequent, widespread services, with scope for local authorities and community transport providers to work together to achieve this.

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:

    Community transport services are a lifeline for so many people, which is why I was delighted to visit Westway today to celebrate the incredible work of operators up and down the country.

    We’re committed to improving our local networks, to make them more inclusive and enable vulnerable people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.

    Community transport plays a vital role in providing these services, so we are working to ensure they are part of the solution.

    At the visit, the Minister also spoke to Westway Deputy CEO, Ryan Price, about ways that the government can further support the great work of operators.

    For 30 years, Westway has played a vital role in connecting communities and improving lives across Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Hammersmith and Fulham, serving passengers who struggle to use the tube, buses and other public transport.

    Westway Community Transport CEO, Kathleen Lyons, said:

    We were delighted to welcome Simon Lightwood to Westway Community Transport.

    It’s never been more important to showcase the work of community transport. We’re an essential part of the local transport mix – particularly for those who find public transport difficult to use – and a key component in any plan to tackle loneliness and social isolation.

    Community Transport Association (CTA) CEO, Victoria Armstrong, said:

    CTA are delighted that the Local Transport Minister recognises the importance of CTWeek24 by visiting one of our members.

    Community transport is vital to so many people across the UK and this week we celebrate the range of community solutions to transport barriers across the country.

    I am pleased that the minister was able to celebrate with us and to support what community transport is all about.

    The government is ensuring community transport operators, accessibility groups and professionals in the bus industry are in the driving seat as these plans progress.

    Last week marked another step towards handing control back to local authorities, as a consultation on updating guidance to reduce barriers to franchising closed, with over 70 responses from industry.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Black History Month 2024 – a message from Christine Jardine MP

    Source: Liberal Democrats UK

    October is Black History Month – a chance to celebrate the Black British community, acknowledge their contributions and discover their stories.

    It feels particularly timely given this year’s theme of ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, which encourages us to challenge how we perceive history and the world around us. We owe an enormous amount to the Black British community for their contributions to our society – not least the Windrush generation’s key role in building the NHS.

    But here in the UK, far too many people’s lives are still blighted by prejudice, discrimination, and inequality. As we saw in the riots this summer, racism is still far too prevalent in our society. We all have a responsibility to recognise this reality – but also the role that we can play in challenging this injustice.

    I’m proud that Liberal Democrats are committed to fighting for racial equality. That means unequivocally condemning racism in all its forms and tackling injustice wherever we see it.

    Take the Windrush scandal, for example. The previous Conservative government utterly failed to deliver the justice that Windrush victims so deeply deserve. They dithered and delayed with implementing the recommendations of the Lessons Learned review, and just last month the Parliamentary Ombudsman found that the Home Office was wrongly denying compensation payments to victims.

    Liberal Democrats will keep pushing to right these wrongs – including by urgently implementing the Lessons Learned review in full, and making the compensation scheme independent from the Home Office.

    And we will strive to put racial equality at the heart of everything we do. Whether that’s bringing forward a specific plan to reduce the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates for Black women, or improving diversity in the workplace and public life.

    As we honour the stories of so many Black pioneers this month, we owe it to them to stand up to hate and injustice wherever we see it.

    Christine Jardine MP

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Applications for free education for foreign citizens have begun to be accepted

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The selection campaign for the 2025-2026 academic year has started for foreign citizens wishing to study in Russia at the expense of the budgetary funds of the Russian Federation. Registration forportal of the information system will last until January 15, 2025, and all interested parties must submit applications by the established deadline.

    To participate in the selection tests, candidates must register on the specified website and fill out a questionnaire. Those planning to study in graduate school must provide not only a questionnaire, but also a list of published scientific papers and/or a motivation letter. This letter must include information about education, university, specialty, as well as achievements in scientific activity. This will help the commission assess the level of preparation and motivation of candidates.

    The completed application form must be transferred to the status “for verification” within the established timeframe, since applications in the status “draft” will not be considered. Candidates can also provide information about their individual achievements, which will be taken into account during the selection: participation in internships, conferences and other scientific events.

    If any questions or difficulties with registration arise, candidates can contact technical support via their personal account on the website or contact the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in their country.

    Faryal Dehkan, a postgraduate student at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade of SPbPU, is studying under the Rossotrudnichestvo quota. Here is what she said about her admission to the Polytechnic University: This is an important step in my life, and like many other students, I experienced mixed feelings of joy and anxiety. The first days on the Polytechnic campus were filled with curiosity about new subjects, teachers and teaching methods. Students here feel like part of a large and diverse group, which inspires us to learn and develop.

    International students are given a unique opportunity to receive a high-level education in Russia and become part of the international university community.

    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.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/education/accepting-applications-for-free-training-for-foreign-citizens has begun/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: David Lammy must use China visit to challenge Beijing’s brutal suppression of human rights

    Source: Amnesty International –

    © AFP via Getty Images

    ‘The Government should ensure that talks on trade and security relations with China aren’t pursued at the expense of human rights’- Sacha Deshmukh

    Commenting on Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s first visit to China expected to take place tomorrow and Saturday, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:

    “This visit is a crucial opportunity for the Foreign Secretary to demonstrate the Government’s true commitment to challenging publicly and privately Beijing’s brutal suppression of human rights in China and Hong Kong.

    “Behind closed doors but also in public, David Lammy needs to tackle the Chinese government over its systematic, industrial-scale repression of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet, its widespread imprisonment of peaceful activists and its completely unacceptable intimidation of students and campaigners here in the UK.  

    “The Prime Minister’s statement that the immediate release of the unjustly-imprisoned UK businessman Jimmy Lai is a UK priority is welcome, and Mr Lammy should also seek to secure the immediate release of fellow prisoners of conscience Hong Kong lawyer-activist Chow Hang-tung and Chinese human rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi, as well as the long-held Uighur economist Ilham Tohti and #MeToo activists Sophia Huang Xueqin and Wang Jianbing.

    “Throughout this trip, the Government should ensure that talks on trade and security relations with China aren’t pursued at the expense of human rights.”

    Long arm of Chinese state repression

    The Chinese authorities routinely target peaceful critics via pervasive online censorship, arbitrary arrest, detention and torture. Human rights defenders, pro-democracy activists and religious leaders and practitioners have been among those subjected to systematic persecution. The widespread repression of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang and Tibet has continued despite significant international criticism.

    In Hong Kong, journalists, broadcasters and book publishers have been among those prosecuted and imprisoned under the territory’s notorious National Security Law and other repressive legislation, while civil society organisations both in Hong Kong and abroad have faced criminal charges or harassment for their legitimate activities. The long arm of Chinese state repression has meant that Chinese and Hong Kong communities in the UK, other parts of Europe and North America have all suffered various kinds of threats and intimidation, part of a sinister pattern of “transnational repression”.

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian Armed Forces and Partner Nations gather at CFB Gagetown for Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Over 400 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), alongside soldiers from nine partner nations, are participating in Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER 2024…

    October 17, 2024 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Over 400 members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), alongside soldiers from nine partner nations, are participating in Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER 2024, a Canadian Army-led international counter-explosive exercise, at 5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown in Oromocto, New Brunswick.

    The exercise brings together forces from Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. This training provides an opportunity to strengthen skills and build capacity to counter and dispose of explosive threats, as well as exploit capabilities to counter future threats.

    This year, emerging technologies, such as Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Additive Manufacturing, will be leveraged and integrated into the training to demonstrate ways to enhance operational efficiency and security on a unified front against adversaries.

    Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER is a key activity that allows the CAF and partner nations to incorporate lessons observed from Ukraine and adapt their training.

    “Interoperability is crucial to the Canadian Army’s ability to fulfill Government of Canada objectives, ensure readiness, respond to emerging threats, and meet defence priorities. Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER highlights our commitment to collective security efforts alongside our NATO allies and partner nations.”

    Lieutenant-General Michael Wright, Commander Canadian Army

    Lt Jerome Downey
    Public Affairs Officer, Exercise ARDENT DEFENDER
    Phone: 438-468-7439
    Email: jerome.downey@forces.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Department of National Defence
    Phone: 613-904-3333
    Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Time for $5: Over 200,000 people support MSF’s call for Danaher to make medical tests more affordable News Oct 17, 2024

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    To make sure everyone has adequate access to testing and save more lives, Danaher, the company that owns Cepheid and its GeneXpert tests, must drop the price to $5 for all GeneXpert medical tests sold in low- and middle-income countries. The petition has been signed by 206,937 people from 194 countries. 

    Testing is essential as it’s the first step to diagnosing someone who is sick, getting them on the treatment they need, and preventing further spread of infectious diseases—especially in the places MSF works where health care services are often limited for those who fall ill. Danaher’s GeneXpert medical test is critical for diagnosing diseases at the “point of care,” meaning close to where people live and are seeking medical care. Access to “point of care” testing is critical since laboratories are often scarce in lower-resource settings. The GeneXpert tests are used to diagnose people with diseases like drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and Ebola.

    “Danaher and Cepheid, it’s time for you to listen to the more than 200,000 people around the world demanding immediate access to affordable lifesaving medical tests for people in low- and middle-income countries,” said Mihir Mankad, director of global health advocacy and policy at MSF USA. “Our research shows that Danaher and Cepheid could charge $5 per test and still make a reasonable profit, so it’s inexcusable that they are still charging more than triple that price in even the poorest countries for most of the tests they produce.”

    More timely diagnosis means more lives saved

    MSF published research in 2019 estimating that each GeneXpert test produced by Cepheid could be sold at a profit for $5 at the sales volumes that Cepheid and Danaher reached long ago. In response to pressure mounted by the Time for $5 coalition and TB activists in September 2023, Danaher announced it would lower the price of the primary test used to diagnose TB from $10 to $8, which was an important first step. According to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, this price reduction is expected to result in annual savings of $32 million, enabling the purchase of an additional 3.6 million tests every year. This means that many more people with TB will receive timely diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately more lives will be saved.

    However, Cepheid and Danaher intend to continue to charge between $15 and $20 for the same type of test used to diagnose extensively drug-resistant TB ($15), HIV ($15), hepatitis ($15), STIs ($16-$19) and Ebola ($20). These prices are 200 percent to 400 percent higher than the $5 it’s estimated to cost Cepheid and Danaher to make one test and still be able to sell it at a profit. This is especially egregious considering that Danaher and Cepheid benefitted from $252 million in public funding to help develop the product. MSF purchases more than $2 million worth of GeneXpert tests each year for use in its medical programs in approximately 70 countries.

    People cannot wait any longer

    In September 2023, Danaher committed to an annual third-party assessment of what it costs them to make GeneXpert tests—an important opportunity to demonstrate it was not heavily marking up its prices. However, over one year has passed since that promise, and no information has been made available by the corporation about how the audit will be conducted and who will be allowed to see the results.

    “It’s been over a year since Danaher committed to coming clean about what it costs them to make the GeneXpert tests, but all we have so far is deafening silence from the corporation,” said Stijn Deborggraeve, diagnostics advisor for the MSF Access Campaign. “This silence comes even after we published recommendations for how Danaher can ensure the audit is rigorous and transparent. And now, the people who need these tests around the world cannot wait any longer: Danaher must immediately make public the information about its planned audit and ensure affordable access to lifesaving tests.”

    MSF has sent an open letter asking Danaher and Cepheid to respond to the demands and concerns raised in the petition by October 25. 

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Things to Know: Personalizing your Home Décor with Music Frame

    Source: Samsung

    Next up in our “Things to Know” series, we’re pressing play on a closer look at Music Frame by Samsung, our new customizable speaker that doubles as a picture frame.
    With Music Frame, we’ve introduced an entirely new category of audio designed to make your favorite music or podcasts look as good as they sound. You can use it to display your printed photos or favorite artwork in an 8” by 8” inside the photo mat.1 It can operate as a standalone speaker using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth – and can even sync with your Samsung TV’s audio or soundbar for a more immersive, three-dimensional sound experience. No matter how you choose to use it – Music Frame can transform your living space, beautifully blending functionality and design.

    Make Music Frame Uniquely Yours
    You can easily swap out your favorite printed photos in the Music Frame – using it to showcase pictures from your summer travels, wedding snapshots, or even school graduation memories. Or, you could opt to turn your cherished moments or favorite art piece into a premium, custom 13”x13” acrylic Art Panel, provided exclusively by Shutterfly.2

    Music Frame comes with both a table stand, and wall mount fixture – so you can choose whether to hang it as part of a gallery wall, or set it on a bookshelf.
    New to Music Frame’s customization features is a White Bezel3 option. This White Bezel is magnetic, so you can easily snap it on and off as your aesthetic needs evolve. It provides another way for you to express your style, and curate your space.
    We’ve also introduced a new In-Wall Cable for Music Frame.4 You can use it to hide your power cable securely in your wall, minimizing clutter for a cleaner look that blends perfectly into your home design.

    For an entirely unique and enchanting Music Frame experience, you can also consider Music Frame WICKED Edition – created in partnership with Universal Pictures’ spectacular film adaptation of the spellbinding stage musical, Wicked. Experience magic unleashed with a Wicked edition Photo Frame and three photo cards featuring autographs and images of the film’s beloved characters, including one exclusive picture only available with Music Frame WICKED Edition. It’s also specially designed with a limited edition Wicked-themed bezel and customized Wicked-themed packaging. Sign up now to be notified when Music Frame WICKED Edition is available.

    Amplify Your Personality
    Packing four speakers and two subwoofers, Music Frame creates a rich, expansive sound that fills the room. You can hear balanced audio no matter where it’s setup in your space, thanks to its patented Wide Range Speaker Technology. It also offers multi-dimensional surround sound and a truly immersive listening experience with Dolby Atmos.5 Additionally, with SpaceFit Sound Pro, you get room-filling sound precisely tailored to your unique home. This feature enables Music Frame to analyze your environment and automatically optimize the audio for you, delivering accurate and clear sound.

    Create Perfect Harmony with Music Frame
    Music Frame can seamlessly connect to any TV, soundbar or smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, delivering powerful audio no matter your listening preference. Plus, Q-Symphony Technology unlocks an elevated audio experience when you sync Music Frame with your Samsung TV or soundbar. This feature synchronizes your audio across Samsung devices so your TV, soundbar and Music Frame speakers work together as one, providing a perfectly orchestrated experience that envelopes you in every scene or song.6 Streaming music from your Samsung phone to Music Frame is also just a tap away – with Tap Sound technology. Simply tap Music Frame with your phone7 – and start listening.

    Seamless Connections for Smart Integration
    Music Frame is designed with Alexa Built-In8 and supports Chromecast, Airplay, and more. That means you can effortlessly use it as a smart speaker with your favorite voice assistants and services. It can even serve as the centralized home hub to connect your devices and take control of your world. Simply setup Music Frame using the SmartThings app on your phone, and use it to instantly connect and begin controlling your smart home devices.

    Music Frame is available on Samsung.com, the Shop App, at Samsung Experience Stores, and at major carriers and retailers.
    For more information visit: https://www.samsung.com/us/

    1 Included mat holds photos 8″x10″ or 8″x8″; viewable area is 8″x8″.
    2 13”x13” Music Frame Art Panel sold separately. Available for purchase on Shutterfly.com/music-frame-art-panel.
    3 Music Frame sold separately.
    4 Music Frame sold separately. Installation should be performed in accordance with all applicable local, building and electrical codes and ordinances. Refer to the user manual for installation instructions.
    5 Requires compatible source content.
    6 Q-Symphony using the Music Frame is available only when connected with a (1) 2023-2024 Samsung TV, or (2) 2023-2024 Samsung TV and 2024 Samsung Soundbar.
    7 Tap sound is only compatible with select Samsung mobile devices, with Android 8.1 and above. Tap Sound requires SmartThings app to activate and set up. This service only works when Music Frame and mobile are on.
    8 Content Services may vary by region & are subject to change without notification. Amazon, Alexa, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council approve major funding support for Salford Lads Club

    Source: City of Salford

    • Council approve £100k funding support for the club
    • Funding includes £20k match funding from Salford Crowdfunder and up to an additional £80k from the City Council Revenue Budget.
    • Decision is in response Salford Lad’s Club announcement of need to raise £250k to enable it to keep operating
    • Funding confirmation follows news of Manchester Evening News setting up a Go Fund Me page to support the club 

    Salford City Council has confirmed an agreement to provide significant funding to help support Salford Lads Club. The decision will see £100k committed to the club with immediate effect to help the club keep its doors open, remain operating and providing essential support to local children and young people.
     
    The funding package will consist of a £20k match funding contribution from the city’s Crowdfunder programme. The additional funding, up to £80k will be provided in the form of a grant from the City Council Revenue Budget.
     
    The council has acknowledged not only the significance of Salford Lads Club as an iconic cultural venue for the city, but also its important role in supporting and shaping the lives of children and young people in the city. The decision to act fast and activate this package of support is a reflection of the vital work done by the club and its volunteers and the need to secure its future.
     
    The support provided by the council will not just be financial. A further commitment has been agreed for council officers from across different departments to work more closely with the club to help ensure its survival. Salford City Council will also work closely with partners from across the city to garner further long term support for the club. 
     
    The council has recognised the important role of Manchester Evening News’ in raising awareness of the plight of the club and the creation of their Salford Lads and Girls Club Legacy Fund, to ensure the clubs future survival. 
     
    Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I’m delighted to be able to confirm this significant funding package for Salford Lads Club. Having worked closely with the club for many years, we are acutely aware of the current financial difficulties and the challenging operating times it faces. So, I’m pleased we have been able to act swiftly and provide this funding support now.  
     
    As a council, we are committed to creating a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all and this includes working with organisations and institutions such as Salford Lads Club, who can help us achieve this goal.
     
    What better recipient of this support is there than an institution that wholly embodies the true Spirt of Salford? An institution that has been there, providing, support, guidance, activities and education, as well as being a safe haven for generations of Salfordians and a venue that has contributed to putting the city on a global stage. 
     
    There will be people around the world who are only aware of Salford, because of the Lads Club, via the lens of the famous Smiths photograph. So it is only right that the council provides this much need funding now and a commitment to support in the future. 
     
    The council has a history of making positive steps to invest in the city’s sport, heritage and culture. This decision follows previous commitments to purchase the Salford Community Stadium, investment in sporting facilities and positioning the city as a culture hotspot through the funding of The Lowry, the BBC Philharmonic and RHS Bridgewater.
     
    I’d also urge those who have benefitted from the great work of the club over the years and anyone who is able to donate, to contribute to the Manchester Evening News’ Salford Lads and Girls Club Legacy Fund, to further support the clubs future survival.” 

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    Date published
    Thursday 17 October 2024

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: We Can Do Better

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 17, 2024

    Thank you, Andrea, for your kind words. And thanks to all of you for coming.

    Five years ago in this hall I delivered my first curtain-raiser as head of the IMF.

    At that time my main concern was a synchronized slowdown in global growth. Only months later it paled in comparison with the sudden shock of the pandemic, followed by other dramatic events—the tragic wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the cost-of-living crisis, and a further fracturing of the global economy.

    Next week, the world’s finance ministers and central bank governors will converge here to reflect on where we are, where we are headed, and what to do about it. Let me offer you a preview of what this conversation will look like.

    First, we will cherish the good news—and rightly so, because we haven’t had much of it lately. The big global inflation wave is in retreat. A combination of resolute monetary policy action, easing supply chain constraints, and moderating food and energy prices is guiding us back in the direction of price stability.

    And this has been done without tipping the global economy into recession and large-scale job losses—something we saw during the pandemic and after past inflation episodes, and which many feared we would see again. Both the US and euro area labor markets, to take two examples, are cooling in an orderly manner.

    This is a big achievement.

    Where did this resilience come from? Answer: from strong policy and institutional foundations built over time, and from international policy cooperation as countries learned to act fast and act together. We are benefiting from central bank independence in advanced economies and many emerging markets; years of prudential reforms in banking; progress made in building fiscal institutions; and capacity development worldwide.

    But, despite the good news, don’t expect any victory parties next week—for at least three reasons:

    • For one thing, inflation rates may be falling, but the higher price level that we feel in our wallets is here to stay. Families are hurting, people are angry. Advanced economies saw inflation rates at once-in-a-generation highs. So too did many emerging market economies. But look how bad the situation was for the low-income countries. At the country level and at the level of individuals, inflation always hits the poor the hardest.
    • Even worse, we are in a difficult geopolitical environment. We are all very worried about the expanding conflict in the Middle East and its potential to destabilize regional economies and global oil and gas markets. Its humanitarian impact, alongside the prolonged wars in Ukraine and elsewhere, is heartbreaking.
    • And on top of it all, this is happening at a time when our forecasts point to an unforgiving combination of low growth andhigh debt—a difficult future.

    Let’s take a closer look: medium-term growth is forecast to be lackluster—not sharply lower than pre-pandemic, but far from good enough. Not enough to eradicate world poverty. Nor to create the number of jobs we require. Nor to generate the tax revenues that governments need to service heavy debt loads while attending to vast investment needs, including the green transition.

    The picture is made more troubling by high and rising public debt—way higher than before the pandemic, even after the brief but significant fall in debt-to-GDP as inflation lifted nominal GDP. And do please notice the shaded area in the chart—what it shows is that, in a severe but plausible adverse scenario, debt could climb some 20 percentage points of GDP above our baseline.

    What does this mean for “fiscal space”? To answer this, let’s look at the share of government revenue consumed by interest payments. This is where high debt, high interest rates, and low growth come together—because it is growth that generates the revenues governments need to function and invest. As debt increases, fiscal space contracts disproportionately more in low-income countries—not all debt burdens are made the same.

    And fiscal space keeps shrinking. Just look at the frightening evolution of the interest-to-revenue ratio over time. We can immediately see how the tough spending choices have become tougher with higher debt payments. Schools or climate? Digital connectivity or roads and bridges? That is what it comes down to.

    To make matters worse, we live in deeply troubled times. The peace dividend from the end of the Cold War is increasingly at risk. In a world of more wars and more insecurity, defense expenditures may well keep rising while aid budgets fall further behind the growing needs of developing countries.

    Not only is development assistance too small, but major players, driven by national security concerns, are increasingly resorting to industrial policy and protectionism, creating one trade restriction after another. Going forward, trade will not be the same engine of growth as before. It is the fracturing I warned of back in 2019—but worse. It is like pouring cold water on an already-lukewarm world economy.

    My message today: we can do better.

    As Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank and my dear colleague from across the street, likes to say: forecasts are not destiny. There is plenty we can and must do to lift our growth potential, reduce debt, and build a more resilient world economy.

    Let me start with the domestic agenda. Governments must work to reduce debt and rebuild buffers for the next shock—which will surely come, and maybe sooner than we expect. Budgets need to be consolidated—credibly, yet gradually in most countries. This will involve difficult choices on how to raise revenues and make spending more efficient, while also making sure that policy actions are well-explained to earn the trust of the people.

    Here is the problem though: fiscal restraint is never popular. And, as a new paper by IMF staff shows, it’s only getting harder. Across a wide sample of countries, political discourse increasingly favors fiscal expansion. Even the traditionally fiscally conservative political parties are developing a taste for borrow-to-spend. Fiscal reforms are not easy, but they are necessary and they can enhance inclusion and opportunity. Countries have shown that it can be done.

    Ultimately, over the medium term, growth is key—to deliver jobs, tax revenues, fiscal space, and debt sustainability. Everywhere I go, I hear the same: an aspiration for higher growth and better opportunities. The question is: how?

    Answer: focus on reforms—there is no time to waste:

    • First area of reforms: make job markets work for people. We confront a world of deeply uneven demography: surging young populations in some places, aging societies elsewhere. Economic migration can help, but only up to a point given the anxieties in many countries. So too can supportive steps to help get more women into the workforce. Above all, there is a need for reforms to enhance skill sets and match the right people to the right jobs.
    • Second area: mobilize capital. There is an abundance of it globally, but often not in the right places or right types of investments—just think of all the money from all corners of the globe poured into liquid but less-productive assets in a few major financial centers. Putting savings to work for maximum economic benefit requires policymakers to focus on eliminating barriers such as weak investment environments and shallow capital markets. Financial sector oversight must not only ensure stability and resilience, but also encourage prudent risk-taking and value creation.
    • Third area: enhance productivity. This is what yields more output per unit of input, and there are many ways to raise it, from improving governance and institutions to cutting red tape to harnessing the power of AI. More and better spending on education and R&D help. Among advanced economies, those that lead on innovation show what works: venture capital industries, ecosystems that bring not only financing but knowledge, advice, and professional networks—screening new ideas, identifying winners, feeding them from birth to graduation. There are many lessons for others to learn.

    Globally, the pace of reforms has been slowing since the global financial crisis as discontent has risen.

    But progress is possible. A new IMF study shows that resistance to reforms is often driven by beliefs and misperceptions about the reforms themselves as well as the distributional effects. Reforms are best developed through two-way dialogue with the public, with measures to mitigate the impact on those who risk losing out. We have learnt how much this matters.

    As policymakers pursue reforms at home, they must also look outward.

    There is much that countries can do together as members of an integrated economic community, each benefitting from its own comparative advantage.

    The forces of technology, trade, and capital mobility have delivered a hugely valuable degree of interconnectedness.

    Yet still, we live in a mistrustful, fragmented world where national security has risen to the top of the list of concerns for many countries. This has happened before—but never in a time of such high economic co-dependence.

    My argument is that we must not allow this reality to become an excuse to do nothing to prevent a further fracturing of the global economy. Quite the opposite. My appeal during these Annual Meetings will be: let us work together, in an enlightened way, to lift our collective prospects.

    Let us not take the global tensions as given, but rather resolve to work to lower the geopolitical temperature and attend to the tasks that can only be tackled together:

    • Exhibit one: trade, which has lowered prices, improved quality, and created jobs. Thus far, trade has shown remarkable resilience in the face of new barriers, often flowing around them via third countries. But such redirection is not efficient, nor can we assume it will continue indefinitely. Countries would do well to recognize that the rules-based global trading system delivered many benefits and is worth preserving.
    • Two: climate, where we face an existential challenge, with countries that contributed the least to global emissions now first to suffer. Unexpectedly fast global warming should be ringing alarm bells. The glaciers are melting, the icecaps crumbling. Adverse weather events have telegraphed a frightening message from the future. We know what we must do: create fiscal space for the green transition, eliminate fossil-fuel subsidies, and get capital to where it is most needed. But we must do it!
    • Three: artificial intelligence, our single best shot at higher productivity. IMF research finds that AI, if managed well, has the potential to lift world growth by up to 0.8 percentage points—with that alone, we would go to a higher growth path than in the years before the pandemic. Yet AI is urgently in need of regulatory and ethical codes that are fundamentally global. Why? Because AI is borderless—it is already on smartphones everywhere. We better hurry. This technology will not wait!

    In all these areas and many more, the bottom line is that countries need to relearn how to work together. And institutions like the IMF—born from the basic idea that pooling resources together is efficient—play a vital role.

    In my first term as Managing Director—an unprecedented crisis period—we acted decisively to help our membership. We provided one trillion dollars’ worth of liquidity, and we delivered critical economic analysis and advice that helped policymakers synchronize their actions.

    Now, in the first days of my second term we have delivered again.

    Our Executive Board, in full consensus, has just approved important reforms that reinforce our strong financial position and directly benefit our membership. We are reducing charges and surcharges on our regular lending, and putting in place a comprehensive package that secures our concessional lending capacity to support low-income countries.

    And on November 1 our Board will welcome a third Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, ensuring more voice for what has been an underrepresented region.

    Combined with the fifty percent quota increase agreed at our last Annual Meetings, these actions give us the strength to continue to deliver high value-added to a membership that engages not out of charity but self-interest.

    It is the value we bring to our members that has resulted in our membership growing—and on that note, a very warm welcome to the Principality of Liechtenstein as it joins us as our 191st member!

    From our founding at Bretton Woods in the dark days of 1944 to today, the IMF has established a tradition of adapting to the changing world around it. Today, I give you my word: this will continue. We will stand with our members, always looking for the most impactful ways to serve.

    By the time I complete my second term at the helm of the IMF, I will have led it for most of this decade. And if I were granted one wish, it would simply be this: let not this decade be remembered as one where we allowed conflict to get in the way of existential tasks, storing up vast costs and potential calamity for those to follow. Let it be remembered as a time when we rose above our differences for the good of all.

    For our mutual prosperity—and ultimately for our survival—I say we can do better: let there be peace on earth and a revival of cooperation.

    Thank you!

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Mayada Ghazala

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/17/sp101724-annual-meetings-2024-curtain-raiser

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CNO Press Briefing: Atlantic Council

    Source: United States Navy

    GENERAL JAMES L. JONES: Good morning, everybody. And welcome to today’s event with Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti—chief of naval operations of the world’s finest Navy, I might add—to discuss her 2024 Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting [Navy].

    My name is Jim Jones, and I serve as executive chairman emeritus here at the Atlantic Council and as chairman of the Scowcroft Center. So, on behalf of the Scowcroft Center and the Atlantic Council, as well as its Forward Defense Program, I would like to welcome you to this exciting fourth installment of our 2024 Commander Series.

    As we all know, since its origin the United States has relied on her Navy to maintain global maritime dominance, ensuring freedom of navigation, the ability to project US power across the globe and played a critical role in the nation’s strategic deterrent capabilities. As we continue into this era of strategic competition with peer or near-peer adversaries, potential adversaries, namely China and Russia, and the threat landscape evolves, the Navy faces many challenges, and its capabilities are stretched across the world.

    The Navy, and I might add the Marine Corps—you’re not going to get away with a commandant introducing you without mentioning the Marine Corps—but the Navy and her Marines must be ready for the possibility of war in the near future. But beyond that, it will need to continue to enhance its long-term advantage to deter future aggression and ensure a major contribution to global stability. A critical component in the effectiveness of this strategy will be leveraging technological innovation to maintain a ready and modern force. The Navy will need to invest in newer platforms, newer weapon systems, and embrace robotic and autonomous systems as well.

    The key advantage that the United States holds over its adversaries is the strong alliance network the US maintains. The Navy must continue to strengthen these relationships, to enhance collective security, deter adversarial aggression by improving interoperability with joint and allied forces. With so many threats looming on the not-so-distant horizon, it is also imperative that the Navy has a forward-thinking strategic vision that leverages all the advantages the United States holds, and enables the readiness to respond in competition, crisis, and conflict if necessary.

    And so today, we’re extremely fortunate to be joined by the 33rd Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, who will discuss her recently published Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy. This is her strategic guidance for the US fleet during her tenure. A native of Pittsford, New York, Admiral Franchetti is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism and was commissioned through Northwestern University NROTC program in 1985. She earned her Surface Warfare qualification on the USS Shenandoah, went on to command at all levels, including Naval Reserve, Central Point, Oregon, USS Ross, Destroyer Squadron 21, US Naval Forces Korea, Carrier Strike Group 9 and 15, the US Sixth Fleet in Italy, and Striking and Support Forces NATO in Portugal.

    In addition to command, she has worked across the Navy and the joint force with emphasis on strategy, international engagement, and interagency collaboration, serving as the director Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, and most recently as the vice chief of naval operations. As chief of naval operations, Admiral Franchetti is responsible for the command, use of resources, and operational efficiency of the naval operating forces and the Navy’s shore activities assigned by the secretary of the navy.

    Admiral Franchetti, we look forward to hearing from you today, and we’re very grateful for your presence here. After the admiral’s keynote remarks, she will be joined by Dan Lamothe for a moderated discussion. Dan has held a long career as a journalist and has written extensively about the armed forces for more than fifteen years. Since 2014, he has been covering the United States military and the Pentagon for The Washington Post. Dan, thank you very much for joining us today.

    I would also like to thank everyone attending this conversation with the admiral, whether in person or virtually. [Convenings] such [as] these are integral to the Atlantic Council’s [Scowcroft] Center for Strategy and Security, which works to develop sustainable, nonpartisan strategies to address the most important security challenges facing the United States and her allies and partners. Consistent with that mission, Forward Defense generates ideas and connects stakeholders in the defense ecosystem to promote an enduring military advantage for the United States, her allies, and partners. Its work identifies the defense strategies, capabilities, and resources of the United States needed to deter and, if necessary, prevail in any future conflict.

    I would like to extend a special thanks to Saab Corporation and Michael Anderson, who, unfortunately, couldn’t be here today but is usually in attendance. Saab and the Atlantic Council launched the Commander Series back in 2009. The vision was to establish a flagship speakers forum for senior military and defense leaders to discuss the most important security challenges, both now and in the future. Over the years, the program has become one of the Council’s main institutions. And we’re thankful to Saab for their continued support and collaborations. Before I turn it over to Admiral Franchetti for her keynote remarks, I’d like to remind everybody that this event is public and on the record. Thank you all for joining the Atlantic Council for what I know will be a captivating conversation.

    Admiral Franchetti, without any further ado, the floor is yours. Welcome.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Well, thank you, General Jones, for your kind introduction and warm welcome. And I also want to thank the Atlantic Council for letting me be part of the Commander Series. It’s an incredible opportunity. And I’m very excited to have the opportunity to speak with all of you today.

    So, as General Jones just mentioned, I recently released my Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy, which is my overarching strategic guidance to the Navy to make our nation’s fleet more ready for potential conflict with the PRC by 2027, while also enhancing our Navy’s long-term warfighting advantage. But before I talk a little bit more about that, I want to talk about the why—the why behind the NAVPLAN, and what your navy is doing all around the world to protect our nation’s security and prosperity, to deter any would-be adversary, and to always be ready to fight and win decisively, if called to do so.

    As you all know, our Navy—our nation is and always has been a maritime nation. Seventy percent of our planet is made up of water. Eighty percent of the world’s population lives within two hundred kilometers of the coastline. Ninety percent of the global economy moves by sea. And 95 percent of international communications and about ten trillion dollars of financial transactions transit via undersea fiber optic cables every single day. In the United States alone, seaborn trade carries more tonnage in value than any other mode of transportation each year, generating about $5.4 trillion annually and supporting thirty-one million American jobs. And when our access to the sea is impacted, so too is our economy, our national security, and really our way of life.

    And I could think about a lot of different examples over the past years that demonstrate that intimate connection. Just think back to the impacts of COVID-19, the grounding of the Ever Given in the Suez Canal, and now Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and even the port strikes on the east and west coast—gulf coast just a few weeks ago. It’s really clear that the seas are the lifeblood of our nation. And since the days of the Revolutionary War, as General Jones pointed out, our Navy and our Marine Corps team has protected and guaranteed our access to that sea. And on Sunday, we just celebrated our 249th birthday.

    I think the events of this year and the actions taken by your Navy-Marine Corps team in the Indo-Pacific, in the Mediterranean, in the Red Sea, and beyond really underscore the enduring importance of American naval power throughout our nation’s history. With an average of about 110 ships and seventy thousand sailors and Marines deployed on any given day, the Navy-Marine Corps team is operating forward, defending our homeland, and keeping open the sea lines of communication that fuel our economy. In the Indo-Pacific right now, the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group and the America Amphibious Readiness Group, with the 31st MEU embarked, are working alongside allies and partners to sustain a free and open regional order and enhance our collective interoperability.

    In the Baltic, the Atlantic, the high north, and the Mediterranean, our navies continue to work alongside NATO and other partner navies to defend NATO and to support Ukraine as they defend their country and their democracy, to further deter Russian aggression, and to ensure that Russia’s continued unjustified and horrific invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine is a strategic failure. And in the eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the western Indian Ocean, our naval forces—including aircraft carrier strike groups, amphibious readiness groups, submarines and multiple destroyers—working alongside allies and partners, are containing the Israel-Hamas conflict, deterring others, especially Iran and its proxies, from escalating hostilities into regional war, and continuing to support Israel’s defense.

    Over the last few weeks, more American destroyers—the Bulkeley, the Frank E. PetersenMichael Murphy, and the Cole—have joined about a dozen other naval assets over the last year in knocking down Iranian and Houthi-launched ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones in defense of the rules-based international order, in defense of innocent civilian mariners, and in defense of Israel. The ability of our forces to seamlessly operate in any theater speaks to the value our Navy has provided to our nation for the last 249 years.

    We operate in a unique domain. It’s a domain that knows no boundaries. It’s a domain that transcends lines that are drawn on a map, and one in which the Navy provides agile, flexible options and decision space to our nation’s leaders every single day. I could not be more proud of that Navy team. It’s the active and reserve sailors. It’s our civilians. And it’s our families. There’s no other Navy in the world that can operate at this scale. No other Navy in the world can train, deploy, and sustain such a lethal, globally deployed, combat credible force at the pace, the scale, and the tempo that we do.

    And while all that we have achieved these past 249 years has filled me with confidence, I know that we cannot take our foot off the gas, because there’s no doubt that our nation is at an inflection point in history. We are facing a changing and challenging security environment, a changing character of war, and real challenges in ship, submarine, aircraft, construction and maintenance, munitions production, recruiting, and infrastructure maintenance. All while acknowledging the industrial and budgetary constraints complicating our efforts to address these challenges.

    I’ve already talked a little bit about the security environment, but I want to expand on how that’s changed a little bit more. As we are seeing, the rules-based international order that we have upheld, protected, and defended for over three-quarters of a century is under threat, in every ocean. The People’s Republic of China is our pacing challenge and presents a complex, multi-domain and multi-axis threat. I am eyes wide open that the challenge posed by the PRC to our Navy goes well beyond just the size of the PLAN fleet.

    It includes gray zone and economic campaigns, expansion of dual-use infrastructure like airfields and ports, and dual-use forces like the Chinese maritime militia, and a growing nuclear arsenal. It’s backed by a massive defense industrial base, which is on a wartime footing and includes the world’s largest shipbuilding capacity. The growing capabilities, capacity, and reach of the PRC military, along with its increasingly aggressive behavior in the East and South China Seas, underscore what Chairman Xi has told his forces, that they should be ready for war by 2027.

    The PRC is not our only competitor. Russia continues to be an acute threat. Iran, a stabling actor in the Middle East. And we are seeing increasing alignment of these competitors, the PRC, Russia, Iran, North Korea, violent extremist organizations, and globally sponsored terrorist organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, ISIS-K, and more. In addition to this dynamic security environment, we’re also facing a changing character of war, with advancements in battlefield innovation and cheaper, more accessible technology available to state and nonstate actors alike. We’re all learning a great deal from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the continued Houthi ballistic missile, cruise missile, and drone attacks in the Red Sea.

    To get after all these challenges, I would love to have the resources and the industrial base capacity to just expand the size of our force overnight. And I acknowledge the need for a larger, more lethal force. But it’s no secret to any of you that we are facing financial and industrial headwinds at getting, what I like to call, more players on the field. Our budget falls short of the 3 to 5 percent increase above inflation needed to support the Navy’s growth. And we’ve had continuing resolutions for fourteen of the past fifteen years, which stifle our momentum and slow any progress in delivering the warfighting capability and capacity needed to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

    And while we’re investing significant resources to address our industrial base challenges, change will not happen overnight. We cannot manifest a bigger Navy—a bigger traditional Navy in just a few short years. So as I came into this position, I took all of this in—the changing security environment, the changing character of war, and our own challenges—and that is what provided the context that framed my Navigation Plan. It’s a plan that lays out where we need to go to make our Navy more ready for potential conflict anytime and anywhere. As the CNO who will be at the helm into 2027, I am compelled to do more, and do more faster, to ensure that our Navy is more ready. I can’t stand still as we work to secure long-term investments for our force.

    And so my Navigation Plan essentially parks these known challenges in a box. I’m still going to work on them, but they’re not the only thing I’m going to think about. And it helps me set a course to make strategic gains in the fastest time possible with the resources I can influence. It builds on America’s Warfighting Navy, a document that I released in January that lays out my priorities of warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them. And the NAVPLAN continues where my predecessor’s 2022 NAVPLAN left off. It lays out my plan to raise our fleet’s baseline level of readiness and put more players on the field—platforms that are ready with the requisite capabilities, weapons, and sustainment, and people that are ready with the right mindset, skills, tools, and training.

    And it does that really in two ways. First, by implementing what I call Project 33, seven key areas in which we need to accelerate, areas where I will invest my personal time and resources and put my thumb on the scale to urgently move the needle, with 2027 as our North Star. And second, by expanding the Navy’s contribution to the joint warfighting ecosystem. This is all about building enduring warfighting advantage by investing in key capabilities and creating the layered effects that the Navy can contribute across all domains, to those of the joint force and those of our allies and partners. This is fundamental to my vision of how we will deter and, if necessary, fight and win our future wars.

    So, going back to the first I’d like to briefly just touch on these seven equally important Project 33 targets, as they align to my priorities of warfighting, warfighters, and the foundation that supports them.

    Under warfighting, my first target is readying our platforms.

    The second target is operationalizing robotic and autonomous systems.

    My third target is fighting from the Maritime Operations Center. That’s our command and control nerve center and it will help synchronize how we deliver effects as a Navy and as a broader joint and combined force.

    Under the warfighters’ bucket, my fourth target is recruiting and retaining talented people.

    My fifth target is delivering the quality of service that our sailors and their families deserve.

    My sixth target is investing in warfighter competency, making our live virtual constructive training as reliable, realistic, and as relevant as possible.

    And finally in the foundation bucket, my seventh target is restoring the critical infrastructure that generates, sustains, and postures our force to fight, prioritizing the Pacific theater.

    Together, these seven targets—really, stretch goals—they represent my plan to make strategic gains in the fastest time possible with the resources I can influence. I know that moving out with purpose and urgency on these targets will deter the PRC and any other potential adversary, and make us even more ready to fight and win decisively should that deterrence fail.

    I’d like to end with just a few comments about the joint warfighting ecosystem I mentioned before because my Navigation Plan is critical to expanding our Navy’s contribution to it. I know that our Navy will never fight alone, so we are laser-focused on developing and integrating key Navy capabilities with those of our joint teammates and of our allies and partners, because it’s the aggregate effects that we deliver collectively that will matter.

    The joint warfighting ecosystem is all about pooling and creating those aggregate effects. It’s a system in which a capability enables and then is enabled by each of its participants. It’s on display in the Middle East right now, and I know it’s one that Admiral Paparo will leverage in the Indo-Pacific.

    Achieving these objectives in my Navigation Plan is an all-hands-on-deck effort where everyone has a role to play—industry, Congress, academia, our joint teammates, our allies and partners, and of course our sailors and our civilians. So I would like to thank all of you here for your interest in our Navy, and I would like to thank you for all that you have done to support our Navy team and will continue to do in the future to support America’s warfighting Navy.

    I have a clock in my office that tells me that there are 807 days left until 1 January 2027. There is no time to waste, and your Navy is ready to get after it. Thank you very much, and I look forward to discussion today. Thank you.

    Dan.

    DAN LAMOTHE: All right. Good morning, everyone.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Good morning.

    DAN LAMOTHE: Thank you for your time today, ma’am.

    You just spent several minutes articulating your plan. I know you must have spent a lot of time planning that. This town often sees plans that run into headwinds, run into real-life events. Can you walk us through a bit what you think you can do to make this plan durable, make this happen, kind of clear-eyed, noting the headwinds, the budgetary constraints, and other things like that?

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Yeah. Well, thank you. And again, thanks for the chance to talk a little bit about the plan today.

    You know, I think this plan is a little bit different from some of the plans that we have had in the past, and I worked to make sure that it would be durable and it would stick. And I really spent about the last year working on this plan alongside all of our four-star commanders, our fleet commanders, our type commanders to really get after what are the things that we need to do and what we do we need to do to think, act, and operate differently to stay ahead of the challenges that we have with the resources that we can influence right now.

    And so when you look at the plan, it’s very focused—I would say it’s different in a few ways from previous plans.

    First, it’s focused on 2027. It’s focused on the PRC. So I’ve set my priorities, my sight. It’s narrowly focused on getting after those challenges.

    The other thing is that it really builds on Navigation Plan 2022, in which we had about eighteen different areas which we were really focused on and a lot of structure was put in place with single accountable individuals to drive progress in each one of those areas. I took a look, I took a fix, and I said, all right, here’s where we are based on NAVPLAN 2022, and here are seven areas where I think we can really put our foot on the gas and accelerate our progress in those to be real gamechangers in what we need to be able to do in the future.

    I think the last thing I would say what’s different about it is that it does have this single accountable individual responsible for each one of the targets that we’re trying to get after. And what we’ve found through our perform-to-plan and naval sustainment systems, processes have been put in place, if you have a stretch goal, a single accountable individual, and a cadence of accountability, that drives success.

    And the Navigation Plan will change my focus. It changes where I go, what I visit, what reports I get, what meetings I go to. And so my personal attention will be on these Project 33 goals as well as building the capabilities I talk about as the key capabilities for warfighting advantage that will get us where we need to be in the future.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK. One of your stated goals is boosting surge readiness to 80 percent. I know talking to a lot of analysts in this town, they raise concerns whether real-life events, physics, other things would really challenge this. And I know you’ve raised previously the aircraft as a kind of parallel. Do you see 80 percent as aspirational, achievable, both? And I guess, how do you put your foot on the gas with that?

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Thanks. This is one of the most important—all seven are equally important, but you know, I’ve long said that we need to get more players on the field. There’s a lot of ways to do that. You know, one is to buy new ones. One is to get them in and out of maintenance on time, which is—that’s why I put this goal in here. One is to use what you have differently.

    I am focused on this, because the aviation example is really illustrative of what we know we can achieve. So in 2018, Secretary Mattis challenged our aviation community to get F/A-18 readiness up from 50 percent readiness/availability to 80 percent. And over the process of these—the last couple of years, and now six years on, we’ve been able to sustain 80 percent readiness in the F/A-18s because of the processes that we put in place, data-driven, daily drumbeats of accountability to make sure that we understood what the readiness was, what the barriers were to achieving that readiness, and moving forward.

    They’ve been able to scale that now through other type model series, and we’ve expanded it to the submarine force and also the surface force. So it’s a stretch goal, but I am committed and the team is committed to going after that stretch goal. So we are putting all those—we have, actually, all those processes in place now, and I’m really looking forward to that.

    I will just give another example, a metric in surface that might be useful. So, you know, on-time completion of maintenance availabilities is really important. So if you think back in 2022 we had about 27 percent completion on time, 2023 we moved it up into the 30 percents, and this year we’ll be up to 67 percent. So we put in a lot of procedures to be able to plan maintenance availabilities early in a surface, a submarine, and aviation, making sure we understand what parts we need, having available pool of parts, investing in those parts so they can be there on time; planning our stuff—maintenance availabilities at least six months ahead of time and locking them in to let industry know what’s coming and also get those parts on order. Those are some of the things we’re doing.

    So these are stretch goals, but I am confident that we’re going to work hard to get after them. And if we don’t make exactly 80 percent, we’re going to be farther along the road than we would be if I hadn’t set such an ambitious goal.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: And I will say all the communities are locked hands on these goals, so we are all committed to working together to get after them.

    DAN LAMOTHE: A lot of discussions about the future of the Navy tend to focus on ship numbers. I heard in your comments there you kind of addressed that head on. To what do you—what degree do you consider that construct limiting, and to what degree do you consider that construct necessary? You know, I—there’s a pragmatic aspect to this, but numbers are numbers, and I’m sure that’s something that you get an earful on a lot as well.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Certainly. Well, I fully acknowledge that we need a larger, more lethal Navy. You know, we have multiple assessments that say that we need to have a larger Navy, and I really want to work closely, you know, with Congress, with industry to be able to deliver that Navy that we need. And that’s a really important thing.

    But the size of the Navy is not the only thing that matters. I think if you look at that future warfighting ecosystem, it’s really about the effects you can deliver with that Navy from a widely dispersed, disaggregated force integrated with all of the other forces of our joint force, whether it’s cyber, space, Air Force, Army, Marines. You can definitely envision a different type of warfighting environment where all of those effects are layered together, and that is really how we’re going to beat any adversary.

    So, to me, it’s both. We need to focus on getting the fleet that we need with the capabilities we need, but we also need to understand how we’re going to better integrate them with the joint force and alongside our allies and partners. And really, how do we build that interoperability from the ground up with allies and partners through both weapons systems but also exercises, and make sure that we can really plug and play, plug and fight any time that we need to be able to do that?

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK. Thank you.

    Let’s talk some current ops and maybe tie it back to the plan a bit. The Navy’s been extremely busy in the Red Sea and other parts of the Middle East over the last year. You know, I think a lot of us are tracking ship movements and things like that on a level that, you know, is not always common. What is the service learning as a result as seemingly almost daily sailors are knocking, you know, munitions out of the sky? And how long do you think the service can keep this up? It seems to me that there would be concern as this stretches on on magazine depth and also on just, you know, as you’re trying to pivot elsewhere this seemingly doesn’t go away.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Well, first, I couldn’t be more proud of our Navy and Marine Corps team that’s out there. As I said earlier, you know, from day one we’ve been there to deter further escalation. And you know, I’m very proud of all of our ships—working alongside allies and partners, I would add—there in the Red Sea and in the—in the Indian Ocean to really uphold that rules-based international order.

    I think we’re learning a lot by being in the Red Sea. First, the value of allies and partners. And again, all of these exercises and training that we do all around the world, that’s enabled us to work together to get after this challenge.

    I would say a few other things. First, that our sailors are confident in their weapons system. And that’s really a testament to the development of these weapons systems over the last many years, but also to the training, the certification, all of the work we do to get our sailors, our ships, our aircraft, everything ready to go before they head into harm’s way. And our systems have performed as designed. So, again, it’s a real testament to the designers, the engineers, and now our people who are able to employ them effectively.

    I think the other thing that we’re learning is that we’ve been able to observe all of the different engagements, everything that the Houthis have used, all of their Iranian-supplied weapons systems, and we’ve been able to look at their tactics that they’re using. We’ve been able to use data and extract that information from our weapons systems, bring that back here to the US in a matter of hours. And getting that to our engineers; to our warfighting development centers where they develop tactics, techniques, and procedures; this has been really a gamechangers because then all the experts can work together, understand what’s going on. As tactics evolve, then we can introduce different tactics, adjustments to radars, whatever it is we need to do to be able to get after that.

    I’ll just give a small example. When I was out visiting one of our ships, I got to promote a fire controlman second class to first class. And he was a technician who worked with a gun weapons system, and he had an idea about how he could make the gun more effective against Houthi threats. And he wrote up his idea, he sent it back to the technical authorities, they validated it, and they put it out the rest of the fleet because it was a better way to use the gun and more effective. And so we got to put technology into the hands of a warfighter; we got him to think about how to think, act, and operate differently; and he was really a pioneer in innovating there on the battlefield.

    I always like to say in Ukraine they innovate on the battlefield every single day. They take what they have and they use it differently. We need to be able to do the same. So I think that’s another lesson that we’ve learned there.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: And to your last point about, you know, are we concerned about our sustainability to be there, of course, our job is to be there, and that is what we train our people to do. So I’m very proud to be able to do that mission. And we’re continuing to work, again, to invest in the munitions as I talk about the foundation—munitions, bases, infrastructure—all those things we need to generate and sustain the force, committed to getting after that.

    DAN LAMOTHE: All right.

    And I think we have just time for one more question. We’ve seen the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group extended. We’ve seen the Marine Expeditionary Unit extended along with the ARG. As we see this extend, you know, it occurs to me we don’t necessarily have a follow-on ARG new behind it. To what degree are you concerned about being able to sustain the tempo out there?

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Well, as you know, we train, deploy, and certify all of our forces to be able to meet the requirements that are set forth, you know, by the secretary. We’re a globally deployed force, and I think that’s one of the greatest things about the flexibility of our Navy. We can generate the forces, we can send them where they need to go, and allow the secretary to be able to move them between the different theaters to get after the missions that we have. So I’m confident in our ability to do that.

    I am very focused on readiness for all of our ships. You know, when you think about in the big picture what are my priorities, first, Columbia, our number-one acquisition priority. But after that, readiness, capability, and then capacity. I’m really focused on readiness and getting after all of these maintenance challenges that have caused some of the delays in the past, whether it’s in our amphibious force or in any one of our platforms. So, again, that’s how we’re going to get after this. And that’s why that’s a key part of our Navigation Plan.

    DAN LAMOTHE: OK. Thank you all for your time today. I’d ask you to remain seated so that the admiral can depart for another meeting.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Thank you very much.

    DAN LAMOTHE: All right.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Thank you.

    DAN LAMOTHE: Thank you.

    LISA FRANCHETTI: Oh, thanks. That was fun.

    DAN LAMOTHE: Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Offers Protections for Lebanese Nationals Currently in the United States

    em>Certain Lebanese nationals will be eligible for DED and TPS, allowing them to work and temporarily remain in the United States

    WASHINGTON The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is announcing new actions to provide temporary immigration reprieve to eligible Lebanese nationals currently in the United States and allowing them the opportunity to request work authorization. Included in today’s announcement are details related to the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Lebanese nationals as previously announced in July, and a planned new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Lebanon.

    After consultation with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas is announcing a new TPS designation for Lebanon for 18 months due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Lebanon that prevent nationals of Lebanon from returning in safety. Those approved for TPS will be able to remain in the country while the United States is in discussions to achieve a diplomatic resolution for lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border. The designation of Lebanon for TPS will allow Lebanese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon) who have been continuously residing in the United States since October 16, 2024 to file initial applications for TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Lebanese nationals who entered the United States after October 16, 2024 will not be eligible for TPS. More information about TPS, including how to apply for employment authorization, will be included in a forthcoming Federal Register Notice which DHS intends to publish in the next few weeks. Individuals should not apply for TPS under this designation until this Federal Register Notice publishes.

    Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)also posted a Federal Register Notice establishing procedures for those Lebanese nationals covered by President Biden’s July 26, 2024 grant of Deferred Enforced Departure to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that will be valid through January 25, 2026. As described in the Federal Register Notice, eligible Lebanese nationals can apply for an EAD by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. USCIS adjudicates each EAD application on a case-by-case basis to determine if an applicant meets all standards and eligibility criteria. More information about DED-based EADs is available on the USCIS website.

    DHS is also publishing a Special Student Relief Notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Lebanon, or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Lebanon, so that eligible students may request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the DED designation period.

    In total, approximately 11,000 Lebanese nationals will likely be eligible for DED and TPS pursuant to these actions. There are also approximately 1,740 F-1 nonimmigrant students from Lebanon in the United States who may be eligible for Special Student Relief. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Independent Review Panel Report of the July 13, 2024 Assassination Attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Statement from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Independent Review Panel Report of the July 13, 2024 Assassination Attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania

    ASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued the following statement on the Independent Review Panel report released today regarding the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt against former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

    “We are grateful to the members of the bipartisan Independent Review Panel and their staff for their in-depth examination of the security failures that led to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt on the former President and the loss of life and casualties suffered.  The members of the Independent Review Panel are highly accomplished individuals with extensive security and law enforcement backgrounds, and the U.S. Secret Service’s protection mission will benefit greatly from their recommendations.

    “I have reviewed the Independent Review Panel’s report and have met with the Panel members. We will fully consider the Panel’s recommendations and are taking the actions needed to advance the Secret Service’s protection mission.  These actions will be responsive not only to the security failures that led to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt, but, importantly, to what the Independent Review Panel describes as systemic and foundational issues that underlie those failures.  I commend Acting Director Rowe for his leadership and for proactively undertaking security enhancements, including those informed by the Secret Service’s internal Mission Assurance Review.

    “I have the utmost confidence in the men and women of the United States Secret Service.  We are operating in a heightened and dynamic threat environment, and it is their talent, unwavering dedication, and tireless service that ensures the safety and security of their protectees and our nation.”

    Following the events of July 13 President Joe Biden directed DHS to conduct an independent security review. On July 21, 2024 Secretary Mayorkas named a bipartisan panel with extensive law enforcement and security experience to conduct a 45-day independent review. The independent review panel of experts from outside of government was comprised of former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano; the Hon. Mark Filip, a former federal judge and Deputy Attorney General to President George W. Bush; Ms. Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush; and Chief David Mitchell, the former superintendent of Maryland State Police and former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Andrews — 37-year-old man dies following two-vehicle collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 37-year-old man from St. Andrews, N.B., has died following a two-vehicle collision in St-Andrews, N.B.

    On September 12, 2024, at approximately 1:52 p.m., members of the St. Andrews RCMP responded to a report of a collision between a motorcycle and a recreational vehicle (RV) at the corner of Mowat Drive and Cornelia Street, in St. Andrews.

    The collision is believed to have occurred when the motorcycle, traveling at high speed, failed to stop and ran into the back of the RV.

    The driver and sole occupant of the motorcycle was transported to hospital with what were believed to be life-threatening injuries. The driver and passenger of the RV were uninjured.

    On October 12, 2024, the driver of the motorcycle died as a result of his injuries.

    Members of Ambulance New Brunswick attended the scene. The New Brunswick Department of Public Safety is assisting with the investigation.

    Investigation is ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Waterville-Carleton  — 40-year-old man dies following single-vehicle crash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 40-year-old man from Jacksontown, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle crash in Waterville-Carleton, N.B.

    On October 12, 2024, at approximately 7:50 a.m., members of the Western Valley Region RCMP, Ambulance New Brunswick and the Hartland Fire Department responded to a report of a single-vehicle crash on Route 590 in Waterville-Carleton.

    The crash is believed to have occurred when the vehicle left the road, went down a large embankment and came to a stop in a brook. The 40-year-old man and sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene as a result of his injuries.

    An RCMP collision reconstructionist and a member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s office is also assisting with the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the driver’s exact cause of death.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Daily Press Briefing – October 17, 2024 – 1:15 PM

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

    Spokesperson Matthew Miller leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on October 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Vuk Talks Season 2 Episode 23 Kutlwano Moloi

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

    Kutlwano Christian-Tripp Moloi Is A 21-year-old Transformational Youth Leader and Development Agent. A South African Published & Gold-status Author with Over 90 000 Total Reads Globally – Ea ing Him an Impressive Achievement Of 9x Gold Trophies on Booksie Publications. A Multi Award-winning Creative, Recognised Business Leader at The Founder of The Year (FOYA) Awards, The Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands & Forty Under 40 South Africa. Kutlwano Is an Influential Thought Leader & Strategic Manager with Over 6 Years of Experience in Effectively Leading, Managing, And Developing Teams (including Remotely) To Achieve Desired Results for Projects, Departments, And Campaigns. An Entrepreneur and Skilled Critical Thinker. Keynote Speaker and High-Performance Coach. Moloi Is a Passionate Fitness/wellness Practitioner with A Strong Drive for Continuous Community and People Development – Especially in Local Townships. He`s Currently Leading Project These Amazing Projects: – Youth Empowerment Tour a Public Speaking Campaign That Aims to Eradicate Youth Unemployment and Foster a New Culture of Job Creation, Ownership, Wealth Creation, And the Elimination of Poverty by Empowering the Youth and Class Of 2023 with Practical Tools On Self-development And Entrepreneurship Training To Stimulate Economic Development. The Project Has Empowered Over 12 100 Students In South Africa. – Youth Fitness Movement A Community Initiative Designed to Help Young People in Local Townships Stay Fit and Healthy. The Project aims To Decrease the Levels of Substance Abuse and Addiction among the Youth. The Movement Has Impacted Over 150 Young People in Ghetto Townships. He Is the Author Of “Water Your Soul” (2022) and the Founder and CEO Of “Moloi Business Leadership Firm”.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uDHMca6cak

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Global: Madagascar’s mysterious Teniky rock architecture: study suggests a link to ancient Persia

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Guido Schreurs, Professor in Geology, University of Bern

    In the heart of Isalo National Park in central-southern Madagascar, at least 200km from the sea in any direction, is a remote valley with a mysterious past. This place, Teniky, can only be reached on foot, by hiking through a mountainous region dissected by steep canyons.

    Part of the Teniky site has been known for well over 100 years, as we know from names and dates scratched on the rocks there. Various visitors in the 1950s and 1960s with an interest in archaeology described an amphitheatre-shaped location with man-made terraces, a rock shelter with neatly constructed sandstone walls, a chamber cut into the rock with pillars and benches, and a large number of niches cut in the steep cliffs. Recesses are still visible around some of the niches, suggesting that they could be closed off by a wooden or stone slab.

    Among the suggested interpretations were that these structures had been made by shipwrecked Portuguese sailors, or Arabs, or even Phoenicians.

    No similar rock-cut architecture is known anywhere else in Madagascar or on the east African coast, 400km away.

    And until recently, no detailed archaeological studies had ever been carried out at Teniky.

    Madagascar’s past is still the subject of considerable debate. Situated in the south-western Indian Ocean, it is one of the last big islands to have been settled by humans. Genetic studies have identified the people of Madagascar as having come mainly from Africa and from Southeast Asia. Archaeology suggests that the first settlers arrived about 1,500 to 1,000 years ago. The earliest settlements studied have been located along the coast, close to river estuaries.

    Our archaeological study of Teniky, however, points to a new possibility: a former Persian presence in southern Madagascar about 1,000 years ago.

    What we found at Teniky

    Our study of high-resolution satellite images revealed the Teniky site was much larger than previously known. It showed there were more terraces and stone walls on a hill 2km to the west. This led us to take a closer look, hoping to get a better sense of who had lived there and when.

    During field prospecting on this hill we discovered niches, cut in the walls of a rock shelter, that had not been described before.

    Excavations at this rock shelter revealed more archaeological structures, including carved sandstone walls and a large stone basin.

    Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples from the site dated to the late 10th to mid-12th centuries AD. Pieces of ceramic items of southeast Asian and Chinese origin found there have been dated by a specialist to the 11th to 14th centuries AD.

    We also found sandstone quarries from which the stones used to build the walls at the rock shelters were extracted. And we found more stone basins on terraces.

    The terraces cover a total area of about 30 hectares, indicating that Teniky must have been a fair-sized settlement. Water is available all year round in the valley below, where people might have been able to plant crops, fish for eels or even keep cattle.

    Considering the dimensions, location and character of the rock-cut structures at Teniky, we think the niches and chambers served a ritual purpose.

    Who were the people who lived at Teniky?

    There is no other archaeological site like Teniky in Madagascar. So, the question arises as to what group of people settled there, far inland, and carved the niches and chambers in the cliff walls about 1,000 years ago. The presence of imported ceramics indicates that they took part in the Indian Ocean trade networks at the time but doesn’t tell us where they came from.

    We think the answer may lie in the style of the rock-cut niches.

    Rock architecture at Teniky, Madagascar. Courtesy Guido Schreurs.

    They are similar to rock niches of the first millennium or earlier in Iran (formerly Persia). Archaeologists have interpreted those as belonging to Zoroastrian communities, which used them as part of their funeral rites.

    Zoroastrianism was the dominant state religion of the Persian Sasanian Empire (224-656 AD). After the conquest of the Sasanian Empire by the Arabs in the mid-seventh century AD, Islam was imposed.

    Zoroastrian funeral rites do not allow direct burial in the ground, so as not to pollute the earth. Instead, dead bodies are left in places of exposure not touching the ground. Once the flesh has decomposed or been removed by animals, the bone remains are dried and placed in bone receptacles (ossuaries).

    We tentatively interpret the rock-cut architecture at Teniky as having been made by a community with Zoroastrian origins.

    The larger rock-cut niches might have been the places where the bodies of the dead were exposed, and the smaller niches with recesses might have served as ossuaries, closed off by a slab to protect the bones from the rain and thus to prevent them from polluting the earth.

    The stone basins at Teniky show stylistic similarities with those used in Zoroastrian ritual ceremonies to hold water or fire, both agents of ritual purity.

    Zoroastrians abroad

    There are few accounts of Madagascar written at the turn of the first and second millennia AD. Buzurg Ibn Shahriyar, a tenth-century Persian sailor and writer, collected stories from sailors in port towns on the Persian Gulf which suggest that Persian contacts with Madagascar may have existed then. The name Madagascar did not exist at that time but names like “Wak-wak” or “Qumr”/“Komr” may have referred to the island.




    Read more:
    Madagascar cave art hints at ancient connections between Africa and Asia


    Historical documents, archaeological excavations and genetic studies indicate that Zoroastrians left Iran and settled in western India in the late eighth century AD.

    Did they settle on the island of Madagascar too? If the rock-cut architecture and associated stone basins at Teniky are the work of a community with Zoroastrian origins, this would strongly point to a former Persian presence in southern Madagascar about 1,000 years ago.

    Many questions remain. We hope future studies will answer some of them.

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

    ref. Madagascar’s mysterious Teniky rock architecture: study suggests a link to ancient Persia – https://theconversation.com/madagascars-mysterious-teniky-rock-architecture-study-suggests-a-link-to-ancient-persia-240725

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Future of Great British Railways

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Secretary of State for Transport outlines next steps for rail reform in Britain during the Derby rail skills event.

    Good morning everyone and let me start by thanking Derby City Council for organising this event.

    It’s wonderful to be back in Derby – the future home of Great British Railways (GBR).

    But in many ways, this has always been the industry’s home.

    A city of train building – 180 years and counting – from the Derby Works to Alstom today.

    A city of innovation – from the first steel rails to the iconic railway roundhouse.

    And a city of heritage – from railway cottages to the Brunswick Inn pub, which I’m glad to see is still going strong.

    But Derby has never rested on historic laurels.

    Instead, it has renewed and reformed. 

    That roundhouse is now Derby College, producing the engineers of tomorrow.

    The once rail technical centre is now part of Europe’s biggest rail cluster, with 11,000 jobs.

    And the works at Litchurch Lane, that once produced Victorian train carriages, now making trains for London’s Elizabeth Line.

    That’s why this event matters.

    Because today isn’t just about this city’s proud rail history, but about reinforcing Derby’s central role in shaping rail’s future.

    And about celebrating the brilliant businesses of all shapes and sizes that make up the rail industry.

    State of rail

    Derby’s zeal for renewal and reform is shared by this government.

    Because after years of dysfunction and decline – how our economy is managed, how public services are run, how government works, all must return to the service of working people, wherever they live.

    That is the work of national renewal the Prime Minister has promised.

    And it starts with our railways.

    On entering office, we were under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge.

    A railway mired in industrial action – costing the economy the equivalent of nearly £3 million pounds a day.

    And performance levels that were simply not good enough, with cancellations at a 10-year high.

    All visible problems, but with deep roots.

    Fragmentation, lack of accountability and conflicting interests.

    The very industry weaknesses Keith Williams identified years ago, still remain.

    The lack of political leadership on rail has left an industry more comfortable looking inwards, that fails to pull together when things go wrong, that has lost focus on improving each part of people’s experience with the railways – so passengers don’t get the journeys they deserve.

    We’ve seen this with delays to long promised upgrades to the East Coast Mainline, or the confusing array of fares and tickets passengers have to navigate. 

    And the great irony of privatisation is that the part of the industry that works best, that innovates and pushes boundaries – the dynamic supply chain – has been stifled. But these issues are systemic – not individual.

    Because when I speak to the supply chain and station staff, to engineers and signalers, they all want what’s best for the passenger.

    All are committed, enthusiastic and ready to work across organisational boundaries to deliver a better railway.

    But currently, they have neither the tools, incentives nor backing to do so.

    It’s why, as Passenger in Chief, when I said I would oversee the biggest overhaul of our railways in a generation, a big part of that will be a cultural reset.

    Where every part of the workforce feels empowered to challenge the orthodoxy of years past, supported by an entirely new and reformed organisation – Great British Railways.

    Where we value diverse skills, build new capabilities and forge high-quality careers that attract the next generation.

    And where everyone understands how they contribute to a railway unashamedly focused on delivering for passengers and taxpayers.

    It will not be British Rail Rebooted or Network Rail 2.0 – but we’ll usher in a new era for the railways where every part of the industry is motivated and incentivised to deliver for the passenger.

    That’s my personal mission.

    To join you in a determined effort to get our railways working again – for passengers, for its workforce and for communities across Britain.

    Because our railways are essential to getting Britain growing and moving again.

    Industrial action

    Within months, we’ve begun the essential work of change.

    We’ve ended the longest ever national strike on our railways.

    Gone are the political gimmicks of years past, which not only prolonged industrial action but caused misery for passengers and cost the railways £850 million pounds.

    Within days of taking office, I spoke to all rail unions and hit reset.

    I was clear that if talks were needed, we would sit round in good faith.

    If compromises could be made, we would all make them.

    And if a deal could be struck, we would fight for a fair agreement for workers, passengers and taxpayers.

    A new, grown-up, approach – which put passengers first and politics second. And clears the way for vital workforce reform, to modernise our railways and do away with outdated working practices.

    Public Ownership Bill

    I’ve also fired the starting gun on rail reform.

    The Public Ownership Bill has passed the Commons and now awaits committee stage scrutiny in the Lords.

    It calls time on a broken model, one that repeatedly failed passengers and one that cost tens of millions of pounds in fees each year.

    It allows us to bring passenger services into public hands as contracts expire over the next 3 years.

    But I know passengers won’t wait that long for things to improve.

    They rightly deserve better than the status quo.

    So we will continue building capacity and expertise in the public sector, as it takes on additional services.

    And in the meantime, I won’t hesitate to take decisive action if operators don’t meet their obligations.

    It’s a message I’ve already delivered loud and clear to the Managing Directors of Avanti West Coast and Cross Country. And indeed, we have set new and clear expectations to those train operating companies already in public ownership.

    Reform

    Now, public ownership and resolving national strikes are just stops on the journey to reform, not the terminus.

    The Railways Bill, which we will introduce later this parliamentary session, will get the industry back on track.

    We’ll establish Great British Railways – a directing mind running the railways as one system, with a relentless focus on passengers.

    We’ll stop the blame game, by unifying track and train.

    We’ll grip the finances, led by passenger need and taxpayer value.

    And we’ll grow freight, unlocking new green growth.

    Delivering GBR in full will be the work of years, not months. It is the biggest reform agenda of this government.

    But again, we cannot afford to wait.

    Shadow GBR

    So I’ve taken decisive action to bring the industry together under Shadow Great British Railways and its new Chair Laura Shoaf.

    Laura brings a wealth of experience.

    And I’ve asked her specifically to lay the foundations of culture change the industry needs.

    That, of course, means getting the basics right with performance, but it also means encouraging innovation at every opportunity.

    So, under her leadership, the heads of Network Rail, DOHL, and DfT’s rail services group – the people in charge of track and train – will work closer than ever before to set the tone of reform and deliver immediate improvements. 

    On performance: nowhere near good enough across the board, but not helped by the labyrinth of different contracts, measures and incentives at play.

    Different targets lead to competing priorities.

    And operational decisions that make sense in one part of the industry, can lead to worse outcomes overall – with passengers inevitably bearing the brunt.

    So, I will soon set out new performance measures, ensuring a more consistent and transparent approach.

    We’ll end the boom-and-bust approach to investment projects.

    Replacing it with a long term strategy for rolling stock – essential for the industry here in Derby.

    After years of government uncertainty and mixed messages, this will give the supply chain the certainty it needs to plan and invest.

    And finally, we’re reviewing fares and ticketing. Not just to unblock barriers to reform, but to urgently get passengers back on board with new exciting campaigns.

    That starts early next year, with a new ‘rail sale’ to coincide with the 200-year anniversary of the first passenger service.

    It will offer up to half price Advance and Off-peak fares – to get Britain moving, to connect our communities and to give back to passengers, who for too long have paid more and more for less and less.

    These first steps are important, as we start restoring some national pride to this industry and building the railway of tomorrow.

    Conclusion

    I began by talking about Derby, and it’s also a good place to end.

    We are standing in the biggest concentration of rail innovation and expertise in Europe.

    Around 600 rail companies, employing 45,000 people, have chosen to co-locate in the East Midlands.

    And it’s easy to see why.

    We have Derby University’s Rail Research Innovation Centre, Network Rail’s testing facility at Tuxford, Alstom’s world leading manufacturing facility and maintenance hubs for Sperry Rail and Railcare.

    All will soon be joined by GBR, providing the leadership this industry has sorely needed.

    Working in partnership – government and industry – to build a renewed and reformed railway, fit for the future, fit for Britain.

    A new era for our railways and a new era for Derby.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI model that checks for skin cancer shows promise

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 17 October 2024 at 14:45

    Research found model outperformed existing methods of finding suspicious lesions

    Scientists in the East of England have developed a way of using artificial intelligence to check for skin cancer, with the AI tool outperforming existing methods in a new study.

    Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, Check4Cancer, University of Essex and Addenbrooke’s Hospital worked on the AI model which was trained on data from 53,601 skin lesions from 25,105 patients.

    In this study, researchers used machine learning and combination theory to distil 22 clinical features down to the seven most important that predict if a skin lesion might be suspicious or not. These features include: whether the lesion has recently changed size, colour or shape; whether the lesion was pink or inflamed; and hair colour at age 15.

    Researchers applied proportional weighting to these seven features to create the new C4C Risk Score which has an accuracy of 69%. In the study it significantly outperformed existing methods such as 7PCL (62%) and Williams score (60%).

    Some of the new risk factors they discovered, such as lesion age, pinkness, and hair colour, were important for all types of skin cancer but were not included in the older methods, which only focused on melanoma, a specific type of skin cancer.

    Professor Gordon Wishart, Visiting Professor of Cancer Surgery at Anglia Ruskin University and Chief Medical Officer at Check4Cancer, said:

    “This study shows the importance of using clinical data in skin lesion classification, which should help to improve the detection of skin cancer.

    “Our new AI model, which combines the C4C risk score together with skin lesion images, could lead to a reduction in the need for patient referrals for biopsies, shorter waiting times for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, and improved outcomes for patients.”

    Consultant Plastic Surgeon Per Hall, who recently retired from Addenbrooke’s, said:

    “The added value that this paper brings is the ability to help identify patients whose skin lesions are suspicious enough to justify onward referral for face-to-face analysis.  

    “Emphasis in the past has been on pigmented lesions and melanoma but other things grow on the skin that need sorting out such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas.  

    “The NHS is deluged with referrals for skin lesion analysis – the vast majority are in fact innocent.  This work is geared towards sifting out lesions that are potentially serious and identifying those patients whose skin is more prone to developing cancers so they can be seen quickly.”

    The study, which was part-funded by a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Grant from Innovate UK, was published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports.

    It is hoped that regulatory approval for the AI model can be given in 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Help the Big Guitar-in to hit the high notes

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Calling Liverpool’s guitarists! Can you help set a record at St George’s Hall in December?

    The Big Guitar-In is ready to strike a chord for the third consecutive year and organisers hope they can tempt more than 600 musicians into the Great Hall on 3 December for an extraordinary evening of music, community spirit, and a hopefully record-setting performance.

    Organisers The Florrie are looking for at least 601 musicians to join them in December to break last year’s record of 600 performers and everyone is invited – from beginners to seasoned professionals – to join in the collective performance.

    Last year, guitarists played alongside special guests such as The Bluebells and Brain Nash and this year’s event is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever, with a new lineup to be announced soon. The Big Guitar-In 2024 promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    Proceeds from the event will support The Florrie’s continuing mission to preserve its historic Grade II-listed building, allowing them to continue serving the Liverpool L8 community as a vital social, cultural, and charitable hub.

    Tickets for both performers and spectators are available online

    Doors are open at 5pm and the performance starts at 6pm.

    Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, said: “The Big Guitar-In is a fantastic way to bring the community together through music. Events like this not only showcase Liverpool’s rich cultural scene but also promote wellbeing, as music has a unique way of lifting spirits and connecting people. I’m thrilled to see it return to St George’s Hall and look forward to seeing even more people pick up a guitar and join in.”

    Timothy Tierney, community coordinator at The Florrie, said: “If you’ve come along to any of The Florrie’s past Big Guitar events you will know how good they make you feel!

    “Singing and playing music together is wonderful and to do it in one of Liverpool most prestigious buildings is something that most people don’t get to experience. The Florrie Guitar Group supports people of all ages from eight to 89 all year round, building friendships, boosting mental health and confidence. It’s great to be heading back to St George’s Hall to share the group with people from across the city and further afield.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU students make final of national AT Awards

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 17 October 2024 at 14:32

    Harriet and Rebecca shortlisted for their architectural technology projects

    Two Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) students have made the six-person shortlist for best project at the AT Awards, which recognise excellence in architectural technology.

    Harriet Key and Rebecca Wakely have both been named finalists for the Student Award for Excellence in Architectural Technology at the annual awards, which are organised by the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT).

    Harriet and Rebecca study at ARU’s School of Architecture and Planning in Chelmsford, and have been shortlisted for projects they have completed as part of their ARU courses. 

    Rebecca, who lives in Godmanchester, designed The Octagon, a proposal for a sustainable community arts and cultural hub in the centre of Ely, while Harriet, who lives in Attleborough, has been shortlisted for Cranwood Residence, a design for a zero carbon, multi-generational housing development in Haringey, London.

    Mark Tree, Interim Head of Engineering and the Built Environment at ARU, said:

    “Congratulations to both Rebecca and Harriet for making the shortlist of the prestigious AT Awards this year – we’re extremely proud of their achievements. 

    “We were all incredibly impressed by the design projects they submitted, so it is pleasing that these also caught the eye of the awards judges. We are delighted with their deserved recognition.”

    For more information about the courses offered by ARU’s School of Architecture and Planning, visit https://www.aru.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/engineering-and-the-built-environment/school-of-architecture-and-planning 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hartford Healthcare Partners Visit the School of Nursing

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    First-year students in Dr. Marianne (Mimi) Snyder’s class were visited on Thursday, Oct. 10 by UConn’s partners at Hartford Healthcare (HHC) to explore and discuss potential employment and career opportunities. 

    Over 100 first-year and a few undergraduate students participated in two career exploration sessions spearheaded by the Hartford Healthcare Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Leadership Team.

    Norma, Meaghan, Roxanne, and Clara from Hartford Healthcare posing in Widmer Wing Lobby

    Roxanne, Clara, and Meaghan showcased the HHC Center for Nursing Excellence, highlighting their areas of focus and transition to practice, including pathways for professional development. Thereafter, Norma covered benefits, the RN student debt assistance program, and how to sign up for roles such as patient care assistant, student nurse technician, and health science roles. Getting into these careers can really set students up for success in the health care field. 

    The NPDs gave students a preview of their own personal work experience while they, themselves, were attending school full-time. According to the team, “The faculty and students were particularly interested in hearing about our entry-level careers as patient care technician/patient care assistant, student nurse technician, and a variety of health science roles from phlebotomy/laboratory assistant to rehab aid.” 

    They go on to say, “Students were amazing – attentive, engaged, and eager to learn while posing questions. We appreciate Dr. Snyder’s commitment to student professional career development and can’t thank her enough for hosting these sessions with HHC!” 

    UConn Nursing is committed to fostering partnerships with local institutions like Hartford Healthcare who share the same core values and offer educational and work opportunities to nursing students throughout their time at UConn and beyond. 

    “It was a pleasure having the Nursing Professional Development (NPD) Leadership Team from Hartford Healthcare meet with our first-year nursing students and share with them the many clinical opportunities available at Hartford Healthcare while they are still in school and after they graduate,” says Dr. Snyder. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Director of School of Public Policy Angela Eikenberry Named COPRA Chair

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Angela Eikenberry, professor and director of the School of Public Policy, was appointed as the Chair of the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) for the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration for the 2024-2025 term.  

    Eikenberry has been a member of the Commission since 2021 and brings expertise and experience in advancing public service programs. 

    COPRA is a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accreditation body for master’s degree programs in public and nonprofit policy, affairs, and administration globally. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Advisory: media invited to view aircraft, equipment slated to map Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin critical mineral potential during low-level flights

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Members of the news media are invited to attend a media day at the Dubuque Regional Airport to see firsthand the aircraft and equipment that will be used to image geology during a U.S. Geological Survey Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI) low-level airborne survey of the tristate region later this month. The aircraft will fly about 100 to 200 feet above the land surface. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: National Fuel Schedules Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. , Oct. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) today announced it will release its fourth quarter fiscal 2024 earnings results on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 after market close.

    A conference call to discuss the results will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET. Prepared remarks from the executive team are planned for approximately 20 minutes followed by a question and answer session.

    All participants must pre-register to join this conference using the Participant Registration link.

    A webcast link to the conference call will be provided under the Events Calendar on the NFG Investor Relations website at investor.nationalfuelgas.com.

    A replay will be available following the call through the end of the day, Thursday, November 14, 2024. To access the replay, dial 1-866-813-9403 and provide Access Code 646147.

    For additional information, contact:

    Natalie Fischer, Director of Investor Relations (716) 857-7315
    Kathryn Nikisch-Hoffman, Equity Plan Administrator (716) 857-7340
    Karen Merkel, Media Contact (716) 857-7654

    Email: nfg_investor_relations@natfuel.com

    National Fuel is a diversified energy company headquartered in Western New York that operates an integrated collection of natural gas assets across four business segments: Exploration & Production, Pipeline & Storage, Gathering, and Utility. Additional information about National Fuel is available at http://www.nationalfuel.com.

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