Source: United States Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/16/2024 02:45 PM EDT
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News Release |
U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska |
10/16/2024 02:21 PM EDT
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The St. Stephen RCMP is seeking the public’s help in connection with three structure fires in the Honeydale area, N.B.
On October 13, 2024, at approximately 4:25 a.m., members of the St. Stephen RCMP, and the Lawrence Station Fire Department, responded to a report of structure fire on Richardson Road, in Honeydale. The same night, at approximately 5:30 a.m., members of the St. Stephen detachment, and the Lawrence Station Fire Department, responded to a report of structure fire on Highway 127, near Tryon Road. While on scene, members were notified of a third structure fire on Richardson Road, in Honeydale.
Through the investigation, it was determined that the fires had been intentionally set using the same method. All three structures were abandoned, and no one was injured.
Anyone with information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the St. Stephen RCMP at 506-466-7030. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.
The Office of the New Brunswick Fire Marshal is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
October 16, 2024 – Erie, PA
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the relaunch of the Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) that will invest $4 million in businesses working to expand access to fresh food across Pennsylvania. At Erie Food Co-op, Redding toured upgrades, funded by an FFFI grant during the COVID-19 pandemic, that are helping the business to connect the community with fresh, more affordable local food.
Governor Josh Shapiro devoted $2 million per year in each of his first two bipartisan state budgets to revive the initiative previously been funded with federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) dollars. Legislation giving the PA Department of Agriculture authority to spend the money followed in 2024.
“Pennsylvania farmers are at the top of their game at producing fresh, healthy food, Secretary Redding said. “But too many families struggle to find – or afford — fresh food in their communities, and their health suffers. Fresh Food Financing grants help grocery stores and markets in those communities expand to meet that need. The initiative is one more way the Shapiro Administration is investing in opportunities for Pennsylvania farms, food businesses, and families to succeed.”
Speakers Include:
Leanna Nieratko (CEO, food co-op)
Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding
Sarah Parker (farmer, Parable Farm)
Rep. Bob Merski
Sen. Dan Laughlin
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
October 16, 2024 – Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Val Arkoosh today joined representatives from Self Advocates United as 1, the Arc of Pennsylvania, and Disability Rights Pennsylvania to share resources that are available to help eligible Pennsylvanians with disabilities prepare for the November 5 General Election and exercise their right to vote.
“DHS works every day to help Pennsylvanians with disabilities live independently among family, friends, and neighbors so they may fully participate in that community. That includes doing our civic duty by exercising our right to vote,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “The right to vote is core to our democracy, and all Pennsylvanians should know that their right is honored and protected here in our Commonwealth, and resources are available for voters with disabilities to make sure they have what they need to cast their vote in this November’s election.”
Resources and accommodations are available at all steps of the voting process to make voting accessible for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
Speakers in Order:
Val Arkoosh – Secretary, PA Department of HumanServices (DHS)
Sonny O’Callaghan – Self Advocates United as 1
Peri Jude Radecic – CEO, Disability Rights Pennsylvania
Sherri Landis – Executive Director, the Arc of Pennsylvania
Source: European Central Bank
Ljubljana, 16 October 2024
It is a pleasure to be here this evening.
Not far from here, tucked away in the National and University Library, lie copies of the Abecedarium and the Catechism. These two texts, written by the religious reformer Primož Trubar in 1550, were the first ever books to be printed in Slovenian.[1]
At a time when German was the language of the ruling classes, Trubar’s pioneering act was fundamental in helping to establish the national identity of Slovenians.[2]
Today, his portrait graces the €1 coin in Slovenia, framed by the famous words found in the Catechism, “Stati inu Obstati” – “to stand and withstand”.[3]
It is telling that both books – one a primer for the Slovenian language, the other guidelines for religious observance – were designed to teach, for there is much that Europe can learn from Slovenia in the uncertain world we now face.
The global order we knew is fading. Open trade is being replaced with fragmented trade, multilateral rules with state-sponsored competition and stable geopolitics with conflict.
Europe had invested considerably in the old order, so this transition is challenging for us. As the most open of the major economies, we are more exposed than others.
So, in this new landscape, we too must learn “to stand and withstand”. And we can do so by drawing on two valuable lessons from Ljubljana.
The first lesson is that uncertainty can create opportunity.
While many in Europe are anxious about the future, Slovenians are no strangers to uncertainty.
Within a single generation, Slovenia made a success of the extraordinarily difficult transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Policymakers defied the odds by implementing tough structural reforms to first join the EU and, later, the euro area.
Today, Slovenia is a success story. It is a developed, stable and high-income economy, with the highest GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of central and eastern European countries (CEECs).
The nation’s success owes much to the creativity and vigour of its people and their innate ability to seize economic turning points and transform them into opportunities.
For example, when Slovenia joined the EU, it was exposed to greater levels of competition from other Member States in the economic bloc.
But Slovenia quickly capitalised on its skilled workforce to develop a new business model based on deep integration in the Single Market. Today, every single car produced in Europe has at least one component that is made in Slovenia.[4]
For Europe, the changes in the global economy today represent a similar turning point. But if we approach it with the right spirit, I believe it can be an opportunity for renewal.
A less favourable global economy can push us to complete our domestic market. Fiercer foreign competition can encourage us to develop new technologies. More volatile geopolitics can drive us to become more energy secure and self-sufficient in our supply chains.
For Slovenia, the transformation of the automotive supply chain will be a particular challenge. But the economy is already adapting. For example, in July this year Slovenia secured a major investment in domestic electric vehicle production.[5]
For many Slovenians, striding into an unpredictable future may seem like second nature.
One of your most famous paintings, “The Sower”, hangs on display here at the National Gallery. Depicting an agricultural labourer at the crack of dawn hard at work sowing seeds in a field, the painting represents Slovenians’ resolute determination in the face of uncertainty.
The rest of us in Europe will need to draw on this example in the uncertain times ahead. If we do so, we can also turn uncertainty into opportunity.
The second lesson from Slovenia is that the benefits of change can – and should – be more widely shared.
The path of renewal for Europe is inescapably linked with new technology, especially digitalisation. But new technologies can sometimes lead to uneven labour market outcomes.
Slovenia has undergone remarkable technological change over the past 20 years. Today, the country’s level of digital development is 7% above the CEEC average and it can compete with some of the most digitally developed EU countries in certain areas.[6]
Yet Slovenia’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – is the second lowest in the OECD.[7] The country also benefits from high levels of gender equality. Female labour force participation is higher than the EU average and nearly equal to that of men.[8]
Many in Europe are worried about the challenges ahead, such as the effects of artificial intelligence on social inclusion. But we should let Slovenia’s example inspire us.
With the right approach, we can move forward and become more technologically advanced while ensuring everyone can benefit from the gains.
And when everyone benefits, Europe benefits too. Over three-quarters of citizens in Slovenia feel attached to Europe, and almost two-thirds identify as both Slovenian and European – levels that are well above their respective EU averages.[9]
Let me conclude.
In today’s uncertain world, Europe must learn “to stand and withstand”. And it can do so by looking to Slovenia as an example of how to overcome challenges that come its way.
First, we must work hard to sow the seeds of success. And then, as the folk singer Vlado Kreslin sings, “vse se da” – “everything is possible”.
Thank you.
Source: US State of Pennsylvania
October 15, 2024 – Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson was joined by Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis for one of Johnson’s “Peace Not Guns” roundtable discussions, speaking with victims of gun violence and local leaders about the reinvigorated state Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The discussion featured more than a dozen victims and co-victims of gun violence in Philadelphia.
“The voices of those who have been impacted by gun violence should be at the center of every conversation we have about gun violence,” said Lt. Gov. Davis, who chairs the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). “We want to hear from those who have been injured and those who have lost loved ones, as our Office of Gun Violence Prevention works to develop a plan to address this epidemic and continues our initiative to improve services and support for gun violence victims. I look forward to partnering with the Council President and the City of Philadelphia in our effort to make our neighborhoods and communities safer.”
“I want to thank Lt. Gov. Austin Davis for coming to Philadelphia to hear from individuals and families impacted by gun violence and children who live with this issue,” Council President Johnson (Second District) said. “I have held Peace Not Guns discussions for years so elected officials can have open conversations with the leaders and advocates to hear from them what are some of the root causes of the shootings happening in Philadelphia and throughout the Commonwealth and what are some short-term and long-term solutions to solving the problem.”
Speakers Include:
Kenyatta Johnson, Philadelphia City Council President
Lt. Gov Austin Davis
Joseph Douglas, Impact Services
Tyrique Glasgow, Young Chances Foundation
Adam Garber, Ceasefire PA
Chantay Love, EMIR Healing Center
Taj Murdoch, Men of Courage
Zarinah Loamax, The Apologues
Ant Brown, Always Be Real Original
Rickey Duncan, NOMO Foundation
Joshu Harris, Philadelphia Office of Public Safety
Adam Geer, Chief Public Safety Director
Adam Combs, Esq., Philadelphia Victim Advocate
Shania Bennett, Office of Youth Engagement
Michelle Kerr-Spry, Mothers In Charge
Anton Moore, Unity in the Community
Zachary Frazier, Trust Factor
Pastor Carl Day, Culture Changing Christians Inc.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Association of Manufacturers released its “Economic Benefits of U.S. LNG Exports” report, highlighting the positive impact American liquified natural gas (LNG) has on the economy, as well as the prospective damage of the Biden-Harris administration’s ban on LNG export permits.
The report found that U.S. LNG exports currently support 222,450 jobs, resulting in $23.2 billion in labor income, while adding $43.8 billion of value to the American economy. It also found that the Biden-Harris January 2024 ban on LNG exports, if continued, could cost an estimated 900,000 jobs, $216 billion of economic growth, and cause American communities to lose $48 billion in tax and royalty revenues by 2044.
In July, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) led over 50 of his colleagues in a bipartisan call for the White House to expedite approvals of new LNG export permits after a federal judge blocked the administration’s ban on new exports.
“Since their first day in office, President Biden and Vice President Harris have launched a unilateral assault on American oil and gas, choking the lifeblood of our economy, crushing consumers with high energy costs, and sending oil production overseas – enriching our adversaries like Russia and China,” said Chairman Arrington in a July statement. “Thankfully, the Biden-Harris ban on American LNG export permits was blocked. Yet, their administration is still dragging its heels on approving these permits in an attempt to placate the far-Left. It’s critical that the DOE swiftly approve stalled export permit applications to strengthen our economy, bolster our energy security, and restore American energy dominance.”
###
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring that every newcomer can thrive and reach their highest potential in the province. Newcomers play a vital role in Alberta’s economy, helping to address skills shortages in key sectors such as health care and construction. The Summit will explore pathways to newcomer success that support Alberta’s economic growth.
The theme of this year’s summit is “Celebrating Trades and Professions in Alberta,” and will highlight real-life success stories. The Summit brings together key partners from across Alberta to discuss actions that will benefit newcomers and all Albertans, and demonstrate how the skilled trades and regulated professions can offer clear pathways to financial stability and success for newcomers. Attendees will include representatives from newcomer serving organizations, post-secondary institutions, select Alberta regulatory bodies, trades unions and industry.
“A major part of the Alberta Advantage is the people who contribute to our communities, our economy and our prosperity. As Alberta’s economy continues to build momentum, we’re seeing a growing need for skilled labour in many areas. We know many newcomers have the skills and experience to fill those jobs, so it’s critical we create an environment where foreign trade credentials are recognized more quickly and with less red tape.”
Key topics at this year’s summit include:
Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s former minister of labour, will deliver a keynote speech to share his insights on labour, training and skills development, including groundbreaking efforts to support newcomers in the workforce.
“Newcomers bring invaluable skills, ideas and perspectives that enrich our workforce and communities. With the right support and recognition of their international skills, newcomers can thrive in the skilled trades and regulated professions. These professions are more than just jobs; they are pathways to prosperity.”
“Each story shared at this summit serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of newcomers. These stories of success demonstrate that with the right support and recognition, newcomers can thrive and drive innovation in our economy.”
Advanced Education continues to work collaboratively with other jurisdictions to streamline the recognition of international trade credentials, allowing more newcomers to work in their trade in Alberta without repeating training or exams.
Source: Government of Canada News
Piikani First Nation and Minister Hajdu to announce an infrastructure project for the Piikani Nation on October 17.
Calgary, Alberta — Please be advised that Chief Troy Knowlton of the Piikani Nation and the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, will make a funding announcement related to an infrastructure project for the community.
Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 11:15 a.m. (MT)
Venue open to media beginning at 10:45 a.m.
Where:
Delta Hotels Calgary South
Kananaskis Ballroom
135 Southland Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2J 5X5
Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu
Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca
Wayne Provost
Communications Officer
Peigan Board of Education
wprovost@piikani.ca
403-360-7729
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
“There was a need to gather our efforts, to work in an efficient and very concrete way hence the launch of the Atoms4Food initiative. With the Atoms4Food initiative, we are able to assist Member States in their efforts in areas from soil and water management to pest control,” said Mr Grossi. “Our responsibility goes beyond policy—it’s to deal with the problem. Addressing the problems that science reveals is paramount. For over 60 years, the IAEA and FAO have been at the forefront of turning knowledge into action.”
This year, the IAEA and FAO celebrates the 60th anniversary of its Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. The Joint Centre supports countries in building capacity to apply nuclear and related techniques that help to cultivate stronger, healthier and more nutritious crops as well as build sustainable food systems that are resilient to climate change.
Addressing participants at the same event, Mr Dongyu, Director General of the FAO emphasized the collaboration and partnership between the two agencies.
“Only these two organizations in the UN system, FAO and IAEA have enjoyed more than 60 years of physical collaboration. We have done this through the Seibersdorf laboratories.”
The IAEA, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), works with scientists around the world to increase crop yields, boost biodiversity with new varieties and enhance climate smart agriculture, helping farmers use soil, water and nutrient resources more efficiently and sustainably. They also help ensure that food is safe to eat, boosting exports and helping reduce food loss.
For example, through climate-smart agriculture, scientists in Kenya are using nuclear science to help farmers improve their planting practices and use water resources more sustainably amid changing climate patterns, bolstering food security in the country.
New crop varieties such as mung beans and chickpeas that can withstand periods of drought, saline soils or invasive pests are being developed by the IAEA through a process called mutation breeding . This is when irradiation is used to accelerate the natural evolution of plants to create adapted varieties with improved traits. Since its first use in 1964 it helped create more than 3400 crop varieties around the world.
The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre sent seeds to the International Space Station in 2022 to explore the effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity on plant genetics. Scientists are now analysing the space-induced mutations to identify the specific traits it generated and compare it with these induced in laboratories. Techniques such as food irradiation, a gentle and non-invasive technology that preserves the nutritional content, flavour and overall quality of food products, exemplify nuclear science’s role in food safety.
Another way to reduce food loss is the environmentally friendly sterile insect technique (SIT). Each year, up to 40 per cent of global crop production is lost to plant pests and diseases. In Senegal, SIT has been employed to successfully control tsetse flies in the Niayes Region.
The IAEA also provides countries with the equipment and training necessary to use nuclear techniques to tackle malnutrition.
The Joint Centre cooperates with more than 400 research institutions and laboratories to support countries by providing the necessary expertise, training, and equipment .
The work of the IAEA also extends to enhancing food safety, by applying nuclear techniques to detect possible contaminants.
The IAEA and FAO launched a flagship Atoms4Food Initiative last year to expand the use of innovative nuclear techniques through the 7 services to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce food losses, ensure food safety, improve nutrition, and adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Source: Government of Canada regional news
October 16, 2024
Proposed Amendments Would Make It Easier for Municipalities to Update Zoning Bylaws: Bushie
The Manitoba government has introduced amendments to the Planning Act and the City of Winnipeg Charter Act that would change the appeals process for zoning changes by removing a requirement that made it difficult for municipalities to change local zoning bylaws and allowing faster new housing construction, Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Ian Bushie announced today.
“This amendment is an important tool for municipalities to create new housing in a way that would reduce challenges currently associated with the public appeals process,” said Bushie. “Municipalities in all regions of the province would be able to act swiftly and effectively to address local housing shortages and incentivize the development of new housing.”
The proposed legislative amendments would require 300 eligible persons to object in order to trigger a public appeal to the Manitoba Municipal Board, up from 25 eligible persons, in Winnipeg, Brandon and other municipalities and planning districts with a population over 6,000 per census population.
In municipalities and planning districts with a population under 6,000, the proposed amendments would increase the number of local objectors required to trigger a referral to the greater of 100 eligible persons or five per cent of the census population. These legislative changes are expected to result in faster, clearer decisions and reduce the cost and length of potential delays.
“The Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) appreciates this initial step in raising the objector threshold, which will not only reduce unnecessary costs and delays but also help restore greater municipal autonomy,” said Kathy Valentino, interim president, AMM. “These legislative amendments also mark a positive move toward balancing local voices with the need for efficient development, and we look forward to continued collaboration in shaping policies that reflect the unique interests of all local councils.”
Bushie said this amendment is the first of other potential changes arising from the government’s commitment to review Bill 37, the Planning Amendment and City of Winnipeg Charter Amendment Act, speed up approval timelines and make sure local voices are respected. To that end, Municipal and Northern Relations is undergoing a statutory review of planning legislation. The province expects phase two consultations to be complete by the end of October, noted the minister.
– 30 –
Source: Apple
Headline: Apple expands tools to help businesses connect with customers
October 16, 2024
UPDATE
Apple expands tools to help businesses connect with customers
With Apple Business Connect, businesses of all sizes, regardless of whether they have a physical location, can create a brand that appears to over 1 billion Apple users
For the first time, businesses of all sizes around the world — even those without a brick-and-mortar presence — can manage the way they appear to over 1 billion Apple users using Apple Business Connect. Any verified business can now create a consistent brand and location presence across apps that customers use every day, including Apple Maps, Wallet, and Mail.
“We’re excited to offer all businesses — including those without a physical location — the ability to create a brand that appears across the Apple apps that over a billion people use every day,” said David Dorn, Apple’s senior director of Internet Software and Services Product. “We designed Business Connect to empower businesses to present the best, most accurate information to Apple users. With today’s updates, we’re helping even more businesses reach customers, build trust, and grow.”
Tools to Help Every Business Grow
Since last year, businesses have been able to claim and manage their location place cards through Business Connect, including adding and updating photos and logos; inviting customers to take actions like ordering food or making a reservation directly from the place card; and presenting customers with special promotions.
Now, every business — including those that provide a service or operate fully online or without a physical location — can register for Business Connect to create a visual brand identity, making it easier to connect with customers and build trust.
New Features in Business Connect
Through new capabilities within Business Connect, businesses can sign up to display their brand in the Mail and Phone apps, and customize their logo in Tap to Pay on iPhone.
With Branded Mail, businesses can display their brand name and logo in emails to customers, so their emails stand out in the Mail app and are more easily recognizable. Businesses can sign up for Branded Mail today, and their logo will begin appearing to customers later this year.
Additionally, businesses can now choose to display their logo, rather than a category icon, when accepting payments through Tap to Pay on iPhone, so customers know they’re making a payment to a trusted and verified business.
Next year, businesses will also be able to register for Business Caller ID. Their name, logo, and department appear on the inbound call screen when they contact customers, helping to distinguish verified businesses from spam callers and other unwanted outreach.
How to Register
Owners of virtual, online, and service businesses can now use their existing Apple Account — or create a new Apple Account — to register for Business Connect at the self-service website from any cell phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop computer. Once a business has signed up, they can begin to customize their brand for free. Businesses can also manage their location presence at scale through listing management agencies like DAC Group, Rio SEO, SOCi, Uberall, and Yext.
For inquiries about Business Connect, businesses can refer to the user guide or log a ticket with Business Connect support.
Press Contacts
Julia Schechter
Apple
Apple Media Helpline
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
16 October 2024 at 22:30 EET
Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 16.10.2024
Espoo, Finland – On 16 October 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:
| Trading venue (MIC Code) | Number of shares | Weighted average price / share, EUR* |
| XHEL | 1,622,961 | 4.08 |
| CEUX | 700,000 | 4.07 |
| BATE | – | – |
| AQEU | – | – |
| TQEX | – | – |
| Total | 2,322,961 | 4.08 |
* Rounded to two decimals
On 25 January 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The first phase of the share buyback program started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia decided to accelerate the share buybacks by increasing the number of shares to be repurchased during the year 2024. The post-increase repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 22 July 2024 and end by 31 December 2024 with a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 600 million for all purchases during 2024.
Total cost of transactions executed on 16 October 2024 was EUR 9,468,621. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 172,236,598 treasury shares.
Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.
On behalf of Nokia Corporation
BofA Securities Europe SA
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.
As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
Inquiries:
Nokia Communications
Phone: +358 10 448 4900
Email: press.services@nokia.com
Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications
Nokia Investor Relations
Phone: +358 40 803 4080
Email: investor.relations@nokia.com
Attachment
Source: European Investment Bank
Ivana Živković emphasised: “While the resilience of Ukrainians fills me with hope, the continuous attacks threaten to erase the hard-won gains from our joint recovery efforts. We must remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine and ensure that the lessons learned here are reflected in our response. Trust among our partnerships has enabled us to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of Ukraine. Our focus is not just on rebuilding infrastructure but on empowering local communities to lead their own recovery. This is how we ensure resilience and sustainability.”
These recovery projects are supported by international partners but are fully managed by local governments, whose leadership is crucial to their success, as they are tailored to each community’s needs. Two Ukrainian mayors shared details of the recovery projects currently underway in their regions, showcasing Ukraine’s resilient spirit that thrives even in the smallest communities. Both leaders exemplify proactive local governance as they address the challenges of recovering from war damages, accommodating displaced persons, and developing their villages to flourish amid ongoing adversities and the pressures of modern urbanisation trends.
Mykhailo Demchenko, Head of the Stryzhavka Territorial Community in Vinnytsia Region, said: “In Stryzhavka, we are working on key projects that include the construction of a new administrative building and major repairs to two local schools recently inaugurated. These initiatives, part of the Ukraine Recovery Programme, are essential for restoring not only infrastructure but also community spirit and functionality. With support from the EU Delegation, the EIB and UNDP, we’re building a brighter future for our residents and the internally displaced persons (IDPs) we are hosting.”
Ruslan Yaremchuk, Head of the Palanka Territorial Community in Cherkasy Region stated: “Our community is focused on rebuilding educational institutions that were severely damaged during the war, including the Palanka Lyceum and Horodetska Secondary School. We are also renovating the Palanka kindergarten, ensuring that our youngest residents have a safe place to learn. These projects, with a total investment of over €4 million, are vital for the long-term resilience of Palanka.”
Recovery efforts and long-term reforms are vital
The event’s panel discussion was moderated by Kristina Mikulova, head of the EIB Regional Hub for Eastern Europe and focused on the evolving needs of Ukraine. Vsevolod Chentsov, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the European Union, highlighted the country’s urgent priorities, particularly ahead of the upcoming winter: “The ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes have devastated 9 GW of Ukraine’s energy generation capacity, leaving us in an urgent and critical situation. The European Union’s financial backing, which has already provided €2 billion in aid, and the contributions from member states, including funds from frozen Russian assets, are crucial to preventing a worst-case scenario this winter.”
Anna Jarosz Friis, Director of the Ukraine Service at DG NEAR, emphasised the European Commission’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through the Ukraine Facility 2024-2027, which aims to address both immediate recovery needs and long-term reforms. Violaine Silvestro von Kameke, Principal Advisor at the EIB, illustrated the tangible impact of recent projects she inaugurated, showcasing how EIB framework loans have improved lives across more than 120 communities. Additionally, Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, shared valuable insights from UNDP’s extensive crisis response work, drawing parallels between Ukraine’s early recovery efforts and similar initiatives in other fragile environments worldwide.
Looking ahead: building a resilient future for Ukraine
As Ukraine navigates the ongoing challenges posed by the war, international support remains crucial. The EU-EIB-UNDP partnership will continue to play a pivotal role in meeting both immediate recovery needs and long-term investment goals, particularly as Ukraine strives for EU accession. The event highlighted the progress made so far, while acknowledging the long road ahead for rebuilding a resilient and sustainable Ukraine.
Source: Securities and Exchange Commission
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that RTX Corporation, a Virginia-based aerospace and defense company, agreed to pay more than $124 million to resolve charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) in connection with payments made to assist in obtaining contracts with the Qatari military. RTX, which was named Raytheon Technologies Corp. until 2023, was formed after the 2020 merger of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corp. (collectively, Raytheon).
According to the SEC’s order, Raytheon used sham subcontracts with a supplier to pay bribes of nearly $2 million to Qatari military and other officials from 2011 to 2017 to obtain Qatari military defense contracts. Additionally, the order finds that from the early 2000s into 2020, Raytheon paid more than $30 million to a Qatari agent who was a relative of the Qatari Emir and who, despite being retained as Raytheon’s representative in Qatar, had no prior background in military defense contracting. Raytheon obtained additional defense contracts through the agent under circumstances with significant corruption risks. The order finds that Raytheon continued working with the agent even after numerous Raytheon employees raised concerns about risks of corruption and despite a lack of adequate documentation of the agent’s services.
“The penalty in this case reflects the significant misconduct by Raytheon and the need for global companies to implement meaningful internal accounting controls that ensure that payments to intermediaries are not used to circumvent the restrictions of the FCPA,” said Charles E. Cain, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s FCPA Unit.
The SEC’s order finds that Raytheon violated the antibribery, internal accounting controls, and books and records provisions of the FCPA. Raytheon consented to the entry of the SEC’s order requiring it to cease and desist from committing or causing any future violations and to pay disgorgement and prejudgment interest of approximately $49 million and a civil penalty of $75 million, $22.5 million of which will be offset by a criminal fine in a parallel criminal action. As part of the resolution, Raytheon must retain an independent compliance monitor for three years.
The SEC’s investigation was conducted by Irene Gutierrez, Ilana Z. Sultan, Eric Heining, Sonali Singh, and Tracy L. Price of the SEC’s FCPA Unit.
Source: European Parliament
Valdis Dombrovskis is European Commission Executive Vice-President and currently holds an economic portfolio, which since 2020 also includes trade. After becoming Commission Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue in 2016, in 2019 he was promoted to Executive Vice-President for the Euro and Social Dialogue, also overseeing Financial Stability, Financial Services and the Capital Markets Union. In 2014, Dombrovskis was elected a Member of the European Parliament, sitting in the European Paople’s Party (EPP) group, a post he had already held from 2004 to 2009. He was a member of the Committee on Budgets and a substitute member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs and Budgetary Control committees. Dombrovskis served as Latvia’s prime minister from 2009 to 2014. Prior to this, from 2002 to 2004, he served as the country’s finance minister. Born in 1971 in Riga, Latvia, Dombrovskis earned a master’s degree in physics from the University of Latvia. He later obtained a professional master’s degree in customs and tax administration from Riga Technical University.
Source: European Parliament
Reducing administrative burdens and simplifying implementation are key political priorities for the next mandate[1]. A new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and competitiveness check for new initiatives will help design them with small businesses in mind, avoiding unnecessary burdens and too complex legislation.
The work on the reduction of burdens related to reporting obligations by 25% continues and will intensify to reduce burdens by at least 35% for SMEs.
In line with the better regulation guidelines[2], one-off and recurrent costs are compiled for Commission proposals[3]. The offsetting under the ‘one-in, one-out’ approach applies to administrative costs while adjustment costs are compensated for to the greatest extent.
Your Europe[4] is the EU’s main digital tool providing information and access to digital procedures to SMEs seeking to complete EU and national level formalities. In 2023, the Commission launched a technical system[5] allowing national authorities to apply the once-only principle to a wide range of formalities.
The Commission systematically involves SME organisations in policymaking. The network of SME Envoys[6] brings together EU and Member States’ officials and SME organisations to promote SME-friendly regulation and policies.
Some SME organisations are members of the Fit for Future platform[7]. Collecting direct input from companies, including through SME panel consultations, is equally important for the Commission.
The Regulatory Scrutiny Board has already been strengthened with two additional board members with the aim to allow an enhanced focus on competitiveness.
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement
WASHINGTON — Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. removed an unlawfully present 38-year-old Salvadoran fugitive from the United States to El Salvador Oct. 4 and turned him over to Salvadoran authorities. Officers with ERO Washington, D.C. removed William Alexander Albanez-Herrera, a documented MS-13 street ang member who was wanted by law enforcement authorities in El Salvador for terrorist organization, aggravated homicide and aggravated femicide.
“William Alexander Albanez-Herrera blatantly ignored U.S. immigration laws and attempted to flee justice by hiding out in Virginia,” said ERO Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Liana Castano. “We refuse to allow our Washington, D.C. and Virginia neighborhoods to become safe havens for the world’s criminals. Albanez-Herrera been returned to El Salvador to face some serious charges there. ERO Washington D.C. will continue to prioritize public safety by apprehending and removing egregious noncitizen offenders from our communities.”
U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Albanez-Herrera June 5, 2014, after he unlawfully entered the United States near Rio Grande City, Texas. U.S. Border Patrol issued Albanes-Herrera an order of expedited removal and transferred him into ERO custody.
ERO removed Albanez-Herrera from the United States to El Salvador July 31, 2014.
Albanez-Herrera unlawfully reentered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without inspection, admission or parole by a U.S. immigration officer.
Salvadoran authorities issued an arrest warrant for Albanez-Herrera May 24, 2018, for terrorist organization, aggravated femicide and aggravated homicide.
Interpol issued a public Red Notice for Albanez-Herrera’s arrest Aug. 13, 2018, based on the Salvadoran arrest warrant.
ERO Washington received information May 12 that Albanez-Herrera was possibly residing in the Northern Virginia area.
Officers from ERO Washington arrested Albanez-Herrera July 19 during a targeted enforcement operation in Woodbridge, Virginia, and served him a notice of intent to reinstate a prior removal order.
Officers with ERO Washington, D.C. removed Albanez-Herrera from the United States to El Salvador Oct. 4 and turned him over to Salvadoran authorities.
ERO Washington, D.C. would like to thank ERO El Salvador and its Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement taskforce for facilitating the transfer of custody of Albanez-Herrera to Salvadoran authorities. This removal could not have been possible without their valuable support and coordination.
ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Executive Office for Immigration Review is a separate entity from the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.
ERO is focused on smart, effective immigration enforcement that protects the homeland through the arrests and removals of those who undermine the safety of American communities and the integrity of immigration laws.
Entering the United States without authorization is a violation of federal law, and those who do so may be subject to administrative arrest, and in some cases, criminal prosecution.
As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.
Members of the public are encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.
Learn more about ERO Washington, D.C.’s mission to increase public safety in our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROWashington.
Source: European Parliament
In 2020, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of the Ministry of Citizen Protection of Greece requested financial assistance under the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) and received EUR 750 000 to develop a National Disaster Risk Management Plan for Greece, which was successfully completed in 2021.
This has helped Greece accessing funds for risk prevention and resilience under the European Cohesion Policy Funds (2021-2027). Following the 2023 wildfires, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection of Greece requested a UCPM Peer Review focused on the Greek wildfire risk management system, which was released on 20 June 2024[1].
The Commission is monitoring the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) investment which co-funds the construction of the Regional Civil Protection Operations Centres, and is in regular contact with the Greek authorities to ensure that the investment is fully implemented within the RRF timeline. This process is ongoing.
Source: European Parliament
Analyses on the effectiveness of climate mitigation policies are welcomed and can contribute towards the EUs climate-neutrality objectives.
The Commission routinely follows methodological developments in policy analysis, including those exploiting artificial intelligence, striving to incorporate new techniques in its work, including for the preparation of climate action proposals.
The Commission notes the conclusion on the potential for synergies with the implementation of coherent policy packages. This re-affirms the EU’s approach under the fit for 55 package, implementing a broad range of measures to tackle climate change. Combining pricing and non-pricing measures, such as standards and mandates, can maximise synergistic effects.
The study underlines the effectiveness of carbon pricing, such as the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS[1]), in lowering emissions, particularly in electricity generation and industry.
The Commission also notes the finding that the impact of a specific policy tool may be heterogenous across sectors and countries, calling for caution against overgeneralising estimated effects.
Furthermore, the employed methodology is not fine-tuned to detect smaller emissions reductions, meaning many effective measures with a smaller scope or a more gradual impact on emissions have not been highlighted.
The headline figure identifying only 63 cases of effective interventions is therefore very likely underestimated, with elements of efficient EU climate action most probably being overlooked.
Source: European Parliament
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is protected by the Habitats Directive[1]. It is listed in its Annex II as a species of Community interest whose conservation requires the designation of Natura 2000 sites and in Annex V as a species of Community interest whose taking in the wild and exploitation may be subject to management measures.
In Natura 2000 sites, Member States must take appropriate steps to avoid deterioration of habitats and significant disturbance of species for which the sites have been designated. They may also decide on additional designation of protection zones alongside rivers and streams, outside Natura 2000 sites.
There are 19 Natura 2000 sites designated for the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel in Finland, but none of these sites comprises the population of the freshwater pearl mussel at Hukkajoki river.
In addition, the regulation on Nature Restoration[2] requires Member States to put in place measures for restoration of terrestrial, coastal and freshwater habitats of species listed in Annex II, IV or V to the Habitats Directive, therefore including habitats of the freshwater pearl mussel, necessary to improve the quality and quantity of those habitats, including by re-establishing them and to enhance connectivity. Measures taken to comply with above-mentioned legislation may include establishment of protection zones alongside rivers and streams.
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined 19 of his Senate and House colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to provide clarity on the implementation of a change in reimbursements for children’s hospitals that provide care to military families covered by TRICARE, the government health care program for active duty servicemembers and their families.
“We write to express our deep concerns about a 2023 Defense Health Agency (DHA) rule that catalyzed a major shift in the TRICARE reimbursement methodology for children’s hospitals,” wrote the lawmakers. “Children’s hospitals situated in defense communities in our home states are now grappling with the impacts of this change as well as the ripple effects that the ensuing financial challenges may have on the provision of care for military families. For states with large military populations and no specialty children’s hospital, any reduction in access to care would further complicate military families’ choices by increasing burdens placed on families who already have to travel outside of their own state for medical services.”
DHA previously exempted children’s hospitals from the Medicare outpatient reimbursement model because the reimbursement rate did not adequately reflect the specialized care provided at children’s hospitals. Over 2.4 million children obtain care from children’s hospitals through TRICARE each year, and the change has created some challenges for children’s hospitals in major defense communities like Virginia. Children’s hospitals that serve many servicemembers’ children, such as The Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters in Norfolk, are seeking increased transparency on how these changes will be implemented. This clarity is crucial to ensuring the continuity of services and care that military families need.
The Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) sent letters to the Department of Defense in 2020 and 2023 expressing their concerns about the proposed rule. In their letter, the lawmakers specifically asked the following questions:
What dialogue has DHA had with the affected children’s hospitals to understand how this new reimbursement methodology impacts operations and access to care?
What data and sources informed the agency’s analysis of the impact on children’s hospitals that care for TRICARE patients?
How did the agency account for the financial impacts of military families traveling for care in circumstances where local services are no longer available?
How did the agency develop the contingency payment and why did the DHA set a lower contingency payment for pediatrics?
Can the agency verify the number of children’s hospitals that are expected to qualify for the contingency payment that is outlined in the rule?
The full text of the letter is available here.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Common Agricultural Policy has a plethora of tools to support and improve the competitiveness of European farmers. Beyond direct income support with different complementary payments for farmers facing specific challenges, access to finance via financial instruments and support for innovation as well as farm advisory services. The Commission will continue its focus on strengthening the EU food system’s competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability. In its first 100 days, the Commission will publish a communication on a Vision for Agriculture and Food outlining a long-term perspective for the sector and addressing imbalances in the food chain. This communication will take stock of the recommendations from the recent report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU Agriculture[1], present a first assessment of feasible proposals and build bridges with other policy areas, in order to ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of EU agriculture, highlighting its strategic role in the new geopolitical context.
2. The enlargement process will need to be carefully managed so that the internal market and a common agricultural policy are maintained, avoiding undue shocks and with careful consideration of competitive pressure. It will therefore require a thorough impact assessment of its long-term effects on the viability of agriculture in the EU-27 and in the acceding countries to properly address any identified challenges. The enlargement process will also take time and is merit-based, which will allow for gradual integration of Ukraine in order to mitigate any unwanted shocks Finally, as any candidate country, Ukraine will have to apply the EU acquis in full at accession. This includes all EU requirements in the area of agriculture in force at that time.
Source: European Parliament
1. The Bathing Water Directive (BWD)[1] is part of the EU acquis to protect and manage Europe’s waters. Its evaluation is a comprehensive exercise, which is taking into account the ongoing evaluation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive[2], the recent revisions of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive[3], currently finalised by the co-legislators through the corrigendum procedure, and of the Industrial Emissions Directive[4], the Commission proposal[5] on the lists of pollutants regulated under the Water Framework Directive[6] via the Environment Quality Standards Directive[7], and the Groundwater Directive[8]. The timeline announced during the preparation of the evaluation was indicative. The Commission is in the process of finalising the evaluation.
2. As per the BWD review roadmap[9] the ongoing evaluation of the BWD is assessing the achieved level of health protection and whether additional pollution parameters (including chemicals) may help provide a better picture of the actual state of the water in bathing areas. The findings of this analysis will be as appropriate presented in the Commission evaluation report.
Source: Government of India (2)
Special initiatives like Waste to Wealth, Indoor Plantation, health camps for Safai Mitras, freeing up space for gymnasium among others taken up
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:51PM by PIB Delhi
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), in collaboration with the field units of the Income Tax Department, is actively implementing Special Campaign 4.0. This initiative aims at maintaining clean workplaces and surroundings, disposing of scrap, freeing up office spaces, reducing the backlog of public grievances, etc.
The Special Campaign 4.0 began with a preparatory phase from September 15 to September 30, 2024, during which targets for the campaign’s implementation were established. The implementation phase started on October 2, 2024, and will run until October 31, 2024. Throughout this phase, the CBDT is closely tracking daily progress to meet the campaign’s goals. As part of the monitoring efforts, the Nodal Officer from CBDT has been in regular contact with Nodal Officers from various regions across India.
The first 15 days of the Special Campaign 4.0 has seen enthusiastic participation from the officers and officials of the Department. During this period, various activities undertaken in offices spread across India have resulted in the following :
Further, Progress of the campaign is being monitored on a daily basis and data is uploaded on the SCPDM portal hosted by DARPG.
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Inspection of the records rooms in the Income Tax Department by the Nodal Officer, CBDT |
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CBDT is also using social media to conduct outreach with public and highlight its efforts under the Swachhata campaigns. More than 300 Tweets have been posted/reposted on X (Formerly known as Twitter) by the official social media handles of the Income Tax Department, regional handles of Principal Chief Commissioner regions and the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), to promote awareness for Swachhata campaigns. The campaign has also been amplified on other social media platforms of the Department.
Some of the best practices regarding the same-
Art work created by recycling of scrap metals and it depicts an aquarium. This art piece is installed for public display at Aayakar Bhawan Dakshin, Kolkata
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Waste to Wealth – Art work created by recycling of scrap metals and it depicts an aquarium. This art piece is installed for public display at Aayakar Bhawan Dakshin, Kolkata |
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A review of the progress of Special Campaign 4.0 was also carried out by Sh. V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG on 11.10.2024 in the office of Director General of Income Tax (Investigation), Delhi, wherein he appreciated some initiatives such as reduced use of paper by strict implementation of double side printing; use of refilled cartridges; recycling of shredded records and files into stationery; reuse of digital devices by reformatting, etc. and also suggested dissemination of these best practices across all offices of the Income Tax Department.
The CBDT and its field offices actively participated in the “Swachhta Hi Seva” (SHS) campaign in 2024. Key initiatives included the Swachhata Pledge, a nationwide tree plantation drive, medical camps for Safai Mitras, and cultural activities like nukkad nataks to promote cleanliness.
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Ek Ped Maa ke Naam plantation drive led by Sh. Ravi Agrawal, Chairman CBDT |
Clean-up of public places
CBDT has entered the 3rd week of special campaign 4.0 and is aiming to excel in various areas while innovating and adopting best practices. The momentum of initial phase will continue to be amplified further.
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(Release ID: 2065528) Visitor Counter : 61
Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission is investing significant resources in support of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) 2030 Strategy. The EU voluntary contribution to GFCM, through the EU Grant, has been and will remain instrumental for the implementation of the GFCM management and control measures, the protection of vulnerable species and habitats and the implementation of the subregional approach of the 2030 Strategy.
2. Under EU leadership, the GFCM has launched a consolidation process of the overall compliance framework, notably the international inspection schemes, under the umbrella of the Compliance Committee, aimed to ensure full implementation of existing management and control measures, transparency and level playing field, based on the examples of good practices from other regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs). All these objectives are supported by concrete actions in the GFCM work programme for the next years, to be adopted at the annual session.
3. The Commission aims at promoting the EU fisheries control standards and best practices at the level of the GFCM, including for the modernisation of control tools and implementation of new technologies by all contracting parties. To this end, in May 2024, the EU presented in the Compliance Committee the new EU requirements for the control of small-scale fisheries. The Commission will continue promoting the future uptake in the GFCM framework of innovative digital solutions, including for reporting catches and geo-localisation of fishing vessels.
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 6:58PM by PIB Delhi
Special Campaign 4.0 for disposal of pending matters and cleanliness has reached midway. Campaign is being carried out by MoRTH and its agencies vigorously to achieve the identified targets under various parameters during the Campaign period. Ministry has achieved 100% targets in cleanliness activities, at 14559 sites. The sites include offices, construction camps/sites, NH stretches, Toll Plazas, Wayside amenities, Road side Dhabas, Bust Stops etc. 41% of pending MP references (583), 85% of pending public grievances (986), 56% of Public Grievance Appeals (211) have been disposed of so far.
Nodal Officer of the Campaign in the MoRTH is reviewing progress of the Campaign regularly and personally taking up the matter with the concerned Senior Officers for disposal of pending references.
In order to have larger outreach, the various activities of the Campaign have also been disseminated through various Social Media Platforms such as X (Twitter), Instagram & Facebook.
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NKK/GS/AK
(Release ID: 2065530) Visitor Counter : 49
Source: Government of India (2)
Seventh Session of ISA will held in New Delhi from from 3rd to 6th November 2024
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:01PM by PIB Delhi
The curtain raiser for the Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly was hosted today in New Delhi. Representatives from 60 countries participated in the event.
The assembly will be presided over by Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy. The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly is set to be a truly global event. Ministers, missions, and delegates from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, along with partner organisations and stakeholders, will come together to focus on initiatives to improve energy access, security, and transition.
Shri Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy & President of the ISA Assembly, addressed the august gathering, stating, “ISA has evolved into a key platform for global solar cooperation, now encompassing 120 Member & Signatory Countries. This growing commitment demonstrates solar energy’s significant role in addressing our shared energy access challenges and the adverse effects of climate change. The progress made by ISA’s Member Countries in adopting solar energy is remarkable. Solar energy, available year-round and in abundance in some of our Member Countries, holds the potential to be the game-changer in the theatre of global climate action. Its attributes of being clean, reliable, free and easily accessible to all make it central to achieving universal energy access. Our efforts through the ISA focus on expanding solar infrastructure, creating green jobs, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating climate impacts.”
Under the presidency of the Republic of India and co-presidency of the Republic of France, the seventh session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India, from 03 November to 06 November 2024. Ministers, mission heads, and senior government officials from 120 Member and Signatory Countries, prospective countries, partner organisations, the private sector, and key stakeholders will participate.
Shri Ajay Yadav, Joint Secretary, MNRE, Government of India, in his opening remarks, noted, “Global solar deployment presents its challenges: investments, infrastructure, and indigenisation. Countering these challenges demands targeted efforts to support the sector’s expansion. Further highlighting ISA’s role and substantial contributions, he said, “To address these challenges through various programmes, initiatives, and collaborations with governments, private enterprises, and international organisations and by working with its Member Countries, ISA creates opportunities to diversify global supply chains and boost solar energy demand, contributing to manufacturing capacity growth.” Elaborating on the focused efforts, he added, “We proudly count 120 among our Member & Signatory Countries, with 102 ratifying the ISA Framework Agreement, showcasing our growing global influence. With the firm support of Member Countries, ISA has successfully launched initiatives to accelerate solar adoption, foster innovation, and enhance capacity-building efforts.”
Dr Ajay Mathur, Director General of the International Solar Alliance, said, “The International Solar Alliance stands at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 7 & 13 on affordable and clean energy and climate action respectively. The International Solar Alliance is a force for change. It harmonises and aggregates demand for solar finance, technologies, innovation, research and development, and capacity building. This initiative is more than just a coalition; it is a revolutionary movement reshaping our energy landscape and our planet’s future. Adding further, he said, “As we approach the mark to last five years to realise the goals defined by the 2030 Agenda, this session of the ISA Assembly is an important nudge to accelerate our actions and raise our ambitions. All stakeholders must make this decade count in favour of climate action. Our work at the ISA directly supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement and contributes to the broader UN framework for sustainable development. ISA is working with Member Countries to help shape conducive policies to bring in investments in solar energy, a sustainable pipeline of solar-powered projects, and help build skills to sustain solar projects in the long term.”
At this assembly, the fulcrum of the discussions will be the means and modes that will be adopted to accelerate solar deployment across Member Countries, especially in regions with limited energy access. Additionally, updates on the following ISA’s flagship initiatives for entrepreneurs, skill enhancement and capacity building, mobilising finance, and advocacy for solar as energy as a choice will be presented:
The Assembly’s seventh session will be followed by a day-long series of sessions styled as a ‘High-Level Conference on New Technologies for Clean Energy Transition’ on 5 November 2024 hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Government of India, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society. The conference’s third edition will be attended by the ministerial delegations of the ISA Member Countries, policymakers, subject matter experts, and industry leaders. Through its deliberations, the Conference aims to inspire real-world change and make significant strides toward achieving global climate goals by fostering collaboration, sparking innovation, and sharing knowledge by focusing on promoting solar energy to cut carbon emissions, find ways to expand energy access and boost economic growth. The Conference will also witness the release of the third edition of ISA’s World Solar Reports on Technology, Finance, and Markets.
The Assembly proceedings will conclude on 6 November 2024 with a visit to a farm site on the outskirts of New Delhi showcasing the practical implementation of agrivoltaic systems. The site in Najafgarh is maintained by the India Agrivoltaics Alliance, an initiative of the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), along with like-minded organisations dedicated to advancing the concept of agrivoltaics in India, which involves the simultaneous use of land for both agriculture and solar energy generation.
ABOUT THE ISA ASSEMBLY
The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, representing each Member Country. This body makes decisions concerning the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its objective. The Assembly meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat. It assesses the aggregate effect of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment of solar energy, performance, reliability, cost and scale of finance. 120 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement, of which 102 countries have submitted the necessary instruments of ratification to become full members of the ISA. The Republic of India holds the office of the President of the ISA Assembly, with the Government of the French Republic as the co-president.
The Seventh Session of the ISA Assembly will deliberate on initiatives of ISA that impact energy access, security, and transitions with a focus on:
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE
The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 120 Member & Signatory Countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable way to transition to a carbon-neutral future.
ISA’s mission is to unlock US$ 1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost of the technology and its financing. It promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport and power generation sectors. ISA Member Countries are driving change by enacting policies and regulations, sharing best practices, agreeing on common standards, and mobilising investments. Through this work, ISA has identified and designed and tested new business models for solar projects; supported governments to make their energy legislation and policies solar-friendly through Ease of Doing Solar analytics and advisory; pooled demand for solar technology from different countries, and drove down costs; improved access to finance by reducing the risks and making the sector more attractive to private investment; increased access to solar training, data and insights for solar engineers and energy policymakers.
ISA was formed at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015 and is partnering with multilateral development banks (MDBs), development financial institutions (DFIs), private and public sector organisations, civil society, and other international institutions to deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun, especially in the least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
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Navin Sreejith
(Release ID: 2065532) Visitor Counter : 30
Source: European Parliament
The Single European Sky (SES) initiative seeks to make EU airspace less fragmented and to improve air traffic management in terms of safety, capacity, cost-efficiency and the environment. Its current regulatory framework is based on two legislative packages: SES I (adopted in 2004), which set up the principal legal framework, and SES II (adopted in 2009), which aimed to tackle substantial air traffic growth, increase safety, and reduce costs and delays and the impact of air traffic on the environment. Nonetheless, European airspace remains fragmented, costly and inefficient. The European Commission presented a revision of the SES in 2013 (the SES 2+ package). While the Parliament adopted its first-reading position in March 2014, in December 2014 the Council agreed only a partial general approach, owing to disagreement between the UK and Spain over the application of the text to Gibraltar Airport. Once Brexit removed this blockage, the Commission amended its initial proposal. Following lengthy negotiations, the Council and Parliament negotiating teams reached a provisional agreement on 6 March 2024. The Council approved the agreed text on 26 September 2024. It now needs to be approved by Parliament. Fourth edition of a briefing originally drafted by Maria Niestadt. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 16 OCT 2024 7:09PM by PIB Delhi
New Delhi, 16th October 2024 : The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, is actively participating in Special Campaign 4.0, initiated by DARPG, Government of India to promote cleanliness, efficiency and the timely disposal of public grievances and pending references. The campaign, being held from 2nd October to 31st October 2024, focuses on key areas such as cleanliness drives, office space management and swift resolution of VIP references.
As part of the Special Campaign 4.0, intensive cleanliness campaigns are being organized across all field offices and O/o Department of Fisheries, located in Krishi Bhawan and Chanderlok Building in New Delhi. These initiatives focus on decluttering workspaces, ensuring hygienic conditions and creating a productive work environment. The cleanliness drive includes the removal of obsolete files, unused furniture, and electronic waste, contributing to better utilization of office space. A record number of 2447 physical files were reviewed and out of which 1383 have been weeded out. Around 250 efiles have been reviewed and 58 files have been closed. A committee has been formed at the Department level to dispose off the identified scrap materials .
Special focus is being given on resolving all pending public grievances related to Department of Fisheries. The Department is also expediting the disposal of VIP references and pending Parliamentary Assurances. Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary and Ms.Neetu Prasad, Joint Secretary are overseeing the Campaign progress with regular reviews and follow-ups to ensure full compliance with the campaign’s objectives.
To further promote the goals of Special Campaign 4.0, the Department has been conducting internal awareness programs for its staff. With the proactive participation of all employees, it aims to successfully achieve the campaign’s objective by 31st October 2024.
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AA
(Release ID: 2065538) Visitor Counter : 76