NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: October 10th, 2024 Heinrich Unveils N.M. Minority Business Development Center’s New Office in Albuquerque

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    Heinrich was instrumental in establishing and standing up the Minority Business Development Center in New Mexico
    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the U.S. Joint Economic Committee, joined Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, community leaders, and small business owners to unveil a new, larger office space for the New Mexico Minority Business Development Center (Business Center) as part of a new Business Resource Center that will also house the City of Albuquerque’s Small Business Office.
    Heinrich wrote the legislative provision that established and funded the New Mexico Business Center in 2020, securing more than $2.5 million in federal resources through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency for its staffing and programming.

    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) participates in a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the newly expanded office space for the New Mexico MBDC in Albuquerque, October 10, 2024.
    “Local businesses are the beating hearts of our communities and backbone of our economy. That’s why, four years ago, I wrote the federal legislative provision that re-opened New Mexico’s Minority Business Development Center and fought to fund its operations. And it’s why I am so pleased to celebrate this expanded Center in Albuquerque and the locations now open in Las Vegas and Las Cruces,” said Heinrich. “With the $2.5 million-plus in federal resources I’ve been able to deliver, we are expanding support for local businesses across our state as they create the types of careers New Mexicans can build their families around, in their home communities.”  
    Background:
    The federal Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) mission is to promote the growth and global competitiveness of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) in order to unlock the country’s full economic potential. The MBDA supports a national network of Business Centers and technical assistance programs that help entrepreneurs and small business owners overcome obstacles and grow their businesses.
    In 2018, New Mexico’s previous Minority Business Development Center closed. In 2020, Heinrich authored report language in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Appropriations Bills that required the U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency to re-open a new Business Center in New Mexico. 
    Heinrich then worked closely with the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce to secure an initial $300,000 in federal funding to help establish the new Business Center, along with delivering $1.875 million in federal funding to support the first five years of its operations. 
    In subsequent funding cycles, Heinrich has secured additional federal resources to expand the staffing and services offered by the Minority Business Development Agency in New Mexico. 
    In the FY2023 Appropriations Bills, Heinrich secured $200,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) to help the Business Center hire two more business advisors based in Las Cruces and expand the reach of their services throughout New Mexico. 
    In the FY2024 Appropriations Bills, Heinrich secured an additional $200,000 CDS to help the Business Center launch a new technical assistance project that will provide professional business development services to support and promote the growth and success of minority-owned businesses across the state. 
    Earlier this year, Heinrich included $300,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending within the FY2025 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill, which advanced out of the Senate Appropriations Committee in August, to help the Business Center create a Food and Beverage “New to Export” Cohort that will provide comprehensive support to business enterprises looking to export their products.
    Heinrich recently welcomed the opening of a new Minority Business Development Centerin Las Cruces, thanks to the federal funding he secured in the FY2023 Appropriations Bills, and an additional $183,000 award from the MBDA and $20,000 from the City of Albuquerque to open a new Rural Minority Business Development Center in Las Vegas.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 136th Canton Fair to gather over 30,000 enterprises offline

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 10 — Over 30,000 enterprises from home and abroad will be in physical attendance at the 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as the Canton Fair, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

    The fair will be held in Guangzhou in three phases between Oct. 15 and Nov. 4, and is set to include 55 exhibition areas covering 1.55 million square meters.

    Approximately 390,000 digital and smart products will be showcased at this session, skyrocketing 300 percent from the 135th Canton Fair, and the number of green and low carbon products will be up 130 percent from the previous session, according to ministry official Xiao Lu.

    As of Wednesday, about 125,000 overseas buyers from 203 countries and regions have expressed their willingness to attend the 136th fair.

    A record high of over 750 trade promotion activities will be held this session, alongside approximately 400 activities to launch new products, with that number up by over 30 percent from the previous fair.

    The functions of the online platform for the 136th Canton Fair have been optimized further, the ministry said, noting that 48,000 enterprises have uploaded 3.75 million products to the platform, with both of those figures reaching historic highs.

    Launched in 1957 and held twice yearly, the Canton Fair is considered a major gauge of China’s foreign trade.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Testing of contactless payment technology coming to airport bus route

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    From December 2024, customers using Christchurch’s Route 29 bus – Metro’s most direct route between Christchurch Airport and the CBD – will be able to use contactless credit and debit cards for the first time on Metro buses.

    The pilot technology will enable customers to pay with their debit or credit card, including via mobile devices, charging the standard adult fare of $2.

    Metrocard payment will still be available, which customers will need to use to access concessions. Cash will also continue to be accepted during the pilot.

    Environment Canterbury director of public transport Giles Southwell says the live testing on Route 29 will help ensure the new contactless payment technology is working well before we deliver the first phase to Canterbury customers.

    The new Motu Move card reader

    “Contactless payments via debit or credit card on Route 29 will be part of the national testing of the system. Customers using the Greater Christchurch Metro network can continue to use their Metrocards until the new Motu Move ticketing system is fully rolled out here next year.

    “Having contactless payments on this route will bring the benefit of an additional way to pay for visitors and residents travelling to and from the airport.”

    Motu Move to roll out in 2025

    Motu Move’s launch, in Timaru and Temuka, will follow in early 2025, with delivery in Greater Christchurch starting after this.

    Giles says a smooth transition to Motu Move is the key reason for having the Route 29 pilot, and then a phased implementation of the solution.

    “It’s vital that we do this right so our customers have a great experience with the new system from day one.

    “Our priority is to make sure Cantabrians are supported in the change to Motu Move and that it gives customers an experience that’ll make travel by bus and ferry easier. Adding a pilot of contactless payments first and waiting just a little longer to start the roll out in Timaru and Temuka, and then Christchurch will help ensure that happens.”

    More information about the specific dates and details for the Motu Move national ticketing rollout in Canterbury will be finalised in the next few months. See information about the rollout dates for other regions on the NZTA website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Shanghai welcomes first imports of South African avocados

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

    SHANGHAI, Oct. 10 — China’s first imports of avocados grown in South Africa have arrived in east China’s Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai Customs said on Thursday.

    A total of 22 tonnes of avocados passed entry quarantine on Tuesday, customs officials said, noting that the produce benefited from streamlined customs clearance procedures for agricultural imports from Africa.

    Some of the avocados will be exhibited at the upcoming seventh China International Import Expo, which is scheduled to be held from Nov. 5 to 10.

    In August, South Africa followed Kenya and Tanzania to become the third African country to secure market access to China for its fresh avocados.

    In the first eight months of 2024, China imported African agricultural products valued at a total of 28.47 billion yuan (about 4.02 billion U.S. dollars), up 4.8 percent year on year, according to the General Administration of Customs.

    Shanghai alone accounted for 6.12 billion yuan of those imports, reflecting year-on-year growth of 15.5 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Binzhou City in Shandong boosts development of low-altitude economy

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

    Binzhou City in Shandong boosts development of low-altitude economy

    Updated: October 11, 2024 09:35 Xinhua
    A staff member works at the low-altitude flight service center in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. Binzhou City of Shandong Province has developed the low-altitude economy. The city leverages the layout of several industrial parks, along with the talent cultivation and R&D advantages of Shandong University of Aeronautics. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Li Jie (C), teacher of Shandong University of Aeronautics, guides students to take part in simulated flight training at a laboratory in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A student takes part in simulated flight training at Shandong University of Aeronautics in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Li Jie (R), teacher of Shandong University of Aeronautics, introduces the principles of drones to students at a laboratory in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Flight trainees check the condition of aircraft after training at Dagao General Airport in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A flight trainee checks the condition of aircraft before training at Dagao General Airport in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Flight trainees check the condition of aircraft before training at Dagao General Airport in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Flight trainees check the condition of aircraft before training at Dagao General Airport in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Flight trainees check the condition of aircraft before training at Dagao General Airport in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Meng Deyin (C), teacher of Shandong University of Aeronautics, conducts hands-on training for students on aircraft structures at Shandong University of Aeronautics in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Staff members take the aircraft out of the hangar at Dagao General Airport in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Meng Deyin (C), teacher of Shandong University of Aeronautics, conducts hands-on training for students on aircraft structures at Shandong University of Aeronautics in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A staff member assembles an aircraft at a hangar of a high-tech industrial park in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Diamond DA40 aircraft are seen at a hangar of a high-tech industrial park in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Diamond DA40 aircraft are seen at a hangar of a high-tech industrial park in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A flight trainee checks the condition of aircraft before training at Dagao General Airport in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches third high-orbit internet services satellite

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A Long March-3B carrier rocket carrying a new high-orbit internet services satellite blasts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China on Thursday sent a new high-orbit internet services satellite into space from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the country’s southwestern Sichuan Province.
    The satellite was launched at 9:50 p.m. (Beijing Time) aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket and then entered its preset orbit. It is the third member of an internet delivery high-orbit satellite group.
    The launch was the 538th mission of the Long March carrier rocket series, the launch center said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM holds talks with Colombian counterpart in Beijing

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo in Beijing, China, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo in Beijing on Thursday.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that the two sides announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Colombia last October, leading bilateral relations into a new stage of development. China is willing to strengthen strategic alignment with Colombia and welcomes the country to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) at an early date, he said.

    Murillo said that Colombia is committed to fully implementing the important strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state, and to deepening cooperation in various fields. Colombia attaches great importance to and is willing to participate actively in the joint construction of the BRI, he added.

    Wang stressed that Taiwan is an integral part of China’s territory, and that the Taiwan question is a legacy of the Chinese civil war that will eventually be resolved in full with the complete reunification of the country. China appreciates Colombia’s long-standing adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to continue the mutual support between the two countries in safeguarding their core interests, he said.

    Murillo emphasized that Taiwan is a component of China’s territory, and that Colombia will continue to adhere firmly to the one-China principle and support China’s just position on the issue.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Yongnian fastener procurement conference kicks off in Handan, N China

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

    Yongnian fastener procurement conference kicks off in Handan, N China

    Updated: October 11, 2024 09:24 Xinhua
    A purchaser (2nd R) learns about the fastener products at the Yongnian fastener procurement conference in Yongnian District of Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Oct. 10, 2024. The 3-day conference kicked off here on Thursday and has attracted purchasers from more than twenty countries. Yongnian is a major fastener production and distribution hub in China. In 2023, the output value of fastener companies there amounted to 42 billion yuan (about 5.94 billion U.S. dollars), and the goods made here have found markets in over 110 countries and regions. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A purchaser (C) learns about the fastener products at the Yongnian fastener procurement conference in Yongnian District of Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Purchasers learn about the fastener products at the Yongnian fastener procurement conference in Yongnian District of Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Purchasers choose the fastener products at the Yongnian fastener procurement conference in Yongnian District of Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A purchaser (L, front) learns about the fastener products at the Yongnian fastener procurement conference in Yongnian District of Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A purchaser picks up a fastener product at the Yongnian fastener procurement conference in Yongnian District of Handan City, north China’s Hebei Province, Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why hurricanes like Milton in the US and cyclones in Australia are becoming more intense and harder to predict

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Dowdy, Principal Research Scientist in Extreme Weather, The University of Melbourne

    Tropical cyclones, known as hurricanes and typhoons in other parts of the world, have caused huge damage in many places recently. The United States has just been hit by Hurricane Milton, within two weeks of Hurricane Helene. Climate change likely made their impacts worse.

    In Australia, the tropical cyclone season (November to April) is approaching. The Bureau of Meteorology this week released its long-range forecast for this season.

    It predicts an average number of tropical cyclones, 11, are likely to form in the region. Four are expected to cross the Australian coast. However, the risk of severe cyclones is higher than average.

    So what does an average number actually mean in our rapidly changing climate? And why is there a higher risk of intense cyclones?

    The bureau’s forecast is consistent with scientific evidence suggesting climate change is likely to result in fewer but more severe tropical cyclones. They are now more likely to bring stronger winds and more intense rain and flooding.

    Climate change is making prediction harder

    Our knowledge of tropical cyclones and climate change is based on multiple lines of evidence globally and for the Australian region. This work includes our studies based on observations and modelling.

    The bureau’s seasonal outlook in recent years has assumed an average of 11 tropical cyclones occurring in our region (covering an area of the southern tropics between longitudes 90°E and 160°E). It’s based on the average value for all years back to 1969.

    However, for the past couple of decades the annual average is below nine tropical cyclones. In earlier decades, it was over 12. This long-term downward trend adds to the challenge of seasonal predictions.

    The most recent above-average season (assuming an average of 11) was almost 20 years ago, in the 2005–06 summer with 12 tropical cyclones. Since then, any prediction of above-average tropical cyclone seasons has not eventuated.

    El Niño and La Niña influences may be changing too

    Historical observations suggest more tropical cyclones tend to occur near Australia during La Niña events. This is a result of warm, moist water and air near Australia, compared with El Niño events. The shifting between El Niño and La Niña states in the Pacific region is known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

    Such events can be predicted with a useful degree of accuracy several months ahead in some cases. For example, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecast:

    La Niña is favored to emerge in September–November (71% chance) and is expected to persist through January–March 2025.

    Based on that, one might expect a higher-than-average number of tropical cyclones for the Australian region. However, the ENSO influence on tropical cyclones has weakened in our region. It’s another factor that’s making long-range predictions harder.

    The bureau’s ENSO outlook is somewhat closer to neutral ENSO conditions, based on its modelling, compared to NOAA’s leaning more toward La Niña. The bureau says:

    Should La Niña form in the coming months, it is forecast to be relatively weak and short-lived.

    The bureau’s prediction of an average number of tropical cyclones this season is broadly consistent with its prediction of close-to-average ENSO conditions.

    So what does this all mean for this cyclone season?

    If we end up getting an average Australian season for the current climate, this might actually mean fewer tropical cyclones than the historical average. The number might be closer to eight or nine rather than 11 or 12. (Higher or lower values than this range are still possible.)

    However, those that do occur could have an increased chance of being category 4 or 5 tropical cyclones. These have stronger winds, with gusts typically exceeding 225km per hour, and are more likely to cause severe floods and coastal damage.

    If we end up getting more than the recent average of eight to nine tropical cyclones, which could happen if NOAA predictions of La Niña conditions eventuate, that increases the risk of impacts. However, there is one partially good news story from climate change relating to this, if the influence of La Niña is less than it used to be on increasing tropical cyclone activity.

    Another factor is that the world’s oceans are much warmer than usual. Warm ocean water is one of several factors that provide the energy needed for a tropical cyclone to form.

    Many ocean heat records have been set recently. This means we have been in “uncharted waters” from a temperature perspective. It adds further uncertainty if relying on what occurred in the past when making predictions for the current climate.

    Up-to-date evidence is vital as climate changes

    The science makes it clear we need to plan for tropical cyclone impacts in a different way from what might have worked in the past. This includes being prepared for potentially fewer tropical cyclones overall, but with those that do occur being more likely to cause more damage. This means there are higher risks of damaging winds, flooding and coastal erosion.

    Seasonal prediction guidance can be part of improved planning. There’s also a need for enhanced design standards and other climate change adaptation activities. All can be updated regularly to stay consistent with the best available scientific knowledge.

    Increased preparedness is more important than ever to help reduce the potential for disasters caused by tropical cyclones in the current and future climate.

    The authors acknowledge the contribution of CSIRO researcher Hamish Ramsay during the writing of this article.

    Andrew Dowdy receives funding from University of Melbourne, including through the Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes and the Melbourne Energy Institute.

    Liz Ritchie-Tyo receives funding from The Australian Research Council and The U.S. Office of Naval Research.

    Savin Chand receives funding from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program (NESP) and the UK-based Gallagher Research Centre (GRC).

    – ref. Why hurricanes like Milton in the US and cyclones in Australia are becoming more intense and harder to predict – https://theconversation.com/why-hurricanes-like-milton-in-the-us-and-cyclones-in-australia-are-becoming-more-intense-and-harder-to-predict-241000

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty Releases Discussion Draft of Comprehensive Stablecoin Legislation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    WASHINGTON—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today released a discussion draft of legislation that establishes a clear regulatory framework for the regulation and supervision of stablecoin issuers.
    “Stablecoins have the potential not only to enhance transactions and payment systems, but also to help create new demand for U.S. Treasuries as we work to address our unsustainable deficit,” said Senator Hagerty. “For too long, these benefits and the broader promise of stablecoins have been hindered by the lack of clear regulations. My draft legislation provides much-needed clarity, putting in place the legal framework necessary to unlock this technology’s full potential for the benefit of Americans.”
    Senator Hagerty’s discussion draft builds upon the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act, introduced by House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry. Senator Hagerty’s bill exempts issuers of less than $10 billion in total stablecoin from federal regulation, allowing them to remain under the oversight of state regulators. Issuers exceeding the $10 billion threshold may seek a waiver from their applicable federal regulator to stay under state regulation. Additionally, the legislation designates the Federal Reserve as the supervisor of issuers that are depository institutions and makes the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency the supervisor of federally qualified nonbank issuers.
    These key provisions and other technical modifications strengthen the state pathway to stablecoin issuance, establishing a tailored regulatory regime that most effectively facilitates innovation and protects consumers.
    Please submit feedback on the discussion draft to matt_venoit@hagerty.senate.gov by November 1.
    Read the full text of the draft legislation here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Rosen Efforts, Nevada to Receive More Than $1 Million to Support Sagebrush Habitats 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    LAS VEGAS, NV – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that she helped secure more than $1 million in federal funding to protect and restore sagebrush habitats across Nevada, which will reduce wildfire risk and support regional outdoor recreation economies. This comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Senator Rosen helped write and pass. It also follows Senator Rosen’s bipartisan push to allocate significant funding from the law toward sagebrush ecosystem restoration in the American West.
    “For Western states like Nevada, sagebrush ecosystem restoration is critical for mitigating wildfire risk and safeguarding biodiversity,” said Senator Rosen. “I pushed for funding to support sagebrush habitats, and I’m thrilled to announce more than a million in funding to do just that. This funding will help reduce the risk of wildfires, protect critical habitats, and preserve our public lands.”
    Senator Rosen has been a champion for Nevada’s public lands. As part of the Great American Outdoors Act, she secured permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Last year, Senator Rosen led a bipartisan letter that successfully secured millions of dollars for Nevada through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support sagebrush and other western ecosystem restoration. Earlier this year, the bipartisan Fire Ready Nation Act that Senator Rosen backed advanced out of committee to improve and support wildfire and smoke related readiness and response. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Commission on Judicial Selection Opens Application Process for Vacancies in the Fourth Judicial District

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Today, the Commission on Judicial Selection announced two vacancies in Minnesota’s Fourth Judicial District. These vacancies will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Peter A. Cahill and Honorable Susan M. Robiner. These seats will be chambered in Minneapolis in Hennepin County.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard announces port openings following Hurricane Milton, warns impacted communities to exercise caution

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 10/10/2024 09:30 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Office: 904-714-7606/7607
    After Hours: 786-393-4138
    PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

     

    10/10/2024 09:07 PM EDT

    MIAMI — The Coast Guard reminds mariners and residents of Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to remain vigilant following Hurricane Milton, Thursday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Statement on Successful Mollie Kathleen Mine Rescue

    Source: US State of Colorado

    TELLER COUNTY – Governor Polis released a statement on the rescue of the 12 individuals trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine: 

    “I am relieved that 12 of the people trapped in the Mollie Kathleen Mine have been safely rescued. Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the individual lost in this incident. I thank Teller County and Sheriff Mikesell and his team, as well as the other law enforcement and first responders from local and state government for their swift response and tireless efforts, including members of the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Thanks to this collaborative effort, each of these individuals will return home safely,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    ### 

    Declaración del Gobernador Polis sobre el Exitoso Rescate en la Mina Mollie Kathleen 

    CONDADO DE TELLER – El Gobernador Polis emitió un comunicado sobre el rescate de las 12 personas atrapadas en la mina Mollie Kathleen: 

    “Me siento aliviado de que 12 de las personas atrapadas en la mina Mollie Kathleen hayan sido rescatadas de manera segura. Nuestro más sentido pésame a la familia y amigos de la persona que murió en este incidente. Agradezco al condado de Teller y al sheriff Mikesell y su equipo, así como a las demás autoridades policiales y socorristas del gobierno local y estatal por su rápida respuesta y esfuerzos incansables, incluyendo los miembros del Departamento de Recursos Naturales, el Departamento de Trabajo y Empleo, y la División de Seguridad Nacional y Manejo de Emergencias. Gracias a este esfuerzo de colaboración, cada una de estas personas regresará a casa sana y salva”, dijo el Gobernador Jared Polis.

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Walz Highlights Life-Saving Work of Minnesota National Guard in Response to Devastating Hurricane Season

    Source: US State of Minnesota

    Today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is highlighting the life-saving work of the Minnesota National Guard and emergency responders who are providing emergency assistance to North Carolina and South Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. Governor Walz has issued two executive orders directing the Minnesota National Guard to provide immediate emergency assistance. The state is constantly monitoring the need for additional support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Powering up the food system (PPF)

    Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: Powering up the food system (PPF)

    People | Planet | Food – Roger Robson-Williams speaks with Mike Casey, about producing cherries without using fossil fuels and running a charity called Rewiring Aotearoa.
    They discuss what it takes to build a fully electrified orchard and the emerging opportunities for farmers and growers to help address growing demand for renewable power. Mike explains how Rewiring Aotearoa is helping kiwis save money on energy bills, reduce their carbon emissions, and have the resilience to keep their lights on and homes warm. This episode highlights the changing relationship between energy, food production, and the everyday decisions we all make about how to live our lives.
    For further information on Rewiring Aotearoa see: http://www.rewiring.nz
    To view our full catalogue of podcasts go to our Scigest page: http://www.plantandfood.com/scigest

    – –

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health warning of extreme risk for Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) lifted, though a health warning remains in place

    Source: Waikato District Health Board

    The Public Health warning of extreme risk for Lake Rotorua issued on 19th July 2024 has now been lifted. This is due to significant reductions in the concentration of cyanobacterial biovolumes, which earlier prompted the increased level of risk and vigilance. Please note a health warning still remains in place at Lake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake), as cyanobacterial levels continue to be above the warning levels.

    Lakes Hakanoa, Waikare, Rotokauri, Whangape and Kainui also continue to have a cyanobacterial health warning in place.

    Dr Richard Vipond, Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health for Waikato recommends that where cyanobacteria health warnings are in place, lakes should not be used for any activity that involves skin contact with the affected water.

    “Swallowing water from lakes affected by blooms should also be avoided,” said Dr Vipond.

    “Cyanobacteria can release toxins which can trigger asthma and hayfever symptoms, and can cause skin rashes, stomach upsets, and in some cases neurological effects such as tingling around the mouth, headaches, breathing difficulties and visual problems.

    “These symptoms may not appear until some time after contact with the affected water.

    “Scums are a particular risk because they contain a high level of toxins.  If contact with scum does occur, skin should be rinsed clean and clothing changed as soon as possible. This warning is particularly important for children.

    “If people do come into contact with the lake when warnings are in place, or any other lake where there are visible changes to water colour, they should shower and change their clothing as soon as possible afterwards, even if no symptoms are noticeable,” he said.

    Dog owners should prevent their dogs from drinking or swimming in the water, as dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanobacteria.

    Up-to-date information on cyanobacterial cell counts is available by visiting the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website at https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/waikato-region/

    National Public Health Service – Waikato would like to be informed about health problems that develop after exposure to any of the lakes with health warnings in place. Please contact on (07) 838 2569.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Canada gathered in Vientiane, Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic on 10 October 2024, at the ASEAN-Canada Special Summit on Enhancing ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience, in support of the priorities of the Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024; 

    Recalling the establishment of an ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership on 6 September 2023 and REAFFIRMING our shared commitment to jointly address new challenges, including through cooperation in ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF); 

    Emphasising the importance of adhering to key principles, shared values and norms enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); 

    Recognising the long history of cooperation between ASEAN and Canada since the establishment of Dialogue Relations in 1977; 

    Noting that both the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy share relevant fundamental principles in promoting an ASEAN-centred, open, inclusive, transparent, resilient, and rules-based regional architecture that upholds international law; 

    Acknowledging Canada’s support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, which underscores Canada’s commitment to regional peace, security and prosperity and to ASEAN integration and ASEAN Community-building process; 

    Supporting this year’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”; 

    Noting that Canada, as G7 president in 2025, is keenly interested in ensuring that its presidency is informed by the views of ASEAN Member States; 

    We hereby declare our intention to:

    1. Expand collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership which will include a special focus in 2024-2025 on ASEAN-Canada digital cooperation, and an expanded Canadian commercial engagement in the ASEAN region. 
    2. Build on the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) and support the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans as well as the implementation of the AOIP.

    Connectivity 

    Cooperation on Transforming for the Digital Future 

    1. Strengthen digital cooperation between ASEAN and Canada, noting Canada’s interest in becoming a Dialogue/Development Partner of the ADGSOM. 

    Cooperation on Integrating and Connecting Economies 

    1. Strengthen economic ties by increasing ASEAN-Canada trade and investment, including through Team Canada Trade Missions to the ASEAN region. 
    2. Promote greater regional economic integration, development, and resilience, including through the timely conclusion of an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and underscore our shared commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system; and achieve fair, open and free markets, as well as sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development. 
    3. Welcome the establishment of the Export Development Canada office in Jakarta, and planned expansion to other countries in Southeast Asia, striving to support Canadian companies doing business in Indonesia and other ASEAN markets through direct financing to Canadian exporters and investors and support local buyers involved in projects with Canadian content. 
    4. Welcome the establishment of FinDev Canada’s office in Singapore, which will accelerate the deployment of the corporation’s equity, financing, blended financing and technical assistance solutions in the region, enabling sustainable development and inclusive growth through the private sector. 

    Resilience 

    Environmental Cooperation 

    1. Support ASEAN’s objectives to enhance sustainable development, including strengthening resilience against climate risks, extreme floods and droughts, including through relevant ASEAN regional mechanisms, ASEAN centres, and institutions. 
    2. Advance ocean management initiatives in the region, in line with the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action, including by supporting ocean and climate scientific research, promoting biodiversity protection and conservation initiatives, and monitoring and enforcement capacity. 

    Food Security 

    1. Advance technical cooperation by sharing best practices and capacity building in research and development on agricultural product and agri-food innovation in the agricultural sector to support long-term, reliable trade relationships and a stronger supply chain as outlined in the ASEAN-Canada Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises. 
    2. Welcome the establishment of Canada’s first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila which aims to strengthen ASEAN-Canada cooperation on food security and promote mutual trade objectives in the agriculture sector. 
    3. Explore possible cooperation to promote responsible fishing practices and to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. 

    Cooperation on ASEAN Centrality 

    1. Promote maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded commerce, mutual trust and confidence, the exercise of self-restraint, the non-use of force or the threat to use force, and the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, the relevant Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the relevant instruments and conventions of the International Maritime Organisation. 
    2. Enhance cooperation in maintaining peace, security and stability, and addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges in the region, including maritime security; transnational crime such as trafficking in persons, people smuggling, illicit precursor and drug trafficking; non-proliferation and disarmament; cyber security and cybercrime; international terrorism and violent extremism, with support from Canada’s capacity building efforts, including through the Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Programs, and in alignment with the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime. 

    Cooperation on Women’s Empowerment and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda (WPS) 

    1. Commit to strengthen efforts in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda globally, including through sharing of information and best practices, enhancing security related cooperation in the context of WPS within the ASEAN-led mechanisms, launching of a regional WPS initiative; advancing the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations and regionally, the ‘Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace’ initiative and cooperation with UN Women involving CAD8.5 million to support ASEAN-led efforts to advance the WPS agenda in ASEAN including support for the implementation and localisation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on WPS. 

    Cooperation on Health Security Initiatives 

    1. Further promote health security and health system resilience through ongoing support for the ASEAN-Canada Mitigation of Biological Threats (MBT) in the ASEAN Region Program, including supporting the development and operationalisation of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Biosafety and Biosecurity and the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) and other collaboration to enhance regional preparedness and response to future health crisis. 
    2. Further strengthen collaboration through the ASEAN-Canada MBT in the ASEAN Region Program to enhance capacities to prevent, detect and respond to all manner of biological threats, whether natural, accidental or deliberate in origin. 

    Cooperation on Disaster Management 

    1. Enhance cooperation between ASEAN and Canada to support the implementation of ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme (2021-2025) and the next AADMER Work Programme, as well as strengthen collaboration with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre). 

    Cross-Cutting Issues 

    1. Commit to consolidate the ASEAN-Canada partnership and strategic engagement through more frequent and meaningful dialogues at various levels. We welcome Canada’s support for ASEAN-led mechanisms and note its interest in joining the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), subject to these mechanisms’ respective enlargement processes. 
    2. Strengthen Canada’s support for ASEAN’s increased engagement with international and multilateral fora, including the UN, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and G20, and in Canada’s role as G7 president in 2025 to explore synergies and collaboration with ASEAN as it adopts the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans. 
    3. Support ASEAN’s efforts in narrowing the development gaps, including through the implementation of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Work Plan IV (2021-2025) and its successor documents as well as sub-regional frameworks in the ASEAN region, which would contribute to promoting sustainable and equitable development and inclusive growth across the ASEAN Community by aligning sub-regional growth with the comprehensive development of ASEAN. 
    4. Recognise the importance of further enhancing regional connectivity, including through support for the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 and its successor document and the ASEAN Connectivity Post-2025 Agenda, as well as promoting links and synergies with other relevant connectivity initiatives through ASEAN’s Connecting the Connectivities approach. 
    5. As we adopt this Joint Statement, we task our relevant officials to implement the above initiatives to complement the programmes and goals identified in the Plan of Action to Implement the Joint Declaration on ASEAN-Canada Enhanced Partnership (2021-2025) as well as the Joint Leaders’ Statement on ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership, based on mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. We reaffirm our commitment to our relationship, as ASEAN and Canada commence negotiations of the next iteration of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2026 – 2030). 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: We must ‘help way earlier’ – united call to address systemic failures of Australia’s youth justice systems

    Source: Australian Human Rights Commission

    Joint media release: Justice Reform Initiative and Australian Human Rights Commission 

    Law and justice leaders, parliamentarians, First Nations leaders, child safety advocates, community service providers, peak organisations, and people with lived experience of child imprisonment from around Australia will come together for a landmark parliamentary event in Canberra on Thursday.

    Amid an increasing national spotlight on the systemic failures of harmful youth justice practices across the country, more than 120 representatives – including former Governor-General Dame Quentin Bryce and Members of Parliament from all sides of politics – will converge in Canberra to recognise the urgent need for systems reform and for child justice, safety and well-being to be made a national priority.

    Co-hosted by the Justice Reform Initiative and National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, the meeting comes as submissions for the first Federal Senate Inquiry into Australia’s child justice system are set to close on Thursday.

    The event will include a panel discussion featuring four remarkable speakers who have experienced incarceration as children and have critical insights into what needs to change. They will be joined by Anne Hollonds (National Children’s Commissioner who will also provide a brief overview of her report), and Natalie Lewis (Commissioner for the Queensland Family and Child Commission).

    The event follows the tabling in Parliament of the National Children’s Commissioner’s major report ‘Help Way Earlier!’ How Australia can transform child justice to improve safety and wellbeing, and her address at the National Press Club last week.

    Among its 24 recommendations, the ‘Help Way Earlier!’ report specifically calls for:

    • a National Taskforce for Child Justice Reform
    • a National Cabinet Minister for Children
    • a Ministerial Council for Child Wellbeing reporting to National Cabinet 
    • legislation to protect the human rights of children.

    Comments attributed to National Children’s Commissioner, Anne Hollonds:

    “Our ‘Help Way Earlier!’ report finds that in Australia we have misunderstood the problems we are trying to solve – that the criminal justice system is not able to reduce offending by children and make the community safer.

    “The evidence shows that the younger you lock up children, the more likely it is that they will go on to commit more serious and violent crimes. Making the justice system more punitive through longer sentences, tougher bail laws, and building more children’s prisons is the wrong approach.

    “That’s because offending by children is a symptom of underlying causes and needs that we are failing to address. Instead we need to pivot towards the solutions based on decades of evidence, to transform our approach and work together across the federation to address the underlying causes of crime by children, and that will make communities safer for everyone.’

    Comments attributed to Chair of the Justice Reform Initiative, Robert Tickner AO:

    “Australia is failing its children every day with a failed approach to youth justice. As the National Children’s Commissioner’s report makes abundantly clear, it’s time for the Commonwealth to step up and show national leadership, working with the states and territories for a better approach.

    “The social factors which drive the crisis in youth justice have been allowed to worsen over time without adequate attention from either side of politics. The unanimous Senate support for an inquiry, set to be tabled in November, is acknowledgment of the need for major systemic change and national leadership to drive that change.

    “Too many children around Australia are managed in prisons, rather than receiving the support and care and opportunity they need in the community. Imagine if schools across the country failed two-thirds or more of their students, or if our hospitals had a death rate of two-thirds of patients or higher. About two-thirds (66%) of children aged 10 to 16 who are released from sentenced detention receive another supervised sentence within 6 months, and more than 4 in 5 (85%) within 12 months.

    “We are paying an enormous price for this failure – both socially and economically. Locking up children across Australia now costs more than $855 million each year at a cost of $2,827 per child per day, equivalent to over $1 million per year per child.

    “This is an issue which should be on the agenda of the National Cabinet. As the Prime Minister has noted, we need state and territory collaboration to develop a national model of best practice based on the evidence of what works to turn young lives around. As a cross party national organisation, the Justice Reform Initiative is calling for youth justice to be taken out of the hothouse war zone of party politics and for our political leaders to come together to support evidence-based policy which reduces crime and makes our communities safer.”

    MEDIA NOTE: The event will be held at 7.30- 9.30am in the Mural Hall. National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds, Justice Reform Initiative chair Robert Tickner AO, Law Council President Greg McIntyre and Australian Medical Association President Danielle McMullen will be available for comment immediately following the event.

    Media contact: Pia Akerman 0412 346 746

    The Initiative respectfully acknowledges and supports the current and longstanding efforts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to reduce the numbers of Indigenous people incarcerated in Australia and, importantly, the leadership role which Indigenous-led organisations continue to play on this issue. We also acknowledge the work of many other individuals and organisations seeking change, such as those focused on the rate of imprisonment for women, people with mental health issues, people with disability and others.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Agree on Technical Partnership for the Future of the Automotive Industry

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Agree on Technical Partnership for the Future of the Automotive Industry

    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team announced today that they have concluded a basic agreement on entering a technical partnership concerning MoneyGram Haas F1 Team vehicle development and collaborative efforts. Through this partnership, the two sides aim to contribute to the development of the automotive industry by creating an environment in which young Japanese drivers, engineers, and mechanics can gain experience and grow in the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1), the pinnacle of motorsports.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hope returns to Kashmir after elections, but the ultimate power still belongs to Narendra Modi’s government

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leoni Connah, Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University

    This year’s local elections in India’s northernmost territory of Jammu and Kashmir were the first since the national government controversially stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in 2019. It’s also the first local election in Muslim-majority Kashmir since 2014.

    It was a significant moment for the region. The election will restore, at least partially, some degree of self-rule five years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it away.

    Modi’s Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) was delivered a resounding defeat when the official results were released this week. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and Congress alliance won 48 seats in the 90-seat regional legislature. The BJP won 29, mostly in the Hindu-majority Jammu region.

    The former chief minister, Omar Abdullah, was also reinstated as leader. This was a surprising turn given he lost his race for a seat in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, in the national elections a few months ago.

    What’s changed?

    Elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been affected in the past by boycotts and low voter turnout, due largely to public mistrust of the government.

    There was also a sense of betrayal after Modi’s government revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This had granted special privileges to local residents and gave the region its own constitution and ability to make its own laws.

    However, voter turnout in this year’s election reached 64%. And the participation of separatists and independent candidates suggested a change in attitude toward the political process.

    For the BJP, the elections are evidence that normalcy has returned to Kashmir after years of ongoing violence. Modi said in a tweet: “Many people claimed that the Jammu and Kashmir would burn if Article 370 was abrogated. However, it didn’t burn, it blossomed.”

    Modi had promised during the campaign that “statehood” would be restored, though he suggested this would be realised only if the BJP was victorious.

    With Modi’s opposition winning, some believed the election to be a de-facto referendum on the territory’s special status.

    The JKNC has always opposed the revocation of Article 370 and the stripping of Kashmir’s autonomy. The party has promised to work towards restoring that special status, as well as repealing the draconian Public Safety Act, which allows for the detention of people for up to two years without charge, and seeking amnesty for prisoners.

    In reality, however, the result won’t undo the revocation of Article 370. The new local assembly will have the power to make and amend laws, debate local issues and approve decisions for the territory, particularly in education and culture. But Abdullah will still need to seek the federally appointed lieutenant governor’s approval on any major decisions.

    Even if many Kashmiris would like to prevent the BJP from extending its reach into the region, the party still maintains some control from New Delhi.

    The BJP expanded the lieutenant governor’s powers over public order and policing. The lieutenant governor also has control over the regional anti-corruption bureau and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

    These powers were heavily criticised by the opposition parties in the region.

    Future of democracy?

    In recent years, Indian security forces have cracked down on the news media, social media and other forms of communication throughout the region, particularly any forms of Kashmiri solidarity with Palestine.

    Human rights advocates say abuses and repression continue in the region, and the climate of fear has had a detrimental impact on Kashmiri life.

    Statehood remains one of the biggest grievances for Kashmiri residents. Abdullah said himself that “restoration of full, undiluted statehood for [Jammu and Kashmir] is a prerequisite for these elections”.

    Only time will tell if these demands can be addressed, but there is hope a new local government might begin to change the bleak situation in Kashmir.

    As I spoke about in a recent podcast, there is optimism the new government will go a long way towards restoring some level of autonomy in Kashmir, as long as it is not obstructed by the lieutenant governor’s new powers.

    Leoni Connah does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Hope returns to Kashmir after elections, but the ultimate power still belongs to Narendra Modi’s government – https://theconversation.com/hope-returns-to-kashmir-after-elections-but-the-ultimate-power-still-belongs-to-narendra-modis-government-240990

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/10/2024 Blackburn, Ernst to TikTok: Celebrating Female Athletes Is Not Hate Speech

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) sent a letter to TikTok Chief Executive Officer Shou Zi Chew regarding the platform’s decision to ban and label pro-women’s sports advertisements as “hate speech” while simultaneously allowing graphic advertisements promoting transgender surgery for minors on the platform. 
    TikTok’s Ban of Pro-Women Sports Ads Is Only Latest Example of Attempt to Indoctrinate Users
    “We write to you today regarding TikTok’s decision to ban pro-women’s sports advertisements as ‘hate speech,’ while allowing ads promoting transgender surgery for minors on the platform. This is yet another example of TikTok’s attempted indoctrination of its users, in addition to instances where TikTok has deplatformed notable female athletes—like Bethany Hamilton and Riley Gaines—simply for advocating for fair play. These blatant examples of bias further call into question the extent to which TikTok levies its influence over Americans for nefarious purposes.”
    TikTok Labeled Small Business Advertisement Celebrating Female Achievement in Sports as “Offensive” and “Hate Speech”
    “Reporting from June indicates that TikTok banned XX-XY Athletics—an American owned small business that supports biological women in sports—from advertising on the platform… TikTok labeled the content offensive and, later, hate speech. The advertisement deemed hateful by TikTok was simply a celebration of female achievement—using a real life example—and encouraged young women to ‘be honest and be brave.’ Supporting young women should never be offensive, and it is telling that TikTok would consider a celebration of our girls in sports as worthy of being banned.”
    Meanwhile, TikTok Allows Graphic Ads Promoting Transgender Surgery for Minors
    “Even more troubling are the advertisements that TikTok does permit on its platform. TikTok allows woke advertisements in an attempt to mold Americans’ minds on a litany of issues. One of the most concerning advertisements that TikTok allows, though, is an advertisement promoting transgender surgery for minors. The sponsored content shows a teenage girl who recently had a double mastectomy, exposing her surgery in graphic detail. TikTok allowing this advertisement to run on minors’ feeds is the height of hypocrisy from a platform that suppresses conservative speech while profiting from leftist propaganda.”
    Protecting Female Athletes Is Not Controversial – Nearly 70% of Americans Agree Athletes Should Only Be Allowed to Compete Against Their Own Biological Sex
    “Almost 70% of Americans agree that athletes should only be allowed to compete on sports teams that correspond with their sex at birth. There is nothing controversial or hateful about the fact that men and women have biological differences, and any argument to the contrary is simply an attack on our nation’s women and girls. Not only is TikTok a threat to every American’s privacy and our national security, but it also threatens free speech and the rights of parents to rear their children in the way they see fit—rights fundamental to who we are as Americans. TikTok should immediately stop their assault on America’s young women and small businesses and allow companies that promote biological women in sports to advertise on the platform.”
    Click here for the full text of the letter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard coordinates interservice medevac 1000 miles west of Humboldt Bay, Calif.

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    10/10/2024 09:56 PM EDT

    The Coast Guard coordinated efforts with the U.S. Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing and the U.S. Air Force’s 563rd Rescue Group to medevac a mariner approximately 1000 miles west of Humboldt Bay, California, Wednesday.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ADB, Papua New Guinea Agree on Action Plan to Accelerate Project Implementation

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA (11 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) today agreed on a timebound action plan to accelerate the implementation and improve the performance of ADB-financed projects at the 2024 Country Portfolio Review Mission Roundtable Meeting.

    Co-chaired by ADB Country Director for PNG Said Zaidansyah and the Department of National Planning and Monitoring Acting First Assistant Secretary Reichert Thanda and attended by government officials—including Department of Works and Highways Acting Secretary Gibson Holemba and Department of Treasury Deputy Secretary John Uware—project directors, and ADB staff, the hybrid meeting discussed the overall performance of the portfolio, reviewed projects, and delegated responsibilities with executing agencies and implementing agencies.

    “As the biggest multilateral development partner of PNG, ADB will continue to support diversified, sustained, and inclusive growth in the country,” said Mr. Zaidansyah. “The development impact and effectiveness of ADB’s support depend on the quality of the portfolio performance and we will continue to collaborate with the government to improve the portfolio performance and build the capacity of the relevant government agencies.”  

    ADB’s active program in PNG includes 15 loans and 6 grants with 10 projects amounting to $1.38 billion. The largest sectors ADB is supporting are transport (roads and civil aviation)—comprising 60% of the total active portfolio—and energy (20%) in response to the large infrastructure gap in the country. The human and social development sector, building resilience to climate and supporting gender equity, are also integral parts of ADB’s active portfolio. ADB is also actively working on public sector management, including state-owned enterprise reform.

    The action plan designed to improve the portfolio performance focuses on contract and project management, procurement, financial management, social and environmental safeguards, and gender equality. ADB and the government will closely monitor the progress of the agreed actions.  

    ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s services trade reports rapid growth

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A robot poses during the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at the China National Convention Center in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s services trade saw rapid growth in the first eight months of the year, including a steep increase in the trade of travel-related services, official data showed on Thursday.

    The country’s services trade totaled nearly 4.89 trillion yuan (691.24 billion U.S. dollars) between January and August, up 14.3 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

    Services exports exceeded 2 trillion yuan, up 13.3 percent, and services imports jumped 15.1 percent to over 2.88 trillion yuan, resulting in a deficit of 874.88 billion yuan.

    Trade in travel-related services skyrocketed 45 percent to surpass 1.33 trillion yuan, and trade in knowledge-intensive services rose 4.4 percent to nearly 1.9 trillion yuan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Booth debuts at 2024 IMEX America

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    China presented a fresh image in the global MICE tourism market, business insiders told Xinhua Thursday when IMEX America 2024 concluded in Las Vegas.

    MICE, meaning Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, is a type of business travel that involves large groups of people gathering for meetings, conferences, incentives, and exhibitions.

    According to a report released by the Fortune Business Insights in September, the global MICE market was valued at 904.30 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 and is projected to grow from 970.76 billion dollars in 2024 to 1,932.73 billion dollars by 2032.

    It’s the reason why China prompted its MICE tourism resource in the most important annual exhibition of the industry by debuting a booth for the first time, Wu Dawei, the China National Tourist Office Los Angeles Director, explained to Xinhua.

    China aims at showing the country’s new look in the global MICE travel market and providing global buyers with a rich variety of MICE travel options, he noted.

    “During the exhibition, the Chinese delegation held several rounds of meetings with hundreds of international buyers to discuss in-depth cooperation in conference planning, product design and event organization in the future, which is expected to inject new vitality into China’s MICE market,” he said.

    Debra Brown from SmartBird World Travel in Atlanta, visited the China Booth on the first day of the exhibition. She planned to discuss with the China National Tourist Office Los Angeles about a conference she is organizing in Nanjing next year.

    The China Booth was joined by the cultural and tourism departments of Beijing, Shanghai, Shaanxi, and Chongqing, along with several MICE service providers from China, and Air China that provides flexible and efficient transportation solutions for international MICE groups by leveraging its extensive route network and convenient transfer services.

    They held multiple rounds of meetings with buyers from across the globe, showcasing China’s rich historical and cultural resources, its modern conference facilities and international business environment while exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

    “These discussions are expected to inject new vitality into China’s MICE tourism market,” Wu said.

    Lu Jiangtao, representative from the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, said that the largest city of China is positioning itself as the primary entry point for inbound tourism to the country.

    “Participating in the exhibition allows Shanghai to gain a deeper understanding of the latest trends and market demands in the global MICE industry,” he said.

    Guan Ting from Beijing BTG Tourism Development Co. told Xinhua that he had engaged with several professional counterparts worldwide at the three-day show to explore new markets and opportunities.

    “It will positively impact our group’s future development in the international market,” he said. BTG is a subsidiary of Beijing Capital Tourism Group.

    IMEX America is the largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. This year’s show, kicked off Tuesday, attracted thousands of buyers and participants.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hurricane Milton plows across US Florida

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Hurricane Milton hit the southeast U.S. state of Florida overnight with strong winds, destructive tornadoes and heavy rain, leaving at least 10 dead and millions of people without power as of Thursday afternoon.

    Police officers and National Guard members clear a downed tree after Hurricane Milton strikes on Davis Island, Tampa City, Florida, the United States, on Oct. 10, 2024. [Photo/City of Tampa]

    Milton made its landfall along the west-central coast of Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm and weakened to Category 1 as it plowed quickly across central Florida.

    St. Lucie County Administrator George Landry confirmed five fatalities as a result of tornadoes spawned by hurricane.

    “This has been a tragic 24 hours,” he said at a press conference.

    “Numerous homes and structures across St. Lucie County, including the City of Port St. Lucie and unincorporated areas, suffered significant damage,” said the county in an earlier news release.

    “As Hurricane Milton makes its way into the Atlantic, St. Lucie County Emergency Management officials strongly encourage residents to stay off the roads and stay inside until it has been deemed safe to do so,” said the release, adding that unnecessary traffic or bystanders will hinder response and recovery efforts.

    Three people were confirmed died in Volusia County, including one person killed after a tree fell, according to NBC News.

    In addition, two storm-related fatalities occurred in City of St. Petersburg, the news outlet reported.

    Over 135 residents from the Great American Assisted Living facility in Tampa, the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and the county seat of Hillsborough County, were rescued by responders, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on Facebook.

    Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wrote on X Thursday morning that over 3 million households were without power.

    He noted that more than 50,000 linemen were in the state working to restore power as efficiently and safely as possible while law enforcement officials and first responders were engaged in rescue missions throughout impacted areas.

    The Florida National Guard has activated over 6,500 service members for Hurricane Milton response operations, according to an update released by the governor’s office.

    U.S. President Joe Biden also wrote on X urging people impacted by Hurricane Milton to “stay inside and off the roads.”

    “Downed power lines, debris, and road washouts are creating dangerous conditions,” he said, adding that “Help is on the way.”

    The U.S. National Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center warned that there is a danger of life-threatening storm surge along the coast from east-central Florida northward to southern Georgia, where a storm surge warning remains in effect.

    Heavy rainfall across the central to northern Florida Peninsula through Thursday morning continues to bring the risk of considerable flash and urban flooding along with moderate to major river flooding, especially in areas where coastal and inland flooding combine to increase the overall flood threat. Damaging hurricane-force winds, especially in gusts, will continue for a few more hours in east-central and northeastern Florida, according to the agency.

    Milton is the fifth hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast so far in 2024, with three of them striking Florida. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-led resolution on women’s rights wins broad support at UNHRC

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

    Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, speaks during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 9, 2024. A resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by consensus on Wednesday during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. [Photo/Xinhua]

    GENEVA, Oct. 10 — A resolution marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by consensus on Wednesday during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

    Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, introduced the draft resolution. It was co-submitted by China, Denmark, France, Kenya, and Mexico, and received widespread support, with 112 countries backing the initiative as co-sponsors.

    Chen noted that the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, marking a historic milestone in the development of women’s rights globally.

    While acknowledging the significant progress in women’s social status over the past three decades, Chen emphasized that challenges remain in fully realizing the goals of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The resolution aims to revitalize the declaration’s spirit, reflecting the shared ambition to accelerate gender equality and strengthen international cooperation in tackling these persistent challenges.

    During the adoption of the resolution, representatives from countries including France, Finland, Gambia, Sudan, the Dominican Republic, Chile, Argentina, and Japan affirmed that the declaration’s spirit continues to guide global efforts to promote and protect women’s rights.

    China has also proposed convening a Global Leaders’ Meeting on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in 2025, marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women.

    The 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is held in Geneva, Switzerland, Oct. 9, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Vice President Kamala  Harris on the Passing of Ethel  Kennedy

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Ethel Kennedy was an American patriot, a fighter for justice, and an extraordinary force for good. A national and global leader, Ethel Kennedy used her voice to advocate for the causes she cared most about—from human rights around the world to conservation and gun safety. Guided by a deep sense of faith and an abiding optimism, she fought for over five decades to build a stronger nation and a better world. Ethel was a leader of courage, and a reminder to all of us that from great loss can come great purpose. Her legacy will inspire people around the world for generations to come. Doug and I send our love and our prayers to the Kennedy family.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Dozens killed as Israel continues offensives in Gaza

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Two kids stand on the rubble of destroyed buildings in the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Oct. 6, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Israel continued to pursue offensives in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on Thursday, pressing forward with its military objectives on the two fronts.

    On Thursday evening, Israel launched heavy airstrikes on central Beirut, targeting Wafiq Safa, head of Hezbollah’s Liaison and Coordination Unit. The strike has resulted in at least 22 deaths and 117 injuries, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

    A huge fire erupted, and heavy smoke billowed from a building in al-Noueiri, a densely populated area of central Beirut, following the airstrike. Ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and crowds gathered near the targeted site, TV footage of Lebanese broadcaster Al Jadeed showed.

    In addition, Lebanese sources reported that during the afternoon and evening hours, Israeli warplanes launched 16 raids in southern Lebanon and nine more in eastern Lebanon, leaving 21 dead and 41 injured.

    Among the attacked individuals were six Lebanese soldiers who were wounded in an Israeli drone attack on a military checkpoint at the Hosh al-Sayyed Ali crossing in eastern Lebanon near the border with Syria.

    Also on Thursday, Hezbollah members hit an Israeli tank with guided missiles in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese armed group said, adding that the attack occurred as an Israeli infantry force backed by five tanks was advancing toward the Ras al-Naqoura axis.

    Meanwhile, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement that two UN peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired on a watchtower in UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura in southern Lebanon.

    Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said at a news conference that the tank fire “was not a mistake and not an accident,” adding that the attack “could constitute a war crime and represented a very serious violation of international military law.”

    In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces accused Hezbollah of operating “from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near UNIFIL posts.”

    On their southern front, Israeli forces launched Thursday a deadly airstrike on Rafida School near the headquarters of the Palestine Red Crescent Society in Deir al-Balah, a city in central Gaza, killing at least 28 Palestinians and injuring more than 54 others.

    The Israeli military said in a statement that it carried out a “precise strike” targeting militants inside “a command and control center” within the school compound.

    The strike took place as fighting between Hamas and Israeli soldiers continued in Gaza. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, claimed Thursday that its fighters ambushed an Israeli army mechanized infantry company east of the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza, inflicting casualties among Israeli soldiers.

    According to the brigades, the company comprised 12 vehicles and trucks loaded with soldiers. “We detonated explosive devices in the Israeli vehicles before our fighters finished off the soldiers from zero distance,” it said.

    In a statement, Israel’s military confirmed three Israeli reserve troops were killed when an explosive device detonated, saying they “fell during combat in the northern Gaza Strip.” Enditem

    MIL OSI China News –