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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: NY National Guard to Assist in Response to Hurricane Milton

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 65 New York National Guard Soldiers and Airmen will deploy to Florida on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to assist the Florida National guard in responding to Hurricane Milton, which is expected to hit Florida’s west coast late on Wednesday.

    “As hurricanes wreak devastation along much of the Southeastern United States, we are stepping up to support response efforts for those in need,” Governor Hochul said. “I am deploying the New York National Guard to protect Floridians in the path of Hurricane Milton — offering resources, assistance and standing united with our neighbors in this time of crisis.”

    The New York National Guard will deploy 65 Soldiers and Airmen to Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Jacksonville, Florida. The New York Army National Guard will deploy 41 Soldiers from the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Syracuse and 10 Humvees to provide general purpose support as required by circumstances. The Soldiers will deploy to Florida on board a C-17 Globemaster III transport flown by the New York Air National Guard’s 105th Airlift Wing based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh.

    The New York Air National Guard will deploy 24 pararescue Airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing which is based at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach on Long Island. The Pararescue Airmen are all trained EMTs who go through extensive training that involves parachuting, scuba diving and survival skills. The Airmen will deploy with watercraft and specialized vehicles. They will deploy from Gabreski Air National Guard Base to Florida on board the wing’s organic HC-130J search and rescue aircraft. The New York National Guard contingent will be on the ground north of the hurricane’s expected landfall before the storm hits.

    Major General Ray Shields said, “At the direction of Governor Hochul, the New York National Guard is ready to support our fellow citizens in Florida, as Hurricane Milton heads for their state. Our Soldiers and Airmen are simply amazing at the way they respond on very short notice. I could not be prouder of their dedication and professionalism. They continue to make a difference in people’s lives every day. At the same time, the Citizen Soldiers and Airmen we have already deployed are continuing their support of the response effort in North Carolina.”

    The New York National Guard currently has 48 Soldiers and Airmen deployed, including Army engineers and CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters on storm response missions in North Carolina.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Launch Two Acquisition Corp. Completes $230 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Launch Two Acquisition Corp. (the “Company”) announced today the closing of its initial public offering of 23,000,000 units, which includes 3,000,000 units issued pursuant to the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option in full. The offering was priced at $10.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $230,000,000.

    The Company’s units began trading on October 8, 2024 on the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “LPBBU.” Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share of the Company and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company at an exercise price of $11.50 per share. Once the securities constituting the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “LPBB” and “LPBBW,” respectively.

    Of the proceeds received from the consummation of the initial public offering (including the exercise of the over-allotment option) and a simultaneous private placement of warrants, $231,150,000 (or $10.05 per unit sold in the offering) was placed in trust.

    The Company is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business or industry or at any stage of its corporate evolution. The Company’s primary focus, however, will be on technology and software infrastructure companies whose products and services target financial services, real estate and asset management companies. The Company will pursue completing a business combination with an established business of scale poised for continued growth, led by a highly regarded management team.

    The Company’s management team is led by James J. McEntee III, its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), and Jurgen van de Vyver, its Chief Financial Officer. The Board also includes Lynn Eisenhart, Jeffrey M. Shanahan, and Alfred J. Pierce III.

    Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

    A registration statement relating to the securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 7, 2024. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed initial public offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds thereof. No assurance can be given that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s offering filed with the SEC. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Company Contact:

    Launch Two Acquisition Corp.
    Jurgen van de Vyver
    jurgen@launchpad.vc
    (510) 692-9600

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FormFactor to Announce Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results on October 30th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LIVERMORE, Calif., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FormFactor, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORM) will report financial results for its 2024 fiscal third quarter on Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, at 1:25 p.m. Pacific Time. The public is invited to listen to a live webcast of FormFactor’s conference call on the Investors section of the company’s web site at www.formfactor.com.

    To Listen via Telephone: Preregistration is required.  Please preregister by clicking here.

    Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

    A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. The replay will be available on the Investors section of our website http://www.formfactor.com.

    About FormFactor:
    FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full IC life cycle – from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The Company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. For more information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.formfactor.com.

    Investor Contact
    Stan Finkelstein
    Investor Relations
    (925) 290-4273
    ir@formfactor.com

    FORM-F

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Andrew Cardno, CTO of Quick Custom Intelligence, Receives Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Gaming & Leisure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is proud to announce that its Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Cardno, has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by Gaming & Leisure, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the gaming and hospitality industries over the course of his career.

    Andrew Cardno, a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of experience, has been at the forefront of driving technological advancements in gaming analytics, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence systems. His innovative work has transformed the way gaming operators leverage data to improve decision-making, optimize operations, and enhance the customer experience.

    “It is an incredible honor to receive this recognition from Gaming & Leisure. I have dedicated much of my career to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with data and technology in the gaming industry, and this award reflects the collective effort of my team at QCI and our partners across the sector,” said Andrew Cardno, CTO of Quick Custom Intelligence.

    Jeannie Caruso, CEO of Gaming & Leisure, praised Cardno’s impact across industries, stating, “Andrew is a rare and amazing human. The terms innovative and disruptive have been incredibly over-used, however, Andrew is the type of genius that actually brings innovative, disruptive and broad solutions to not only our industry, but many industries. He’s often sought after by vendors and properties alike for counsel on complex challenges they face. His passion extends beyond the walls of business to a role he’s devoted many years to as a Science Olympiad Coach to pass his incredible gift on to middle and high schoolers who compete in a broad range of science-related challenges. The world needs more Andrews, and it was my great honor to present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award this year, while still knowing he’ll bring boundless innovation to us far past this award.”

    The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded annually by Gaming & Leisure to individuals who have made substantial and lasting contributions to the gaming, hospitality, and entertainment industries. Cardno’s career is highlighted by a series of innovations, including the development of cutting-edge solutions that have enabled gaming operators to better understand their customers and optimize business strategies.

    With this award, Andrew Cardno joins an elite group of industry pioneers whose work has had a profound and enduring impact on the gaming industry.

    About Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI)

    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) is the pioneer behind the QCI Player, an artificial general intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with real-time tools designed for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and The Bahamas. The QCI Player, managing over $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, serves as a best-in-class solution for on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based operations, enabling coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming and hospitality. QCI’s data-driven, AGI-powered software facilitates swift, informed decision-making, vital in the ever-changing casino industry, optimizing resources, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is headquartered in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. For more information, contact us at http://www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    About Andrew Cardno

    Andrew Cardno is a distinguished figure in the field of artificial intelligence and data plumbing, with over two decades of experience leading private Ph.D. and master’s level research teams. His expertise has made significant contributions to data tooling, including groundbreaking innovations like the deep zoom image format, now a cornerstone in many mapping tools. Andrew’s leadership has earned him two Smithsonian Laureates and garnered 40 industry awards, including three pivotal gaming industry transformation awards. Co-founding Quick Custom Intelligence with Dr. Ralph Thomas, Andrew holds over 150 patent applications and has made a profound impact across various industries, from telecommunications and retail to the medical sector. He is also a prolific author, contributing to over 100 industry publications and co-authoring eleven influential books with Dr. Thomas. Andrew advocates for community and diversity and has made a significant impact on over 100 Native American Tribal Resorts, reflecting his expansive and inclusive professional endeavors.

    About Gaming & Leisure

    Gaming & Leisure® (G&L) is an organization dedicated to the betterment of the gaming and hospitality industry. G&L provides influential insights, best practices and brings together leading operators and the business partners who serve them, to collaborate and shape the landscape of operations each year. For over 20 years the annual G&L Roundtable seeks to initiate meaningful change in our industry by the very people who can foster that change. The G&L Forum is a North American leadership congress on innovation, AI and cybersecurity serving as a guide post for the industry. The G&L Community’s greatest asset continues to be its dedicated leadership representing a vast majority of domestic gaming and hospitality spend, and the new terrain they carve for us all to lead well. Visit http://www.mygamingandleisure.com.

    Contact:
    Laure Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION — Commercial insurance market projects stability as rates moderate across most lines of business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a release issued under the same headline earlier today by Willis Towers Watson US LLC (Nasdaq: WTW), please note that the inaccurate ‘Key Price Predictions for 2024’ table has been removed. The corrected release is as follows:

    According to the latest Insurance Marketplace Realities report from WTW (Willis Towers Watson, NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, commercial insurance rates have demonstrated balance and stability throughout the year across North America. Jon Drummond, Head of Broking, North America, WTW, commented, “The industry has not categorically rewritten its position on any one line of business, but rather has taken micro-actions reacting to emerging trends.”

    WTW reports that new capital in both the reinsurance and retail marketplace has led to increased competition for premium market share, excluding umbrella and excess liability. This trend has played out across the industry, which is particularly meaningful in 1st party business where capacity was a challenge at the outset of 2024.

    Capacity remains a driving force in delivering soft market conditions for financial lines. While WTW advises that it may be premature to call it a trend, there appears to be mounting focus on rate adequacy in mid-excess Directors & Officers Liability. In addition, the Cyber market projects flat to mid-single digit rate decreases across most renewals in the near term.

    In casualty, Umbrella & Excess liability has seen the most amount of disruption. Loss costs continue to rise due to factors including legal system abuse, litigation financing, and the growth of concerns such as forever chemicals, to which the insurance market has responded by reducing lines of capacity available to insureds and pushing renewal rates past high single digit.

    WTW’s Marketplace Realities report concludes that while the industry is facing evolutionary change across many lines of business – e.g. climate change, nuclear verdicts, new capital entrants, etc. – the market should deliver relatively stable renewal conditions across most lines of business as the year comes to a close.

    Drummond added, “It goes without saying that the current state of affairs might only be one major hurricane away from being upended, and with Milton knocking on the door, the probability of disruption is growing.”

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media Contacts

    Douglas Menelly, Public Relations Lead, North America
    Douglas.Menelly@wtwco.com | +1 (516) 972 0380

    Arnelle Sullivan, Public Relations Associate, North America
    Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com | +1 (718) 208-0474

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ontario’s Elevate Condo Towers Change Hands Mid-Completion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KITCHENER, Ontario, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian mortgage lender Dorr Capital Corporation, ELM Developments, and BC’s Gentai Capital Corporation teamed up to acquire mid-rise condominium project from 1776411 Ontario Ltd. for approximately $75 million with hopes to aid the country’s housing crisis.

    Located at 1333 Weber Street East in Kitchener, Ontario, the proposed 4-tower Elevate project stands under construction to complete a 15 Storey Tower A & Tower B and 12 storey Tower C & D with a commercial component attached. The project was slated to bring 622 new homes to market by 2029, before facing a string of cost overruns and failing to service the loan in Canada’s rising interest rate and construction costs environment.

    The project has a total land area of 3.60 acres and was originally rezoned in 2016. Building A, which is halfway through construction is a 15-storey building with a total of 177 residential dwelling units. Similarly, Building B is approved for a 15-storey tower with 193 residential units, and Building C & D are both 12-storeys, providing commercial space as well as 159 and 93 residential units, respectively.

    “While our plan is to develop all four towers as quickly as possible, our primary focus is to complete the existing tower that stands 65% complete and save the existing sales,” says Brian Dorr, CEO of Dorr Capital Corporation. “We already know we’ll have to reassess the sales strategy for one of the other towers and rental is not off the table.”

    Construction and misspending appeared to be the primary culprit in the project’s initial demise. To ensure the success of this project, it would require significant restructuring of financing, a complex sales strategy, and adequate development of the project. Vancouver’s Gentai Capital Corporation will adopt the role of majority stakeholder by providing a loan on the property, while Dorr Capital focuses on facilitating the transaction alongside ELM Forward, a division of ELM Developments that specializes in the construction and development of distressed assets.

    “Relationships and context play an integral part of saving a project,” explains Dorr. “We not only understood the project coming in, but we also knew the dynamics, and the players involved. We developed a degree of trust and empathy for the existing stakeholders during the initial default phase, which made it easier to come up with a win-win solution.”

    Partner Dorr Capital spent over 10 months and countless hours assessing all downsides of this deal to mitigate and fix it with the original partner before constructing the acquisition. Now, equipped with a new team, they have enlisted an improved management structure and are better positioned with access to funding to complete it. “This complex deal required attention to detail and thorough due diligence. Reaching a favourable outcome is possible when you work with competent groups who are committed to achieving a win-win scenario rather than focusing solely on profits.”

    “Successful real estate ventures thrive on collaboration, transparent communication, share vision and steadfast focus on leveraging our strengths—opening the door to limitless possibilities,” says Michael Yeung, Executive Vice President, Lending at Gentai Capital.

    “With this new team of construction and development experts, we as partners have a clear vision forward,” says Elliot Steiner, President at ELM Developments, “We’re proud to provide over 600 much-needed housing units to the community of Kitchener and are committed to conducting good business to move this project forward.”

    “In these delicate and vulnerable situations, it’s better to work as a team, refrain from being greedy, and focus on turning a normal profit. We see considerable upside in sales revenue and would like to capitalize and revive this project to benefit the partnership group and support in dealing with the housing crisis,” concludes Dorr.

    The deal was officially approved by the courts on October 8th, 2024 and is anticipated to close this month.

    About Dorr Capital

    Dorr Capital is Ontario’s trusted commercial real estate financing company. Facilitating +$3Billion dollars in loan servicing, the firm provides viable borrowing solutions for the purchase of land to fuel much needed new home construction in the region. Since 2011, Dorr Capital and its network of lenders have evolved its operations as a traditional loan brokerage to include mortgage loan servicing, syndicated mortgage investments, and CMHC approved loans to meet the growing needs of the Canadian population and of our valued partners.

    About Gentai Capital Corporation

    Gentai Capital is a leading Canadian alternative investment manager, offering value-added real estate financing solutions coast to coast. With a national portfolio of residential and commercial real estate mortgage loans, and a diversified pipeline of lending opportunities, our scope and scale distinguish us as an integrated asset manager and one of the fastest-growing companies in Canada.

    About ELM Forward

    ELM Forward is a division of the ELM Developments Group, specializing in the development and construction for distressed assets. The team brings over 30 years of experience in problem-solving for distressed real estate assets, delivering customized solutions from acquisition to completion. To date, they have developed and managed more than 55 projects across Canada and the U.S., covering multiple asset classes. They have delivered 6,300 residential units and 900,000 square feet of commercial space, exceeding a combined value of $4 billion.

    Media Contact:
    Britainny Hari
    Founder, Dual Agency Inc.
    brit@thedualagency.ca
    (778) 686-9711

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Streaming online and airing on PBS affiliates. Thao Lam and Kjell Boersma’s multi-award-winning National Film Board of Canada animated short Boat People featured on POV Shorts, starting November 12.

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Beginning November 12, 2024, Thao Lam and Kjell Boersma’s acclaimed new National Film Board of Canada (NFB) animated short Boat People will be featured in season seven of POV Shorts—a collection of the best and boldest independent short films streaming free of charge on POV.org and on the PBS App.

    October 8, 2024 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    Beginning November 12, 2024, Thao Lam and Kjell Boersma’s acclaimed new National Film Board of Canada (NFB) animated short Boat People will be featured in season seven of POV Shorts—a collection of the best and boldest independent short films streaming free of charge on POV.org and on the PBS App.

    POV Shorts will be airing on PBS affiliate stations—check local listings.

    Canadians can also continue to enjoy Boat People on the NFB’s free online screening platform, nfb.ca.

    About the film

    Boat People by Thao Lam and Kjell Boersma (10 min)
    Produced by Justine Pimlott and Jelena Popović for the NFB
    Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/boat-people-2

    • As a little girl in Vietnam, Thao’s mother would rescue ants from bowls of sugar water. The tiny creatures would later return the favour, leading her desperate family through darkness—and pointing the way to safety.
    • With Boat People, illustrator and author Thao Lam undertakes a creative rescue mission of her own, joining forces with animator Kjell Boersma to recount the experiences of her family, who were among over 1.6 million refugees who fled the chaotic aftermath of the Vietnam War, venturing across the South China Sea in precarious open boats.
    • Boat People employs a hybrid of traditional 2D animation, stop-motion multiplane, and 3D rendering to capture the unique aesthetic of Lam’s handmade paper textures and patterns. The film speaks across time and culture to anyone who’s ever fought to protect their family or community.

    Acclaim for Boat People

    • Boat People has been selected by more than 30 festivals around the world, including the Ottawa International Animation Festival, DOC NYC, the Stuttgart International Festival of Animated Film and the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
    • The film has garnered 10 awards and mentions to date, including the Milos Stehlik Global Impact Award at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, a Special Mention at the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival in Germany, and the Audience Award and Helen Hill Award for Animated Short at the New Orleans Film Festival, a short-films qualifying festival for the 97th Academy Awards.

    About the filmmakers

    • Thao Lam is a critically acclaimed Vietnamese-Canadian children’s book author and illustrator who arrived in Canada with her parents at the age of three as a refugee from Vietnam. Her books include the multi-award winning Wallpaper (2018) and Paper Boat (2020).
    • Kjell Boersma is a writer, director and animator whose projects combine traditional and digital animation techniques in novel ways. He directed the short film Monster Slayer (2015) and was commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and TIFF Kids to write and direct DAM! The Story of Kit the Beaver (2017).

    About the National Film Board of Canada

    Founded in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a one-of-a-kind producer, co-producer and distributor of engaging, relevant and innovative documentary and animated films. As a talent incubator, it is one of the world’s leading creative centres. The NFB has enabled Canadians to tell and hear each other’s stories for over eight decades, and its films are a reliable and accessible educational resource. The NFB is also recognized around the world for its expertise in preservation and conservation, and for its rich and vibrant collection of works, which form a pillar of Canada’s cultural heritage. To date, the NFB has produced more than 14,000 works, 7,000 of which can be streamed free of charge at nfb.ca. The NFB and its productions and co-productions have earned over 7,000 awards, including 11 Oscars and an Honorary Academy Award for overall excellence in cinema.

    About American Documentary, Inc.

    American Documentary, Inc. (AmDoc) is a multimedia organization dedicated to creating, identifying and presenting contemporary stories that express opinions and perspectives rarely featured in mainstream media outlets. AmDoc is a catalyst for public culture, developing collaborative strategic engagement activities around socially relevant content on television, online and in community settings. These activities are designed to trigger action, from dialogue and feedback to educational opportunities and community participation.

    Major funding for POV is provided by PBS, the Open Society Foundations, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation, Reva & David Logan Foundation, Park Foundation, and Perspective Fund. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Chris and Nancy Plaut, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee, Acton Family Giving, and public television viewers. POV is presented by a consortium of public television stations, including KQED San Francisco, WGBH Boston and THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG.

    About PBS

    PBS, with more than 330 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and digital content. Each month, PBS reaches over 120 million people through television and 26 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’s broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. Decades of research confirm that PBS’s premier children’s media service, PBS KIDS, helps children build critical literacy, math and social-emotional skills, enabling them to find success in school and life. Delivered through member stations, PBS KIDS offers high-quality educational content on TV—including a 24/7 channel, online at pbskids.org, via an array of mobile apps and in communities across America. More information about PBS is available at http://www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile and connected devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Communications on Twitter.

    About POV

    Produced by American Documentary, POV is the longest-running independent documentary showcase on American television. Since 1988, POV has presented films on PBS that capture the full spectrum of the human experience, with a long commitment to centering women and people of color in front of, and behind, the camera. The series is known for introducing generations of viewers to groundbreaking works like Tongues Untied (1989), Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse (1992), Rabbit in the Room (1999), Of Civil Wrongs & Rights: The Fred Korematsu Story (2001), Made in L.A. (2007), American Promise (2013), Not Going Quietly (2021), While We Watched (2022), A House Made of Splinters (2022) and the mini-series And She Could be Next (2020). Throughout its history POV has featured the work of award-winning, innovative filmmakers including Jonathan Demme, Laura Poitras, Nanfu Wang, Frederick Wiseman, Emiko Omori, Janus Metz Pedersen and Ava DuVernay. In 2018, POV Shorts launched as one of the first PBS series dedicated to bold and timely short-form documentaries. In 2024, Indiewire named seven POV films in its roundup of “The 50 Best Documentaries of the 21st Century”: Faya Dayi (2021), The Mole Agent (2020), Minding The Gap (2018), Cameraperson (2016), The Look of Silence (2015), The Act of Killing (2013) and After Tiller (2013). All POV programs are available for streaming concurrent with broadcast on all station-branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App, available on iOS, Android, Roku streaming devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Chromecast and VIZIO. For more information about PBS Passport, visit the PBS Passport FAQ website.

    POV goes “beyond the broadcast” to bring powerful nonfiction storytelling to viewers wherever they are. Free educational resources accompany every film and a community network of thousands of partners nationwide work with POV to spark dialogue around today’s most pressing issues. POV continues to explore the future of documentary through innovative productions with partners such as The New York Times and the National Film Board of Canada and on platforms including Snapchat and Instagram.

    POV films and projects have won 48 Emmy Awards, 28 George Foster Peabody Awards, 16 Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, three Academy Awards® and the first-ever George Polk Documentary Film Award. Learn more at pbs.org/pov and follow @povdocs on social media.

    About POV Shorts

    POV Shorts launched in 2018 as one of the first PBS series dedicated to bold and timely short-form documentaries. The series is known for its curation, and for broadcasting award-winning titles, including: Emmy®-nominated Earthrise, Water Warriors, The Changing Same, Emmy® winner The Love Bugs and the Oscar® shortlisted A Broken House and Aguilas. It won Best Short Form Series at the IDA Documentary Awards in 2023, 2022 and 2020.

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

    Online Screening Room: NFB.ca
    NFB Facebook | NFB Twitter | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
    Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

    About the NFB

    Lily Robert
    Director, Communications and Public Affairs, NFB
    C.: 514-296-8261
    l.robert@nfb.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 09/10/2024 Strengthening defence cooperation and security in the region as topics of Polish-Checo consultations

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Strengthening defense cooperation and security in the region are the topics of Polish-Czech consultations09/10/2024Cooperation between defense industries, assistance for fighting Ukraine, cooperation within the EU and NATO to build deterrence and defense capabilities, and further strengthening cooperation within the Visegrad Group are the main topics of the talks between the defense ministers of Poland and the Czech Republic in Prague.

    W środę 9 października br. w Pradze, wicepremier Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz spotkał się z Janą Černochová, minister obrony Czech oraz wziął udział w międzyrządowych konsultacjach polsko-czeskich pod przewodnictwem Prezesów Rady Ministrów obu państw.Podczas rozmów poruszono kwestie działań i perspektyw realizacji postanowień szczytu NATO w Waszyngtonie – ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem wzmacniania potencjału do obrony flanki wschodniej NATO i UE oraz przeciwdziałania zagrożeniom o charakterze hybrydowym i cybernetycznym.Spotkanie było również okazją do podziękowania stronie czeskiej za pomoc, której udzieliły załogi śmigłowców SZ tego kraju podczas ewakuacji ludności w trakcie ostatniej powodzi, która nawiedziła Polskę. 2 czeskie śmigłowce Mi-17, stacjonujące w Polsce wsparły działania ewakuacyjne oraz brały udział w zabezpieczaniu terenów dotkniętych wspomnianą katastrofą naturalną.>>> GALLERY – Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations***The defence and military cooperation between Poland and the Czech Republic is an example of good mutual political and economic relations between the two countries. The joint operation of the Polish and Czech Armed Forces, among others within the Canadian eFP group in Latvia, not only strengthens the regional potential for deterrence and defence, but also demonstrates the readiness of Warsaw and Prague to further strengthen partnership cooperation, among others in the field of exchange of experience covering technical modernisation of the Armed Forces and participation in joint military exercises.

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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Breaking ground on supportive housing in Spruce Grove

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Seniors lodges play an essential role in Alberta’s housing system by ensuring that seniors have access to housing that fits their needs and budgets. Today, there are 11,000 seniors lodge units in Alberta.

    Through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP), Alberta’s government is contributing $14.7 million to the Spruce Grove Supportive Living Lodge project to provide 102 units for seniors in Spruce Grove.

    “Through Alberta’s commitment to affordable and supportive seniors housing, we are taking care of those who paved the way before us. By investing in these new units in Spruce Grove, we are ensuring that more seniors can live in the communities they choose, and in homes that fit their budgets and provide comfort and security.”

    Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

    “Our government is building more homes than ever before. Today’s groundbreaking of 102 new supportive living units for seniors is proof that we are delivering on that goal. This means more homes, faster, to benefit seniors in Spruce Grove.”

    Randy Boissonnault, federal minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

    By investing in this project, Alberta’s government is ensuring more seniors have access to safe, secure and affordable homes in environments where they can thrive. Funding will go toward a new building which will ensure a diversity of housing options are available for Albertan seniors in the Spruce Grove-Stony Plain region. Through the Spruce Grove Supportive Living Lodge project, Alberta’s government is supporting the creation of a mix of studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments. Construction is expected to be complete by spring 2026.

    “Seniors lodges play a vital role in our province and I’m grateful to see a facility like this being built in Spruce Grove-Stony Plain. I know this project will help address the need for affordable housing options for seniors in our community, and I look forward to its completion.”

    Searle Turton, MLA for Spruce Grove-Stony Plain

    The Spruce Grove Supportive Living Lodge project is a partnership between Alberta’s government, Meridian Housing Foundation, the City of Spruce Grove, and the federal government. The province will continue to work closely with its housing partners like Meridian Housing Foundation to make sure Alberta’s seniors have the supports they need.

    “It’s exciting to see this work that will bring more housing options to our seniors in Spruce Grove. It’s so important for seniors to have the opportunity to remain in the community they call home, surrounded by friends and family as they enjoy their golden years, and this new facility will provide a place where they can maintain that connection.”

    Jeff Acker, mayor, City of Spruce Grove

    “This groundbreaking ceremony marks more than the start of a building – it represents a promise to our seniors, ensuring they have a safe, affordable place to call home in the years to come. This lodge will be a haven where they can live with dignity, surrounded by care and community. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where every senior feels valued and supported.”

    Lori-Anne St. Arnault, executive director, Meridian Housing Foundation

    Funding for the Affordable Housing Partnership Program is eligible for cost-matching through the Canada–Alberta Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.

    Quick facts

    • Since 2019, Alberta’s government has invested almost $850 million to build more than 5,100 affordable units and close to 900 shelter spaces. This includes projects the province has committed to, that are in progress and that are complete.  
      • Through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, Alberta’s government has approved $189 million to support construction of 1,500 affordable housing units.
    • The Alberta government’s Stronger Foundations strategy will help support a total of 82,000 low-income households by 2031 – an increase of more than 40 per cent compared with 2021.
    • Together with partners that include municipal and federal governments and non-profit and private organizations, Alberta is supporting $9 billion in housing investments to support 25,000 additional households by 2031.

    Related information

    • Affordable Housing Partnership Program
    • Stronger Foundations affordable housing strategy
    • Affordable housing and rent assistance
    • Canada’s National Housing Strategy

    Related news

    • Building affordable homes and stronger communities (May 10, 2024)
    • Investing in affordable housing (March 9, 2023)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 09/10/2024 Prague Consultations between the Polish and Czech governments

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The 9th Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations were held in Prague. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the head of the Czech government, Petr Fiala. We have many common interests and we look at issues in a similar way, such as the role of Europe, assistance to Ukraine, security and actions related to crisis situations. Polska and Chequia also have a common position on illegal immigration in the European Union. Prime Minister Donald Tusk was accompanied by 14 members of the Council of Ministers. Joint action of Poland and Checo. Cooperation between Warsaw and Prague is very good. This was especially visible during the tragic flood that hit both of our countries in September. “With a rare partner we have relationships so intense, so good and so characterized by mutual understanding,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the opening of Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations. Special thanks go to to the pilots of Checo Mi-17 helicopters, who actively helped in rescue operations on the Polish side of the border. “This is just an illustration of our very good cooperation in the broadly understood field of security. What we are trying to do together – both bilaterally and in Europe – is the best example of how to build security policy in relations between nations and states,” noted the Prime Minister. At the same time, Donald Tusk recalled the Polish initiative to organize a meeting in Wrocław regarding the rapid and flexible aid from the European Union, which will concern flood-affected areas. “The idea is to use European funds as effectively as possible and in some situations also jointly […] so that we can jointly and effectively counteract this type of disasters in the future,” explained the head. Polish government. Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who was one of the participants of the meeting in Wrocław, thanked the Polish initiative in the EU. “I thanked the Prime Minister for his actions. It was a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Ministers of Central European countries in Wrocław,” emphasized the head of the Czech government. Countries struggling with the effects of the September flood will be able to benefit from aid in the amount of EUR 10 billion for reconstruction from the Cohesion Fund. For our country, it will be half of this amount – 5 million de euros, i.e. approximately PLN 20 billion. Together in the international arena, Poland and the Czech Republic cooperate very well in the European Union forum, as well as in the matter of helping the struggling Ukraine. “I would like to thank the Czech Republic very much for their initiatives regarding Ukraine. We will cooperate even closer. We do it in a responsible, rational and very solidary way – both when it comes to helping refugees from Ukraine and helping to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression,” explained the head of the Polish government. El primer ministro checo, Petr Fiala added that both our countries are perfectly they know that the defense of Ukraine is an issue directly related to our security. “We know from our own experiences that we cannot allow Russia to make any expansion […]. Poland and the Czech Republic also have in common the fact that we have accepted a huge number of Ukrainian refugees in both countries. This shows that for us, words about solidarity are not just platitudes,” noted Petr Fiala. Poland and the Czech Republic, as one of the first countries in the EU, have been helping fighting Ukraine from the very beginning of the war. Poland and Chequia together on the issue of illegal immigration in the EUWarsaw and Prague also has a common position on illegal immigration in the European Union. El primer ministro Donald Tusk explained that during the Polish presidency in 2025, our governments will cooperate on a profound correction of some traditional European policies on illegal migration. “We present a common, firm and rational position, without any obsessions. We are definitely in favor of defending Europe against the wave of illegal migration,” emphasized the Prime Minister. As he explained during the press conference after the consultations, Poland and the Czech Republic must convince other partners in the European Union that the EU’s task is to protect the external border, not to create internal borders and searching in, which only consist in moving groups of illegal immigrants within Europe. “We will cooperate here in all aspects. Poland can count on Chequia and Chequia can count on Poland. We will give examples of this at the next meeting of the European Council,” announced the head of the Polish government. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also drew attention to the need for decisive action in the fight against illegal migration. “A change of perspective is necessary on migration. We need to be more active and more assertive towards third countries. I am convinced that both our countries have similar positions and views here,” said the head of the Czech government. As he added, organized pseudo-terrorist groups are particularly active in the matter of illegal migration. Polish-Czech energy cooperation One of the topics of intergovernmental consultations in Prague was energy cooperation .“Cooperation in the field of energy is important to us. We are starting nuclear energy practically from scratch. You already have a very long experience […]. Therefore, I am very glad that we have decided to cooperate closely and exchange information so that our activities in this field are effective and as cheap and effective as possible,” emphasized Donald Tusk. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also drew attention to the aspect of developing energy cooperation. “In both Our countries are preparing to build new nuclear blocks […]. The nuclear alliance is a form of cooperation that makes sense,” said the head of the Czech government. As he added, both countries see the benefits of the development of nuclear energy. By train from Prague to the Polish seaThis year’s tourist season on the Baltic Sea was exceptional – over half a million Czechs visited Poland beaches. “I am an eyewitness to the most friendly and expected invasion of ours, which were tourists from the Czech Republic at our seaside. You broke all Historical Records. We are very proud of it […]. Czech women and men are the most welcomed tourists on Polish soil,” emphasized Donald Tusk. Soon, tourists will have a new opportunity to reach the Baltic Sea. A direct railway connection between Prague and Tricity will be opened. Trains will run 4 times a day. Prime Minister Donald Tusk was accompanied in Prague by 14 members of the Council of Ministers: Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of State Assets Jakub Jaworowski, Minister of EU Affairs Adam Szłapka, Minister de Infraestructura Dariusz Klimczak, Minister de Cultura y National Heritage Hanna WróblewskaMinister of Climate and Environment Paulina Henning-Kloska,Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek,Minister of Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak,Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski,Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk,Minister of Industry Marzena Czarnecka,Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna ,Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz,Minister – Member of the Council of Ministers, Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Jan Grabiec.

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  • MIL-OSI Translation: 09/10/2024 Additional PLN 10 billion for local government units for 2024

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Additional PLN 10 billion for local government units for 202409/10/2024

    In August this year, El minister of finance Andrzej Domański declared that local government units would receive additional financial support in the amount of PLN 10 billion. On October 8 this year, the local government side was provided with information on the distribution of additional funds. Local government units will receive additional funds in the coming weeks. Distribution of additional funds for local government units for 2024 In 2024, local government units will receive additional revenues, in the total amount of PLN 10,000,000 thousand. PLN, in order to support the implementation of tasks. Additional revenues, in the amount of PLN 8,216,794,889, are received by local government units from their share in revenues from personal income tax. The amount specified in point 2 will be distributed between: 1) municipalities, 2) poviats, 3) voivodeships – in proportion to the share of the amount of revenue for 2024 from the share in revenues from the PIT tax of municipalities, poviats and voivodeships in the total amount of revenues of all local government units from this title in 2024 (determined taking into account the amounts resulting from the PIT correction for 2022). The amount referred to in point 3, due to the municipalities, is distributed between the municipalities in proportion to the share of the amount of revenue of a given municipality from the share in revenues from the PIT tax in the total amount of revenues of all municipalities from this title in 2024 (determined taking into account the amounts resulting from the PIT correction for 2022). The division principle will be applied accordingly to the division of amounts due to counties and voivodeships. If the amount calculated in the manner referred to in point 4 is lower than:1) PLN 1,000,000, if the number of residents of the commune does not exceed 5,000,2) PLN 1,500,000, if the number of residents of the commune exceeds 5,000 but does not exceed 10,000,3) PLN 2,000,000 if the number of residents of the commune exceeds 10,000,4) PLN 3,000,000 if the number of residents of the county does not exceed 75,000,5) PLN 4,000,000 if the number of residents of the county exceeds 75,000,6) PLN 6,000,000 if the number of residents of the voivodeship does not exceed 1,250,000,7) PLN 8,000,000 if the number of residents voivodeships exceeds PLN 1,250,000 – the local government unit will receive funds from supplementing the general subsidy in order to provide additional revenues in an amount not lower than those specified in items 1 – 7. The amount of the subsidy supplement will be subject to an appropriate reduction if the sum of the income of the local government unit referred to in items 4 and 5 is higher than the income of this unit in 2024 from the share in revenues from the PIT tax (determined taking into account the amounts resulting from the PIT correction for 2022). Cities with county rights are entitled to additional revenues referred to in item 1, calculated as for communes and counties, from each of the parts determined for communes and counties, respectively. In 2024, the general subsidy will be increased by PLN 1,783,205,111 in order to secure the necessary funds for local government units.

    MaterialDivision of additional funds for local government units for 2024Division of​_additional​_funds​_for​_local​_government​_units​_2024​_r.xlsx 0.19MB

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: Three-Night Closure of Providence Street Bridge Over I-295 Scheduled to Begin Tuesday, October 15 for Pier Work

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    On the nights of October 15-17, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) will close the Providence Street Bridge over I-295 in West Warwick for ongoing work at the bridge. Motorists are advised to use the signed detour via Route 2 and East Avenue during the closure period from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for each of these three nights.

    The Providence Street Bridge was built in 1968 and carries 10,500 vehicles per day. RIDOT used accelerated bridge construction methods to replace it, installing the new bridge deck in just one weekend in August. The entire project finishes in spring 2025.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings and weather.

    The replacement of the Providence Street Bridge is made possible by RhodeWorks and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at http://www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: State Arts Agency encourages high schools to sign up for 20th Poetry Out Loud Recitation Competition

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    This school year marks the 20th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud�, the national and local arts education program and dynamic poetry recitation competition for high school students. A partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Poetry Foundation, and Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA), the competition boasts “lifting poetry off the page” and improving students’ public speaking skills.

    The state’s arts agency, RISCA, a 20-year participant, has opened registration and is calling on high schools to participate in the competition. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 17. This year’s state championship will occur Saturday, March 8, at the Providence Public Library.

    “RISCA is a proud partner with the NEA and the Poetry Foundation for this venerable arts education program, which inspires an appreciation of great classic and contemporary poems. Additionally, students gain public speaking skills and life-long confidence,” said Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA. “Rhode Island is looking forward to celebrating Poetry Out Loud’s incredible milestone. We invite high schools to register and take part in this program that has 20 years of proven success.”

    All 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in the Poetry Out Loud competitions. Poetry Out Loud provides free poetry education resources nationally, including lesson plans and other educational materials for teachers and organizers, tips on reciting, and an online anthology of more than 1,200 classic and contemporary poems.

    Poetry Out Loud starts at the local level in the classroom where students memorize and recite poems they select from supplied materials. Each school’s winner advances to the state competition. The state champion moves onto the Regional and National Finals.

    The state winner receives $200, and the school receives a $500 stipend for the purchase of poetry materials. The first runner-up will receive $100, with $200 for his or her school library. Other prize money will be given out at the national and regional finals as stipends to winning finalists, schools or organizations.

    R.I. Poetry Out Loud champions for the past 20 years were:

    � 2024: Jennifer Shon, Portsmouth Abbey School

    � 2023: Natasha Connolly, Classical High School

    � 2022: Mariama Hawa Bandabaila, Classical High School

    � 2021: Virginia Keister, Chariho Regional High School

    � 2020: Nayeli Santana Vazquez, Central Falls High School

    � 2019: Haley Long, Classical High School

    � 2018: Steven Rosario, Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts

    � 2017 Simon Rabatin, Moses Brown School

    � 2016: Austin Paulhus, Central Falls High School

    � 2015: Zoe Butler, Portsmouth Abbey School

    � 2014: Yesenia Rego, Barrington Christian Academy

    � 2013: Jenifer Henriquez, Classical High School

    � 2012 & 2011: Daraja Aranda Hinds, Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts

    � 2010 & 2009: Amber Rose Johnson, Classical High School

    � 2008: Andrew Westlake, Burrillville High School

    � 2007: Jean-Paul D. Lagace, Providence Country Day School

    � 2006: Kris Aponte, William M. Davies Career and Technical Institute

    For the 2024-25 school year, Rhode Island’s coordinators for the Poetry Out Loud R.I. Program are its director, Damont Combs and teaching artists, Marlon Carey and Sarah Ashley, all live in Providence.

    In 2004, the Poetry Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts began developing and piloting a first-of-its-kind national poetry recitation program for high school students. Poetry Out Loud launched at the start of the following school year in time for the 2005-06 school year. Since then, the program has reached more than 4.4 million students and 81,000 teachers from 20,000 schools across the nation.

    A study completed in 2020 found that participation in Poetry Out Loud can help schools become more vibrant learning spaces and support students in their academic, literary and social-emotional development.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eight Charged in $68M Social Adult Day Care and Home Health Care Scheme

    Source: US State of Vermont

    An indictment was unsealed today in Brooklyn, New York, charging eight defendants for their alleged roles in a scheme to defraud Medicaid of approximately $68 million through the operation of two social adult day cares and a home health care financial intermediary that were paying kickbacks and bribes for services that were not provided.

    According to court documents, Zakia Khan, 53, of Brooklyn, and Ahsan Ijaz, 27, of Brooklyn, owned two social adult day cares, Happy Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. (Happy Family) and Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. (Family Social), and a financial intermediary, Responsible Care Staffing Inc. (Responsible Care), for the New York Medicaid Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services Program (CDPAP), which permits family members of Medicaid recipients to receive payment for assisting Medicaid recipients with activities of daily living. Beginning in approximately October 2017, in exchange for kickbacks and bribes, marketers Elaine Antao, 45, also known as Aleena, of Brooklyn, Omneah Hamdi, 61, of Brooklyn, and Manal Wasef, 44, of Brooklyn, allegedly referred Medicaid recipients to Happy Family, Family Social, and/or Responsible Care. The marketers in turn allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to Medicaid recipients for social adult day care and CDPAP services that Happy Family, Family Social, and Responsible Care billed to Medicaid but were not provided or were induced by kickbacks and bribes. Ansir Abassi, 38, also known as Zaib Abassi and Ansir Zaib, of Brooklyn, and Amran Hashmi, 53, of Brooklyn, allegedly managed Happy Family and Family Social and the marketers. To carry out the kickback scheme, Khan, Antao, Ijaz, Abassi, and Hamdi allegedly used business entities to launder the fraud proceeds and generate the cash used to pay kickbacks and bribes. Seema Memon, 30, of Brooklyn, an employee of Happy Family who was previously charged by complaint on July 1, was also indicted.

    “As alleged in the indictment, these defendants orchestrated a years-long scheme to defraud Medicaid of tens of millions of dollars for social adult day care and home care services for seniors that they did not provide,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendants allegedly paid cash bribes and kickbacks to recruiters and Medicaid recipients as part of a scheme to enrich themselves at the expense of vital programs for senior citizens. Today’s charges make clear that the Criminal Division will not tolerate schemes that brazenly steal from federal health care programs.”

    “Social adult day care and home health services are meant to help seniors, but as alleged, the defendants allegedly turned their businesses into a brazen cash grab of millions of dollars from the Medicaid program,” said U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “My office is committed to investigating and prosecuting those who plunder taxpayer-funded, federal health care programs dollars while purporting to offer health care services.” 

    “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate allegations that bribes and kickbacks are paid with Medicaid monies,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal health care system are required to obey the laws meant to preserve the integrity of program funds and the provision of appropriate, quality services to patients.”

    “The crimes outlined in this indictment took advantage of a network that offers essential health care and other services to those in need,” said Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). “Let it be clear: anyone who attempts to profit by defrauding the system will face consequences, as these schemes drain already limited resources and deprive beneficiaries of crucial funds. I commend our NYPD investigators and federal law enforcement partners for their successful and continued collaboration.”

    “As alleged, the defendants saw nothing beyond the dollar signs associated with their crimes, and in turn defrauded the U.S. government of $68 million in welfare funds meant for one of our country’s most vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Today’s announcement underscores the HSI New York El Dorado Task Force’s unrelenting focus on dismantling and disrupting financial fraud schemes that exploit the American public and hurt our economy.”

    Khan is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, paying health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and paying health care kickbacks, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Abassi, Antao, Hamdi, and Ijaz are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Hashmi is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and paying health care kickbacks. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, and paying health care kickbacks, and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Memon is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and paying health care kickbacks. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and paying health care kickbacks and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    Wasef is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks.

    HHS-OIG, NYPD, and HSI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Patrick J. Campbell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tanisha R. Payne for the Eastern District of New York is assisting with forfeiture matters.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BrucePac Recalls Ready-to-Eat Meat and Poultry Products

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that BrucePac is recalling nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes.

    The recalled products were produced from June 19, 2024, to October 8, 2024, and were shipped and/or distributed nationwide to establishments, distributors, restaurants, and institutions. The recalled products have establishment numbers 51205 or P-51205 inside or under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) mark of inspection. USDA will provide updates about product labels and list of products when they are available.

    USDA urges restaurants, institutions, and other establishments to not use or serve the recalled products. The recalled products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

    There have been no confirmed reports of illnesses related to recalled products.

    Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the illness and symptoms may last from days to several weeks. Consumers who may have consumed the affected product and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues should seek medical attention.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Astronauts, Leadership Visit Children’s Hospital, Cancer Moonshot Event

    Source: NASA

    NASA astronauts, scientists, and researchers, and leadership from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) met with cancer patients and gathered in a discussion about potential research opportunities and collaborations as part of President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative on Oct. 4.
    Roundtable discussions centered conversation around the five hazards of human spaceflight: space radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity, and closed or hostile environments. Many of these hazards have direct correlations to a cancer patient’s lived experience, like the isolation of a hospital room and long-term effects of radiation.
    During the visit with patients at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital San Francisco, NASA astronaut Yvonne Cagle and former astronaut Kenneth Cockrell answered questions about spaceflight and life in space.
    Patients also received a video message from NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station, and met with Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Eugene Tu, director of NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, and other agency leaders.

    By connecting the dots between human space research and cancer research, NASA and the University of California hope to open doors to innovative new research opportunities. NASA is working with researchers, institutions, and agencies across the federal government to help cut the nation’s cancer death rate by at least 50% in the next 25 years, a goal of the Cancer Moonshot Initiative.
    Learn more about the Cancer Moonshot at:
    https://www.whitehouse.gov/cancermoonshot

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy in the Ouachita Citizen: Don’t forget the American hostages who remain in Hamas’s captivity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in the Ouachita Citizen arguing that America must stand firm alongside Israel until every American hostage is home safe. Kennedy noted that Hamas is still holding four American citizens in Gaza and argued that the Biden-Harris administration must do more to hold Hamas and its supporters accountable. 
    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
    “While our hearts go out to the many Israeli families who lost loved ones during Hamas’s attack, we cannot forget that October 7 was an attack on Americans, too.”
    . . .
    “At least four American hostages are still alive in Gaza, including Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Keith Siegel. Israeli officials believe three other Americans—Judith Weinstein Haggai, Gadi Haggai, and Itay Chen—died in captivity, but Hamas refuses to turn over the bodies of these Americans so their families can finally lay them to rest.”
    . . .
    “Both President Biden and Vice President Harris seem to have fallen silent in their support for Israel to appease a handful of leftist institutions that believe Hamas was justified in raping and murdering innocent people.
    “The Biden-Harris administration continues to support the United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA), for example, despite clear evidence that the global organization is riddled with Hamas supporters. Just last week, Israel killed a Hamas leader in Lebanon who just happened to be an UNRWA employee.”
    . . .
    “The same is true on college campuses. Last spring, anti-Israel rioters set up encampments on public property, vandalized buildings with antisemitic slogans, and blocked Jewish students from attending classes. One protester at Columbia University even held up a sign stating that Hamas’s ‘next targets’ were the Jewish students on American campuses. As some of the most influential universities in America devolved into campgrounds for antisemites, the Biden-Harris administration sat on its hands.
    “These campus protestors—and far too many of my colleagues in Washington—seem to be confused about who the bad guys are in this conflict between Israel and Hamas. People in Louisiana, however, aren’t confused.
    “Louisianians understand that the Hamas terrorists who brutally murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians are the bad guys. They know these campus protesters who are rooting for Hamas are like rocks, only dumber. They support the Israelis who are fighting to free the hostages, not the monsters who carried out the October 7 attack.
    “As we reflect on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, I hope President Biden, Vice President Harris, and my colleagues in Washington will remember why we need to stand strong alongside Israel in its fight against evil. We must have Israel’s back until every American is home and Hamas is in ruins.” 
    Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Digital India has eased the process of getting pension for the senior citizens : PM

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today expressed satisfaction that Digital India has made the process of getting pension easier and it is proving to be very useful for senior citizens across the country.

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2063594) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Project Engineer Miranda Peters Flips the Script on Neurological Differences

    Source: NASA

    In her six years working with NASA, Miranda Peters has filled a variety of roles. She trained in flight control for the International Space Station, worked as a safety engineer in the station’s program office, and served as a project engineer working on next-generation spacesuit assembly and testing.
    She has also embraced an unofficial duty: speaking openly and honestly about her neurodivergence.
    “I used to hide it or avoid talking about it. I used to only see it as an impediment, but now I see how I can also do things or think about things in a unique way because of my disability,” she said. Peters said that when her neurodivergence impacts her ability to do something, she is honest about it and seeks help from her colleagues. “My hope is that when I talk about it openly, I am creating an environment where others with disabilities also feel comfortable being their true selves, in addition to humanizing the disabled community for those who are not a part of it.”

    Over time, Peters has also shifted her self-perception. “I’m an anxious person and was made to feel self-conscious about that in the past, but that anxiety also makes me transparent about what I’m doing and where the gaps in my knowledge are, which has earned praise from team leadership,” she said. Similarly, while Peters once saw her sensitivity as a weakness, she learned to appreciate her ability to empathize with and anticipate the needs of others. “That makes me a good mentor and leader,” she said.
    Learning to filter feedback has been another important lesson. “Advice and criticism are both useful tools, but not all of the time,” she explained. “I found myself tightly holding on to all of the criticism I received. It was easier to determine which advice didn’t work for me.” When Peters stopped to ask herself if she would take advice from the same person who was critiquing her, it became easier to take their feedback “with a pinch of salt.”

    Peters applies these lessons learned as a design verification and test hardware lead within the Spacesuit and Crew Survival Systems Branch at Johnson Space Center in Houston. She currently supports tests of the Portable Life Support System (xPLSS) that will be integrated into the new spacesuits worn by astronauts on future missions to explore the lunar surface. She is responsible for assembling and disassembling test units, making hardware and software updates, and integrating the xPLSS with various components of the spacesuit, known as the xEMU.   
    Peters’ most recent prior position was assembly and integration engineer within the same branch. She had an opportunity to serve as the interim xPLSS hardware lead when a colleague went on leave for several months, and suddenly found herself managing a major project. “We got a lot done in a short amount of time without loss of procedural integrity, even when we encountered unexpected changes in schedule,” she said. “I also used this large amount of lab work as an opportunity to train new hires and interns in assembly processes.” When the colleague returned, Peters was promoted to the newly created  role overseeing design verification and testing.
    “I really love how universal spacesuits are in their ability to excite and draw wonder from across the human spaceflight community and the general public,” she said. “Working on the xEMU project has affirmed for me that human surface mobility is the field that I want to make my career.” That realization inspired Peters to pursue a graduate degree in space architecture from the University of Houston, which she expects to complete in May 2026.

    Peters looks forward to a future where NASA’s astronaut classes include individuals with different abilities. She encourages agency leaders, contractors, and others to have open conversations about workplace accommodations early in their hiring and performance review processes. “I think if we provide the opportunity to talk about accommodations and how to request them, employees would be more empowered to ask for what they need to be successful,” she said. Educating managers about available accommodations and allocating resources to expand the accessibility of those accommodations would also be helpful.
    Peters hopes to pass that feeling of empowerment on to the Artemis Generation. “Empowerment to be themselves, to do the hard things, and to not limit themselves,” she said. “We need to take advantage of all the opportunities we can, and not let the fear of failure or not being ‘good enough’ stop us from going where we want to.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INS TALWAR ARRIVES SOUTH AFRICA TO PARTICIPATE IN IBSAMAR VIII

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:14PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Talwar, arrived at Simon’s Town, South Africa, on 06 Oct 24 to participate in the eighth edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multinational maritime exercise among Indian, Brazilian, and South African Navy scheduled from 06 to 18 October 2024.

    The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen cohesion between the three navies. The broad concept is based on Blue Water Naval Warfare, encompassing the dimensions of Surface and Anti-Air Warfare.

    The harbour phase of IBSAMAR VIII will include professional exchanges, Damage Control & Firefighting drills, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure drills, cross-boarding, aviation safety lectures, joint diving operations, an Ocean Governance seminar, sports interactions, cross-decks visits, and interaction among Special Forces and Junior Officers.

    Multi-lateral interactions are crucial bridges of friendship that increase mutual trust and enhance interoperability among navies of like-minded littoral nations towards the common goal of a peaceful maritime domain and positive maritime environment.

    Defence cooperation between India and South Africa is on an upward trajectory. Operational Sea Training and Submarine Rescue Support have been commenced between both navies since the 12th edition of Navy-to-Navy talks held on 26-28 August 2024 at New Delhi. The visit of INS Talwar aims to further strengthen the ties and reaffirm India’s commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth.

    INS Talwar was commissioned on 18 June 2003 and is a part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command. The ship is commanded by Captain Jithu George.

    *****

    VM/SPS 

    (Release ID: 2063543) Visitor Counter : 37

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah will address the 119th Annual Session of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Chief Guest in New Delhi tomorrow

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah will address the 119th Annual Session of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Chief Guest in New Delhi tomorrow

    The theme of the annual session is ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Marching towards the peak of progress’

    The entire country is moving rapidly with dedication and devotion towards the resolution of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to make India a developed nation by the year 2047

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country is moving towards becoming the third largest economy of the world

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 4:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah will address the 119th Annual Session of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the Chief Guest on Thursday, 10 October 2024 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The theme of the annual session is ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Marching towards the peak of progress’.

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed nation by the year 2047 and the whole country is moving rapidly in that direction with dedication and devotion.

    India has joined the top 5 economies of the world and under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi it is moving towards becoming the third largest economy of the world.

    Around 1500 business persons, Chartered Accountants, bankers, advocates etc. from the industry will participate in the 119th session.

    *****

    RK/ASH/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2063524) Visitor Counter : 75

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report” for the Quarter April-June, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Communications

    “Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report” for the Quarter April-June, 2024

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:36PM by PIB Delhi

    TRAI today has released the “Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report” for the Quarter ending 30th June, 2024. This Report provides a broad perspective of the Telecom Services in India and presents the key parameters and growth trends of the Telecom Services as well as Cable TV, DTH & Radio Broadcasting services in India for the period covering 1st April, 2024 to 30th June, 2024 compiled mainly on the basis of information furnished by the Service Providers.

    Executive Summary of the Report is enclosed. The complete Report is available on TRAI’s website (http://www.trai.gov.in and under the link http://www. trai.gov.in/release-publication/reports/performance-indicators-reports). Any suggestion or any clarification pertaining to this report, Shri Amit Sharma, Advisor (F&EA), TRAI may be contacted on Tel. +91-20907772 and e-mail: advfea2@trai.gov.in.

    *****

    SB/DP/ARJ

     

    The Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators

    April–June, 2024

    Executive Summary

     

    1. Total number of Internet subscribers increased from 954.40 million at the end of Mar-24 to 969.60 million at the end of Jun-24, registering a quarterly rate of growth 1.59%. Out of 969.60 million internet subscribers, number of Wired Internet subscribers are 42.04 million and number of Wireless Internet subscribers are 927.56 million.

    Composition of internet subscription

    1. The Internet subscriber base is comprised of Broadband Internet subscriber base of 940.75 million and Narrowband Internet subscriber base of 28.85 million.
    2. The broadband Internet subscriber base increased by 1.81% from 924.07 million at the end of Mar-24 to 940.75 million at the end of Jun-24. The narrowband Internet subscriber base decreased from 30.34 million at the end of Mar-24 to 28.85 million at the end of Jun-24.
    1. Wireline subscribers increased from 33.79 million at the end of Mar-24 to 35.11 million at the end of Jun-24 with a quarterly rate of growth 3.90% and, on Y-O-Y basis, wireline subscriptions also increased by 15.81% at the end of QE Jun-24.
    2. Wireline Tele-density increased from 2.41% at the end of Mar-24 to 2.50% at the end of Jun-24 with quarterly rate of growth 3.67%.
    3. Monthly Average Revenue per User (ARPU) for wireless service increased by 2.55%, from Rs.153.54 in QE Mar-24 to Rs.157.45 in QE Jun-24. On Y-O-Y basis, monthly ARPU for wireless service increased by 8.11% in this quarter.
    1. Prepaid ARPU per month increased from Rs.150.74 in QE Mar-24 to Rs.154.80 in QE Jun-24 and Postpaid ARPU per month also increased from Rs.187.85 in QE Mar-24 to Rs.189.17 in QE Jun-24.                               
    2. On an all-India average, the overall MOU per subscriber per month decreased by 2.16% from 995 in Q.E. Mar-2024 to 974 in Q.E. Jun-2024. 
    1. Prepaid MOU per subscriber is 1010 and Postpaid MOU per subscriber per month is 539 in QE Jun-24.
    1. Gross Revenue (GR), Applicable Gross Revenue (ApGR) and Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) of Telecom Service Sector for the Q.E. Jun-24 has been Rs.86,031 Crore, Rs.83,087 crore and Rs.70,555 Crore respectively.  GR decreased by 2.16%, ApGR decreased by 1.02% and AGR increased by 0.13% in Q.E. Jun-24, as compared to previous quarter. 
    1. The Y-O-Y rate of growth in GR, ApGR and AGR in Q.E. Jun-24 over the same quarter in last year has been 6.34%, 6.05% and 7.51% respectively.
    1. Pass Through Charges decreased from Rs.13,482 Crore in QE Mar-24 to Rs.12,561 Crore in QE Jun-24 with quarterly rate of decline 6.84%. The Y-O-Y rate of decline 4.99% has been recorded in pass-through charges for QE Jun-24.
    2. The License Fee increased from Rs.5,637 Crore for the QE Mar-24 to Rs.5,645 Crore for the QE Jun-24. The quarterly and the  Y-O-Y rates of growth in license fees are 0.14% and 7.62% respectively in this quarter.  

    Service-wise composition of Adjusted Gross Revenue

    1. Access services contributed 82.40% of the total Adjusted Gross Revenue of telecom services. In Access services, Gross Revenue (GR), Applicable Gross Revenue (ApGR), Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), License Fee, Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) and Pass Through Charges increased by -0.69%, 1.32%, 2.83%, 2.81%, 0.35% and -6.93% respectively in QE Jun-24.
    2. The number of telephone subscribers in India increased from 1,199.28 million at the end of Mar-24 to 1,205.64 million at the end of Jun-24, registering a rate of growth 0.53% over the previous quarter. This reflects Year-On-Year (Y-O-Y) rate of growth 2.70% over the same quarter of the last year. The overall Tele-density in India increased from 85.69% as in QE Mar-24 to 85.95% as in QE Jun-24.

    Trends in Telephone subscribers and Tele-density in India

    1. Telephone subscribers in Urban areas increased from 665.38 million at the end of Mar-24 to 667.13 million at the end of Jun-24 however Urban Tele-density decreased from 133.72% to 133.46% during the same period.
    2. Rural telephone subscribers increased from 533.90 million at the end of Mar-24 to 538.51 million at the end of Jun-24 and Rural Tele-density also increased from 59.19% to 59.65% during the same period.
    1. Out of the total subscription, the share of Rural subscription increased from 44.52% at the end of Mar-24 to 44.67% at the end of Jun-24.

    Composition of Telephone Subscribers

       

    1. With a net increase of 5.04 million subscribers during the quarter, the total wireless subscriber base increased from 1,165.49 million at the end of Mar-24 to 1,170.53 million at the end of Jun-24, registering a rate of growth 0.43% over the previous quarter. On Y-O-Y basis, wireless subscriptions also increased at the rate of 2.36% during the year.  
    2. Wireless Tele-density increased from 83.27% at the end of Mar-24 to 83.45% at the end of Jun-24 with quarterly rate of growth  0.21%.
    3. During this quarter, the following parameters in terms of QoS benchmarks have been fully complied by wireline service providers: –
      1. Fault incidences (No. of faults per 100 subs/month) (≤ 7)
      2. % Fault repaired by next working day (for rural and hilly areas) (≥ 75%)
      3. % Fault repaired within 7 days (for rural and hilly areas) (100%)
      4. Point of Interconnection (POI) Congestion (No. of PoIs not meeting benchmark) (≤ 0.5%)
      5. Metering and billing credibility- post-paid (≤ 0.1%)
      6. Metering and billing credibility- pre-paid (≤ 0.1%)
      7. Resolution of billing/charging/credit & validity complaints within 4 weeks (98% within 4 weeks)
      8. Resolution of billing/charging/credit & validity complaints within 6 weeks (100% within 6 weeks)
      9. Period of applying credit/waiver/adjustment to customer’s account from the date of resolution of complaints (100% within 1 week of resolution of complaint)
      10. Accessibility of call centre/ customer care (≥ 95%)
    5. The following parameters have shown improvement, as compared to the previous quarter, in QoS by wireline service providers: –
      1. Accessibility of call centre/ customer care ≥ 95%
      2. %age of calls answered by the operators (voice to voice) within ninety seconds ≥ 95%
    7. During this quarter, list of Parameters which are fully complied, as compared to the previous quarter, by all the Cellular Mobile service providers: –

     

    1. Call Set-up Success Rate and Session Establishment Success Rate for Circuit Switched Voice or VoLTE as applicable (within licensee’s own network) ≥ 95%
    2. Network QoS DCR Spatial Distribution Measure [Network_ QSD (90,90)] ≤ 2%
    3. Network QoS DCR Temporal Distribution Measure [Network_ QTD (97,90)] ≤ 3%
    4. Connections with good voice quality, Circuit Switched Voice Quality and VoLTE quality ≥ 95%
    5. Down Link (DL) Packet Drop Rate or DL-PDR ≤ 2%
    6. Up Link (UL) Packet Drop Rate or UL-PDR ≤ 2%
    7. Point of Interconnection (POI) Congestion (No. of POIs not meeting the benchmark) ≤ 0.5%
    8. Metering and billing credibility – postpaid ≤ 0.1%
    9. Metering and billing credibility – prepaid ≤ 0.1%
    10. Resolution of billing/charging/validity complaints – 98% within 4 weeks
    11. Resolution of billing/charging/validity complaints – 100% within 6 weeks
    12. Accessibility of call centre/ customer care ≥ 95%
    13. Termination / Closure of service < 7 days
    14. Time taken for refund of deposits after closures (100% within 60 days)

     

    1. The following parameters have shown deterioration, as compared to the previous quarter, in QoS by Cellular Mobile service providers: –

     

    1. BS Accumulated downtime (not available for service) (%age) <=2%
    2. Worst affected BSs due to downtime (%age) <=2%
    3. SDCCH/ Paging Channel Congestion/ RRC Congestion (%age) <=1%
    4. TCH, RAB and E-RAB Congestion (%age) <=2%
    5. Period of applying credit/ waiver/ adjustment to customer’s account from the date of resolution of complaints – 100% within 1 week of resolution of complaint
    6. Percentage of calls answered by the operators (voice to voice) within ninety seconds ≥ 95%

     

    1. A total of approximately 912 private satellite TV channels have been permitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for uplinking only/downlinking only/both uplinking & downlinking.  
    1. As per the reporting done by broadcasters in pursuance of the Tariff Order dated 3rd March 2017, as amended, out of 902 permitted satellite TV channels which are available for downlinking in India, there are 362 satellite pay TV channels as on 30th June, 2024. Out of 362 pay channels, 259 are SD satellite pay TV channels and 103 are HD satellite pay TV channels.  
    2. During the QE 30th June 2024, there were 4 pay DTH service providers in the country.
    1. Pay DTH has attained total active subscriber base of around 62.17 million. This is in addition to the subscribers of the DD Free Dish (free DTH services of Doordarshan). The total active subscriber base has increased from 61.97 million in March 2024 to 62.17 million in June 2024.
    2. Apart from the radio channels operated by All India Radio – the public broadcaster, as per the data reported by FM Radio operators to TRAI, as on 30th June 2024, there are 388 operational private FM Radio channels in 113 cities operated by 36 private FM Radio operators. As compared to the previous quarter, there is no change in the number of operational private FM Radio channels, cities and FM Radio operators.
    1. The advertisement revenue reported by FM Radio operators during the quarter ending 30th June 2024 in respect of 388 private FM Radio channels is Rs.428.45 crore as against Rs.491.98 crore in respect of 388 private FM Radio channels for the previous quarter. 
    1. As on 30th June, 2024, 499 Community Radio stations are operational.

    SNAPSHOT

    (Data as on Q.E. 30th June, 2024)

    Telecom Subscribers (Wireless+Wireline)

    Total Subscribers

    1,205.64 Million

    % change over the previous quarter

    0.53%

    Urban Subscribers

    667.13 Million

    Rural Subscribers

    538.51 Million

    Market share of Private Operators

    91.97%

    Market share of PSU Operators

    8.03%

    Tele-density

    85.95%

    Urban Tele-density

    133.46%

    Rural Tele-density

    59.65%

    Wireless Subscribers

    Total Wireless Subscribers

    1,170.53 Million

    % change over the previous quarter

    0.43%

    Urban Subscribers

    635 Million

    Rural Subscribers

    535.53 Million

    Market share of Private Operators

    92.51%

    Market share of PSU Operators

    7.49%

    Tele-density

    83.45%

    Urban Tele-density

    127.03%

    Rural Tele-density

    59.32%

    Total Wireless Data Usage during the quarter

    56,183 PB

    Number of Public Mobile Radio Trunk Services (PMRTS)

    65,223

    Number of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT)

    2,51,840

    Wireline Subscribers

    Total Wireline Subscribers

    35.11 Million

    % change over the previous quarter

    3.90%

    Urban Subscribers

    32.13 Million

    Rural Subscribers

    2.98 Million

    Market share of PSU Operators

    26.08%

    Market share of Private Operators

    73.92%

    Tele-density

    2.50%

    Rural Tele-density

    0.33%

    Urban Tele-density

    6.43%

    No. of Village Public Telephones (VPT)

                68,606

     

    No. of Public Call Office (PCO)

             16,958

     

    Telecom Financial Data

    Gross Revenue (GR) during the quarter

    Rs. 86,031/- crore

    % change in GR over the previous quarter

    -2.16%

    Applicable Gross Revenue (ApGR) during quarter

    Rs. 83,087/- crore

    % change in ApGR over the previous quarter

    -1.02%

    Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) during the quarter

    Rs.70,555/- crore

    % change in AGR over the previous quarter

    0.13%

    Share of Public sector undertakings in Access AGR

    3.53%
     

    Internet/Broadband Subscribers

    Total Internet Subscribers

    969.60 Million

    % change over previous quarter

    1.59%

    Narrowband subscribers

    28.85 Million

    Broadband subscribers

    940.75 Million

    Wired Internet Subscribers

    42.04 Million

    Wireless Internet Subscribers

    927.56 Million

    Urban Internet Subscribers

    562.27 Million

    Rural Internet Subscribers

    407.33 Million

     

    M

    Total Internet Subscribers per 100 population

    69.12

    Urban Internet Subscribers per 100 population

    112.48

    Rural Internet Subscribers per 100 population

    45.12

    Total Outgoing Minutes of Usage for Internet Telephony

    87.01 Million

    No. of Public Wi-Fi Hotspots

    1,64,909

    Aggregate Data Consumed (TB) for Public Wi-Fi Hotspots during the quarter

    13,094

    Broadcasting & Cable Services

    Number of private satellite TV channels permitted by the Ministry of I&B for uplinking only/downlinking only/both uplinking and downlinking

    902

    Number of Pay TV Channels as reported by broadcasters

    362

    Number of private FM Radio Stations (excluding All India Radio)

    388

    Number of total active subscribers with pay DTH operators

    62.17 Million

    Number of Operational Community Radio Stations

    499

    Number of pay DTH Operators

    4

    Revenue & Usage Parameters

    Monthly ARPU of Wireless Service

    Rs.157.45

    Minutes of Usage (MOU) per subscriber per month – Wireless Service

    974

    Wireless Data Usage

    Average Wireless Data Usage per wireless data subscriber per month

    21.30 GB

    Average revenue realization per GB for wireless data usage during the quarter

    Rs.8.31

    (Release ID: 2063567)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 8TH FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATION OF ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDA, NEW DELHI TODAY

    Source: Government of India

    PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES 8TH FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATION OF ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF AYURVEDA, NEW DELHI TODAY

    Ayurveda is one of the oldest holistic medical systems in the world. It focuses on establishing harmony between mind, body and spirit: Smt. Droupadi Murmu

    Ayurveda is a very ancient medical system, it is becoming popular in the world at a very fast pace: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the 8th Foundation Day celebration of All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi today and also took a visit to the AIIA campus. Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi; Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush were among the dignitaries who were present on the occasion along with senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush and senior faculty members of AIIA.

     

    The launch of the Ayush Aushadhi Pharmacy Programme and the unveiling of the Shashwat Ayush Expo by the President of India marked the inauguration of the Foundation Day celebrations. The pharmacy aims to make quality Ayurvedic medicines accessible to all, enhancing healthcare delivery through Ayurveda.

    Speaking on the occasion the President of India said, “Ayurveda is one of the oldest holistic medical systems in the world. It focuses on establishing harmony between mind, body and spirit. Ayurveda medical system is our heritage and the Ministry of Ayush is doing the work of establishing this heritage as an authentic medical system. As I got to know that in the last 10 years since its establishment in 2014, the Ministry of Ayush has been making continuous efforts to bring traditional medical systems into the mainstream. Many important changes have been brought by the Ministry of Ayush in education, research, quality control of medicines, medicine and public health.

    In a short period of just 5 years of its inauguration, AIIA GOA was established as a remarkable achievement of the institute, which is today becoming a major center of TRADITIONAL Medical Value Travel and Medical Health Tourism.

    Seeing the work being done in this institute today, I am confident that through the joint efforts of all of us, we can take forward our heritage like Ayurveda with the prescriptions of our grandmothers and get it recognized globally through EVIDENCE BASED and SCIENTIFIC APPROACH. I have been told that the theme of this year’s Ayurveda Day is – AYURVEDA INNOVATION FOR GLOBAL HEALTH which is timely and I hope that through this Ayurveda will be able to reach the masses in an easy manner. I wish good luck to the Ministry of Ayush for this.

    Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi said, “If we look back, since its inception in 2014, AIIA has brought new hope to healthcare systems across the world. Reflecting on the journey so far, I am particularly impressed by the impact AIIA has made on the health of the community, where health services have been provided to over 28 lakh beneficiaries across various specialties.

    Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has recently announced that 10 new Ayurveda Institutes will be opened in the country in next five years.

    Shri Prataprao added that ‘Today is a historic day for the Ministry of Ayush that the President of India visited our institute All India Institute of Ayurveda. Ayurveda is a very ancient medical system and it is becoming popular in the world at a very fast pace. The Minister said that the Ministry of Ayush has initiated “Ayush Aushadhi Kendra” to provide authentic and affordable Ayurvedic medicines to rural areas.

    In the past seven years, AIIA has marked significant milestones in advancing the integration and promotion of traditional medicine. AIIA has provided treatment to more than 27 lakh patients through its 44 specialty clinics, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality Ayurvedic healthcare across the nation.

    A total of 73 national and international Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed, further solidifying AIIA’s global and domestic collaborations in the field of Ayurveda.

    Ayurveda, with its rich heritage and holistic approach to health, offers invaluable insights into achieving physical, mental and emotional well-being. Faced with the challenge of environmental degradation, Ayurveda offers holistic solutions that promote not only individual health but also the well-being of our environment.

    ****

    MV/AKS

    (Release ID: 2063551) Visitor Counter : 82

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: More than 34.84 lakh audit reports filed on e-filing portal of Income Tax Department upto 7th October, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    More than 34.84 lakh audit reports filed on e-filing portal of Income Tax Department upto 7th October, 2024

    About 34.09 lakh Tax Audit Reports (TARs) filed for AY 2024-25 with Y-o-Y growth of 4.8%

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:48PM by PIB Delhi

    More than 34.84 lakh audit reports, including about 34.09 lakh Tax Audit Reports (TARs), have been filed for AY 2024-25 on the e-filing portal till the end of the due date. There is an increase in the filing of Tax Audit Reports (TARs) for the AY 2024-25 by around 4.8% compared to the filings of TARs on the due date for AY 2023-24.

    To assist taxpayers, the department conducted extensive outreach programmes through emails, SMSs, webinars, social media campaigns and messages on the Income Tax portal to create and raise awareness among the tax payers about filing TARs and other audit forms by the due date. Various user awareness videos were uploaded on the Income Tax portal to provide guidance. These concerted efforts have been helpful to taxpayers and tax professionals in timely compliance in filing TARs in Form Nos. 10B, 10BB, 3CA-CD, 3CB-CD and other audit reports in Form Nos. 29B, 29C, 10CCB, etc.

    The e-filing Helpdesk team handled around 1.23 lakh queries from taxpayers during September and October 2024, proactively supporting them throughout the filing period. The team assisted taxpayers and tax professionals in resolving complexities and facilitated the smooth submission of audit forms. Helpdesk support was provided through inbound calls, outbound calls, live chats, WebEx, and co-browsing sessions. The team also supported the resolution of queries received on the Department’s X handle (formerly Twitter) through Online Response Management (ORM), by proactively reaching out to taxpayers and stakeholders and providing assistance to them on various issues in near real-time basis.

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    NB/KMN

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi Concludes Successful Three Day Visit to Germany, Boosts Energy Cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:43PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, completed a successful visit to Germany from 6th to 9th October 2024. The visit, which coincided with the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), underscored India’s commitment to global sustainability and renewable energy, and facilitated key discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector.

    On 7th October, the Minister delivered the keynote address at Hamburg Sustainability Conference, where he highlighted India’s role in global renewable energy and energy transition initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, which now has the support of over 100 countries. Shri Joshi underscored India’s remarkable progress in renewable energy over the last decade, driven by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision and leadership. He emphasized India’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in sectors like green shipping, and called for strengthening international collaboration to tackle the challenges posed by the global energy transition.

    As part of the visit, Shri Joshi held numerous bilateral meetings with global leaders. His meeting with Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), focused on India’s growing renewable energy landscape and future collaborations for sustainable development. He also met Ms. Svenja Schulze, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), to discuss shared priorities in green energy and sustainability.

    Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi interacts with Chancellor of Germany Mr. Olaf Scholz

    On the sidelines of the HSC, Shri Joshi exchanged pleasantries with Mr. Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany. Union Minister Joshi also interacted with Mr. Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources, and discussed bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation. He also met Ms. Roberta Casali, Vice President of the Asian Development Bank, and deliberated on renewable energy investments in India. Shri Joshi further engaged with Dr Jamshid Khodjaev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan, where they discussed global shifts in the energy landscape and avenues to support energy transition.

    The Minister also met with Ms. Anneliese Dodds, the UK’s Minister of Development, and they deliberated on scaling up international cooperation for a cleaner, more sustainable future. He also exchanged views with Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the IMF’s role in supporting global sustainability projects, and Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, regarding India’s leadership in the green energy space.

    Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi with Dr. Robert Habeck, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

     

    In Berlin, Union Minister Shri Joshi was warmly received by Dr. Robert Habeck, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Dr. Habeck also gave a special guided tour of German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action. Dr Habeck acknowledged the stunning growth of India’s Renewable sector in the last 10 years to Union Minister Joshi and was very optimistic on India’s journey towards Mission 500 GW from Renewable energy.  Shri Joshi posted on X

    “Held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Robert Habeck, Germany’s Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, on the sidelines of #HSC2024. We had a fruitful discussion on strengthening cooperation in renewable energy. Deliberation on opportunities in green hydrogen, offshore wind, biogas, and recycling of solar waste was also held during the meeting. We were happy to note that India and Germany’s cooperation on energy transition is progressing well. Expressed confidence that in the coming years, India will emerge as a trusted source of green hydrogen for Germany.”

    Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi with Indian Diaspora in Berlin, Germany

    During his time in Berlin, Shri Joshi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at an event hosted by the Embassy of India, where he lauded their contributions to Germany’s economy and their role in enhancing India’s global presence.

    During the RE-INVEST 2024 held in September, 2024, India and Germany had launched the India-Germany Platform for Investment in Renewable Energies showing the growing bond between the two countries in Renewable Energy. The platform will facilitate to create further business opportunities and new avenues for the increasing demand for capital, support technology transfer and enhance the development of innovative technical solutions in RE.

    Shri Pralhad Joshi’s visit to Germany concluded with a commitment to furthering India’s leadership in renewable energy cooperation and energy transition initiatives. The meetings and interactions during the visit have laid a strong foundation for deeper collaboration in energy transition, reinforcing India’s role as a global leader in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

    Navin Sreejith

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Results of Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey, July 2022- June 2023

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:44PM by PIB Delhi

    A. Key Findings

    (i) Approximately 96.9 percent of persons aged 15-24 years are able to read and write simple statements with understanding and also able to perform simple arithmetic calculations. In the same age group, the figure stands around 97.8 percent for males and 95.9 percent for females.

    (ii) The mean years of schooling in formal education, for persons age 15 years and above is 8.4 at the all-India level and the same is 7.5 for persons age 25 years and above.

    (iii) The average out-of-pocket medical expenditure per household on hospitalization during last 365 days in rural and urban areas are Rs 4,129/- and Rs 5,290/-respectively. Additionally, the average out-of-pocket medical expenditure per household on non-hospitalization during last 30 days in rural and urban areas are Rs 539/- and Rs 606/- respectively.

    (iv) Approximately 93.7 percent urban population has convenient access to low-capacity public transport (bus, car, taxi, auto etc) within 500 meters from the place of living.

    (v) 78.4% of youth aged 15-24 years can send messages with attached files, while 71.2% can use copy-and-paste tools. Additionally, 26.8% can perform more advanced tasks like searching for information, sending emails, and conducting online banking.

    (vi) 95.7% of persons aged 15-24 years in rural areas can use mobile phones, with the figure being 97% in urban areas.

    (vii)  82.1% of rural youth aged 15-24 years can use the internet, compared to 91.8% in urban areas.

    (viii) Around 94.6% persons aged 18 years and above, having an account individually are jointly in any bank / other financial institution at all India level.

     

    B. Introduction

    As a part of the 79th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) the Comprehensive Annual Modular Survey (CAMS) was conducted from July, 2022 to June, 2023. The primary objective of CAMS was to collect data to generate indicators related to education, out-of-pocket medical expenditure, use of mobile and internet, financial inclusion, ICT skills, possession of assets, etc. In addition, information related to drinking water, sanitation, energy use, birth registration, access to transport facilities, etc., was also collected. The report is available on the Ministry’s website (http://www.mospi.gov.in).

    C. Sample Design

    In this survey, Two Stage Stratified Sampling was used, where First Stage Units (FSU) were villages/sub-units (SUs) in rural areas, and Urban Frame Survey (UFS) blocks/SUs in urban areas. The FSUs were allocated to States and UTs in proportion to the population as per Census 2011. The Second Stage Units (SSUs) were households in both rural and urban areas. The selection of FSUs and SSUs was done using Simple Random Sampling without Replacement (SRSWOR).

    D. Survey Coverage

    The survey covered the whole of the India Union except for some villages of Andaman and Nicobar Islands which were difficult to access. At the all-India level, the total number of first-stage units (FSUs) surveyed for the central sample was 15,298 (8,758 in rural areas and 6,540 in urban areas). The total number of households surveyed was 3,02,086 (1,73,096 in rural areas and 1,28,990 in urban areas) and the total number of persons enumerated was 12,99,988 (7,85,246 in rural areas and 5,14,742 in urban areas).

    E. Comparability of results and release of unit-level data

    The data collected in this survey represents the demand-side information of the households surveyed. In contrast, administrative data, wherever available, typically reflects the supply-side metrics. It is also important to recognize that respondents sometimes reluctant to provide specific information which may lead to under-reporting of some information, particularly in questions related to government schemes. Moreover, the coverage and definitions used in alternative data sources may not align perfectly with those adopted in this survey. To mention some specific cases, in this survey primary source of energy used by the household for cooking is defined as the source of energy which the household used majority of the time for cooking, whereas, the administrative record is based on the definition of the number of LPG connections/ consumers. Similarly, in this survey, the principal source of drinking water is defined as the source from which the household obtained most of its drinking water over the past 365 days, however, the administrative record is based on the number of pipe water connections provided. These variations in methodology, scope, and timeframes may affect the comparability of results across different data sources.

    Additionally, this survey attempted to collect person-level information on the formal education of erstwhile household members aged 18 years or above who are currently studying outside India. However, the total number of samples representing the information is insufficient to generate reliable estimates for the indicator. Since the dataset is not robust enough for policy purposes, the unit-level data collected to generate the indicator will not be disseminated to avoid possible ambiguity in interpreting the results.

    F. Major findings of the survey

    (i) Percentage of persons able to read and write short simple statements in their everyday life with understanding and also able to perform simple arithmetic calculations

     

    In rural areas, about 96.5 percent of persons in the age group 15-24 years are able to read and write short simple statements in their everyday life with understanding and also able to perform simple arithmetic calculations while in urban areas it has been around 97.9 percent. Sector-wise estimates for different age groups are shown in Figure 1.

    (ii) Mean years of schooling in formal education

    The gender-sector-wise mean years of schooling in formal education for age 15 years and above and 25 years and above is given in Figure 2 and Figure 3 respectively. The mean years of schooling in formal education is marginally higher in the age group 15 years and above compared to the age group 25 years and above.    

    (iii) Average out-of-pocket medical expenditure

    The average out-of-pocket medical expenditure per household and per person on hospitalized treatment during last 365 days and non-hospitalized treatment during last 30 days were estimated separately for rural and urban India. Figure 4 and Figure 5 present sector-wise expenditure on different types of treatment.

     

    F. In addition to the above, estimates of some of the indicators at the all-India level are given below:

     

    Sl No

    Item Description

    Rural

    Urban

    All

    (Rural + Urban)

    1

    Percentage of persons aged 15-24 years able to read and write short simple statements in their everyday life with understanding

    96.7

    98.0

    97.0

    2

    Percentage of persons of age 6 to 10 years who reported as currently enrolled in primary education (Class I to Class V) at the time of survey

    90.5

    89.2

    90.1

    3

    Percentage of persons of age 25 years and above with some secondary education

    30.4

    56.6

    38.6

    4

    Percentage of persons of age 6 to 18 years who never enrolled in formal education

    2.2

    1.9

    2.1

    5

    Percentage of persons aged 21-35 years who graduated in Science and Technology among all graduates

    31.4

    44.4

    37.8

    6

    Precentage of youth in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months in the age group 15-24 years

    45.9

    57.1

    49.0

    7

    Percentage of youth reported to be not in education, employment, or training, as on date of survey for the age group 15-24 years

    25.0

    19.0

    23.3

    8

    Percentage of persons (age ≥ 18 years) who have an account individually or jointly in any bank/ other financial institution/mobile money service provider

    94.6

    94.4

    94.6

    9

    Number of borrowers (age ≥ 18 years) per 1,00,000 persons

    18,714

    17,442

    18,322

    10

    Percentage of persons able to use mobile (including smart phone) as on date of survey (age 15-24 years)

    95.7

    97.0

    96.1

    11

    Percentage of persons who used mobile telephones with an active sim card, at least once, during the last three months preceding the date of the survey (age 15-24 years)

    92.6

    95.3

    93.3

    12

    Percentage of persons able to use internet as on date of survey (age 15-24 years)

    82.1

    91.8

    84.8

    13

    Percentage of persons who used internet during last three months preceding the date of survey (age 15-24 years)

    80.4

    90.8

    83.3

    14

    percentage of persons covered by 4G or above mobile technology

    99.5

    99.8

    99.7

    15

    Percentage of persons aged 15-24 years reported execution of skill of ‘sending messages (e.g., e-mail, messaging service, SMS) with attached files (e.g., documents, pictures, and video)’

    74.9

    87.3

    78.4

    16

    Percentage of persons aged 15-24 years reported execution of skill of ‘copy and paste tools to duplicate or move data, information, documents, etc.’

    67.1

    81.8

    71.2

    17

    Percentage of persons who can search internet for information and who can send or receive emails and who can perform online banking transactions simultaneously in the age group 15-24 years

    21.0

    40.2

    26.8

    18

    Percentage of households possessing telephone/ mobile phone1

    94.2

    97.1

    95.1

    19

    Percentage of households possessing computer2

    4.2

    21.6

    9.9

    20

    Percentage of the urban population having convenient access to high-capacity public transport (train, metro, ferry etc.) within 1 km from place of living

    –

    41.6

    –

    21

    Percentage of the rural population with all-weather roads within in a distance of 2 km from the place of living

    94.2

    –

    –

    22

    percentage of persons of age less than 5 years who have registered with civil authority for the birth certificate ever (including those who received birth certificates)

    90.5

    90.8

    90.6

    23

    Percentage of households using clean fuel for cooking (among households reported having cooking arrangements)

    49.3

    92.9

    63.4

    24

    Percentage of households having access to improved principal source of drinking water

    94.9

    97.5

    95.7

    25

    Percentage of households having access to improved latrine (among households with access to latrine)

    97.1

    98.9

    97.8

    Notes:

    1. telephone includes landline and mobile phone includes smart phone

    2. Computer includes desktop PC, laptop etc.

     

    *****

     

    SB/DP/ARJ

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEPwD and its institutions organizing series of activities during Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

    Source: Government of India

    DEPwD and its institutions organizing series of activities during Mental Health Awareness Week 2024

    Campaign aims to build a National Dialogue on Mental health for building Inclusive and Supportive Communities

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    National Institutes under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, are taking proactive steps in organizing a series of activities under the Mental Health Awareness Week 2024. The activities are aimed at promoting mental health awareness across the country, and fostering inclusive communities that prioritize mental well-being for all.

    In a major initiative, the National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR), Sehore, is running a dedicated campaign themed ‘Mental Health at the Workplace’, conducting multiple workshops to inspire action towards creating supportive and healthy work environments. This campaign aims to shed light on the crucial role that workplaces play in maintaining the mental well-being of individuals and calls for collective efforts to make workspaces more inclusive and mentally healthy.

     

    The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID), Secunderabad, kick-started the week with a motivational rally, creating energy and awareness around mental health issues.

     

    Simultaneously, the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata, and the Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (Pt. DDU NIPPD), New Delhi, are hosting a variety of workshops, health camps, and other interactive activities to engage communities and offer support.

     

    Through these efforts, the DEPwD and its institutions are working to build a national dialogue on mental health, encouraging people from all walks of life to take mental well-being seriously. These steps are aimed at creating a culture where mental health is prioritized, and every individual can thrive.

     

    *****

    VM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EXERCISE MALABAR 2024 – OPENING CEREMONY

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

    The Opening Ceremony of MALABAR 2024 under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command was held onboard Indian Naval Ship Satpura at Visakhapatnam on 09 Oct 24. The 28th edition of the multi-national maritime exercise that commenced on 08 Oct 24, would extend till 18 Oct 24. MALABAR, which was initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the US, gained further traction as a significant maritime engagement, with Japan and Australia joining in subsequently.

    The ceremony, hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, was attended by senior naval and military dignitaries from participating nations. The heads of delegations and other dignitaries participating included General Yoshihide YOSHIDA, Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander US Pacific Fleet, VAdm Katsushi OMACHI, C-in-C, Japan Self Defence Fleet and RAdm Chris Smith, Commander Australian Fleet. The crew and planning staff of participating Ships, Aircraft and Special Forces from Australia, India, Japan and the USA were also present. The Commanders of all participating navies acknowledged the importance of Ex MALABAR in enhancing understanding, collaboration and engagement to address common maritime challenges and to create cooperative framework.

    The exercise will be conducted in two distinct phases both at Harbour and at Sea. MALABAR 2024 will witness live weapon firings, complex surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills and joint manoeuvres. The high-tempo event will witness participation by destroyers, frigates, corvettes and fleet support ships along with long range maritime patrol aircraft, jet aircraft, integral helicopters and submarine assets.

    The exercise brings together like-minded nations to further enhance the ability to train and operate jointly, towards establishing the synergy critical to achieve shared objectives. The exercise is aligned with the Indian Government’s vision of Security & Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and reflects India’s growing engagement with like-minded nations.

    ****

    VM/SPS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), observes World Habitat Day 2024 today in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), observes World Habitat Day 2024 today in New Delhi

    Youth are the Missing Piece of the Urban Puzzle: Shri Tokhan Sahu

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 5:54PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India observed the World Habitat Day 2024 on 9th October, 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Minister of State, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India, Shri Tokhan Sahu honored the event. The event was also graced by Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA, Shri Satinder Pal Singh, Additional Secretary (Housing), MoHUA and Shri Dinesh Kapila, Economic Adviser (Housing). The other invitees at the event included various stakeholders from Central and State Government functionaries, Mr. Shombi Sharp, Resident Coordinator UNINDIA, senior officials of the Ministry, senior officials of public-sector and autonomous organisations, research and academic institutions and civil-society organisations

    “Youth of the country, are crucial and somewhat missing piece of the urban puzzle, to achieve faster growth and also build a brighter and more sustainable future for cities.”, said Shri Tokhan Sahu during his address at the World Habitat Day 2024 Celebration. Minister of State (HUA), in alignment with the theme of World Habitat Day, ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future’, highlighted that India’s population of youth is significantly high compared to other nations with an average age below 35. Therefore, active involvement of the Youth becomes imperative for the success of any scheme/ policy and for achieving the Government’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Expressing heartfelt wishes for a bright future for the children, the Honourable Minister of State (HUA) also extended sincere congratulations and best wishes to their teachers and parents for their invaluable guidance and support

    The theme for this year’s World habitat Day is ‘Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future’ which aims at addressing the challenges and opportunities of rapid urbanisation through involvement of youth in participatory processes and local leadership opportunities. The emphasis is on advocating for young people’s active participation in urban planning and decision-making processes to create more inclusive, resilient and sustainable urban environments.

    The Secretary, Shri Srinivas Katikithala stressed that India is experiencing a demographic window of opportunity, a “youth bulge”. This youth bulge, can yield critical thinkers, change makers and leaders who will drive India’s growth with proper guidance and support. This young demographic profile of India will be a key driver in reshaping our urban centre, which is marked by their digital proficiency, innovative thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit. The Secretary, further elaborated on several programmes of the Government such as PMAY-U, DAY-NULM, AMRUT 2.0 etc. which meaningfully engage youth for creating better Urban future.

    Additional Secretary (Housing) welcomed all the dignitaries and drew attention to the current theme of the World Habitat Day of Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future. He underlined the importance of identifying and cultivating the skills for unlocking the potential of young people for sustainable urban development and economic growth.

    The Government of India has also introduced a range of initiatives in the Union Budget 2024-25 to boost youth education, skill development, innovation, and overall progress. Internship opportunities would be provided to 1 crore youth in the coming 5 years in 500 top companies. A special allocation of ₹2 lakh crore has been allocated towards providing employment and skilling opportunities to 4.1 crore youth over the next five years.

     On this occasion, Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator delivered the message of the Secretary General, United Nations and Ms. Parul Agarwala, Country Programme Manager read out the message of Executive Director, UN Habitat. They emphasised that cities are growing rapidly, and by 2030, 60 percent of urban residents will be under the age of 18. This demographic shift presents a unique opportunity to harness the energy of youth to address urban challenges and create sustainable solutions.

    The event was marked by the release of publications by the Minister of State (HUA) and other distinguished guests and prize distribution to school children including specially-abled children in various competitions organised to commemorate the event.

     The winners of ‘HUDCO Best Practices award to improve the living environment’ were also felicitated during the event. Shri Dinesh Kapila, Economic Advisor, MoHUA delivered the Vote of Thanks

    Sushil Kumar

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DigiLocker Partners with UMANG: Unlock Seamless Access to Government Services

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 6:27PM by PIB Delhi

    The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) has announced the integration of the UMANG app with DigiLocker- India’s Digital Wallet. This collaboration aims to provide citizens with seamless access to a wide range of government services bringing greater convenience and allowing users to manage multiple services through a single platform.

    Access UMANG services with just a few simple steps

    The UMANG app is accessible to all Android users with an expansion to iOS in the pipeline. And now, with just a few easy steps, these services can be accessed through the DigiLocker app as well.

    How to Get Started:

    1. Update your DigiLocker app to the latest version
    2. Open the DigiLocker app on your Android device
    3. Click on the UMANG icon within the DigiLocker app
    4. Install the UMANG app when prompted
    5. Access a variety of government services in the DigiLocker app

     

    Simplified Citizen-Government interaction

    This integration makes it easier for citizens to interact with the Government in an efficient, digital-first manner. DigiLocker has always been a pioneer in simplifying access to personal and official documents, and after integration with UMANG, it has expanded the range of services you can access on the go.

    About DigiLocker
    DigiLocker is a flagship initiative under the Digital India program aimed at providing secure cloud-based storage of essential documents. By integrating with e-governance services such as UMANG, DigiLocker further is committed to further enhance accessibility and ease of living.

    For more information, please visit http://www.digilocker.gov.in.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/Kshitij Singha

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