NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García’s Statement on a Year After the October 7 Attacks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement a year after the Hamas’ attack on Israel:

    “One year ago, I strongly condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel, during which 1,200 civilians were killed and another 251 were taken hostage. As the horror of the attack sunk in, and as we mourned those killed and kidnapped, I feared for what would come next. I feared that Israel’s military response, supported materially, diplomatically, and financially by the United States, would only push peace farther away.

    “Since then, Israel’s bombing campaigns have killed more than 42,000 Palestinians and 2,000 Lebanese. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza grows by the day. A year in, Israel is not safer, many hostages are still being held by Hamas, and the Middle East is at an even more dangerous inflection point—on the precipice of a full-scale regional war.

    “So as I once again condemn the horrific attacks one year ago and call for the hostages’ safe return, I also reaffirm my belief that the path toward safety for Israelis, Palestinians, and Lebanese alike includes stopping the flow of unconditional weapons from the U.S. to Israel, and securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.” 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Mr Alvin Botes, delivers a public lecture at the University of KwaZulu Natal

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

    The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Alvin Botes, delivers a public lecture at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, The Public Lecture will focus on a review of South Africa’s role in the world after 30 years of democracy, including challenges and opportunities.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy3p4TgvYmk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elafibranor approved as first medicine to treat adults with a rare liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved elafibranor (Iqirvo) to treat adult patients with a rare type of liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

    PBC is a type of chronic liver disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. Where there are damaged bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage. This disease can get gradually worse over time and without treatment may lead to liver failure.

    Elafibranor helps to improve how the liver works by reducing the amount of bile acids the liver produces and reducing the build-up of bile. It also acts by reducing inflammation of the liver.

    The recommended dose is one tablet, once a day, at about the same time each day for adult patients. Elafibranor may be given by itself or together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Enabling safe access to high quality, safe and effective medicines is a key priority for us.

    We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review. 

    The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled main study involving 161 adults with PBC, the majority of whom had been taking UDCA for at least one year and continued taking it during the study (though some had stopped taking due to side effects).

    The measure of effectiveness was based on the number of patients whose blood levels of the substances Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (markers of liver damage) decreased to a level considered normal (for both ALP and bilirubin) and by at least 15% (for ALP) after 1 year of treatment.

    The study showed that elafibranor was more effective than placebo at reducing the blood levels of ALP and bilirubin. Overall, levels decreased by the required amount in around 51% (55 out of 108) of patients treated with elafibranor, compared with around 4% (2 out of 53) of patients on placebo.

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website. 

    If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted for elafibranor (Iqirvo) on 04 October 2024 to Ipsen Ltd via National Procedure.
    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amoré Elsje Nel, Applied Geomagnetic Researcher, South African National Space Agency

    A geomagnetic storm lit up the night sky in parts of the US during the first weekend in October. South Africa’s National Space Agency (Sansa) told reporters that the storm had originated from a solar flare “that erupted from sunspot 3842 on October 3”. It said this was the strongest Earth-facing solar flare recorded by Sansa in the past seven years and that the eruption briefly affected high-frequency radio communications, “resulting in a total radio blackout over the African region which lasted for up to 20 minutes”.

    What is a geomagnetic storm? The Conversation Africa asked Sansa’s Amoré Nel, who researches geomagnetics, to explain.

    What is a geomagnetic storm and how common are they?

    A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity. There’s a reaction called nuclear fusion that occurs continuously deep within the Sun’s core. This generates massive amounts of energy. Some of the energy is released as light (sunlight), some as radiation (solar flares), and some as charged particles.

    The Sun also continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. Occasionally, the Sun releases larger bursts of energy, called coronal mass ejections. It sends clouds of these charged particles, or plasma, hurtling through space. I like to explain it to children this way: the Sun sometimes drinks a soda too fast and then burps. This “burp” is the cloud of plasma which then travels through space. These emissions don’t always hit us. But when they do, they collide with Earth’s magnetic field, disrupt it, and lead to a geomagnetic storm.

    Earth’s magnetic field is an invisible force that surrounds our planet, acting like a giant magnet with a north and south pole. It helps protect us from harmful solar radiation by deflecting charged particles from the Sun.

    The solar flare from 3842 emitted both X-flares (radiation) and a coronal mass ejection. X-flares are radiation; they travel at almost the speed of light and reach Earth within minutes. That’s what caused the brief communications disruption Sansa mentioned on 3 October. But the coronal mass ejection takes much longer to reach us. We’d predicted it would do so over the past weekend but in fact it only reached us on the morning of 8 October.

    Geomagnetic storms occur fairly often. Minor ones happen multiple times per year. The severity of a storm depends on how strong the solar event was that caused it. Larger, more intense storms are less common but can happen every few years. Solar events are closely tied to the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which has periods of high and low activity. During the peak of the cycle, called solar maximum, more sunspots and solar flares occur, increasing the likelihood of solar storms.

    We are now heading towards the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which will be in July 2025. Solar maxima usually last between two and three years.

    Are these storms dangerous? What damage can they cause?

    Geomagnetic storms are not typically harmful to humans directly, but they can pose risks to modern technology and infrastructure. One of the most notable dangers is to power grids. Powerful storms can induce electric currents in power lines, potentially overloading transformers and causing blackouts, as happened in Quebec, Canada, in 1989.

    Read more: Solar storm knocks out farmers’ high-tech tractors – an electrical engineer explains how a larger storm could take down the power grid and the internet

    Satellites in space are also vulnerable. A strong storm can damage electronics onboard, disrupt communication signals, and shorten the lifespan of the satellites themselves.

    In aviation, geomagnetic storms can disrupt radio communication and GPS signals, which are vital for aircraft navigation. This is especially important for flights that pass near the polar regions, where the effects of geomagnetic storms are more pronounced. Astronauts and spacecraft are also at risk – the extra radiation can be dangerous for equipment and human health.

    Are there any upsides to this phenomenon?

    Auroras are a visually stunning aspect of geomagnetic storms. These colourful displays in the night sky occur when charged particles from the Sun get captured in Earth’s magnetic field lines, and funnel down towards the poles. Here they interact with Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy that produces shimmering lights.

    The northern lights are seen in the sky above Alta, Norway. Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Auroras can be seen at both the north and south pole, aptly named the northern and southern lights. If storms are big enough, it’s possible to see them in regions much further away from the poles. This happened in South Africa on 11 May 2024.

    Studying geomagnetic storms provides valuable insights into space weather. By understanding how the Sun’s activity affects Earth, scientists can better predict future storms and work to protect the technologies we rely on. The study of geomagnetic storms also contributes to our understanding of the Sun and space in general.

    Can monitoring the storms mitigate the risks?

    Geomagnetic storms are monitored using various instruments on Earth and in space. On Earth, magnetometers measure changes in the magnetic field, allowing scientists to track disturbances as they happen. Sansa operates a dense network of Global Navigation Satellite System receivers in Africa, and magnetometer stations in various parts of southern Africa, for this reason. The agency is currently setting up a magnetometer station in Ethiopia, too. This will improve our ability to monitor geomagnetic storms.

    In space, satellites equipped with sensors monitor the Sun’s activity and detect solar flares or coronal mass ejections before they reach Earth. This data feeds into prediction models used in space weather centres across the globe.

    Once a storm is detected, agencies like Sansa issue alerts and forecasts. These warnings help industries such as power grid operators, satellite companies and aviation authorities to prepare for a storm.

    For example, power companies can temporarily shut down or reconfigure parts of the grid to avoid overloading during a storm. Satellite operators can place their spacecraft into safer operating modes, such as switching off electronic components, and airlines can reroute flights away from high-risk areas.

    Monitoring alone can’t prevent all the damage caused by geomagnetic storms. But it can greatly reduce the risks. Thanks to early warning systems we can protect crucial infrastructure and minimise the effect these storms have on our daily lives.

    – A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them
    – https://theconversation.com/a-geomagnetic-storm-has-hit-earth-a-space-scientist-explains-what-causes-them-240737

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amoré Elsje Nel, Applied Geomagnetic Researcher, South African National Space Agency

    Geomagnetic storms bring vibrant colours to life in some parts of the world. Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images

    A geomagnetic storm lit up the night sky in parts of the US during the first weekend in October. South Africa’s National Space Agency (Sansa) told reporters that the storm had originated from a solar flare “that erupted from sunspot 3842 on October 3”. It said this was the strongest Earth-facing solar flare recorded by Sansa in the past seven years and that the eruption briefly affected high-frequency radio communications, “resulting in a total radio blackout over the African region which lasted for up to 20 minutes”.

    What is a geomagnetic storm? The Conversation Africa asked Sansa’s Amoré Nel, who researches geomagnetics, to explain.

    What is a geomagnetic storm and how common are they?

    A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity. There’s a reaction called nuclear fusion that occurs continuously deep within the Sun’s core. This generates massive amounts of energy. Some of the energy is released as light (sunlight), some as radiation (solar flares), and some as charged particles.

    The Sun also continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. Occasionally, the Sun releases larger bursts of energy, called coronal mass ejections. It sends clouds of these charged particles, or plasma, hurtling through space. I like to explain it to children this way: the Sun sometimes drinks a soda too fast and then burps. This “burp” is the cloud of plasma which then travels through space. These emissions don’t always hit us. But when they do, they collide with Earth’s magnetic field, disrupt it, and lead to a geomagnetic storm.

    Earth’s magnetic field is an invisible force that surrounds our planet, acting like a giant magnet with a north and south pole. It helps protect us from harmful solar radiation by deflecting charged particles from the Sun.

    The solar flare from 3842 emitted both X-flares (radiation) and a coronal mass ejection. X-flares are radiation; they travel at almost the speed of light and reach Earth within minutes. That’s what caused the brief communications disruption Sansa mentioned on 3 October. But the coronal mass ejection takes much longer to reach us. We’d predicted it would do so over the past weekend but in fact it only reached us on the morning of 8 October.

    Geomagnetic storms occur fairly often. Minor ones happen multiple times per year. The severity of a storm depends on how strong the solar event was that caused it. Larger, more intense storms are less common but can happen every few years. Solar events are closely tied to the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which has periods of high and low activity. During the peak of the cycle, called solar maximum, more sunspots and solar flares occur, increasing the likelihood of solar storms.

    We are now heading towards the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which will be in July 2025. Solar maxima usually last between two and three years.

    Are these storms dangerous? What damage can they cause?

    Geomagnetic storms are not typically harmful to humans directly, but they can pose risks to modern technology and infrastructure. One of the most notable dangers is to power grids. Powerful storms can induce electric currents in power lines, potentially overloading transformers and causing blackouts, as happened in Quebec, Canada, in 1989.



    Read more:
    Solar storm knocks out farmers’ high-tech tractors – an electrical engineer explains how a larger storm could take down the power grid and the internet

    Satellites in space are also vulnerable. A strong storm can damage electronics onboard, disrupt communication signals, and shorten the lifespan of the satellites themselves.

    In aviation, geomagnetic storms can disrupt radio communication and GPS signals, which are vital for aircraft navigation. This is especially important for flights that pass near the polar regions, where the effects of geomagnetic storms are more pronounced. Astronauts and spacecraft are also at risk – the extra radiation can be dangerous for equipment and human health.

    Are there any upsides to this phenomenon?

    Auroras are a visually stunning aspect of geomagnetic storms. These colourful displays in the night sky occur when charged particles from the Sun get captured in Earth’s magnetic field lines, and funnel down towards the poles. Here they interact with Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy that produces shimmering lights.

    The northern lights are seen in the sky above Alta, Norway.
    Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Auroras can be seen at both the north and south pole, aptly named the northern and southern lights. If storms are big enough, it’s possible to see them in regions much further away from the poles. This happened in South Africa on 11 May 2024.

    Studying geomagnetic storms provides valuable insights into space weather. By understanding how the Sun’s activity affects Earth, scientists can better predict future storms and work to protect the technologies we rely on. The study of geomagnetic storms also contributes to our understanding of the Sun and space in general.

    Can monitoring the storms mitigate the risks?

    Geomagnetic storms are monitored using various instruments on Earth and in space. On Earth, magnetometers measure changes in the magnetic field, allowing scientists to track disturbances as they happen. Sansa operates a dense network of Global Navigation Satellite System receivers in Africa, and magnetometer stations in various parts of southern Africa, for this reason. The agency is currently setting up a magnetometer station in Ethiopia, too. This will improve our ability to monitor geomagnetic storms.

    In space, satellites equipped with sensors monitor the Sun’s activity and detect solar flares or coronal mass ejections before they reach Earth. This data feeds into prediction models used in space weather centres across the globe.

    Once a storm is detected, agencies like Sansa issue alerts and forecasts. These warnings help industries such as power grid operators, satellite companies and aviation authorities to prepare for a storm.

    For example, power companies can temporarily shut down or reconfigure parts of the grid to avoid overloading during a storm. Satellite operators can place their spacecraft into safer operating modes, such as switching off electronic components, and airlines can reroute flights away from high-risk areas.

    Monitoring alone can’t prevent all the damage caused by geomagnetic storms. But it can greatly reduce the risks. Thanks to early warning systems we can protect crucial infrastructure and minimise the effect these storms have on our daily lives.

    Amoré Elsje Nel works for the South African National Space Agency. She receives a Thuthuka Grant (TTK210406592410) from the National Research Foundation.

    – ref. A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them – https://theconversation.com/a-geomagnetic-storm-has-hit-earth-a-space-scientist-explains-what-causes-them-240737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Labor’s reforms to boost financial market competition pave way for new provider

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    A new provider of clearing and settlement services has emerged following the passage of the Albanese Government’s new legislation to improve competition in financial markets, with news ASIC has approved a licence for a new player, FinClear.

    Labor’s reforms are making our economy and our financial system more competitive.

    Clearing and settlement services are critical to the functioning and stability of financial markets and our changes made it possible for more providers to emerge.

    The legislation which passed late last year created a framework for fair, transparent and non‑discriminatory access to market infrastructure for competitors, allowing them to offer their own clearing and settlement services, and that’s what’s happening.

    The licence provided by ASIC recently will underpin the operations of FinClear’s subsidiary FCX.

    By making our markets more modern, we will make our economy more productive, competitive and dynamic.

    Our reforms are all about ensuring we have a competitive financial system that works for consumers, businesses and investors – and that delivers for the Australian economy and the Australian people.

    Whether it’s our reforms to boost competition, our efforts to renew and renovate our economic institutions or our policies to modernise our financial system, the Albanese Government has a big and broad reform agenda designed to make our economy more prosperous and productive.

    The emergence of a new provider of clearing and settlement services is evidence that our economic plan is helping to make our economy more competitive and our financial system stronger.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gone To the Dogs at Naval Hospital Bremerton

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    Naval Hospital Bremerton staff didn’t really go to the dogs during National Dog Week.

    Many were already there.

    For the third consecutive year, nearly 50 dog-owners responded to a request to share an image of their canine companion(s) for the last week in September. The pictures were compiled into a visual digital display of 32 pages, ranging from lovable rescues to litter runts and many breeds in between.

    There were working breeds represented, such as bloodhounds Ellie Mae, 8-year old and 2-year old MJ, of Amy Salzsieder, Occupational Health registered nurse, who are actively involved with the Kitsap County K9 Search and Rescue and National Search Dogs Alliance. German Shepherd Harley belonging to Terry Lerma, NHB emergency preparedness manager, has officially retired from her K9 Search and Rescue days and is content to catch up on napping, tasting treats and ensuring their home has a ready bark-alert warning system.

    There’s Honey, a 9-year old Saluki mix which Cmdr. Laura Moody has had since 2019. She’s a former sled pulling dog from Oregon, while Aspen, a 7-year old Siberian Husky who Cmdr. Dean Kang rescued in Portland also in 2019, dislikes all delivery truck drivers.

    Under the notable announcement, ‘fur missiles inbound,’ Chief Hospital Corpsman Justin Brown, sharing images of his family canine companions.

    “Theodore is a 12-year old brown husky/lab mix. I’ve had him since he was five weeks. My first true love before I met my wife and had my kid,” explained Brown. “He was my running, hiking, truck, and gym buddy attached to my hip. Now old and has hip problems he hangs with mom, the one who feeds him, snuggles him, and is always around. Sampson “Sammy” is my Red Speckled Heeler mutt who’s 11-year old and found us during July 4 fireworks in 2013 when he was only a few months old. We were playing ball with Theo. He ran right up and started playing together. No one was looking for him, no one had reported him missing, and he had no ID tags or microchip. The shelter told us we can hold onto him for a couple weeks and if they don’t reach out with someone looking for him, we could keep him if we wanted. He adopted us and been spoiled ever since.”

    Rebecca Drew, medical coder, shared her three fur babies, Rylee, 12-yr old black lab, adopted at 8-week old, Zola, black lab/Great Pyrenees mix, 8-year old, adopted at six months, along with resident feline Maia, American short/long hair, 2-yrs old, adopted at 8-weeks who is readily accepted as part of the pack.

    Staff were also introduced to Mochi, a 2-year old Havanese belonging to financial technician Jinky Angel.

    “We adopted him when he was 10 weeks old in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He is originally from Yorktown, Virginia,” Angel said. “Mochi is a playful, sweet, and loving dog. He brings so much joy to our family. We relocated to Port Orchard last year and he loves Washington weather.”

    The Kelly Gann household features hounds of plenty, all adopted from a coonhound rescue, with Jester, a five-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound, Elly Mae, 6-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound, Shira, 10-year old Bluetick Coonhound. and Samantha, 11-yr old Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Cade Crenshaw showcased Winston, a two-year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. “I’ve had Winston, affectionately referred to as ‘Winnie’ by many, since he was six months old. He loves playing fetch and running outside in the grass at the park,” shared Crenshaw.

    There were other submissions shared who were slightly less active, such as Violet, from Motta Sant’Anastasia, Sicily. According to Cmdr. Kevin Johnson, Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton Detachment Puget Sound Naval Shipyard interim officer-in-charge, she is quite possibly the laziest dog in the Pacific Northwest, clocking an average daily combined sleep duration of 20 hours. Johnson also notes Violet openly protests walks by laying on her back in the middle of sidewalks or streets.

    Along with the personal connection with canines for many, the U.S. Navy has long had an affinity for dogs.

    Not only do dogs provide specialized services in the Navy such as explosive and narcotic detachments, they also provide security patrols from the routine to crucial operational missions.

    Dogs have also been haze-gray underway and not just as official mascots. Most notable has been Capt. Demo, a golden retriever/lab mix on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during their extended nine month deployment to the volatile waters of the Middle East, providing comfort, companionship and curative as only a canine can.

    Dog gone it, indeed.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chipman  — RCMP seeking public’s help following break, enter and theft

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Minto RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in connection with a break, enter and theft in Chipman, N.B.

    The break, enter and theft is believed to have occurred on October 3, 2024, between 4:20 a.m. and 4:40 a.m., at a business on Main Street in Chipman.

    Two individuals forcibly gained entry to the business by pulling off the front door with a truck and stole an automatic teller machine (ATM) machine.

    Police are now releasing surveillance footage photos of the two individuals, in hopes that someone may recognize them. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves. They were travelling in a black truck.

    Anyone who lives in the area and witnessed suspicious activity at the time of the incident, who has surveillance footage from the time of the incident, or who has information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Minto RCMP at 506-327-1820. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Ecuador Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Marcelo Vàzquez Bermúdez, the new Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. Vàzquez Bermúdez had served as the Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador since 2020. From 2014 to 2019, he was Ecuador’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States.  He was Legal Adviser of the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador from 2011 to 2013, and the Permanent Delegate of Ecuador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization from 2006 to 2011.  He also served as Legal Adviser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2006, and Legal Adviser of the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations in New York from 1998 to 2003.

    Mr. Vàzquez Bermúdez has been First Vice-Chairman and then Chairman of the International Law Commission of the United Nations since 2023, and has served as its Special Rapporteur for General Principles of Law since 2018.  He has held other positions with the Commission over the years.  He has also lectured at several Universities and has published books and articles on international law.

    Mr. Vàzquez Bermúdez is a Doctor of Law and Attorney at Law, School of Law of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito.  He also holds a Master of Laws in International Law from the School of Law of the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima; a graduate diploma from Andrés Bello Diplomatic Academy, Chile; and he studied international law at Columbia University, New York.

     

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CR24.038E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Panama Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Juan Alberto Castillero Correa, the new Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Mr. Castillero Correa served as the Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations Office at Geneva from 2019 until June 2024.  He also held the same post from 2004 to 2009. He served as non-resident Ambassador to Qatar from 2008 to 2009, and as ad hoc and ad Honorem Ambassador of Panama in special mission from 1996 until 1999.

    Since 1975, Mr. Castillero Correa has worked as a lawyer, practicing public and private international law in relation to treaties and contracts, corporate law, maritime law, air law, privatisation, and tenders. 

    Mr. Castillero Correa was born in 1948. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the National Institute of Panama (1966) and a degree in law and political science from the University of Panama (1975).  He attended the French Language and Civilization School of the University of Geneva (1975), and studied private international law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva (1976).  He is a member of the Panamanian Bar Association and the Maritime Law Association of Panama.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CR24.039E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Climate finance: Council approves conclusions ahead of COP29

    Source: Council of the European Union

    Today, the Council approved conclusions on climate finance ahead of the United Nations framework convention on climate change (UNFCCC) meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11- 22 November 2024 (COP 29). In its conclusions, the Council underlines its strong commitment to continue delivering on climate finance.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Through Mary to Jesus: the “matriarchal” Church in the State of Meghalaya

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Diocese of Nongstoin

    Nongstoin (Agenzia Fides) – “In our territory, where women are at the center of family and social life, the Church also has a feminine face. And devotion to the Virgin Mary is strong and deep-rooted,” says to Fides Wilbert Marwein, Bishop of Nongstoin, a diocese in the Indian state of Meghalaya, one of the seven states in north-east India. It is one of the three states (Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland, all located in the same territory) where the Christian population is the majority in the Indian Federation. In the state of Meghalaya there are almost a million Catholic believers (out of a population of 3.3 million), but Christians of various denominations (with Baptists, Presbyterians, Anglicans) make up a total of 75% of the population.”We received the faith from the Italian and Spanish Salesian missionaries and we are grateful for that,” says the Bishop. “Our diocese extends over a mountainous area where it is very difficult to reach the remote villages, inhabited mainly by communities of the three main tribal groups: Khasi, Garo and Jaintia. Despite the geographical difficulties, the mission of the Church is progressing very well and the love of Christ continues to attract new believers. In 2006, when the diocese was carved out of the Shillong territory, we counted 120,000 Catholics; today there are 175,000.””Every year,” continues the bishop, “we have the gift of many new baptisms of children and adults, and we register conversions of animist locals. This happens above all thanks to the testimony of priests, nuns and catechists who build friendly relations with the people and help those in need. Often, those who ask for baptism say that they are impressed by the Eucharist, by Jesus who became bread for us, or by the intense prayer in community.”In Meghalaya, the culture of all three major ethnic groups has a particularity: it is a matriarchal society in which the woman carries the family forward and is the main point of reference. Children take their mother’s surname and “there is a great celebration in the family when a girl is born,” says the bishop. “Moreover, it is the last daughter who – according to the ancient social and cultural tradition – inherits the entire family assets,” he reports.In this cultural context, women also play a special role in the ecclesial community: “There are many catechists, women who lead remote communities, who are present in the pastoral councils and organize pastoral life in the parishes. Our Church definitely has a female face and there is no ‘competition’ with the work and commitment of priests.”The presence and importance of women is also demonstrated by the number and work of women’s religious orders, “in which thousands of consecrated women carry out an apostolic service to the poorest population with great devotion, often in the schools attached to the parishes, and which are very appreciated by the population,” continued Bishop Marwein.And it is precisely because of these cultural realities that “the spiritual relationship with the figure of the Virgin Mary is something very precious and easily accessible for the local population, even for the simple and uneducated.” “We experience a deep Marian devotion. The figure of Mary is very loved, there are processions with deep devotion, she is the mediator who leads the faith of her children to Christ, as we see in so many who are converted ‘through Mary’: Ad Jesum per Mariam (Through Mary to Jesus), as Saint Louis Grignion de Monfort used to say. Now in October, the special month of the Rosary, the Rosary is prayed at home in every Catholic family in the diocese. Mary is truly our Mother, the faithful feel like her children, loved and protected by her,” affirms the bishop.The Bishop of Nongstoin often travels to remote villages where he feels the faith of the people: “I enjoy visiting villages and am really edified by it. There are simple and humble people there. They want to talk and wait for the Sacraments. When I come to a village, I often spend more than three hours administering the sacrament of confession. A single parish (we have 22 in the diocese, 16 of which are outside the town of Nongstoin, scattered in the inaccessible area) often includes more than 30-40 villages, with small groups of Catholic families who are moved when a catechist, priest or bishop arrives. This is my mission, and often on this path I meet people who do not know the Lord Jesus: this is how we try to spread the love of God to proclaim and testify to the Gospel that can touch the heart of every man and woman.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 8/10/2024)
    Diocese of Nongstoin

    Diocese of Nongstoin

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – President of the Bishops’ Conference: “No to political divisions that undermine the country’s development”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “The division of political leaders is a scandal. They claim to be Christians but promote the disunity of the country,” said the President of the Kenyan Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Kisumu, Maurice Muhatia Makumba. In his homily for the national prayer at the Marian Shrine in Subukia (Nakuru) on October 5, Archbishop Makumba criticized Kenyan politicians who “instead of expressing the gift of unity that comes from God, express division and divide citizens.” Political division, warned the President of the Bishops’ Conference, undermines the country’s economic development at a time when people need it most, burdened by rising prices, unemployment and rising taxes. “May the Lord touch the hearts and minds of our political leaders so that they understand what the people are asking of them. We need leaders who unite the country and not divide it to pursue their own selfish interests,” he warned.The background to Archbishop Makumba’s comments is the serious rifts at the top of the State. On October 1, an 11-count impeachment procedure was initiated against Vice President Rigathi Gachagua by a member of the presidential coalition (Kenya Kwanza). This is the latest act in the months-long dispute between Gachagua and President William Ruto. The 11 charges include ” insubordination” against the President and “attack on national unity” as well as conflict of interest, embezzlement and abuse of power. The motion against him states in particular that he “has inexplicably amassed a huge fortune estimated at 5.2 billion shillings (about 36 million euros) over the past two years, mainly from alleged corruption and money laundering.”Today, October 8, parliamentarians are expected to debate the motion to impeach Gachagua. A total of 291 parliamentarians, more than the 117 required by the Constitution, have signed the motion. Kenyan President William Ruto, meanwhile, has not yet publicly commented on the impeachment process, while in the first days of his presidency he said he would not publicly humiliate his deputy, alluding to the difficult relationship he had with his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta during his second term. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 8/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/UNITED STATES – Saint Therese of the Child Jesus at the center of a novena for World Mission Sunday

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    New York (Agenzia Fides) – “I do not want to be a missionary for just a few years, but I would like to have been one since the creation of the world and to be one until the end of time”, said Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Patron saint of Missions (cf. Story of a Soul, Manuscript B, f. 3r). In view of World Mission Sunday on October 20, the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, in collaboration with the Catholic prayer app “Hallow”, offer the opportunity to participate worldwide from October 11 in a novena in honor of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, Patron saint of Missions who never set foot in a mission country but whose life was entirely dedicated to the “loving and making Jesus loved”.Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), will lead the novena in English and accompany the prayer with daily reflections. Members of the international network of the Pontifical Mission Societies participating in the novena also include Sister Regina da Costa Pedro, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Brazil, who will lead the novena in Portuguese, and Father José María Calderón, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Spain, who will lead the novena in Spanish.The novena focuses on the life of St. Therese and her deep devotion to spreading the Gospel through small acts of charity. Known for her “little way,” St. Therese is one of the most venerated saints by Catholics around the world.Participants can join the novena using the Catholic meditation and prayer app “Hallow”, which, thanks to the collaboration with the international network of the Pontifical Mission Societies, allows participants from all over the world to pray together in their mother tongue. By downloading the app, users have access to guided prayers, daily reflections and special features for a spiritual journey with the patron saint of missions. Participants can also follow the novena through the social channels of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States (Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn). (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/10/2024)
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  • MIL-OSI USA: California deploys Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams ahead of Hurricane Milton

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 7, 2024

    In total, California has deployed 284 highly specialized personnel to support hurricane response efforts in recent weeks

    SACRAMENTO – With Hurricane Milton expected to make landfall in Florida this week as a Category 5 hurricane, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of 144 firefighters and ground support personnel from three California Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams to assist with incident management, emergency operations and search and rescue efforts.

    This incoming aid is in addition to California Urban Search and Rescue resources recently deployed to support the response to Hurricane Helene, including 140 firefighters and support personnel from California/FEMA US&R Task Forces 5 and 6 from the Orange County Fire Authority and Riverside Fire Department, and California Swiftwater Task Force 1 from the Los Angeles Fire Department.

    In close coordination with FEMA, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is now deploying Task Force members from the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Menlo Park Fire Protection District to support the Hurricane Milton response. These highly specialized personnel are trained in structural collapse and swift water/flood environments and are expected to arrive in Georgia in the coming days to stage before being dispatched.

    The deployment has no impact on California’s emergency response and firefighting capabilities.

    “California stands with all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene. As Hurricane Milton approaches landfall, California is sending additional specialized resources to support critical emergency response and recovery efforts.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    “Cal OES is proud to deploy highly-skilled teams to be ready to help those in need as Hurricane Milton heads toward the U.S.,” said Cal OES Director Nancy Ward. “These search and rescue professionals have the training needed to navigate extreme environments and assist in the effort to preserve life and property.”

    Last month, Governor Newsom deployed California support to Florida to bolster the response to Hurricane Helene. California also sent aid to Texas in July and Georgia in August in response to tropical storms. In the past two years, California has also deployed firefighters to New Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon and Montana. 

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    Oct 4, 2024

    News Lo que necesita saber: El Estado lanzó una versión renovada de CA.gov, el portal insignia de California que conecta a las personas con cientos de servicios y programas estatales, como por ejemplo CalFresh, certificados de nacimiento, licencias comerciales,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DTEP Funding Announced for Three More UK SMEs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    • Congratulations to High Temperature Material Systems Ltd.; OpenWorks Engineering and Mind Foundry Ltd.
    • The Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will collaborate with an experienced higher-tier partner in the defence sector
    • The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    Three UK based SMEs have been awarded funding through the latest rounds of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). High Temperature Material Systems Ltd.; OpenWorks Engineering and Mind Foundry Ltd. will collaborate with a higher-tier supplier who will engage with the SME and mentor them over the duration of a forthcoming defence project. They will receive a government grant worth 50 percent of the project value with the aim of developing innovative new solutions that meet UK defence challenges and increase capability in the UK defence supply chain.

    DTEP, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK Defence supply chain, is sponsored by the MOD’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Innovate UK, and ADS.

    Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said:

    “We are delighted to announce the distribution of further DTEP funding to three more SMEs. These innovative companies, in partnership with their higher-tier DTEP collaborators, are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the UK’s defence supply chain and supporting the ongoing success of future defence and security initiatives.”

    Congratulations to the latest DTEP winners

    Mind Foundry Ltd.

    Mind Foundry builds AI for high-stakes applications. In defence, their work is designed for deployment, combining cutting-edge AI signal processing techniques to process, analyse and enrich feeds from sensors. Together with their higher-tier partner BAE Systems, they will collaborate to develop the capability for taking multiple data inputs from multiple sensor types, and utilise their inferences to demonstrate the potential for a single system to provide a unified operating picture.”

    Brian Mullins, Mind Foundry CEO said:

    “In multi-domain operations, operators often have to analyse information across different sensor feeds manually. This is a risk, increasing the opportunity for error and the potential to miss vital contact information. Being awarded this DTEP funding, we aim to build capabilities to solve this problem and provide operators with a fuller, more robust tactical picture compilation. We are proud to be able to deepen our partnership with BAE Systems, whose experience in deploying sensor systems in complex, operational scenarios will prove vital in guiding not only the scientific art of the possible but in the operator’s need for a solution in practice.”

    High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS):

    HTMS produce a high temperature, lightweight and low cost material called Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC). This type of material has multiple uses across the defence and security supply chain and has the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 1000 degrees centigrade. Together with their higher tier partner MBDA, HTMS will be scaling up the manufacturing of an innovative lower cost form of CMC which will fill a current gap in the UKs defence materials supply chain.

    Dr. Richard Grainger, CTO and Co-Founder of HTMS said: 

    “Being chosen for a DASA DTEP project is an important moment for High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS). This marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise the high temperature composites market for Defence, Aerospace, Clean Transport, and other high performance industries.

    This collaboration accelerates the development of our cutting edge materials, opening doors for increased funding, strategic partnerships, and deeper integration into supply chains. We’re forging a powerful alliance with one of the world’s leading defence entities, which not only strengthens our capabilities but sets a strong course for the future of high temperature composite materials.”

    Dr. Danilo Di Salvo, CEO and Co-Founder of HTMS added:

    “DTEP paves the way for an enhanced market integration whilst empowering us to expand our expert team, bringing onboard more world class engineers and innovators. Working closely with DASA fuels our drive to deliver highly scalable, sustainable, and transformative composite materials. This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to push boundaries and create lasting impact — not just in the UK, but on a global scale. The future is here, and we’re leading the way.”

    OpenWorks Engineering

    OpenWorks Engineering will be working with higher tier supplier MBDA to provide an integrated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) system for the British Army to meet the current threat from drones. The project will deliver a state-of-the-art AI Optical Detection, Tracking and Targeting system which can be used against agile targets while driving at convoy speeds on unimproved roads. It will also deliver an upgraded production facility capable of manufacturing systems at 12 times the current rate with a higher level of quality and assurance.

    Chris Down, Managing Director of OpenWorks Engineering said:

    “We are proud to be working with DASA to develop the next generation in electro-optic tracking systems and build a fully digital manufacturing facility in the North-East.  This DTEP grant will bring new technology to the defence and security forces of the UK and our allies as well as strengthening the UK’s defence supply chain and industrial base.

    The grant will accelerate the fielding of new counter drone and GBAD systems.  This will have an immediate impact in places like Ukraine as well as having the long-term effect of boosting the UK’s defence industry by increasing capacity in the supply chain for the high-tech equipment needed for the battlefield of the future.”

    DTEP’s funding for OpenWorks Engineering, High Temperature Material Systems and Mind Foundry highlights the MOD’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the UK defence supply chain through strategic SME partnerships.

    Learn more about DASA’s funding opportunities here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Appoints Todd Apo to HTA Board

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA

    GOVERNOR GREEN APPOINTS TODD APO TO HAWAIʻI TOURISM AUTHORITY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    October 7, 2024

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today announced the appointment of Todd Apo to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) board of directors. Apo will serve in the position on an interim basis, pending confirmation by the state Senate. Apo’s term for the seat vacated by Sig Zane extends through June 30, 2028.

    “Todd is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in community development, public affairs and legal practice, making him ideal for the HTA board,” said Governor Green. “His diverse skill set and deep understanding of Hawai‘i’s unique cultural landscape will contribute significantly to advancing HTA’s goals.”

    Currently CEO of ‘Iole, a nonprofit focused on sustainability and resilience, Apo has previously served in senior roles at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (formerly the Howard Hughes Corp.), where he integrated cultural values into community initiatives. During his tenure as Honolulu City Council Chair, he oversaw significant legislative initiatives and budget management, strengthening community relationships and enhancing local governance.

    Apo earned a Juris Doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law and dual A.B. degrees in Computer Science and Economics from Brown University, and combines a strong academic background with a commitment to public service. He serves on numerous boards, including the Hawai‘i Special Olympics and Bishop Museum.

    A courtesy photo of Todd Apo can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Phone: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Women in the bus industry celebrated as Transport Minister visits Manchester

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Simon Lightwood spoke with women in the industry and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a bus revolution.

    • Local Transport Minister attends award event to celebrate women’s achievements in the bus, coach and community transport industry
    • the Minister heard first-hand the barriers that women in the industry face and discussed how their skills can meet the biggest bus overhaul in a generation
    • bus revolution gathering momentum as consultation closes on removing obstacles to local councils taking back control of bus services from private operators

    Women’s achievements in the bus, coach and community transport industry have been celebrated at a special awards event in Manchester today (8 October 2024), attended by the Local Transport Minister.

    During the event, Simon Lightwood discussed Women in Bus and Coach’s key aims to:

    • stand in solidarity across the profession
    • uplift female role models in engineering, driving and management
    • challenge industry policies that do not meet women’s needs 

    The awards come as the government continues to overhaul the bus industry, by handing power back to councils to grow passenger numbers and deliver better services for all, no matter where people live.  

    The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the brightest minds in the industry are in the driving seat as these plans progress.

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:  

    I was delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the bus and coach industry up and down the country. 

    Our plans to deliver better buses will end the postcode lottery that has determined the quality and frequency of bus services for too long.  

    As we deliver this biggest overhaul to buses in a generation, the work of each and every driver, engineer, manager and the countless others who keep our country moving will be vital.

    The Minister also spoke to young engineers in the industry, following a panel event on opportunities for young women. He heard from Lucy Hough (First Bus), Liz Eades (Stagecoach South East) and Hannah Currie (Wrightbus), who all discussed the barriers facing women in the industry and their experiences as engineers in a male-dominated sector.  

    Yesterday (7 October 2024) marked another landmark in the roll out of bus franchising, as the government’s month-long consultation on updating guidance to reduce barriers to franchising closed. This has seen the government discuss franchising closely with industry, and the outcome will be announced in due course, alongside next steps for implementing the Bill.  

    Attendees at the event also heard from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has overseen a dramatic transformation of regional bus services over the last year, with the introduction of the Bee Network.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

    In Greater Manchester we’re bringing buses back into local control, with cheaper fares, better buses and, crucially, more reliable services all attracting more people onboard.

    Our success is down to the hard work and dedication of Bee Network staff, including the many brilliant women working tirelessly to deliver a great service to the people of Greater Manchester, whether that’s driving buses, working at our bus stations, interchanges or Travelshops, or leading our franchising programme.

    It was fantastic to see that recognised today, and as we grow the Bee Network and take forward our plans to transform technical education in Greater Manchester through the MBacc, we want to encourage even more women into the industry.

    The Bee Network called time on the previous broken system of regulation and has set a new bar for urban bus services by introducing capped fares, integrating buses into a citywide transport network and unifying services under a singular, recognisable identity.  

    The government wants to replicate this nationwide, as it seeks to drive growth and share opportunities by providing regular, reliable and affordable services for passengers.

    Louise Cheeseman, Chair and Founder of Women in Bus and Coach, said:

    I am proud to see the incredible achievements of women across our industry celebrated at the 2024 Women in Bus and Coach summit. This event not only highlights the inspiring individuals shaping the future of the bus, coach and community transport sector, but also reinforces our collective commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women.

    We warmly welcome the government’s plans to deliver the biggest overhaul of bus services in a generation, and we look forward to working together to ensure these changes empower a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative future for all.

    The visit also comes as GoAhead buses announced a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet today, including creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

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    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Camaraderie, Enthusiasm Punctuate Wolff New Venture Competition

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A novel treatment for long-term pain management that could revolutionize post-operative care and eliminate the need for opioids for many, won the first-place, $30,000 grand prize at the Wolff New Venture Competition last week.

    Professors and esteemed UConn Health researchers Lakshmi Nair, Ph.D. and Yusuf Khan, Ph.D. say they were both surprised and thrilled that their startup, Soleia Biosciences, received the award. With the financial and business support they’ve received, they hope to advance the treatment that has been in development for 10 years.

    “This prize will really set the stage for everything else we need to do; without it we would have been stuck,’’ Khan says. “Now we can move forward with determining exactly what we need to do to show our product is both safe and effective, and get it into the hands of doctors so they can start treating patients as soon as possible.’’

    “Our job has always been to figure out how to solve medical problems that don’t have a good solution,’’ Khan says. “With the Wolff Prize, we are even closer to that reality.’’

    Competition Awarded $115,000 in Cash and Prizes

    The Wolff New Venture Competition is the School of Business’ pinnacle entrepreneurship challenge. The event on Tuesday night drew dozens of UConn entrepreneurs and their supporters to the Dunkin Park YG Club for a night of competition, camaraderie, networking, and socializing.

    This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Wolff event, which invites five outstanding UConn-affiliated startups to compete annually. Since its inception, the amount of the awards has risen from $15,000 to more than $$115,000 in cash and in-kind services.

    The five 2024 Wolff finalists have developed a diverse set of companies, from toys to e-commerce to a business-travel planning app. Preparation for the event begins in March when 10 startups are selected to participate in the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s (CCEI) Summer Fellowship Accelerator, where they develop their businesses to become market ready.

    “This was by far the best Wolff New Venture Competition to date,’’ says Jennifer Mathieu, executive director of CCEI. “The room was packed with members of our entrepreneurial ecosystem including investors, community partners, dozens of CCEI’s entrepreneurs showcasing their startups, and many of our alumni just there to support.

    “There was an energy in the space; it was one of collaboration, community, and this level of overall excitement that everyone seemed to have about being there. I feel proud of what my team has accomplished in their support of the hundreds of startups that have participated in CCEI programs,’’ she says. “The five teams that pitched have made tremendous progress since working with CCEI. I can’t wait to see what impact they are going to have on the world.’’

    Medical Company Wins Grand Prize

    In addition to the grand prize, Soleia Biosciences also received the Legal Services Award valued at $10,000 and presented by Wiggin and Dana’s emerging companies division.

    The startup is on the cusp of a breakthrough pain-reduction treatment that can extend the duration of local anesthetics, enabling patients to be nearly pain-free and mobile. Nair says the $15 billion post-surgical pain management industry is ready for change.

    “Since opioid use can have such a negative impact on a person, it’s really critical to find non-addictive solutions for both short- and long-term pain,’’ Nair says. “This applies to everyone, young and old; nobody is exempt from these needs.  In younger people it may be part of recovering from a painful sports injury, and in older people more about managing something like osteoarthritis. Regardless of the age or disease, there is a critical need for opioid alternatives.’’

    The company already has patents and compelling pre-clinical data. The founders are looking to hire a consultant to help them begin the FDA approval process.

    Started by Two Car Enthusiasts, WheelPrice Earned Three Honors

    The $10,000 Second-Place Prize, sponsored by Santander Bank, went to WheelPrice, an online marketplace that facilitates the sales of new, used and vintage wheels. The company also won a ​$5,000 Audience Choice Award.
    sponsored by Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML) and a $35,000 pro bono Digital Product Development Award from Revyrie.

    Co-founder Kyle Mayers ’13 (BUS) says the company has something for everyone. “We have wheels for every car from a Honda Civic to a Ferrari,” he says.

    Mayers and co-founder Wally Namane ’13 (BUS), ’18 MBA, both car enthusiasts, met as students through mutual friends at UConn. “We’ve had a life-long obsession with cars,’’ Mayers says.

    Today they hope to become the number one marketplace for the 67 million car enthusiasts in the U.S. Globally, consumers spend $5 billion on wheels annually. They believe their easy-to-use platform and some high-tech features, now in development, will put them in the industry’s drivers’ seat.

    Business-Travel App Took Third Place

    Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of fully remote companies has grown 400%. And although their employees may be on different coasts, Vamos founder Niko Zurita ’10 (BUS) believes every growing business requires face-to-face meetings between colleagues. He is developing an app to tailor meetings and locations to company needs, while also saving them money.

    Vamos received the $7,500 Third Place Prize sponsored by Prime Materials Recovery Inc., and a Digital Surgeons brand consulting award, valued at $10,000.

    Toy Dinosaurs, Natural Food Preservative Captivated Audience

    Lyla Andrick ’24 (CAHNR), created Happy Dinosaur, a company that sells brightly colored dinosaur stuffed animals, from her dorm room at UConn. The plush animals have become so popular that the New England boutiques that stock them can’t keep them on the shelves. As part of her presentation, she passed around a half-dozen dinosaurs, and members of the audience were delighted.

    Happy Dinosaur won a ​$5,000 Community Impact Award, sponsored by Baystate Financial, that will help Andrick create books about the main characters and create a format for children to share imaginative stories about them.

    Meanwhile Atlas, formerly Atlantic Sea Solutions, a company using seaweed extracts as a tasteless, texture-less coating to preserve the shelf-life of peaches, berries and other produce, won a $5,000 Innovation Award, sponsored by Mark and Jamie Summers. The company plans to use the winning to purchase more equipment.

    “What I love about my work and what motivates me is using science and technology to do cool things with food,’’ says co-founder Anuj Purohit, a research associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. “The world population is growing, and we all need good, nutritious food. That’s what drew me to agriculture and what keeps me going.’’

    Experienced Entrepreneurs Say Their Companies are Thriving

    The event also welcomed more than 25 previous Wolff participants who have made great strides with their startups. They were eager to cheer on the next wave of entrepreneurs.

    Jake Winter ’22 (ENG), co-founder and CTO of PatentPlusAI, a company using AI to generate comprehensive patent search reports in less than 24 hours, says the startup has grown exponentially in four years.

    “We’re hustling,’’ says Winter, noting that their client base includes corporate giant IBM. If he could offer advice to the newer entrepreneurs, it would be to “get ridiculously familiar with your market, and once you understand your customer, test as soon as you can,’’ he says.

    For graduate student Amelia Martin, the year since her participation in the Wolff competition has been one of extraordinary growth.

    “A year ago, I didn’t know what to expect. I had the mindset of a student,’’ she says. “Now I think like a CEO.’’

    Her company, Mud Rat, an eco-friendly alternative to the standard Styrofoam surfboard core, has participated in two business accelerators, won a small grant, and is completing its first protype this month. She’s also added to her team. Martin advises those who follow in her footsteps to just keep going when the going is tough. “If you stick with it, you’ll hit all your goals eventually,’’ she says.

    In the last year, alumna Hayley Segar, founder of onewith, a direct-to-consumer swimwear and accessory company, has been featured in People and InStyle magazines. She now employs four manufacturers to make her swimwear and this year sold 50,000 units. She hasn’t lost touch with her roots; her mom still packs her orders.

    She tells the new entrepreneurs to avoid distraction. “They need to be focused and heads-down in the early stages of their company,’’ she says. “It’s exciting, there is a lot of sacrifice, but in the end, owning your own business is extremely satisfying.’’

    She credits UConn for setting her up for success. As she speaks with entrepreneurs who attended other colleges, none of them had the expert entrepreneurial support that UConn offered, Segar says.

    Judges Were Impressed by What They Heard

    Competition judge Luke Steinberger, COO at Revyrie, a company that helps build and scale companies and a sponsor of the event, says he was very impressed with all the presentations.

    “They were well prepared, and I loved the diversity of ideas,’’ he says. “The program exceeded my expectations. I’m very happy to be involved and will be back next year.’’

    Judge Adam Silverman, partner at law firm Wiggin and Dana, says he didn’t know exactly what to expect before the competition. “It was great to be a part of the competition. I was impressed by the quality of the companies, the focus of the founders, and the exciting use of technology,’’ he says.

    School of Business Dean John A. Elliott spoke about how entrepreneurship has grown in the 13 years he has been here.

    “We used to think entrepreneurship was something for juniors and seniors to explore but now we welcome many students who begin their companies as freshmen,’’ he says. “The excitement around entrepreneurship has grown rapidly.’’

    Elliott also thanked the Wolff family, including Greg Wolff who was in attendance, for starting the competition and advocating for entrepreneurship at UConn. Elliott says their influence helped create additional competitions and great support for startups at UConn.

    Alycia Chrosniak, Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development at CCEI, says working with the startups and watching them grow has been rewarding.

    “But my favorite part will be three months from now when I get the emails about what these new companies and their founders have accomplished,’’ she says. “What we do here is life changing.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Month of Discovery: Sophia Hatzis ’27, a Researcher and Mentor

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Sophia Hatzis ’27 was a newly arrived first-year student when she learned about Innovate Labs at separate campus-wide kick-off events. What she heard intrigued her, so she decided to check it out.

    “I thought it was so cool how Innovate tries to get students to explore things outside of class,” she says. “I thought I could do some cool projects within the lab.”

    A year later, Hatzis has more than met that goal and is now part of the Innovate Labs team, showing a new wave of incoming students around. As a lab research specialist, she helps students discover the possibilities available through Innovate, an educational research lab within the UConn School of Business. The lab provides students of all disciplines with opportunities and resources to learn, explore, and develop industry-valued skills in emerging technology and analytics.

    A Trumbull resident majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Sociology, Hatzis says she is especially excited to be participating in Month of Discovery (MoD) activities this year, something she missed last year because she had yet to be hired.

    “Now, I’ll get to see the other side of things,” she says. “MoD is the whole month of October, and it’s filled with innovation events. Last year, I checked out all the different makerspaces and it inspired me to start working on some of my own projects. This year, Innovate will be running Makerspace Bounce on October 3. I’m looking forward to helping out with that.”

    Outside the lab, Hatzis is an avid hiker. (Courtesy of the Office of Undergraduate Research)

    After graduating, Hatzis plans to pursue human factors engineering, which considers both the user side and consumer side of emerging technology.

    “I like the idea that I can do work that considers the social side and impact of the new things we innovate,” she says. “For example making sure an AI program that does redistricting doesn’t perpetuate gerrymandering, or if you design a traffic control system, the town has the resources to feasibly power it.”

    Hatzis’ work with AI has not gone unnoticed. In April, she was one of handful of tech-savvy students tapped to make presentations at Hartford’s AI Day, an event showcasing sophisticated local AI-based companies and providing networking opportunities for those companies and promising students.

    Hatzis and her partner taught attending business professionals how to use machine learning to create a chatbot. Together, they showed participants how to capture images of themselves smiling, frowning and wearing a shocked expression, then taught them how to train the computer model to recognize facial expressions.

    “These students are so knowledgeable, bright, thoughtful and inquisitive,” Jonathan Moore, executive director of the CT Information Technology Institute and leader of the Innovate Labs initiative, said at the time. “They really are going to shape the future of technology and business.”

    Keeping up with the pace of worldwide innovation is one of her favorite parts of working at Innovate Lab, Hatzis says. “We are constantly adapting to the needs of the campus and the new technologies that come out.”

    Over the summer, Hatzis helped with the Young Scholars Senior Summit program at which students, through the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship Program, were introduced to the different kinds of technology in the lab and then directed to use it for a project with real world impact.

    “I enjoyed discussing the feasibility of their technology and how they could incorporate it into their ideas,” she says of the experience. “We honestly have something for everyone no matter what they are interested in. Once you get a student started with one thing, I like seeing them get comfortable with the technologies and branching out to try new things outside their comfort zone.”

    Outside the lab, Hatzis is serving as treasurer this fall of a gender-inclusive service fraternity (APO) and dances with the university ballet company. She is also a morale captain for UConn’s HuskyTHON, an annual dance marathon and fundraiser for Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and enjoys hiking and exploring. At UConn, she loves to watch sunsets from Horsebarn Hill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Authorizes Marketing of First Home Flu and COVID-19 Combination Test Outside of Emergency Use Authorities

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    For Immediate Release:

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted marketing authorization for the Healgen Rapid Check COVID-19/Flu A&B Antigen Test. The test, authorized for use without a prescription, is for use by individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms and uses a nasal swab sample to deliver at-home results in approximately 15 minutes for COVID-19 and influenza (flu). The test detects proteins from both SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and influenza A and B (the viruses that causes flu).  

    This is the first over-the-counter (OTC) test that can detect influenza to be granted marketing authorization using a traditional premarket review pathway, which enables the test to be marketed in the absence of an applicable emergency use declaration. Other OTC flu/COVID tests are currently available under emergency use authorization. 

    “As we enter this year’s annual flu season with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 on many of our minds, our ability to detect these pathogens effectively and efficiently can be impactful on our daily lives. Today’s authorization expands the options for individuals with respiratory symptoms to receive information about their health from the comfort of their home,” said Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D., acting director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The FDA continues to take actions that support the development and availability of at-home tests for a variety of medical conditions.”

    The test is for use by individuals 14 years or older taking and testing their own sample, or individuals 2 years and older with a sample taken and tested by an adult. The FDA reviewed data from a study of individuals with signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza, which showed that this test correctly identified 99% of negative and 92% of positive SARS-CoV-2 samples, 99.9% of negative Flu A and B samples, and 92.5% and 90.5% of positive Flu A and Flu B samples, respectively. 

    Validation data for the test was gathered through the Independent Test Assessment Program (ITAP), a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx®) Tech program, in collaboration with the FDA. ITAP was launched in 2021 to accelerate test evaluation to support the FDA’s regulatory review and the availability of high-quality, accurate and reliable diagnostic tests to the public. 

    As with all rapid antigen tests, which generally have lower sensitivity than molecular tests, there is a risk of false negative test results. Individuals who test negative and continue to experience symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath may still have SARS-CoV-2, flu or another respiratory infection and should seek follow up care with their health care provider. Individuals who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 or flu should take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading the virus and should seek follow-up care with their physician or health care provider.

    Along with this De Novo authorization, the FDA is establishing criteria called special controls that define the requirements related to labeling and performance testing. When met, the special controls, in combination with general controls, provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness for tests of this type. This action also creates a new regulatory classification, which means that subsequent devices of the same type with the same intended use may go through the FDA’s less burdensome 510(k) pathway, whereby additional devices can obtain marketing clearance by demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device.

    ###

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    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH conducts interdepartmental enforcement operation “Thunder” against distribution of smoking product advertisements in public housing estates (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹To step up enforcement actions against distribution of illicit cigarette leaflets in public housing estates, the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office (TACO) of the Department of Health (DH) and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) launched a joint operation codenamed “Thunder” in various districts across Hong Kong between September 19 and October 6. TACO is following up on the investigation of three cases of distributing smoking product leaflets in Mun Tung Estate in Tung Chung, Long Shin Estate in Yuen Long and Upper Ngau Tau Kok Estate in Kwun Tong respectively, where over 1 700 pieces of illicit cigarette leaflets were seized. The three persons concerned were aged 23, 48 and 57. In accordance with the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap. 371) (the Ordinance), no person shall distribute any smoking product advertisement (including any promotion leaflets). Any person who contravenes the regulation is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000.  
          
         TACO, together with the C&ED, have carried out 18 joint operations under this round of “Thunder” until today, during which a total of 31 public housing estates in various districts across Hong Kong have been inspected. In addition, TACO, the Police and the Housing Department have established a co-operation mechanism targeting the distribution of smoking product leaflets in public housing estates. When any smoking product leaflet distribution is detected at public housing estates, the housing estate staff will contact the Police for assistance and subsequently refer the case to TACO for further investigation. TACO will continue to carry out relevant interdepartmental operations, and follow up and investigate every complaint regarding the distribution of smoking product advertisements, as well as to refer any suspected cases of illicit cigarettes that involve violations of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) to the relevant department for further investigation.
          
         A spokesman for the DH stressed that the department has long been closely monitoring and taking stringent enforcement actions against violations of the Ordinance (including the distribution of smoking product advertisements). The spokesman reiterated that all tobacco products, regardless of whether they are duty paid or not, pose significant health risks. Smokers should quit smoking as early as possible for their own health and that of others. Information on smoking cessation can also be obtained from http://www.livetobaccofree.hk.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DAE Inaugurates MACE, Asia’s Largest and World’s Highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory, at Hanle, Ladakh

    Source: Government of India

    DAE Inaugurates MACE, Asia’s Largest and World’s Highest Imaging Cherenkov Observatory, at Hanle, Ladakh

    MACE project plays a significant role not only in advancing scientific research but also in supporting the socio-economic development of Ladakh: DAE Secretary and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission Dr. A.K. Mohanty

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 3:32PM by PIB Mumbai

    : Mumbai, October 8, 2024

     

    The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory has been inaugurated by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary DAE & Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, at Hanle, Ladakh, on 4th October 2024. MACE is the largest imaging Cherenkov telescope in Asia. Located at an altitude of ~4,300 m, it is also the highest of its kind in the world. The telescope is indigenously built by BARC with support from ECIL and other Indian industry partners. The inaugural of MACE Observatory was a part of the Platinum Jubilee year celebrations of the DAE. The event commenced with the unveiling of commemorative plaques by Dr. Mohanty at the MACE site at Hanle, Ladakh, thereby officially inaugurating the MACE Observatory.

    In his inaugural address, DAE Secretary Dr. Mohanty applauded the collective effort that brought the MACE telescope to fruition. He stated that the MACE Observatory is a monumental achievement for India, and it places our nation at the forefront of cosmic-ray research globally. He further added that this telescope will allow us to study high-energy gamma rays, paving the way for deeper understanding of the universe’s most energetic events. Dr. Mohanty emphasised the significant role that MACE project plays not only in advancing scientific research but also in supporting the socio-economic development of Ladakh. Students were encouraged to explore careers in astronomy and astrophysics, with Dr. Mohanty expressing hope that the MACE project would inspire future generations of Indian astronomers, scientists, and engineers. Dr. Mohanty also paid tribute to India’s pioneering contributions to the field, including the work of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, whose legacy continues to inspire India’s cosmic-ray research.

    Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC inaugurates the MACE observatory at Hanle, Ladakh on 4th Oct 2024

     

    Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC unveils the Bhabha Plaque at the MACE site on 4th Oct 2024

     

    Inaugural Address of Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman, AEC

     

    Shri Ajay Ramesh Sule, Additional Secretary, DAE, stressed the importance of balancing tourism and scientific activities within the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR) and encouraged students to pursue careers in science and technology.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), highlighted the fruitful collaborative efforts between several constituent Units of DAE and the IIA.

    Shri Sajjad Hussain Mufti, Chief Conservator of Forests, UT Ladakh, outlined the key features of the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve and the focus on community engagement. He reaffirmed the UT administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting DAE’s scientific activities.

    Dr. S. M. Yusuf, Director, Physics Group, BARC, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of the MACE telescope in advancing India’s space and cosmic-ray research capabilities. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. K. K. Yadav, Head of Astrophysical Sciences Division of BARC, followed by a visit to the state-of-the-art MACE Control Room. The dignitaries present on the occasion interacted with the team of astronomers and technicians.

    Dignitaries on the dais during the inauguration of the MACE observatory 4th Oct 2024

    (Left to Right: Shri A. R. Sule, Additional Secretary, DAE; Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Secretary, DAE & Chairman, AEC; Shri Hussain Mufti, Chief Conservator of Forests, UT of Ladakh; Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, IIA; Dr. S. M. Yusuf, Director, Physics Group, BARC)

     

    A pictorial compilation documenting the journey of the MACE project was also released on the occasion. Dr. Mohanty felicitated the representatives of the Nambardars (village leaders), the school headmaster, and the venerable Lama of the Handle Gompa.

    Release of Special Pictorial Compilation during the event

    A special film on the MACE telescope was screened, showcasing the scientific and technological advancements made during the project. The day concluded with a guided tour of the MACE Observatory, giving attendees an exclusive look at the world-class observatory that establishes India on the global advanced astronomy map.

    The inauguration of the MACE telescope marks a significant step forward for Indian astrophysics and cosmic-ray research. Situated at an altitude of ~4,300 m, the MACE telescope will observe high-energy gamma rays, contributing to global efforts to understand the most energetic phenomena in the universe, such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. This facility will also complement global observatories, strengthening India’s position in the field of multi messenger astronomy.

    Looking ahead, the MACE project aims to foster international collaborations, advancing India’s contributions to space research and bolstering India’s position in the global scientific community. The observatory will also serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of Indian scientists, encouraging them to explore new frontiers in astrophysics.

    Felicitation of the Community Representatives during the event

     

    Visit of the Dignitaries to the MACE Control Room

    Night time observations using the MACE Telescope

    Secretary DAE & Chairman AEC with the Team of Physics Group, BARC at the MACEE site on 5th Oct 2024

     

    SC/PM Source: BARC

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Working together to safeguard schools from “space oil” (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         To safeguard schools from a new type of drug dubbed “space oil”, the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, the Hong Kong Poison Control Centre (HKPCC) of the Hospital Authority, and the Counselling Service Centre Division of the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service (HKLSS) jointly organised a seminar today (October 8) on “space oil” abuse. Over 300 teaching staff from primary and secondary schools as well as social workers attended. Attendees were briefed about the situation of the risks of “space oil” among young people and the harmful effects of the drug at the seminar, with a view to raising the awareness and vigilance of school personnel and social workers regarding “space oil”.
     
         At the seminar, the Chairman of the Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, Mr Henry Tong; the Head of Toxicology Reference Laboratory of the HKPCC, Dr Calvin Chong; Chief Inspector of the Narcotics Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force and representatives from the HKLSS Evergreen Lutheran Centre and the Kwun Tong District Youth Outreaching Social Work Team of the Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association of Hong Kong each shared with participating teaching staff and social workers on preventive education against electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in schools. They also shared information on pharmacology and the harm of abusing “space oil”, enforcement actions and relevant publicity and education programmes of the Police, as well as frontline service experiences and observations. The ND also explained the relevant statutory control.
     
         The Commissioner for Narcotics, Mr Kesson Lee, said at the seminar that taking “space oil” is equivalent to taking drugs. The Government will take actions to crack down on “space oil” and strengthen the statutory control of the relevant substance. He urged teaching staff and school social workers to remain vigilant and observant, not to underestimate the vaping of e-cigarettes among students, and refer students at risk to suitable counselling and treatment programmes as appropriate. The ND delivers various anti-drug promotion and educational initiatives in schools in collaboration with the education sector. A multi-modality approach is also adopted in Hong Kong to render drug treatment and rehabilitation services that can help young drug abusers. He stated, “No school, regardless of its reputation or academic performance, can get away from the problem of drug abuse. Therefore, preventive education and publicity has always been an imperative duty of the Narcotics Division.”
     
         Although there is no standard formula for “space oil”, it usually contains an anaesthetic called etomidate, which can only be prescribed by a doctor according to the law. Etomidate is regulated as Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations (Cap. 138A). In addition to etomidate, “space oil” may also be mixed with other drugs, impurities, and harmful chemicals such as nicotine. Dr Chong pointed out that long-term use of etomidate could disrupt the hormonal balance of its abusers, and the harm resembles that of hereditary diseases.  
     
         “Space oil” is often inhaled through electronic smoking products (such as e-cigarettes) or heated tobacco products, concealed in oil/liquid form within capsules and heated to produce aerosol for inhalation. Regarding the use of e-cigarettes, Mr Tong said, “The aerosol and secondhand smoke from e-cigarettes contain toxic and carcinogenic substances. The chemical solutions release various and unknown harmful substances when heated at high temperatures, some of which may be present in higher concentrations than traditional tobacco, and some are unique to e-cigarettes, posing serious health hazards.”
     
         The ND’s website (www.nd.gov.hk) contains information about “space oil”, and the ND also launched a “space oil” themed animated video in August (www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHQVLgU3wAA). Members of the public are welcome to browse the website. In addition, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre, located on the roof floor of the Low Block of the Queensway Government Offices, provides various anti-drug knowledge and is open to the public.   

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s former top legislator Wu Bangguo dies at 84

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Wu Bangguo, former chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, died of illness at the age of 84 in Beijing at 4:36 a.m. Tuesday, an official statement said. 
    Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.ChinaNews App Download

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi pays homage to Shri Ram Vilas Paswan on his Punya Tithi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 2:09PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji on his Punya Tithi. Shri Modi remarked that Shri Ram Vilas ji was an outstanding leader, fully devoted to empowering the poor and dedicated to building a strong and developed India. 

    The Prime Minister posted on X:

    “I pay homage to my very dear friend and one of India’s tallest leaders, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan Ji on his Punya Tithi. He was an outstanding leader, fully devoted to empowering the poor and dedicated to building a strong and developed India. I am fortunate to have worked with him so closely over the years. I greatly miss his insights on several issues.”

     

     

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    MJPS/TS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special Campaign 4.0 of Department of Defence Production is in full Swing

    Source: Government of India

    Special Campaign 4.0 of Department of Defence Production is in full Swing

    8 Lakh Sq. Feet space is likely to be freed after disposal of scrap and other redundant material

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 4:36PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Defence Production (DDP) has been conducting the Special Campaign 4.0 on Swacchata within the Department and across its Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Attached offices located in various parts of the country aggressively with saturation approach. It started with a preparatory phase from 15th September 2024 to 30th September, 2024 to identify targets to be taken up for cleaning during the campaign period.

    The main campaign started from 2ndOctober, 2024 and will last upto 31stOctober, 2024. In the preparatory phase of the Special Campaign, DDP along with its DPSUs and Attached Offices identified 800 (approx.) cleanliness sites across the country and so far, 605 sites have been accomplished. The meeting was convened by Secretary (DP) along with CMDs of DPSUs and DG Level officers of Attached Offices to implement the Special Campaign 4.0 in a befitting manner. The daily progress is being monitored at Joint Secretary level officer and a dedicated team of officials upload the achievements on SCDPM portal hosted by Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG). All the DPSUs and Attached Offices are enthusiastically participating in the campaign.

    Significant progress has been reported in the successful identification of the targets so far and work is in full swing in all the DPSUs and attached offices to achieve these targets. This year remarkable 8 Lakh Sq. Feet space is anticipated to be freed after disposal of scrap and other redundant material and so far, space of 109,903 Sq. Ft. has been freed after disposal of scrap & other waste material. So far, 6769 physical files have been identified for review/disposal. More than 30000 MT unserviceable stores/scrap have been disposed of under the campaign, thereby extracting revenue to the tune of 3.6 Crores. More than 147 tweets have been posted on X (Formerly known as Twitter) by the DPSUs and DDP tagging to #SpecialCampaign 4.0 to create awareness of the campaign. 8,602 persons have participated so far in Swacchata Activities from the DPSUs in DDP. The campaign is in full swing to achieve the target set by DDP.

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    MR/GC

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people to be given a helping hand on the creative industries ladder

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Budding young actors, musicians, photographers, fashion designers and film directors from across Liverpool are being invited to sign up to a creative programme that could give them a head-start in their chosen career.

    Commissioned by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team as part of its Creative Neighbourhoods programme and funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Future Movement is delivered by leading British dance company Rambert.

    The free creative youth programme, aimed at those aged 16-25, is unique because it is co-created with the young people, designed around their career ambitions.

    Throughout the 12-week programme, Rambert invites guest artists from a wide range of creative industries to share their skills, experience and career paths with the participants, who will benefit from dedicated sessions focusing on different areas of work such as producing and marketing.

    The initiative was piloted in Liverpool last year following its success in London, Rochdale and Mansfield and it gave young people the chance to collaborate with like-minded creatives across the country.

    During the programme, the students had the opportunity to work with and be mentored by industry experts including Merseyside born designer Patrick McDowell and film director Dan Löwenstein of House of Create.

    The students also collaborated with set and costume designer Olivia Du Monceau to design and make a protest banner. Researching art and activism, the group used different mediums of creativity, such as sewing and drawing to create a joyful banner of self-expression.

    The programme culminated in an exhibition of the students’ work at the press night of Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby at the Liverpool Empire earlier this month. Here, they not only had the opportunity to showcase their work but also to network with industry insiders including the producers of Peaky Blinders, which was filmed in Liverpool, and the Chief Executive of Arts Council England.

    The new term starts on October 8 and the group meet every Tuesday from 6.30pm-8.30pm at Toxteth Library, Windsor St, Liverpool, L8 1XF. Sign-up here.

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle said: “Full of BAFTA-winning productions and Oscar-winning talent, Liverpool has a vibrant, fast-growing creative sector, which plays a significant role in contributing to the local economy. So it’s only right that we invest in the next generation of creatives.

    “We’ve never been short of pioneers in Liverpool and while the city attracts world-class talent, it’s vital that we invest in home-grown talent and help our young people achieve their potential. Seeing the work that the young people have produced has blown me away – truly inspiring.”

    Daniel Fulvio, Deputy Director of Audiences and Rambert’s lead on Future Movement says: “Future Movement is designed to inspire and support anyone who is interested in starting a career in the creative industries. It aims to fuel young minds whilst giving them opportunities to try things out in an environment where they are supported to push themselves to build new skills and explore a range of creative jobs.

    “Liverpool is a beacon of creativity in the UK. Not only is it the birthplace of Hollywood stars and award-winning directors and producers but it is the second most filmed UK city outside of London and a UNESCO City of Music. Future Movement is a youth programme that takes young people seriously as the next generation of creatives and where better to nurture talent than here.”

    Patrick McDowell, Fashion Designer collaborating with Rambert on Future Movement says: “Working with Future Movement has been enriching and fulfilling on both a creative and a personal level. It has been a joy to have had this opportunity to return to my hometown to work with young people from the area, who have opened my eyes to different ideas.

    “Growing up, I was inspired by Liverpool’s style and how powerful and strong clothing seemed to make people feel. My working-class background and queer identity allowed me to see things through a certain lens, working with what I had to create something special. That ethos has remained with me to this day and it has been such a joy to mentor this pioneering project to inspire the next generation of creatives.”

    Kieran Gregory, a 19-year-old actor who took part in the pilot said: “Future Movement is boss. I’m an actor but as part of the programme, we designed a costume for one of the Rambert dancers. I’ve had no previous experience of contemporary dance before so it’s great to have new skills to put on my CV. We’re exposed to so many different people, learning about their journeys into the world of creative arts.

    “Rambert have been so good at letting us use our brains. We’ve gone to them and said ‘we’ve got this idea, can you make it happen?’ And they’ve said ‘yes, we’ll back you to the hilt.’ Whatever stimulus they give us, we’ll put our Scouse twist on it. I love representing Liverpool because people outside the city don’t properly understand. Over the last couple of years, things like Eurovision have been fantastic for the community so why not showcase it? Rambert and Culture Liverpool have put their faith in us and given us that opportunity and confidence.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The state of the waste management sphere is an indicator of careful attention to the environment and a significant component of the comfort of life of citizens

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

    October 8, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

    October 8, 2024

    Garbage truck “MAZ” with a crane-manipulator for loading underground containers, bells

    October 8, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

    October 8, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

    October 8, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

    October 8, 2024

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

    October 8, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev announced this at the fourth Russian Environmental Forum. The event was attended by representatives of federal authorities and regulatory agencies, industry and public organizations, and the business community.

    As noted, a corresponding reform has been implemented in Russia since 2019 to create rational approaches to waste management. With its start, the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) was created for the comprehensive coordination of processes. Over the past five years, it has become the main tool for the development of the industry. Today, the entire waste management cycle is the responsibility of 184 regional operators. About 50 million tons of MSW pass through them annually.

    “Over the past period, more than 250 facilities for waste processing, recycling and storage have been built. A significant step was ensuring waste sorting. Since 2019, its volumes have increased almost fivefold. A lot of work was simultaneously carried out in the field of regulatory control. Thus, the concepts of secondary resources and recyclable materials were legislatively established, and requirements for their handling appeared. A new procedure for determining the standards for the accumulation of solid municipal waste was also approved, on which the creation of infrastructure and the calculation of tariffs depend,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    As noted, since January of this year, changes to the extended producer responsibility mechanism have come into force, which provide for the obligation of packaging manufacturers to dispose of it in full. Also in 2024, a law was adopted to solve the problem of medical waste. The least hazardous categories will be sent for processing and disposal along with other types of MSW, which will reduce the volume of landfill disposal.

    At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the difficulties that still need to be addressed. “There are still questions about the quality of regional operators’ work. There are problems with financial stability, payment collection, and a shortage of equipment and containers. All of this ultimately leads to the fact that people can still see uncollected garbage in their yards. And no reporting indicators can cover this. There are regions where the reform is clearly stalling. In order to solve this problem, in a command mode at the level of the entire country, we are working together to sort out the situation in the regions,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled that the tasks for further development of the waste management sphere are outlined in the Presidential Decree on National Development Goals. By 2030, it is necessary to ensure complete sorting of MSW, reduce its landfill disposal by half, and involve at least a quarter of the volume in secondary circulation. Taking into account the existing capacities, in order to achieve the designated targets, it is necessary to double waste processing and reduce its disposal to landfills by 30% in six years.

    According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the creation of the relevant infrastructure will continue within the framework of the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. “The events, as you know, are included in the federal project “Closed Cycle Economy”. And I want to emphasize that the initiative should come first and foremost from the regions and businesses. The government, for its part, will help in the implementation of the projects,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    Speaking about government support measures in this area, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that over three years, 15 projects worth almost 40 billion rubles have been financed through the REO alone. In addition, the entities have concluded 65 concession agreements to create solid municipal waste management facilities with an investment volume of over 170 billion rubles.

    According to Dmitry Patrushev, the implementation of these support mechanisms will continue. At the same time, it is important that entities, especially those with insufficient reform implementation rates, actively engage in the work and find reliable investors.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52935/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New therapeutic classrooms at St Georges Studio and Greenmount 8 October 2024 New therapeutic classrooms

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    As part of the Isle of Wight Council’s special educational needs (SEN) expansion programme, we have created therapeutic spaces, to support students and regulate their learning experiences effectively and independently.

    Working with Teaching Positive Connections (TPC), the creation of these therapeutic classrooms is a new approach which supports the social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) of students. The classrooms have already been well received by teachers, parents and above all the children using them.

    Greenmount has doubled its provision from 6 to 12 students and the capacity at St Georges Studio is now 20. This is a direct result of the consultations that the Isle of Wight Council ran to increase capacity. Students are attending these educational settings on a daily basis allowing staff to develop more positive relationships with students, and their families.

    Steff Gleeson, headteacher at St Georges commented that ‘’students are telling us they love the school and enjoy coming, one KS4 student is already engaging in Maths GCSE work. This is an exciting time to be working in specialist education and St George’s feels privileged to have been given this opportunity to support the Isle of Wight students.’’

    Naomi Carter, Service Director Education, Inclusion and Access said: ‘’our aim is to continue to provide the best educational facilities for our young people. Children are struggling with their mental health and classrooms such as these support their wellbeing and encourage them to develop and express their emotions in a secure environment.’’

    Cllr Jonathan Bacon Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education added ‘’The SEMH satellite school at St George’s Studio is a much-needed provision. It enables our most vulnerable young people to access an educational environment which will support them through their secondary education, offering a vocational and practical curriculum alongside accreditation options. Four students had no named education setting for September 2024; the opening of this satellite school has enabled those children to remain with their families in their local communities and access an appropriate placement on the Island.’’

    This part of the SEN expansion programme which will be rolled out over the coming 2 years.

    Further information on TPC and therapeutic classrooms can be found by visiting

    Children’s mental health and wellbeing service – Manchester (tpctherapy.co.uk)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –