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Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Receives Federal Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: North Carolina Receives Federal Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina

    North Carolina Receives Federal Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina
    mseets

    President Biden has granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene providing immediate federal help for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

    The declaration means that FEMA will be able to speed additional help to the state, and provide Individual Assistance to people living in those counties, as well as Public Assistance to reimburse local governments, state agencies, and non-profits or other eligible organizations for funds spent repairing facilities and infrastructure.

    “The people in western North Carolina are hurting from this devastating storm and we are all working to get resources to people as fast as we can,” said Governor Cooper. “We have deployed rescue teams, transportation crews, water, mobile kitchens and more. This is going to be a long-term recovery and this federal declaration will help us respond.”

    The counties in the declaration are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. As response operations and eligible damages dictate, North Carolina may be able to add additional counties or programs as assessments move forward. This declaration will also provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for future efforts to mitigate the impacts of future events.

    This declaration is in addition to the federal emergency declaration already in place prior to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.

    Read the declaration summary here.

    ###

    Sep 29, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Water unfit for consumption in 9 municipalities on the left bank – SIG press release

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    Tap water is unfit for consumption in nine municipalities on the Left Bank. Last night, the rupture of a major pipe located at Quai Gustave Ador caused disruptions in the water supply for residents and surrounding businesses.

    The SIG technical teams immediately intervened to assess the situation and put in place the necessary measures to limit the inconvenience caused. They are actively working to repair the pipeline and are doing everything possible to restore the supply of drinking water as soon as possible [lread more…].

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Central Command Conducts Targeted Strikes Against Terrorist Groups in Syria

    Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

    Sep. 29, 2024

    Release Number 20240929 – 01

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Forces conducted two targeted strikes in Syria, killing 37 terrorist operatives, including multiple senior leaders of the terrorist organizations of ISIS and Hurras al-Din, an Al Qaeda affiliate.

    The airstrikes are part of CENTCOM’s ongoing commitment, along with partners in the region, to disrupt and degrade efforts by terrorists to plan, organize, and conduct attacks against civilians and military personnel from the U.S., our allies, and our partners throughout the region and beyond.

    On Sept. 24, CENTCOM Forces conducted a targeted strike in northwest Syria, killing nine terrorist operatives, including Marwan Bassam ‘Abd-al-Ra’uf, a senior Hurras al-Din leader responsible for overseeing military operations from Syria. Hurras al-Din is an Al Qaeda-affiliated organization based in Syria with global aspirations to conduct attacks against U.S. and Western interests. The successful strike against Marwan Bassam ‘Abd-al-Ra’uf comes a month after a successful strike that killed another Hurras al-Din senior leader, Abu-‘Abd al-Rahman al Makki.

    Additionally, on the early morning of Sept. 16, CENTCOM forces conducted a large-scale airstrike on a remote ISIS training camp in central Syria, killing at least 28 ISIS operatives, including at least four senior leaders. The airstrike will disrupt ISIS’ capability to conduct operations against U.S. interests, as well as our allies and partners.

    “These strikes against leadership and operatives of ISIS and the Al Qaeda affiliate, Hurras al-Din, represent CENTCOM’s commitment to the enduring defeat of terrorist organizations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility and our support to regional stability,” said Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command.

    There is no indication any civilians were harmed in either strike.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Man arrested for crime spree from Adelaide to Jamestown

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man will face court tomorrow following a crime spree spanning from Adelaide to the States Mid North.

    Just before 2pm on Saturday 28 September an off-duty police member spotted a Haval SUV ​in Ary Street, Jamestown bearing false number plates and a man attempting to leave in the vehicle.

    The car had allegedly been stolen in early August in Victoria and had committed several petrol thefts in Adelaide and Clare in the last month.

    The off-duty officer attempted to speak with the driver who drove at him causing him to take evasive action to prevent being hit by the car.

    A second off-duty member together with members of the public rushed to assist the officer and the man was arrested.

    Following investigation police searched an address at Springbank Road where several firearms together with suspected stolen property was located.

    A 43-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with a wrath offences including assault prescribed emergency worker, firearms offences, unlawful possession, going equipped, hinder police, serious criminal trespass and theft.

    He has been refused police bail and will appear before the Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Monday 30 September.

    Investigations are continuing into further offences committed by the suspect.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www.crimestopperssa.com.au ​– you can remain anonymous.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tennis tournament awarded ‘M’ Mark

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Major Sports Events Committee announced today that it has awarded “M” Mark status to Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125 set to be held at the Tennis Centre Court in Victoria Park from September 30 to October 6.

    Major Sports Events Committee Chairman Wilfred Ng said the tournament can showcase Hong Kong’s vibrancy and bring a wide variety of experiences to citizens, thereby facilitating sports development in Hong Kong and strengthening the city as a centre for major international sports events.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79): Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program Receives Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Investment Award

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    NEW YORK, United States of America, September 29, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) (http://apo-opa.co/3ZHg6nA) has been honored as the “Best Investable NDC Adaptation Investment Initiative of the Year” at the 2024 African NDC Investment Awards.

    The award, presented during the African NDC Institutional Investment Summit in New York, held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, recognizes the AAAP’s groundbreaking efforts to accelerate climate adaptation across the continent.

    Launched by the African Development Bank and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) in 2021, the AAAP set an ambitious goal to mobilise $25 billion by 2025 to drive transformative climate adaptation actions across Africa. To date, the Bank has committed $12.5 billion and by the end of 2023 had successfully mobilised $9.22 billion.

    Sponsored by the African Green Infrastructure Investment Bank and presented by Africa Investor Magazine, the award honors projects that excel in advancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) by mobilizing private climate capital and enhancing investment readiness. Africa’s NDC implementation requires over $3 trillion by 2030 to meet the continent’s adaptation and mitigation goals.

    Accepting the award on behalf of the African Development Bank, Professor Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth, said: 

    “This recognition is a testament to the incredible impact the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program is having across the continent. We are not only on track to meet our financial commitments, but we are also transforming lives through resilient infrastructure, food security, and youth entrepreneurship. Together with our partners, we are driving real change and positioning Africa at the forefront of global climate adaptation efforts.”

    AAAP’s impact is already being felt throughout the continent, with climate adaptation initiatives integrated into 38 African Development Bank operations and 30 technical assistance activities over 41 countries. These projects cover critical sectors such as agriculture, water and sanitation, transport, energy access, and urban development to the benefit of millions of people. The AAAP exemplifies how innovative financing and partnerships can address the most pressing climate challenges.

    The program’s focus on youth entrepreneurship and job creation stands out, with $5.5 million invested to support 41 young climate innovators in 20 African countries, positioning Africa’s youth as leaders in adaptation.

    In the critical area of food security, the AAAP has implemented 17 investment and technical assistance projects across the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and Zambezi regions, improving food resilience for 9.4 million people. Meanwhile, the AAAP’s work on resilient infrastructure includes 28 projects in 23 countries, ensuring that communities are better equipped to withstand climate shocks.

    AAAP’s Technical Assistance Program has enabled 14 African entities to gain accreditation with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), facilitating direct access to vital climate finance. These efforts have led to the development of GCF proposals that mobilized over $250 million, benefiting 4.6 million people across Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

    Recognized at the 35th Ordinary Session of the African Union for its achievements, the AAAP is setting the standard for climate adaptation in Africa and beyond. The program’s success is sparking global interest, with its model being adapted in Asia. Discussions are underway to extend it to small island developing states.

    Richard Uku, Director of External Affairs at the Global Center on Adaptation, represented GCA’s CEO Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen. He said: “This award highlights the power of partnership. The Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program demonstrates that when we work together, we can achieve scale and speed in climate adaptation efforts.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: NHC vice-minister attends 13th Cross-Strait Hospital CEO Forum

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    The 13th Cross-Strait Hospital CEO Forum was held on Sept 6 in Hangzhou, East China’s Zhejiang province. Cao Xuetao, vice-minister of the National Health Commission (NHC), addressed the opening ceremony.

    In his speech, Cao said that the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China further outlined a blueprint for further deepening reform comprehensively, opening up new horizons for cross-Strait integrated development in various fields.

    It is necessary for medical professionals from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to strengthen mutual learning and exchanges, share experiences of coordinated development and governance in medical care, medical insurance and pharmaceuticals, and explore effective measures to promote the expansion of high-quality medical resources at grassroots levels and ensure balanced distribution.

    He also called for efforts to make sure that Taiwan compatriots can jointly share the new opportunities in Chinese modernization and the new achievements the mainland made in the development of the health industry in the process of deepening public welfare-oriented reform of public hospitals and improving policies of investment, staffing, pricing and salary distribution.

    Co-sponsored by the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine and several social organizations in Taiwan, the Cross-Strait Hospital CEO Forum has been held for 13 sessions and has become an important platform for exchange and interaction among hospital managers across the Strait.

    The 13th forum attracted more than 1,000 experts and scholars from both sides of the Strait, including more than 150 representatives from Taiwan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “M” Mark status awarded to Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “M” Mark status awarded to Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125
    “M” Mark status awarded to Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125
    ********************************************************************

    The following is issued on behalf of the Major Sports Events Committee:     The Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) has awarded “M” Mark status to Prudential Hong Kong Tennis 125 which will be held at the Tennis Centre Court in Victoria Park from September 30 to October 6.     The Chairman of the MSEC, Mr Wilfred Ng, said today (September 29) that like all other “M” Mark events, the above event can showcase the vibrancy of Hong Kong and bring a wide variety of experiences to citizens, thereby facilitating the development of sports in Hong Kong and strengthening Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events.     The “M” Mark System aims to encourage and help local “national sports associations” and private or non-government organisations to organise more major international sports events and nurture them into sustainable undertakings. Sports events meeting the assessment criteria will be granted “M” Mark status by the MSEC. Funding support will also be provided to some events.     For details of “M” Mark events, please visit http://www.mevents.org.hk.

     
    Ends/Sunday, September 29, 2024Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James and DEC Interim Commissioner Mahar Announce Completion of $68.6 Million Environmental Investment Program in Greenpoint

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – In celebration of Climate Week, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the completion of the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEF), an innovative, community-led grant program that invested more than $68.6 million in environmental initiatives for Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The GCEF was established with funds from New York state’s 2010 settlement with ExxonMobil that addressed the company’s responsibility for allowing millions of gallons of oil to contaminate the land and groundwater in Greenpoint for more than five decades. The Greenpoint oil spill was one of the largest spills recorded in the United States. Throughout its 13 years, GCEF created a wide range of public space enhancements, infrastructure improvements, and environmental education programs, including a new, state-of-the-art public library and environmental education center, a tree planting program, and major park upgrades. In total, GCEF awarded 77 grants, ranging from $5,000 to more than $5 million, to initiatives selected with the input from the Greenpoint community.

    “After we held ExxonMobil accountable for its careless destruction of the Greenpoint environment, the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund has invested millions of dollars in restoring the neighborhood and bringing residents together,” said Attorney General James. “From a new public library to vibrant green space improvements, this community-led effort directly supported the initiatives that residents wanted. It has been an honor to work so closely with this community and our partners at DEC to deliver a cleaner, healthier, and greener Greenpoint for generations to come.”

    “The successful implementation of the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund is an excellent example of state government working with New Yorkers to hold responsible parties accountable for legacy industrial pollution to benefit both community residents and the environment,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Mahar. “In Greenpoint, nearly $68 million is being invested to improve green infrastructure, renew and restore the waterfront, and advance environmental stewardship programs that will leave a lasting impact on this community and the environment.”

    Greenpoint residents played a direct role in the GCEF and its investments. Residents prioritized four specific areas of investment for the program: 1) funding education and environmental stewardship; 2) greening the community; 3) revitalizing neighborhood parks and open spaces; and 4) restoring the waterfront and its infrastructure. An advisory panel, comprised of members of the Greenpoint community, guided every stage of the program’s development and implementation.

    As a result of GCEF’s investments, residents were able to attend environmental lectures and events at the library, participate in a birdwatching tour at the park, spend recess learning to care for the trees and plants on the playground, learn about the neighborhood’s history on a canoe tour, and watch the sunset with friends from a rooftop garden. Projects funded by GCEF include:

    • Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, a $5 million brand new, state-of-the-art, sustainable public library with dedicated community green space, and $100,000 to provide ongoing environmental programming for Greenpoint families. 
    • Greenpoint Eco-Schools, a project that developed and implemented more than 40 environmental education programs at eight schools in Greenpoint, providing hands-on environmental education and enrichment to more than 4,700 students by transforming the way they learn about and care for nature and their community. 
    • Greening Greenpoint, a multi-year initiative that engaged nearly 3,000 community volunteers in planting more than 1,000 new trees and over 27,000 flowers and other plants throughout the neighborhood. 
    • Monsignor McGolrick Park Restoration and Upgrades, an ongoing investment of approximately $840,000 to support planting and beautification efforts and introduce community engagement programming, including nature walks and birdwatching groups, at a beloved park in the heart of Greenpoint. 
    • Various other community-led initiatives that included but were not limited to the creation of 25,000 square feet of community rooftop gardens for gardening, education, and enjoyment; upgrades to 19 parks, community gardens, and other shared greenspaces; and the creation of nearly eight acres of new natural areas.

    The GCEF was established by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and DEC in 2011 after New York state obtained a settlement with ExxonMobil over its massive oil spill in Greenpoint. The spill released at least 17 million gallons of oil, contaminating more than 50 acres of soil and groundwater in Greenpoint. DEC required ExxonMobil to contain and cleanup the massive underground plume of oil for more than a decade, and it will continue to require ExxonMobil to take actions to protect Newtown Creek.

    With matching contributions from grantees, the GCEF program was able to more than triple the funds won in the ExxonMobil settlement into a total investment of more than $68.6 million. The GCEF convened nearly 70 community meetings, attended by more than 2,600 people, to educate Greenpoint residents about the program, identify their funding priorities, and assist them in developing projects for funding. The GCEF’s biggest investments were determined by community vote—more than 1,000 Greenpoint residents cast votes for their preferred projects.

    The short film “Greening Greenpoint” highlights the program’s innovations and years of success in the community. A full report detailing GCEF’s history, design, implementation, and a description of each project funded is available online and in print at the Greenpoint Library. 

    “Our communities are on the frontlines in the fight against climate change, and nowhere is this more apparent than on the banks of Newtown Creek” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “Over the last decade, this significant investment has gone a long way to provide the Greenpoint community with more resources to fund environmental programs, green infrastructure and great community facilities like the library and environmental center. I’d like to recognize the work of Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Environmental Conservation for securing this restorative funding, as well as the perseverance and advocacy of the Greenpoint community.”

    “The Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund has been such a valuable investment in our community,” said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher. “Although no amount of money can make up for the environmental harm ExxonMobil brought to our neighborhood, funding these incredible projects has been a beautiful start. We are so grateful to Attorney General Letitia James and DEC for their efforts to restore our community, and for helming this project to support and sustain North Brooklyn.”

    “The Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund has been a tremendous success. GCEF has been a model for holding a corporate polluter accountable and reinvesting Exxon-Mobil settlement funds into transformative new investments – like a new public library building, environmental education programs, parks improvements and more,” said Council Member Lincoln Restler. “I’m extremely grateful to the leadership of Attorney General Letitia James and her team for creating this framework and smartly selecting the most impactful investments that were determined with substantial community input.”

    “Although GCEF has come to a close, I know the legacy of its achievements will remain for many years to come,” said Christine Holowacz, Greenpoint environmental advocate. “I am very proud of what GCEF accomplished in Greenpoint and I am excited by the foundation it helped lay for an even ‘greener’ future for our community. I thank the Attorney General’s Office and DEC for their commitment to GCEF and the residents of Greenpoint.”

    “GCEF offered transformational grants for so many environmentally focused organizations in Greenpoint; not only giving local, volunteer-run non-profits like North Brooklyn Community Boathouse the ability to expand programs and capacity but creating synergies between grantees, such as our partnership with the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center,” said Dewey Thompson, Greenpoint environmental advocate. “The Office of the Attorney General and DEC deserve tremendous credit for bringing this highly successful program to life in our community. GCEF was a game-changer for local environmental projects, and I think its impact will resonate for years to come.” 

    “We are deeply thankful for the continued GCEF support for McGolrick Park, a key gathering place and an extension of many families’ homes in Greenpoint, Brooklyn,” said Janine Murphy and Jodie Love, Steering Committee, Friends of McGolrick Park.  “Thanks to past investments, the park now features a thriving ecosystem, recognized as a Monarch waystation and part of the New York State bird trail. Recent upgrades such as new benches, repaved paths, and reseeded lawns have made our ‘local backyard’ safer and more inviting. Partnering with our strong community to envision and help implement this next phase of the GCEF grants will help sustain and enhance McGolrick Park for all our neighbors. We look forward to collaborating on the last phase of GCEF grants, with heartfelt appreciation for AG James, Interim DEC Commissioner Mahar, and local officials’ dedication to preserving and enhancing McGolrick Park.”

    “Four years after opening the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, I am thrilled to report it is one of the busiest branches in the borough. Patrons stop by for story time, to enjoy our outdoor space, learn about the plants on the rooftop, or attend programming about sustainability. Working together with the community, and with the generous support of GCEF, we were able to turn the tragedy of an oil spill into a modern, green library which will serve the community for generations to come,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO, Brooklyn Public Library. “We extend our sincerest thanks to the Attorney General’s Office and DEC, who funded and championed the library early on and who have continued to support environmental programming to this day.”

    The OAG and DEC have received support from GCEF’s general administrators, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the North Brooklyn Development Corporation, Community Outreach Consultants Laura Truettner and Laura Treciokas, Graphics and Design Consultant SooYoung VanDeMark, the GCEF Community Advisory Panel, and former State Assemblymember Joseph Lentol.

    This matter was handled for DEC by attorneys in the Office of General Counsel and Region 2 Public Participation Specialist Adanna Roberts.

    This matter was handled for OAG by Policy Advisor Peter C. Washburn of the Environmental Protection Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Lemuel M. Srolovic. The Environmental Protection Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi encourages industrial workers to contribute to full revitalization of northeast China

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

    Xi encourages industrial workers to contribute to full revitalization of northeast China

    BEIJING, Sept. 29 — Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, recently sent a reply letter to representatives of industrial workers from China First Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (CFHI), expressing warm encouragement and earnest expectations for them.

    Xi said he visited CFHI twice and was deeply impressed by the persistent pursuit of technological innovation and product quality by the workers there. In recent years, CFHI workers have focused on tackling core technological challenges in major equipment manufacturing and made many new breakthroughs, demonstrating patriotism and creativity of Chinese industrial workers in the new era.

    Xi stressed that manufacturing is the foundation of a country and the basis of a strong nation, expressing his hope that on the new journey in the new era, the workers will adhere to the original aspiration of serving the country with skills, promote the spirit of model workers, the value of work and the spirit of workmanship, diligently hone skills, improve competence, and continue to contribute wisdom and strength to building a country that is strong in manufacturing and to promoting the full revitalization of northeast China. Centrally administered enterprises should boost reform and innovation, enhance their core functions and competitiveness, and strive to become stronger, better and bigger. They should contribute more to the endeavor to build a great country and realize national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

    CFHI is a leading equipment manufacturer headquartered in the city of Qiqihar, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi has inspected CFHI’s manufacturing bases twice and made instructions on its reform and innovation as well as operation and management. Representatives of the company’s industrial workers awarded the title of role model wrote a letter to Xi recently, highlighting their efforts to strengthen technological research and development following Xi’s instructions, and expressing their determination to contribute to the full revitalization of northeast China and the cause of building China into a great country.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China publishes chronicle of CPC events from 1921 to 1949

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

    BEIJING, Sept. 29 — A chronicle detailing major events of the Communist Party of China (CPC) during the New-Democratic Revolution period (1921-1949) has been published and is now available nationwide.

    The 29-volume work was released ahead of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on Oct. 1.

    The chronicle covers key activities across fields such as politics, military affairs, economy, culture, society, foreign relations, and party-building, documenting the CPC’s journey from its founding in 1921 to the establishment of the PRC in 1949.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rubio, Scott Support Florida’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Florida Marco Rubio

    Rubio, Scott Support Florida’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration

    Sep 28, 2024 | Press Releases

    Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast after making landfall as a Category 4 storm. It is crucial that the areas impacted have the necessary resources to begin recovery. 

    U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) sent a letter to President Joe Biden, urging his immediate approval of the State of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

    • “Unfortunately, Helene’s effects will continue to impact the state for some time, and the full extent of damage will not be known for several days as response and recovery efforts get underway. However, approving this declaration request will allow Floridians to be better prepared for the recovery phase. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in its entirety.”

    The full text of the letter is below. 

    Dear Mr. President: 

    We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration due to Hurricane Helene, which caused catastrophic damage to much of Florida’s Gulf Coast as it made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend coastline as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday evening. Hurricane Helene’s devastating wind speeds, extreme storm surge, and heavy rainfall severely impacted substantial portions of the state, with significant flooding, massive power outages, and widespread damage that will take a strong partnership to recover and rebuild. 

    Unfortunately, Helene’s effects will continue to impact the state for some time, and the full extent of damage will not be known for several days as response and recovery efforts get underway. However, approving this declaration request will allow Floridians to be better prepared for the recovery phase. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration in its entirety. 

    Floridians are incredibly resilient, and with the cooperation from all levels of government, we will rebuild stronger than ever. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter. 

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Launches Breakthrough Alpha Series Next-Generation Antenna Solution

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches Breakthrough Alpha Series Next-Generation Antenna Solution

    [Athens, Greece, September 29, 2024] At the Global Antenna Technology & Industry Forum 2024, Huawei launched its brand-new Alpha series antenna. This marks a major breakthrough, as this series embodies the essential capabilities base station antennas will need in the mobile AI era: high efficiency, digitalization, and easy deployment.
    Mobile AI is driving the emergence of diverse service scenarios at an unprecedented speed, consequently raising the standards for network performance. In particular, it is spurring demand for greater downlink and uplink bandwidth and lower latency. In the meantime, the growing size and complexity of mobile networks underscores the urgency of more efficient network O&M. Huawei’s Alpha series is the first-ever antenna to simultaneously provide high efficiency, digital capabilities, and easy deployment, helping operators build eco-friendly, high-performance autonomous networks.
    High efficiency: By applying Signal Direct Injection Feeding (SDIF) technology across all frequency bands, for all antennas in the series, the innovative architecture minimizes signal loss and maximizes RF efficiency to its theoretical limit. Additionally, Meta Lens technology is applied across all bands to reduce emission dissipation, enabling operators to enhance network coverage and user experience simultaneously.
    All-scenario digitalization: All antennas in this series feature the next-gen antenna information sensor unit (AISU) with upgraded algorithms, suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. The ability to efficiently and remotely detect site engineering parameters with high precision enhances the data foundation for operators’ network management. With full-dimensional beam adjustment, the projection of beams can be dynamically reoriented and patterns reconfigured to enable real-time network optimization.
    Easy deployment: The innovative Dragon Wings architecture represents a breakthrough in antenna design. Together, the bionic design of the internal load-bearing structure and the innovative GFRPP Pro radome material reduce the antenna’s weight to just 25 kg, enhancing its portability. Additionally, the innovative padlock bracket support and new plug-and-play feeder connector significantly simplify and shorten the installation process. Thanks to the Dragon Wings architecture, antenna deployment time is halved, greatly improving deployment efficiency and reducing overall network construction costs.
    Andy Sun delivers a keynote speech

    Andy Sun, President of Huawei’s Antenna Business Unit, emphasized the crucial role of antennas in supporting diverse services in networks. He noted that, “Antennas must evolve towards high efficiency, digital capabilities, and ease of deployment, to support operators achieving higher levels of network autonomy and realize new business value in the mobile AI era.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Springboks cruise to victory 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Sunday, September 29, 2024

    The Springboks brought joy to the nation after beating Argentina 48-7 and winning the Castle Lager Rugby Championship for the first time in five years.

    The world cup winning side beat the Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Saturday evening.
    The match saw the Boks lead 27-7 at half time.

    “The win was never in doubt after the Springboks – celebrating a new Test record for Eben Etzebeth (128 caps) – had a sublime start that had the sold-out crowd of 43 578 in raptures and hardly gave them time to either sit down or catch a breath in a spellbinding first 15 minutes,” said the SA Rugby in match report.

    Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie described Etzebeth as a warrior.

    “On behalf of South Africa, I would like to acknowledge a warrior of SA, a man that donned the green and gold shirt 128 times doing duty for his country. You have done so much for us and the sport of rugby. You are truly a role model with the most magnificent teammates and coaches,” the Minister said in a post on X.

    The Springboks scored a total seven tries in their victory on Saturday.

    “A crowd of 43 578 celebrated as the Springboks scored seven tries to claim the southern hemisphere crown for the first time since 2019 – scoring more tries in a match in the competition since scoring nine in beating the same opponents at the FNB Stadium 73-13 in 2013,” said SA Rugby.

    Proteas

    Meanwhile, the Proteas Men are set to face Ireland in their T20i clash today.

    “The Proteas are ready to bring the heat in the final T20i against Ireland! With the series on the line, they’re focused on sealing the deal,” Cricket South Africa said in a post on X ahead of Sunday’s match. The match will get underway at 5:30 pm.

    Cricket SA called on the nation to “get behind the Proteas as they aim to dominate and finish strong.” –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Lasting peace in Ethiopia? More needs to be done to stop Tigray conflict from flaring up again

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Madhav Joshi, Research Professor & Associate Director, Peace Accords Matrix (PAM), Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame

    It has been nearly two years since the African Union brokered a peace deal that put an end to the war between the Ethiopian state and the Tigray regional government. The signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in November 2022 brought an end to a deadly two-year conflict.

    The agreement has achieved a number of outcomes. These include:

    • an end to the fighting between Tigrayan and Ethiopian armed forces

    • the creation of a transitional government in Tigray, run by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front

    • the demobilisation of 50,000 Tigrayan troops

    • the Tigray People’s Liberation Front regaining its legal status as a political party registered under special conditions

    • the approval in Addis Ababa of a transitional justice policy

    • the establishment of an AU-led monitoring and verification mission.

    But a great deal still remains to be done if the peace is going to last. We have studied 42 comprehensive and 236 partial peace agreements in the last three decades. Based on this experience, we argue that urgent issues remain to be addressed in the Ethiopian agreement. If left unattended, they raise the risk of a return to war.

    Empirical research suggests that a higher overall implementation rate of civil war peace agreements leads to sustainable peace. It is the only proven pathway for resolving remaining conflicts in a country. Doing what was agreed is necessary for post-war recovery.

    In Ethiopia, the disarmament and demobilisation of Tigrayan combatants needs urgent attention. So do the protection of civilians and returnees in disputed territories in western and northern Tigray, and the restoration of basic infrastructure in the region. The state also needs to ensure the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid, the withdrawal of foreign troops from Tigray and the representation of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in the federal government.

    The gaps

    A substantial reason for the lack of progress in building sustainable peace is that the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement has holes in it.

    Firstly, only the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the demobilisation and disarmament of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front combatants, were set out clearly. Other principles – such as civilian protections, delivery of humanitarian aid and ensuring accountability for the conflict – were left to “good faith implementation”.

    The peace agreement and its implementation process in Tigray lack safeguard mechanisms. These are procedures involving the power-sharing government, dispute resolution and robust mechanisms to verify the implementation of the agreement. However, only the verification mechanism is in place among these three pillars, and it’s very weak. Safeguard mechanisms create ownership, inclusion and accountability. They amplify the urgency of implementing peace deals.

    Secondly, the underlying causes of conflict and grievances haven’t been dealt with as agreed. These include the withdrawal of foreign troops from Tigray, the reconstruction of conflict-affected communities and the Tigrayan government’s representation in the federal government. Addressing these grievances might create the mutual trust that is necessary to revive the stalled process of building peace.



    Read more:
    What is federalism? Why Ethiopia uses this system of government and why it’s not perfect

    Thirdly, while the overt conflict with Tigrayan forces has subsided, the political dialogue between the regional and national governments hasn’t happened. This dialogue is key to addressing ambiguities in the peace deal. The agreement’s success depends on actions at the federal level – such as the reparation of internally displaced persons. Yet, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front isn’t represented at this level.

    Fourth, conflict-displaced Tigrayans are slowly returning to their communities. But insecurity remains acute because it’s not clear if all Tigrayan combatants are demobilised and all troops from Eritrea withdrawn. The monitoring mechanism in place is weak and cannot independently verify what’s been achieved.

    Fifth, the Ethiopian government’s transitional justice policy is unclear. It doesn’t provide guidance on who to prosecute as there are still ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia. The policy also avoids international scrutiny. It lacks critical aspects to prevent the recurrence of atrocities by adhering to international standards.

    Political factors

    The lack of progress in building lasting peace can also be put down to a lack of political will on the part of both parties.

    The federal government lacks resources for reconstruction. For example, there has been little rebuilding of basic infrastructure. The cost of recovery from the war in Tigray is estimated to be over US$44 billion.

    For its part, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front is in the throes of a growing rift between its chairman, Debretsion Gebremichael, and the deputy chairman and head of the interim government in Tigray, Getachew Reda. This has diverted attention to managing intra-party rivalries rather than pressuring the federal government to take necessary actions.

    Debretsion is prioritising the Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s return to its past glory with control over the political structure in Tigray. Getachew is pushing for a reconciliatory approach with the government and showing a willingness to compromise the party’s position for peace and security.

    What remains to be done

    Ethiopia is facing a watershed moment. The peace agreement can be carried out faster if the Tigray People’s Liberation Front maintains its cohesiveness. When broken into factions, it cannot hold the Abiy Ahmed regime accountable.

    Research shows that rebel movements such as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front often form factions after signing peace deals because of disagreements on the compromises made to reach a deal. A slow implementation process can further divide a rebel movement as it cannot cater to its supporters, or justify the war and unaddressed humanitarian and human rights abuses.

    Factions weaken the party, create instabilities and hurt the peace building process.

    The Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s unity is crucial for the success of the deal and its aspiration to return to political power in Tigray.

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

    – ref. Lasting peace in Ethiopia? More needs to be done to stop Tigray conflict from flaring up again – https://theconversation.com/lasting-peace-in-ethiopia-more-needs-to-be-done-to-stop-tigray-conflict-from-flaring-up-again-239847

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Launches Breakthrough Alpha Series Next-Generation Antenna Solution Sep 29, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Launches Breakthrough Alpha Series Next-Generation Antenna Solution
    Sep 29, 2024

    [Athens, Greece, September 29, 2024] At the Global Antenna Technology & Industry Forum 2024, Huawei launched its brand-new Alpha series antenna. This marks a major breakthrough, as this series embodies the essential capabilities base station antennas will need in the mobile AI era: high efficiency, digitalization, and easy deployment.
    Mobile AI is driving the emergence of diverse service scenarios at an unprecedented speed, consequently raising the standards for network performance. In particular, it is spurring demand for greater downlink and uplink bandwidth and lower latency. In the meantime, the growing size and complexity of mobile networks underscores the urgency of more efficient network O&M. Huawei’s Alpha series is the first-ever antenna to simultaneously provide high efficiency, digital capabilities, and easy deployment, helping operators build eco-friendly, high-performance autonomous networks.
    High efficiency: By applying Signal Direct Injection Feeding (SDIF) technology across all frequency bands, for all antennas in the series, the innovative architecture minimizes signal loss and maximizes RF efficiency to its theoretical limit. Additionally, Meta Lens technology is applied across all bands to reduce emission dissipation, enabling operators to enhance network coverage and user experience simultaneously.
    All-scenario digitalization: All antennas in this series feature the next-gen antenna information sensor unit (AISU) with upgraded algorithms, suitable for a wide range of deployment scenarios. The ability to efficiently and remotely detect site engineering parameters with high precision enhances the data foundation for operators’ network management. With full-dimensional beam adjustment, the projection of beams can be dynamically reoriented and patterns reconfigured to enable real-time network optimization.
    Easy deployment: The innovative Dragon Wings architecture represents a breakthrough in antenna design. Together, the bionic design of the internal load-bearing structure and the innovative GFRPP Pro radome material reduce the antenna’s weight to just 25 kg, enhancing its portability. Additionally, the innovative padlock bracket support and new plug-and-play feeder connector significantly simplify and shorten the installation process. Thanks to the Dragon Wings architecture, antenna deployment time is halved, greatly improving deployment efficiency and reducing overall network construction costs.
    Andy Sun delivers a keynote speech

    Andy Sun, President of Huawei’s Antenna Business Unit, emphasized the crucial role of antennas in supporting diverse services in networks. He noted that, “Antennas must evolve towards high efficiency, digital capabilities, and ease of deployment, to support operators achieving higher levels of network autonomy and realize new business value in the mobile AI era.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Lasting peace in Ethiopia? More needs to be done to stop Tigray conflict from flaring up again

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Madhav Joshi, Research Professor & Associate Director, Peace Accords Matrix (PAM), Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies and Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame

    It has been nearly two years since the African Union brokered a peace deal that put an end to the war between the Ethiopian state and the Tigray regional government. The signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in November 2022 brought an end to a deadly two-year conflict.

    The agreement has achieved a number of outcomes. These include:

    • an end to the fighting between Tigrayan and Ethiopian armed forces

    • the creation of a transitional government in Tigray, run by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front

    • the demobilisation of 50,000 Tigrayan troops

    • the Tigray People’s Liberation Front regaining its legal status as a political party registered under special conditions

    • the approval in Addis Ababa of a transitional justice policy

    • the establishment of an AU-led monitoring and verification mission.

    But a great deal still remains to be done if the peace is going to last. We have studied 42 comprehensive and 236 partial peace agreements in the last three decades. Based on this experience, we argue that urgent issues remain to be addressed in the Ethiopian agreement. If left unattended, they raise the risk of a return to war.

    Empirical research suggests that a higher overall implementation rate of civil war peace agreements leads to sustainable peace. It is the only proven pathway for resolving remaining conflicts in a country. Doing what was agreed is necessary for post-war recovery.

    In Ethiopia, the disarmament and demobilisation of Tigrayan combatants needs urgent attention. So do the protection of civilians and returnees in disputed territories in western and northern Tigray, and the restoration of basic infrastructure in the region. The state also needs to ensure the smooth delivery of humanitarian aid, the withdrawal of foreign troops from Tigray and the representation of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in the federal government.

    The gaps

    A substantial reason for the lack of progress in building sustainable peace is that the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement has holes in it.

    Firstly, only the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the demobilisation and disarmament of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front combatants, were set out clearly. Other principles – such as civilian protections, delivery of humanitarian aid and ensuring accountability for the conflict – were left to “good faith implementation”.

    The peace agreement and its implementation process in Tigray lack safeguard mechanisms. These are procedures involving the power-sharing government, dispute resolution and robust mechanisms to verify the implementation of the agreement. However, only the verification mechanism is in place among these three pillars, and it’s very weak. Safeguard mechanisms create ownership, inclusion and accountability. They amplify the urgency of implementing peace deals.

    Secondly, the underlying causes of conflict and grievances haven’t been dealt with as agreed. These include the withdrawal of foreign troops from Tigray, the reconstruction of conflict-affected communities and the Tigrayan government’s representation in the federal government. Addressing these grievances might create the mutual trust that is necessary to revive the stalled process of building peace.

    Read more: What is federalism? Why Ethiopia uses this system of government and why it’s not perfect

    Thirdly, while the overt conflict with Tigrayan forces has subsided, the political dialogue between the regional and national governments hasn’t happened. This dialogue is key to addressing ambiguities in the peace deal. The agreement’s success depends on actions at the federal level – such as the reparation of internally displaced persons. Yet, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front isn’t represented at this level.

    Fourth, conflict-displaced Tigrayans are slowly returning to their communities. But insecurity remains acute because it’s not clear if all Tigrayan combatants are demobilised and all troops from Eritrea withdrawn. The monitoring mechanism in place is weak and cannot independently verify what’s been achieved.

    Fifth, the Ethiopian government’s transitional justice policy is unclear. It doesn’t provide guidance on who to prosecute as there are still ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia. The policy also avoids international scrutiny. It lacks critical aspects to prevent the recurrence of atrocities by adhering to international standards.

    Political factors

    The lack of progress in building lasting peace can also be put down to a lack of political will on the part of both parties.

    The federal government lacks resources for reconstruction. For example, there has been little rebuilding of basic infrastructure. The cost of recovery from the war in Tigray is estimated to be over US$44 billion.

    For its part, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front is in the throes of a growing rift between its chairman, Debretsion Gebremichael, and the deputy chairman and head of the interim government in Tigray, Getachew Reda. This has diverted attention to managing intra-party rivalries rather than pressuring the federal government to take necessary actions.

    Debretsion is prioritising the Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s return to its past glory with control over the political structure in Tigray. Getachew is pushing for a reconciliatory approach with the government and showing a willingness to compromise the party’s position for peace and security.

    What remains to be done

    Ethiopia is facing a watershed moment. The peace agreement can be carried out faster if the Tigray People’s Liberation Front maintains its cohesiveness. When broken into factions, it cannot hold the Abiy Ahmed regime accountable.

    Research shows that rebel movements such as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front often form factions after signing peace deals because of disagreements on the compromises made to reach a deal. A slow implementation process can further divide a rebel movement as it cannot cater to its supporters, or justify the war and unaddressed humanitarian and human rights abuses.

    Factions weaken the party, create instabilities and hurt the peace building process.

    The Tigray People’s Liberation Front’s unity is crucial for the success of the deal and its aspiration to return to political power in Tigray.

    – Lasting peace in Ethiopia? More needs to be done to stop Tigray conflict from flaring up again
    – https://theconversation.com/lasting-peace-in-ethiopia-more-needs-to-be-done-to-stop-tigray-conflict-from-flaring-up-again-239847

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Maksim Rudnev, Research Associate, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo

    We all admire wise people, don’t we? Whether it’s a thoughtful teacher, a compassionate doctor, or an elder in the community, we recognise wisdom when we see it. But have you ever thought about how people in different cultures perceive wisdom? Does someone in Morocco view a wise person in the same way as someone in Ecuador? Our recent study explored how people across cultures think of wisdom.

    This large-scale project required a joint effort of 34 researchers across fields of philosophy, psychology, anthropology, social science and psychometrics – and from all over the world, connected in a research consortium called The Geography of Philosophy.

    What we found was somewhat surprising. Wisdom may appear to be shaped by cultural differences, but the core aspects of what makes someone wise are largely the same across cultures. From urban college students in Japan to villagers in South Africa, participants associated wisdom with two key characteristics: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness. We explain what that means below.

    Contrary to widespread stereotypes, people recognise wisdom in a similar way across east and west, south and north. Despite the divisions of the world, we see wisdom in the same individuals and associate it with similar traits. Are we indeed more alike than we are different, when it comes to how we perceive wisdom? And what characterises wise people?

    These are the characteristics of wise people

    There are two key characteristics. Reflective orientation is about people who think before acting, carefully consider different perspectives, and use logic and past experiences to guide their decisions. They’re the type of person who keeps their cool in difficult situations, taking time to weigh all the options before making a move.

    The second is socio-emotional awareness. Wise people are good at understanding and caring about the thoughts and feelings of others. They pay attention to emotions and consider different views on the situation. Such an individual might be skilled at mediating conflicts by understanding each party’s point of view, or be adept at providing emotional support during difficult times.

    Together, these two dimensions combine to form the global image of wisdom. The study suggests that the wisest people are those who balance both, showing strong abilities in reasoning while also being emotionally and socially aware.

    A highly reflective person who is suppressing their own emotions but doesn’t notice the social context of the problem wouldn’t be called wise. Likewise, someone who is entirely driven by emotion and the social environment but fails to make logical connections wouldn’t be called wise either. Real wisdom, according to our study, is about finding a balance between thoughtful reasoning, social understanding, and emotional awareness.

    Cultures do differ, but not as much as you might think

    To uncover these dimensions, we employed a method sometimes called experimental philosophy. Participants across 16 different cultures in 12 countries on five continents compared a set of targets to each other. For example, one of the questions asked participants to compare whether a doctor or a religious person was more likely to think logically when making a hard life decision with no right or wrong answers. Our participants also rated themselves. Then we asked how wise each of these persons were.

    When we started this project, we expected to find big differences between cultures. Previous research suggested that people in “the west” use and value analytical thinking, which tends to dismiss social and emotional parts of the situation. In contrast, individuals in “the east” emphasise holistic thinking, that is, all-encompassing views of complex situations.

    But that’s not what we found. While there were some small differences – people in South Africa, for example, placed more importance on nature and divinity when thinking about socio-emotional awareness – the overall picture was strikingly similar. Across the globe, people rated individuals who were both reflective and socially and emotionally aware as the wisest. For instance, they named a doctor and a 75-year-old person as the wisest, and at the same time the highest on both dimensions.

    What was particularly fascinating was that people tended to rate themselves differently from how they rated others. Most people saw themselves as less reflective but more socially and emotionally aware than the “wise” figures they were asked to rate. In other words, people were ready to admit a moderate level of their own intellectual capabilities, but they were quite confident in their ability to understand and care for others.

    Why this matters

    This research defies stereotypes of a cold analytical ideal of “the west” and a social-minded and emotionally driven image of “the east” and “the south”. The idea that wisdom is purely intellectual, or conversely, purely social or divine, is too simplistic. It also highlights that wisdom manifests in a balance of traits traditionally attributed to different cultures.

    In a time when global cooperation is more important than ever, recognising our shared appreciation for certain qualities can help bridge cultural divides.

    The study opens up new avenues for research. Could these dimensions of wisdom help us understand how to solve global problems? Are people more likely to trust leaders who show both reflective thinking and socio-emotional awareness? And how do these qualities affect the way we handle personal relationships, difficult decisions, or conflicts?

    One thing is clear: wisdom is something we all value, no matter where we come from. By understanding it better, we can not only become wiser ourselves but also learn to appreciate wisdom in others, wherever they may be.

    Veli Mitova receives funding from the John Templeton Foundation and the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences.

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

    – ref. What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think – https://theconversation.com/what-makes-a-person-seem-wise-global-study-finds-that-cultures-do-differ-but-not-as-much-as-youd-think-238808

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s municipalities aren’t fixing roads, supplying clean water or keeping the lights on: new study explains why

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ramos Emmanuel Mabugu, Professor, Sol Plaatje University

    South Africa has a massive infrastructure problem. Roads, electricity supply and water management are just three areas in which there is mounting evidence of collapse and decay. This is true for big cities like Johannesburg as well as small towns and rural areas.

    This is a problem because infrastructure like this has huge economic benefits. Having water and electricity enables firms to run smoothly. Local roads improve mobility and access to markets.

    A study by South Africa’s Financial and Fiscal Commission in 2018 showed that infrastructure spending had a statistically significant positive impact on local employment and economic growth.

    Responsibility for maintaining these essential services lies with South Africa’s 257 municipalities. Funding comes from two pots: central government allocation; and revenue raised locally through the delivery of services.

    The national government has increased its financial transfers to municipalities for infrastructure investment by more than 3.5 times in local currency over the past 14 years. In that period municipalities have received almost R600 billion (US$45,5 billion) from national government.

    Why do local governments have little to show for it?

    We have been researching South Africa’s public finances and intergovernmental fiscal relations issues for many years. In a recent paper we evaluated how municipalities have managed the delivery of infrastructure.

    We found that:

    • municipalities have failed to effectively use increased infrastructure allocations

    • municipalities have not chosen the right infrastructure projects

    • projects have not been implemented cost effectively

    • projects have not been completed on time and within budget

    • infrastructure was not being operated efficiently

    • existing infrastructure was not being maintained.

    The failures

    We identified the following failures.

    People resources: Most of South Africa’s 257 municipalities lack the required capacity for managing infrastructure. Only a few have fully resourced project management units. In addition, there are cumbersome and costly infrastructure planning processes and legislative requirements. For instance, municipalities must conduct a feasibility study and appoint a steering committee for each project. The resources required for this are overwhelming for many and the process simply shifts the limited resources away from the actual infrastructure work.

    These problems have persisted despite many years of reforms and increased technical and financial support.

    Poor allocation of funds: Most allocations by national government for infrastructure have been in the form of conditional grants. These stipulate conditions for what type of infrastructure the money can be spent on.

    However, this hasn’t stopped the grants being allocated to prolonged or abandoned projects. The result is that many municipalities have been using recurring budget allocations to rectify poor workmanship and abandoned projects.

    Political interference: Where infrastructure has been built it is not well maintained. This is partly because politicians tend to prefer new infrastructure which comes with opportunities for ribbon cutting ceremonies. But some of this infrastructure doesn’t match the needs of communities, and becomes a white elephant.

    Bureaucracy: Municipalities share responsibility with national and provincial governments for some local infrastructure investments. But joint planning and budgeting is lacking. So water and electricity reticulation networks are often installed without sufficient bulk supply from the relevant providers.

    Service delays then lead to community protest and infrastructure vandalism.

    The role of national government departments also creates problems. They are the custodians of conditional infrastructure grant funding. In this role they often interfere and dictate priorities for municipalities while attaching stringent conditions to funding.

    Lack of ownership: Frustrated by the ongoing inability to spend infrastructure funds, national government is increasingly carrying out projects on behalf of municipalities, often using indirect grants. The result is that municipalities have no sense of ownership of the infrastructure and are not keen to maintain it. Some of the landfill sites and sport facilities constructed by the national departments of environmental affairs and sports have been neglected.

    We also found that municipalities are battling to keep up with growing populations, rising input costs and the vandalisation of infrastructure.

    Our findings are confirmed by reports of the auditor-general which highlight weak municipal infrastructure delivery management.

    The 2021–2022 auditor-general’s report found that the average delay in completing infrastructure projects ranged from 17 to 26 months.

    It also found that all 257 municipalities had spent only R18 billion (US$1.2 billion) on infrastructure maintenance. This represents 4% of the total value (R450 billion or US$30.6 billion) of municipal assets. This low spend increases the risk of infrastructure breakdown and reduces service level standards.

    It also rapidly increases the pace and cost of infrastructure upgrading and replacement.

    The solutions

    The failure to deliver infrastructure has itself affected the financial stability of municipalities. This is because they can generate their own revenue from selling water and electricity to residents. A collapse of these services means this income is lost.

    But debates on municipal infrastructure in South Africa have largely focused on funding shortfalls. This ignores weaknesses or a lack of municipal capacity to manage infrastructure projects. Giving municipalities money for infrastructure does not guarantee quality and long-lasting infrastructure.

    Municipalities need to:

    • focus on the full life cycle management of infrastructure instead of just rolling out new projects

    • plan for relevant infrastructure that responds to local circumstances

    • maintain old and new infrastructure

    • refurbish infrastructure that is nearing the end of its useful life.

    None of this can be achieved without competent and prescient local government leadership.

    Eddie Rakabe is affiliated with Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflections.

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

    – ref. South Africa’s municipalities aren’t fixing roads, supplying clean water or keeping the lights on: new study explains why – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-municipalities-arent-fixing-roads-supplying-clean-water-or-keeping-the-lights-on-new-study-explains-why-233499

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Celebration events to mark 75th National Day

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Celebration events to mark 75th National Day
    Celebration events to mark 75th National Day
    ********************************************

         ​The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and senior government officials will attend a flag-raising ceremony and a National Day reception on October 1 (Tuesday) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.        The flag-raising ceremony will be held at Golden Bauhinia Square outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai at 8am. Community leaders and members of uniformed groups will attend the ceremony. No public viewing area will be set up. The Police Band will perform at the ceremony and a choir from Belilios Public School and Queen’s College will sing the national anthem under the lead of two singers, Chen Yong and Phoebe Tam, followed by a fly-past and a sea parade by the disciplined services.        The National Day reception, led by the Chief Executive, will be held at the Grand Hall on Level 3 of the HKCEC after the flag-raising ceremony.      Motorists are reminded that the Police will implement special traffic arrangements at Golden Bauhinia Square and the nearby area during the celebration events.

     
    Ends/Sunday, September 29, 2024Issued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Maksim Rudnev, Research Associate, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo

    We all admire wise people, don’t we? Whether it’s a thoughtful teacher, a compassionate doctor, or an elder in the community, we recognise wisdom when we see it. But have you ever thought about how people in different cultures perceive wisdom? Does someone in Morocco view a wise person in the same way as someone in Ecuador? Our recent study explored how people across cultures think of wisdom.

    This large-scale project required a joint effort of 34 researchers across fields of philosophy, psychology, anthropology, social science and psychometrics – and from all over the world, connected in a research consortium called The Geography of Philosophy.

    What we found was somewhat surprising. Wisdom may appear to be shaped by cultural differences, but the core aspects of what makes someone wise are largely the same across cultures. From urban college students in Japan to villagers in South Africa, participants associated wisdom with two key characteristics: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness. We explain what that means below.

    Contrary to widespread stereotypes, people recognise wisdom in a similar way across east and west, south and north. Despite the divisions of the world, we see wisdom in the same individuals and associate it with similar traits. Are we indeed more alike than we are different, when it comes to how we perceive wisdom? And what characterises wise people?

    These are the characteristics of wise people

    There are two key characteristics. Reflective orientation is about people who think before acting, carefully consider different perspectives, and use logic and past experiences to guide their decisions. They’re the type of person who keeps their cool in difficult situations, taking time to weigh all the options before making a move.

    The second is socio-emotional awareness. Wise people are good at understanding and caring about the thoughts and feelings of others. They pay attention to emotions and consider different views on the situation. Such an individual might be skilled at mediating conflicts by understanding each party’s point of view, or be adept at providing emotional support during difficult times.

    Together, these two dimensions combine to form the global image of wisdom. The study suggests that the wisest people are those who balance both, showing strong abilities in reasoning while also being emotionally and socially aware.

    A highly reflective person who is suppressing their own emotions but doesn’t notice the social context of the problem wouldn’t be called wise. Likewise, someone who is entirely driven by emotion and the social environment but fails to make logical connections wouldn’t be called wise either. Real wisdom, according to our study, is about finding a balance between thoughtful reasoning, social understanding, and emotional awareness.

    Cultures do differ, but not as much as you might think

    To uncover these dimensions, we employed a method sometimes called experimental philosophy. Participants across 16 different cultures in 12 countries on five continents compared a set of targets to each other. For example, one of the questions asked participants to compare whether a doctor or a religious person was more likely to think logically when making a hard life decision with no right or wrong answers. Our participants also rated themselves. Then we asked how wise each of these persons were.

    When we started this project, we expected to find big differences between cultures. Previous research suggested that people in “the west” use and value analytical thinking, which tends to dismiss social and emotional parts of the situation. In contrast, individuals in “the east” emphasise holistic thinking, that is, all-encompassing views of complex situations.

    But that’s not what we found. While there were some small differences – people in South Africa, for example, placed more importance on nature and divinity when thinking about socio-emotional awareness – the overall picture was strikingly similar. Across the globe, people rated individuals who were both reflective and socially and emotionally aware as the wisest. For instance, they named a doctor and a 75-year-old person as the wisest, and at the same time the highest on both dimensions.

    What was particularly fascinating was that people tended to rate themselves differently from how they rated others. Most people saw themselves as less reflective but more socially and emotionally aware than the “wise” figures they were asked to rate. In other words, people were ready to admit a moderate level of their own intellectual capabilities, but they were quite confident in their ability to understand and care for others.

    Why this matters

    This research defies stereotypes of a cold analytical ideal of “the west” and a social-minded and emotionally driven image of “the east” and “the south”. The idea that wisdom is purely intellectual, or conversely, purely social or divine, is too simplistic. It also highlights that wisdom manifests in a balance of traits traditionally attributed to different cultures.

    In a time when global cooperation is more important than ever, recognising our shared appreciation for certain qualities can help bridge cultural divides.

    The study opens up new avenues for research. Could these dimensions of wisdom help us understand how to solve global problems? Are people more likely to trust leaders who show both reflective thinking and socio-emotional awareness? And how do these qualities affect the way we handle personal relationships, difficult decisions, or conflicts?

    One thing is clear: wisdom is something we all value, no matter where we come from. By understanding it better, we can not only become wiser ourselves but also learn to appreciate wisdom in others, wherever they may be.

    – What makes a person seem wise? Global study finds that cultures do differ – but not as much as you’d think
    – https://theconversation.com/what-makes-a-person-seem-wise-global-study-finds-that-cultures-do-differ-but-not-as-much-as-youd-think-238808

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s municipalities aren’t fixing roads, supplying clean water or keeping the lights on: new study explains why

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ramos Emmanuel Mabugu, Professor, Sol Plaatje University

    South Africa has a massive infrastructure problem. Roads, electricity supply and water management are just three areas in which there is mounting evidence of collapse and decay. This is true for big cities like Johannesburg as well as small towns and rural areas.

    This is a problem because infrastructure like this has huge economic benefits. Having water and electricity enables firms to run smoothly. Local roads improve mobility and access to markets.

    A study by South Africa’s Financial and Fiscal Commission in 2018 showed that infrastructure spending had a statistically significant positive impact on local employment and economic growth.

    Responsibility for maintaining these essential services lies with South Africa’s 257 municipalities. Funding comes from two pots: central government allocation; and revenue raised locally through the delivery of services.

    The national government has increased its financial transfers to municipalities for infrastructure investment by more than 3.5 times in local currency over the past 14 years. In that period municipalities have received almost R600 billion (US$45,5 billion) from national government.

    Why do local governments have little to show for it?

    We have been researching South Africa’s public finances and intergovernmental fiscal relations issues for many years. In a recent paper we evaluated how municipalities have managed the delivery of infrastructure.

    We found that:

    • municipalities have failed to effectively use increased infrastructure allocations

    • municipalities have not chosen the right infrastructure projects

    • projects have not been implemented cost effectively

    • projects have not been completed on time and within budget

    • infrastructure was not being operated efficiently

    • existing infrastructure was not being maintained.

    The failures

    We identified the following failures.

    People resources: Most of South Africa’s 257 municipalities lack the required capacity for managing infrastructure. Only a few have fully resourced project management units. In addition, there are cumbersome and costly infrastructure planning processes and legislative requirements. For instance, municipalities must conduct a feasibility study and appoint a steering committee for each project. The resources required for this are overwhelming for many and the process simply shifts the limited resources away from the actual infrastructure work.

    These problems have persisted despite many years of reforms and increased technical and financial support.

    Poor allocation of funds: Most allocations by national government for infrastructure have been in the form of conditional grants. These stipulate conditions for what type of infrastructure the money can be spent on.

    However, this hasn’t stopped the grants being allocated to prolonged or abandoned projects. The result is that many municipalities have been using recurring budget allocations to rectify poor workmanship and abandoned projects.

    Political interference: Where infrastructure has been built it is not well maintained. This is partly because politicians tend to prefer new infrastructure which comes with opportunities for ribbon cutting ceremonies. But some of this infrastructure doesn’t match the needs of communities, and becomes a white elephant.

    Bureaucracy: Municipalities share responsibility with national and provincial governments for some local infrastructure investments. But joint planning and budgeting is lacking. So water and electricity reticulation networks are often installed without sufficient bulk supply from the relevant providers.

    Service delays then lead to community protest and infrastructure vandalism.

    The role of national government departments also creates problems. They are the custodians of conditional infrastructure grant funding. In this role they often interfere and dictate priorities for municipalities while attaching stringent conditions to funding.

    Lack of ownership: Frustrated by the ongoing inability to spend infrastructure funds, national government is increasingly carrying out projects on behalf of municipalities, often using indirect grants. The result is that municipalities have no sense of ownership of the infrastructure and are not keen to maintain it. Some of the landfill sites and sport facilities constructed by the national departments of environmental affairs and sports have been neglected.

    We also found that municipalities are battling to keep up with growing populations, rising input costs and the vandalisation of infrastructure.

    Our findings are confirmed by reports of the auditor-general which highlight weak municipal infrastructure delivery management.

    The 2021–2022 auditor-general’s report found that the average delay in completing infrastructure projects ranged from 17 to 26 months.

    It also found that all 257 municipalities had spent only R18 billion (US$1.2 billion) on infrastructure maintenance. This represents 4% of the total value (R450 billion or US$30.6 billion) of municipal assets. This low spend increases the risk of infrastructure breakdown and reduces service level standards.

    It also rapidly increases the pace and cost of infrastructure upgrading and replacement.

    The solutions

    The failure to deliver infrastructure has itself affected the financial stability of municipalities. This is because they can generate their own revenue from selling water and electricity to residents. A collapse of these services means this income is lost.

    But debates on municipal infrastructure in South Africa have largely focused on funding shortfalls. This ignores weaknesses or a lack of municipal capacity to manage infrastructure projects. Giving municipalities money for infrastructure does not guarantee quality and long-lasting infrastructure.

    Municipalities need to:

    • focus on the full life cycle management of infrastructure instead of just rolling out new projects

    • plan for relevant infrastructure that responds to local circumstances

    • maintain old and new infrastructure

    • refurbish infrastructure that is nearing the end of its useful life.

    None of this can be achieved without competent and prescient local government leadership.

    – South Africa’s municipalities aren’t fixing roads, supplying clean water or keeping the lights on: new study explains why
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-municipalities-arent-fixing-roads-supplying-clean-water-or-keeping-the-lights-on-new-study-explains-why-233499

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: China holds ceremony awarding highest state honors

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

    China holds ceremony awarding highest state honors

    Updated: September 29, 2024 15:17 Xinhua
    Guard of honor escorting the national medals and honorary titles enter the venue of the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. China held a high-profile ceremony on Sunday morning to award the highest state honors ahead of the 75th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor enter the venue of the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor escort the national medals and honorary titles during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor escorting the national medals and honorary titles enter the venue of the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor enter the venue of the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor escorting the national medals and honorary titles enter the venue of the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor escort the national medals and honorary titles during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor escorting the national medals and honorary titles enter the venue of the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guard of honor escorting the national medals and honorary titles enter the venue of the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers present flowers to the recipients of national medals and national honorary titles at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers salute to the recipients of national medals and national honorary titles at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, speaks during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, salutes during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, salutes during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, speaks during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, speaks during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Dilma Rousseff, a recipient of the Friendship Medal, speaks during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Dilma Rousseff, a recipient of the Friendship Medal, speaks during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Dilma Rousseff, a recipient of the Friendship Medal, speaks during the presentation ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers enter the venue of the presentation ceremony to present flowers to the recipients of national medals and honorary titles at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhao Zhongxian, a recipient of the title of People’s Scientist, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Lu Shengmei, a recipient of the title of People’s Health Worker, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhao Zhongxian, a recipient of the title of People’s Scientist, is about to head for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhang Jinfan, a recipient of the title of People’s Educator, is about to head for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The motorcade carrying recipients of national medals and national honorary titles is about to head for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The motorcade carrying recipients of national medals and national honorary titles heads for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Dilma Rousseff, a recipient of the Friendship Medal, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tian Hua, a recipient of the title of People’s Artist, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, is about to head for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhang Xielin, a recipient of the title of Outstanding Contributor to Sports, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Huang Zongde, a recipient of the Medal of the Republic, is about to head for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhang Jinfan, a recipient of the title of People’s Educator, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Lu Shengmei, a recipient of the title of People’s Health Worker, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Bayika Kalidibek, a recipient of the title of People’s Guard, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Xu Zhenchao, a recipient of the title of People’s Craftsman, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhang Jinfan, a recipient of the title of People’s Educator, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Zhang Zhuoyuan, a recipient of the title of Outstanding Contributor to Economic Research, arrives at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global start-ups, incubators seek business opportunities in Chinese market

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

    SHANGHAI, Sept. 29 — Global incubators and start-up entrepreneurs have praised the opportunities bred by the vast Chinese market and incubation soil for technology start-ups at the World Top-Performing Incubator Conference 2024.

    The conference, held in Shanghai Municipality from Sept. 26 to 28, attracted nearly 300 innovation projects in cutting-edge fields such biomedicine, integrated circuits and artificial intelligence. It saw the attendance of top incubators from more than 10 countries, including China, the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.

    Sejun Oh, CEO of Huespine, a digital healthcare rehabilitation platform, brought their AI-based nursing equipment to China. He hopes to establish contact with Chinese hospitals, enterprises and consumers and is optimistic about the Chinese market.

    Jorg Kop, managing director of UtrechtInc, a university-linked start-up incubator, said he hopes to further their cooperation network in China and help European start-ups enter the Chinese market.

    Kop said China is crucial to the development of the world economy and Shanghai has economic vitality as well as fantastic ideas. He added that the Lin-gang special area of Pudong district in the municipality can be a convenient entrance for its start-ups to enter the Chinese market.

    According to Zhai Jinguo, deputy director of the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, Shanghai will continue to establish an innovative incubation ecosystem, cultivate new quality productivity forces, and provide support and guarantee for scientific and technological innovation projects and teams in Shanghai.

    China has more than 700,000 incubated enterprises and teams. The revenues of incubated enterprises have exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about 143 billion U.S. dollars).

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM attends general debate of UNGA

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivers a speech at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 28, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech at the general debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday. 

    Wang warned against any expansion of the Ukraine crisis. “The top priority is to commit to no expansion of the crisis, no escalation of the tension and no provocation by any party,” he said, urging efforts to push for the de-escalation of the situation at an early date.

    He said China is committed to playing a constructive role, as well as engaging in shuttle mediation and promoting peace talks regarding the crisis.

    On the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Wang said there must not be any delay in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire in the Middle East, and the fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution.

    China always supports the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights and supports Palestine’s full UN membership, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China expects 175 million railway trips in National Day holiday travel rush

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s railway network is expected to handle 175 million passenger trips during the upcoming 10-day National Day holiday travel rush, China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said Sunday.
    The peak is expected on Tuesday, with over 21 million trips projected, according to the company.
    The railway travel rush from Sunday to Oct. 8 is expected to see a mix of tourists, family visits and student travels, the company said.
    In response to the surge in passenger demand, measures will be taken to boost transportation capacity, enhance services, and ensure safe, orderly and enjoyable trips, it said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.195 [2024]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.195 [2024]

    (Open Market Operations Office, September 29, 2024)

    In order to keep liquidity adequate at a reasonable level in the banking system at quarter-end, the People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB182 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on September 29, 2024.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Volume

    Rate

    7 days

    RMB182 billion

    1.50%

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2024年09月29日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Paris exhibition showcases art by women with disabilities

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A view of the opening ceremony for the “Beautiful Crafts Workshop Blossoming in Paris” exhibition, featuring cultural and creative works by women with disabilities, in Paris, France, Sept. 3, 2024. [Xinhua]

    An exhibition featuring cultural and creative works by women with disabilities opened in Paris on Sept. 3, coinciding with the atmosphere surrounding the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

    The “Beautiful Crafts Workshop Blossoming in Paris” exhibition, displaying nearly 300 handcrafted items, aims to foster cultural exchange and showcase the talents of people with disabilities. Items on display include silk dolls, cloth tigers, fish skin paintings, wooden combs, wood carvings and ceramics.

    Zhang Haidi, president of Rehabilitation International (RI) and former chairperson of China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), expressed hope that the exhibition would gain global recognition and help improve the lives of women with disabilities.

    During the opening ceremony, UNESCO’s assistant director-general for culture, Ernesto Ottone, noted that the exhibition embodies the concept of an inclusive society and sustainable development. He added that the exhibition’s timing, coinciding with the Paralympics, highlights the common features of accessibility, inclusion, and diversity shared by sports and culture.

    The exhibited works originate from over 30 “Beautiful Crafts Workshops” across Chinese provinces, including Guangdong, Shandong, and Hebei. Launched in 2022 as a joint effort by the China Disabled Persons’ Federation and the All-China Women’s Federation, the initiative supports handicraft businesses and organizations that enable women with disabilities to work from home or nearby locations. To date, the program has provided employment for more than 10,000 women with disabilities nationwide.

    Tang Zhanxin, a representative of the “Beautiful Crafts Workshop,” shared her personal experience with the initiative, highlighting how it has enabled many women with disabilities in China to access stable employment and improve their livelihoods.

    China plans to establish 100 additional “Beautiful Crafts Workshops” over the next three years, aiming to provide employment opportunities for 10,000 more women with disabilities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, European EV professionals call for cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo taken on Sept. 27, 2024 shows a scene at the 2024 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Both Chinese and European electric vehicle (EV) makers and experts are calling for global cooperation and opposing trade protectionism at the ongoing 2024 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC).

    With the deep development of advanced technologies, collaborative research and global industrial chain cooperation have become more important to the automotive industry, Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), said Saturday on the congress.

    “However, in 2024, we observe a rise in protectionist sentiments globally. An example is the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into EVs imported from China,” Mueller said.

    “For EU, imposing anti-subsidy tariffs is not yet an answer to the challenges facing the European automotive industry. Rather, it could easily escalate into a new trade conflict, sparking a spiral of protectionism,” Mueller said.

    She believed that for any country and region, any market, any industry, what’s needed is simply an active industrial strategy, adding that Europe in particular must ensure that the conditions for business are improved.

    She noted that the German automotive industry stands firm on the principles of free and fair trade. “We at the VDA will continue to advocate for open markets, globalization, international trade and investment and, above all, cooperation and continued dialogue,” she added.

    Gan Jiayue, CEO of Geely Auto Group, also called on the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry to strengthen its collaboration to achieve mutual benefits.

    Some countries and regions are trying to restrict the application of China’s NEVs by imposing additional tariffs and setting technical standards, Gan said on Saturday’s congress, adding that if imposing additional tariffs, the EU will not only hamper China’s economic development but also harm its own interests.

    The automobile industry is an industry of global cooperation, and Geely always adheres to free trade and fair competition, Gan said.

    Jochen Goller, member of the board of management of BMW AG, also addressed the conference, sharing insights on low-carbon transition and global cooperation, and expressing optimism about China’s NEV market.

    “BMW Group strongly believes technology openness is the only sustainable path towards a carbon-neutral future, as we need to cater to the diverse needs of customers worldwide, and to advance individual mobility towards a green future,” Goller said in his speech.

    BMW firmly believes that cooperation fosters prosperity and growth, he said, adding that to continue the unique automotive success story, key challenges have to be tackled and resolved jointly.

    Themed with “Low Carbon Evolution and Global Cooperation,” the 2024 WNEVC is taking place in Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province, running from Sept. 27 to 29.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​’The Volunteers’ sequel honors CPV soldiers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Renowned director Chen Kaige’s war epic sequel “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death,” the second installment of his ambitious trilogy about the Chinese People’s Volunteers (CPV) army during the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53), is set for nationwide release on Sept. 30. 

    Cast and crew of “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death” pose for a group photo at the film’s premiere in Beijing, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

    Chen said during an earlier interview that the trilogy, which contains over 200 key characters and was shot over a period of 13 months, is the biggest film project of his career. Boasting an all-star cast, the latest installment pays more attention to the fate of individuals in the war, providing a multi-faceted view of the war’s brutality and the sacrifices made by the CPV soldiers. 

    At the film’s premiere in Beijing on Sept. 27, members of the cast and crew, including Zhu Yilong, Xin Baiqing, Zhang Zifeng, Zhu Yawen, Chen Feiyu and Wang Yanhui, shared their insights with the audience about their understandings and unforgettable experiences related to the film.

    The film is centered on the battle in Cheorwon, where 25,000 CPV soldiers fought nearly 50,000 UNC forces for 12 days and nights. The battle, one of the fiercest during the Fifth Campaign of the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, won precious time for the strategic transfer of the CPV army and shattered the enemies’ plot to destroy the CPV army’s rear base and eliminate their main force.

    A poster of “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death” at the film’s premiere in Beijing, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo by Wang Qian/China.org.cn]

    Leading actor Zhu Yilong, who portrays Li Xiang, a commissar in the 63rd Unit of the 188th Division of the CPV army, said at the premiere, “This is the first time I have seen such a large crowd in a scene. One scene involved almost 1,500 people.” He recalled that the film’s high number of explosions demanded meticulous planning and countless rehearsals to achieve the perfect long shot.

    Actress Zhang Zifeng, stars as Li Xiao, an English translator and younger sister of Li Xiang. She said that Li Xiao also went to the battlefield later where she experienced several brushes with death, and so began to understand why her father and brother wanted to fight in the battle. “As a translator, Li Xiao represented not only herself but also her motherland, which made her more courageous and stronger than ever,” Zhang said.

    Actor Zhu Yawen plays military equipment expert Wu Benzheng, who returns to China to serve his country in its hour of need. At the premiere, Zhu spoke about his frustration and shock upon learning about the arduous close combat faced by the CPV soldiers due to their outdated weapons and equipment. “I felt like I’d been transported back in time when I watched the playback — It was like I was watching a documentary,” he said. 

    Chinese table tennis legend Ding Ning (front row, second left) and Paris Olympic table tennis champion Fan Zhendong (front row, second right) pose for a group photo with the cast and crew of “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death” at the film’s premiere in Beijing, Sept. 27, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

    Paris Olympic table tennis champion Fan Zhendong also appeared at the premiere to show his support for the film. He said, “Although I’m just a layman when it comes to films, I can tell that the entire cast delivers outstanding performances, and each role is very impressive.” He mentioned that, as a former serviceman himself, the military rules significantly contributed to his personal growth. Watching the film also brought back memories of the vows he made during his service.

    During the premiere, Zhu Yilong interacted with the audience and reflected on a past interview with director Chen Kaige. When asked why he felt compelled to make this film, Chen explained that he feared the CPV soldiers might be forgotten. “I believe this is also why we, as actors, chose to be part of this film,” Zhu said. “These soldiers will not be forgotten here. They will always be there on the screen, and we will always remember them.”

    MIL OSI China News –