NewzIntel.com

Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Palmer Leads Letter Condemning Mexican Government for Actions Against Vulcan Materials

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Mexican Government’s continued efforts to seize Vulcan Material’s deep-water port in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) led a letter to the Ambassador of Mexico to the United States condemning Mexico’s actions. Regarding the letter, Rep. Palmer released the following statement:

    “Mexico’s continued disregard for the rule of law signals to companies in the United States and the rest of the world that Mexico cannot be trusted,” said Rep. Palmer. “By continuing to mistreat Vulcan Materials, the Mexican Government sets a dangerous precedent for our trade relationship. American companies being mistreated by foreign governments will not be tolerated.”

    The letter was signed by a bipartisan group of lawmakers including Representatives Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Jerry Carl (AL-01), Barry Moore (AL-02), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Dale Strong (AL-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Aaron Bean (FL-04), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), Thomas Kean (NJ-7th), Vincente Gonzalez (TX-34), August Pfluger (TX-11), and Beth Van Duyne (TX-24).

    The full text of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Introduces Legislation To Support Wildlife Migration and Protect Biodiversity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Reps. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL) today introduced the Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act to establish an American Wildlife Corridors System that allows species to move freely and safely between habitats to access resources, establish new territories, promote gene flow, and adapt to the impacts of changing climate.

    “One of the simplest yet most effective solutions to address biodiversity loss caused by habitat loss, degradation, fragmentation, and obstruction is providing species opportunity to move across lands and waters,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “By connecting different habitat areas, we can allow animals to move safely between them without the threat of barriers that often put species in danger. Our legislation would direct key Federal land and water management agencies to develop and manage national wildlife corridors to enhance biodiversity, support ecosystem stability, and benefit both wildlife and human communities.”

    “Corridors increase wildlife movement between habitat areas by approximately 50 percent compared to areas not connected by corridors. By protecting wildlife corridors, this bill will help conserve and restore America’s wildlife, from Florida panthers to monarch butterflies,” said Susan Holmes, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “We thank Congressman Beyer and Congressman Buchanan for introducing this important bill.”

    “Defenders of Wildlife appreciates Reps. Beyer and Buchanan’s leadership in protecting America’s wildlife and their habitats through this strategic and collaborative approach to conservation planning,” said Mary Beth Beetham, Legislative Director for Defenders of Wildlife. “By allowing animals to move across landscapes to access food and respond to climate change, connecting our lands and waters is key to the survival of a diverse array of species, from the iconic grizzly bear to the monarch butterfly. The Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act is an investment in our natural heritage and the type of proactive wildlife stewardship that transcends political affiliation, speaking to the heart of our American values.”

    The Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act would establish and maintain a habitat connectivity area mapping and science program to support State, local, and Tribal government efforts to protect and designate habitat connectivity areas as American wildlife corridors. The bill would also establish a wildlife corridor grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife to support these efforts.

    Text of the Wildlife Corridors and Habitat Connectivity Conservation Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Palmer to Host Meet and Greet in District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gary Palmer (R-AL)

    BIRMINGHAM, AL – Representative Gary Palmer (AL-06) and his staff will host a Meet and Greet on September 3, 2024. This event is open to the public so that the people of the Sixth Congressional District have the opportunity to ask questions and share their opinion on current events directly with Rep. Palmer and staff.

    Tuesday, September 3

    6:00PM – 7:30PM

    Gardendale City Hall

    925 Main Street

    Gardendale, Alabama 35017

    Any press planning to attend this event must email Hope.Dawson@Mail.House.Gov no later than an hour before the event. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Carbajal Votes to Prevent Harmful Government Shutdown, Avert Pay Cut for Wildland Firefighters

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) voted today on a clean extension of government funding that averts a costly government shutdown, rejects Project 2025 policy riders, and averts an imminent pay cut for federal wildland firefighters currently battling blazes across California.

    “From the beginning of this Congress, House Democrats and I have made it clear that we are prepared to work across the aisle to find bipartisan common ground to responsibly fund our government and sustain programs that help Central Coast families. But since we finalized last year’s budget, House Republican leadership has spent more time pursuing policies from Donald Trump’s Project 2025, putting right-wing extremist priorities like voter suppression ahead of actually governing – all while endangering our national security, veteran’s benefits, and essential services,” said Rep. Carbajal.

    “This lack of bipartisan cooperation has put Congress in a position to once again need to extend government funding to the end of this year while we continue working to finalize a budget for the coming fiscal year. As ever, I remain committed to putting governing ahead of partisan games, and I hope my colleagues will do the same.”

    “I’m glad that this bill averts the impending pay cliff for federal wildland firefighters. As my colleagues and I have advocated for throughout this Congress, I will continue to push for our permanent fix to be included in the final budget agreement later this year. Our wildland firefighters are working day and night to protect our communities from dangerous fires. The last thing we should do is allow a devastating pay cut in the middle of fire season.”

    The funding resolution passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives sustains current government funding levels through December 20, 2024. The measure now advances to the Senate, where it is expected to pass and reach the President’s desk before the end of the Fiscal Year on Monday, September 30.

    Congressman Carbajal pushed to avert the impending pay cut for federal wildland firefighters by advocating for passage of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to permanently increase the base pay, deployment pay, and benefits for federal wildland firefighters. He introduced this bill with his colleagues last year to make permanent the pay increases provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in 2021.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement Supporting Government Funding Extension

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)

    September 25, 2024

    Bill Prevents Government Shutdown & Avoids Extremist Republican Proposals that Hurt Our Nation’s Veterans & Families

    Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) today released the following statement regarding his vote in support of the short-term government funding bill to extend current funding levels through December 20, 2024.

    “I voted for the short-term government funding bill because a shutdown would have been harmful to our service members, families, and workers. I’m pleased this bill does not contain the extremist provisions proposed by House Republicans that threaten our democratic voting rights and national security. It represents a bipartisan solution that will keep the government running into December.

    “That said, I’m disappointed we could not reach an agreement that addresses the Veterans Health Administration’s $12 billion budget shortfall. This lack of funding could jeopardize veterans’ medical care and health services. I will continue to advocate for veterans and their benefits in upcoming funding bills that will be negotiated at the end of the year.

    “However, the ongoing budget fights that require us to pass short-term funding bills are emblematic of the ongoing dysfunction and chaos within the House Republican conference. They have been unable to pass a year-long government funding legislation that puts us on a stable fiscal footing.

    “Ultimately, we need to work together to pass year-long government funding every fiscal year in a timely manner to tackle our nation’s challenges. I am committed to doing just that.”

    ##

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Upgrades to Chilkoot Way route in Whitehorse 

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    Whitehorse, Yukon, September 25, 2024 — Every day commuting and travel will be improved on the Chilkoot Way route in Whitehorse after a joint investment of $850,000 from the federal government and the City of Whitehorse.

    Upgrades include the installation of a new two-way protected bicycle lane on the north side of Chilkoot Way, a new pedestrian crossing, signage, crossing markings at high conflict areas and improved lighting. As well, there will be upgrades to traffic lights, an additional advance left turn signal at Chilkoot and Two Mile Hill, and a new cyclist push button for better accessibility. The cycling route will connect residents to downtown schools, the Whitehorse Health Clinic, workplaces and retail destinations along the riverfront, and routes between neighbourhoods.

    Improving the Chilkoot Way route provides a more accessible and safer active transportation connection to the existing Riverfront and Two Mile Hill multi-use paved pathways, and will make travelling easier for those who are walking, cycling or using transit.

    Quotes

    “The improvement of active transportation routes for communities supports healthier ways for people to travel. Upgrades to the Chilkoot Way route in Whitehorse will make transportation infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians and transit users easier and more accessible as they travel to where they need to go every day.”

    The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “We are pleased to partner with the federal government to enhance the active transportation network in Whitehorse. The new active transportation route along Chilkoot Way is a game changer for cyclists moving into and out of the downtown core. It also promotes inclusivity, health and connection, catering to everyone, regardless of physical mobility, age or fitness level. This project represents the City’s ongoing commitment to developing a more sustainable and accessible community.”

    Her Worship Laura Cabott, Mayor of Whitehorse

    Quick facts

    • The federal government is investing $588,750 in this project through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), and the City of Whitehorse is contributing $261,250.

    • Active transportation refers to the movement of people or goods powered by human activity. It includes walking, cycling and the use of human-powered or hybrid mobility aids such as wheelchairs, scooters, e-bikes, rollerblades, snowshoes, cross-country skis, and more.

    • In support of Canada’s National Active Transportation Strategy, the Active Transportation Fund is providing $400 million over five years, starting in 2021, to make travel by active transportation easier, safer, more convenient, and more enjoyable.

    • The National Active Transportation Strategy is the country’s first coast-to-coast-to-coast strategic approach for promoting active transportation and its benefits. The strategy’s aim is to make data-driven and evidence-based investments to build new and expanded active transportation networks, while supporting equitable, healthy, active, and sustainable travel options.

    • Investing in active transportation infrastructure provides many tangible benefits, such as creating employment opportunities, strengthening the economy, promoting healthier lifestyles, ensuring equitable access to services and opportunities, cutting air and noise pollution, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

    • Beginning in 2026-2027, the new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an average of $3 billion a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities. 

    • The CPTF supports transit and active transportation investments in three streams: Metro Region Agreements, Baseline Funding, and Targeted Funding.

    • We are currently accepting Expression of Interest submissions for Metro-Region Agreements and Baseline Funding. Visit the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website for more information.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    Matthew Cameron
    Manager, Strategic Communications
    City of Whitehorse
    867-689-0515
    matthew.cameron@whitehorse.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni attends Ukraine reconstruction event via video link

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    At the invitation of the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, participated via video link in today’s event dedicated to the economic recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, attended by President Volodymyr Zelensky, the other G7 nations, the leaders of the European Union and numerous international partners.

    On this occasion, the Group of Seven adopted a declaration coordinated by the Italian Presidency, which is also open to the other States that participated in the event to join.

    The meeting centred around reaffirming the joint commitment to ensuring economic aid to Ukraine, both bilaterally and through multilateral mechanisms, with a particular focus on reforms. Lastly, support for the protection and recovery of critical energy infrastructure was also reiterated as well as coordination on reconstruction, also ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome in 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe [scroll down for French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
     
    They discussed the central importance of strengthening human rights in the multilateral system, and cooperation between the two Organizations. They also discussed the war in Ukraine.
     
    ***
     
    Le Secrétaire-General a rencontré S.E. M. Alain Berset, le Secrétaire Général du Conseil de l’Europe.
     
    Ils ont discuté de l’importance centrale du renforcement des droits humains dans le système multilatéral, ainsi que de la coopération entre les deux organisations. Ils ont aussi discuté de la guerre en Ukraine.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hageman Votes NO on CR that Fails to Include SAVE Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

    Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Harriet Hageman voted against a continuing resolution that increases government spending while simultaneously failing to protect federal elections from illegal voters.

    Representative Hageman stated, “I heard from constituents across Wyoming who made clear there should be no consideration of a continuing resolution without protecting our elections. CRs are bad fiscal policy that prevent Congress from addressing real substantive issues while also failing to curb excessive spending. Not only does this CR fail to include the SAVE Act, which is critical to protecting federal elections from illegal voting, but it increases spending beyond the bloated amounts that have put our country $35.4 trillion in debt. This CR is also set to expire on December 20th, thereby setting us up to vote on an omnibus spending bill right before Christmas, not to mention the fact that it will be chock full of reckless spending and even more bad policies. The very tactic that we have decried for years – end of year massive omnibus spending designed to force a vote before the holidays – is once again standard operating procedure. Americans deserve better.”

    ###

    Contact: Chris Berardi, Sr. Advisor/Communications Director

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the opening of the 2024 Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI) event – Unstoppable Africa [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ladies and gentlemen, Esteemed guests, and partners in progress,

    Welcome to the third annual flagship convening of the Global Africa Business Initiative.

    Three years ago, we gathered here to explore the possibilities of investing in Africa and building the future we all envision.

    Since then, our world has experienced seismic changes. The global landscape, already volatile, has grown more uncertain. Conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economic disruptions, and an escalating climate crisis have exposed the fragility of our systems.

    Yet, through this darkness, we see African leadership shining through.  Here, I commend H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission for his outstanding leadership over the last decade. Under his leadership, we have seen the signing of the landmark African Continental Free Trade

    Area, a stronger relationship between the AU and the UN through the signing of the AU-UN Framework on Implementation of Agenda 2063 and Agenda 2030, and his championing of GABI.

    Dear friends,

    We see Africa’s economic leadership in the African Union’s inclusion in the G20 – a groundbreaking step that amplifies Africa’s voice in global economic governance. It ensures that the continent’s development priorities are part of the decisions shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.

    The African Continental Free Trade Area is further evidence that Africa’s economic leadership is accelerating, poised to drive jobs, growth and economic integration into the future.

    Meanwhile, we see Africa’s peace leadership as the African Union continues its strong commitment to peacekeeping, focusing on conflict resolution and governance reform in Sudan, Ethiopia, and the Sahel, and silencing the guns by 2030.

    We see Africa’s political leadership in many leaders’ efforts to strengthen the institutions of democratic governance. The unconstitutional changes of power we see in some countries are deeply troubling – but in as much as they are the exception, not the rule, we must ensure our democracies deliver lest this becomes the norm.

    We certainly see African leadership in the global transition to renewable energy – from the continent’s rich natural resources, to the increasing number of African solar, wind and hydropower projects, to its place as a home for the critical minerals required to power the renewables revolution.

    We see Africa’s innovation leadership enabled by the African Union’s Startup Policy framework which provides a roadmap for member states to create policies that empower the next generation of innovators.

    Africa’s unquestioned demographic leadership, with a youthful and rapidly growing population – is an unparalleled asset, that can capitalize on the sweeping advancements in technology and leverage a thriving creative and cultural economy to drive sustainable growth and development across the continent.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    African leadership also demands looking at persistent challenges that are blocking our progress – including financial constraints, security concerns, and infrastructure gaps. Addressing these issues requires ongoing international efforts, peacekeeping initiatives conflict resolution and targeted investments in infrastructure development.

    Addressing these challenges is what the next two days are all about. Unlocking solutions through cocreating, collaborating and leveraging our networks.

    For these discussions will be pivotal – not just for Africa’s future but for shaping the global future we want.

    We meet at a crucial time, just days after the announcement of a new Pact for the Future. This Pact is a renewed commitment to global solidarity. It’s more than just a political document; it’s an opportunity for Africa to address its unique challenges and accelerate progress towards sustainable development
    through stronger international cooperation and equitable resource allocation.

    This includes more support for the SDG Stimulus and badly needed global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries, including in Africa.

    This year, consistent with our theme “Unstoppable Africa,” GABI will delve into five key areas that will guide our conversations and shape our collective future.

    First, unlocking inclusive growth through trade.

    The African Continental Free Trade Area offers a framework to create the largest single market in the world. We’ll explore how to break down trade barriers, foster economic integration, and build regional value chains – ensuring that no one is left behind, especially women, youth, and marginalized communities.

    Second, making Africa clean energy superpower.  

    With its abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources, Africa has the potential to be a global hub for renewable energy. In this discussion, we’ll identify pathways to harness this potential and lead the world’s energy transition.

    Third, supercharging Africa’s digital revolution.

    The continent is leaping forward in fintech, e-commerce, and digital education, transforming economies and societies and creating new jobs and sources of prosperity for Africans. We’ll focus on how to accelerate this digital transformation to ensure that all Africans benefit.

    Fourth, sport.

    From football stadiums to the Olympic Games, Africa’s talent is shining on the global stage. But it’s not just about the talent on the field – it’s about leveraging sports as a driver for economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural diplomacy off the field, too.

    Fifth, African creativity for the world.

    We will explore how Africa’s rich cultural heritage and creative talent can drive global impact and economic growth, creating jobs for our youth while showcasing African excellence on the world stage.

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Today, Africa’s promise is clearer than ever.

    We have seen what is possible.

    Africa is not just participating in global conversations.

    Africa is leading them.

    As the world confronts challenges, Africa offers solutions – whether in energy transitions, digital transformation, or inclusive trade. GABI is our platform to own this potential and explore how Africa can continue to drive global progress.

    I look forward to the transformative discussions and groundbreaking ideas that will emerge over the next two days.

    Thank you!

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Protection of Humanitarian Workers – Press Conference | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The head of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Jagan Chapagain stressed the need to be “equally appalled” by attacks on both national and international humanitarians, reiterating “the humanitarians must be sacred.”

    Chapagain spoke to reporters today (24 Sep) on the sideline of the 79th Session of the General Assembly in New York.

    He said, “Since January, 30 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff members had been killed while on duty, while wearing Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, under the Geneva conventions, they had protective value.”

    Seventeen of those staff members were killed in Palestine, eight were killed in Sudan.

    The IFRC Secretary General added that twenty-seven of them died violently, rather than just an accident.

    Chapagain highlighted that media reports coverage often was overwhelmingly of attacks on international staff instead of national staff.

    He said, “As you know, the national humanitarians have access. They come from the communities. They don’t need visa. They don’t need to travel for days or weeks to be there, and if they come from the communities, lot of time they are trusted. They know the people, they know the people affected. They know the actors on the ground. And for any humanitarian action to be successful, to be efficient, to be effective, the role of these local humanitarians is paramount.”
    Chapagain reiterated, “We need help from the governments and others to make sure that the local humanitarian workers are protected and the people of the institution whose actions lead to the killing of the humanitarians are somehow influenced – to stop that.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoT6xlkmYTs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Hard Work of Soft Skills: Building A Learning Community | August 29, 2024

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Do you want to build a learning community within your organization, but don’t know where to start? Are you interested in strategies to improve how your colleagues engage with you, and each other, as you work to infuse evidence-building and evaluation into your organization’s DNA? Are you skeptical about what a learning community can produce, in terms of hard results? In this workshop Sarah Potter, from HRSA’s Office of Planning, Analysis, and Evaluation, shares concrete strategies and lessons learned from her own quest to build a learning community at HRSA.

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov

    http://www.Twitter.com/HHSGov | http://www.Facebook.com/HHS http://www.Instagram.com/HHSGov
    http://www.LinkedIn.com/company/us-department-of-health-and-human-services

    HHS Privacy Policy: http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGW-tUgxaag

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ukraine: Death toll keeps rising – UN Chief at the Security Council | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, on the Maintenance of peace and security of Ukraine – Security Council, 9731th meeting.

    —————————————-

    “Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Two days ago, in the newly agreed Pact for the Future, world leaders reaffirmed their commitment to international law and to the Charter of the United Nations.

    Our Organization is based on the principle of sovereignty of all Member States – within their internationally recognized borders.

    The Charter unequivocally stipulates that all States must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other State – and that international disputes must be settled by peaceful means.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 – following the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol a decade ago – is a clear violation of these principles.

    And civilian populations continue to pay the price.

    The death toll keeps rising.

    Nearly 10 million people have fled their homes.

    Systematic attacks against hospitals, schools, supermarkets… are only adding pain and misery.

    Power cuts and infrastructure damage have left millions in the dark.

    I strongly condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian facilities – wherever they occur and whoever is responsible. They all must stop immediately.

    And I remain deeply concerned about the safety, humanitarian needs and basic human rights of people residing in occupied areas.

    Mr. President,

    Despite immense challenges, the United Nations remains fully engaged as the largest international presence in Ukraine.

    This year alone, and together with our partners, we have provided lifesaving aid to more than 6.2 million people.

    But we need the support of the international community.

    15 million people in Ukraine require humanitarian assistance – more than half of them women and girls.

    But – as winter is approaching – less than half of our 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded.

    I urge donors to help us pursue our vital work on the ground.

    We are also assisting the government of Ukraine in its recovery and reconstruction efforts.

    This includes access to basic services and the restoration of Ukraine’s energy production capacities.

    In recent weeks, we have seen a resurgence of inflammatory rhetoric and incidents around nuclear sites – particularly at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and alarmingly, at the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in the Russian Federation.

    I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency, including its critical presence in Ukraine’s nuclear sites, to help ensure nuclear safety and security.

    I urge all parties to act responsibly and avoid any declaration or action that could further destabilize an already incendiary situation.

    Mr. President,

    Two and half years since the full-blown invasion of Ukraine, more than 11,000 civilians have been killed.

    The longer this tragic war continues, the greater the risk of escalation and spillover.

    This would not only impact the region, but further deepen global tensions and divisions – at a time when our world desperately needs more cooperation and collective action.

    We must stop the suffering and break the cycle of violence – for the sake of the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and the world.

    The Black Sea Initiative and the continued exchanges of prisoners of war serve as reminders that, when there is political will, diplomacy can succeed – even in the darkest hour.

    Today, though the prospects for peace may seem distant, I am inspired by the growing calls for dialogue.

    So let us intensify our efforts to seek peace in Ukraine – a just, comprehensive and sustainable peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and resolutions of the General Assembly.

    United Nations stands ready to support all efforts towards achieving this goal.

    Thank you”.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Gd58Brn2fA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ASL Hurricane Helene Messaging 09.25.2024

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    President Biden approved Florida’s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration, enabling FEMA to provide funding and resources to Florida in advance of Hurricane Helene.
    FEMA is prepared to support state and local response efforts, and has staff, supplies, and equipment in place and ready.
    It is very important to follow guidance from your local officials to evacuate – Helene will bring hurricane-force winds and deadly storm surge and floods.
    Equally important is making sure you finish preparing for the storm today.
    You can find more information and resources on how to stay safe before, during, and after the storm at Ready.gov or in Spanish at Listo.gov

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8xdTN3qxrA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UN Chief: G20 Meeting | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Opening remarks by the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres 2nd Foreign Ministers meeting of G20 Brasil 2024

    “This is a historic first.

    The G20, the United Nations system and the Bretton Woods institutions and other international financial institutions deal with some of the most important challenges of our time: inequality, financing for development, the climate crisis, the impact of new technologies.

    In all these areas, progress is slipping out of reach as our world becomes more unsustainable, unequal and unpredictable.

    Conflicts are raging, the climate crisis is accelerating, inequalities are growing, and new technologies have unprecedented potential for good – and bad.

    Global institutions must work together – not on parallel or conflicting tracks.

    They must cooperate and collaborate for the good of humanity and the Summit of the Future was an essential first step.

    It has created opportunities and possibilities for reform across the board.

    But without implementation, it will be meaningless.

    The work starts today.

    Excellencies,

    The Pact for the Future is about action in the here and now.

    And G20 countries can act in three specific areas.

    First, finance.

    We need ambitious reforms of the international financial architecture to make it fully representative of today’s global economy, so it can provide strong support to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

    I commend the leadership of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund for making important progress.

    But the resources available are still dwarfed by the size of the needs.

    Many developing countries are being hit by a double whammy of climate chaos and debt.

    To support low- and middle-income developing countries effectively, multilateral development banks must be bigger, bolder and better.

    We need a far more robust financial safety net to shield countries in a world of frequent shocks.

    Voting rights and decision-making rules should reflect the changing global landscape.

    And access to concessional finance should be based on needs and vulnerabilities, not just on income.

    All parts of the global financial system must work together to reduce the cost of finance and the inequalities that blight our world.

    This demands action on debt – starting with an effective mechanism to deal with debt relief and restructuring.

    As a first step, I welcome the commitment by the International Monetary Fund to review the debt architecture – as set out in the Pact for the Future.
    I look to all G20 countries to push for deep reforms so that global financial institutions reflect today’s world and respond to today’s challenges.

    One of those challenges is global hunger. It is shameful that in our world of plenty, around one person in ten regularly goes without food for an entire day or more – known as severe food insecurity.

    I welcome President Lula and Brazil’s focus on global hunger during the G20 presidency and call on all G20 countries – and all UN Member States – to strengthen efforts to end this affront to our common humanity.

    Excellencies,

    The second area for action is climate.

    We are at a critical moment: a battle to prevent temperatures from rising above the agreed limit of 1.5 degrees.

    Today’s decisions and actions will determine the course of our world for decades to come.

    The climate crisis transcends borders and politics. Climate action cannot be a victim of geopolitical competition.

    Under G20 leadership we will be able to have drastic reductions in fossil fuel production and consumption as an essential element for climate action.

    By 2030, global production and consumption of all fossil fuels must decline by at least thirty per cent – and global renewables capacity must triple.

    This requires OECD countries to phase out coal by 2030 and to fully decarbonize power generation systems by 2035.

    And it means non-OECD countries must phase out coal by 2040.

    I have been strongly advocating for no new coal or upstream oil and gas projects for all G20 nations.

    New national climate plans due next year are an opportunity for countries to align energy strategies and development priorities with climate ambition, taking into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

    They must also show how each country intends to transition away from fossil fuels, in line with the outcome at COP 28.

    Excellencies,

    There has never been a greater global challenge than the climate crisis.

    There has never been more agreement on the solution: a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

    And renewable technologies have never been better – or cheaper.

    The obstacle to the renewables revolution is not economics, or a lack of solutions.

    It is mindsets, and lack of vision.

    Those that lead the renewables revolution are already reaping the rewards.” [Excerpt].

    Full remarks: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-09-25/secretary-generals-remarks-meeting-of-g20-foreign-ministers-delivered

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfbW4_r5_i8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Slovenia on on Leadership for Peace – Security Council Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Comments to the media by Robert Golob, The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, on the upcoming Leadership for peace: united in respect of the UN Charter, in search of a secure future.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ5-d5j8y9U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: NASA Science Live: Could Jupiter’s Moon Europa Support Life?

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Join mission experts as they discuss NASA’s Europa Clipper mission to an ocean moon of Jupiter and answer your questions live. Submit questions in the chat using #AskNASA.

    Clipper is set to launch on a journey to discover the secrets hidden under this moon’s icy crust. Does Europa have conditions to support life?

    Europa Clipper is set to launch in October 2024 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It will arrive at Jupiter in 2030. Learn more about the mission: https://science.nasa.gov/mission/europa-clipper/

    Credit: NASA

    #EuropaClipper #AskNASA #NASA

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Resilience in the Face of Change | IMF Annual Report 2024

    Source: International Monetary Fund – IMF (video statements)

    JUST RELEASED: The IMF’s 2024 Annual Report highlights key global economic challenges, from inflation to climate change, and how the IMF is responding.

    Explore our lending programs, economic surveillance, and capacity development initiatives.

    Read the report here: https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/ar/2024/?cid=sm-com-comms-ar2024-lkd-internationalmonetaryfund-en-spotlight

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h3E9dDpZbM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Become a Foreign Service Officer with FAS

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Mark Petry, the Director General of the Foreign Service at USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), invites you to learn more about exciting overseas careers linking U.S. agriculture to the world.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIw7UTOJy4U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇫🇮 Finland – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1gdq2pyz7

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qC2XGvLVks

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇬🇾 Guyana – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k1totvmumg

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szov_Ab9Nzo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso Introduces Enhanced Energy Recovery Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) was joined by U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) in introducing legislation to enhance carbon capture incentives and energy production.
    The Enhanced Energy Recovery Act (S. 5212) would create parity under the Section 45Q carbon capture tax credit by giving across-the-board, equal treatment for carbon captured for increased energy production, utilization, and sequestration.
    “For years, Wyoming has proudly led the way on carbon capture projects,” said Sen. Barrasso. “We’ve successfully used this technology to take carbon out of the air and find productive uses for it. One of those uses includes enhanced oil and natural gas recovery – a technique that significantly increases energy production while reducing carbon emissions. Recent changes to Section 45Q have made it harder for American energy producers and manufacturers to use this credit. The Enhanced Energy Recovery Act fixes this policy by ensuring equal treatment for energy production, utilization, and sequestration. This will bolster our nation’s energy security, support Wyoming’s energy workers, and help lower costs for American families.”
    “Building the infrastructure to capture carbon in Louisiana will create tens of thousands of jobs and there will be tens of billions of dollars of investment,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This will help Louisiana continue to lead as an energy and manufacturing state.”
    “Long before carbon storage became national buzzwords, Wyoming’s oil and gas workers were already permanently storing CO2 in enhanced oil recovery projects. For over 30 years CO2 injection has not only sequestered carbon in Wyoming but also helped produce millions of barrels of oil that the United States requires to meet energy demand. Senator Barrasso’s bill recognizes that enhanced oil recovery using CO2 deserves equal treatment to non-productive sequestration not only to create a level playing field in the tax code, but also because it supports high-paying oil and gas careers and pumps revenue into state and federal coffers. We applaud Senator Barrasso and urge speedy passage of the Enhanced Energy Recovery Act.” – Pete Obermueller, President, Petroleum Association of Wyoming
    “At a time where energy demand is soaring, it is more important than ever to ensure that the United States relies on domestic energy sources for our security. Wyoming has long been a leader in carbon management, whether it be using CO2 as a commodity for enhanced oil recovery or paving the way with CCUS technologies. Capturing CO2 and using it to increase our domestic production, keeping energy reliable and affordable for all Americans, is a win for our nation. This bill is a crucial piece of legislation to ensure a level playing field for the growing markets that use CO2. We applaud Senator Barrasso’s continued leadership and efforts to support Wyoming’s energy industry.” – Rob Creager, Executive Director of the Wyoming Energy Authority
    “The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) supports Senator Barrasso’s Enhanced Energy Recovery Act. Providing parity between carbon sequestration and utilization within the tax code ensures that CO2 is captured and stored in the most economically viable manner possible. The bill further incentivizes companies to continue to use direct air capture technology, fostering ongoing development and deployment of these cutting-edge emissions reduction technologies with the promise of working toward the goals of overall emissions reduction in the United States. IPAA thanks Senator Barrasso for taking a pragmatic, forward looking approach to management of carbon dioxide emissions.” – Jeff Eshelman, President & CEO, Independent Petroleum Association of America
    “We are pleased to express our strong support for Senator Barrasso’s Enhanced Energy Recovery Act, which takes a critical step forward in leveling the playing field for carbon oxide sequestration. This balanced approach provides a powerful incentive for the oil and gas industry to continue its leadership in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) while also recognizing the role of EOR in safely managing carbon dioxide and extending the productive life of oil fields. Senator Barrasso’s vision for equitable treatment of carbon management technologies aligns with the industry’s commitment to reducing emissions, enhancing energy security, and delivering economic benefits to rural communities.” – Jerry R. Simmons, President & CEO, Domestic Energy Producers Alliance
    Full text of the legislation can be found here.
    Background:
    The Enhanced Energy Recovery Act increases the effective value of the 45Q tax credit for captured carbon used in enhanced oil recovery and utilization to match that of sequestration.
    Currently, the full tax credit incentive for carbon used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and utilization is $60/metric ton, while the value for sequestration is $85/metric ton. This bill sets all three values at $85/metric ton for EOR, utilization, and sequestration.
    Additionally, the bill creates equal treatment for carbon captured through Direct Air Capture (DAC). It increases the value of DAC-captured carbon used for EOR and utilization by increasing the incentive from $130/metric ton, up to $180/ton, consistent with the current value of captured carbon used in sequestration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces the Saving Privacy Act to Protect Americans’ Financial Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
     
    WASHINGTON –Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the Saving Privacy Act, a bill to end government abuse of Americans’ financial information. For years, federal agencies have been overreaching in their surveillance, collecting vast amounts of personal financial data from law-abiding citizens without just cause. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) is an original co-sponsor of the bill.
    “The federal government has no business surveilling the financial activities of millions of innocent Americans,” said Senator Lee. “The current system erodes the privacy rights of citizens, while doing little to effectively catch true financial criminals. My Saving Privacy Act ensures that Americans’ personal information is protected and that government agencies operate within the bounds of the Constitution.”
    “Big government has no place in law-abiding Americans’ personal finances. It is a massive overreach of the government and a gross violation of their privacy,” said Senator Rick Scott. “That is why I am teaming up with Senator Lee so that we can protect Americans’ personal financials for good. Our Saving Privacy Act will allow federal agencies to go after criminals while also protecting innocent Americans’ data. This is commonsense legislation, and I am urging my colleagues to support its immediate passage.”
    “This kind of reform restores the proper balance—as provided by the Fourth Amendment—between Americans’ privacy rights and law enforcement’s ability to gather evidence to enforce laws. It would protect individuals’ financial privacy and improve federal agencies’ abilities to prosecute criminal activity rather than sift through millions of low-value reports. This kind of reform is long overdue.” – Norbert Michel, Jennifer Schulp, and Nicholas Anthony of the Cato Institute
      “Financial privacy is of paramount importance in the digital age,” said Bryan Bashur, Director of Financial Policy for Americans for Tax Reform. “Lawmakers should support Sen. Lee’s efforts to further preserve financial privacy and prevent the federal government from easily accessing this information. Enacting this legislation will also protect consumers from other existential threats to financial privacy—such as tracking stock trading and electronic payment activity. 
    Government surveillance efforts have been largely ineffective, as demonstrated by the dismal success rate of suspicious activity reports (SARs) submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). In FY2023, financial institutions submitted 25.4 million SARs and currency transaction reports (CTRs), yet less than 0.3% of these reports resulted in relevant IRS-CI and FBI cases.
    In recent years, FinCEN and the FBI surveilled the financial transactions of individuals and solicited banks for information on purchases related to “Trump,” “MAGA,” firearms, and even religious texts. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has quietly been constructing a centralized database, the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), designed to track every single stock market transaction and the personal information of millions of Americans without any congressional approval.
    Senator Lee’s bill, the Saving Privacy Act, seeks to curb these abuses and restore Fourth Amendment protections for all Americans.
    Key Provisions of the Saving Privacy Act:
     
    Repeals the Bank Secrecy Act’s SAR and CTR reporting requirements while maintaining recordkeeping provisions.
    Repeals the Corporate Transparency Act.
    Strengthens Fourth Amendment protections, bolstering warrant requirements in the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978.
    Repeals the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) database.
    Requires congressional approval for any new databases that collect personally identifiable information of U.S. citizens.
    Prohibits the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency.
    Requires congressional authorization for financial regulations deemed major rules.
    Institutes penalties for federal employees who illegally seek constitutionally protected financial information.
    Establishes a private right of action for Americans and financial institutions harmed by illicit government activity.
      
    Bill text | One-pager

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: President Meloni via video link to the event on the reconstruction of Ukraine

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    At the invitation of the President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, participated today via video link in an event dedicated to the economic recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, in the presence of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the other G7 nations, the European Union leaders and numerous international partners.

    On this occasion, a declaration coordinated by the Italian Presidency was adopted by the Group of Seven, also open to the adhesion of the other States that participated in the event.

    At the heart of the meeting was the reaffirmation of the joint commitment to ensure, bilaterally and through multilateral mechanisms, economic assistance to Ukraine, with a particular focus on reforms. Finally, support for the protection and rehabilitation of critical energy infrastructure was reaffirmed, as well as coordination on reconstruction, also in view of the Ukraine Recovery Conference to be held in Rome in 2025.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virtual Commercial Aviation Work Group meeting set for Oct. 3

    Source: Washington State News 2

    OLYMPIA – The Commercial Aviation Work Group will host its second public meeting virtually via Zoom from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3.

    The group will evaluate the long-range commercial aviation and transportation needs of the state, including alternatives for additional aviation capacity and expanding the use of existing airports and multimodal opportunities. The meeting will live stream on TVW.

    Public comment will be from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. People may also comment at any time by filling out the group’s contact form. Public comments will only be logged from the comment box.

    People are encouraged to subscribe to the group’s email updates.

    Free, temporary internet access is available for those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest access, visit the Drive-In WiFi Hotspot list.

    Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission
    The Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission was the previous group who researched locations to meet the forecast demand for commercial passenger service, air cargo and general aviation. Its final meeting last year focused on providing a solid foundation of information to be used by the Commercial Aviation Work Group, which was created by the Legislature last year (PDF 10KB). The commission released its final report (PFD 613KB) June 15, 2023.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What do volcanoes smell like?

    Source: US Geological Survey

    It smells like:

    • Dry, dusty rock (like on Mount St. Helens’ Pumice Plain in the height of summer);

    • Warm, moist rock (near vents where steam is escaping);

    • Like whatever is nearby (pine needles, blooming plants, stinky wetland plants, animals with wet fur);

    • It certainly doesn’t have typical neighborhood smells, like car exhaust, restaurants, BBQs, etc., since volcanoes are generally in remote locations (rarified air?);

    • Rotten eggs or an acrid smell, like a struck match (just downwind of a fumarole).

    Recently, smells were reported in southwest Washington, mainly in Clark and Cowlitz Counties. These areas are relatively close to Mount St. Helens and the question was posed if the smell could be volcanic in nature.

     

    The answer is no.

    The USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory has two volcanic gas monitoring stations at Mount St. Helens. One is called “SNIF” and is located in the crater. It measures the compositions of gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide) coming from vents on the 2004-08 lava dome. The other station, located northeast of the crater, measures the amount of sulfur dioxide emitted from Mount St. Helens.

    Together, these two monitoring stations show that there has not been an increase in the composition or amount of gases being emitted from Mount St. Helens. In fact, Mount St. Helens is presently releasing only very small amounts of water vapor, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, which is consistent with background behavior.

    CVO is very confident in the measurements from SNIF because in the last 48 hours winds have shifted quite a lot (from the NW, S, and E, at an average speed of about 13 ft per second (4 m/s)), so the station has sampled gases from a variety of upwind directions. CVO crews were also conducting field work at Mount St. Helens on September 24, and did not report any significant or new smells.

    Related Content

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2024 SARP West Closeout

    Source: NASA

    On August 12-13, 24 students from the West Coast cohort of NASA’s Student Airborne Research Program (SARP) gathered at University of California, Irvine (UCI) to present their final research to a room of mentors, professors, family, and NASA personnel.
    SARP is an eight-week summer internship for undergraduate students, hosted in two cohorts: SARP West operates out of Ontario Airport and UCI in California, while SARP East operates out of Wallops Flight Facility and Christopher Newport University in Virginia. After research introductions from faculty, instrument scientists, and staff, students are assigned one of four research categories: for SARP West, these categories are aerosols, terrestrial ecology,  whole air sampling (WAS), or oceans. Each group is led by a dedicated researcher who is a specialist in that field, along with a graduate student mentor. Over the course of the summer, each intern develops their own research project as they conduct field work, collect data, and fly onboard either the P-3 or B200 NASA flying laboratories.
    “You really see them become scientists in their own right,” said Stephanie Olaya, Program Manager for SARP East and West. “A lot of these projects are PhD level: they are researching and making novel discoveries for the field. They don’t even realize the magnitude of the things they’ve accomplished until the end of the program.”

    Stephanie olaya
    SARP Program Manager

    Research is not the only focus of the program, however. Faculty and mentors alike commented on the confidence they watched grow in the cohort over the two month internship, and the sense of camaraderie with their peers. Olaya says building a sense of community is a primary goal of the program, which encourages close friendships through communal living, regular group dinners, and weekend trips, in addition to the hours of team fieldwork, data collection, and laboratory analysis.  
    The final presentations are another critical facet of the program, as it teaches students how to communicate scientific research and results to a non-scientific audience. “We want to impress on these students that science is not just for scientists,” Olaya said. “Science is for everyone.”
    The event finished with closing remarks by Barry Lefer, Tropospheric Composition Program Manager at NASA Headquarters. “I want to welcome you to the SARP family,” Lefer said, “and to the NASA family.”
    To watch videos of these student’s presentations and/or read their research abstracts, please follow the links below.

    Introduced by Oceans Group PhD student mentor Lori Berberian, University Of California, Los Angeles

    Leveraging high resolution PlanetScope imagery to quantify oil slick spatiotemporal variability in the Santa Barbara Channel

    Emory Gaddis, Colgate University

    Investigating airborne LiDAR retrievals of an emergent South African macroalgae

    Rachel Emery, The University of Oklahoma

    Vertical structure of the aquatic light field based on half a century of oceanographic records from the Southern California current

    Brayden Lipscomb, West Virginia University

    Comparing SWOT and PACE satellite observations to assess modification of phytoplankton biomass and assemblage by North Atlantic ocean eddies

    Dominic Bentley, Pennsylvania State University

    Assessing EMIT observations of harmful algae in the Salton Sea

    Abigail Heiser, University of Wisconsin- Madison

    Reassessing multidecadal trends in water clarity for the Central and Southern California current system

    Emma Iacono, North Carolina State University

    Introduced by Atmospheric Aerosols PhD student mentor Madison Landi, University of California, Irvine

    A comparative analysis of tropospheric NO2: Evaluating TEMPO satellite data against airborne measurements

    Maya Niyogi, Johns Hopkins University

    Investigating the atmospheric burden of black carbon over the past decade in the Los Angeles Basin

    Benjamin Wells, San Diego State University

    Tracking methane and aerosols in relation to health effects in the San Joaquin Valley

    Devin Keith, Mount Holyoke College

    Investigating the effects of aerosols on photosynthesis using satellite imaging

    Lily Lyons, Brandeis University

    Validating the performance of CMAQ in simulating the vertical distribution of trace gases

    Ryleigh Czajkowski, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

    Estimating aerosol optical properties using Mie Theory and analyzing their impact on radiative forcing in California

    Alison Thieberg, Emory University

    Introduced by WAS PhD student mentor Katherine Paredero, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Urban planning initiative: Investigation of isoprene emissions by tree species in the LA Basin

    Mikaela Vaughn, Virginia Commonwealth University

    VOC composition and ozone formation potential observed over Long Beach, California

    Joshua Lozano, Sonoma State University

    Investigating enhanced methane and ethane emissions over the Long Beach Airport

    Sean Breslin, University of Delaware

    Investigating elevated levels of toluene during winter in the Imperial Valley

    Katherine Skeen, University of North Carolina at Charlotte

    Characterizing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from surface expressions of the Salton Sea Geothermal System (SSGS)

    Ella Erskine, Tufts University

    Airborne and ground-based analysis of Los Angeles County landfill gas emissions

    Amelia Brown, Hamilton College

    Introduced by Terrestrial Ecology PhD student mentor Megan Ward-Baranyay, San Diego State University

    Predicting ammonia plume presence at feedlots in the San Joaquin Valley from VSWIR spectroscopy of the land surface

    Gerrit Hoving, Carleton College

    Burn to bloom: Assessing the impact of coastal wildfires on phytoplankton dynamics in California

    Benjamin Marshburn, California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo

    Species-specific impact on maximum fire temperature in prescribed burns at Sedgwick Reserve

    Hannah Samuelson, University of St. Thomas

    Quantifying the influence of soil type, slope, and aspect on live fuel load in Sedgwick Reserve

    Angelina Harris, William & Mary

    From canopy to chemistry: Exploring the relationship between vegetation phenology and isoprene emission

    Emily Rogers, Bellarmine University

    Keeping it fresh(water): Understanding the influence of surface mineralogy on groundwater quality within volcanic aquifer systems

    Sydney Kent, Miami University

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Getting SSPICY: NASA Funds Orbital Debris Inspection Mission

    Source: NASA

    NASA is advancing an innovative approach to enabling commercial inspection of defunct, or inoperable, satellites in low Earth orbit, a precursor to capturing and repairing or removing the satellites.
    The agency has awarded Starfish Space of Seattle, Washington, a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to complete the Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission. The award follows a Phase III study, which funded four U.S. small businesses including Starfish to develop mission concepts. Starfish Space will receive $15 million over three years to execute the mission.
    The ability to inspect defunct spacecraft and identify opportunities for repair or deorbiting is critical to maintaining a safe orbital environment for spacecraft and humans. Orbital debris mitigation is a key component of NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy.
    “The SSPICY mission is designed to mature technologies needed for U.S. commercial capabilities for satellite servicing and logistics or disposal,” said Bo Naasz, senior technical lead for in-space servicing, manufacturing, and assembly in NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate. “In-space inspection helps us characterize the physical state of a satellite, gather data on what may leave spacecraft stranded, and improve our understanding of fragmentations and collisions, a difficult but critical factor in a sustainable space operating environment.”
    The Starfish-led mission uses the company’s Otter spacecraft, a small satellite about the size of an oven, which is designed to inspect, dock with, and service or deorbit other satellites. Otter’s electric propulsion system will not only help it efficiently travel to multiple satellites, but the SSPICY demonstration also will mature the spacecraft’s ability to perform inspections using electric propulsion, an important enabling technology not typically used for rendezvous and proximity operations.
    During the SSPICY mission, Otter will visit and inspect multiple U.S. owned defunct satellites that have agreed to be visited and inspected – a delicate and challenging task, as satellites move quickly and are kept far apart from each other for safety. Otter will approach within hundreds of meters of each satellite to conduct inspections during mission operations. During the inspection, Otter will gather key information about each of the debris objects including their spin rate, spin axes, and current conditions of the objects’ surface materials.
    The SSPICY mission is the first commercial space debris inspection funded by NASA and supports the agency’s efforts to extend the life of satellites while reducing space debris. Satellites that are no longer in use can break apart or collide with one another, creating debris clouds that pose risk to human spaceflight, science and robotic missions in Earth’s orbit, and missions to other planets in the solar system. Data from inspections like those planned during the SSPICY demonstration will play a critical role in understanding the nature of defunct satellites and advancing solutions for reuse or disposal.
    “We are excited to expand our partnership with NASA, building on our shared commitment to advancing in-space manufacturing and assembly capabilities,” said Trevor Bennett, co-founder of Starfish Space. “It’s an honor for Starfish to lead the first commercial debris inspection mission funded by NASA. We look forward to collaborating on this and future satellite servicing missions to enable a new paradigm for humanity in space.”
    The Otter spacecraft is expected to launch in late 2026 and will begin performing inspections in 2027.
    The SSPICY demonstration is funded and managed by NASA’s Small Spacecraft Technology program based at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley. The award is enabled by NASA’s SBIR program, which is open to U.S. small businesses to develop an innovation or technology. These programs are part of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
    Learn more at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/space-technology-mission-directorate

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Data User Conference on the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24 to be held on September 26, 2024, at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), is pleased to announce a one-day Data User Conference focusing on the results of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24. The event will take place on September 26, 2024, at the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), Pune. The primary objective of this conference is to enhance stakeholders’ understanding and promote the effective utilization of this valuable data for policymaking and research.

    Since the launch of the PLFS in 2017-18, results have been released in the form of quarterly bulletins for urban areas and annual reports for both urban and rural areas. To date, six Annual Reports covering both rural and urban areas have been released, providing estimates of important parameters of employment and unemployment. Now the seventh Annual Report, based on the survey conducted from July 2023 to June 2024, is being introduced. The latest PLFS report was published on September 23, 2024, and will be a key focus of discussion at the conference. Both the quarterly bulletins and annual reports are accessible on the MoSPI website: http://www.mospi.gov.in.

    The PLFS provides continuous labour market data, replacing earlier Quinquennial surveys. It offers key insights into rural and urban employment, disaggregated by gender and age, helping policymakers design and assesses labour policies, social security measures, and reforms. The survey also tracks trends in workforce participation, educational attainment, and skill levels, providing a comprehensive view of labour dynamics. It highlights gender disparities and informs the need for targeted educational and skill development programs to meet evolving market demands.

    The Chief Guest for the conference will be Dr. Vijay Kelkar, Chairman, Pune International Centre. Notable speakers include Dr. Ajit Ranade, Vice Chancellor of GIPE and Dr. Saurabh Garg, IAS, Secretary, MoSPI. The conference will be attended by stakeholders such as professors and research scholars from renowned institutes, students, officers of MoSPI and other Central Ministries/Departments, officials from various international organisations and Media.

    During the event, various key concepts, definitions, results, techniques to use unit-level data, and methodologies including the use of multipliers and an assessment of data quality of PLFS   will be discussed. This will be followed by panel discussion and an interactive session for open discussions which will contribute to in depth discussions and exchange of ideas. Approximately 150 participants are expected to attend the conference.

    The conference will also be streamed live on YouTube, ensuring broader access for those unable to attend in person. Participants can view the live stream at https://youtube.com/live/O5VfdgNHUnI?feature=share.

    Data users are encouraged to register for the conference through open registration, with confirmations being sent via email to be selected participants.

    For registration, please follow the link:

    https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvgKyZBZNyzD2CtZS59n26bU0Z3XU-r9t-sMNiCvJ70KpWSw/viewform?usp=sf_link

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    MG/SB/DP

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry Achieves Target of Planting 80 Crore Saplings Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry Achieves Target of Planting 80 Crore Saplings Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign

    80 Crore Saplings Target Achieved 5 Days Ahead of Deadline

    The target was to plant 80 crore saplings by September 2024

    Prime Minister had launched ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign on World Environment Day, 2024

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 4:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has achieved an important target under tree plantation campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign.  The target was plantation of 80 crore seedlings by September, 2024. The target has been achieved today. This has been made possible through collective efforts of Government Agencies, village level institutions, the local people and other stake holders.

    Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam is a special country wide Tree Plantation Campaign launched on World Environment Day, 5th June 2024.  Under the campaign, people are encouraged to plant a tree as mark of love, respect and honour for their mother and also to take a pledge for protecting trees and mother earth. The campaign aims for halting land degradation and eco-restoration of degraded land parcels.

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