NewzIntel.com

Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: New Report Shows 4.2 Million Entrepreneurs Get Health Insurance Through the ACA  Marketplaces

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Congressional Republican efforts to repeal the ACA would have a devastating impact on small businesses across the country
    President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that health care is a right, not a privilege, and their administration has driven the uninsured rate to the lowest point in history. New data released today by the Treasury Department illustrates just how critical those steps have been to America’s small businesses – and how devastating it would be if Congressional Republicans succeed in their efforts to repeal the ACA, roll back protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and increase American’s health care costs by failing to extend the ACA premium tax credits that President Biden and Vice President Harris passed, that are lowering health care costs by hundreds of dollars per year for millions of Americans. The fact is that millions of small business owners would lose health insurance if the ACA is repealed. Statement from the President: “Every time someone starts a new small business, it’s an act of hope and confidence in our economy. Thanks to my and Vice President Harris’s work to protect and build on the Affordable Care Act, more Americans have the freedom to start small businesses and chase their dreams – without having to worry about how they receive health insurance for their family. As a result, more Americans – and more small business owners – have signed up for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace than ever before. That’s 618,590 small business owners in Florida, 450,010 in California, 423,790 in Texas, and 168,070 in Georgia who have benefited from this quality, affordable health coverage. Congressional Republicans have a different vision and have voted more than 50 times to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Their agenda would strip millions of small business owners of their health coverage, gut protections for pre-existing conditions, and threaten the small business boom seen under my Administration. Vice President Harris and I won’t let it happen on our watch.” Statement for the Vice President: “Small business owners and entrepreneurs are the engine of America’s economy. We are ensuring small businesses have access to affordable health care so they can focus on starting and growing businesses, not on whether they can afford health coverage. I’m proud that over 4 million small business owners and self-employed workers have coverage through the ACA, up from 3.3 million in 2022. I will always support small businesses and invest in entrepreneurs by strengthening and expanding the ACA, and by rejecting Republican efforts to repeal it.” The Treasury Department’s report shows that 4.2 million small business owners and self-employed workers have coverage through the ACA Marketplaces, up from 3.3 million in 2022 and 1.4 million in 2014.  In fact, entrepreneurs are about three times as likely as other Americans to have health insurance in the Marketplace, with nearly 1 in 5 getting coverage there. The vast majority of these entrepreneurs – 82% in 2022 – claim the ACA premium tax credit to reduce their cost of coverage by an average of about $700 each year. The ACA was designed to finally provide a reliable source of health insurance for people who don’t get coverage through their jobs – after decades of facing high health care prices or outright coverage denials based on pre-existing conditions – and this report makes clear that system is working to support American entrepreneurship. Ensuring American small business owners can access affordable health insurance is yet another example of the many ways that the Biden-Harris Administration has supported a small business boom.  Since President Biden took office, Americans have filed more than 19 million new business applications, the most on record. This small business boom has been powered by landmark investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and domestic manufacturing made through the Biden-Harris Investing in America agenda, expanding access to capital and enabling all-time high levels of federal contracting with small businesses But Congressional Republicans continue their efforts to strip this progress away.  They have voted more than 50 times to repeal the ACA. They continue advance proposals that would strip coverage away, and undermine protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Millions of America’s small businesses owners and self-employed workers would find their health insurance disrupted if those plans succeed. And their plan to end the expansion of the ACA premium tax credits would raise taxes and heath care costs for millions of small business owners, including middle-class small business owners. Unlike Congressional Republicans, President Biden and Vice President Harris have committed to never raising taxes on households making less than $400,000, and are fighting to extend the premium tax credit enhancements. Number of small businesses owners and self-employed workers with Marketplace coverage in each state in 2022: 
    State
    Entrepreneurs with Marketplace Coverage
    State
    Entrepreneurs with Marketplace Coverage
    AK
    4,820
    MT
    12,500
    AL
    49,020
    NC
    134,260
    AR
    18,490
    ND
    7,550
    AZ
    41,550
    NE
    23,240
    CA
    450,010
    NH
    14,650
    CO
    42,750
    NJ
    72,890
    CT
    28,340
    NM
    8,860
    DC
    4,120
    NV
    24,350
    DE
    6,200
    NY
    59,200
    FL
    618,590
    OH
    51,520
    GA
    168,070
    OK
    39,040
    HI
    8,060
    OR
    34,200
    IA
    18,740
    PA
    88,700
    ID
    13,880
    RI
    6,230
    IL
    76,920
    SC
    59,160
    IN
    32,650
    SD
    9,770
    KS
    23,870
    TN
    66,270
    KY
    16,480
    TX
    423,790
    LA
    26,780
    UT
    36,320
    MA
    50,130
    VA
    66,110
    MD
    38,240
    VT
    7,170
    ME
    15,460
    WA
    53,130
    MI
    65,490
    WI
    45,790
    MN
    25,730
    WV
    5,040
    MO
    56,070
    WY
    7,120
    MS
    27,130
    Other
    1,100
    Total
    3,285,550

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vets Market Investigation: CMA updates on ‘behind the scenes’ progress

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA updates on information gathering and announces the appointment of a new advisory panel made up of 2 veterinary nurses and 4 veterinary surgeons.

    iStock

    In May 2024, the CMA confirmed its decision to launch a market investigation into veterinary services for household pets in the UK and published tips to help pet owners better navigate vet services.

    There are 16 million pet owners in the UK and the unprecedented response – from the public and veterinary professionals – showed the strength of feeling on this issue. With this in mind, the CMA is updating on the work going on behind the scenes to deepen the Inquiry Group’s understanding of the issues. The Group, made up of independent experts and chaired by Martin Coleman, has been carrying out the investigation, supported and advised by CMA staff.

    In July, the CMA published an issues statement which set out the scope of the investigation and the areas being explored – including the information pet owners receive when deciding on treatment options or making purchases, competition between vet practices, the profitability of different types of vet practices, and the regulatory framework which underpins the sector.

    The CMA has used and will continue to use its formal powers to gather information, examine concerns in more depth and be in a position to shape any remedies, if needed, to address them.

    The Inquiry Group has so far conducted:

    • Site visits: Over the summer members of the Inquiry Group and the case team have visited 20 different sites to talk to veterinary professionals to understand their work. These ‘behind the scenes’ visits happened across the UK – in Belfast, Edinburgh, Swansea, and various locations across England – and included visits to ‘first opinion’ local vet practices, veterinary hospitals, referral centres and practices that provide out-of-hours care. The team visited sites owned by larger corporate groups and several independently owned veterinary businesses, where they spoke to a range of veterinary professionals and observed several treatments and procedures first hand – including consultations, surgical procedures, and animal dentistry.
    • Roundtables: The CMA has held roundtable discussions with veterinary professionals at various stages of their careers, and representatives from animal charities. In-person roundtables were held in Edinburgh, Manchester, Swansea, and 4 virtual roundtables, to capture views on a variety of topics including the challenges faced by vets, how the sector has developed over the last 10 years, interactions with pet owners as well as costs and pricing. Roundtables with consumer groups will be held shortly.
    • Teach-ins: Various organisations in the veterinary sector have presented their views to the CMA at ‘teach-in’ sessions and shared how the veterinary market works, their concerns about the investigation and how regulation is working. Participants included the large corporate vet groups, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the British Veterinary Association, and the British Veterinary Nursing Association.

    The CMA has also used its formal information gathering powers to require vets and vet businesses to provide large amounts of information about the way their businesses operate. This information is being analysed and will be an important part of the evidence relied on in the investigation.

    Today, the CMA is also announcing the appointment of its veterinary advisory panel whose purpose is to provide the Inquiry Group with clinical and practical insight and analysis on an ad hoc basis throughout the course of the investigation. It is comprised of two veterinary nurses and four veterinary surgeons.

    The advisory panel’s insight will help ensure the Group is fully informed on day-to-day matters when it comes to make its decisions, including but not limited to:

    • Operation of veterinary practices – including roles and relationships between veterinary professionals, other staff, and other related organisations
    • Interaction with pet owners – including how owners’ decisions might be informed in different treatment/service situations, communicating recommendations and potential costs, and how those in different professional roles within a vet practice may engage with customers
    • Clinical practice – such as possible treatment options for defined conditions or illnesses of household pets
    • Regulation – including the operation and application of regulations and regulatory bodies

    Martin Coleman, Chair of the Inquiry Group said:

    We know our investigation really matters to pet owners who are worried about costs and vet professionals who want to provide good care, which is why we’re updating on how this work is unfolding. I’m pleased with the progress we have made so far; we’re on target to make our provisional decision by the middle of next year.

    This is far more than a paper exercise – hands-on site visits, teach-ins and roundtables are helping us build a true picture of how vet services operate day-to-day and where the challenges lie. Our new advisory panel – made up of practicing vet nurses and surgeons – will also bring immeasurable experience to the process, all of which will help us make well-informed decisions and reach the right conclusions.

    The next steps are set out in the administrative timetable on the vets case page.

    Notes to editors:

    1. For information, brief biographies of each member of the advisory panel have been published online.
    2. The site visits took place across the UK – in Belfast, Edinburgh, Swansea, and several locations in England including Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, East and West London, Greater Manchester, Somerset, and Surrey.
    3. The 6 large corporate vet groups in the UK are IVC, CVS, Medivet, Pets at Home, Linnaeus, and Vet Partners which together account for 60% of the market.  There are also around 350 smaller chains and a much larger number of independently owned practices. Sources: RCVS, IVC, CVS, Pets At Home, Medivet, Linnaeus – correct as of Oct 2023.
    4. Read more about the CMA and its predecessors’ market investigations work here: Market investigations: 75 years of UK experience – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
    5. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.
    6. All enquiries from the public should be directed to the CMA’s General Enquiries team on general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6000.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The city has put 12 non-residential premises in the center of the capital up for auction

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The city has put 12 non-residential premises in buildings located in the central districts of the capital up for auction. Bid campaigns will be completed between September 25 and November 11, depending on the lot selected. This was reported by the press service of the capital Department of Competition Policy.

    “The presented objects are located in basements or ground floors of buildings. Their cost will be determined during auctions that will be held from October 4 to November 20, depending on the lot. All premises have a free functional purpose, so the winners of the auction will be able to open pick-up points, beauty salons, shops and other service institutions in them,” the press service said.

    11 premises are connected to the main utility systems: electricity, sewerage and water supply, one – only to water supply.

    Five non-residential premises are located in buildings located in Presnensky district, two objects per house in Khamovniki and Basmanny district, and one more in buildings in the districts Meshchansky, Arbat and Zamoskvorechye.

    The area of the premises ranges from 11.8 to 402 square meters. Registration on the digital trading platform is required to participate in the auction. “RoselTorg” and enhanced qualified electronic signature.

    The capital regularly puts up for auction properties for commercial use. As before reported Sergei Sobyanin, since 2014, sales of city real estate have increased 13 times. Commercial buildings and premises, parking spaces, plots for the construction of private houses or land for shops, service centers, cafes and restaurants are sold and leased at auctions. Non-stationary retail facilities are also offered.

    Moscow is a city that develops entrepreneurship. The capital puts various properties up for auction, and the showcase of the offered objects is Moscow investment portal. In the section “Property from the city” All necessary information about the lots is published: photographs, documentation, conditions and form of implementation. Here you can also take a 3D tour of the objects. You can participate in city auctions remotely – the entire procedure takes place online.

    Development of electronic services for business corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Digital Economy”. You can find out more about it and other national projects implemented in Moscow Here.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144397073/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tougher sentences on the horizon for criminals

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Sentencing reforms that will ensure criminals face tougher consequences and victims are prioritised have passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. 

    “Despite a 33 per cent increase in violent crime, there has been a concerning trend where the courts have imposed fewer and shorter prison sentences.

    “We must restore confidence in our justice system to denounce and deter criminal activity. 

    The upcoming reforms will strengthen the criminal justice system by:

    • Capping the sentence discounts that judges can apply at 40 per cent when considering mitigating factors unless it would result in manifestly unjust sentencing outcomes.
    • Preventing repeat discounts for youth and remorse. Lenient sentences are failing to deter offenders who continue to rely on their youth or expressions of remorse without making serious efforts to reform their behaviour.
    • Responding to serious retail crime by introducing a new aggravating factor to address offences against sole charge workers and those whose home and business are interconnected, as committed to in the National-Act coalition agreement. 
    • Encouraging the use of cumulative sentencing for offences committed while on bail, in custody, or on parole to denounce behaviour that indicates a disregard for the criminal justice system, as committed to in the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement. 
    • Implementing a sliding scale for early guilty pleas with a maximum sentence discount of 25 per cent, reducing to a maximum of 5 per cent for a guilty plea entered during the trial. This will prevent undue discounts for late-stage guilty pleas and avoid unnecessary trials that are costly and stressful for victims.
    • Amending the principles of sentencing to include requirement to take into account any information provided to the court about victims’ interests, as committed to in both coalition agreements.  

    “Two aggravating factors are also included in the bill,” Mr Goldsmith says.

    These respond to: 

    • Adults who exploit children and young people by aiding or abetting them to offend; 
    • Offenders who glorify their criminal activities by livestreaming or posting them online.

    “Communities and hardworking Kiwis should not be made to live and work in fear of these offenders who clearly have a flagrant disregard for the law, corrections officers and the general public.

    “These reforms will help ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029, alongside a 15 per cent reduction in serious repeat youth offending.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Policing will always use Artificial Intelligence responsibly

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Trials of AI programmes have been ongoing to help ease call demand, tackle child exploitation and to identify DA

    That’s the message from policing’s first-ever lead for Artificial Intelligence (AI) as he reaffirms his commitment to transforming the service.  

    Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray took up this role in March this year and wants to focus on three key areas: improving productivity, making policing more effective in cutting crime and tackling the criminal use of AI. 

    He is also keen to highlight the innovative work and ambitious pilots already underway to help meet those key objectives.  

    They include:  

    • AI trials in control rooms to help call handlers manage demand and focus on those most at risk.  
    • The development of redaction tools, transcription and translation services.   
    • Tools which can search through huge amounts of data to find out where potential child exploitation is taking place.    
    • The NPCC is also taking part in the Probable Futures programme, a four-year research project which reviews all AI systems across law enforcement and will create a responsible and ‘operational-ready’ framework for using AI. 

    T/Chief Constable Murray said:

    “There are huge benefits to using AI across the wider criminal justice system, not just in policing, and we should not shy away from it. 

    “Technology is moving at such a fast pace, and it will never be this slow again which means we need to mobilise now and equip our workforce for the future. If we don’t, we risk falling behind the criminals who are embracing and exploiting these tools.  

    “AI offers huge opportunities for policing. It can automate a range of administrative tasks such as closing call logs, redacting huge court bundles and translating documents. It can help our call handlers to prioritise those who need their assistance most and can even help identify patterns and trends in evidence. These gains in productivity mean officers and staff will ultimately have more time to be back out in their community.  

    “There is always more demand for policing than it can supply and AI helps release officer time so they can concentrate on those who need them most. 

    “The public can be assured that AI is not replacing officers. Police will remain at the heart of everything we do because violent disorder, domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation for example, will always need a trained human officer to interact, offer support and make the final decisions and that will never change.” 

    The former West Mercia officer, now a Director in the NCA, added:

    “I want to be very clear with the public that our use of AI will always be responsible, transparent and explainable and this is why we have all signed up to the first-ever AI covenant. 

    “The responsible use of AI is paramount if we are to deliver a service that is trusted by communities. People will see the only motivation here is to improve what we do and to better achieve our mission of making people safer.   

    “We are open to scrutiny and want to build transparency into what we do. For us, innovation is about keeping our communities safe, not for profit, not for the sake of it.  

    “We will are committed to working with key partners, academia and industry leaders to improve but will always be open and transparent about our actions and intentions.”  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2024 final registers of electors/voters for geographical/functional constituencies and Election Committee subsectors released today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The 2024 final registers of electors/voters for geographical constituencies (GCs), functional constituencies (FCs) and Election Committee subsectors (ECSSs) were released today (September 25).

         “A total of 4 210 384 electors are carried in the final register for GCs. The final register for FCs contains 190 016 individual electors and 8 141 corporate electors, comprising a total of 198 157. The final register for ECSSs contains 3 267 individual voters and 5 389 corporate voters, adding up to a total of 8 656,” a spokesman for the Registration and Electoral Office said.

         Statistical information about these final registers of electors/voters has been uploaded to the voter registration website (vr.gov.hk).

         Notices on the inspection of the final registers of electors/voters were gazetted today. According to law, a copy of registers containing entries relating to individuals may only be shown in accordance with the statutory requirements, and made available for inspection by specified persons only. A copy of registers containing entries of corporate electors/voters (i.e. without entries relating to individuals) may be inspected by any member of the public. For details and arrangements regarding the inspection, please refer to www.reo.gov.hk/en/voter/checkvrstatus/registers.html.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO and Bulgaria announce major emergency response exercise

    Source: NATO

    In September 2025, Bulgaria will host NATO’s 20th civil emergency response exercise. These exercises are among the world’s largest and most complex training events in disaster response and the management of complex emergencies.

    Organised by NATO’s Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC), the exercise will bring together Allies and partners, as well as other international organizations. Participants will be confronted with scenarios that include natural and industrial disasters, hybrid threats, and complex emergencies. They will be able to test procedures related to the coordination of different activities and logistical support. Exercises like this help to gauge the ability of personnel from different countries to work effectively alongside each other, promote cooperation between civilian and military actors involved in disasters response, and build up the ability of Allies and partners to tackle complex and interconnected security threats. This is essential to building resilience and to preparing for potential challenges, including those related to climate change.

    The Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC) is NATO’s principal civil emergency response mechanism. It is available to all Allies and partner countries and can support them with both response and preparedness for natural and human-made disasters and other emergencies.

    The exercise was announced today (25 September 2024) at NATO Headquarters by NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Ms. Burcu San, and the Director General for Fire Safety and Civil Protection at the Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria, Mr. Aleksandar Dzhartov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change to approach for mock-ups for VMD assessment

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Changes to when the VMD requires submission of veterinary medicine labelling mock-ups for assessment.

    From 1 October, the VMD has revised requirements for submission of mock-ups.

    The changes outlined below are being adopted with the common objective of reducing administrative burden and introducing efficiencies to application procedures.

    Applicants remain responsible for ensuring the labelling and package leaflet for product in the marketplace comply with the approved QRD and principles set out in VMD’s Product Literature Standard.

    Procedures requiring mock-up assessment

    The VMD will continue to review and approve mock-ups for new product applications, including variation extension applications that result in a stand-alone marketing authorisation (MA), prior to those products being placed on the market.

    The VMD will also review mock-ups for the following variation procedures:

    • G.I.15.z Variation Requiring Assessment (VRA) applied for in the following scenarios:

      • to introduce mock-ups for the first time prior to marketing where not submitted at the end of a new MA procedure
      • to facilitate joint assessment of mock-ups between VMD and HPRA following granting of a new MA
      • to assess significant changes to the design or layout of the mock-ups that are unrelated to the summary of product characteristics (SPC)

    • G.I.18 VRA to align product information to the latest QRD template

    What mock-ups do you need to submit

    Mock-ups for all approved pack sizes need to be submitted for assessment prior to their first marketing.

    Procedures no longer requiring mock-up assessment

    The VMD will not routinely assess new mock-ups or annotate existing mock-ups for other variation categories, however, may request these on a case-by-case basis where we consider that the overall design and readability could be significantly affected.

    If this is the case, the procedure will be closed with a condition, and you will need to submit a separate G.I.15z variation to facilitate review of the mock-ups.

    Mock-ups for ongoing applications

    The VMD will continue to assess mock-ups for applications that are ongoing as of 1 October where these have been requested. If you have received a request to submit mock-ups, please continue to submit these for VMD review.

    Contact

    For any queries relating to this news item, please email postmaster@vmd.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Blue Card will promote highly qualified labour immigration

    Source: Government of Sweden

    EU Blue Card will promote highly qualified labour immigration – Government.se

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    Ministers on this page who have changed areas of responsibility

    Between 18 October 2022 and 10 September 2024 he was Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

    Ministers on this page who have changed areas of responsibility

    Between 18 October 2022 and 10 September 2024 he was Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

    Press release from Ministry of Justice

    Published

    The Government has presented a government bill to the Riksdag with proposals aimed at improving Sweden’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified workers.

    “The rules regarding highly qualified workers must be improved. Sweden must be an attractive country for highly qualified workers, and employers in highly qualified professional sectors must be sure that they can get the workers they need in time. This is an important part of the Government’s efforts to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness,” says Minister for Migration Johan Forssell.

    The proposals are aimed at implementing the new Blue Card Directive, which replaces the 2009 Blue Card Directive. An EU Blue Card is a combined residence and work permit that can be granted to foreign workers who have an employment contract for highly qualified positions in Sweden and who meet other conditions.

    In the bill, the Government proposes the legislative amendments needed to implement the new Blue Card Directive. The proposals aim to improve the ability to attract and retain highly qualified workers and facilitate their mobility within the EU, and include the following:

    • lowering the salary threshold to be granted an EU Blue Card and lowering the required period of employment to 6 months;
    • making more categories of workers eligible for an EU Blue Card;
    • expanding the possibilities of switching from other types of residence permit to an EU Blue Card; and
    • making it possible to switch to another highly qualified position without applying for a new EU Blue Card.

    It is proposed that the legislative amendments enter into force on 1 January 2025.

    Press contact

    Ministers on this page who have changed areas of responsibility

    Between 18 October 2022 and 10 September 2024 he was Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

    Ministers on this page who have changed areas of responsibility

    Between 18 October 2022 and 10 September 2024 he was Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in prepackaged frozen jade perch sample

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in prepackaged frozen jade perch sample
    Veterinary drug chloramphenicol found in prepackaged frozen jade perch sample
    *****************************************************************************

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (September 25) that a sample of prepackaged frozen jade perch was detected with a veterinary drug, chloramphenicol. Members of the public should not consume the affected batch of the product. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it. The CFS is following up on the case.      Product details are as follows:Product name: JADE PERCH FISHBrand: (Not available in English)Net weight: 251 grams to 300gBest-before date: February 25, 2025Distributor: Inspire Foodie Limited     A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from an online shop for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained chloramphenicol at a level of one microgram per kilogram.     “The CFS has informed the vendor concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop sales and remove from shelves the affected batch of the product. According to the CFS’s instructions, the distributor has initiated a recall on the affected batch of the product. Members of the public may call its hotline at 9778 8484 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned,” the spokesman added.     According to the Harmful Substances in Food Regulations (Cap. 132AF), no fish (including shellfish) sold in Hong Kong for human consumption is allowed to contain chloramphenicol. Offenders will be liable to a fine of $50,000 and to imprisonment for six months upon conviction.     The CFS will alert the trade and will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024Issued at HKT 17:44

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: Within the framework of new national projects, the Government will continue to work on modernizing children’s healthcare

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova welcomed the participants of the first All-Russian forum “Children’s Health – Russia’s National Priority”.

    Dear colleagues!

    Today, the first All-Russian forum “Children’s Health – Russia’s National Priority” begins its work in Moscow. And I wholeheartedly welcome the participants, organizers, and guests of this major professional event.

    Tatyana Golikova greeted the participants of the first All-Russian forum “Children’s Health – Russia’s National Priority”

    12 hours ago

    For leading scientists and doctors from different regions of the country, this is an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues, exchange experiences, and outline new paths for joint activities.

    Your forum is taking place in a significant year for the country – the Year of the Family.

    We pay special attention to preserving and improving children’s health. It is important that every child has access to medical care, no matter where they live – in the city or in the countryside. Families and parents of children must be confident that the state will always provide them with help and support, surround them with attention. To this end, within the framework of new national projects, the Government will continue to work on modernizing children’s healthcare, strengthening the medical infrastructure, updating the material and technical base of perinatal centers, children’s clinics and hospitals, as well as creating a healthy environment around children, developing healthy lifestyle skills in them.

    Particular attention will be paid to the introduction of modern technologies for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and medical rehabilitation of children, the creation of new drugs designed for convenient and comfortable administration by the child.

    I am confident that discussions of the medical and scientific community, experts of various profiles will allow us to develop specific measures that will help the modern development of children’s healthcare, maintaining the health of millions of our young citizens.

    I wish all participants fruitful work, constructive communication and success.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52790/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Mismatch between ambitious targets and demand and investment needs for hydrogen – E-001730/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001730/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

    The EU’s plan to invest billions of euro[1] in boosting renewable hydrogen fuel is being questioned by a recent European Court of Auditors report. The report highlights a mismatch between the ambitious targets set by the Commission and the actual demand and investment needs for hydrogen, suggesting that the strategy is politically driven rather than based on robust analysis.

    In light of this, the following questions arise:

    • 1.Reassessment and risk mitigation: According to the report, actual demand for hydrogen is expected to be significantly lower than the Commission’s targets, necessitating a reassessment and adjustment of the hydrogen strategy to reflect realistic market demand projections. Considering the Court’s warning about the EU’s high-risk exposure, what steps are being taken to mitigate these risks and ensure a balanced approach?
    • 2.Taxpayer protection: What measures are in place to protect taxpayers from potential financial losses if significant investments in hydrogen and projects like Northvolt do not yield the expected returns?[2][3]
    • 3.Climate benefit evaluation: How does the Commission evaluate the actual climate benefits of producing green steel and batteries (using imported raw materials) in Sweden compared to other potential green initiatives?[4][5]

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    • [1] ‘For the 2021-2027 period, total EU funding for hydrogen-related projects is currently estimated at EUR 18.8 billion, mostly funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility.’ Special report 11/2024 on the EU’s industrial policy on renewable hydrogen: https://www.eca.europa.eu/ECAPublications/SR-2024-11/SR-2024-11_EN.pdf.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_224.
    • [3] https://www.eib.org/en/projects/all/20220461.
    • [4] https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2024-015-eib-and-nib-to-provide-eur371-million-with-investeu-backing-for-h2-green-steel-s-large-scale-production-of-steel-with-minimal-carbon-footprint.
    • [5] https://www.eib.org/fr/projects/all/20200902.
    Last updated: 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Launch of the national program to combat foot rot

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

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    On October 1, the Consumer Affairs and Veterinary Service (SCAV) will begin inspections on all sheep farms in the canton of Geneva. This is part of the new program to combat foot rot, a disease that causes painful lesions on the hooves of affected animals.

    Designed by the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO), in collaboration with the main associations in the sector, the program aims to reduce the presence of this disease to less than 1% of Swiss farms, compared to around 25% currently. It will last a maximum of 5 years.

    Although this disease does not pose any risk to human health and does not affect the quality of the meat or milk produced by these animals, the fight against this sheep pathology responds to a problem of improving animal welfare. It will also help to minimize the economic impact of this epizootic on the canton’s sheep farms.

    The success of this programme will depend entirely on the good cooperation of sheep farmers with the veterinary services, due to the health treatments they will have to carry out, compliance with the immobilization measures that may be imposed and the rigour of biosecurity practices on their farms.

    More information:

    Fight against foot rot – ge.chFighting foot rot throughout Switzerland – admin.chFoot rot – admin.chOSAV press release – admin.ch

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI: NexQloud to Compete in Blockchain Life 2024 Startup Pitch: Showcasing Decentralized Cloud Computing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NexQloud, a trailblazer in decentralized cloud computing, is set to participate in the Blockchain Life 2024 Startup Pitch competition in Dubai. This prestigious competition, held as part of the Blockchain Life forum, is one of the largest global platforms for blockchain, Web3, and cryptocurrency projects, attracting over 10,000 attendees from 120+ countries. NexQloud will compete on the main stage, presenting its groundbreaking decentralized cloud technology to top-tier venture funds, investors, and industry experts. With over 10,000 attendees expected from more than 120 countries, Blockchain Life is one of the world’s largest forums for blockchain, Web3, and cryptocurrency.

    The Startup Pitch offers NexQloud a prime opportunity to demonstrate its decentralized cloud platform and how it leverages unused computing power from everyday devices to build a secure, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional cloud computing.

    Competing for Investment and Recognition

    The Blockchain Life Startup Pitch competition is designed to spotlight innovative blockchain and cryptocurrency projects with the potential to transform industries. Participants are evaluated based on their relevance, business model, feasibility, and team competency, with winners gaining significant attention from investors and key players in the blockchain space. Past winners have seen remarkable growth, including companies that have secured major investments following their participation.

    “We’re thrilled to take part in the Startup Pitch, where we will showcase how NexQloud’s decentralized cloud platform not only reduces operational costs by up to 30%, but also lowers CO2 emissions by up to 40%. These reductions are based on our internal testing against conventional data center models,” said Mauro Terrinoni, CEO of NexQloud. “This event offers us the chance to present our solution to a highly engaged audience of investors and decision-makers.”

    Positioning for Growth in a Trillion-Dollar Market

    The global cloud computing market is forecasted to surpass $1 trillion by 2027, according to BusinessWire. NexQloud’s decentralized model places the company in a strong position to capitalize on this growth. With its unique use of blockchain and tokenomics, NexQloud aims to attract the attention from both investors and hardware contributors. The company’s NXQ token—with a capped supply of 21 million—mirrors successful early blockchain models like Bitcoin, presenting investors with an attractive long-term value proposition.

    About NexQloud

    NexQloud’s platform harnesses the power of its proprietary layer one blockchain to deliver decentralized cloud services that meet the rising demand for more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly computing solutions. By tapping into idle computing resources from devices across the globe, NexQloud transforms unused capacity into a powerful, distributed cloud network. This decentralized approach not only ensures exceptional efficiency and reliability but also cuts costs and reduces environmental impact. NexQloud’s innovative system creates a scalable cloud infrastructure that is both economically and ecologically sustainable, offering businesses a smarter, greener alternative to traditional cloud providers.

    Contact:
    Name: Mauro Terrinoni, CEO
    Email: mterrinoni@nexqloud.io
    Company Name: NexQloud
    Website: nexqloud.io
    Contact number: +1 669 241 0916

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf032a4e-b9ed-4764-b938-6bb9f4613f5c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Collected abusive signatures. The Federal Chancellery has filed a criminal complaint

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Chancellery

    Federal Chancellery

    Berne, 25.09.2024 – The Federal Chancellery has filed today a criminal complaint raised by the Public Ministry of the Confederation for the purpose of electoral fraud. The plainte is directed towards you. The ways of previous joints in plain text indicate that the signatures that the authorities ont declared are not valid pourraient avoir have been falsified.

    The Federal Chancellery has now filed a criminal complaint against the inconvenience of forgery of signatures in the context of popular initiatives in 2022. She completed these plain ones with two reprises bringing new ways of life. The signals come from the same time in the same canton. The second plain text deposited today by the Federal Chancellery brings the suspects here if they are produced this year in the largest cantons and therefore the authors appear to be different.

    The Federal Chancellery will report the suspect cases here in the object of the second plainte lors du contrôle et du dépouillement des lists de signatures. After 2022, the process of in-depth checks includes previously declared signatures not valid for municipalities. Also note the elements that indicate the forgeries, for example of different writings for several signatures of one person and the same person.

    The plaint contains also these signals of falsification that from cantons or communes, and in a particular case, it is common. Les signalements portent parfois sur une seule signature; the plupart, on those dizaines.

    In total, the plain door on the environment 950 signatures powerfully falsified coming from six cantons, for five popular initiatives. The most frequent reasons here reveal the soupcons and conduisent to invalidate the signatures are, other than the different writings for more signatures of one single person and the same person, incorrect dates of naissance, badly spelled names, incorrect or invented addresses Lists of signatures here satisfy the legal requirements. According to the ongoing procedure, the Federal Chancellery will not provide information on the file.

    For the last few weeks, new abusive practices have been discovered. The Federal Chancellery exploits all the possibilities it provides to protect the integrity of the signature collection process. Outside the criminal court, to know the grounds for suspects, it is necessary to prevent and improve the proceedings.

    The chancelier of the Confédération will convene a permanent round table to ensure that those who propose and ask for signatures are committed to respecting the rules of transparency and behavior required to prevent falsifications. An in-depth monitoring of the collection and control processes of the signatures is to help you find them in place. The Federal Chancellery will also contact the scientific community to examine the technical solutions to prevent abuse and fraud in the collection of signatures.

    Address for envoi de questions

    Urs BrudererChef ai Section Communication058 483 99 69urs.bruderer@bk.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Chancelleryhttps://www.bk.admin.ch/bk/fr/home.html

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU measures in response to the ICJ advisory opinion on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory – E-001713/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001713/2024/rev.1
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE)

    The advisory opinion issued on 19 July 2024 by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) states that the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory is clearly illegal. The opinion further stresses that there are ‘legal consequences’ for UN member states, who are ‘under an obligation not to render aid or assistance in maintaining the situation created by Israel’s illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’.

    In this context:

    • 1.What specific action has the EU taken or does it intend to take within the scope of its powers to ban trade with the settlements, sanction companies operating in them, withdraw eligibility for subsidies and limit participation in EU programmes for, inter alia, companies and universities active in the settlements?
    • 2.What measures to sanction settlers are under consideration?

    Submitted: 13.9.2024

    Last updated: 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Press presentation 25 September 2024

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    Danish economy

    On 25 September 2024 at a press conference, Governor Christian Kettel Thomsen’s main messages were that there is a prospect of moderate progress and stable prices in Denmark, but that there is still a need for monetary and fiscal policy to support low and stable inflation. (Presentation in Danish only).

    See the most recent presentations and speeches

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Does the Commission see it as urgent to adopt an ambitious family policy to tackle the demographic challenge? – E-001728/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001728/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    In her State of the Union address[1], and in the political guidelines for 2024-2029[2], Ursula von der Leyen raised the issue of ‘skills and labour shortages’. One of the remedies she proposes to address these shortages is ‘legal immigration’, an idea already put forward in the Pact on Migration and Asylum[3]. The ‘shortages’ concerned largely stem from the demographic decline we are seeing. It is hitting many European regions very hard[4].

    Yet unless they are torrential in nature, the European Economic and Social Committee emphasised back in 2011 that ‘[m]igration inflows […] would not be sufficient in themselves, since immigrants do not necessarily settle in areas where the birth-rate is low’, and that ‘immigration requires active pursuit of integration policies in order to avoid inter-community problems’[5]. What is more, the unemployment rate among immigrants from outside Europe is significantly higher than it is among those in other categories[6].

    As part of a long-term recovery strategy for Europe’s demography, does the Commission not consider it a priority to adopt, as a matter of urgency, ambitious family policies, as already advocated by the EESC back in 2007?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    • [1] 2023 State of the Union address by President Ursula von der Leyen – European Commission – 13 September 2023.
    • [2] Europe’s Choice – Political Guidelines for the next European Commission 2024-2029 – 18 July 2024.
    • [3] Pact on Migration and Asylum – European Commission – https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_en.
    • [4] Ninth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion – EESC – 30 May 2024.
    • [5] Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee on ‘The role of family policy in relation to demographic change with a view to sharing best practices among Member States’ – OJ 2011/C 218/02.
    • [6] Immigrants and descendants of immigrants – INSEE – 11 April 2023.
    Last updated: 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Are measures that make flying less accessible justified by a hypothetical benefit for the climate? – E-001732/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001732/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    According to the European Commission, fares for flights within the EU were on average 20 to 30 % higher last summer than before the COVID-19 pandemic[1]. This price hike calls into question how accessible flying is as a means of transport, especially in the coming years with the reform of the EU emissions trading system[2], included in the Fit for 55 package[3], and the announced reform of the Energy Taxation Directive[4].

    Airlines for Europe indicates that compliance with these new rules could cost European airlines 13 to 14 times more in 2030 than in 2019[5]. However, according to calculations by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), flights departing from Europe account for 0.3 % of global greenhouse gas emissions, with approximately half being generated by flights within the EU[6]. While taxing this sector would prevent a 0.002 °C increase in temperature in 2100, it would bring about very damaging indirect consequences (job losses and relocation).

    Does the Commission consider that this hypothetical and derisory ‘benefit for the climate’ justifies the adoption of self-punitive social and economic measures?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    • [1] Airline fares in EU 20-30 % higher this summer than in 2019 – The Brussels Times – 10 November 2023.
    • [2] Fit for 55: European Parliament adopts key laws to reach the 2030 climate target – European Parliament press release – 18 April 2024.
    • [3] Fit for 55 package: Council reaches general approaches relating to emissions reductions and their social impacts – Ministry of the Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion – 29 June 2022.
    • [4] Belgium issues ultimatum over energy tax reform – Euronews – 22 April 2024.
    • [5] The European Green Deal and the Fit For 55 Package – AirlinesForEurope – 11 December 2023.
    • [6] IPCC, 6th Assessment Report, Summary for Policymakers, p. 28.
    Last updated: 25 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ignazio Cassis in Central Asia: Speech on the occasion of the Swiss National Day

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Bischkek, Swiss Embassy, 03.07.2024 – Speech by H.E. Federal Councilor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) – check against delivery

    Benvenuto a tutti
    Bienvenue à tous et toutes
    Ich heisse alle recht herzlich willkommen

    Добро пожаловать!

    Кош келиңиздер!
     
    I would like to welcome you all to our celebration of the Swiss National Day – one month in advance, indeed, but this is the only way to catch you all here!

    This is a very special occasion that I am privileged to share with you today:
    This year, we are also celebrating the 30th anniversary of development cooperation between our countries; and the centenary of the Kara Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast, the new beginning of the modern Kyrgyz Republic.

    A few years after that beginning, Swiss travellers started to visit your country:
    Notably the writer and photographer Ella Maillart, who is honoured in the karakul museum, and the alpinist Lorenz Saladin, who climbed Khan Tengri.
    Today, I have had the pleasure to discover a bit of your beautiful country and its many similarities with mine.  

    • We both have stunning nature and impressive mountains.
    • We are both rather small and landlocked countries;
    • We both have larger neighbours.

    Geographic, natural, cultural, ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity has been a key asset and factor for success for Switzerland as it is for the Kyrgyz Republic.

    Our relations are fruitful and strong.
    In 2023, Switzerland was the biggest export partner of the Kyrgyz Republic.
    We have regular high-level meetings, including political consultations, and now, my visit to Bishkek.

    It was about time to come here, to strengthen our relations.

    The team at your Embassy in Switzerland and at the Swiss Embassy in Bishkek invest countless hours in nurturing our bilateral relations.

    Not to forget the personal link of friendship between our countries:

    I would like here to recognise some of my compatriots who live in Kyrgyzstan – thank you for promoting Switzerland by your presence.

    I would also like to acknowledge the role of Kyrgyzstani citizens in Switzerland in strengthening links of friendship.

    Dear Guests
    In international fora, Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland support each other.
    The most obvious example is our collaboration within the World Bank and International Monetary Fund boards.
    Yesterday, I attended the constituency meeting in Dushanbe, with participation of the Kyrgyz Republic.
    It showed me how strong our links are.

    Switzerland will stay committed to its development cooperation with the Kyrgyz Republic. We will continue to work together in the future.
    We should continue supporting the private sector, local governance and the water-energy sector, to the extent allowed by today’s trying circumstances.

    Speaking of circumstances, the stability and prosperity of our two countries strongly depend on the global balance of power.

    As a neutral country, Switzerland is a traditional partner for peace and dialogue.
    To fulfil this responsibility my country hosted the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine two weeks ago.
    We have launched a broadly supported process, where voices from all corners of the globe can discuss their ideas and points of view.
    The path to peace is long and challenging but it is in the interest of everyone – including Switzerland and Kyrgyzstan – to commit to this ambition.
    Both our countries thrive in peace, as will Ukraine and Russia when a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” has been achieved.
     
    Ladies and Gentlemen
    On all anniversaries, it is customary to make wishes – and I have three wishes for your exceptional country:

    • May Kyrgyzstan navigate the difficult international context successfully, grounded in its neutrality.
    • May the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan soon find a good and equitable way to resolve the outstanding border issues.
    •  May the Swiss support in the water, health, economic and local governance sectors help make my first two wishes come true!

    Чоң рахмат!
    I wish you all a wonderful anniversary evening.
    Thank you!

    Address for enquiries

    FDFA Communication
    Federal Palace West Wing
    CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
    Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @SwissMFA

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RAF 60 Second Update25 Sep 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    We’re back with the latest RAF 60 Second Update from the RAF Police Military Working Dog Trials at RAF Honington.

    In this episode:‌

    • Wedgetail, the UK’s newest Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, has completed its maiden UK test flight.
    • Teams battle for ‘Top Dog’ at the RAF Police Military Working Dogs Trials.
    • Her Majesty The Queen visits RAF Leeming in her role as Royal Honorary Air Commodore of the Station to meet personnel and their families.

    Thanks for watching and see you next time!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next stage of Beach improvement works require temporary closure of Beach Boulevard

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    A temporary closure of the Beach Boulevard between Links Road and the Esplanade will take place from 6pm on Sunday 29 September 2024 as part of the City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan.

    This closure is to allow work to begin on the sites for the new beach park and events field by the main contractor, Robertson Construction Group. The area will be fenced off to allow construction to be carried out safely.

    Clearly signposted diversion routes via Links Road and the Esplanade will be in operation. Two-way traffic on the Esplanade past the Queens Links Leisure Park will continue. The temporary closure will remain in place until the beach park and events field works are completed in 2026.

    These works will be the biggest redevelopment of the beach area for 35 years and are part of a £50million programme to create a transformational waterfront destination which will benefit businesses, residents, and visitors.

    The beach park will include an iconic play feature, the Rope Factory, which was developed through workshops with local school children and young people and was inspired by the city’s rope-making heritage.

    The events field will have an amphitheatre and will be able to host festivals, larger concerts, and gatherings.

    Other works being carried out at the beach include new footpaths, viewing areas, and new street furniture on Broadhill, one of Aberdeen’s best known landmarks, and the demolition of the former beach leisure centre.

    Further details on all the City Centre and Beachfront Masterplan projects can be found on the website www.generationaberdeen.co.uk . You can also register for project updates on the website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Population and migration statistics 2023 published25 September 2024 ​​​​Statistics Jersey have today released population and migration statistics including:a provisional estimate of the resident Jersey population at the end of 2023a revision of the estimate of the… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    25 September 2024

    ​​​​

    Statistics Jersey have today released population and migration statistics including:

    • a provisional estimate of the resident Jersey population at the end of 2023

    • a revision of the estimate of the resident Jersey population at the end of 2022

    • new experimental statistics breaking population and migration statistics down by eligibility for Control of Housing and Work Law status (Registered, Licensed, Entitled for Work, Entitled)1

    • new experimental statistics breaking population and migration statistics down by self-declared nationality1

    Summary

    The resident population at the end of 2023 is provisionally estimated to be 103,650, an increase of 350 people from the end of 2022.​

    There were more deaths than births in 2023 for the second year in a row, resulting in a negative natural change of -110. More people inwardly migrated than outwardly migrated during 2023 leading to net migration of +470 people. 

    In the five-year period 2018 to 2023:

    • the number of over 64-year-olds grew by 12%

    • the number of under 16-year-olds fell by 5%

    • the number of working age people (16 to 64 years old) was relatively stable (fell by 1%)

    Although relatively stable in size, this report shows that the working age population would have fallen every year since 2012 by an average of 230 people each ​year without migration.

    ​The report provides detailed experimental statistics by eligibility for Control of Housing and Work Law statuses.1​ Over the five-year period 2018 to 2023:​

    • the number of people with Registered status decreased by 15%

    • the number of people with Licensed status increased by 38%

    • the number of people with Entitled for work status decreased by 4%

    • the number of people with Entitled status increased by 2%

    ​The self-reported nationalities of the resident population are also presented as experimental statistics in the report.1 Over the five-year period from 2018 to 2023:

    • the number of people with a European nationality decreased by 7% from 16,740 to 15,610

    • the number of people with a rest of world nationality (excluding Jersey, British, and European) increased by 150% from 1,720 to 4,300 people

    Statistics Jersey have produced these population and migration statistics using administrative data (data that is already held by government for running public services). See report for detailed data sources and methods, linked below.

    Population and migration statistics 2023​

    ​

    1Experimental statistics are considered to be in the testing phase. The statistics potentially have a wider degree of uncertainty and should be interpreted with care. Publishing experimental statistics gives an opportunity to involve potential users an​d stakeholders in assessing their quality and suitability, while still providing useful information for users. You can read more in the​guidance and interpretation of experimental statistics policy linked below.

    guidance and interpretation of experimental statistics policy

    ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Defence Secretary to visit Kenya to further deepen bilateral defence ties

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 2:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane will undertake a visit to Kenya from September 26 to 27, 2024 in a significant effort to further deepen defence cooperation. During his visit, the Defence Secretary will hold discussions with the Principal Secretary for Defence of Kenya.

    A highlight of the visit would be the foundation stone laying ceremony for a new CT Scan Complex aimed at bolstering the healthcare infrastructure for military personnel in Kenya. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to supporting Kenya in advancing its defence readiness and medical services.

    ***

    SR/Savvy

    (Release ID: 2058560) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Come to the anniversary final of the KVN League of the State University of Management for the mood

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On September 27, 2024 at 17:00 in the Assembly Hall of the State University of Management, the grand finale of the season of the GUU KVN League will take place.

    The strongest and most talented teams that have gone through many challenges and proven that they are worthy of fighting for Olympic gold in the 25th anniversary season of the University League have reached the final.

    The finalists: “Minimum”, GUU; “Fildepersovye”, GUU; “Kontora”, RosNOU; “Charodeyki”, RosNOU; “Nastroika”, MGPPU/Synergy; “Vtoraya seria”, Synergy.

    This game will be a real triumph of humor, intelligence and resourcefulness. Don’t miss your chance to become part of the history of the KVN GUU League.

    Fellow spectators not from the State University of Management must register.

    For those who want to try their hand on stage next season, we recommend joining a special chat.

    Don’t boycott the Games, come to the KVN GUU League final!

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 09/25/2024

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

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

    Come to the anniversary final of the KVN League of the State University of Management for the mood

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Coal Imports See Marginal Increase Amid Surge in Coal-based Power Generation

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 2:01PM by PIB Delhi

    India, endowed with the fifth-largest coal reserves in the world, stands as the second-largest consumer of coal, driven by a rapidly growing economy. However, the current consumption landscape reveals a critical need for imports, particularly for coking coal and high-grade thermal coal, which are not sufficiently available within domestic reserves. This shortfall necessitates imports to support key industries, including steel.

    Coal imports during April-July period of FY 2024-25 experienced a marginal increase of 0.9%, reaching 90.51 million tonnes (MT) compared to 89.68 MT in the previous year. Notably, non-coking coal imports increased by 2% during this timeframe, while coking coal imports declined by 2.6%. In July 2024 alone, coal imports rose by 15.9%, reaching 21.81 MT compared to 18.82 MT in July 2023.

    Despite a notable growth of 10.18% in coal-based power generation from April 2024 to July 2024 compared to the same period last year, imports for blending purposes decreased by 8.2% during the same period. This decline underscores India’s steadfast commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in coal production and reducing reliance on imports. Increase in coal import for power sector is attributed to the substantial quantity of coal import by imported coal-based power plants (designed to utilize imported coal only) i.e. 17.69 MT during this period, up from 10.12 MT in the corresponding timeframe last year. Additionally, coal imports by the non-regulated sector saw a significant decline of 11%, falling from 50.53 MT to 44.97 MT during the same time frame.

    Moreover, coal production during the April-July 2024 period demonstrated a commendable increase, reaching 321.40 MT compared to 293.35 MT in the same period of FY 2023-24, marking a growth of 9.56%. This upward trend reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline coal usage and enhance domestic production capabilities.

    The Ministry of Coal continues to implement strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering coal production and improving availability. These efforts are not only focused on safeguarding foreign reserves but also on enhancing the nation’s energy security. The proactive measures taken by the government to increase domestic coal output will ultimately reduce dependence on imports and contribute to the overall sustainability of India’s energy landscape. In conclusion, while the dynamics of coal imports present certain challenges, the Indian government’s strategic focus on increasing coal production and curbing coal import reflects a positive outlook for the country’s energy future. The commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in coal production is vital for maintaining economic growth and ensuring energy security in the coming years.

    *****

    ST

    (Release ID: 2058551) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to visit Maharashtra on 26 September

    Source: Government of India

    PM to visit Maharashtra on 26 September

    PM to lay foundation stone and dedicate to nation various projects worth over Rs. 22,600 crore

    PM to dedicate to nation three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers

    PM to launch and dedicate to nation various initiatives of petroleum and natural gas sector worth Rs. 10,400 crore

    PM to inaugurate Solapur Airport

    PM to dedicate to nation Bidkin Industrial Area

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 2:28PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Pune, Maharashtra on 26th September. At around 6 PM, from District Court Metro Station, he will flag off the Metro train scheduled to run from District court to Swargate, Pune. Thereafter at around 6:30 PM, he will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone and dedicate to the nation various projects worth over Rs. 22,600 crore.

    The inauguration of Pune Metro section of District Court to Swargate will mark the completion of Pune Metro Rail Project (Phase-1). The cost of the underground section between District Court to Swargate is around Rs 1,810 crore.

    Further, Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Swargate-Katraj Extension of Pune Metro Phase-1 to be developed at the cost of around Rs 2,950 crore. This southern extension of around 5.46 km is completely underground with three stations namely Market Yard, Padmavati and Katraj.

    Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for the Memorial for Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule’s First Girls’ School at Bhidewada.

    In line with his commitment to make India self-reliant in the field of Supercomputing technology, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers worth around Rs. 130 crore, developed indigenously under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). These supercomputers have been deployed in Pune, Delhi and Kolkata to facilitate pioneering scientific research. Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune will leverage the supercomputer to explore Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena. Inter University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi will enhance research in fields like material science and atomic physics. S.N. Bose Centre in Kolkata will drive advanced research in areas such as physics, cosmology, and earth sciences.

    Prime Minister will also inaugurate a High-Performance Computing (HPC) system tailored for weather and climate research. This project represents an investment of Rs. 850 crore, marking a significant leap in India’s computational capabilities for meteorological applications.  Located at two key sites, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune and the National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) in Noida, this HPC system has extraordinary computing power. The new HPC systems are named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika,’ reflecting their connection to the Sun. These high-resolution models will significantly enhance the accuracy and lead time of predictions related to tropical cyclones, heavy precipitation, thunderstorms, hailstorms, heat waves, droughts, and other critical weather phenomena.

    Prime Minister will launch and dedicate to the nation various initiatives of petroleum and natural gas sector worth Rs. 10,400 crore. These initiatives will focus on energy, infrastructure, safety and convenience of truck and cab drivers, cleaner mobility and a sustainable future.

    To enable ease of driving, Prime Minister will launch the Way Side Amenities for truck drivers at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra; Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab; Songadh, Gujarat; Belagavi and Bangalore Rural, Karnataka. With the objective of developing modern facilities for the comfortable journey break at one place designed to cater to the needs of truckers and cab drivers during their long journeys, way side amenities such as affordable boarding and lodging facilities, clean toilets, safe parking space, cooking area, WiFi, Gym, etc. are being developed at a cost of around Rs. 2,170 crore at 1,000 retail outlets.

    To develop multiple energy choices like petrol, diesel, CNG, EV, CBG, Ethanol blended petrol (EBP), etc. at one retail outlet, Prime Minister will launch Energy Stations. Nearly 4,000 energy stations would be developed over Golden Quadrilateral, East-West and North-South Corridors and other major highways over next  5 years at a cost of around Rs. 6000 crore. Energy stations will help in providing seamless mobility through provision of alternate fuels under one roof to the energy seeking customers.

    To facilitate smooth transition to Green Energy, De-carbonization and Net Zero Emission and reducing the range anxiety of Electric Vehicle drivers, Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation 500 EV charging facilities. Further, 10,000 EV Charging stations (EVCS) are being targeted to be developed by FY 2025 at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,500 crore.

    Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation 20 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) stations across the country including 3 in Maharashtra. To promote the adoption of clean fuel such as LNG for long distance transportation, 50 LNG Fuel Stations will be developed in various states of the country by Oil and Gas companies at a cost of around Rs. 500 crore.

    Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation 1500 E20 (20% ethanol blended) petrol retail outlets worth around Rs 225 crore.

    Prime Minister will inaugurate the Solapur Airport which would significantly improve connectivity, making Solapur more accessible to tourists, business travellers and investors. The existing terminal Building of Solapur has been revamped to serve around 4.1 lakh passengers annually.

    Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation Bidkin Industrial Area, a transformative project covering an expansive 7,855 acres under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program of Govt. of India, situated 20 kms south of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra. The project developed under Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor holds immense potential as a vibrant economic hub in the Marathwada region. Central Government has approved this project with an overall project cost of over Rs. 6,400 crore for development in 3 phases.

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    MJPS/ST/SKS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare releases Final Estimates of major agricultural crops for 2023-24

    Source: Government of India

    Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare releases Final Estimates of major agricultural crops for 2023-24

    Record Foodgrains production of 3322.98 LMT

    Record Rice production of 1378.25 LMT

    Record Wheat production of 1132.92 LMT

    Record production of Rapeseed & Mustard 132.59 LMT

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 1:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has released Final Estimates of production of Major Agricultural Crops for the year 2023-24. These estimates have been primarily prepared on the basis of information received from States/ UTs. The crop area has been validated and triangulated with information received from Remote Sensing, Weekly Crop Weather Watch Group and other agencies. Crop yields estimates are majorly based on Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) conducted nationwide. The process of recording CCEs has been re-engineered with the introduction of the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), which was rolled out in major States during the 2023-24 agricultural years. The new system has ensured the transparency and robustness of the yield estimates.

    The total Foodgrain production in the country during 2023-24 is estimated at record 3322.98 LMT which is higher by 26.11 LMT than the production of food grains of 3296.87 LMT achieved during 2022-23. Food grain production witnessed record increase due to good production of Rice, Wheat and Shree Anna.

    Total Rice production during 2023-24 is estimated at record 1378.25 LMT. It is higher by 20.70 LMT than previous year’s Rice production of 1357.55 LMT. The Wheat production during 2023-24 is estimated at record 1132.92 LMT. It is higher by 27.38 LMT than previous year’s wheat production of 1105.54 LMT and production of Shree Anna is estimated at 175.72 LMT as compared to 173.21 LMT during previous year.

    During 2023-24, there were drought-like conditions in southern states, including Maharashtra & prolonged dry spell during August especially in Rajasthan. The moisture stress from the drought also affected the Rabi season. This mainly impacted production of pulses, coarse cereals, soybean & cotton.

    The details of production of various crops are given as under:

    Total Foodgrains– 3322.98 LMT (record)

    • Rice -1378.25 LMT (record)
    • Wheat – 1132.92 LMT (record)
    • Nutri / Coarse Cereals – 569.36 LMT
    • Maize – 376.65 LMT
    • Total Pulses – 242.46 LMT
    • Shree Anna– 175.72 LMT
    • Tur – 34.17 LMT
    • Gram – 110.39 LMT

    Total Oilseeds– 396.69 LMT

    • Groundnut – 101.80 LMT
    • Soybean – 130.62 LMT
    • Rapeseed & Mustard – 132.59 LMT (record)

    Sugarcane – 4531.58 LMT

    Cotton – 325.22 Lakh Bales (170 Kgs. each)

    Jute & Mesta – 96.92 Lakh Bales (180 Kgs. each)

    The details of Final Estimate for 2023-24 along with previous estimates are available on upag.gov.in.

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    SS

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Textiles introduces Quality Control Order for Medical Textiles to enhance Public Health and Safety

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 1:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Textiles in a landmark initiative to strengthen public health and safety, has notified the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023. The Quality Control Order (QCO) is set to take effect on October 1, 2024. This regulation establishes stringent quality standards for critical medical textile products, including sanitary napkins, baby diapers, reusable sanitary pads, and dental bibs.

    The introduction of mandatory certifications under this QCO is aimed at ensuring that these products consistently meet essential quality benchmarks. Compliance with these standards will be legally required, with non-compliance potentially leading to fines and other penalties. Recognizing the challenges faced by small-scale enterprises, particularly Self-Help Groups (SHGs), the government has exempted them from the requirements of this QCO.

    Disposable Sanitary napkins and baby diapers are essential consumer products that play a vital role in safeguarding human health and the environment while disposing of them. Consequently, it is crucial that all mandatory testing related to public safety and satisfaction is incorporated into their manufacturing and import processes. The notified specifications (IS 5404:2019 for sanitary napkins and IS 17509:2021 for disposable baby diapers) cover critical performance criteria such as pH levels, hygiene testing, bacterial and fungal bioburden, biocompatibility evaluations, and biodegradability. Notably, there is a strong emphasis on testing for phthalate levels in baby diapers, as these chemicals can pose risks to both the users and the environment.

    The implementation of the QCO is part of the government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality and safety of essential consumer products. Following the enforcement date of the regulations, all products falling under this QCO will require a  Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) license for manufacturing, importing, distributing, selling, hiring, leasing, storing, or displaying products for sale. This crucial measure is designed to ensure that widely used products adhere to the highest safety standards, safeguarding both children and adults.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Space and Technology launched Women in Space Leadership Programme in Collaboration with British Council

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 SEP 2024 1:29PM by PIB Delhi

    A Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) was launched by Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the British Council as part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) on September 24, 2024.

    The initiative focuses on supporting institutions in strengthening gender-inclusive practices to foster women’s leadership in space sciences by developing a strategic leadership framework. Coventry University is the delivery partner in this initiative.

    “This programme is a significant step towards creating a gender-inclusive environment in space sciences. By building a robust leadership framework, we can empower women to contribute meaningfully to scientific research and innovation,” said Dr. Vandana Singh, Head of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)-KIRAN division at DST.

    Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director of the British Council India, emphasized the importance of collaboration in solving global challenges and called for increased representation of women in STEM fields.

    Dr. Elena Gaura from Coventry University, UK, emphasized the importance of looking for women who can transform the culture rather than simply reproduce it. The programme aims to build the leadership capacity of 250 early career researchers, equipping them with the tools to navigate gender biases and build a sustainable support network. 

    Prof. Annapurni Subramaniyam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), encouraged women to engage early in the growing field of space science, which is expanding into diverse areas such as engineering and social sciences.

    Participants in the workshop, including academics and policymakers, discussed the national and global contexts for promoting gender equity in space sciences.

    The programme would involve building sustainable mentoring networks and enhancing scientific innovation by integrating a gender perspective into critical areas such as astrophysics and telecommunications.

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