NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Smouldering rubbish spotted by quick-thinking crew

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Smouldering rubbish spotted by quick-thinking crew

    A quick-thinking waste collection crew that spotted rubbish smouldering in the back of their refuse collection vehicle have been praised. 

    The team from the council’s contractor Canenco grabbed a fire extinguisher and took action before a serious fire could take hold while emptying bins in Glenside, Whitstable on Tuesday (24 September). 

    The incident was caused by some lithium-ion batteries left in a cardboard box which were taken back to the depot by a supervisor. 

    The near miss comes almost a year to day when a car battery caused a serious fire in a refuse collection vehicle in Valley Road, Canterbury (below).

    Firefighters were called to put out the blaze and had to cut the roof off. 

    And in February last year, we reported fires in three refuse lorries over a period of weeks (below).

    Cllr Charlotte Cornell, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Council Services, Culture and Heritage, said: “It’s a massive well done from me to the crew for spotting the danger and dealing with it in such a cool and calm manner.

    “But they shouldn’t have to. Everyone needs to dispose of batteries properly – they cannot go in your normal bin.

    “By being a little bit lazy, some residents are putting the lives of crews at risk, risk diverting firefighters from other emergencies, could be responsible for the release of harmful chemicals and, quite frankly, could disrupt other people’s collections and destroy expensive equipment.”

    Used batteries from household items such as children’s toys, mobile phones, remote controls, laptops and watches cannot be thrown away in domestic waste bins because they can cause fires once damaged and the chemicals inside them are released.

    Being crushed by a refuse lorry compactor is a really good example.

    Batteries used for domestic purposes can be taken to:

    • local household waste recycling centres (aka ‘the tip’)
    • supermarkets
    • electrical shops
    • participating libraries
    • participating schools

    Car batteries should be taken to your local household waste recycling centre, also known as the tip.

    Find your nearest battery recycling point at takecharge.org.uk.

    David Maidman, Canenco’s Managing Director, said: “There are some simple things we can all do to limit the damage caused by batteries including removing batteries from products to recycle them separately, using rechargeable batteries and selling or donating working battery-powered electronic items instead of throwing them away.

    “For advice on what items of waste go in which bin or need to be taken to the tip, use our online where to put your waste tool.”

    Published: 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Last chance: why EU cannot afford to be silent ahead of Tunisian election

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Hussein Baoumi is Foreign Policy advocacy officer at Amnesty International’s European Institutions Office.

    This opinion piece was originally published here by EUobserver.

    When I started as a researcher with Amnesty International in 2017, I had just moved to Tunisia, a country that had inspired and given hope to millions of people across the Middle East and North Africa for its transformation after the Arab Spring protests. 

    Tunisia’s story contrasted sharply to Egypt, where I witnessed firsthand how rule of law backsliding under a repressive government devastates almost every aspect of life.

    The authorities have been supported in their campaign of repression by billions of euros in aid and loans from the EU, funds that have been handed over without any insistence that Egypt abide by the EU’s standards on human rights.

    Unless it changes course, the EU is about to make the same mistakes in Tunisia that it made in Egypt.

    In July 2021, Tunisian president Kaies Saied suspended parliament, dismissed the entire government, including the prime minister, and took executive control of the country.

    Since then, he has dismantled most independent institutions, adopted repressive decrees, severely undermined judicial independence and the rule of law, arbitrarily arrested opponents and critics, rewritten the constitution, and restricted media freedom and the work of civil society organisations. 

    Unless it changes course, the EU is about to make the same mistakes in Tunisia that it made in Egypt

    Hussein Baoumi, EU Foreign Policy Advocacy Officer

    He has labelled opponents as traitors and foreign-funded agents and launched a wave of racist violent attacks against black migrants and refugees in the country.

    These campaigns have left hundreds of victims behind bars and left others, as in the case of some refugees, to die at the borders in Libya. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI: CONDITIONS FOR RIKSBANK AUCTIONS GOVERNMENT BONDS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bid procedure, 2024-10-04
    Bonds SWEDISH GOVERNMENT: 1059. SE0007125927. 2026-11-12

    SWEDISH GOVERNMENT: 1053, SE0002829192, 2039-03-30

    Bid date 2024-10-04
    Bid times 09.00-10.00 (CET/CEST) on the Bid date
    Offered volume (corresponding nominal amount) 1059: 2000 million SEK +/-2000 million SEK

    1053: 1000 million SEK +/-1000 million SEK

    Highest permitted bid volume (corresponding nominal amount) 1059: 2000 million SEK per bid

    1053: 1000 million SEK per bid

    Lowest permitted bid volume (corresponding nominal amount) SEK 10 million per bid
    Expected allocation time Not later than 10.15 (CET/CEST) on the Bid date
    Delivery and payment date 2024-10-08
    Settlement amount To be paid to the Riksbank’s account in Euroclear Sweden AB’s securities settlement system SWIFT: VPCSSESSXXX Account: 1 4948 6383 CTM BIC: RIKSSESS ALERT acronym: RIKSBANK

    Stockholm, 2024-09-27

    This is a translation of the special terms and conditions published on www.riksbank.se. In the case of any inconsistency between the English translation and the Swedish language version, the Swedish language version shall prevail. Complete terms and conditions can be retrieved at www.riksbank.se.

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Security: Crackdown to tackle phone theft and robbery in Croydon

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers are tackling robbery and theft as part of their commitment to making Croydon safer by using precision policing to target offenders.

    Local teams have stepped up efforts to protect people who live, work and visit Croydon, responding to community concerns around pick pocketing, robbery and theft.

    With a laser like focus on CCTV footage and a drum beat of operations in robbery hotspots, officers are intensifying efforts to tackle these issues head on and take more criminals off the streets.

    Neighbourhood officers in Croydon have been encouraging victims to report robberies as they happen to allow for a quick time investigation. This early reporting has enabled officers to get to the scene promptly and start collecting crucial evidence. This significantly increases the likelihood of apprehending a suspect.

    Across Croydon and London more widely, officers are being deployed to areas with higher robbery crime rates. This deters criminals and makes officers more visibly available to members of the community. Plain clothed officers also patrol areas to identify any suspicious behaviour and make arrests.

    Chief Inspector James Weston said: “We understand the impact that robbery has on victims – it is invasive and frightening. That’s why our teams are working so hard to deter and catch offenders to reassure our local community.

    “Thanks to the hard work of officers, our partners and community grassroots organisations, we are stepping up our efforts and tackling the issues that matter most to the people of Croydon.”

    Recent prosecutions in Croydon demonstrate officer’s success in bringing offenders to justice.

    Teens prosecuted for spree of Croydon robberies

    Two teenagers aged 16 and 17 – and who cannot be named for legal reasons – pleaded guilty to counts of robbery, attempted robbery and attempted grievous bodily harm.

    This followed an investigation into a spree of robberies across Croydon and Bromley on Monday, 5 August. A coordinated effort was undertaken to identify the teenagers following one report, where a victim was robbed at knifepoint. Officers immediately began to investigate, with officers recovering two discarded kitchen knives and analysing hours’ worth of CCTV.

    Once identified, detectives tracked back through recent robbery reports on the day of the original offence, as well as reports from previous days. This involved analysing phone records to show the pair were present at the locations of the reported robberies. Detectives used this evidence to prove that the pair were responsible for eight other robberies across the south London area.

    Phone snatcher brought to justice

    In a similar fast-time case concerning multiple victims, a man was arrested following a succession of robberies in Croydon and Lambeth

    On Wednesday, 6 March 2024 a woman in Croydon had her iPhone snatched out of her hands by an offender on a push bike. The woman reported the incident to Croydon Police Station.

    Less than an hour later, a report came into police that another victim had had their phone stolen while they waited for a bus.

    The man was arrested following a swift police response, with officers using real-time phone tracking data to locate him. Officers identified him the same day, where he was still in possession of the stolen phones.

    While arresting him, officers also recovered a stolen motorbike.

    Amari Scott, 20 (06.08.2004) of Wrythe Lane, Sutton was sentenced to four years in a Young Offender’s Institution.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder:  Investing in unforgettable experiences on Prince Edward Island

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    Backgrounder: The Government of Canada is investing over $1.7 million in 10 projects to support continued product development in PEI’s tourism industry.

    The Government of Canada is investing over $1.7 million in 10 projects to support continued product development in PEI’s tourism industry.  

    Client Name Project ACOA Support Provincial Support
    Town of North Rustico Undertake boardwalk infrastructure upgrades to support community connection, active transportation, and enhance the tourism experience. $437,033      Non-repayable $450,000      Non-repayable
    Tourism Cavendish Beach Boost tourism product development and create an annual marketing plan for 2023-2024. $100,000 
    Non-repayable 
    $59,000
    Non-repayable
    Tourism Cavendish Beach Boost tourism product development and create an annual marketing plan for 2024-2025. $100,000 
    Non-repayable 
    $63,000
    Grant
    Tourism Cavendish Beach Hire a consultant to conduct the initiation phase of a new and innovative tourism experience in Cavendish. $37,000
    Non-repayable 
    $35,000
    Non-repayable
    Tourism Industry Association of PEI Administer the PEI Events Innovation Fund to support not-for-profit festivals and events for 2024-2025. $650,100
    Non-repayable
     
    Island Walk Implement a strategic plan and strengthen marketing efforts. $30,000
    Non-repayable 
    $50,875
    Non-repayable
    Central Coastal Tourism Partnership Lead marketing, product and professional development initiatives in partnership with tourism operators for 2023-2024. $25,200
    Non-repayable 
    $38,200
    Non-repayable
    Central Coastal Tourism Partnership Lead marketing, product and professional development initiatives in partnership with tourism operators for 2024-2025. $28,500
    Non-repayable 
    $37,500
    Grant
    Central Coastal Tourism Partnership Conduct a Destination Market Readiness program in the Rustico area to seize tourism potential. $33,500
    Non-repayable 
    $243,000
    Grant
    Golf PEI Deliver on marketing and strategic plan objectives for 2023-2024 to position PEI as a world-class destination. $284,000
    Non-repayable 
    $243,000
    Grant
    TOTAL   $1,725,333 $986,575

    Contacts

    Connor Burton
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca  

    David Fleming
    Communications Manager
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    david.fleming@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    April Gallant
    Senior Communications Officer
    Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture for the Province of Prince Edward Island
    aldgallant@gov.pe.ca

    Stephanie Moase
    Chief Administrative Officer
    Town of North Rustico
    smoase@northrustico.com

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 9566, Source code Harmonization and Reuse in Information Technology Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 9566 would require federal agencies to share their custom-developed software code with other federal agencies and the public. Under the bill, the Office of Electronic Government (E-Gov) would assess federal practices for sharing software code and develop procedures for reusing code across the federal government. The bill also would require each agency to develop an implementation policy governing software sharing practices and would require E-Gov and the Government Accountability Office to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of federal software sharing. For purposes of this estimate, CBO assumes the bill will be enacted in 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 3181, the Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    On September 25, 2024, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ordered reported the following two pieces of legislation that would name U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities:
    • H.R. 5799, the James R. Dominguez Memorial Act of 2023; and
    • S. 3181, the Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act, which was subsequently reported by the committee on the same day.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW: Footage of radical Rebecca Cooke reveals she wants to ban assault weapons

    Source: US National Republican Congressional Committee

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –


    September 27, 2024


    New footage of extreme Democrat Rebecca Cooke reveals she supports a ban on assault weapons and AR-15s.

    “Extreme Democrat Rebecca Cooke is running her campaign on lies about her radical record and long history as a paid political consultant for far-left Democrats. Voters see through her facade and will reject her this November because her policies are too out of touch with Western Wisconsin.” — NRCC Spokesman Mike Marinella

    Read more from National Review here or see excerpts below.

    ‘AR-15s Have No Place at a Deer Camp’: Wisconsin Democrat Running as Moderate Calls for Banning Popular Rifle Platform
    National Review
    Brittany Bernstein
    September 27, 2024

    Rebecca Cooke, the Democratic challenger to Representative Derrick Van Orden (R., Wis), has previously said she supports a ban on assault weapons and AR-15s, according to recordings obtained by National Review. 

    Cooke… has not strongly highlighted her stance on gun control during the campaign. Of eleven policy priorities listed on her website, none mention gun-policy reform.

    In the first of two recordings, she was asked during a campaign meet-and-greet on February 13 whether she would support an assault-weapons ban.

    “I do. Yeah,” she replied, according to an audio recording of the event. 

    And on July 16 at the WI-03 Democrat forum, Cooke voiced support for a ban on AR-15s. 

    […]

    The recordings find Cooke taking an even stricter stance on gun reform than is laid out in her biography on the website of the pro-gun control group Giffords, which has endorsed her.

    “In Congress, she’ll work to close the Charleston Loophole, enact red flag laws that allow law enforcement and families to disarm those who pose a risk to themselves or others, and expand background checks to all gun sales. She’ll also be a champion for strong safe storage requirements, because she wants people to be able to responsibly own guns, while still ensuring that they can’t fall into the hands of an innocent child or someone who shouldn’t have access,” the biography reads. 

    Cooke’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment on the extent of her gun-control policy goals.
    Cooke is running as a moderate in the district that has been represented by Van Orden, a conservative Republican, since 2022. The congressman is a self-described “American patriot, retired Navy SEAL and Christian.”

    […]

    Read more here.


    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Canada: MP Sheehan announces funding for the Sault Community Career Centre to support skills training for young people

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Canadian youth are one of the country’s greatest strengths and sources of potential, and the Government of Canada is supporting young people at every stage of their journey toward a prosperous future.

    September 27, 2024    Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario              Employment and Social Development Canada 

    Canadian youth are one of the country’s greatest strengths and sources of potential, and the Government of Canada is supporting young people at every stage of their journey toward a prosperous future. Every young person deserves a good job, but we know that many youth face barriers to employment. Creating opportunities for young people to gain the skills and experience they need for a fair chance at financial success is key to strengthening our economy, building a more inclusive country, and ensuring that no one is left behind.

    Today, on behalf of the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, announced over $1.07 million over four years to the Sault Community Career Centre for their Transition to Independence Program (TIP). Funding is being provided through Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC’s) Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program.

    TIP is a flexible and personalized program that supports Sault Ste. Marie youth. Over the next four years, funding for TIP through the YESS Program will assist 66 youth, aged 15 to 30, who face barriers to employment, such as those who are not in education, employment or training; those facing poverty or homelessness; recent immigrants and refugees; and those experiencing discrimination. By offering a range of activities, skills training and work experiences, TIP will empower participants to overcome socio-economic challenges and transition to the labor force or return to education.

    In total, the YESS Program is expected to fund more than 200 new projects worth approximately $370 million between now and 2028, as part of the Government’s plan to create 90,000 youth job placements per year between 2024 and 2026. These projects will provide flexible employment services and holistic supports tailored to each participant to help young people gain transferable skills with a lasting positive impact on their careers. This approach has already demonstrated success, with over 80% of participants from June 2019 to December 2022 either employed or returning to school following their participation in YESS programming.

    The Government of Canada recognizes the vital role governments can play in making sure young people succeed. That is why, as announced in Budget 2024, the Government is helping to restore fairness for every generation by unlocking access to post-secondary education, investing in the skills of the future, and creating opportunities for younger Canadians to get good jobs.

    Quotes

    “Young people want to succeed—for themselves, for their families, and for their communities. The federal government is making sure that this is possible by helping them access the skills and experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market. The Sault Community Career Centre’s project is a great example of how, with federal support, community organizations can create opportunities for all young people, particularly youth facing barriers and with disabilities, to find a good job and build a fulfilling career.”

    – The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth 

    “I am proud that our government is recognizing the hard work done by the Sault Community Career Centre. Providing enhanced career-development opportunities with wraparound services including mental health, food security and personal resources is a model for encouraging and supporting these future community leaders. Helping young people facing barriers to find employment in our community and develop skills for the workforce are how we ensure that that we remain a prosperous and thriving city.”

    – Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie

    “The Transition to Independence Program is a vital initiative that equips youth in Sault Ste. Marie with the skills and support they need to overcome barriers and achieve long-term success. This generous funding from the Government of Canada allows us to provide a tailored approach to help each participant reach their full potential. By offering employment training, wraparound supports, and personal development resources, we are not only investing in their futures but also in the future of our community.”

    – Adam Pinder, Executive Director, Sault Community Career Centre

    Quick facts

    • ESDC’s YESS Program was designed to give all youth an equal opportunity to find meaningful work. New to this funding cycle is the Youth with Disabilities Stream, which places an emphasis on supporting projects that target youth with disabilities. Over 30% of funded projects are expected to address the unique employment challenges faced by youth with disabilities, surpassing the original target of 20%. 

    • Other priority groups include Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, Black and racialized youth, and youth in official language minority communities.

    • ESDC’s YESS Program is part of the Government of Canada’s broader Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, a horizontal initiative championed by 12 federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations. Together, these 12 partners deliver funding programs to help Canadian youth (aged 15 to 30) develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market.  

    • To help younger Canadians pursue and achieve their dreams, the Government is investing to create more job opportunities and ensure that hard work pays off for the next generation. To create 90,000 youth job placements and employment support opportunities per year, Budget 2024 proposes to provide $351.2 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy in the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. These investments in youth job opportunities include: 

      • $150.7 million across the federal partners under the YESS to provide job placements and employment supports to youth; and
      • $200.5 million for Canada Summer Jobs delivered by ESDC to provide well-paying summer job opportunities, including jobs in sectors facing critical labour shortages, such as housing construction.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For media enquiries, please contact:

    Carolyn Svonkin
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
    Carolyn.svonkin@fegc-wage.gc.ca

    Media Relations Office
    Employment and Social Development Canada
    819-994-5559
    media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
    Follow us on X (Twitter)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in unforgettable experiences on Prince Edward Island

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Businesses and organizations receive federal support to boost tourism activities

    Businesses and organizations receive federal support to boost tourism activities

    September 27, 2024 · North Rustico, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism plays a vital role in Atlantic Canada, driving local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities. Tourism also helps preserve, promote and celebrate the region’s diverse cultural heritage – fostering awareness and understanding of the many peoples who call this place home. The Government of Canada is investing to help six tourism operators in central Prince Edward Island seize opportunities to boost tourism and ensure the industry is well positioned for long-term, sustainable growth. 

    Experience the Island year round

    Today, Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque, announced a total contribution of $1,725,333 for 10 projects to support the advancement of Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    These investments will help the Town of North Rustico, Tourism Cavendish Beach, the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, Island Walk, the Central Coastal Tourism Partnership, and Golf PEI in the planning and development of vibrant tourism experiences, and support the P.E.I. Events Innovation Fund, which helps not-for-profit organizations imagine and deliver cultural festivals and events to expand the Island’s four-season tourism offerings.

    The Province of Prince Edward Island is also contributing $986,575 toward nine of the projects.

    For more information on the projects, please see the attached backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to strengthen Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector and grow the region’s potential as a world-class destination of choice.

    Quotes

    “From breathtaking vistas, to vibrant cultures, and the friendliest people, Prince Edward Island is ready for you to explore all year long. And this magical island sees folks returning again and again to explore more and more. It’s World Tourism Day, so make sure you plan to discover all that this incredible region has to offer.”

    – The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

    “Folks come from around the world to experience the beautiful landscapes, world-class food scene and lively cultural events that Prince Edward Island has to offer. Investing in our province’s tourism operators and associations will help them meet that demand and showcase this incredible destination. “

    –  Heath MacDonald, Member of Parliament for Malpeque

    “The Government of Prince Edward Island firmly believes in our tourism industry and the exciting future that lies ahead. With this funding announcement, it allows Island communities to plan and create exciting new tourism experiences. We look forward to supporting this sector so it continues to be one of our greatest assets. It truly is a place to visit and enjoy any time of the year.

    – The Honourable Cory Deagle, PEI Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture and MLA for Montague-Kilmuir 

    “For the past 26 years, the North Rustico Seawalk Promenade Boardwalk has been a vital part of the community, used daily by residents and visitors of all ages. With a large gazebo, picnic areas, access to the National Park beach, restaurants and shopping at the North Rustico Harbour, the boardwalk provides both wellness and economic benefits. The replacement of the Boardwalk is a step to ensure the safety, accessibility, and enjoyment of our residents and the many tourists who visit North Rustico every year. The Town of North Rustico thanks the Government of Canada for their financial commitment through ACOA to our Boardwalk project.” 

    – Stephanie Moase, CAO, Town of North Rustico 

    Quick facts

    • World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated on September 27th to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value, and the contributions the sector can make toward reaching sustainable development goals. The theme of World Tourism Day 2024 is ‘Tourism and Peace’.   

    • Over 7,500 businesses are part of the tourism sector in Atlantic Canada, working in food and beverage, accommodations, recreation, transportation, and travel services. Together, these companies employ over 111,000 full and part-time workers.

    • Tourism is a major employer for Atlantic Canadians living outside major cities, representing approximately 9.5% of all local jobs in rural communities.

    • The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program, Business Development Program (BDP), and Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

    Related products

    Contacts

    Connor Burton
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca  

    David Fleming
    Communications Manager
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    david.fleming@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    April Gallant
    Senior Communications Officer
    Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture for the Province of Prince Edward Island
    aldgallant@gov.pe.ca

    Stephanie Moase
    Chief Administrative Officer
    Town of North Rustico
    smoase@northrustico.com

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Translation: Fact Sheet: Investing in Unforgettable Experiences on Prince Edward Island

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 2

    Information document

    Backgrounder: The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.7 million in ten projects to support the continued development of Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry products.

    The Government of Canada is investing more than $1.7 million in ten projects to support the continued development of Prince Edward Island’s tourism industry products.

    CUSTOMER NAME PROJECT APECA HELP PROVINCIAL AID
    Municipality of North Rustico Undertake the modernization of the promenade infrastructure to promote connections between communities, active transportation and improve the tourist experience.

    $437,033

    Non-refundable

    $450,000

    Non-refundable

    Tourism Cavendish Beach Stimulate the development of tourism products and create an annual marketing plan for 2023-2024.

    $100,000

    Non-refundable

    $59,000

    Non-refundable

    Tourism Cavendish Beach Stimulate the development of tourism products and create an annual marketing plan for 2024-2025.

    $100,000

    Non-refundable

    $63,000

    Grant

    Tourism Cavendish Beach Engage a consultant to carry out the launch phase of a new and innovative tourism experience in Cavendish.

    $37,000

    Non-refundable

    $35,000

    Non-refundable

    Tourism Industry Association of Administer the PEI Events Innovation Fund to support

    $650,100

    Non-refundable

     
    The Island Path Implement a strategic plan and strengthen marketing efforts.

    $30,000

    Non-refundable

    $50,875

    Non-refundable

    Central Coastal Tourism Partnership Lead marketing, product and professional development initiatives in partnership with tourism business operators for the period 2023-2024.

    $25,200

    Non-refundable

    $38,200

    Non-refundable

    Central Coastal Tourism Partnership Lead marketing, product and professional development initiatives in partnership with tourism operators for the period 2024-2025.

    $28,500

    Non-refundable

    $37,500

    Grant

    Central Coastal Tourism Partnership Conduct a destination market readiness program in the Rustico area to exploit tourism potential.

    $33,500

    Non-refundable

    $10,000

    Grant

    Golf PEI Deliver on the 2023-2024 Strategic and Marketing Plan objectives to position PEI as a world-class destination.

    $284,000

    Non-refundable

    $243,000

    Grant

    TOTAL   $1,725,333 $986,575

    Contact persons

    Connor BurtonPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyConnor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    David FlemingCommunications ManagerAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agencydavid.fleming@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    April GallantSenior Communications OfficerFisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Province of Prince Edward Islandaldgallant@gov.pe.ca

    Stephanie MoaseCity ManagerMunicipality of North Rusticosmoase@northrustico.com

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 5799, the James R. Dominguez Memorial Act of 2023

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    On September 25, 2024, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ordered reported the following two pieces of legislation that would name U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities:
    • H.R. 5799, the James R. Dominguez Memorial Act of 2023; and
    • S. 3181, the Michel O. Maceda Memorial Act, which was subsequently reported by the committee on the same day.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 8936, Rohingya Genocide Accountability and Protection Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 8936 would authorize appropriations for several Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs to assist Rohingya communities in Burma and in surrounding countries. It also would require the department and USAID to report to the Congress on their implementation of the bill and on related matters. In total, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 8936 would cost $1.1 billion over the 2024-2029 period. Such spending would be subject to appropriation of the specified and estimated amounts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Introduces Legislation to Give Land Back to Pueblo

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) introduced the San Felipe Pueblo Land into Trust bill, 37 years after the land was designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern back in 1987.  

    First introduced by then-Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham in the 115th Congress, again by then-Congresswoman Deb Haaland in the 116th Congress, and now co-sponsored by Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (N.M.-03) in the 118th, this bill would direct the Secretary of the Interior to convey the area currently known as the Ball Ranch Area of Critical Environmental Concern in New Mexico, into trust for the benefit of San Felipe Pueblo. 

    “Indigenous peoples have been stewards of the land since time immemorial,” said Rep. Stansbury (NM-01). “But time and time again, they have been forced from their homes and the land that holds sacred meaning to them. For the people of San Felipe Pueblo, the area currently known as Ball Ranch holds a deep cultural and religious significance because of the many irreplaceable cultural resources found there. That’s why I’ve introduced this legislation: because Indigenous people deserve to keep and protect the land they’ve lived on for thousands of years free from pollution and destruction.” 

    “This legislation is the culmination of more than a decade of work, spanning several Congresses, to transfer this land into trust,” said San Felipe Pueblo Governor Anthony Ortiz. “It is a recognition that, working with the BLM, the Pueblo of San Felipe is the best possible steward of this land. This is our aboriginal homeland, surrounded by the Pueblo, and is sacred to all area Pueblos. The Pueblo of San Felipe is very grateful to Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury who is leading this effort here in Washington. She and her staff have gone above and beyond to make this bill a reality and she has demonstrated her strong commitment to Tribal Sovereignty and respect for the federal government to government relationship.” 

    “This bill highlights the importance of everyone working together to make this dream a reality,” said Rep. Leger Fernandez (NM-03). “We must return the land to those for whom it is sacred and who will dedicate themselves to protect it. We will not give up until San Felipe Pueblo gets their land returned.”

    Read the bill here. 

    Watch a video of the press conference here. 

    Other statements of support: 

    “I am proud to support Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury’s bill, which protects our public lands and recognizes the critical need for land to be returned to tribal communities like San Felipe Pueblo,” said Sandoval County Commissioner Joshua Jones. The Pueblo have deep cultural, historical, and spiritual ties to this land, and ensuring they have the resources to preserve their heritage is essential for justice and sustainability. This legislation would allow the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to facilitate land transfers that respect tribal sovereignty while promoting environmental stewardship. By supporting this bill, we can help San Felipe Pueblo reclaim land that is rightfully theirs, ensuring their community can thrive both economically and culturally. I urge the BLM to prioritize these land transfers and recognize the significance of this legislation for tribal nations.”

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Stansbury Fights Back Against Fentanyl

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)

    WASHINGTON D.C. —Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01) introduced the Stop the Opioid Pill Presser and Fentanyl Act (STOPP Fentanyl Act) to commercially disrupt global criminal networks and suppliers of illicit drugs like fentanyl.

    “The devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis is deeply personal for me. Sadly, like millions of Americans, this epidemic has touched my life with the death of a close friend,” said Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “Drug traffickers and suppliers adapt quickly, and so should we. Our focus must remain on criminals who pour fentanyl into our streets through tablets and counterfeit pills. Regulating pill presses stops this process at the start – another step in protecting Americans.”

    Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has identified the need to deny illicit synthetic drug producers’ access to pill presses, die molds, encapsulating machines, and other counterfeit pill manufacturing materials.

    Tablets and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl have become more common, and people who consume them may not know that they include fentanyl or other dangerous substances.

    Congresswoman Stansbury’s legislation targets the production of these fake pills by requiring those who manufacture or distribute pill tableting or encapsulating machines and their critical parts to “serialize” their machinery, keep records of all relevant transactions, and report those transactions to the Attorney General by creating a national registry to track the movement of these pill tableting or encapsulating machines and their critical parts in the stream of commerce.

    Those who violate the serialization, record-keeping, reporting, or registry requirements will be subject to penalties.

    Original co-sponsors include: Assistant Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), Ranking Member Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04), Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01), Rep. Angie Craig (MN-02), Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Rep. Brittany Petterson (Co-07). 

    “Too many in Southern Arizona have been impacted by the scourge of fentanyl. This legislation will help with the regulation of pill presses and make it harder for fentanyl traffickers to push illegal drugs on American streets,” said Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ-01). “I’m proud to support this common-sense safety legislation.”

    “Illicit, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl continue to pose a deadly threat to our communities. I have had countless conversations with law enforcement about the growing threat as well as heard from families who share heartbreaking stories about the toll these counterfeit pills are taking on their loved ones,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “This legislation would put common sense regulations in place to monitor pill press machines, stop them from getting into the hands of bad actors, and combat deadly pills from being put onto our streets. I want to thank Congresswoman Stansbury for introducing this important bill, and I remain committed to working across the aisle to do all we can to keep our communities safe, support the work of law enforcement, and bring traffickers and operators of illegal pill press operations to justice.”

    “I’m proud to cosponsor the Stop Opioid Pill Press Act, a critical step in cracking down on the manufacturing of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl,” said Rep. Wiley Nickel (NC-13). “I’ll continue to raise awareness about this deadly epidemic and will keep up the fight to secure our southern border and stop the flow of these dangerous drugs into our communities.”

    “Regulating pill presses and disrupting the production of counterfeit pills will help stem the flow of dangerous synthetic substances like fentanyl, ultimately preventing overdoses and saving lives,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07). “Addressing this public health crisis has been my top priority in Congress, and this legislation marks an important step towards holding cartels accountable.”

    A copy of the bill text, videos, and photos from the press event can be found here.

    Facts about fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl:  

    • The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) seized more than 80 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2023.  
    • Those seizures are equivalent to more than 390 million lethal doses of fentanyl. 
    • Laboratory testing indicates 7 out of every 10 pills seized by DEA contain a lethal dose of fentanyl. 
    • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found fentanyl seizures more than quadrupled between 2017 and 2023.  
    • Almost half the fentanyl seized in 2023 were in fake pill form. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Blinken Meeting with the Foreign Ministers – 11:00 AM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (C5+1) in New York City, New York.
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    Twitter: https://twitter.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFhJlGYlIT8

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO boosts cooperation amongst Schools for Non-Commissioned Officers

    Source: NATO

    NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) organised the 3rd Annual Conference of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academies and Schools, from 16 to 19 September 2024, in Batumi, Georgia. The event was held in cooperation with the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defence Academies and Security Studies Institutes and the Defence Forces of Georgia, with well over 80 participants from more than 30 countries.

    Participants included high level officials, such as NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Burcu San, the Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, Alexander Vinnikov, and the Deputy Chief of the Georgian General Staff, Major General Zaza Chkhaidze, as well as commandants and senior enlisted leaders, and senior instructors of Schools for Non-Commissioned Officers from both NATO Allies and partners. Representatives from Malawi and Columbia also participated for the first time.

    They discussed a range of issues, including the preparation of NCO specialists and the education of young generations of NCOs, as well as various initiatives run by NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme in the domain of NCOs’ development. They also received an update from representatives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the role performed by their NCOs corps in defending against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Non-commissioned officers are vital to the effectiveness and resilience of modern militaries, as they provide critical role-models for service members and support the development of military education systems.

    This year’s conference in Georgia built on two previous conferences hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Conference of NCO Academies and Schools was established by NATO’s DEEP Team as a platform to enable these institutions to communicate, synchronise curricula, and share best practices.

    MIL Security OSI –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: Leader of 2021 Tennessee Clinic Blockade Sentenced for Federal Conspiracy Against Rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act Convictions

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Chester Gallagher, the leader of a March 5, 2021, blockade of a Mount Juliet, Tennessee, reproductive health clinic was sentenced yesterday to 16 months in prison and three years of supervised release following his convictions for federal conspiracy against rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act offenses.

    “This defendant, like everyone else, has a right to his personal views regarding reproductive healthcare, and the right to speak, write and demonstrate about those views,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “But he does not have the right to impose his views on others by using intimidation and physical obstruction to prevent access to reproductive health care. This defendant is being held accountable for leading both a conspiracy to blockade a reproductive health clinic and the actual blockade, which physically obstructed patient access. The Justice Department will continue to protect patients seeking reproductive health services and the providers delivering those services.”

    “The defendant and his co-conspirators knowingly chose to violate a law that was enacted to protect health care providers and patients in an effort to impose their views about reproductive healthcare on others” said U.S. Attorney Henry Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee. “While we are all entitled to our personal views, yesterday’s sentence is a reminder that we cannot pick and choose which laws we follow and that those who violate the law will be held accountable.”

    “This sentencing should send a clear message that the FBI will always work to bring to justice those who violate the civil rights of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Memphis Field Office. “The FBI will continue to investigate FACE Act violations to protect the rights of those who receive or provide lawful reproductive health care without the threat of violence or intimidation.”

    Gallagher and five co-defendants were previously convicted at trial of all charges. A sixth co-defendant previously pleaded guilty. Evidence presented at trial proved that Gallagher and his co-defendants engaged in a conspiracy to prevent employees at the Mount Juliet reproductive health clinic from providing, and patients from receiving, reproductive health services, a civil right secured by the FACE Act. As part of the conspiracy, Gallagher and others traveled to Tennessee from other states to participate in the clinic blockade, and Gallagher and another co-defendant stalled the Mount Juliet Police Department through phony negotiations. Evidence at trial further proved that the defendant violated the FACE Act by using physical obstruction to interfere with the clinic’s employees and a patient, because the clinic provided, and the patient sought, reproductive health services.

    Gallagher was also convicted of conspiracy against rights and FACE Act offenses in the Eastern District of Michigan on Aug. 20.

    The FBI Memphis Field Office, Nashville Resident Agency, investigated the case. 

    The U.S Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee and Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Financial Advisor Charged with Promoting Illegal Tax Shelter, Stealing Clients’ Funds and Money Laundering

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A federal grand jury in Gulfport, Mississippi, returned an indictment, unsealed yesterday, charging a Florida financial advisor with a years-long scheme to promote and operate an illegal tax shelter, stealing some of his clients’ funds and money laundering.

    According to the indictment, Stephen T. Mellinger III, of Florida, was a securities broker, financial advisor and insurance salesman. Beginning in late 2013, Mellinger allegedly conspired with several others to defraud the IRS by promoting an illegal tax shelter.

    Mellinger allegedly instructed clients participating in the shelter, including clients in Mississippi, to transfer money to a company controlled by Mellinger or his co-conspirators in the amount they wished to claim as a deduction on their tax returns. The conspirators then allegedly returned the money to a bank account that clients controlled less a percentage fee that they charged for their services. Even though tax shelter clients received their money back, Mellinger allegedly directed them to claim the transfer to the company as a deduction on their tax returns, and to label the deduction as a “royalty” payment. Mellinger allegedly earned more than $3 million in fees from the shelter.

    Also, in January 2016, the federal government allegedly seized funds from some of Mellinger’s clients, who were engaged in a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, the U.S. Department of Defense’s health care benefit program. Mellinger conspired with a close relative to take advantage of the seizure to steal some of the money that those clients had transferred through the tax shelter. Mellinger then allegedly laundered the stolen funds, which he knew were proceeds of healthcare fraud. Ultimately, he allegedly used some of the funds he stole from his clients to buy a home in Delray Beach, Florida.

    Mellinger was charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering. If convicted, Mellinger faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiring to defraud the IRS, a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each substantive count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud, a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit money laundering and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each substantive count of money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and Defense Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys William Montague, Richard J. Hagerman and Matthew Hicks of the Tax Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) are prosecuting the case.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces an Organizational Assessment of the Hackensack, New Jersey, Police Department under the COPS Office’s Collaborative Reform Initiative

    Source: US State of Vermont

    The Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) today announced that it will provide an Organizational Assessment of the Hackensack, New Jersey, Police Department through its Collaborative Reform Initiative. This is a voluntary program that is offered at the request of law enforcement agencies that are seeking to ensure fair, impartial, and effective policing for the communities they serve. Over the next year, the Hackensack Police Department will work in partnership with the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative team to focus on:

    • Data-Driven Policing;
    • Employee Wellness, Training, and Professional Development;
    • Community Engagement and Problem-Solving Strategies;
    • Internal and External Communications;
    • Leadership and Organizational Structure; and
    • Accountability and Oversight Systems.

    “The in-depth assessments undertaken as part of the Collaborative Reform Initiative benefit both the Hackensack Police Department and the community,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “By taking an honest look at what might need to be strengthened or reformed, agencies can continue to improve public safety and trust.”

    “By examining an agency’s historical practices, their current practices, and their goals for the future, a solid plan for moving forward can be put in place,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the COPS Office. “It is this kind of strategic thinking and planning that is critical in helping agencies meet the standards that the community has set for them.”

    Regular updates on the Collaborative Reform Initiative team’s work with the Hackensack Police Department will be provided at www.cops.usdoj.gov/active-oa-site-hackensack-nj-police-department as part of the transparency and public accountability of this new Organizational Assessment effort.

    The Collaborative Reform Initiative encompasses three programs offering expert services to state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies: the Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center, Critical Response, and Organizational Assessment programs (complete details of these programs can be found at www.cops.usdoj.gov/collaborativereform). Managed out of the COPS Office, this continuum of services is designed to build trust between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve; improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness; enhance officer safety and wellness; build agencies’ capacity for organizational learning and self-improvement; and promote community policing practices nationwide.

    The Organizational Assessment program provides the most intensive form of technical assistance on the continuum, involving in-depth assessments and long-term assistance to improve the fairness, effectiveness, and efficacy of agency operations that build trust with communities. A continual assessment and implementation process ensures that time and resources are used to focus on identifying areas for improvement, reinforcing agency strengths, and assisting with the implementation of improvements expeditiously. At the same time, the process provides transparency and accountability with routine public reporting and community input. Each engagement will be supported by a multidisciplinary assessment team composed of subject matter experts with diverse experience and perspectives, including in law enforcement, community engagement, research and evaluation, program management, and organizational reform.

    The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania

    Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania | OSCE
    Skip navigation

    Navigation

    Navigation

    Home Newsroom News and press releases Enhancing co-operation between the public sector and financial institutions in countering the financing of terrorism focus of OSCE training course in Albania

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI: Worldcoin Introduces Face Auth: The New Tool to Protect Your Identity with Maximum Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Face Auth provides enhanced security by ensuring that only the verified user can access their World ID (a digital passport of humanity). It is fully encrypted and operates entirely on the user’s device.
    • Developed by Sam Altman and Alex Blania in 2019, Worldcoin’s humanity verification services, World ID, now have more than 6 million verified users and 12 million app downloads globally. In Mexico, they have been available since late 2023 in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

    MEXICO CITY, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Worldcoin announced today the launch of Face Auth, the new security feature for World ID, designed to ensure that only the person who was verified in an orb, a state-of-the-art camera that converts an iris image into code, can use it.

    This marks a significant step towards secure, privacy-focused identity verification for online activities, financial transactions, and more. Worldcoin’s mission is to create a secure way to verify your identity without compromising your privacy in a world where it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish between humans and bots. The project aims to address these challenges by offering a simple and anonymous way to verify that a person is human without revealing their identity.

    Face Auth is the latest addition to Worldcoin’s suite of privacy-enhancing technologies. It is a method that verifies identity by comparing a selfie taken in real-time with an image stored on the phone during the creation of the World ID. This ensures that only the true owner of the World ID can use it, protecting against fraud or unauthorized access, as the comparison is done directly on the user’s device.

    How Does Face Auth Work?

    • Selfie Capture: When using Face Auth, the user will be asked to take a selfie through the World app on their phone.
    • Comparison: The app compares this selfie with the high-resolution image taken during verification in the orb, which is securely and encrypted stored on the user’s phone.
    • Verification: If the two images match, Face Auth verifies the user and allows them to proceed with their transaction or login.

    To see how the new Face Auth feature works, check out the short demo video here.

    For users, Face Auth will be as familiar as any other facial recognition technology in the apps they commonly use on their smartphones, but with one key difference: Face Auth ensures that the person using the World app is the same person who created the World ID in an orb. Unlike other facial recognition tools linked to device hardware, Face Auth is linked to the app. This approach guarantees that only the verified person can access the World ID, reducing the risk of fraud.

    The entire authentication process takes place on the user’s phone, with encryption ensuring privacy. Neither Tools for Humanity nor Worldcoin have access to the data.

    “We want all our users to have the confidence to verify themselves, with the assurance that their identity and personal data are protected,” stated Tools for Humanity Mexico.

    Artificial intelligence makes it harder to distinguish between humans and bots online. Worldcoin’s World ID is an innovative digital passport of humanity that allows people to certify online that they are human and unique without revealing who they are. World ID offers a secure method for providing “proof of humanity” while allowing individuals to maintain control and privacy over their data. Worldcoin does not need to know who you are, only that you are a unique human being.

    You can watch the “Privacy in the Age of AI” explainer video series here.

    About the Worldcoin Protocol
    The Worldcoin protocol is designed to be the world’s largest and most inclusive public financial and identity utility, accessible to everyone. Worldcoin was originally conceived by Sam Altman, Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern. The Worldcoin protocol is designed to equip individuals and organizations worldwide with the tools they need to participate in the digital economy and advance human progress. Learn more about Worldcoin at www.worldcoin.org, on Twitter/X, Discord, YouTube, and Telegram.

    About the Worldcoin Foundation
    The Worldcoin Foundation, administrator of the Worldcoin protocol, aims to create more inclusive, fair, and equitable digital governance institutions and a global economy.

    About Tools for Humanity (TFH)
    Tools for Humanity is a technology company created to ensure a more equitable economic system, and the driving force behind the Worldcoin project. Founded in 2019 by Alex Blania (CEO) and Sam Altman (President), it is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and Erlangen, Germany.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1485e857-73f5-4929-bc7d-e7ebe5e95f70

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3772b57-6746-48dd-8b9b-43810a173aa4

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI: Horizon Bancorp, Inc. Announces Conference Call to Review Third Quarter 2024 Results on October 24

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MICHIGAN CITY, Ind., Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) – Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (“Horizon” or the “Company”) will host a conference call at 7:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, October 24, 2024 to review its third quarter 2024 financial results.

    The Company’s third quarter news release will be published after markets close on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. It will be available at investor.horizonbank.com.

    Participants may access the live conference call on October 24, 2024 at 7:30 a.m. CT (8:30 a.m. ET) by dialing 833-974-2379 from the United States, 866-450-4696 from Canada, or 412-317-5772 from international locations and requesting the “Horizon Bancorp Call.” Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the call.

    A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately one hour after the end of the conference call through November 1, 2024. The telephone replay may be accessed by dialing 877-344-7529 from the United States, 855-669-9658 from Canada, or 412-317-0088 from other international locations and entering the access code 9847279.

    About Horizon Bancorp, Inc.
    Horizon Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: HBNC) is the $7.9 billion-asset commercial bank holding company for Horizon Bank, which serve customers across diverse and economically attractive Midwestern markets through convenient digital and virtual tools, as well as its Indiana and Michigan branches. Horizon’s retail offerings include prime residential and other secured consumer lending to in-market customers, as well as a range of personal banking and wealth management solutions. Horizon also provides a comprehensive array of in-market business banking and treasury management services, as well as equipment financing solutions for customers regionally and nationally, with commercial lending representing over half of total loans. More information on Horizon, headquartered in Northwest Indiana’s Michigan City, is available at horizonbank.com and investor.horizonbank.com.

    Contact:
    Mark E. Secor, Chief Administration Officer
    Phone: (219) 873-2611

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI: Results for the Period Ended 30 June 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Octopus Future Generations VCT plc

    Results for the Period Ended 30 June 2024

    Octopus Future Generations VCT plc (‘Future Generations VCT’ or the ‘Company’) is backing businesses that aim to address society’s biggest challenges, providing an opportunity for investors to share in the growth of ambitious, purpose‑driven companies.

    The Company is managed by Octopus AIF Management Limited (the ‘Manager’), who has delegated investment management to Octopus Investments Limited (‘Octopus’ or ‘Portfolio Manager’) via its investment team Octopus Ventures.

    The Company today announces the unaudited financial report for the twelve months ended 30 June 2024.

    Chair’s statement

    Highlights

    • £46.1m in total net assets
    • 86.8p Net Asset Value (NAV) per share
    • 36 portfolio companies 

    I am pleased to present the unaudited financial report and accounts for the Company for the twelve months to 30 June 2024.

    I would like to welcome all new shareholders to the Company. Future Generations VCT invests in exciting early-stage companies which aspire to address current environmental and societal issues.

    The NAV per share at 30 June 2024 was 86.8p, which represents a net decrease of 6.9p per share from 31 December 2023, the latest released NAV. In the twelve months to 30 June 2024, we utilised £8.3 million of our cash resources, including £7.2 million which was invested into 13 new portfolio companies. The cash balance of £17.5 million as at 30 June 2024 represents 37.8% of net assets at that date. The loss made in the period to 30 June 2024 was £4.0 million. This decline is mainly caused by the downward movements in some portfolio company valuations. It is reflective of some company specific performance challenges and the difficult funding conditions in the early stage space. Given the Company is still a new VCT, many of its portfolio companies are at the beginning of their journey and will likely require further funding to succeed, so it is to be expected to see under performance or even failures before any growth in value of companies which are ultimately successful.

    Fundraise
    On 31 January 2024 we launched a new offer to raise up to £15 million, and to date we have raised £3.2 million. The offer will close for new applications on 27 January 2025, or earlier at the Board’s discretion. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all shareholders for their continued support.

    As investors will be aware, the intention is to invest in businesses which meet one of three key themes, which we believe demonstrate good investment prospects as well as having the potential to transform the world we live in for the better.

    VCT qualification
    I am pleased to report that in April 2024, the Company met the requirement for 80% of the Company’s funds to be invested in VCT qualifying holdings by 1 July 2024 (for funds raised up to 30 June 2022). The remainder will be invested in permitted non-VCT qualifying investments or cash.

    In November 2023, a ten-year extension was announced to the ‘sunset clause’ (a retirement date for the VCT scheme), meaning VCT tax reliefs will be available until 5 April 2035. This extension passed through Parliament in February 2024 and on 3 September the Treasury brought into effect the extension through The Finance Act 2024.

    Principal risks and uncertainties
    The Board continues to review the risk environment in which the Company operates on a regular basis. The principal risks as described on pages 32 to 34 of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2023 remain, however there is increased exposure to investment performance and loss of key people These will be reported on in detail in the annual report to 31 December 2024.

    Change to year end
    In 2023, the Board reviewed and approved a proposal to move the Company’s year-end from 30 June to 31 December. This change is largely being driven by operational efficiency gains by aligning year-end periods with other funds with which the Company co-invests. As a result, shareholders will receive an annual report for 31 December 2024 covering an extended 18-month period. After this, the normal cadence of reporting will resume.

    Board of Directors
    As announced in our half-yearly report to 31 December 2023, Ajay Chowdhury was appointed as an independent Non-Executive Director on 1 March 2024. Ajay is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author, and recently retired from his role as senior partner at the Boston Consulting Group. We look forward to benefitting from his wealth of experience in the early-stage venture ecosystem.

    AGM
    The AGM will take place on 10 December 2024 from 10:00am and will be held at the offices of Octopus Investments Limited, 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. Full details of the business to be conducted at the AGM are given in the Notice of AGM.

    Shareholders’ views are important, and the Board encourages shareholders to vote on the resolutions within the Notice of AGM using the proxy form, or electronically at www.investorcentre.co.uk/eproxy. The Board has carefully considered the business to be approved at the AGM and recommends shareholders to vote in favour of all the resolutions being proposed, as the Board will be doing.

    Outlook
    The decline in the NAV is disappointing, with some of the portfolio companies struggling to scale, secure customer wins and successfully fundraise meaning they are not achieving the milestones set at the time the Company invested. With companies not able to prove their business models, we will unfortunately see companies fail. The Board is mindful that it is not an unusual outcome for a Company at this stage of its investment life cycle, with any failures likely preceding valuation growth which is expected once the portfolio matures. While the Company continues to add to its portfolio, there is also currently a greater concentration of value in fewer companies, so performance will be more sensitive to valuation movements in the underlying holdings than if the portfolio was larger.

    The decline has been amplified by challenging global economic conditions which have characterised the last few years particularly impacting on growth and early-stage businesses. We are hopeful that there are signs of recovery on the horizon, with the Bank of England cutting interest rates for the first time since 2020 and the conclusion of the UK General Election bringing more political certainty and stability. The exit environment is also starting to show signs of recovery, with Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) having their strongest start to the year since the peak of 2021, bringing renewed optimism in the market1. Together, this gives us some confidence that the challenging environment our portfolio companies are operating in will start to improve, and with diversification across the three investment themes, it should mean the Company is well positioned to generate long-term value for shareholders.

    I would like to conclude by thanking both my Board colleagues and the Octopus team on behalf of all shareholders for their hard work. The Board’s long-term view of early-stage venture capital remains positive, and I am looking forward to seeing what the remainder of the year brings for your Company.

    Helen Sinclair
    Chair
    27 September 2024

    1 Pitchbook, European Venture Report Q2 2024 https://pitchbook.com/news/reports/q2-2024-european-venture-report#:~:text=Our%20Q2%202024%20European%20Venture,most%2Dactive%20vertical%20after%20SaaS.

    Portfolio Manager’s review

    Focus on Future Generations VCT’s investments
    Below is a breakdown of the 36 investments held as at 30 June 2024, showing the proportion and value of the portfolio in each investment theme:

    Proportion by number of portfolio companies in each theme
    Revitalising healthcare: 50%
    Empowering people: 31%
    Building a sustainable planet: 19%

    Value of the portfolio in each theme
    Revitalising healthcare: £12.3m
    Empowering people: £10.4m
    Building a sustainable planet: £5.9m

    Overview of investments
    The Company completed 7 new investments in the six months to 30 June 2024 (comprising a total of £5.2 million) and 2 further investments after the reporting date totalling £0.5 million. More information on three of these businesses can be found below:

    A selection of our completed investments

    Empowering people
    Swiipr
    Swiipr has developed a digital payments platform specifically for the airline industry. The platform enables airlines to instantly compensate passengers in cases of disrupted or cancelled flights, using virtual or pre-paid cards. Swiipr aims to streamline payment processing for airlines and improve the reimbursement experience for affected passengers.

    Building a sustainable planet
    Drift
    Drift Energy is designing sailing vessels and the routing algorithms required to capture deep water wind energy and convert it into onboard hydrogen gas. This would then be transported back to shore using a fully integrated desalination, electrolysis and storage system.

    Revitalising healthcare
    Manual
    Manual is looking to become the go-to global platform to increase healthy lifespan and build a series of direct-to-consumer health brands for high importance, non-critical areas of health. To achieve this, it will provide easy to access advice and medical support for diagnosis, custom treatment plans and holistic care to induce long-term behaviour change.

    Top ten investments

    Portfolio company Cost Valuation at
    30 June 2024
    Investment theme
    1. Perk Finance, S.L. (t/a* Cobee) £2.6m £3.7m Empowering people
    2. HelloSelf Limited £2.6m £2.6m Revitalising healthcare
    3. Neat SAS £0.8m £2.2m Building a sustainable planet
    4. Infinitopes Ltd £1.6m £1.6m Revitalising healthcare
    5. TYTN Ltd (t/a TitanML) £0.5m £1.5m Building a sustainable planet
    6. Mr & Mrs Oliver Ltd (t/a Skin + Me) £1.0m £1.4m Revitalising healthcare
    7. Apheris AI GmbH £1.2m £1.2m Empowering people
    8. Remofirst, Inc. £1.2m £1.2m Empowering people
    9. Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies Ltd £0.9m £1.0m Empowering people
    10. Inflow Holdings Inc. £1.0m £1.0m Revitalising healthcare

    * Trading as
      

    Portfolio engagement – D&I and carbon emission measurement
    As part of our strategy, we require portfolio companies to put in place a Diversity and Inclusion policy (D&I) and an Anti-Harassment policy. We also engage with each company to help them understand their greenhouse gas emissions and support them to take action to minimise them. You can see how we are progressing with these goals below, as at the date of this report:

    D&I policy status
    Policy in place: 36
    In progress: 0

    Engaged in monitoring 2023 greenhouse gas emissions
    Signed up: 12
    Introduced: 22
    In progress: 2

    Focus on performance
    The NAV of 86.8p per share at 30 June 2024 represents a decrease of 6.9p per share versus a NAV of 93.7p per share as at 31 December 2023. The decline in valuation over the six-month period has been driven by the downward valuation movements across 13 companies which saw a collective decrease in valuation of £6.5 million. The businesses that contributed most significantly to this were Tympa Health, Pear Bio and Elo Health. In the six months, the Company further invested into Tympa Health as this was the committed second tranche of the original investment case from 2023. During the investment period, Tympa Health over-invested in growth and has now had to make significant cost cuts and changes to senior management whilst running a fundraise process. It has successfully secured an external lead investor, but at a reduced valuation and the Company now sits behind a large preference stack, meaning that other investors get paid back first before the Company would see any returns. Pear Bio has also had to significantly reduced its cash burn but has limited runway and needs to further fundraise, so the valuation has been reduced to reflect this risk. Elo Health has struggled to find a market fit and execute on the investment thesis, so to extend its cash runway it has had to raise an investment round at a reduced valuation. These three valuation movements account for 87.6% of the total decline in the six months.

    Octopus Ventures believes that some of the companies which have seen decreased valuations in the year have the potential to overcome the issues they face and get their growth plans back on track. Octopus Ventures will continue to work with them to help them realise their ambitions. In some cases, if a company is achieving
    its performance milestones, the support offered could include further funding, to ensure a business has the capital it needs to execute on its strategy.

    Conversely, 6 companies saw an increase in valuation in the period, delivering a collective increase in valuation of £2.9 million. These valuation increases reflect businesses which have successfully concluded further funding rounds, grown revenues or met certain important milestones. Notable strong performers in the portfolio include Neat and TitanML, both of which have shown impressive capital efficient growth. These strong performers demonstrate that there are opportunities available for companies to scale.

    At this early stage of the Company’s life cycle, it is to be anticipated that failures will likely precede valuation growth, which takes longer as the portfolio companies have to achieve their agreed milestones and mature.

    The gain on Future Generation’s uninvested cash reserves was £0.9 million in the twelve months to 30 June 2024 (31 December 2023: gain of £0.5 million), driven by returns on money market funds. The Board’s objective for these investments is to generate sufficient returns through the cycle to cover costs, at limited risk to capital.

    Outlook
    We are pleased to report the Company’s first disposal as it was agreed that Cobee (an employee benefits and engagement platform) will be acquired by Pluxee Group as part of its strategic growth plan. The transaction is subject to approval by the Spanish regulatory authorities over the coming months, so we look forward to reporting further after completion has taken place. The transaction is a great result for the Company at such an early point in its investment lifecycle and a good proof point of the investment strategy.

    The decline in NAV over the six-month period is disappointing but attributable to both the stage of the Company and the headwinds the portfolio companies have been facing. We continue to closely monitor the portfolio to ensure support and resources are being directed in the most impactful way, both through Octopus-appointed non-executive directors or monitors on the Boards and our in-house People and Talent team. This team works directly with the portfolio company management teams, offering training and recruitment support to ensure the best talent pool is being explored to help drive success in this more challenging climate.

    We are excited to have the opportunity to continue to scale the Company, support its ambition to make the world a better place for future generations, and hope to deliver attractive returns to shareholders.

    Directors’ responsibilities statement

    The Directors confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

    • the financial statements for the twelve months ended 30 June 2024 have been prepared in accordance with ‘Financial Reporting Standard 104: Interim Financial Reporting’ issued by the Financial Reporting Council;
    • the financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company;
    • the report includes a fair review of the information required by the Financial Conduct Authority Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being:
      • we have disclosed an indication of the important events that have occurred during the twelve months of the period and their impact on the set of financial statements;
      • we have disclosed a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the period; and
      • we have disclosed a description of related party transactions that have taken place in the twelve months of the current financial period, that may have materially affected the financial position or performance of the Company during that period and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

    By order of the Board

    Helen Sinclair
    Chair
    27 September 2024

    Income statement

      Unaudited Unaudited Audited
      Twelve months to 30 June 2024 Six months to 31 December 2023 Year to 30 June 2023
      Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total Revenue Capital Total
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Net loss on valuation of fixed asset
    investments
    — (3,495) (3,495) — (136) (136) — (6) (6)
    Investment management fees (238) (712) (950) (117) (350) (467) (174) (522) (696)
    Investment income 973 — 973 515 — 515 424 — 424
    Other expenses (535) — (535) (246) — (246) (500) — (500)
    Profit/ (loss) before tax 200 (4,207) (4,007) 152 (486) (334) (250) (528) (778)
    Tax — — — — — — — — —
    Profit/ (loss) after tax 200 (4,207) (4,007) 152 (486) (334) (250) (528) (778)
    Earnings per share – basic and diluted 0.4p (8.4)p (8.0)p 0.3p (1.0)p (0.7)p (0.6)p (1.3)p (1.9)p
    • The ‘Total’ column of this statement is the profit and loss account of Future Generations VCT; the supplementary revenue return and capital return columns have been prepared under guidance published by the Association of Investment Companies.
    • All revenue and capital items in the above statement derive from continuing operations.
    • Future Generations VCT has only one class of business and derives its income from investments made in shares and securities and from bank and money market funds. Future Generations VCT has no other comprehensive income for the period.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Balance sheet

      Unaudited Unaudited Audited
      As at 30 June 2024 As at 31 December 2023 As at 30 June 2023
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Fixed asset investments   28,566   26,729   24,895
    Current assets:            
    Applications cash* 153   100   370  
    Debtors 212   240   379  
    Cash at bank 192   107   152  
    Money market funds 17,265   19,998   20,140  
        17,822   20,445   21,041
    Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (256)   (177)   (518)  
    Net current assets   17,566   20,268   20,523
                 
    Net assets   46,132   46,997   45,418
                 
    Share capital   53   50   48
    Share premium   51,177   48,372   46,461
    Capital reserve realised   (1,352)   (990)   (640)
    Capital reserve unrealised   (3,492)   (133)   3
    Revenue reserve   (254)   (302)   (454)
    Total equity shareholders’ funds   46,132   46,997   45,418
    Net asset value per share   86.8p   93.7p   94.3p

    * Cash received from investors but not yet allotted.

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    The statements were approved by the Directors and authorised for issue on 27 September 2024 and are signed on their behalf by:

    Helen Sinclair
    Chair
    Company Number: 13750143

    Statement of changes in equity

      Share capital £’000 Share premium £’000 Capital reserve realised
    £’000
    Capital reserve unrealised
    £’000
    Revenue reserve
    £’000
    Total
    £’000
    As at 1 July 2023 48 46,461 (640) 3 (454) 45,418
    Comprehensive income for the year:            
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure — — (712) — — (712)
    Net loss on fair value of fixed asset investments — — — (3,495) — (3,495)
    Profit after tax — — — — 200 200
    Total comprehensive income for the year — — (712) (3,495) 200 (4,007)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:            
    Shares issued 5 4,814 — — — 4,819
    Share issue costs — (98) — — — (98)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 5 4,716 — — — 4,721
    Balance as at 30 June 2024 53 51,177 (1,352) (3,492) (254) 46,132

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

      Share capital £’000 Share premium £’000 Capital reserve realised
    £’000
    Capital reserve unrealised
    £’000
    Revenue reserve
    £’000
    Total
    £’000
    As at 1 July 2023 48 46,461 (640) 3 (454) 45,418
    Comprehensive income for the year:            
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure — — (350) — — (350)
    Net loss on fair value of fixed asset investments — — — (136) — (136)
    Profit after tax — — — — 152 152
    Total comprehensive income for the year — — (350) (136) 152 (334)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:            
    Shares issued 2 1,971 — — — 1,973
    Share issue costs — (60) — — — (60)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 2 1,911 — — — 1,913
    Balance as at 31 December 2023 50 48,372 (990) (133) (302) 46,997

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

      Share capital £’000 Share premium £’000 Capital reserve realised
    £’000
    Capital reserve unrealised
    £’000
    Revenue reserve
    £’000
    Total
    £’000
    As at 1 July 2022 33 31,572 (118) 9 (204) 31,292
    Comprehensive income for the year:            
    Management fees allocated as capital expenditure — — (522) — — (522)
    Net loss on fair value of fixed asset investments — — — (6) — (6)
    Loss after tax — — — — (250) (250)
    Total comprehensive income for the year — — (522) (6) (250) (778)
    Contributions by and distributions to owners:            
    Shares issued 15 15,164 — — — 15,179
    Share issue costs — (275) — — — (275)
    Total contributions by and distributions to owners 15 14,889 — — — 14,904
    Balance as at 30 June 2023 48 46,461 (640) 3 (454) 45,418

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Cash flow statement

      Unaudited Unaudited Audited
      Twelve months to Six months
    to
    Year
    to
      30 June 31 December 30 June
      2024 2023 2023
      £’000 £’000 £’000
    Cash flows from operating activities      
    Loss before tax (4,007) (334) (778)
    Loss on valuation of fixed asset investments 3,495 136 6
    Decrease/(increase) in debtors 167 138 (103)
    Decrease in creditors (45) (71) (325)
    Outflow from operating activities (390) (131) (1,200)
    Cash flows from investing activities      
    Purchase of fixed asset investments (7,166) (1,970) (23,238)
    Outflow from investing activities (7,166) (1,970) (23,238)
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Application account inflow 4,602 1,685 13,634
    Application account outflow
    Proceed from share issues
    (4,819)
    4,819
    (1,955)
    1,955
    (15,179)
    15,179
    Share issue costs (98) (41) (275)
    Inflow from financing activities 4,504 1,644 13,359
    Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,052) (456) (11,079)
    Opening cash and cash equivalents 20,662 20,662 31,741
    Closing cash and cash equivalents 17,610 20,206 20,662
    Cash and cash equivalents comprise      
    Money Market Funds 17,265 19,998 20,140
    Cash at Bank
    Applications cash
    192
    153
    107
            100
    152
    370
    Closing cash and cash equivalents 17,610 20,205 20,662

    The accompanying notes form an integral part of the financial statements.

    Condensed notes to the financial report

    1. Basis of preparation
    The unaudited results which cover the twelve months to 30 June 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Council’s (FRC) Financial Reporting Standard 104 Interim Financial Reporting (January 2022) and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for Investment Companies re-issued by the Association of Investment Companies in July 2022.

    The Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting. The Directors have not identified any material uncertainties to the Company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis over a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. In reaching this conclusion, the Directors have taken into account the potential impact on the economy including inflation and the recession.

    The principal accounting policies have remained unchanged from those set out in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

    2. Publication of non-statutory accounts
    The unaudited financial report for the twelve months ended 30 June 2024 does not constitute Statutory Accounts within the meaning of s.415 of the Companies Act 2006 and has not been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The comparative figures for the year ended 30 June 2023 have been extracted from the audited financial statements for that year, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The independent auditor’s report on those financial statements, in accordance with Chapter 3, Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, was unqualified. This financial report has not been reviewed by the Company’s auditor.

    3. Earnings per share
    The loss per share is based on 50,107,452 Ordinary shares (30 June 2023: 40,987,288, 31 December 2023: 48,725,532) being the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. There are no potentially dilutive capital instruments in issue and so no diluted returns per share figures are relevant. The basic and diluted earnings per share are therefore identical.

    4. Net asset value per share

      30 June 2024 31 December 2023 30 June 2023
    Net assets (£’000) 46,132 46,997 45,418
    Shares in issue 53,160,670 50,165,822 48,138,337
    Net asset value per share (p) 86.8 93.7 94.3

    5. Allotments
    During the twelve months to 30 June 2024, 5,022,333 shares were issued at a weighted average price of 95.2p (30 June 2023: 15,569,169 shares at a weighted average price of 98.6p, 31 December 2023: 2,027,485 shares at a weighted average price of 97.3p per share).

    6. Transactions with the Manager and Portfolio Manager
    Future Generations VCT is classified as a full-scope Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) under the Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive (the ‘AIFM Directive’). Future Generations VCT has appointed Octopus AIF Management Limited to provide the services of an Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) of a full scope AIF. In accordance with its power to do so under AIFMD, Octopus AIF Management Limited has delegated portfolio management to Octopus Investments Limited, whilst retaining the obligations of a risk manager.

    Future Generations VCT paid Octopus AIF Management Limited £950,000 in the period as a management fee (30 June 2023: £696,000, 31 December 2023: £467,000). The annual management charge (AMC) is based on 2% of Future Generations VCT’s NAV. The AMC is payable quarterly in advance and calculated using the latest published NAV of Future Generations VCT and the number of shares in issue at each quarter end. Once the quarter has ended, an adjustment will be made if the NAV at the end of the current quarter is calculated and which differs from the NAV as at the end of the previous quarter.

    Octopus also provides Non-Investment Services to Future Generations VCT, payable quarterly in advance. The fee is 0.3% of Future Generations VCT’s NAV, calculated at quarterly intervals. The Non-Investment Services Agreement (NISA) fee is calculated using the latest published NAV of Future Generations VCT and the number of shares in issue at each quarter end. As with the AMC, an adjustment will be made once the quarter has ended if the NAV at the end of the current quarter is calculated and which differs from the NAV as at the end of the previous quarter. During the period £143,000 was paid to Octopus for Non-Investment Services (30 June 2023: £122,000, 31 December 2023: £70,000).

    In addition, Octopus is entitled to performance-related incentive fees, subject to Future Generations VCT’s total return at year end exceeding the total return at the previous year end when an incentive fee was paid or 97p if the first incentive fee has not yet been paid (the ‘Excess’), equal to 20% of the Excess. Future Generations VCT’s total return at year end exceeded the total return at the previous year end when an incentive fee was paid or 97p if the first incentive fee has not yet been paid (the ‘Excess’), equal to 20% of the Excess. No performance fee will be paid prior to the financial period ending 30 June 2025, dividends (paid or declared) being equal to or greater than 10p per Ordinary share and the total return exceeding 120p.

    The cap relating to Future Generations VCT’s total expense ratio, that is the regular, recurring costs of Future Generations VCT expressed as a percentage of its NAV, above which Octopus have agreed to pay, is 3.0%, and is calculated in accordance with the AIC Guidelines.

    7. Related party transactions
    Several members of the Octopus investment team hold non-executive directorships as part of their monitoring roles in Future Generations VCT’s portfolio companies, but they have no controlling interests in those companies.

    Emma Davies, a former Non-Executive Director of Future Generations VCT, previously held the role of co-CEO of Octopus Ventures. On 24 March 2023, Emma Davies ceased to be employed by Octopus Capital Limited and therefore she is no longer considered a related party. Emma retired as a Non-Executive Director of Future Generations VCT on 31 March 2024.

    No dividends have been paid to the Directors of Future Generations VCT.

    8. Voting rights and equity management
    The following table shows the percentage voting rights held by Future Generations VCT in each of the top ten investments, on a fully diluted basis.
                                                            

     

    Investments

    30 June 2024
    % voting rights held by
    Future Generations VCT
    Perk Finance, S.L. t/a Cobee 2.8%
    HelloSelf Limited 4.1%
    Neat SAS 3.2%
    Infinitopes Ltd 4.4%
    TYTN Ltd (t/a TitanML) 4.2%
    Mr & Mrs Oliver Ltd (t/a Skin + Me) 0.6%
    Apheris AI GmbH 3.2%
    Remofirst, Inc. 1.4%
    Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies Ltd 5.1%
    Inflow Holdings Inc. 1.9%

    9. Post balance sheet events
    The following events occurred between the balance sheet date and the signing of this financial report:
    ● 2 new investments completed totalling £0.5 million.
      

    10. Financial Report
    The unaudited results which cover the twelve months to 30 June 2024 will shortly be available to view at https://octopusinvestments.com/our-products/venture-capital-trusts/octopus-future-generations-vct/ . 
    A copy of the report will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism

    For further information please contact:

    Rachel Peat  
    Octopus Company Secretarial Services Limited
    Tel: +44 (0)80 0316 2067

    LEI: 213800AL71Z7N2O58N66

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Video: Coast Guard rescues man and dog during Hurricane Helene

    Source: US Coast Guard (video statements)

    A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew rescued a man and dog from a disabled and taking-on-water 36-foot sailing vessel 25 miles off Sanibel Island, Florida, on Sept. 26, 2024. The man and his dog were reportedly in good health and taken to Southwest Florida International Airport to meet with EMS. (U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Clearwater)

    Download the video here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/938165/coast-guard-rescues-man-and-dog-during-hurricane-helene

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B1dnSf6rPk

    MIL OSI Video –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Global: Five classic concept albums that will take you on a sonic road-trip across America

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Scott, Head of Division, School of Business and Creative Industries, University of the West of Scotland

    The concept album is often viewed as an art form that is primarily focused on lyrical storytelling. But in these five key records, musical ambition, performance and production combine to take the listener on a road-trip through America.

    1. Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs by Marty Robbins (1959)

    Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs, by Marty Robbins, has rightly been lauded as one of the most important artworks of the 20th century – indeed it was preserved in the Library of Congress in 2017.

    The thematic album transports the listener into a mythical west. Each song tells its own story, but there is a distinct unity of characterisation. The tearful convict awaiting death in They’re Hanging Me Tonight might well be an alter ego of the desert rider, hallucinating and desperate in Cool Water. Or even the ebullient narrator celebrating his own American dream in A Hundred and Sixty Acres.

    Marty Robbins performing El Paso.

    The album’s arrangements are mostly simple and stripped back, allowing Robbins’ extraordinary vocal performances and expressive backing vocal arrangements to fly. This reaches a stylistic peak in his greatest song, the white-knuckle ride of El Paso, wherein our protagonist willingly throws himself into a living hell.

    2. Smile by Brian Wilson (2004)

    The Beach Boys released 15 studio albums in the 1960s. Their voluminous output represented one of the most supercharged evolutions in contemporary music – fired by the imagination, energy and ambition of Brian Wilson.

    In 1965, in partnership with lyricist Mike Love, Wilson was extolling the virtues of California girls. Just a few months later, he was creating the mature, introspective humanity of Pet Sounds with collaborator Tony Asher. From there Wilson engaged lyricist Van Dyke Parks to help him realise an “American gothic trip”. Smile describes a journey across the country on the “ribbon of concrete”, or along the railroad with the early settlers.

    Heroes and Villains by Brian Wilson, from Smile.

    One key track on Smile, Heroes and Villains, took its narrative cue directly from Marty Robbins’ El Paso. But others – Cabin Essence and Surf’s Up – painted a new old west and still feel revolutionary today. However, the album became most famous for being left unfinished for 34 years, with snippets appearing piecemeal before its completion as a new recording by Brian Wilson in 2004.

    Van Dyke Park’s lyrics remain intriguing and unique. But I’d argue the real conceptual unity of Smile comes from its musical design. This is an album about American music as much as it is about America. It’s a kaleidoscope of Gershwin, Ives, Bernstein and goofy doo-wop, scaffolded by unexpected and rich textural juxtapositions (double bass, banjo and backing vocals going “boing boing” anyone?). And, of course, there’s the peerless vocal performances of The Beach Boys.

    3. The Delta Sweete by Bobbie Gentry (1968)

    Bobbie Gentry’s The Delta Sweete is another concept album that looks at both America (in this case the Mississippi Delta) and American music.

    Gentry first found fame with Ode to Billie Joe, a narrative ballad that became a major hit single. In The Delta Sweete, Gentry blended her own distinctive vignettes of southern life with skilfully curated covers of classics, like Mose Allison’s Parchman Farm.

    In Reunion, Gentry invites listeners into the front parlour of an alternately loving and warring southern family. She illustrates the scene by interweaving dialogue, vocal chants and rhythmic solo cello. Elsewhere we meet the swaggering, comedic Okolona River Bottom Band and experience a southern gothic nightmare in Refractions.

    Bobbie Gentry performs Courtyard.

    The sense of journey is enhanced by a series of orchestral pieces that link each of the 12 tracks. So when we finally alight on the solitude of the closing track, Courtyard, there is a feeling of coming home.

    The ambition of The Delta Sweete was not met with commercial success, but Gentry never quite gave up the conceptual flame. Her follow up – Local Gentry, in 1968 – shared some of the same approach to musical portraiture. And in her final studio album, Patchwork (1971), she returned to a series of vignettes with orchestral links. All make for essential listening.

    4. What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye (1971)

    From a journey across America, to a journey across the Mississippi Delta, we turn now to the streets of 1971 inner-city America, via Marvin Gaye’s masterly record, What’s Going On.

    This album represented a clear shift in Gaye’s artistic voice towards commentary, question and critique, against the will of Motown Records boss Berry Gordy resulting in a standoff during which Gaye threatened never to record for the label again. What’s Going On is perhaps most famous for its engagement with the social and political issues of the day, but the ambition of the music, performance and sound stand up thrillingly, 55 years after its release.

    A new music video for What’s Going On by Marvin Gaye, released in 2019.

    Motown Records house arranger David Van De Pitte set congas and guiros against sweeping orchestral arrangements, glockenspiel, choirs and jazz influences. The juxtaposition of tempo and feel created by transitions between the tracks hold you there as listener, walking around Gaye’s landscape, and seeing it through his eyes.

    The key sound of What’s Going On though – and the element that most solidifies its status as a conceptual album – is the approach taken with the vocals. Different takes of the same song overlap, and different ad libs collide and diverge as choral passages peek out from the background. These are the voices talking to Gaye during his walk through the inner city of What’s Going On.

    5. Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé (2024)

    Cowboy Carter’s conceptual birth sprang from the artist’s performance at the 2016 Country Association Awards, where prejudiced questions were raised (in the room and online) about Beyonce’s legitimacy and place in the context of a country music performance. Her ultimate response was this detailed exploration, celebration and critique that gets under the skin of American music itself. Beyoncé creates a searing and detailed a commentary on, and road-map to, American music.




    Read more:
    The genius of Cowboy Carter is Beyoncé’s accent – a musicologist explains


    Jolene by Beyoncé.

    Big questions around the origin and evolution of genre are asked via the medium of a Jolene cover, use of the banjo, impressionistic music arrangements and flights of performative imagination.

    There are spoken inserts (from Linda Martell, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton) and striking musical juxtapositions. Like other albums on this list, Cowboy Carter’s conceptual veracity springs as much from this kaleidoscopic approach to sound as from the central narrative at its heart.

    In this collage we hear new songs, interpretations of classic songs and quotes from American classics, including one from The Beach Boys’ Smile – Good Vibrations.



    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.


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

    – ref. Five classic concept albums that will take you on a sonic road-trip across America – https://theconversation.com/five-classic-concept-albums-that-will-take-you-on-a-sonic-road-trip-across-america-239011

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Global: Chess: a game rooted in military strategy that has become a tool of international diplomacy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Becky Alexis-Martin, Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

    Hushed silence descends as two opponents engage in a battle of wits, memory and strategy. The atmosphere becomes more tense with each shuffle of a pawn or sweeping arc of the queen. The drama is palpable, but there can be only one winner. This year – at the 45th Chess Olympiad finals in Budapest – it was India, whose players won both men’s and women’s gold medals and four individual golds, signalling a new era of Indian domination.

    Chess has become more than just a game. The recent upholding of the bans on Russian and Belorussian players from international competition by the International Chess Federation (Fide) is an example of the soft power of sanctions as a geopolitical tool against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This ban has been welcomed by the US and Ukraine, among others, although Fide was divided on the issue, with 41 delegates voting to uphold the ban while 21 countries favoured lifting the ban and 27 abstained or were absent.

    Over the centuries, chess – which has its roots in military strategy – has become a symbol of geopolitical competition made peaceful. The game’s first incarnation has been traced back to 6th-century India, as military generals sought a pastime to exercise strategic thinking.

    The original game of chess was named chaturanga, which translates from Sanskrit into “the four military divisions”. The game allowed leaders to simulate conflict by using reasoning and logic to contemplate future battles. The term “checkmate” itself derives from “shah mat”, which loosely translates to “the king has lost” in Persian and Sanskrit.

    Cold war rivalries

    Chess was to become the focus of international, cultural and political competition during the cold war. It captured the world’s political imagination as a symbolic battleground between east and west. The Soviet Union supported promising chess players by establishing chess schools. Soviet grandmasters were unbeatable national heroes, from Mikhail Botvinnik to Tigran Petrosian and Boris Spassky. Their victories were framed as evidence of socialist intellectual superiority.

    But American grandmaster Bobby Fischer disrupted 24 years of Soviet dominance when he beat Spassky at the 1972 World Chess Championships in Rekjavik, Iceland. It would become a critical moment in the cold war.

    For years chess had been seen by both the Soviet Union and the US as a proxy for superpower military competition. Unlike US-Chinese “ping-pong diplomacy” – when goodwill between US and Chinese players in the early 1970s was followed by enhanced diplomatic engagement between the two countries – Fischer’s defeat of Spassky ended more than 20 years of Russian domination of chess.

    The prospect that Fischer might win was seen as so important by the US government that the then secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, personally called Fischer to urge him to go to Rekjavik.

    Years later, Russian former world champion and dissident Garry Kasparov recalled that: “This event was treated by people on both sides of the Atlantic as a crushing moment in the midst of the cold war. Big intellectual victory for the United States, and you know, a hugely painful, almost insulting defeat for the Soviet Union.”

    A game for dissidents

    Chess does not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by and reflects historical rivalries, the rise of new power and contemporary geopolitics. And along the way, their refusal to maintain the national status quo and instead articulate their concerns about their societies has led to several grandmasters from various countries having to go into political exile.

    Garry Kasparov’s pro-democracy advocacy and criticism of the Russian state led him to flee Russia with his family to New York in 2013. He was chairman of the Human Rights Foundation from until 2024, and has since been added to Vladimir Putin’s terrorist blacklist.

    Kasparov is in good company. Six of Iran’s female grandmasters have been forced to leave their country, fleeing their country’s oppressive patriarchal regime after being barred from national competition for playing without a headscarf.

    Sara Khadem fled to Spain with her family after refusing to wear the hijab during a match in Kazakhstan in 2022. Her family have since gained Spanish citizenship. However, women who cannot find citizenship elsewhere pay a steep price as their talents are not nurtured and they cannot play professionally. Mitra Hejazipour waited three and a half years to gain citizenship. In 2023, she consecutively became a French citizen and the French national women’s champion.

    Ukrainian players continue to use chess as a platform for resistance against the Russian invasion. Prominent players who have spoken out include Vasyl Ivanchuk, Anna Muzychuk and her sister Mariya. Anna has consistently used her global social media following to condemn the invasion and advocate for peace in Ukraine.

    Projects in Rwanda, Uganda and Palestine have demonstrated that chess is more than just a game by bringing together disparate communities. So by sanctioning Russia and Belarus, the International Chess Federation has made an important statement.

    Chess can be a form of cultural diplomacy, a symbol of non-violent conflict resolution, and a platform for dialogue and understanding between people and nations. Chess is its own universal language. It requires no common tongue or expensive kit, yet it offers a formidable tool to promote critical thinking, international cooperation and conflict resolution.

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

    – ref. Chess: a game rooted in military strategy that has become a tool of international diplomacy – https://theconversation.com/chess-a-game-rooted-in-military-strategy-that-has-become-a-tool-of-international-diplomacy-239739

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI Global: Will Meta’s Orion smart glasses be the next ‘iPhone moment’? Expert Q&A

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Llŷr ap Cenydd, Lecturer in Computer Science, Bangor University

    Meta supremo Mark Zuckerberg unveiled Orion smart glasses, a new augmented reality (AR) prototype, at the annual Meta Connect developer conference. Ten years in the making, and still not expected on high streets until 2027, these will be a new way to meld the real and digital worlds. They will be controlled by the eyes and also the fingers via a neural interface on the wrist.

    So what does this mean for the future of AR wearables and how we interface with computers? We asked three tech specialists at the University of Bangor, Peter Butcher, Llŷr ap Cenydd and Panagiotis Ritsos.

    Why has Orion been such a technical challenge?

    There are serious technical challenges in packing so much sophisticated technology into something so compact. This includes new holographic display technology, hand and eye tracking, off-device processing, cameras, speakers and microphones – all while ensuring the device remains aesthetically appealing and has decent battery life.

    Meta’s chief tech officer, Andrew Bosworth, recently captured the scale of the challenge by saying: “In consumer electronics, it might be the most advanced thing that we’ve ever produced as a species.”

    The optical design is a huge challenge. Mixed reality headsets such as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro rely on “passthrough” technology, in which external cameras capture real-time video of the user’s surroundings. This is displayed inside the headset, with digital elements overlaid.

    In contrast, Orion’s holographic projection allows users to directly see through transparent lenses, with graphics projected into their view. This has demanded substantial R&D.

    Are there other notable innovations?

    One key factor that determines the immersiveness of mixed reality headsets is their field of view, meaning the angular range that the viewer can see through the headset. The state of the art is the 70° field of view of the Magic Leap 2, bigger holographic AR glasses aimed at businesses currently priced above US$3,000 (£2,240)]. They are made by Magic Leap, a US company whose backers include Google and AT&T.

    With Orion, Meta has achieved a field of view of 70° in a much smaller product, which is a grand innovation and crucial for Zuckerberg’s vision of an unobtrusive wearable device.

    The neural interface wristband is also vital. It listens to nerve impulses from the brain to the hand, allowing users to control the device using subtle finger gestures such as pinching and swiping thumb against index finger. Newer mixed reality headsets such as Apple Vision Pro are controlled similarly, but rely on external cameras to interpret hand movements.

    An advantage of tapping into nerve impulses directly is that gestures do not require line of sight, and eventually might not even require the person to perform the full gesture – only to think about it. The technology also opens up brand new input methods, such as texting via mimicking handwriting, and is likely to mature before consumer-grade holographic displays become available.

    Has Orion been more trouble than Meta expected?

    Meta initially gave the Orion prototype only a 10% chance of success, so it has exceeded expectations. While there is still much work to be done, particularly in reducing costs and miniaturising components, Orion could eventually lead to a consumer-ready device.

    Do you think Meta will get an affordable version launched by 2027?

    Meta thinks the initial price will be comparable to flagship phones or laptops the new iPhone 16 starts at £799. We might see development kits released towards the end of the decade, aimed at early adopters and developers, much like how VR headsets were introduced a decade ago.

    In the meantime, other AR glasses and mixed reality headsets such as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro serve as platforms for developing applications that could eventually run on AR glasses.

    Why are the Orion glasses still so expensive?

    Holographic AR glasses remain expensive because much of the hardware – including Ledos micro-display panels and silicon carbide waveguides (which are used to optimise light transmission) – isn’t yet produced at scale. These components are critical for achieving high resolution and holographic displays – and production constraints are reportedly pushing Orion unit prices close to US$10,000. Even then, battery life is currently limited to around two hours.

    Could anyone potentially beat Meta to market?

    Thanks to Meta’s multi-billion dollar investment in R&D through its Reality Labs subsidiary, it has become a leader in virtual and mixed reality headsets, with a robust app ecosystem. However, Apple, Microsoft, Samsung and Google are developing similar technologies.

    Microsoft’s HoloLens and [Snapchat owner] Snap Inc’s Spectacles series have made strides in AR, but responses have been mixed due to limitations such as narrow fields of view and lower graphics quality. Orion appears to be ahead in holographic display technology. Another company to particularly watch is Apple, which is refining Vision Pro and also exploring AR smart glasses.

    Will AR glasses change the world?

    AR glasses could ignite a transformative “iPhone moment” that redefines how we interact with technology. Zuckerberg envisions them as the next major computing platform, offering a more natural and intuitive alternative to smartphones.

    The success of early mass-market smart glasses such as Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, which allow users to make calls, capture videos and interact with Meta AI, hints that AR glasses could see widespread adoption.

    Zuckerberg initially believed holographic technology would be necessary for smart glasses to offer functionality beyond the basic features of these Ray-Bans. But being able to incorporate an AI voice-powered assistant has made Meta realise that smart glasses can be developed from the ground up as a new consumer product category. While the four-hour battery life requires improvement, the positive feedback from both reviewers and users, particularly using them on Instagram and TikTok, demonstrates the potential.

    What does the future look like?

    Reading messages, watching a virtual screen on the wall, playing games, collaborative work – all the things you can do with mixed-reality headsets, but shrunk down to a pair of glasses. Friends will teleport into your living room, a video call where both people feel present in the same space.

    It gets even stranger when you incorporate AI: virtual assistants can already see what you see, hear what you hear, talk to you, answer questions and follow commands using smart glasses. In future, AI will be able to manifest itself in your vision, and you’ll be able to have natural conversations with it.

    By 2030, AI will radically change the ways in which we interact with each other, our physical world and computers. Orion aims to prepare us for a world in which the physical, artificial and virtual co-exist.

    Llŷr ap Cenydd develops VR games for Meta Quest headsets.

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

    – ref. Will Meta’s Orion smart glasses be the next ‘iPhone moment’? Expert Q&A – https://theconversation.com/will-metas-orion-smart-glasses-be-the-next-iphone-moment-expert-qanda-240029

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust: 27 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust.

    The Prime Minister has approved the appointments of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, for a term of five years from 30 September 2024.

    Professor Kirstie Blair

    Kirstie Blair is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sterling. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and MPhil and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She studied at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Rupert Morley

    Rupert is Chairman of Pershing Square Holdings, a FTSE 100 company, Chair of Bremont Watches and Trustee for Comic Relief. Rupert holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Note for editors

    The Kennedy Memorial Trust was established in 1964 to administer monies raised in the United Kingdom as a tribute to the late President John Kennedy. Part of the fund was used to create and maintain the Kennedy Memorial site at Runnymede. The remaining capital is used to provide Kennedy Scholarships which enable British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Trustees are responsible for the selection process for those scholarships and for managing the maintenance of the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede.

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024
  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams Statement on Hezbollah’s Attack on Tel Aviv

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22)

    Williams Statement on Hezbollah’s Attack on Tel Aviv

    Washington, September 25, 2024

    “David’s Sling has intercepted a ballistic missile over Tel-Aviv, saving countless lives. This escalation is unprecedented, even for Hezbollah’s terrorists. The range and precision of missiles such as these give them the potential to cause great destruction. I am relieved to see that this failed attack resulted in no casualties. We must continue to reaffirm our commitment to our strongest ally in the Middle East—I stand with Israel.”

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Brandon Williams (NY-22) issued the following statement upon confirmation that Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile which was intercepted over Tel Aviv, Israel’s second-most populous city:

    “David’s Sling has intercepted a ballistic missile over Tel-Aviv, saving countless lives. This escalation is unprecedented, even for Hezbollah’s terrorists. The range and precision of missiles such as these give them the potential to cause great destruction. I am relieved to see that this failed attack resulted in no casualties. We must continue to reaffirm our commitment to our strongest ally in the Middle East—I stand with Israel.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
←Previous Page
1 … 5,930 5,931 5,932 5,933 5,934
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress