NewzIntel.com

Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Governor Katie Hobbs Follows Through on Promise to Secure Arizona’s Water Future

    Source: US State of Arizona

    Hobbs Takes Action to Shut Down Bad Actor Developers, Protect Groundwater

    Phoenix, AZ – In case you missed it, Governor Katie Hobbs took major action this week to secure Arizona’s water future. On Monday, the Arizona Department of Real Estate issued cease-and-desist orders to a developer attempting to skirt water supply laws to make a profit off illegally pumping Arizona groundwater. Then on Wednesday, ADWR took the first steps towards the creation of a Willcox basin AMA. 

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    Ed Curry, Willcox basin farmer: “This announcement of a potential AMA is a new beginning for the Willcox Basin, and we must continue to work together to move forward to protect our groundwater supplies. I am thankful for the courage of Governor Hobbs and her administration to tackle these issues head on.”

    Mike Laws, Mayor of Willcox: “Our community is facing difficult decisions as Arizona moves forward with an Active Management Area for the Willcox Basin. While there are a range of views on the AMA, the urgency of addressing our water challenges cannot be overstated. Governor Hobbs has demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting Arizona’s water resources, and with no legislative solutions in place, the Governor and Arizona Department of Water Resources have acted with the tools available to them.”

    Steve Kisiel, Willcox Basin homeowner: “Today’s announcement by ADWR to initiate the AMA designation process gives me hope that we will finally have a secure water future here in the Willcox Basin.”

    Mark Jove, WIllcox Basin winegrower: “We support and welcome this step taken towards protecting our water supplies. As a small business vineyard in the Willcox groundwater basin we’ve experienced firsthand the alarming declines in our local water levels due to decades of unchecked, unlimited groundwater pumping. An AMA designation would finally put us on a path to stabilizing this precious and shared resource to safeguard local growers and business owners.”

    Cochise Groundwater Stewards: “For years, we’ve pleaded for groundwater management that protects our property, our families, and our economy. Legislators from both parties have introduced workable bills throughout the last five years – none received a hearing. With the Legislature apparently abandoning us in rural Arizona, it’s time for ADWR to designate a new AMA here. Finally, we are being heard.” 

    MORE BELOW:

    Arizona Republic: AZ regulators issue cease-and-desist for developer they say is building ‘wildcat’ subdivisions

    • State officials allege two limited liability corporations owned by Andrei Polukhtin, 2PHDS and Morning Vista Homes, are building so-called “wildcat” subdivisions via unregulated lot splits in Rio Verde Foothills. That neighborhood made national news last year when it lost its primary water supply.

    • Some areas of the state heavily reliant on groundwater, including most of Maricopa County, are designated as active management areas. There, property owners generally must show real estate regulators proof of legal rights to a 100-year supply of water before selling parcels for larger developments.

    • The action signals growing interest in upholding water and development requirements by state regulators. Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs directed the Arizona Department of Real Estate last year to take increased action to prevent wildcat developments from popping up around the state.

    KJZZ: Hobbs administration to Rio Verde Foothills developer: Cease and desist amid water concerns

    • Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs’ administration says it has sent a cease and desist letter to a developer trying to get around water regulations in the unincorporated community of Rio Verde Foothills.

    • Hundreds of homes in Rio Verde Foothills were cut off from their water supply in 2023 due to drought restrictions in neighboring Scottsdale. The state Legislature had to step in to negotiate a temporary fix for the community.

    • Hobbs said she still wants the legislature to take action to close the wildcat subdivision loophole.

    Arizona Daily Star: Arizona takes major step toward regulating groundwater pumping in Willcox area

    • The Arizona Department of Water Resources said Wednesday it’s taking the first steps to usher in groundwater pumping regulation in the Willcox Basin, whose aquifer has dramatically declined due to unregulated pumping by farmers.

    • A group calling itself Cochise Water Stewards said Wednesday that “enough is enough” after a decade-long wait for solutions to Willcox’s collapsing aquifer.

    • Vance Williams, a resident of the Sunizona area southeast of Willcox, said, “I am grateful that ADWR has finally decided to take the first step toward establishing an AMA to protect the groundwater in the Willcox basin. I just wish it had happened sooner as my well in Sunizona went dry in 2020 and I have heard from many other neighbors across the basin whose wells have gone dry.”

    • “The AMA will stop any new large agricultural operations from moving into our area while also putting a halt to expansion of existing irrigation,” Williams said. “I am hopeful that the AMA will also reduce current pumping levels, a necessary step needed to save our aquifer. Thank you to Governor Hobbs and her staff for working to protect the groundwater in the Willcox Basin.”

    Arizona Agenda: Hobbs makes her move

    • Yesterday morning, group chats and inboxes were buzzing in Southeast Arizona: Gov. Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Water Resources have begun the process of designating the Willcox Basin as an “Active Management Area,” which will limit groundwater pumping in the area.

    • And it would be a historical milestone as the first state-initiated “subsequent AMA” in Arizona, highlighting Hobbs’ role as the first governor to push the ADWR to take rural groundwater management seriously.

    • Besides being a strong political move by Hobbs, an AMA designation will “stop the bleeding” in the Willcox Basin while the Legislature continues its policy battles.

    • And now that Hobbs has proven willing to put AMAs in place, legislative stalemate tactics will no longer be an option for her policy opponents. They’ll have to come up with statutory amendments or AMA alternatives that actually pass through the Legislature and survive Hobbs’ veto pen.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Felony Conviction of Sirron Croskey for Armed Robbery, Reckless Evading, and Possession of a Loaded Firearm in Public

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, October 25, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the felony conviction of Sirron Croskey for armed robbery, reckless evading, and possession of a loaded firearm in public. Croskey carried out multiple robberies across Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, and Napa counties, targeting victims in casino parking lots while brandishing a loaded, unregistered firearm to facilitate the crimes. After committing his final robbery in Napa County, Croskey attempted to evade law enforcement by engaging in a high-speed chase with deputies from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. He ultimately left behind the vehicle and the firearm that had been utilized in all the robberies and fled on foot. 

    “Californians deserve to live their lives free from the shadow of violence,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I am immensely proud of my team for their unwavering commitment to justice and for ensuring that those who violate the law are held responsible. When we work together, we get results that create a safer and more secure California for everyone.”

    Croskey pled guilty to one felony count of Reckless Evading, one felony count of Carrying a Loaded Unregistered Firearm in Public, two felony counts of Second-Degree Robbery, and admitted two enhancements for Personal Use of a Firearm. He was sentenced on October 23, 2024 in Contra Costa Superior Court to 9 years, 8 months in State Prison and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $9,855 to seven different victims.

    The investigation was conducted by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office, the American Canyon Police Department, the Livermore Police Department, the San Jose Police Department and the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Gambling Control. The DOJ’s Special Prosecution Section handled the prosecution of this case. 

    DOJ’s Special Prosecution Section investigates and prosecutes complex criminal cases occurring in California, including fraud, public corruption, “underground economy” crimes, human and labor trafficking, fentanyl trafficking, and organized retail theft. 

    A copy of the criminal complaint can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Individual On Parole For Robbery In New Jersey Indicted For Two More Robberies In Florida

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Rodriguez (65, New Jersey) with robbery, attempted robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

    According to court documents, on August 4, 2024, Rodriguez entered a pizza restaurant located in a shopping plaza in Tampa and attempted to rob the restaurant at gunpoint. The clerks fled in fear, and Rodriguez ultimately left empty handed.

    Approximately one month later, on September 11, 2024, Rodriguez returned to the same plaza. This time, he walked into a cellphone store and attempted to rob it at gunpoint. During the robbery, Rodriguez directed an employee to the business’s safe in a back room while stating, “Don’t move or I’ll shoot you.”

    Two days later, ATF special agents and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office found the vehicle used during the two incidents. Surveillance of that vehicle identified Rodriguez, and a subsequent search warrant of his residence revealed a pistol—which he is prohibited from possessing due to his status as a convicted felon. That pistol had been reported stolen by an elderly man in New Jersey whom Rodriguez had previously cared for. At the time of these incidents, Rodriguez was on parole in New Jersey for robbery.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Comments on Hegseth Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement today on the nomination of Pete Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense:
    “The most consequential cabinet official in any Administration is the Secretary of Defense. In the face of the gravest threats to U.S. national security interests since World War II, this position is even more important today.
    “Major adversaries are working closer together to undermine U.S. interests around the world. And America’s military capabilities and defense industrial capacity are increasingly insufficient to deter or prevail in major conflict with China or Russia, especially given the real risk of simultaneous challenges from other adversaries like Iran or North Korea.
    “Stewardship of the United States Armed Forces, and of the complex bureaucracy that exists to support them, is a massive and solemn responsibility. At the gravest moments, under the weight of this public trust, even the most capable and well-qualified leaders to set foot in the Pentagon have done so with great humility – from George Marshall harnessing American enterprise and Atlantic allies for the Cold War, to Caspar Weinberger orchestrating the Reagan build-up, to Bob Gates earning the wartime trust of two Commanders-in-Chief, of both parties.
    “Mere desire to be a ‘change agent’ is not enough to fill these shoes. And ‘dust on boots’ fails even to distinguish this nominee from multiple predecessors of the last decade. Nor is it a precondition for success. Secretaries with distinguished combat experience and time in the trenches have failed at the job.
    “Effective management of nearly 3 million military and civilian personnel, an annual budget of nearly $1 trillion, and alliances and partnerships around the world is a daily test with staggering consequences for the security of the American people and our global interests.
    “Mr. Hegseth has failed, as yet, to demonstrate that he will pass this test. But as he assumes office, the consequences of failure are as high as they have ever been.
    “The United States faces coordinated aggression from adversaries bent on shattering the order underpinning American security and prosperity. In public comments and testimony before the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Hegseth did not reckon with this reality.
    “President Trump has rightly called on NATO allies to spend more on our collective defense. But the nominee who would have been responsible for leading that effort wouldn’t even commit to growing America’s defense investment beyond the low bar set by the Biden Administration’s budget requests.
    “In his testimony before the Committee, Mr. Hegseth provided no substantial observations on how to defend Taiwan or the Philippines against a Chinese attack, or even whether he believes the United States should do so. He failed, for that matter, to articulate in any detail a strategic vision for dealing with the gravest long-term threat emanating from the PRC.
    “Absent, too, was any substantive discussion of countering our adversaries’ alignment with deeper alliance relationships and more extensive defense industrial cooperation of our own.
    “This, of course, is due to change. As the 29th Secretary of Defense, Mr. Hegseth will be immediately tested by ongoing conflicts caused by Russian aggression in Europe and Iranian-backed terror in the Middle East. He will have to grapple with an unfinished FY25 appropriations process that – without his intervention – risks further harming the readiness of our forces.
    “By all accounts, brave young men and women join the military with the understanding that it is a meritocracy. This precious trust endures only as long as lawful civilian leadership upholds what must be a firewall between servicemembers and politics. The Biden Administration failed at this fundamental task. But the restoration of ‘warrior culture’ will not come from trading one set of culture warriors for another.
    “The single most important way for Secretary Hegseth to demonstrate his professed devotion to America’s warfighters will be to equip them – urgently – to deter aggression… and rebuild the defense industrial capacity to restock the depleted arsenal of democracy. In this cause, he will find willing partners on the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, which will expect and receive his candid testimony.
    “I wish Secretary Hegseth great success, and I look forward to working closely with him to restore American hard power. Every member of the uniformed services will be looking to him for decisive, principled, and nonpartisan leadership.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Slingstone 24-4: 734th AMS performs disaggregated operations

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    YIGO, Guam  –  

    On Oct. 23, 2024, the 734th Air Mobility Squadron performed disaggregated operations at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, as part of Slingstone 24-4.

    For this specific operation, the 734th AMS simulated a bombing scenario that rendered their main headquarters unavailable. Their teams then had to perform their duties in a different location. This exercise allowed Airmen to test how capable they are at completing their mission in a different environment.

    “Typically, when it comes to these disaggregated ops, you are essentially practicing a scenario where your current building has been affected in some sort of fashion, it can be a chemical attack, munitions attack, something from the enemy or even a natural disaster,” said Master Sgt. Joshua L. Spierer, 734th AMS passenger services section chief. “Our role here is to have a setup base, we have our internet, our communication tools and everything needed to do our job because in this scenario we have no other area to work.”

    During the operation, the 734th AMS Airmen also made the most of the opportunity to teach their Airmen in different career fields. The team consisted of Airmen who work in aircraft maintenance, communications, aerial ports and more. Staff Sgt. Jarom Johnston, 734th AMS aircraft electrical systems craftsman, has been guiding these Airmen on how to marshal a C-17 Globemaster.

    Despite the challenges of working in a different location and continuing to be multi-capable, the 734th AMS Airmen were able to adapt and persevere.

    “Flexibility is key,” said 2nd Lt. Constance Lamkin, 734th AMS officer in charge of special planning. “Even though things haven’t gone exactly as planned, we’ve communicated across the board, perform our duties and were able to get a spot at a different location.”

    Slingstone 24-4 test the capabilities of the Airmen in the 36th Wing. For the 734th AMS, it trains them in being multi-capable while also being ready for the unexpected.

    “There’s definitely a lot of good that comes from this exercise,” Lamkin said. “When Typhoon Mawarr happened last year, we couldn’t work in the original pax terminal building because of the storm damage, but we were able to figure out what to do during that situation, and exercises such as this further prepare us for what may come.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fall in love with camping at one of Auckland’s regional parks

    Source: Auckland Council

    Epic views, great camping options at affordable prices, and taking in the outdoors in all its glory – sound like a dream?  Make it your reality at any one of Auckland’s 28 regional parks, boasting over 30 campgrounds between them! That’s right, an outdoor adventure is calling, and it’s here in Auckland’s backyard! 

    The beauty of camping in Auckland is the accessibility – you don’t have to travel too far. Plus, with fees starting at $17 per night for adults and $6.50 for children at our main campgrounds, Auckland camping is an affordable way to holiday at some of our region’s most scenic locations. 

    Whether you’re a freedom camper, a glamper or a total camping newbie – we’ve got you covered. Your next Auckland-based outdoor adventure awaits – so get booking now! 

    I’m keen – where do I start? 

    It’s easy as, all you have to do is choose your preferred spot from the list of regional parks on Auckland Council’s website. Are you looking for a coastal, farm or forest experience? Each campsite listing contains photos of the park, and you can click through to specific photos and information about the different types of camping available.

    To make it even simpler, the camping booking site includes a calendar showing availability so you can instantly see dates to choose from. You’ll also find a handy park brochure with a map, information about tracks, interesting features in the area, and important alerts. For most campgrounds you can drive right up to your selected camping area, so you don’t have to lug your gear long distances. However, be aware some campgrounds take a bit more effort to reach, such as the Mita Bay campground at Mahurangi Regional Park (West), which is accessible by foot, and the campground at Waitawa Regional Park, which can only be accessed by sea kayak. Remember to check the access prior to booking to understand the location of the campground. 

    Be an early bird and book ahead 

    All our regional parks are precious taonga, each with their own unique features, but over the summer some are busier than others and get booked out quickly. Fortunately, regional park campsites can be booked up to six months in advance, so it’s a good idea to set a reminder on your phone and book your spot as soon as you can so you don’t miss out!

    The booking calendar for each campground also shows how many spaces are available, which is handy if you’re planning on camping with a larger group (note there are some group size limits over the summer). And you can book up to seven glorious nights. If your plans change, no worries! You can make unlimited amendments to your booking, or cancel (with a full refund), up to two days before the date of your arrival. 

    Before you leave home 

    When you book your stay at a regional park campground, you’ll be emailed instructions including a combination code to get through the gate into the campground. Make sure you note it down on your phone or on a piece of paper before you leave in case mobile reception is patchy at your destination. 

    Make sure you note down the combination code of your campground before leaving home

    The main access gates for regional parks are locked overnight (daylight saving hours are generally 6am-9pm, and 6am-7pm for the rest of the year), so if you’re arriving in the evening, be sure to take note of the closing hours so you don’t end up carting your gear to the campground by foot. When staying, remember if you need to pop out for supplies, the access code will not open the main park gate. 

    Choose your camping experience – from rugged to glamping 

    If you’re up for a truly outdoors camping experience, many of Auckland’s regional parks supply only the bare basics – including the classic kiwi long drop! Be sure to read up on the facilities available at specific campgrounds, so you can choose the camping style that best suits your needs.  

    All campgrounds have drinkable water available (although sometimes you will need to boil it first), but many of the campsites at regional parks don’t have flushable toilets or shower blocks. These rugged campgrounds are a lot more spacious and less populated than commercial campgrounds, offering a truly remote outdoors experience. If that’s a step too far though for you or your fellow camping newbies, Shakespear Regional Park has flushable toilets and two cold showers onsite. 

    If camping in comfort is more your thing, many of the vehicle-based campgrounds allow campervan and caravans as well but check the rules before booking. Or bypass the regional park entirely and stay in a fully furnished glamping tent at either Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, Whangateau Holiday Park or Martins Bay Holiday Park.

    Do your research on the park so you pack the right gear

    Make sure you read up on prime leisure activities at your location. For example, if you’re heading to a great surf beach like Omaha Beach, the kids will want boogie boards for catching waves and riding down the campground’s famous hill, and you’ll all want beach shoes for rock pooling.

    While it is possible to fish at some regional parks, it’s strictly prohibited at parks that are also marine reserves. Some parks have access to extensive walking and mountain-bike tracks, golf and disc golf courses and did we mention the birdlife? Also, don’t forget your book from Auckland Libraries for some relaxing reading in the sun. 

    Be a tidy Kiwi 

    When you arrive at your site, be sure to follow the rules. Stay off sign-posted wahi tapu areas (sites which are sacred to Māori), and steer clear of restricted conservation areas where birds may be nesting. 

    Remember that lighting open fires is prohibited across all public areas in the Auckland region, and that noise must be kept to a minimum in regional parks after 9pm. 

    Also please dispose of all your rubbish correctly in the designated bins if available or take your rubbish home with you. 

    So, what are you waiting for? Your adventure awaits! 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #13

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency will continue to monitor the Whangamarino wetland fire through the long weekend.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says the fire has now been under control for two full days with no significant flareups.
    “There will still be some fire activity at the site for the foreseeable future.
    “People may still see smoke in the area due to the nature of where this fire is burning underground. People should not be alarmed by this.”
    Friday’s operations saw helicopters and ground crews dampening down the 16 hotspots identified by the drone crew overnight.
    Crews will be in attendance through the long weekend, with air operations supporting as needed.
    There will be no further updates this weekend unless significant developments occur. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: South Korea insurance industry to surpass $191 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    South Korea insurance industry to surpass $191 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Insurance

    South Korea’s insurance industry is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.4% from KRW 218.3 trillion ($167.1 billion) in 2025 to KRW 249.7 trillion ($191.2 billion) in 2029, in terms of direct written premiums (DWP), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Insurance Database reveals that the insurance industry in South Korea is expected to grow by 1.2% in 2024, supported by changing demographics that will lead to an increase in demand for health and retirement pensions products.

    Sneha Verma, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The South Korean insurance industry contracted by 7.5% in 2023 due to slower economic growth which impacted the demand for life insurance products. The growth is expected to bounce back in 2024, supported by a recovery in economy and increase in ageing population.”

    Life insurance and pension is the leading segment in the South Korean insurance industry and is expected to account for an 84% share of the premiums in 2024. After declining by 9.3% in 2023, the life insurance segment is expected to grow by 0.5% in 2024, driven by changing demographic factors, which will drive the demand for health and annuity products. Life insurance and pension is expected to grow at CAGR of 3.1% during 2025-29.

    South Korea is rapidly changing into a super-ageing society. Higher life expectancy and low fertility rates are adding significant pressure on the working age population. As per the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the share of people aged 65 years and above reached 18.4% in 2023. It is expected to increase sharply and reach 39.4% by 2050, which will support the demand for life insurance.

    Sneha adds: “Increased awareness about health and financial planning will also support life insurance growth in South Korea. The demand for health insurance is increasing due to rising cases of life-threatening diseases. According to the Central Dementia Center of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the number of dementia cases have increased significantly, and one dementia patient is being identified every 12 minutes.”

    General insurance will account for the remaining 16% share of the DWP in 2024. The segment is expected to grow by 4.9% in 2024 as compared to 4.1% growth in 2023, driven by compulsory lines and increased awareness for liability protection, leading to higher demand for liability insurance products.

    Motor insurance, which is the leading line of business in the general insurance segment, is expected to witness a flat growth in 2024, due to declining vehicle sales. According to Korea Automobile Mobility Industry Association (KAMA), domestic sales decreased by 10.1% to 8,00,000 units in the first half of 2024 compared to 8,90,000 units during the same period in 2023. Weak consumer sentiment driven by economic slowdown and high interest rates have slowed down the sales for new vehicles.

    South Korea is also prone to frequent natural-catastrophic (nat-cat) events, which will support the demand for policies covering fire and natural hazards. As per the National Fire Information System, South Korea has faced 30,316 incidents of fire accidents with a total loss of KRW589.9 billion ($456 million) till October 2024. General insurance is expected to grow at CAGR of 5.1% from 2025-29.

    Sneha concludes: “The South Korean insurance industry is set to experience steady growth over the next five years, with demographic changes driving the demand for life and health insurance. Products catering to the growing needs of a rapidly aging population are expected to be a focus area for insurers over the coming years.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: CFA announced as EQUITANA’s 2024 official community partner

    Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

    The four-day event from 14 to 17 November 2024 at Melbourne Showgrounds includes a mix of competition, education, entertainment and exhibition.

    It is regarded as the largest equine showcase in the Southern Hemisphere.

    As EQUITANA’s official community Partner, CFA will focus on helping horse owners prepare and plan for the bushfire season.

    Every Victorian who lives near dense forest, bush, grassland or the coast needs to prepare their property for bushfire. This includes considering what to do with animals.

    CFA members from Wingeel, Macclesfield and Arthurs Creek brigades, a fire truck and a mobile education unit will attend the event to engage with visitors about property maintenance, making the decision to relocate your horses, preparing your horse for survival and actions to take after a fire.

    This information is also relevant to those running agistment properties, trail ride centres and riding schools.

    CFA thanks the organisers of EQUITANA Melbourne 2024 for inviting us be part of this event.

    Horse lovers interested in attending the event can find more on the EQUITANA website.

    Submitted by Georgina Hill

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thousands see Leeds in a new light as city’s dazzling cultural spectacle returns

    Source: City of Leeds

    The stunning sights and sounds of Light Night Leeds transformed the city centre last night as the incredible cultural spectacle returned for its 20th edition.

    A huge programme of mesmerising illuminated artworks from around the world arrived at well-known buildings and locations in Leeds for the event’s first night, with the stunning show set to continue this evening (Oct 25).

    The UK’s largest light art festival, this year’s Light Night features a compelling mix of large-scale projections, live street theatre and interactive installations which wowed crowds of thousands last night.

    At The Queens Hotel The BookBinder saw a fairy tale figure lead a cast of birds, beasts and boats, in an impressive projection across the iconic hotel’s façade.

    A collaboration with the British Library and created by artists Illuminos, the piece is inspired by British Library’s Flickr Commons collection which includes fantastical drawings, prints and images.

    At Leeds Dock, Norwegian artist Anastasia Isachsen’s stunning Monad, was projected onto the water, taking inspiration from nature and the universe and accompanied by a compelling soundscape.

    Aire Park hosted the magnificent Parallels by Architecture Social Club, where multi-coloured laser beams pulsed and flickered overhead near the new Aire Park, outside The Tetley.

    And at Leeds Civic Hall, the breath-taking Out of the Aire paid tribute to some of the people and events that have been part of the fascinating story of Leeds.

    Dynamic, live street performances this year also included a giant Ghost Caribou, the return of the ever-popular Spark Drummers and a fire-breathing dragon.

    This year marks the 20th edition of Light Night Leeds, and over the past two decades, the event has attracted more than 1.1 million visitors to the city and generates millions of pounds for the local economy.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Light Night always promises to be a breath-taking and compelling cultural spectacle like no other, and last night certainly did not disappoint.

    “Watching so many people come together in the city centre to see some of our most famous places and spaces transformed is truly amazing, and really brings home the power which culture and the arts have to unite and inspire.

    “The event is also a massive credit to all the people, organisations and businesses who have shown their support and helped create an event which showcases the very best of Leeds. Tonight is set to be just as special and I hope people have a memorable evening.”

    Light Night Leeds 2024 will continue this evening, October 25 from 6pm to 10pm.

    Visit www.lightnightleeds.co.uk and follow Light Night Leeds on social media for more information.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: World update: Ukraine faces prospect of defeat – but the west must ensure a just peace

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    There’s a degree of irony that countries attending the 2024 Brics summit this week voted to adopt the Kazan declaration (named for the capital city of the autonomous republic of Tatarstan in Russia, where the summit is being held). The declaration’s first clause emphasises that “all states should act consistently with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in their entirety”. There’s also a certain amount of chutzpah on the part of conference chair, Vladmir Putin, whose ongoing invasion of Ukraine is so egregiously in breach of that charter.

    Article one stresses that the primary purpose of the UN is to “maintain international peace and security”. Article two rules that: “All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means”. If that’s not clear enough, it goes on to further insist that: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”

    Still, its a funny old world in which the UN secretary general, António Guterres, pitches up at a summit whose host is wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. In a country whose troops are currently fighting in Ukraine in direct contravention of the UN’s charter.

    To add a further layer of irony, October 24 is the 79th anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

    Guterres called on Putin to agree a peace deal “in line with the UN Charter, international law and UN General Assembly resolutions”. The Russian leader is perhaps more likely to listen to a deal proposed by the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. He said: “We must uphold the three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames and strive for swift de-escalation of the situation.”

    Now, more than ever, it’s vital to be informed about the important issues affecting global stability. Sign up to receive our weekly World Update newsletter. Every Thursday we’ll you expert analysis of the big stories making international headlines.

    The UN chief’s idea of a just peace would call for Russia to give up its illegal occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Xi’s proposal appears to call for a deal based on the status quo – virtually the opposite, in other words.

    This is pretty much all Ukraine can hope for, as far as the University of Portsmouth’s Frank Ledwidge is concerned. Ledwidge, who has written regularly for The Conversation since Putin launched his invasion in February 2024 and is well plugged into defence and intelligence networks in Nato as well as in Ukraine itself, believes that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – at least as things stand.

    Ledwidge says Ukraine’s western allies are partly to blame for the maximalist aims of the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky. Western rhetoric has not properly been matched by sufficient weapons or the permission to use them as effectively as the situation warrants. Now is the time for realism, he writes:

    A starting point could be accepting that Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk are lost … Then we need to start planning seriously for a post-war Ukraine that will need the west’s suppport more than ever.



    Read more:
    Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – the best the west can do is help Kyiv plan for a secure post-war future

    One of the key factors that Ledwidge stresses is that just one of Russia’s allies, North Korea, has supplied twice as many artillery shells this year as the whole of Europe. Now North Korean troops are apparently also about to join their Russian comrades on the battlefield. This, writes Ra Mason – a Korea specialist at the University of East Anglia – will help ease the pressure on Putin to bring forward his mobilisation plans.

    Losing battle? The state of the conflict in Ukraine, October 23.
    Institute for the Study of War

    It’s a diplomatic coup for Putin, Mason believes – it’s a “clear show of opposition towards the Washington-led global order”, which “deals a further blow to the myth that the Russian Federation is isolated, as an international pariah, in a world led by western powers.”

    But a military coup de grace against Ukraine? Probably not. The jury is out on how effective North Korea’s “poorly equipped, unmotivated and undernourished” troops will be against Ukraine’s highly motivated defenders. It will also be interesting to see where and how they are deployed. If sent to the frontlines in Kursk, they’ll be helping an ally in its struggle against an incursion by Ukrainian forces. If deployed inside Ukraine, they’ll join Russia in breach of international law. Mason concludes:

    If sent into new theatres of war against state-of-the-art Nato-supplied weaponry, it could effectively mean waves of ill-prepared cannon fodder being thrown into the meat grinder of Donbas’ trenches.



    Read more:
    Kim Jong-un sends North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine – here’s what this means for the war

    Incidentally, the term “meat grinder” has been much bandied about of late. It follows reports from US intellegence recently that, while Russian forces have been making rapid advances and gaining a significant amount of ground in recent weeks, they are doing so at considerable cost in terms of dead and wounded. September was a particularly bloody month, with reports of Russian losses of more than 1,000 men a day, killed or wounded.

    But Russian military strategists are well versed in such pyrrhic victories, writes historian Becky Alexis-Martin, who points to equally savage losses in Russia’s defence against Napoleon and in the first and second world wars. Stalin, in particular, was able to defeat the Nazi war machine by, inter alia, throwing millions of troops at their enemies (and incurring terrible casualties). But it’s not a strategy that guarantees success. And terrible psychological effects are beginning to manifest themselves in veterans returning from Ukraine with severe and often violent post-traumatic stress disorder.



    Read more:
    Russia’s ‘meat grinder’ tactics in Ukraine have proved effective in past wars – but at terrible cost

    The diplomatic front

    As if things weren’t bad enough for Zelensky on the battlefield, the Ukrainian president was dealt a serious blow earlier this month when the US president, Joe Biden, was forced by extreme weather events, including a hurricane hitting the state of Florida, to cancel the planned meeting of the heads of government of up to 50 of Ukraine’s western allies in Germany. The “Ramstein Group”, so-called after the German air base at which they meet, was scheduled to meet in the second week of October to consider Zelensky’s “victory plan”. Stefan Wolff, an international security expert at the University of Birmingham writes that the Ukrainian president was hoping to get some degree of commitment for a path to Nato membership for Ukraine as well as permission to use western-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep inside Russia.

    Neither of these seem likely to happen in the short term, says Wolff. Like Ledwidge, Wolff thinks Ukraine is doomed to defeat unless its allies double down on their aid – and fast. And like Ledwidge, Wolff sees little indication of that happening any time soon.



    Read more:
    Ukraine faces worsening odds on the battlefield and a struggle on the diplomatic front after Biden postpones summit

    When it comes to continuing US support for Ukraine’s war effort, all eyes are now firmly fixed on November 5. The outcome of the presidential election will be seriously consequential for Ukraine’s future. Both candidates have made their positions clear and there is considerable difference between the two positions.

    Donald Trump has said any number of times that had he not lost that “rigged and stolen” election to Biden in 2020, Putin would never have invaded Ukraine in the first place. Still, he says, if he wins this one, he’ll bring the war to a very rapid conclusion. But it remains to be seen, given Trump’s oft-stated admiration for Putin, whether the conclusion will be palatable to Kyiv – or to Nato in general.

    Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris, said the former president’s proposals are not “proposals for peace, they’re proposals for surrender”. As vice-president during the Biden administration, she flew to Europe not long after the invasion in February 2022 to help shore up support for Kyiv. Harris has also regularly restated her intention to continue to back Ukraine against Russia. In the only debate of the campaign she said that Ukraine was not Putin’s final stop and that he has “his eyes on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland”.



    Read more:
    On Ukraine, candidate Trump touts his role as dealmaker while Harris sticks with unwavering support

    Poland, incidentally, is an interesting case in point. While it is Ukraine’s firmest ally and it leadership is four-square behind Kyiv, the people are curiously divided on the country’s support for Ukraine. You can read more about that here.



    Read more:
    Why many Poles are not as supportive of Ukraine’s war effort as their leaders in Warsaw

    One imagines that Zelensky is as transfixed as anyone else on the 2024 US presidential election campaign as it heads into its final ten days. All we can tell you is that the polls are still very, very close. Well within most pollsters’ margin for error, in fact. A poll of polls, which combines polls from different agencies, published on the website FiveThirtyEight on October 22 shows that Harris leads Trump by 48.1% to 46.3% in the national popular vote. But the accepted popular wisdom is that the complex electoral college system used in the US may well favour Trump’s candidacy.

    We’ll be providing daily updates on the US presidential race and full coverage of election day on November 5 and its aftermath.



    Read more:
    Harris nudges ahead of Trump in the polls – but could the economy prove her downfall?

    World Update is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get our updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. World update: Ukraine faces prospect of defeat – but the west must ensure a just peace – https://theconversation.com/world-update-ukraine-faces-prospect-of-defeat-but-the-west-must-ensure-a-just-peace-242146

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Possession of stolen firearm sends Reed Point man to prison for more than eight years

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    GREAT FALLS — A Reed Point man who admitted to possessing a stolen firearm found in a stolen vehicle that crashed near Helena following a pursuit was sentenced today to eight years and eight months years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

    The defendant, Jarred Lane Saunders, 26, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $18,252.98 restitution.

    “Stolen firearms and drugs are a dangerous combination. Here, Saunders likely stole 23 guns from a vehicle parked at a Billings hotel, then was arrested in Helena after a pursuit and found in possession of fentanyl and one of the stolen guns. Saunders’ criminal conduct posed a serious threat to public safety, and we remain united with our law enforcement partners in getting these offenders off our streets,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 12, 2022, Billings police officers responded to a report of 23 firearms that had been stolen from a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot. Saunders likely stole the 23 firearms because his fingerprints were found at the scene and then brought stolen firearms and fentanyl in a stolen car to Helena. On Oct. 15, 2022, the Montana Highway Patrol pursued a stolen Mercedes, which had been taken in Billings on Oct. 11, 2022. The Mercedes eventually crashed in a private driveway, and Saunders was arrested by Helena police officers. At his arrest, Saunders complained that he ingested 15 to 20 fentanyl pills. A search warrant was executed on the Mercedes, and officers found approximately 300 fentanyl pills, a small amount of methamphetamine and a .22-caliber pistol that had been stolen from the vehicle in Billings. A witness told Billings police of seeing Saunders with three duffle bags full of guns. That person received three of the firearms knowing they were stolen. At the time Saunders possessed the firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely this autumn | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    We want everyone to be able to safely enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night in Westminster this year which is why we have re-launched our Autumn Nights campaign.

    Halloween and Bonfire night, and the days running up to them, are traditionally some of the busiest nights of the year for our anti-social behaviour case officers, the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade and other agencies.

    This is why we have launched our Autumn Nights campaign to make sure everyone has the information they need to enjoy it safely.

    We are working with our community safety partners, the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade, to urge communities in Westminster to do their bit this Autumn.

    To keep our city safe, we ask you to take extra care this autumn and take note of the following advice:

    • fireworks must not be stored or used in communal areas or in your home. This is a condition for all Westminster City Council tenants and may be a condition of other tenancy or lease agreements
    • fireworks must not be set off within 15 metres of a road
    • please remove any personal items from communal areas and balconies which could be used to start fires by others
    • if you are a Westminster City Council tenant, please do not have bonfires anywhere, either in your home or on the estate
    • it is illegal to let fireworks off in the street or a public place
    • selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 years is illegal. Anyone aged under 18 may not possess a firework in a public place

    This Autumn Nights season, help us to keep your neighbourhood safe by reporting any incidents.

    If you’re a Westminster City Council tenant you can report anti-social behaviour in housing to us in confidence 24/7 via your MyWestminsterHousing online account or contact us on 0800 358 3783 or email [email protected]

    To report misuse of fireworks, call the police on the non-emergency number 101. In an emergency, or if you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

    All residents can report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers by phoning 0800 555 111.

    Read more about fireworks safety advice from the London Fire Brigade.

    Thank you for your help and enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night safely.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PM defends Fiji’s UN ‘ambush’ vote – challenged by human rights advocate

    Pacific Media Watch

    Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has “cleared the air” with the Fijian diaspora in Samoa over Fiji’s vote against the United Nations resolution on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People.

    He denied that Fiji — the only country to vote against the resolution — had “pressed the wrong button”.

    And he described last week’s vote as an “ambush resolution”, claiming it was not the one they had agreed on during the voting of the UN Special Committee of Decolonisation, reports The Fiji Times.

    However, a prominent Fiji civil society and human rights advocate condemned his statement and also Fiji’s UN voting.

    Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) coordinator Shamima Ali said she was “ashamed” of Fiji’s stance over genocide in Palestine, its vote against ceasefire and “not wanting decolonisation”.

    In Apia, Rabuka, who leaves for Kanaky New Caledonia on Sunday to take part in the Pacific Islands Forum’s “Troika Plus” talks on the French Pacific’s territory amid indigenous demands for independence, told The Fiji Times:

    “We will not tell them we pressed the wrong button. We will tell them that the resolution was an ambush resolution, it is not something that we have been talking about.”

    ‘Serious student of colonisation’
    The Prime Minister said he had been a “serious student of colonisation and decolonisation”.

    Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka . . . “We will not tell them we pressed the wrong button.” Image: Fiji Times

    “They started with the C-12, but now it’s C-24 members of the [UN] committee that talks about decolonisation.

    “I was wondering if anyone would complain about my going [to Kanaky New Caledonia] next week because C-24 met last week and there was a vote on decolonisation.”

    According to an RNZ Pacific interview, Rabuka had told the Kanak independence movement:”Don’t slap the hand that has fed you.”

    Fiji was the only country that voted against the UN resolution while 99 voted for the resolution and 61 countries, including colonisers such as France, United Kingdom and the United States, abstained.

    Another coloniser, Indonesia (West Papua), voted for it.

    “I thought the [indigenous] people of the Kanaky of New Caledonia would object to my coming, so far we have not heard anything from them.

    “So, I am hoping that no one will bring that up, but if they do bring it up, we have a perfect answer.”

    Fiji human rights advocate Shamima Ali . . . “We are ashamed of having a government that supports an occupation.” Image: FWCC/FB

    Human rights advocate Shamima Ali said in a statement on social media it was “unbelievable” that Prime Minister Rabuka claimed to be “a serious student of colonisation and decolonisation” while leading a government that had been “blatantly complicit in the genocide of innocent Palestinians”.

    “No amount of public statements and explanations will save this Coalition government from the mess it has created on the international stage, especially at the United Nations.

    “We are ashamed of having a government that supports an occupation, votes against a ceasefire and does not want decolonisation in the world.

    “Trust between the Fijian people and their government is being eroded, especially on matters of global significance that reflect on the entire nation.”

    According to the government, Fiji is one of two Pacific countries which are members of the Special Committee on Decolonisation or C-24 and have been a consistent voice in addressing the issue of decolonisation.

    Through the C-24 and the Fourth Committee, Fiji aligns with the positions undertaken by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), in its support for the annual resolution on decolonisation entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”.

    Government reiterated its support of the regional position of the Forum, and the MSG on decolonisation and self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

    The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York, led by Filipo Tarakinikini, is working with the Forum Secretariat to clarify the matter within its process.

    Rabuka is currently in Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is being held in the Pacific for the first time.

    The UN decolonisation declaration vote on 17 October 2024 . . . Fiji was the only country that voted against it. Image: UN

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California man pleads guilty to sex trafficking and illegal firearms possession

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Defendant chased victim, firing shots, as she tried to escape from him on Aurora Avenue

    Seattle – A California man pleaded guilty today to two federal felonies related to his sex trafficking of adult female victims, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Winston Cornell Burt aka “Dice Capone,” 32 of Hemet, California, was arrested November 6, 2022, after he allegedly brutally assaulted a 20-year-old woman and engaged in a rolling gun battle as she fled in a van driven by a man who picked her up from the roadway. Burt pleaded guilty to Sex Trafficking through Force, Fraud, and Coercion and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. Burt is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge John H. Chun on February 3, 2025.

    According to records filed in the case, Burt self-identifies as a “pimp” who led a sex trafficking enterprise through California, Arizona, and Washington. The young women in the case were required to provide all the money they earned in prostitution to Burt. Three women had his name tattooed on their faces – an apparent sign of “ownership.”

    On November 2, 2022, Burt assaulted the 20-year-old victim in this case by kicking her, punching her, and pistol whipping her after she indicated she wanted to stop working for Burt. The assault occurred at an Airbnb in south Seattle. Three days later, on November 5, 2022, Burt assaulted the victim again and forced her to strip to her underwear. The victim tried to escape from the rental home by jumping out a third story window. The defendant and two women working for him forced her into a car and drove towards a motel on north Aurora Avenue. Burt was armed with a gun, but the victim was able to get out of the car and ran into traffic on Aurora wearing only her underwear. Burt and his female assistants tried to force the victim back into their car, but the victim stayed in the middle of the roadway until finally picked up by a driver who saw her in distress.

    Even after the victim was driven away in a van, Burt gave chase on Aurora Avenue and fired shots at the van with the victim inside. The driver was eventually able to evade Burt and called the Washington State Patrol for assistance.

    Ultimately law enforcement responded to the scene and got the victim to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.

    Burt was arrested on November 6, 2022, as he was attempting to leave the Airbnb in south Seattle.

    As part of the plea agreement, Burt also agrees to plead guilty to charges in King County Superior Court: three counts of Assault 2; Drive-by Shooting; Unlawful Imprisonment; and Assault-3

    The plea agreement calls for the forfeiture of both firearms and more than $72,000 in cash.

    Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison and illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by ten years in prison. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed to recommend 15 years in prison to run concurrent with any sentence imposed in state court.  

    The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the FBI with assistance from the Washington State Patrol (WSP).

    Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor Alexandra Voorhees worked closely with the FBI, Seattle Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham on this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Israel’s ‘generals’ plan’ to clear Palestinians from north of Gaza could pave the way for settlers to return

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Leonie Fleischmann, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, City St George’s, University of London

    Western political leaders were quick to argue that the killing of Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, on October 17 presented a window of opportunity. Perhaps the decapitation of the militant group’s senior command would be a chance for renewed ceasefire talks and the release of the Israeli hostages.

    The US president, Joe Biden, urged the Israeli government the following day to “make this moment an opportunity” to end the war in Gaza. But Israel had already launched a major operation in northern Gaza. On October 12, the IDF posted a message in Arabic on social media sites warning civilians living in an area designated as D5 on Israel’s grid map of Gaza to evacuate. It said the area would soon be a “dangerous combat zone” and ordered people to move to safe areas in the south of Gaza.

    This process has continued as the IDF has renewed its offensive in the north of the enclave, with an estimated 400,000 people affected, about 20% of the population of Gaza. The UN reported on October 21 that only a “trickle” of food aid has been allowed into north Gaza over the previous week. The Israeli military has denied this. But it has also been reported that the emergency polio vaccination campaign in north Gaza has had to be suspended, due to Israeli bombardment and a lack of access to UN personnel.

    The forcible transfer of a population during war is illegal under international law, as is denying access to humanitarian aid for civilians. But there are fears that there is a plan to move Palestinians out of north Gaza in a plan which could pave the way for settlers to move in.

    The liberal Haaretz newspaper, a consistent critic of the Netanyahu government, published an editorial on October 22 saying that there was mounting evidence that Israel is now pursuing a policy of siege and starvation to force the complete evacuation of the civilian population of northern Gaza. In doing this, the newspaper said, Israel is implementing the now notorious “generals’ plan”. It asserted:

    Make no mistake, [the generals’ plan] is a war crime, and it runs contrary to UN Security Council decision 2334, which states that land may not be taken through force, referring to acts of war.

    Military plan or land grab?

    The “generals’ plan” is attributed to retired Maj. Gen. Giora Eiland, a former head of national security in Israel. As a strategy to defeat Hamas (something which has proved elusive in 12 months of bitter fighting in Gaza) it proposes the wholesale transfer of north Gaza’s population south beyond the Netzarim corridor. A siege would be imposed on those who remain.

    The Netzarim Corridor runs across the Gaza Strip below Gaza CIty. Israel is moving Palestinians south of the corridor.
    ChrisO/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    In late September Eiland argued in an interview with Haaretz that “it’s permissible and even recommended to starve an enemy to death, provided you’ve allowed the civilians corridors of exits beforehand. And that is exactly what I am proposing”.

    Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, recently told US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, that Israel is not planning to lay siege to northern Gaza. But the evidence of the military’s actions on the ground suggests otherwise. Since October 6 the IDF has been conducting what it calls a “clearing operation” in Jabalia, north of Gaza City, channelling civilians south while launching airstrikes against the Jabalia refugee camp, where it says units of Hamas are embedded.

    Changing the reality

    There is widespread concern that the end game in north Gaza will include the return of settlers. A conference on October 22 attended by members of the ruling Likud Party, including several ministers in the Netanyahu government, heard the national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, assert that “encouraging emigration” of Palestinian residents of Gaza would be the “most ethical” solution to the conflict. The finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, told journalists on his way to the conference that the Gaza Strip was “part of the Land of Israel” and that “without settlements, there is no security”.

    Settlers were moved out of the the Gaza Strip in 2005, under the then prime minister Ariel Sharon’s Disengagement Plan. The plan dismantled 21 settlements in the Strip, relocating an estimated 8,000 settlers. Many vowed at the time that they would return one day.

    CIA map of the Gaza Strip in May 2005, a few months prior to the Israeli withdrawal. The major settlement blocs are shaded in blue.
    CIA/Wikimedia Commons

    There was a Jewish presence on the Gaza Strip from biblical times until 1929, when they were driven out during the Arab revolts, in which 133 Gazan Jews were killed. After the six-day war in 1967, Israel occupied the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights. In the aftermath of the war, the main focus of settlement was national security, rather than religious ideology. Here the driving force was Israel’s deputy prime minister, Yigal Allon, who believed that national security could be guaranteed by building settlements.

    As a consequence, in the 1970s, the Labour government established the initial modern settlements in the Gaza Strip. The settlements divided the enclave such that the Palestinian inhabitants in each area were isolated from each other, thus enabling Israeli control.

    UK-based historian Ahron Bregman, a former Israeli army officer (who has written for The Conversation on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians), warned in a post on X about how national security could once again be used as a pretext for settlements to be established in north Gaza.

    Warning: Ahron Bregman’s post on X on October 22.
    Twitter

    The current operation in northern Gaza feels like a particularly ominous moment, not only in the Hamas-Israel war, but in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rather than use the opportunity of a weakened Hamas to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal and allow the people of Gaza to attempt to rebuild their shattered lives, Israel appears to be illegally, immorally and irreversibly changing the realities on the ground.

    Leonie Fleischmann 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. Israel’s ‘generals’ plan’ to clear Palestinians from north of Gaza could pave the way for settlers to return – https://theconversation.com/israels-generals-plan-to-clear-palestinians-from-north-of-gaza-could-pave-the-way-for-settlers-to-return-241987

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU’s world-leading loris expert to receive award

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 25 October 2024 at 10:11

    Professor Anna Nekaris is to be honoured by the Primate Society of Great Britain

    Dr Anna Nekaris, Professor in Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), is to receive a prestigious honour later this year from the Primate Society of Great Britain. 

    Professor Nekaris, one of the world’s leading experts in lorises, will be awarded the Osman Hill Memorial Lecture Medal by the Primate Society of Great Britain at their winter meeting in Bristol on 12-13 December.

    The medal is awarded annually to a distinguished primatologist who has shown excellence in research and has made a substantial, original, and lasting contribution to the discipline.

    Professor Nekaris started her work on nocturnal primates in 1992 and in 2011 she established the Little Fireface Project – a conservation project based in Java, Indonesia, that supports loris conservation worldwide.

    She is Vice Chair of the recently formed IUCN Special Section for African and Asian Prosimians, Co-editor-in-chief of Folia Primatologica, and Section Editor of Nature’s Discover Conservation. Earlier this year, Professor Nekaris was made Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to conservation.

    Professor Nekaris has published more than 300 scientific papers and 10 edited volumes, and her studies cover all species of slow, pygmy and slender lorises, including five she named or elevated from subspecies, and one genus that she named. 

    Her research includes behavioural ecology in zoos, rescue centres and in the wild, including a novel study on slow loris venom, museum studies, genetics, acoustics, taxonomy, conservation education, and community conservation, especially with agroforestry farmers. 

    Much of her conservation work has focused on lorises in the pet trade. Through her advocacy, lorises became protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and Professor Nekaris has worked with the Japanese government to change laws regarding microchipping of CITES I protected species. She hopes her research will convince people that lorises do not make good pets. 

    Professor Nekaris said:

    “All species of loris are threatened with extinction and some are amongst the rarest primates on the planet. They are wild animals and my mission is to ensure that as many as possible remain in their natural habitats so we can learn more about these most unique primates.”

    On news of her award from the Primate Society of Great Britain, she added:

    “Being recognised by my fellow primatologists is a tremendous honour, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be following in the footsteps of some of the wonderful scientists who have previously been awarded the Osman Hill Memorial Lecture Medal. 

    “This award is also extra special to me because it is named after a scientist, William Charles Osman Hill, who made some of the first, significant contributions to our knowledge of lorises.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2024 grain output expected to hit record high

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A farmer loads newly harvested paddy rice seeds in Cengong County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Aug. 26, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China’s grain output is projected to reach a record high of 700 million tonnes this year amid the country’s efforts to ensure grain security, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said Friday.
    The anticipated milestone harvest follows nine consecutive years of maintaining grain output above 650 million tonnes, said Vice Minister Zhang Xingwang in a press conference.
    The summer grain and early rice harvests have already been completed, with summer grain output totaling 149.78 million tonnes, up about 3.63 million tonnes from last year, and early rice production remaining stable at around 28.2 million tonnes.
    The autumn grain harvest is also well underway. As of Thursday, about 82.5 percent of the autumn crops have been harvested, signaling a bumper harvest this year, Zhang said.
    He noted that despite a series of bad weather events across different regions, including heavy rains, typhoons and droughts, the total crop area affected by natural disasters is among the lowest in recent years.
    Expanded planting areas, improved insurance coverage, higher minimum purchase prices for wheat and rice, and yield-improvement efforts for corn and soybeans have all contributed to this year’s production growth, Zhang said.
    To encourage grain cultivation, China increased the minimum purchase prices for wheat and rice in 2023 and enhanced subsidy policies for corn and soybean farmers.
    While rice and wheat supplies remain stable, Zhang cautioned that demand gaps for corn and reliance on soybean imports persist, underscoring the need for greater farmland protection and increased production capacity.
    Grain security remains a top policy priority. China’s “No. 1 central document” for 2024 has called for robust efforts to advance a new round of grain production expansion.
    The focus is on stabilizing the sown grain area and boosting yield per unit to ensure grain production stays above 650 million tonnes.
    An array of measures has been rolled out to improve grain output over the past years, including building more high-standard farmland and promoting agricultural technologies.
    Since 2021, the total amount of arable land in China has increased by 17.58 million mu (1.17 million hectares), achieving a net increase for three consecutive years, according to official data.
    Looking ahead, Zhang said the ministry will introduce new policies to enhance agricultural productivity, boost farmers’ incomes, and revitalize the rural areas, all aimed at meeting annual agricultural targets and supporting the country’s broader economic goals.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Air Force delivers vital food and medical supplies to Lebanese Armed Forces

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has successfully delivered more than 12,500 ration packs and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The RAF plane being unloaded in Beirut

    • More than 12,500 ration packs and 79 medical kits have been delivered to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in Beirut today by the RAF.
    • The LAF are part of the security and stability solution for Lebanon and the wider region, as the sole legitimate military force of the Lebanese state.
    • Delivery comes amid the UK’s continued calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.

    The UK has successfully delivered more than 12,500 ration packs and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces. This package of medical supplies and provisions, delivered by the RAF, is funded by the UK’s Integrated Security Fund and will help support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

    The Lebanese Armed Forces are essential to the future security and stability of Lebanon and the wider region as the only legitimate military force of the Lebanese state.

    For more than a decade, the UK has given critical support to the LAF as a trusted partner, through training, mentoring and the provision of equipment. Since 2009, the UK has trained over 34,000 LAF personnel and dedicated over £106 million in funding The UK has also helped to construct nearly 80 Border Observation posts and Forward Operating Bases as part of efforts to support Lebanese border security.

    The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and increase in humanitarian aid in both Lebanon and Gaza to allow space for a political solution. The FCDO advises all British nationals should leave Lebanon immediately and have arranged several charter flights from Lebanon in recent weeks to support this.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    Today’s delivery of supplies from the RAF is in direct response to a request from the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The UK has supported the LAF for more than a decade, as the sole legitimate force of the Lebanese state.  Our support for the LAF can help build the foundations for a stable Lebanon, as part of our wider efforts towards de-escalation and peace in the region.

    We continue to work closely with our partners and allies in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

    Foreign Secretary David, Lammy said:

    This package of UK support demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Lebanon’s only legitimate armed forces, forces essential for stability and security of the state and wider region.

    We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel and a political plan consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. That is the only way to restore security and stability for the people living on both sides of the border.

    In October 2024, as a direct response to the mass displacement of people and growing number of civilian casualties, the UK boosted its humanitarian support for Lebanon with a further £10 million. The announcement follows the £5 million humanitarian package delivered through UNICEF to support access to clean water and sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies. The UK has also agreed to match public donations to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal of up to £10 million.

    The UK government is completely committed to peace in the Middle East and continues to call for de-escalation in the region after being the first nation in the G7 to do so. A ceasefire would pave the way for civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Syria: Escalating Conflict Amid Regional Spillover & Israeli Airstrikes, Warns UN Envoy – Briefing

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen today (23 Oct) warned that “regional spillover into Syria is alarming and could get much worse, with serious implications for Syria and international peace and security.”

    Addressing the Security Council, the Special Envoy said, “hundreds of thousands of Syrians and Lebanese have fled Lebanon into Syria – into a country that is itself experiencing escalating conflict,” and noted that “the past month has seen the fastest-paced and broadest-ranging campaign of Israeli airstrikes in the last thirteen years.”

    Pedersen told the Council that in the Golan, “construction activity has been carried out by the Israel Defense Forces in the vicinity of the area of separation,” and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) had observed “an Israeli battle tank and excavators cross the ceasefire line, into the area of separation.”

    He stressed that pursuant to the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement, “no military forces, equipment or activity by either Israel or Syria are permitted in the area of separation.”

    The Special Envoy repeated his call “for the respect of the sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity of Syria” and said Syria “cannot become a free-for-all venue, where different actors settle their scores or fuel other theatres, nor a staging ground for attacks or retaliation.”

    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ (OCHA) Director of Operations and Advocacy Division, Edem Wosornu, told the Council that “Syrians are returning to their country under the extreme duress of hostilities in Lebanon.”

    Wosornu stressed the need that “their safety, security and fundamental rights in Syria are ensured, and they must have the freedom to reach their preferred destinations,” adding that it was “equally vital that humanitarian organizations have unhindered access to those arriving and to all people in need.”

    The OCHA official said, “unless the escalation in hostilities across the region is restrained, the recent impacts and destabilization we have seen in Syria could be just the start of much worse to come. Syrians have been suffering for far too long. Alongside de-escalation in the region, efforts for peace and stability in Syria are as urgent now as they have ever been.”

    Syrian Ambassador Qusay al-Dahhak for his part said, “for more than seven decades, our region has been suffering from the Israeli occupation, the continued Israeli occupation of the Arab territories in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, and the systematic attacks, massacres, and crimes that occupation authorities have been persistently committing,” as is also “suffering from hostile policies pursued by Western countries supporting Israel at the expense of the security and stability of our countries and at the expense of the lives and wellbeing of our people.”

    Al-Dahhak said, “the solution is available, if the US administration was honest, but it is not. The solution is for the US administration to stop its engagement in killing civilians in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria, and to stop arming the Israeli killing machine, and enable the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility in maintaining international peace and security in the region.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhoD-jwSSiY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai presides over second meeting of National Climate Change Committee

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai presides over second meeting of National Climate Change Committee
    2024-10-24

    On the afternoon of October 24, President Lai Ching-te presided over the second meeting of the National Climate Change Committee. In his opening statement, the president said that the whole world is now facing the challenges of extreme weather and carbon reduction. Noting that Taiwan plays a critical role in global technology supply chains, the president stated that we must step up climate action to enhance the international competitiveness of our industries and quicken our pace to bring us in line with global progress on carbon reduction. He added that we are willing to cooperate with countries around the world, including China, to address the challenges of climate change together. 
    President Lai emphasized that the government’s strategic direction is clear: we will promote our second energy transition to ensure a stable and resilient energy supply. Going forward, he said, the government will gradually promote energy conservation policies and encourage all sectors to promote deep energy saving through such methods as investment incentives, investment tax credits, and government subsidies to help industries save energy. He added that energy service company (ESCO) mechanisms will also be promoted through cooperation with insurance enterprises and life insurance companies to improve enterprise equipment and production processes. The president expressed his confidence that as long as everyone works together to implement innovative and transformative change, we can create opportunities for sustainable growth for generations to come.
    A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows:
    Today is the second meeting of the National Climate Change Committee. First, I want to welcome the committee members who were on leave for the first meeting but are with us today: Paul Peng (彭双浪), Sophia Cheng (程淑芬), and Lin Tze-luen (林子倫).     
    I want to thank everyone here with us today, as well as our fellow citizens and friends for their enthusiastic participation online. This shows that everyone considers global climate change issues as matters of great importance.
    Not long ago, we saw Typhoon Krathon become the first tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in Kaohsiung in the month of October, with recorded gusts at level 17 or higher on the Beaufort scale. Responding to climate change is a major test for national resilience and sustainable development.
    Internationally, the whole world is facing increasingly severe climate change challenges. The Paris Agreement of 2015 requires each country to update its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years. In 2021, COP26 increased the frequency of such updates to once every two years to accelerate progress in global carbon reduction. In addition, the next round of NDC updates for countries around the world is scheduled for the beginning of next year. 
    Therefore, we must come together and create a strong, resilient Taiwan that can respond to challenges and align with international trends. At the same time, we are willing to continue strengthening cooperation with countries around the world, including China, to address the challenges of climate change together. 
    At the beginning of this month, we launched a carbon fee system, with fees starting to be collected next year. This is a solid step. Furthermore, our strategic direction is clear: we will promote our second energy transition to ensure a stable and resilient energy supply. In addition to developing more forms of green energy to open up new energy sources, we must also promote deep energy saving and advanced energy storage technology applications to spur the transformation and development of next-generation industries; enhance Taiwan’s adaptive mechanisms to respond to climate change; and seek green growth opportunities for sustainability, as we steadily move toward our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.   
    At today’s meeting, the Ministry of Environment will first deliver reports on the progress of certain items listed in the first committee meeting and on the promotion of the public sector chief sustainability officer alliance. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will then deliver a report on the progress in deep energy saving promotion.
    I want to thank deputy convener and Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) for conducting numerous interministerial policy discussions in the Net Zero Emissions Transition Taskforce, under the Executive Yuan’s National Council for Sustainable Development, in the time since we convened our first meeting in August this year.  
    In a few minutes, executive secretary and Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) will explain our initial concept for an energy information platform and the current review status of our new carbon reduction goals, two issues of great concern to our committee members. The reports will help committee members and the public to better understand the government’s policies.  
    As Taiwan plays a critical role in global technology supply chains, we must step up climate action to enhance the international competitiveness of our industries and quicken our pace to bring us in line with NDCs internationally. We also need to review our goals for 2030, be more ambitious to break through obstacles, and reset new, more proactive carbon-reduction goals for 2032 and 2035.
    At the same time, the best source of energy is the energy we conserve. Our economic development requires that industries and foreign investors continue to invest in Taiwan, which requires a stable power supply. Conserving energy is more efficient than developing new energy sources and is one of the most important cost-effective methods. It is also an immediately effective strategy for reducing carbon emissions. The more energy we save, the more we can reduce carbon emissions.
    One of the conclusions reached during last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) was that by 2030, the average annual improvement rate of energy efficiency must be increased from two percent to four percent. Increasing energy efficiency is already an international consensus and trend in efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. 
    Going forward, the government will gradually promote energy conservation policies and encourage all sectors to promote deep energy saving. From high-emission enterprises to hospitals and schools, and even homes and individuals, everyone needs to participate. The government cannot promote deep energy saving alone. Like a baseball team, for the team to be really good, everyone must play their role.  
    ESCOs, like analysts and trainers on baseball teams, can provide enterprises with the most cost-effective, tailor-made energy-saving plans to ensure that every dollar invested achieves the best possible energy savings. 
    Moving forward, in promoting deep energy saving, we need ESCOs to be involved to strengthen our “lineup.” The government will cooperate with industry to propose methods including investment incentives, investment tax credits, and government subsidies to help industries save energy. The government will also cooperate with insurance enterprises and life insurance companies to promote ESCO mechanisms, and will provide funding assistance to upgrade equipment and improve production processes, with the savings on electricity costs returned to investors. Insurance premiums will be used for national development, forming a virtuous circular economy. 
    The whole world is now facing the challenges of extreme weather and carbon reduction. But I am confident that as long as everyone works together to implement innovative and transformative change, we can create opportunities for sustainable growth for generations to come.
    Through this meeting, we will not only rely on the expertise of our advisors and committee members for diverse discussions and collective brainstorming. We will also reference innovative and pragmatic strategies for green growth adopted by countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan. Through joint actions of the public sector in conjunction with the various sectors of society, we can more efficiently accelerate Taiwan’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
    In a few minutes, I will invite everyone to actively share your expertise and experience. Thank you.
    Following his statement, President Lai heard a report on the promotion of the public sector chief sustainability officer alliance from Minister Peng and a report on the progress in deep energy saving promotion from Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lien Ching-chang (連錦漳). Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: PRIORITIZE CYBER PROTECTION THIS OCTOBER DURING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: PRIORITIZE CYBER PROTECTION THIS OCTOBER DURING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

    Posted on Oct 24, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
     KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

     JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR | KIAʻĀINA

    NADINE Y. ANDO
     DIRECTOR
    KA LUNA | HOʻOKELE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 24, 2024

    PRIORITIZE CYBER PROTECTION THIS OCTOBER DURING CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

    HONOLULU – Cybersecurity Awareness Month, established nearly two decades ago by the President of the United States and U.S. Congress, serves as a vital reminder for public and private sectors to collaborate in promoting cybersecurity awareness. The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is proud to join this initiative by providing resources and tools to help small businesses secure their financial futures, as well as safeguard the security of Hawai‘i’s consumers.

    As reliance on digital communication grows and businesses begin to maintain more detailed pieces of information of their customers, so do the risks associated with storing critical consumer financial and health information electronically. High-profile data breaches have demonstrated that the potential for cybercriminals to disrupt businesses and compromise public safety is alarmingly high. In response, state and federal regulators are intensifying efforts to bolster defenses against these attacks.

    These threats can originate from a variety of sources, including nation-states, cybercriminals,  even company insiders—both intentional and accidental. Cybercriminals aim to gain political, military, or economic advantages by stealing valuable data, such as credit card numbers, health records, personal identification information, as well as tax returns.

    Cyber risks often include identity theft, data breaches, malware, business interruption as a result of a network shutdown, theft of valuable digital assets and business trade secrets, damage to the company’s reputation, lawsuits, and costs associated with damage from cyber-attacks.

    To help enhance cybersecurity and protect from intrusion, businesses, individuals, and entities are recommended to:

    • Conduct a security and risk assessment. Identify what needs protection, evaluate existing safeguards and pinpoint any gaps. Additionally, develop a comprehensive protection plan for your data, operational information and client data.
    • Update your security software. Install the latest security software, web browser and operating system to defend against viruses and malware. Additionally, set your security software to scan after every update.
    • Implement firewall protection on all internet networks. Utilize firewalls, a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network, to safeguard your network and operating systems. Remote employees should also ensure that their home systems are secured.
    • Implement cybersecurity procedures and training for employees. Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices, including safe social media usage, recognizing phishing attempts and the dangers of public Wi-Fi. Additionally, limit employee access, as needed, to websites, sensitive data and software installation.
    • Consider cybersecurity insurance. If your business has a disaster recovery plan, consider integrating cybersecurity as a part of it. Additionally, testing your systems, such as through internal phishing campaigns, can help identify the company’s vulnerabilities.
    • Back up important business data regularly. Ensure critical business data, including financial and human resources files, is backed up consistently. This may include but is not limited to word processing documents, electronic spreadsheets, databases, and accounts receivable/payable files. Implement measures such as regular password changes and two-factor authentication.

    The internet offers unprecedented opportunities to connect with new and larger markets and enhance operational efficiency. Regardless of whether one is adopting cloud computing or simply using email, cybersecurity should always remain at the forefront.

    For more resources on internet safety and security, visit https://cca.hawaii.gov/broadband/for-consumers/internet-safety-and-security/.

     # # #

     

    Media Contact:

    William Nhieu

    Communications Officer

    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    [email protected]

    Office: 808-586-7582

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Bosnia and Herzegovina, we will help you rebuild and recover

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    In Jablanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the heart of Europe, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, saw the destruction caused by the recent floods.

    Europe stands with Bosnia and Herzegovina and we will help rebuild and recover.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M921bJoa8wA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mozambique’s 2024 elections: 9 major challenges that will face the new president

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David Matsinhe, Losophone Research Specialist/Adjunct Professor in African Studies, Carleton University

    Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s incoming president, faces an array of interconnected problems deeply rooted in historical, socioeconomic, and political dynamics.

    Chapo (47), comes from Frelimo, the former liberation movemen which has been in power since independence in 1975. He must balance meeting immediate needs with long-term structural change.

    Can the resource-rich but impoverished nation of 35 million expect a redirection of policies and strategies under Chapo to address its multifaceted crises?

    Chapo was born after independence and promises to act with integrity. But the old guard placed him in power to protect and promote their interests.

    Mozambique’s crises stem largely from systemic corruption under Frelimo. It has prioritised political elites over national welfare. Its decades of mismanagement, embezzlement and patronage have left institutions weak and unable to address pressing social and economic issues.

    The country is fragmented. The government has neglected the development of inclusive, accountable governance and equitable infrastructure. Regional disparities are the result. This is especially so in Cabo Delgado province, where disenfranchised citizens have become vulnerable to extremist groups.

    This lack of unity and long-term planning has created a fragile state unable to withstand mounting internal and external pressures.

    As a Mozambican social scientist and human rights specialist, I have spent my adult life wrestling with my country’s complex economic, social, cultural and political dynamics.

    Read more: 9 million Mozambicans live below the poverty line – what’s wrong with the national budget and how to fix it

    Mozambique stands at a critical point. The new president must confront the deep-rooted challenges with determination and comprehensive reforms.

    In my view, the new leader faces nine key challenges. These are a deep economic crisis, an Islamic insurgency in the north, climate change, drug trafficking, unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, kidnappings and unpaid public sector salaries.

    Economic crisis

    Mozambique’s economy has deteriorated, primarily because of structural imbalances and a dependence on extractive industries. GDP growth has declined sharply, from 7% in 2014 to 1.8% in 2023.

    Slower growth has resulted in over 62% of Mozambicans living in poverty.

    A public debt crisis was worsened by the “hidden debt scandal”: the discovery in 2016 of US$2 billion in previously undisclosed debts the government had guaranteed without the knowledge of parliament.

    This has limited the state’s capacity to invest in education, health and sanitation.

    Economic revival must be accompanied by targeted interventions to promote inclusive growth. All Mozambicans must benefit from economic activities to alleviate poverty.

    Insurgency

    Since 2017, extremist groups have used local grievances and regional disenfranchisement to destabilise northern Mozambique. Over 4,000 people have died. Nearly a million have been displaced.

    The conflict is rooted in socio-economic inequalities, made worse by the extraction of natural gas and rubies. Global and local actors compete for control.

    The new president’s role in mediating this crisis requires nuance. He must address the historical marginalisation of Cabo Delgado while balancing military and developmental responses.

    Read more: Between state and mosque: new book explores the turbulent history of Islamic politics in Mozambique

    He must also write a new chapter in the country’s deplorable human rights record. This is marked by widespread violations of the right to life, physical integrity, freedom from arbitrary detention, and freedoms of expression, assembly and the press.

    Climate change crisis

    Climate change intersects with Mozambique’s vulnerabilities. The country has been repeatedly struck by increasingly devastating severe cyclones, such as Idai and Kenneth in 2019.

    Deforestation has made it more fragile, reducing its capacity to mitigate flood and erosion risks.

    The new president will need to put in place policies that incorporate mitigation and adaptation strategies. He will also need to secure multilateral cooperation.

    Drug trafficking

    Drug trafficking networks have entrenched themselves. Porous borders, weak governance structures and endemic corruption have made Mozambique a corridor for heroin and cocaine trafficking.

    The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that US$100 million worth of heroin passes through Mozambique annually. This fuels informal economies that sustain political patronage networks.

    Tackling the problem requires stronger state institutions. It also requires regional and global collaboration to disrupt the transnational flow of narcotics.

    Unemployment

    Joblessness stands at over 70%, affecting youth in particular. Youth disenfranchisement risks perpetuating cycles of poverty, social instability and potential radicalisation.

    Policies promoting vocational training and entrepreneurship are essential. So is investment in labour-intensive sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

    Corruption

    Pervasive corruption erodes public trust and stifles economic innovation. New efforts to combat corruption must go beyond superficial reforms. They must uproot the power structures that sustain these systems.

    Poor infrastructure

    Infrastructure is in disrepair. Urban roads are crumbling, public services are inadequate and electricity blackouts are frequent. Rural regions lack basic services such as clean water and healthcare.

    The next president will need to launch an ambitious infrastructure overhaul to improve living conditions and stimulate economic growth.

    Kidnappings

    Kidnappings, especially targeting the wealthy and business people, have created widespread fear and instability. The crime disrupts business operations and deters foreign investment, further harming economic growth.

    The high-profile nature of kidnappings suggests collusion between criminal networks and law enforcement as well as inefficiencies in the justice system.

    The persistence of kidnappings reflects broader governance issues. These include limited state capacity to respond effectively to organised crime.

    Unpaid public servants

    Delays in salary payments for public servants have worsened economic and social problems. The delays reduce public workers’ purchasing power. This has affected household consumption and local economies.

    Morale among employees is sapped, harming productivity and eroding trust in government institutions.

    Read more: Mozambique’s transgender history is on display in a powerful photo exhibition

    The new president must make public sector reforms. This includes auditing finances, improving revenue collection, enforcing fiscal discipline, promoting merit-based appointments, implementing probity laws, strengthening anti-corruption bodies, and diversifying the economy.

    The future of Mozambique rests on the ability of its next leader to address these profound and intertwined crises. It’s a huge task.

    Whoever it is will have to break from the Frelimo mould, reverse the damage done and set the country on a new path of clean governance, peace and inclusive economic growth.

    – Mozambique’s 2024 elections: 9 major challenges that will face the new president
    – https://theconversation.com/mozambiques-2024-elections-9-major-challenges-that-will-face-the-new-president-240923

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: White Helmets International Donor Group statement on 10 year anniversary of humanitarian efforts in Syria

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    International Government Donors from the UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Qatar and the United States have released a joint statement marking the 10th anniversary of the White Helmets in Syria.

    Statement from the UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Qatar and the United States on the 10th anniversary of the White Helmets:

    Today, the Syrian White Helmets mark their 10th anniversary. For a decade, the humanitarian organization has worked tirelessly and courageously to save the lives of those worst affected by the conflict in Syria. As Syria continues to face unprecedented humanitarian and human rights challenges, international government donors commend the tremendous efforts and courage of the 3,000 dedicated volunteers who work for the White Helmets.  

    The White Helmets’ work has been crucial in providing relief, assistance and hope to vulnerable populations in Syria, since the organisation’s official foundation in 2014. 

    The needs of Syrians remain at an all-time high. Communities in the northwest of the country affected by ongoing military attacks, depleted public services due to deliberate military targeting, forced displacement and the long-term impact of the 2023 earthquakes are in desperate need of relief. White Helmets volunteers have been a constant in uncertain times, and remain the primary search and rescue operator, and the largest provider of critical services like emergency medical care, demining and community resilience.  

    As members of the White Helmets International Donor Group, we recognize the incredible courage and commitment of these ordinary men and women who are doing extraordinary work each day. 

    Over the past decade, the White Helmets have evolved from a number of small, grassroots volunteer groups into a renowned Syrian-led institution. Their growth has been marked by a steadfast commitment to meeting the needs of the people of Syria. Amidst extremely difficult circumstances, the White Helmets continue to bear witness and strive for justice and accountability, for all violations of International Humanitarian Law. 

    Partnerships have been an important factor in this evolution, and we are proud to have supported the White Helmets work. Our collaboration with the White Helmets is part of our commitment to support the Syrian people more broadly, and to contribute to the building of lasting peace and stability in Syria in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Are you curious about the impact your log burner has on your air quality at home?

    Source: City of Coventry

    Do you have a wood-burning stove or an open fireplace?

    Do you live in Coventry? Are you over 18 years old?

    If so, we would like you to join our research looking at how we can reduce the impact of log burners and open fireplaces on the air quality in our homes and city.

    The research will involve:

    • having an air quality monitor installed in your home for a month
    • noting down when you use your stove or fireplace and your experience with the monitor
    • joining a group discussion towards the end of the project.

    To take part, you should be someone who uses your burner or fireplace regularly, but it should NOT be your main source of heating (for example, you also use central heating).

    Everyone who completes the research will receive a £50 high-street shopping voucher.

    If you’re interested in taking part, please complete the survey by 1 November to learn more and check your eligibility.

    The project is being conducted in partnership with Coventry City Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and WSP.

    Friday, 25th October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mozambique’s 2024 elections: 9 major challenges that will face the new president

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By David Matsinhe, Losophone Research Specialist/Adjunct Professor in African Studies, Carleton University

    Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s incoming president, faces an array of interconnected problems deeply rooted in historical, socioeconomic, and political dynamics.

    Chapo (47), comes from Frelimo, the former liberation movemen which has been in power since independence in 1975. He must balance meeting immediate needs with long-term structural change.

    Can the resource-rich but impoverished nation of 35 million expect a redirection of policies and strategies under Chapo to address its multifaceted crises?

    Chapo was born after independence and promises to act with integrity. But the old guard placed him in power to protect and promote their interests.

    Mozambique’s crises stem largely from systemic corruption under Frelimo. It has prioritised political elites over national welfare. Its decades of mismanagement, embezzlement and patronage have left institutions weak and unable to address pressing social and economic issues.

    The country is fragmented. The government has neglected the development of inclusive, accountable governance and equitable infrastructure. Regional disparities are the result. This is especially so in Cabo Delgado province, where disenfranchised citizens have become vulnerable to extremist groups.

    This lack of unity and long-term planning has created a fragile state unable to withstand mounting internal and external pressures.

    As a Mozambican social scientist and human rights specialist, I have spent my adult life wrestling with my country’s complex economic, social, cultural and political dynamics.



    Read more:
    9 million Mozambicans live below the poverty line – what’s wrong with the national budget and how to fix it

    Mozambique stands at a critical point. The new president must confront the deep-rooted challenges with determination and comprehensive reforms.

    In my view, the new leader faces nine key challenges. These are a deep economic crisis, an Islamic insurgency in the north, climate change, drug trafficking, unemployment, corruption, poor infrastructure, kidnappings and unpaid public sector salaries.

    Economic crisis

    Mozambique’s economy has deteriorated, primarily because of structural imbalances and a dependence on extractive industries. GDP growth has declined sharply, from 7% in 2014 to 1.8% in 2023.

    Slower growth has resulted in over 62% of Mozambicans living in poverty.

    A public debt crisis was worsened by the “hidden debt scandal”: the discovery in 2016 of US$2 billion in previously undisclosed debts the government had guaranteed without the knowledge of parliament.

    This has limited the state’s capacity to invest in education, health and sanitation.

    Economic revival must be accompanied by targeted interventions to promote inclusive growth. All Mozambicans must benefit from economic activities to alleviate poverty.

    Insurgency

    Since 2017, extremist groups have used local grievances and regional disenfranchisement to destabilise northern Mozambique. Over 4,000 people have died. Nearly a million have been displaced.

    The conflict is rooted in socio-economic inequalities, made worse by the extraction of natural gas and rubies. Global and local actors compete for control.

    The new president’s role in mediating this crisis requires nuance. He must address the historical marginalisation of Cabo Delgado while balancing military and developmental responses.



    Read more:
    Between state and mosque: new book explores the turbulent history of Islamic politics in Mozambique

    He must also write a new chapter in the country’s deplorable human rights record. This is marked by widespread violations of the right to life, physical integrity, freedom from arbitrary detention, and freedoms of expression, assembly and the press.

    Climate change crisis

    Climate change intersects with Mozambique’s vulnerabilities. The country has been repeatedly struck by increasingly devastating severe cyclones, such as Idai and Kenneth in 2019.

    Deforestation has made it more fragile, reducing its capacity to mitigate flood and erosion risks.

    The new president will need to put in place policies that incorporate mitigation and adaptation strategies. He will also need to secure multilateral cooperation.

    Drug trafficking

    Drug trafficking networks have entrenched themselves. Porous borders, weak governance structures and endemic corruption have made Mozambique a corridor for heroin and cocaine trafficking.

    The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimates that US$100 million worth of heroin passes through Mozambique annually. This fuels informal economies that sustain political patronage networks.

    Tackling the problem requires stronger state institutions. It also requires regional and global collaboration to disrupt the transnational flow of narcotics.

    Unemployment

    Joblessness stands at over 70%, affecting youth in particular. Youth disenfranchisement risks perpetuating cycles of poverty, social instability and potential radicalisation.

    Policies promoting vocational training and entrepreneurship are essential. So is investment in labour-intensive sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

    Corruption

    Pervasive corruption erodes public trust and stifles economic innovation. New efforts to combat corruption must go beyond superficial reforms. They must uproot the power structures that sustain these systems.

    Poor infrastructure

    Infrastructure is in disrepair. Urban roads are crumbling, public services are inadequate and electricity blackouts are frequent. Rural regions lack basic services such as clean water and healthcare.

    The next president will need to launch an ambitious infrastructure overhaul to improve living conditions and stimulate economic growth.

    Kidnappings

    Kidnappings, especially targeting the wealthy and business people, have created widespread fear and instability. The crime disrupts business operations and deters foreign investment, further harming economic growth.

    The high-profile nature of kidnappings suggests collusion between criminal networks and law enforcement as well as inefficiencies in the justice system.

    The persistence of kidnappings reflects broader governance issues. These include limited state capacity to respond effectively to organised crime.

    Unpaid public servants

    Delays in salary payments for public servants have worsened economic and social problems. The delays reduce public workers’ purchasing power. This has affected household consumption and local economies.

    Morale among employees is sapped, harming productivity and eroding trust in government institutions.



    Read more:
    Mozambique’s transgender history is on display in a powerful photo exhibition

    The new president must make public sector reforms. This includes auditing finances, improving revenue collection, enforcing fiscal discipline, promoting merit-based appointments, implementing probity laws, strengthening anti-corruption bodies, and diversifying the economy.

    The future of Mozambique rests on the ability of its next leader to address these profound and intertwined crises. It’s a huge task.

    Whoever it is will have to break from the Frelimo mould, reverse the damage done and set the country on a new path of clean governance, peace and inclusive economic growth.

    David Matsinhe 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. Mozambique’s 2024 elections: 9 major challenges that will face the new president – https://theconversation.com/mozambiques-2024-elections-9-major-challenges-that-will-face-the-new-president-240923

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why ghosts wear clothes or white sheets instead of appearing in the nude

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Shane McCorristine, Reader in Cultural History, Newcastle University

    When you think of a ghost, what comes to mind? A ghastly, mouldy winding-sheet? A malevolent pile of supernatural armour? Or a sinister gentleman in a stiff Victorian suit?

    In 1863 George Cruikshank, the caricaturist and illustrator of Dickens’s novels, announced a “discovery” concerning the varied appearance of ghosts. It does not seem, he wrote:

    That any one has ever thought of the gross absurdity and impossibility of there being such things as ghosts of wearing apparel … Ghosts cannot, must not, dare not, for decency’s sake, appear without clothes; and as there can be no such thing as ghosts or spirits of clothes, why then, it appears that ghosts never did appear and never can appear.

    Why aren’t ghosts naked? This was a key philosophical question for Cruikshank and many others in Victorian Britain. Indeed, stories of naked or clothesless ghosts, especially outside folklore, are exceedingly rare. Sceptics and ghost-seers alike have delighted in thinking about how exactly ghosts could have form and force in the material world. Just what kind of stuff could they be made of that allows them to share our plane of existence, in all its mundanity?

    Gillray’s Gown Metamorphose’d into a Ghost (1797).
    British Museum, CC BY

    The image of the ghost as a figure in a white winding-sheet or burial shroud has retained its iconic status for hundreds of years because it suggests a continuity between the corpse and the spirit.

    The main social role of the ghost before the modern period was to carry a message to the living from beyond the grave, so the link to burial clothing makes sense. This can be seen in the medieval trope of the Three Living and the Three Dead, whereby some hunters encounter their future skeletal corpses, wrapped in linen, admonishing them to remember death.

    Yet by the mid-19th century, with spiritualism and early forms of psychical research spreading across the western world, people began to report seeing ghosts dressed in everyday and contemporaneous clothing.

    This raised problems for those interested in investigating the reality of ghosts. If the ghost was an objective reality, why should it be wearing clothes? If the tenets of spiritualism were true, should the soul which has returned to visit the earth not be formed of light or some other form of ethereal substance? Were the clothes of spirits also spiritual, and if so, did they share in their essence or were they the ghosts of clothes in their own right?

    You could adopt an idealist position and say that the clothes were metaphysical ideas bound up with the immortal identity of the wearer – the identity of the ghost meaning something more than simply the apparition of a soul-force.

    Another explanation was that ghost-seers dress the ghost, automatically, through unconscious processes. And so we see a ghost in its usual dress because that is the mental picture we have of the person, and this choice of garment is most likely to inspire recognition.

    The Lady Ghost by Adelaide Claxton (1876).
    Sotheby’s

    The critic and anthropologist Andrew Lang drew comparisons between dreaming and ghost-seeing in 1897 when he stated that:

    We do not see people naked, as a rule, in our dreams; and hallucinations, being waking dreams, conform to the same rule. If a ghost opens a door or lifts a curtain in our sight, that, too, is only part of the illusion. The door did not open; the curtain was not lifted … It was produced in the same way as when a hypnotised patient is told that “his hand is burned”, his fancy then begets real blisters.

    For Lang, the clothes of ghosts were the stuff that dreams are made of. The implication of this, that ghost-seers are dressers, but not undressers, seems to reflect a pervading morality of ghosts, whereby most 19th-century spirits were sanitised and chaste. Lang’s odd assumption that there was no nakedness in dreams echoes this.

    The matter of spirits

    Fashion and clothing were central to the identification of class, gender and occupation in the Victorian period. The ghosts of the servant class seemed to be especially tied to their clothes, rather than their faces or voices – a theme that comes out in some ghost reports submitted to The Strand magazine in 1908.

    Here, a ghost-seer reported seeing “a figure, which had nothing supernatural about it, being simply that of a servant in a light cotton dress … and with a white cap on … The whole figure had the general appearance of the housemaid, so that she had been the one I had thought of. It was not in the least like the cook, who dressed in much darker cottons”.

    Clothes identify people and make them capable of representation – nakedness disrupts this means of instantly categorising someone.

    The ghost of a woman with a burial shroud confronts her murderer on a stormy night.
    Wellcome Collection, CC BY

    The issue of ghost clothes is interesting for historians of the supernatural because, like a loose thread, pulling at it starts to unravel some of the assumptions about matter in spiritualism. Do ghosts retain the injuries or disabilities that befell them in life? And what about the erotic fleshiness of spirits – the touching and kissing between the living and the dead in the séance room and the “ectoplasm” (a gauze-like spiritual substance) photographed emerging from the orifices of mediums? Could the living even have sexual intercourse with ghosts?

    These kinds of knotty debates have not disappeared in the 21st century. Indeed, “spectrophilia” – or the love of ghosts – is a fetish that is a lively topic of debate on the internet today. Another turn of the screw in the long history of how spirits matter in the world of the living.


    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.

    Shane McCorristine 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. Why ghosts wear clothes or white sheets instead of appearing in the nude – https://theconversation.com/why-ghosts-wear-clothes-or-white-sheets-instead-of-appearing-in-the-nude-241948

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Harris and Trump’s economic pledges stack up

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Conor O’Kane, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Bournemouth University

    kovop / Shutterstock

    We’re now in the home straight of the US election race, and the economy looks set to play a key role in deciding who will be sat in the White House come January 2025. Despite enjoying strong economic and employment growth since the pandemic, US voters have been telling pollsters that the high cost of living is what bothers them most about life in America right now.

    Both candidates are seeking to address voter’s concerns. The Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, and her Republican counterpart, Donald Trump, agree on virtually nothing. But what they do agree on is that the federal government should be playing a bigger role in making things more affordable for American consumers.

    That said, there are significant differences in how the candidates propose to bring down prices across the economy. Trump wants to force companies into creating jobs on US soil. And Harris wishes to break down the power that some companies have amassed in the marketplace.

    What has Trump pledged?

    At a campaign rally on September 19, Trump said: “Together, we will deliver low taxes, low regulations, low energy costs, low interest rates and low inflation so that everyone can afford groceries, a car and a home”.

    Trump is promising to reduce regulation, as well as launching another big round of tax cuts for individual people and businesses. He has also pledged to make income from tips, overtime and social security payments exempt from tax altogether.

    But, somewhat ironically, Trump’s overall economic approach is somewhat un-Republican. We traditionally tend to think of Republicans as the “take your hands off my economy” party. However, many of Trump’s economic policy pledges are very hands on.

    He has promised tariffs of up to 20% on goods imported into the US, and 60% on all goods from China. His rationale is that by making imported goods more expensive, US companies will be encouraged to make more goods domestically, so American workers will benefit in terms of millions more well-paid manufacturing jobs at home.

    Trump has also said that, if elected, he will direct his cabinet to reduce energy prices and auto insurance by at least 50%. “Prices will come down. You just watch. They’ll come down and they’ll come down fast”, he claimed during a speech in August.

    He plans to intervene in the housing market, too. Trump’s strategy for lowering housing costs focuses on stopping “the unsustainable invasion of illegal aliens”, and he has pledged to deport up to 11 million immigrants who currently live in the US. This, he says, will result in a dramatic reduction in demand and bring down the cost of housing.

    Perhaps Trump’s most striking policy is in relation to the Federal Reserve. He wants the elected president to have a greater say over the interest rate policy for the US economy. Lower interest rates would mean lower borrowing costs, which should subsequently reduce mortgage prices.

    But a lot of economists, including former US treasury secretary Larry Summers, warn that this approach could backfire. When executives start to intervene in independent central banking, you risk setting off a spiral of rapid inflation.

    What has Harris pledged?

    A lot of Americans believe that grocery chains and food companies are ripping them off. Food prices are up by about 25% compared to before the pandemic, and a recent poll suggests that American consumers’ view of the grocery industry has sunk to a two-decade low.

    Harris has promised to address this. At a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina, in August, she said: “As president, I will take on the high costs that matter most to most Americans, like the cost of food”.

    She believes the food industry is too concentrated, where just a few firms have a lot of power. She wants the food industry to become more competitive, which would mean lower prices for US consumers.

    Harris has proposed giving government money to start-up meatpacking companies to help them challenge the dominant players. And she also wants the Federal Trade Commission to look at mergers and other forms of consolidation in the food industry more aggressively.

    This may include giving the commission additional regulatory and enforcement powers to actively look for and stop anti-competitive behaviour. For example, Harris has proposed the first federal ban on price gouging to stop companies exploiting crises to charge people more for essentials.

    Harris has promised to break the stranglehold large corporations have over US food supply.
    Bartolomiej Pietrzyk / Shutterstock

    Harris, like Trump, has also promised to address housing costs. She wants to use federal dollars to encourage developers to build, and has set an ambitious target of building 3 million new housing units over her four-year term.

    Her idea is that one way to bring down housing costs is to build a lot more housing. She also wants to give US$25,000 (£19,200) to every first-time home buyer in the country to help them with a down payment.

    To help reduce child poverty, Harris says she will restore Biden’s generous tax credit for parents. And, on top of that, she wants to introduce a US$6,000 tax credit for parents of newborns, as well as planning to cap childcare costs at 7% of household income.

    Both candidates have clearly listened to voters’ concerns about the cost of living, but there is little detail on how they will fund the giveaways set out in their economic policy pledges.

    Harris says there will be no tax increases for anybody who makes less than US$400,000 a year. However, she has in mind a whole bunch of taxes on millionaires and big companies – the sort that Democrats are fond of targeting. Trump, on the other hand, has not set out how he will pay for any of his policies.

    More than 20 US recipients of the Nobel prize for economics signed a letter on October 23 that called Harris’ economic agenda “vastly superior” to Trump’s.

    But we don’t have long to wait to see which candidate’s economic pledges have resonated most with US voters.

    Conor O’Kane 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. How Harris and Trump’s economic pledges stack up – https://theconversation.com/how-harris-and-trumps-economic-pledges-stack-up-241644

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Buyer Beware: Off-brand Ozempic, Zepbound and Other Weight Loss Products Carry Undisclosed Risks

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    In just a few years, brand-name injectable drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound have rocketed to fame as billion-dollar annual sellers for weight loss as well as to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

    But the price of these injections is steep: They cost about US$800-$1,000 per month, and if used for weight loss alone, they are not covered by most insurance policies. Both drugs mimic the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1 to help regulate blood sugar and reduce cravings. They can be taken only with a prescription.

    The Food and Drug Administration announced an official shortage of the active ingredients in these drugs in 2022, but on Oct. 2, 2024, the agency announced that the shortage has been resolved for the medicine tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound.

    Despite the soaring demand and limited supply of these drugs, there are no generic versions available. This is because the patents for semaglutide – the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, which is still in shortage – and tirzepatide don’t expire until 2033 and 2036, respectively.

    As a result, nonbrand alternatives that can be purchased with or without a prescription are flooding the market. Yet these products come with real risks to consumers.

    I am a pharmacist who studies weaknesses in federal oversight of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements in the U.S. My research group recently has investigated loopholes that are allowing alternative weight loss products to enter the market.

    High demand is driving GLP-1 wannabes

    The dietary supplement market has sought to cash in on the GLP-1 demand with pills, teas, extracts and all manner of other products that claim to produce similar effects as the brand names at a much lower price.

    Products containing the herb berberine offer only a few pounds of weight loss, while many dietary supplement weight loss products contain stimulants such as sibutramine and laxatives such as phenolphthalein, which increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and cancer.

    The role of compounding pharmacies

    Unlike the dietary supplements that are masquerading as GLP-1 weight loss products, compounding pharmacies can create custom versions of products that contain the same active ingredients as the real thing for patients who cannot use either brand or generic products for some reason.

    These pharmacies can also produce alternative versions of brand-name drugs when official drug shortages exist.

    Since the demand for GLP-1 medications has far outpaced the supply, compounding pharmacies are legally producing a variety of different semaglutide and tirzepatide products.

    These products may come in versions that differ from the brand-name companies, such as vials of powder that must be dissolved in liquid, or as tablets or nasal sprays.

    Just like the brand-name drugs, you must have a valid prescription to receive them. The prices range from $250-$400 a month – still a steep price for many consumers.

    Compounding pharmacies must adhere to the FDA’s sterility and quality production methods, but these rules are not as rigorous for compounding pharmacies as those for commercial manufacturers of generic drugs.

    In addition, the products compounding pharmacies create do not have to be tested in humans for safety or effectiveness like brand-name products do.

    Proper dosing can also be challenging with compounded forms of the drugs.

    Companies that work the system

    For people who cannot afford a compounding pharmacy product, or cannot get a valid prescription for semaglutide or tirzepatide, opportunistic companies are stepping in to fill the void. These include “peptide companies,” manufacturers that create non-FDA approved knockoff versions of the drugs.

    From November 2023 to March 2024, my team carried out a study to assess which of these peptide companies are selling semaglutide or tirzepatide products. We scoured the internet looking for these peptide companies and collected information about what they were selling and their sales practices.

    We found that peptide sellers use a loophole to sell these drugs. On their websites, the companies state that their drugs are for “research purposes only” or “not for human consumption,” but they do nothing to verify that the buyers are researchers or that the product is going to a research facility.

    By reading the comments sections of the company websites and the targeted ads on social media, it becomes clear that both buyers and sellers understand the charade. Unlike compounding pharmacies, these peptide sellers do not provide the supplies you need to dissolve and inject the drug, provide no instructions, and will usually not answer questions.

    Peptide sellers, since they allegedly are not selling to consumers, do not require a valid prescription and will sell consumers whatever quantity of drug they wish to purchase. Even if a person has an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa, the companies will happily sell them a semaglutide or tirzepatide product without a prescription. The average prices of these peptide products range from $181-$203 per month.

    Skirting regulations

    Peptide sellers do not have to adhere to the rules or regulations that drug manufacturers or compounding pharmacies do. Many companies state that their products are 99% pure, but an independent investigation of three companies’ products from August 2023 to March 2024 found that the purity of the products were far less than promised.

    One product contained endotoxin – a toxic substance produced by bacteria – suggesting that it was contaminated with microbes. In addition, the products’ promised dosages were off by up 29% to 39%. Poor purity can cause patients to experience fever, chills, nausea, skin irritation, infections and low blood pressure.

    In this study, some companies never even shipped the drug, telling the buyers they needed to pay an additional fee to have the product clear customs.

    If a consumer is harmed by a poor-quality product, it would be difficult to sue the seller, since the products specifically say they are “not for human consumption.” Ultimately, consumers are being led to spend money on products that may never arrive, could cause an infection, might not have the correct dose, and contain no instructions on how to safely use or store the product.

    Will prices for brand-name products come down?

    To combat these alternative sellers, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly began offering an alternative version of its brand-name Zepbound product for weight loss in September 2024.

    Instead of its traditional injection pen products that cost more than $1,000 for a month’s supply, this product comes in vials that patients draw up and inject themselves. For patients who take 5 milligrams of Zepbound each week, the vial products would cost them $549 a month if patients buy it through the company’s online pharmacy and can show that they do not have insurance coverage for the drug.

    After a grilling on Capitol Hill in September 2024, pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk came under intense pressure to offer patients without prescription coverage a lower-priced product for its brand-name Wegovy as well.

    In the next few years, additional brand-name GLP-1 agonist drugs will likely make it to market. As of October 2024, a handful of these products are in late-phase clinical trials, with active ingredients such as retatrutide, survodutide and ecnoglutide, and more than 18 other drug candidates are in earlier stages of development.

    When new pharmaceutical companies enter this market, they will have to offer patients lower prices than Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in order to gain market share. This is the most likely medium-term solution to drive down the costs of GLP-1 drugs and eliminate the drug shortages in the marketplace.

    Originally published in The Conversation.

    MIL OSI USA News –