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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BharatNet: Bridging the Digital Divide

    Source: Government of India

    BharatNet: Bridging the Digital Divide

    From Remote Villages to Smart Communities

    Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 9:55AM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction to BharatNet

     

    In a world increasingly driven by digital innovation, internet connectivity has become a cornerstone for economic growth, education, healthcare, and governance. Digital divide was significant challenge, especially in rural India, and to address this, the government of India launched BharatNet in October 2011, an ambitious project aimed at providing affordable high-speed internet access to every Gram Panchayat in the country. This initiative, under the Ministry of Communications, seeks to empower rural India, fostering inclusive growth and bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. BharatNet is not merely an infrastructure project; it is the backbone of India’s journey towards a truly digital nation.

    Amended BharatNet 2023

     

    In August 2023, the government approved the Amended BharatNet Program (ABP). The program provides for internet access by Optical Fibre (OF) connectivity to 2.64 lakh GPs in ring topology and also to provide OF connectivity to the remaining non-GP villages (approx. 3.8 lakhs) on demand basis. The design improvement, at a cost of Rs. 1,39,579 crores, in ABP is aiming at:

    • Optical fiber connectivity from Block to GP in Ring topology
    • IP- MPLS network with Routers at Blocks and GPs
    • Provision of optical fiber connectivity to non-GP villages on demand basis
    • Provision for Operation and maintenance for 10 years, including monitoring of network uptime through Centralized Network Operating Centre (CNOC) and payment to Project Implementation Agency (PIA) as per Service Level Agreement (SLA)
    • Provision of Power backup of adequate level at GPs and Blocks
    • Provision of Remote Fibre Monitoring System (RFMS) at Block for fibre monitoring

     

    Digital Bharat Nidhi: Funding BharatNet

     

    Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) is a fund that aims to improve the quality and accessibility of telecommunications services in India. It was established by the government of India as a replacement for the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). The DBN’s goals are to:

    • Provide affordable and high-quality mobile and digital services in rural and remote areas
    • Ensure equitable access to knowledge and information
    • Promote economic growth by increasing digital connectivity and services
    • Narrow the digital divide and remove barriers to access

    Working of BharatNet

     

    BharatNet operates as the world’s largest rural broadband connectivity program. The project is being executed by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL), which has been incorporated on 25.02.2012. On 30.04.2016, the Telecom Commission approved to implement the project in three phases:

    1. Phase I: Focused on laying optical fiber cables to connect 1 lakh Gram Panchayats by utilizing existing infrastructure. Completed in December 2017, this phase established the foundational network.
    2. Phase II: Expanded the coverage to an additional 1.5 lakh Gram Panchayats using optical fiber, radio, and satellite technologies. This phase incorporated collaborative efforts with state governments and private entities.
    3. Phase III: Aims at future-proofing the network by integrating 5G technologies, increasing bandwidth capacity, and ensuring robust last-mile connectivity. This phase is ongoing, with a focus on improving accessibility and reliability.

    The network’s core relies on optical fiber cables, satellite links for remote regions, and wireless technologies for last-mile connectivity. Implemented under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), BharatNet adopts a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to ensure efficient execution and maintenance.

     

    Impact of BharatNet

     

    BharatNet has had a transformative impact on rural India, contributing to socioeconomic development in multiple ways:

    1. Digital Inclusion: The project has connected remote villages to high-speed internet, enabling access to e-governance services, online education, and telemedicine. Initiatives like the Digital India program thrive on BharatNet’s infrastructure.
    2. Economic Opportunities: With internet access, rural communities can participate in digital commerce, access financial services, and explore entrepreneurial opportunities. This has significantly boosted income generation in underserved areas.
    3. Education and Healthcare: BharatNet has enabled digital classrooms and telehealth services, bridging the resource gap in rural areas. Students and patients now have access to quality education and medical expertise from urban centers.
    4. Empowering Local Governance: Gram Panchayats use BharatNet to implement e-governance projects, improving transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in public services.

     

    Key Achievements and Milestones

    Internet Inclusivity in India

    Internet access is available in the country including rural areas through the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) through wireless mobile and fixed wireline broadband. Government has taken numerous initiatives to enhance internet connectivity in India through mobile connectivity and optical fiber rollout. As a result, as of October, 2024:

    • Number of 4G Base Transceiver Station (BTS) have reached 24,96,644, spread across 783 districts.
    • India has seen the fastest rollout of 5G services in the world with 4,62,084 BTS deployed across 779 districts.
    • The cost of data has reduced drastically from Rs 269 per GB (in March 2014) to Rs. 9.08 per GB.
    • The Median mobile broadband speed has increased from 1.30 Mbps in March 2014 to 95.67 Mbps.
    • The average wireless usage of data per subscriber has increased to 22.24 GB per subscriber per month.
    • Out of 6,44,131 villages, 6,15,836 number of villages are having 4G mobile connectivity in the country.

     

    Conclusion

     

    BharatNet holds the promise of transforming rural India into a digitally empowered society. By addressing these challenges and maintaining its momentum, the initiative can pave the way for a more inclusive and connected future. BharatNet is more than an infrastructure project; it is a lifeline for millions of rural Indians aspiring to connect with opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings. With robust execution and sustained efforts, BharatNet will continue to bridge the digital divide and empower every corner of India with the transformative power of the internet.

     

    References

    https://sansad.in/getFile/loksabhaquestions/annex/183/AS329_R1XIRX.pdf?source=pqals

    https://usof.gov.in/en/usof-dashboard

    https://usof.gov.in/en/home

    https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=151993&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2077908

    https://usof.gov.in/en/bharatnet-project

    https://bbnl.nic.in/

    BharatNet: Bridging the Digital Divide

    *******

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2086701) Visitor Counter : 129

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days highlights Japan’s Role in Africa’s agricultural and energy revolution

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina painted a compelling picture of the potential of Africa’s agricultural and energy transition during a plenary session at the Africa Investment Forum 2024 Market Days, highlighting the deepening Japan-Africa partnership, emphasizing how Japanese technology and innovation could help unlock them.

    He spoke on 9 December as part of two panel discussions on Africa’s agriculture and energy transition, that brought together 100 Japanese investors, showcased how digital solutions , innovative technologies and business models are transforming Africa’s business  landscape.

    “Agriculture is the place to be,” declared Dr. Adesina, highlighting Africa’s possession of 65% of the world’s remaining arable land. “You may like oil and gas, that’s fine. But nobody drinks oil, and nobody smokes gas. But everybody eats food three times a day.” With the global food and agricultural market in Africa projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, the continent presents unprecedented opportunities for investment and innovation.

    Digital Revolution in Agriculture

    Space Shift Inc. demonstrated their groundbreaking use of satellite technology for crop monitoring in Nigeria. Chief Business Officer Tamao Tada presented how their AI-powered system combines optical and radar satellite data to provide continuous monitoring of crop growth, harvest timing predictions, and historical farming activity records – even through cloud cover. This technology is enhancing credit scoring for farmers and improving agricultural decision-making.

    AAIC Partners Africa Limited, through Director Hiroki Ishida, shared their success story in Rwanda and Tanzania, where they’ve implemented smart agriculture projects covering 1,700 hectares. Their work demonstrates how Japanese technology can transform large-scale agricultural operations in Africa through IoT solutions and satellite technology optimization.

    VunaPay’s COO, Koya Matsuno, addressed one of agriculture’s most pressing challenges through their digital platform that enables instant payments to farmers upon produce delivery. “Imagine working hard for a month and your boss tells you that you’re not going to get paid for another six months,” Matsuno illustrated, highlighting how their solution is transforming agricultural finance.

    Green Carbon Inc.’s Manager, Ryo Harada, introduced innovative approaches to generating carbon credits in agriculture. Their projects, including biochar and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice fields, can reduce methane emissions by 30-50% while generating valuable carbon credits for farmers.

    Strategic Partnership Framework

    The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), represented by Jin Wakabayashi, Deputy Director General for Private Sector Investment Finance, outlined their comprehensive support for agricultural development, emphasizing three key pillars for private finance window: Climate-resilient agriculture; Food security enhancement and financial inclusion facilitation.

    The African Development Bank’s Director of Private Sector Operations, Richard Ofori-Mante, highlighted successful collaborations with Japanese institutions, including a $600 million of the Enhanced Private Sector Assistance for Africa (EPSA) facility with JICA and ongoing partnerships with major Japanese corporations like Mitsubishi.

    “What I see here is what Executive Director Nomoto and I envisioned,” reflected Dr. Adesina, describing the creation of a comprehensive ecosystem supporting Japanese investment in African agriculture. This ecosystem spans agricultural technology and innovation; infrastructure development; financial services; private equity and venture capital and government support mechanisms.

    The Bank’s collaboration with MasterCard on the Community Pass program, aiming to provide 100 million African farmers with digital access to financial services and agricultural information, exemplifies this ecosystem approach.

    Green Transition and Digital Solutions

    Uncovered Fund specializes in supporting start-ups in Africa, including climate technology company and electric vehicle (EV) battery service provider, through their funds to support net zero in the continent. “Not just financing, the Uncovered Fund also provides Japanese technology to the start-ups”, explained Mr. Takuma Terakubo, CEO & General Partner.

    Hitachi Energy is also working towards clean energy transition and carbon neutral. Through its technologies and partnerships, Hitachi is implementing infrastructure projects which deliver reliable renewable energy to cities and rural areas, contributing to electrification of Africa. Mr. Bekim Tahiri, Executive & Global Sales Manager, emphasizes the importance of digitalization to make all the information visible to identify any issues to maintain their power supply and critically of investing into the Electrical Grid to successfully integrate clean energy whilst supporting access to power for the African continent.

    Mizuho, one of the global systemically important banks, has been a bridge between Africa and Asia through strong partnerships with African financial institutions. In his presentation, Mr. Junaid Belo-Osagie, Executive Director, focused on two sectors: hydrogen and clean cooking. “In terms of clean cooking, four in five Africans are exposed to harmful gases, and only 4 billion USD are required to move towards clean cooking scenario”, he added.

    The mission of the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) is to ensure a stable and affordable supply of energy and mineral resources. Ms. Yuri Uchida, Deputy General Manager of JOGMEC, underscored that in terms of hydrogen and ammonia sector, JOGMEC has a support system that focuses on the price gap, where they try to promote low-carbon hydrogen society.

    Nippon Export and Investment Insurance’s (NEXI) business in Africa has been growing in the past 20 years at an annual growth rate of 18%. Mr. Yuichiro Akita, General Manager, illustrated several cases including two wind power projects in Egypt and one solar power project in Kenya, where they underwrote insurances to facilitate green energy transition. “We have projects pipeline worth 5 billion USD in the coming years”, Mr. Akita emphasized.

    Catalyzing Action

    Ken Shibusawa, Vice-chairperson of Africa Project Team, Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), brought urgency to the discussions. Moderator of the second session, he challenged his Japanese peers to move from interest to action, emphasizing that beyond the commonly discussed “cost of inaction” in sustainability, there was another critical cost: Japan’s missed opportunities in Africa. “In Japan, we have the technology, we have the people, we have the money, but what we lack is the Action,” Shibusawa noted, urging Japanese businesses to realize the cost they’re paying for future generations by not acting in Africa.

    Japan’s Long-term Commitment to Africa

    In closing remarks, Deputy Vice Minister of Finance of Japan, Daiho Fujii, underscored Japan’s long-standing commitment to African development, dating back to the country’s first participation in the African Development Fund in 1973. He highlighted Japan’s pioneering role in private sector mobilization, notably through the establishment of the EPSA at the Bank in 2006, which has provided around $9 billion to date.

    “Africa undoubtedly has huge potential to attain high growth, create jobs and build a solid economic structure for future generations,” Fujii emphasized. He particularly noted how the day’s focus on agricultural innovation and green growth addresses critical development challenges while respecting African ownership of its development path.

    The Deputy Vice Minister stressed that “it is time for us to co-create innovative solutions together with Africa,” highlighting how Japanese solutions and innovative business models presented during the session could be “real game-changers” in addressing the continent’s challenges and unleashing its potential.

    Looking ahead to TICAD 9

    With Japan’s upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), set to take place in Yokohama in August 2025, and the African Development Fund’s 17th replenishment negotiations on the horizon, the partnership between Japan and Africa in agricultural innovation and green growth is poised for further expansion. This momentum is evidenced by Executive Director Takaaki Nomoto’s successful mobilization of 100 Japanese participants for the Forum, up from 80 investors last year.

    Looking toward TICAD 9, Deputy Vice Minister Fujii reaffirmed Japan’s commitment: “Japan respects African ownership and will continue to encourage sustainable development driven by Africa… I believe if we work together, we can see an Africa where all people enjoy healthy and productive lives.”

    The convergence of Japanese technology, investment, and Africa’s agricultural and energy transition potentials is creating unprecedented opportunities for sustainable development and food and energy security, marking a new chapter in Japan-Africa relations.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s Z Energy renames stations with ‘correct’ kupu

    By Emma Andrews, Henare te Ua Māori Journalism Intern at RNZ News

    The New Zealand fuel company Z Energy is swapping out street names for “correct” kupu on service stops around the country, with the help of local hapū.

    When Z took over 226 fuel sites from Shell in 2010, the easy solution was to name the respective stations after the streets they were on, or near.

    But when it named the Kahikatea Drive station in Kirikiriroa Z — K Drive, the company’s Māori advisor questioned the abbreviation.

    “Kahikatea is the correct name. That led to a bigger conversation about where are we with our knowledge as we start to learn a bit more about te reo Māori and acknowledging interconnected-ness of all things, like, where else are there opportunities to do it,” Z Energy customer general manager Andy Baird said.

    After 12 months of whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building), the company was guided by Te Hā o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa on changing the name of Z Dinsdale to Z Tuhikaramea.

    That led to two other stations being renamed — New Plymouth’s Z Courtenay Street became Z Huatoki, while Hamilton’s Five Cross Roads station became Z Te Papanui.

    “This is not about ticking a box per se, this is about a bigger sort of commitment that we have to te reo Māori and obviously to the communities that we operate in, so it’s a much bigger broader long-term programme,” Baird said.

    Z Energy . . . an internal drive to incorporate more use of te reo Māori. Image: RNZ

    Internal te reo drive
    There had also been an internal drive to incorporate more use of te reo, kicking off each day with karakia, Baird said.

    It added more of a connection between the company and Māori traditions.

    “We’ve been adding bilingual language inside the sites but we have equally taken the time to make sure that we’re getting the right dialects as the regions as we go through it.

    “Part of the project this year was to sort of understand the process that we go through in terms of engagement with mana whenua and how they want things to happen and occur, and how we can come together to make that really a great outcome for local communities we operate in.”

    The company could have changed the station names off the bat, but Baird said consulting with local hapū and iwi was the right thing to do.

    “The opportunity to meet them, to start to engage with mana whenua and to build a relationship with them and to do something that they’re just as proud of as we are, was just as important as the actual name.”

    Each site’s name was gifted by the hapū, with careful consideration of the history of the whenua.

    Facebook community included
    Ngāti Te Whiti hapū in Ngāmotu was thrilled to play a big part in renaming the Courtenay Street petrol station and included its Facebook community in making the decision.

    It had a kete of three names that went to a vote — the name Huatoki was favoured.

    Julie Healey of Ngāti Te Whiti said it was only fitting to have the name Huatoki, as the awa flowed just around the corner from the petrol station.

    “Huatoki is probably all the life essence of New Plymouth at the beginning. We have the pā Puke Ariki at the front and then we have the other pā around, I think there’s about five or six different pā in that area.”

    The hapū was in its rebuilding phase and was working towards a Huatoki restoration plan with the New Plymouth District Council, so when Z approached it at the start of the year, the timing could not have been better, she said.

    “When we were approached, I just thought straight away ‘this is going to work brilliantly with our Huātoki’, and I was hoping whānau would vote that way, and they did. It just made sense, it was consistent.”

    A plaque on the left-hand side of entrance has a brief mihi and the meaning of the word. Image: RNZ/Emma Andrews

    She praised Z for taking the right steps to engage with locals.

    “One of our whānau, Damon Ritai, met the people outside Puke Ariki Museum, talked to them about the museum, the designs, the cultural expression on the museum, the meaning of the different things of whakapapa on the ceremonial doors, all the names that were in the foyer, and explained everything about those.”

    Cultural induction hīkoi
    The cultural induction hīkoi ended at Te Whare Honanga (Taranaki Cathedral) where they had refreshments.

    Then, the hapū worked on the dialect, something Healey triple-checked before giving the nod of approval.

    “This is about reclaiming our language and culture, not as a political act, but as a celebration.

    “It’s always a good opportunity for hapū to try and get those names, you know, renaming before the colonial names, taking things back to language and culture.”

    Z Energy aimed to rename more petrol stations but first, more whakawhanaungatanga, Baird said.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Doorstop interview, Wollongong City Centre

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    STEPHEN JONES:

    I want to start by expressing on behalf of the Albanese government our deepest sympathy for the people of Germany who have lost their lives or suffered terrible injury in a terrible tragedy overnight. The mind boggles what might lead somebody to drive a car into a crowded market in the days before Christmas. It’s a tragedy and I know all Australians share their sympathy to the people of Germany. And, of course, our consular officials are busy to ensure that all Australians are safe and there’ll be more information on the matter in the course of the day. But, first and foremost, our message of sympathy goes out to the German people, particularly the families of those involved.

    Now Christmas time and particularly in the few days before Christmas, everybody is out there trying to do their Christmas shopping and get a bargain. Whenever something big like this is going on, the criminals, the fraudsters and the scammers are out as well. So the government’s sending a message to all Australians just to be careful, particularly when shopping online. We know that the scammers like to take advantage of people in a rush, spending their money, people going online perhaps for the first time and making a purchase. Scammers like to take advantage of people going online for the first time to make a purchase. So a few quick tips. Never press those blue links that you’re getting in an email or an SMS. That’s how scammers drag you off to a fake website. If something looks too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true. Just stop, check, protect your information. Don’t give your information out to people who are calling you with unsolicited calls and just be careful online over the Christmas period.

    We know a lot of people are shopping online but a message for all of our shoppers. Bear in mind your local retailers. They’ve been doing it tough this year. If you’ve got a few dollars to spend, do some shopping at one of your local shops to ensure that we’re spreading the love around. Happy to take questions.

    JOURNALIST:

    Thank you, Stephen. Just on Germany before I go to retail spending, if that’s okay. I know that the government’s put out a travel warning for Australians in Germany and they’ve labelled this a suspected terrorist incident, what’s your message to Australian travellers in Germany right now and would you go as far as calling this out as a terrorist incident?

    JONES:

    We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves. I’ll leave it to the authorities in Germany who are doing the investigation for them to determine the motivation behind this terrible tragedy. And any Australians who are travelling in Europe, particularly in Germany at the moment, just check in with the consular information. Smartraveller is always up‑to‑date on the latest advice for people travelling in that region, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves before we start labelling the motivation behind this terrible tragedy.

    JOURNALIST:

    Thank you. Now, on retail spending, there’s the new data out that Australians are tipped to spend 2.7 per cent more this Christmas than they did last Christmas. Good news for retail outlets but definitely not for an interest rate cut. Is this extra spending what Labor really wants right now, especially heading into an election?

    JONES:

    Our thoughts are with the retailers who’ve had a really tough year and we want to ensure that they can continue to keep their doors open into next year. So, for Aussie shoppers who are bagging a bargain over the next few weeks, don’t forget your local retailers. Shop locally. Sure, you’re going to shop online as well but we want you to spread some love around your local retailers. Good news for retailers who’ve been doing it tough. But, of course, when it comes to the independent Reserve Bank, we know they tend to look through these seasonal periods. We know that every year there’s an uptick in consumption around Christmas time, as there should be. People have had a tough year. They’re looking forward to taking some time out with family and celebrating with their loved ones. We welcome that and want to ensure that people can have a great Christmas. And, as far as the Australian Government’s concerned, we’re doing our job to ensure that we’re providing cost‑of‑living support while we can while responsibly managing our spend through the Budget.

    JOURNALIST:

    Even though people are spending more this Christmas, they are doing it tough and there’s some concerns that it means they could be – if they’re not being savvy and looking at, you know, savings and sales, they could be cutting out on other things like essentials. And it’s yeah, obviously clear that Australians are still doing it tough. What would your response be to how people are feeling right now in this climate and any criticism that Labor is to blame for particularly inflation?

    JONES:

    Well, look, I think the government has really tried to balance this right to ensure that we provide cost‑of‑living support and tax relief support where we can. Had we followed the advice of Peter Dutton, we’d be in recession today. We know that Australians have saved up over the course of the year to spend a little more with their family and loved ones over Christmas time and that’s a great thing. We won’t be taking the advice of Peter Dutton who would have seen Australian retailers in an even tougher position today, Australia in recession and those million people who are in a job today who wouldn’t have been, would be out of work. And that’s not a price that we’re willing to pay for a few headlines. We want to ensure that we’re responsibly managing the economy, keeping Australians in jobs and keeping the economy out of recession and that’s been our priority.

    JOURNALIST:

    And as far as, is this the burst that businesses need right now who are struggling with, you know, rising energy costs, wages, the increasing costs everywhere they look.

    JONES:

    Look, after a tough year with retailers, I know a lot of businesses in my area and around the country are hoping to make some good money over Christmas so they can even things out a bit and keep trading in the new year, but we acknowledge it’s been a really tough time for Australian business, particularly retailers and small businesses, which is why we hope they’re going to have a profitable time over the next month or so.

    JOURNALIST:

    I understand there’s more details on the cash mandate you’re pursuing and there’s carve‑outs for bottle shops, cafés, jewellers, takeaway food and hairdressers. Can you talk me through the reasoning behind this?

    JONES:

    We know that the majority of Australians, for the majority of their purchases are using some form of tap‑and‑go digital payment but around about 13 per cent of retail transactions are still using cash and around 1.5 million Australians are using cash for over 80 per cent of their purchases. We’ll protect their right to do so, and that’s what the cash mandate’s all about. But we also know that it does impose some costs on small businesses. Most small businesses, in fact close to 99 per cent of businesses, are still accepting cash. We want to ensure that it stays that way for essential transactions. We’re consulting. We’ve put some proposals out overnight on what we think the right balance is. But what’s our objective? Ensuring that those Australians who want to use cash can. But there’s another reason for it as well. Every Australian’s had the experience where they’ve got to the cash register, the machine’s not working, their tap‑and‑go won’t work, so we need cash as a backup for when digital payments aren’t working. So whether you’re an Australian who loves using cash or you’ve got an insurance that you’ve got a payment method when electronic payment systems go down, we’ve all got an interest in ensuring this works properly.

    JOURNALIST:

    Why not have a blanket rule? Why carve out some businesses? For example, a person might be able to go to a pharmacist and have cash accepted and they could go to the next shop which is a café or a bottle shop and the business might say, ‘Sorry, we don’t accept cash.’

    JONES:

    This is a genuine consultation. We’ve put some proposals out there around where we think the boundaries are for essential versus non‑essential goods. We’re not going to have a situation where every online purchase or every small marketplace in the country is required to go back to accepting cash when they’ve been digital from the very beginning. We want to get the balance right. It’s about essential purchases. It’s about protecting the right of Australians to use cash for those essential purchases if they choose to do so.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s northern regions key to farmland protection: report

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

    BEIJING, Dec. 22 — China’s northern regions, five of which hold nearly 40 percent of the country’s arable land, play a key role in farmland protection, said a State Council report submitted on Sunday to the country’s national legislature.

    The report on farmland protection was submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for deliberation.

    The total area of arable land in the country stands at nearly 1.93 billion mu (128.67 million hectares), with the cultivated land of the five northern provincial-level regions of Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Jilin and Xinjiang, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the total, said the report.

    The report noted an increase of 11.2 million mu in the total farmland compared to the figure registered in the third national land survey, driven by the country’s continued efforts to steadily expand farmland in southern regions and improve the legal framework for farmland protection.

    Noting that northern regions still face heavy farmland protection challenges due to water shortage and over-farming, the report stressed the need to further optimize farmland distribution nationwide.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eighty-five local treasures to be saved and restored

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    An additional £36 million of funding to rescue and restore 85 local treasures including community centres, pubs, parks and sport centres.

    • Government funding will save at least 35 community centres, helping fix the foundations of our communities as part of the Plan for Change
    • Money will boost opportunities and help grow local economies, supporting the government’s drive for national renewal
    • This will help kickstart economic growth and rebuild Britain in a decade of renewal

    Cherished community centres are among the 85 local venues across the UK that are set to receive government support to stay open, helping to fix the foundations of our communities.

    An additional £36 million of funding has been provided to back local communities, including the rescue of at least 35 community centres, protecting vital local services, boosting opportunities for working families and supporting local economies.

    As set out in its Plan for Change, the government is committed to kickstarting economic growth and raising living standards. Thriving communities lie at the heart of a thriving economy, and the support provided by the Community Ownership Fund will inject funding where it is most needed, making change happen and bringing people together in the process.

    The projects will support the government on its path to national renewal, helping realise our regions’ huge potential while creating safer and happier streets by restoring community pride.

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:

    “We are delivering on our Plan for Change by saving these vital community assets to provide important opportunities for working people and their families.

    “These projects represent what is so special about communities across the UK – bringing people of all ages together, providing vital support and giving them a sense of purpose and belonging.

    “Every project will support social causes in the community, keeping widely used services open and thriving to improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

    Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris said:

    “These are all multi-functional spaces that do so much for local people and most of us will have fond memories in treasured places like these.

    “We’ve prioritised these grants to help preserve and upgrade what these vital places offer to their communities – whether that’s improving access to sport and education, tackling loneliness or boosting family services for parents and children.

    “This is just the start of our work to support communities and give them greater control of their assets and we’ll be setting out our full strategy next year.”

    Action4Youth, a youth charity in the South East, has been given £300,000 to refurbish the George Amey Centre in Milton Keynes, securing its future as a centre for outdoor education and supporting the charity’s work to tackle knife and gang crime.

    Chief Executive of Action4Youth, Jenifer Cameron said:

    “We are so grateful to have funding which will enable us to complete our renovation project and to ensure the future of the outdoor centre which benefits 15,000 children and young people each year.

    “We can now look forward with optimism and hope to support many more young people in future.”

    Nineteen sports clubs and leisure facilities across the country will be saved, including four historic swimming pools. These include the 1960s Portishead Lido in North Somerset – where funding will also be used to renovate the café, supporting the local economy – and one of the last tidal pools left in the country, the Victorian Shoalstone Pool in Devon.

    On the Isle of Wight, the Isorropia Foundation will receive more than £1m to purchase and renovate the Medina Valley Centre so it can provide a range of community services including mental health support, training and educational opportunities. And Elmfield Hall in Accrington will be renovated to secure its future as a location for counselling, mentoring and employment courses.

    The MacMillan Hub in Edinburgh will be backed with £1.7m so it can continue to promote culture, learning and training opportunities, work and well-being in and around the town centre, and expand its café. And more than £1m will be used to restore the Higher Woodhill Viaduct so the East Lancashire Railway can continue to deliver a heritage railway experience, boosting the local tourism industry in the process.

    To tackle loneliness and support rural communities, £3.8 million will go to eight parks and eight pubs, including £300,000 to help buy back a popular village pub in North Yorkshire – The Punch Bowl Inn. £300,000 will also be used to renovate a 200-year-old countryside pub in Gwyned, Wales – Tafarn y Plu. This funding will back local businesses, create jobs and drive growth while restoring community pride.

    The government is also developing proposals for delivering on its manifesto commitment to introduce a stronger ‘Right to Buy’ and take over important community assets so they can determine their future in a meaningful way. This will be a genuine shift so local people feel far more control, power and agency in the places they live.

    Further information

    In Scotland, £5 million will be awarded to 11 projects including over £1.7 million to refurbish and expand a community arts centre in Edinburgh – the MacMillan Hub.

    In Northern Ireland, £3.7 million will be awarded to 10 projects including £800,000 to expand the building and outdoor spaces of an autism and additional needs charity in Belfast – Sólás. This will help host more after-school clubs and youth programmes.

    In Wales, £2.1 million will be awarded to 7 projects including £400,000 to create a museum for the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, built in 1903 to link farming communities to the town.

    In England, almost £25.5 million will be awarded to 57 projects including:

    • 11 projects in the South West worth £4.7 million
    • 8 projects in the North West worth almost £4.6 million
    • 10 projects in the East Midlands worth almost £3.9 million
    • 4 projects in London worth almost £3.2 million
    • 8 projects in the South East worth almost £3 million
    • 6 projects in Yorkshire and the Humber worth almost £2.2 million
    • 5 projects in the West Midlands worth over £1.6 million
    • 3 projects in the East of England worth over £1.7 million
    • 2 projects in the North East worth over £675,256

    These projects were applicants to the now closed Community Ownership Fund.

    The government has also implemented new High Street Rental Auction regulations, providing local communities and businesses with a right to rent premises that have long sat vacant, casting a cloud over the local area. The power will help to provide new shops and community spaces, supporting businesses and communities to access the high street and create vibrant, bustling spaces they can be proud of.  

    The government will also support high streets by strengthening Business Improvement Districts which have helped to improve town and city centres across the United Kingdom for 20 years, while ensuring they operate to high standards and are accountable to their communities. 

    The English Devolution White Paper published on 16 December set out ambitious plans which demonstrate this commitment to communities and we will announce more details in 2025, including on the community ownership of assets.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local treasures in Wales to be saved and restored

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Over £2 million will be awarded to seven local treasures in Wales including community centres, music venues and leisure centres.

    • Seven local treasures in Wales including community centres, music venues and leisure centres will be saved and restored thanks to prioritised funding from the UK Government 
    • UK Government funding will protect local amenities that keep communities thriving, helping fix the foundations of our communities as part of the Plan for Change 
    • This will help kickstart economic growth and rebuild Britain in a decade of renewal

    Over £2 million will be awarded to 7 much-loved local places in Wales, so they can stay open to keep their communities thriving. 

    This includes £1 million to save 4 spaces in Wales, including the Tafarn y Plu pub in Gwynedd, The Bunkhouse music venue in Swansea, a museum in Powys and a community shop in Gwynedd. This funding will be used to refurbish, renovate and secure the future of each of these buildings, allowing them to offer a diverse programme of events and activities including live music, well-being sessions and educational opportunities. 

    As set out in its Plan for Change, the UK government is committed to kickstarting economic growth and raising living standards. Thriving communities lie at the heart of a thriving economy, and the support provided by the Community Ownership Fund will inject funding where it is most needed, making change happen and bringing people together in the process.  

    The highest single award in Wales – £400 thousand – will also go to saving Llanfair Light Railway station and Cloverlands car model museum. This project will host a museum, archives, and a shared community space for residents and visitors to use. The funding will allow the community building to provide a visitor centre in which tours will learn the context to the railway station and its operations.  

    Minister for Local Growth, Alex Norris said: 

    “These are all multi-functional spaces that do so much for local people and most of us will have fond memories in treasured places like these. 

    “We’ve prioritised these grants to help preserve and upgrade what these vital places offer to their communities – whether improving access to sport, tackling loneliness or boosting family services for parents and children.”  

    Projects also set to receive money in Wales include: 

    • £300,000 to renovate Eveswell Community Centre in Newport. The centre will provide new and improved facilities for local families to host more activities like family groups, play groups, a Lego club, craft classes and after school youth groups. 

    • £300,000 to refurbish the Pentre Comrades club. The transformed building will provide the community a central hub to use for socialising and learning with facilities including a pub, shop, café, community garden, and kitchen spaces. 

    • £299,000 to renovate and refurbish Caerphilly Rugby Football Club. The space will provide new and improved facilities for their rugby development programmes as well as space to host events like fundraisers, local festivals and educational workshops. 

    Welsh Secretary, Jo Stevens said:

    “Congratulations to these fantastic community projects in Wales. Over £2 million is being spent by the UK Government to make sure that these special places are refurbished and improved so they can provide facilities for local people to come together. 

    “All across Wales there are brilliant people who give back to their communities. I’d like to thank them for all that they do and the UK Government is proud to be able to support them.”  

    This UK-wide funding prioritised by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will help protect these cherished places from closure and disrepair, preserving popular spots for local people and visitors. 

    Altogether £36 million has been awarded to 85 projects across the UK.  

    The projects will support the government on its path to national renewal through its missions in the Plan for Change – from breaking down barriers to opportunity to kickstarting economic growth and creating safer streets by restoring community pride.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British soldiers successfully test drone killer radiowave weapon for first time

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    British soldiers have successful trialled for the first time a game-changing weapon that can take down a swarm of drones using radio waves for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.

    RFDEW demonstrator on truck.

    • Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapons (RFDEW) can take down a swarm of drones for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.  

    • Systems are capable of hitting targets up to 1km away and costs just 10p per shot   

    • The programme supports more than 135 highly-skilled jobs across UK industry 

    British soldiers have successfully trialled for the first time a game-changing weapon that can take down a swarm of drones using radio waves for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.  

    The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) development system can detect, track and engage a range of threats across land, air and sea.  

    RFDEWs are capable of neutralising targets up to 1km away with near instant effect and at an estimated cost of 10p per shot fired, providing a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-base air defence systems.  

    The RFDEW is different from Laser Directed Energy Weapons – such as DragonFire – because it uses a radio frequency to disrupt hostile threats, rather than a laser beam of light energy.   

    The weapon uses high frequency waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside devices such as drones, causing them to be immobilised or fall out of the sky. It can also be used against threats on land and at sea.   

    The British Army successfully trialed a demonstrator version of the RFDEW. The development system has been produced by a consortium led by Thales UK and including sub-contractors QinetiQ, Teledyne e2v and Horiba Mira and supports up to 135 high-skilled jobs in the UK.   

    This progress helps deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change by rapidly advancing technologies and building on the strong foundation of national security.       

    Its high level of automation means the system can be operated by a single person and could be mounted onto a military vehicle, such as a MAN SV, to provide mobility.    

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:  

    The successful firing by the British soldiers of our Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon is another step forward for a potentially game-changing sovereign weapon for the UK.   

    It’s great to see defence experts and industry working collaboratively to put cutting-edge equipment in the hands of our Armed Forces.  

    This is demonstration of the UK remaining at the forefront of directed energy weapons and developing a crucial advantage against the emerging threats we face.

    A live firing trial was recently completed by the Army’s Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit and 7 Air Defence Group at a range in West Wales, where they successfully targeted and engaged Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), in a first for the British Armed Forces.   

    The user experimentation trials completed in recent months have enabled Army air defence personnel to explore and exercise the capability’s potential in different configurations across a variety of range environments, threat types and engagement scenarios.    

    This activity follows the development process announced back in May and delivered by Team HERSA – a joint enterprise between UK MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).   

    Dstl Programme Lead, Matt Cork said:   

    Getting this technology into the hands of our service personnel is hugely rewarding.    

    Dstl has worked collaboratively with DE&S and industry which has meant the rapid evolution of radio frequency technology.  

    Nigel MacVean, Managing Director, Thales IAS, said:    

    I am thrilled with the successful RFDEW firing trials. Thales has been at the forefront of this pioneering technology for over 40 years and our continued research and development in this sector, along with our partners in Government, paves the way for a strong future in this field.

    This latest trial marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and offers a precise, powerful, and cost-effective means to defeat multiple aerial threats.     

    The trials programme will continue to enable further development and experimentation, while Team HERSA continues to work with operators to develop RFDEW requirements, doctrine and technology, shaping the next generation of mission-optimised RFDEWs.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shanghai metro line suspends services after falling crane damages tracks

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Services were suspended on a Shanghai metro line on Sunday after its tracks were damaged by a falling crane, according to local authorities.
    The incident happened at about 8 a.m. when a crawler crane collapsed onto the tracks of the No. 11 metro line. Passengers in the train were soon evacuated, with no casualties reported.
    A work team has been dispatched to the city to guide local authorities in handling the incident, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management. The cause of the incident is being investigated.
    While the tracks are being repaired, the local government has arranged buses to transport the passengers in need. It is not known when services on the line will be resumed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Italy reiterate commitment to deeper collaboration, mutual prosperity

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Chinese and Italian officials, alongside business leaders, have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration and mutual prosperity during a launch ceremony of the 2024 Development Report on Chinese Enterprises in Italy.

    At the launch event on Friday in Milan, the capital of the Lombardy Region, Yan Dong, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Italy (CCCIT), highlighted the significant contributions of Chinese enterprises to Italy’s investment, taxation, and employment, despite challenges like protectionist policies and regulatory constraints.

    Emphasizing that the report offers recommendations to improve Italy’s business environment for its in-depth analysis of key areas such as employment, operations and regulatory challenges, Yan noted that “we hope this report will enhance mutual understanding and foster deeper bilateral cooperation.”

    The report, based on survey data from 92 member companies, is the first comprehensive study of Chinese businesses in Italy. It details their operational status, contributions and challenges.

    Chinese Consul General in Milan Liu Kan also praised the report as a critical resource for policymakers and business leaders.

    Reaffirming China’s commitment to peaceful development and mutual prosperity, Liu said “China stands ready to share its development opportunities with Italy and the world, safeguard global free trade, and ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Andrea Tabella, a representative from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to stronger collaboration with the CCCIT to unlock new opportunities for mutual growth. He underscored that the report would help guide support for Chinese enterprises in Italy.

    Raffaele Cattaneo, secretary general of the Lombardy Region, has highlighted the region’s strategic importance in China-Italy economic relations, noting that the region attracts over 50 percent of Chinese investments in Italy and that more than 60 percent of surveyed companies plan to expand their investments there in the next three years.

    Founded in 2021, the CCCIT is the sole officially recognized organization representing Chinese enterprises in Italy. It has over 120 members spanning finance, telecommunications, technology, and manufacturing.

    The launch event drew approximately 150 participants, including representatives from Chinese and Italian businesses, trade associations, and government institutions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China completes provincial databases to enhance record filing, review

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China has completed the construction of databases for normative documents across all 31 provincial-level regions on the mainland, a key step in ensuring all regulations and policies are filed for legislative recording and review.
    The achievement was highlighted in a report submitted Sunday to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the national legislature, for deliberation. The report detailed progress in implementing a central requirement that all regulations and policies are included in record filing and review.
    The provincial databases include over 380,000 normative documents of various types, which have been formulated by state organs within their administrative regions, the report said.
    The Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee has pledged efforts to guide local legislatures in improving their work on recording and review. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children 2024 IN REVIEW: Why three child killer diseases rose globally this year

    Source: Save the Children

    Three child-killer diseases – dengue, cholera, and mpox – witnessed major resurgences in 2024 fuelled partly by climate crises and conflict, with these illnesses likely to cause significant strains on communities in 2025 without more focused global attention, said Save the Children.
    More than 13,600 people, including children, are suspected or confirmed to have died from these three diseases this year, with cases of dengue and mpox reaching record highs. While there was a slight global decline in cases of cholera, the number of fatal cases of the virus jumped 126% from 2023.
    It was a horror year for dengue fever in 2024, with cases of the mosquito-borne virus reaching the highest number on record at 13.3 million – more than double the 6.5 million cases in 2023 which was itself a record high [1]. Increased urbanisation and changes in climate and temperatures have fuelled the mosquitoes that spread the virus. The World Health Organization estimates that 4 billion people are currently at risk of dengue and related viruses and this will rise to 5 billion by 2050.
    There were nearly half a million cases of cholera this year, with 3,432 deaths recorded by the end of September, when most recent data was available [2]. While the number of cases in 2024 is 16% lower than last year, there has been a 126% spike in deaths, according to the WHO. The increase in mortality is likely due to the location of the outbreaks in conflict-affected areas where access to healthcare is severely compromised, and regions experiencing flooding that has damaged critical infrastructure.
    This year saw a major increase in cases and fatalities from the mpox virus, which was declared a public health emergency of international concern in August 2024 by both the World Health Organization and the Africa Centre for Disease Control. This followed a surge of mpox infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and surrounding countries in Africa, with a major portion of cases and deaths being children, and a new circulating variety (known as a ‘clade’) of mpox a particular concern to children.
    Beauty, 17, lives with her sister and her parents in an informal settlement in Lusaka, Zambia. Her community was hit by a major cholera outbreak earlier this year. Beauty said:
    “Cholera, this current outbreak, has really impacted me and my family because my father had to stop work because of the outbreak, and my mother – she’s a teacher – she also had to stop work for the same issue. It was challenging for us in terms of finances and surviving, but, to God’s grace, we’re surviving. It’s important to have access to clean water because most of the diseases that happen, they happen because people drink contaminated water. So, if you drink clean water…then you can prevent yourself from getting diseases like cholera.”
    Dr Revati Phalkey, Global Health and Nutrition Director, said:
    “Currently, about half of the world’s population is not fully covered by essential, quality, affordable health services – denying them their right to health committed as part of universal health coverage ambitions. Health systems are under enormous pressure to deliver universal health coverage with the majority of countries experiencing worsening or no significant change in service coverage since the launch of the sustainable development goals in 2015.
    “We need greater global investments to build strong health systems that are able to deliver essential health services especially vaccines and essential medicines while responding to global health emergencies, including emerging issues like mpox.
    “It is time for governments and the international community to step up and ensure all children are protected against disease and have access to adequate health services when they need them and where they need them. Every child has the right to survive and thrive and it is our collective responsibility to deliver on this.”
    While these headline grabbing illnesses saw rapid increases in cases or death rates in 2024, pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death among children under 5, killing about 500,000 children a year.
    However, new estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) show that the number of children dying from pneumonia dropped sharply from 693,000 in 2019 to 502,000 in 2021, the lowest number ever recorded. This 28% reduction is being attributed to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and underscores the power of preventing the spread of infection. That said, the impact of the climate crisis is likely to increase respiratory diseases such as pneumonia once again, affecting children the most impacted by inequality and poverty.
    Meanwhile, children are particularly vulnerable to dengue fever because their immune systems are weaker than adults and they tend to play outside where there is less protection against the mosquitos. Children under five are at particular risk of developing dehydration and shock from dengue if they contract the illness, and children are most impacted if the illness incapacitates or kills their parents and other caregivers.
    Mpox causes fever, rash and lesions all over the body, severe headaches and fatigue, with some children developing respiratory problems and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, mpox can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection that requires immediate specialist medical attention.
    Cholera takes a heavier toll on young children, especially those under the age of 5 who are at higher risk of severe dehydration and death during cholera outbreaks.
    Around the world, Save the Children provides public healthcare for children and their families, including treatment for diseases like dengue, cholera and mpox, and works with schools and communities to improve awareness on how to prevent infection.
    • [1] Total number of dengue-related deaths globally in 2024 – 9600 see [2]; Total number of cholera and acute water diarrhea deaths in 2024 – 4018 see [3]; Total number of Mpox deaths in 2024 – 57 see [4]; Total number of deaths of the three diseases in 2024 – 13,675.
    • [2] According to the WHO Global Dengue Surveillance, since the beginning of 2024, over 13.3 million dengue cases and over 9600 dengue-related deaths have been reported globally. https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/dengue_global/
    • [3] According to the WHO, from 1 January to 27 October 2024, a cumulative total of 486 760 cholera and acute watery diarrhoea cases and 4018 deaths were reported from 33 countries across five WHO regions. While the number of cases reported in October 2024 is 42% lower than the same period in 2023, the number of deaths has increased by 54% – reflecting severe response challenges in outbreak settings [ https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/multi-country-outbreak-of-cholera–external-situation-report–20—20-november-2024]
    • [4] According to the WHO, as of 1 December 2024, in Africa there were 13 171 confirmed cases of Mpox, including 57 deaths reported by 20 countries. https://worldhealthorg.shinyapps.io/mpx_global/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Privacy notice – Build to rent development notice of events

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    We are authorised by the Taxation Administration Act 1953 to request your tax file number (TFN) in the Build to rent development – notice of events form (NAT 75663). We will use your TFN to identify you in our records. It is not an offence not to provide your TFN. However, if you don’t, it may take longer to process your form.

    We are also authorised to collect your personal information on this form under the Taxation Administration Act 1953 and the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. We collect this information so that, if required, we may:

    • contact you about
      • your form (for example, if the form is incomplete or may be incorrect)
      • a build to rent development’s access to the tax incentives
    • assign an ATO build to rent ID to the active build to rent development if required and notify you of this
    • confirm that you have the authority to complete the form.

    Where your notice is lodged by an intermediary, we may notify you that a notice has been lodged on your behalf.

    Where authorised by law, we may give this information to other departments and agencies, including:

    • the Treasury
    • departments or agencies with responsibility for housing policy
    • state and territory government departments and agencies
      • that administer state and territory concessions for build to rent developments.
      • with responsibility for housing policy.

    We may also provide taxpayer information to treaty partners overseas under international tax agreements.

    Our privacy policy contains important information about your privacy, including information about how you can access and seek correction of information we hold about you, how to make a complaint if you think we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles and how we will deal with any privacy complaints.

    For more information about privacy or if you suspect your privacy has been compromised, you can:

    • phone our Privacy hotline on 1300 661 542
    • write to us at

    AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE
    GPO BOX 9990
    [Insert the name and postcode of your capital city]

    For example

    AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE
    GPO BOX 9990
    SYDNEY  NSW  2001

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s northern regions key to farmland protection

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s northern regions, five of which hold nearly 40 percent of the country’s arable land, play a key role in farmland protection, said a State Council report submitted on Sunday to the country’s national legislature.
    The report on farmland protection was submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for deliberation.
    The total area of arable land in the country stands at nearly 1.93 billion mu (128.67 million hectares), with the cultivated land of the five northern provincial-level regions of Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Jilin and Xinjiang, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the total, said the report.
    The report noted an increase of 11.2 million mu in the total farmland compared to the figure registered in the third national land survey, driven by the country’s continued efforts to steadily expand farmland in southern regions and improve the legal framework for farmland protection.
    Noting that northern regions still face heavy farmland protection challenges due to water shortage and over-farming, the report stressed the need to further optimize farmland distribution nationwide. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Private sector gaining strong legal support

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A worker is seen at a workshop of a refrigeration equipment company in Jinzhou city, North China’s Hebei province, Sept 19, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft of the country’s first law specifically focusing on the private sector’s development and protection, aiming to bolster the private economy through legal norms amid strategic reforms to optimize the business environment.

    The draft, which comprises nine chapters and 78 articles, covers eight main aspects, including fair competition, improving the investment and financing environment, and scientific and technological innovation. It was submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislature, for deliberation on Saturday.

    Upon approval, the draft, which elevates crucial measures for promoting private sector growth with legal norms, will be conducive to creating a law-based environment that is favorable for economic growth, including the growth of the private sector, said He Rong, minister of justice.

    The official drafting process began in February, when the Ministry of Justice, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee jointly organized a legislative seminar on the formulation of the law, gathering opinions and suggestions from representatives of private enterprises and experts.

    The issuance of the private economy promotion law was also mentioned as a key task for 2025 during the Central Economic Work Conference held earlier this month.

    Bi Jiyao, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, said: “It is important to improve the business environment and offer more opportunities for entrepreneurs in the private sector to boost their confidence. This, in turn, will play a proactive role in stabilizing economic growth and ensuring stable employment.”

    China has consistently been refining its legal frameworks to boost private economic development since the start of the year, with a focus on attracting investment, promoting equitable market access, and strengthening financial support across various regions and departments. Officials and experts said that these policy adjustments have started to yield tangible results, bolstering the resilience of China’s private enterprises and fostering a noticeable trend of market recovery.

    Data from the State Administration for Market Regulation shows that as of the end of September, the total number of registered private enterprises nationwide surpassed 55 million, accounting for 92.3 percent of all enterprises. In the first three quarters of this year, 6.19 million private enterprises were newly registered across the country, according to the administration.

    Lin Song, dean of the Business School at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said the increasing numbers of newly registered private enterprises, patents, and research and development expenditures serve as evidence of the overall favorable business environment for private enterprises.

    “Still, we need to improve a high-quality fair competition system, transform the regulatory approach to the private economy sector, integrate the private economy into the overall regional development ecosystem, further stimulate private investment vitality, and promote the sustainable development of the private economy,” Lin said.

    The draft law emphasizes the implementation of a nationwide unified market access negative list system, saying that aside from areas on the negative list, various economic organizations, including private entities, will have equal access in accordance with the law.

    It also noted that bidding and government procurement must not restrict or exclude private entities.

    Meanwhile, as the ongoing technological revolution and industrial transformation are spurring a wave of emerging technologies, industries and business models, and creating fresh demand that offers new growth opportunities for the private economy, the draft law supports the active participation of private economic entities in national scientific and technological projects. It also supports empowering capable private entities to spearhead major technological advancements.

    The draft also advocates including private economic entities in major national scientific research infrastructure and promoting collaboration across industry, academia and research institutes, while strengthening the protection of their intellectual property rights.

    “China has broadened market access for the infrastructure sector, allowing private companies to participate equally, which effectively expands the scope of investment for many private companies,” said Bi, from the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: First China-Ethiopia Film, TV Festival opens to promote cultural exchange

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The first China-Ethiopia Film and TV Festival commenced Saturday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, aiming at promoting cultural exchange among the BRICS member states through collaborating in the film industry.

    The groundbreaking event marked the establishment of a new partnership between China and Ethiopia in the creative industry with a special focus on introducing each other’s films, strengthening cross-culture exchanges, and sharing knowledge, technologies and experiences.

    Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said as ancient civilizations, both China and Ethiopia boast a long history, splendid culture, beautiful natural scenery and diverse ethnic customs that can potentially help them produce high-quality films, dramas and TV shows.

    “This China-Ethiopia Film and TV Festival is a groundbreaking event to promote their film industries, bilateral relations, cultural exchanges, mutual understanding and friendship among the peoples of the two countries,” Chen said.

    Ethiopia and China have enjoyed a long history of friendly cooperation mainly in the fields of construction, infrastructure development and manufacturing.

    The festival is believed to serve as a platform for cultural exchanges and allow filmmakers of the BRICS member states to work together, share experiences and present their works to global audiences.

    Shibru Mamo, director general for Public Diplomacy of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the significance of the festival in strengthening people-to-people relations among BRICS member states through their movies, plays and TV shows.

    “This festival also represents the strong and historic partnership between Ethiopia and China, a relationship that is continuously growing in scope and depth in economic, political, infrastructure and cultural collaborations,” Mamo said, noting the festival will not only serve as a tool to promote cultural exchanges among BRICS member states, but also help scale up the existing economic and political cooperation between Ethiopia, China, and other BRICS member states.

    The three-day festival features a total of 12 Chinese and Ethiopian films and documentaries. A Chinese documentary film entitled “The Road to Prosperity,” which highlights China’s transformative development journey, showcasing its people’s hard work, resilience and commitment to growth, was presented at the opening ceremony of the festival.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More than $2.5m worth of assets restrained in undeclared tobacco case

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A discovery of undeclared tobacco by the New Zealand Customs Service has resulted in the restraint of more than NZ$2.5 million worth of assets by New Zealand Police under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009.

    This case shows crime doesn’t pay, and profiting from criminal activities will eventually catch up with people, say the agencies.

    In November 2023, Customs intercepted 110 kilograms of loose tobacco and over 230,000 cigarettes (or approximately 10,000 packets) concealed in Chinese tea packets destined for residential and business addresses in Napier and Gisborne.

    No importation permits were held for the seized tobacco and cigarettes, and no excise equivalent duties were paid, amounting to around $645,000 in defrauded revenue.

    Further investigations identified previous similar consignments had been successfully imported into New Zealand and were being sold by a restaurant in Gisborne to the public.

    In March 2024, Customs carried out search warrants in Gisborne and located $10,000 cash in a bedroom, $106,371.20 cash inside a vehicle parked outside the restaurant, and over a kilogram of loose tobacco along with 11,000 cigarettes inside the restaurant.

    The Customs investigation resulted in the seizure of 306,200 cigarettes in total, and charges were laid against four people for various offences under the Customs and Excise Act 2018.

    With court proceedings still underway, the Police Asset Recovery Unit applied to the court and was granted restraint of the cash seized in the investigation along with further money from bank accounts, as well as four residential properties in Gisborne.

    In total, over $2.5m in assets has been restrained, and a forfeiture of the money and residential properties will be sought by the Police Asset Recovery Unit at the conclusion of the criminal charges.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Fischer from the Central Asset Recovery Unit said this investigation shows the reach of the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act, and how closely Police are working with other government organisations to disrupt the flow of illicit funds.

    “Funds sourced from any type of illegal activity can form the basis of criminal proceeds action. In this case, the blatant disregard of the law for personal gain has helped Customs and Police uncover a large-scale fraud generating a high amount of income, from an activity that is unfortunately becoming more and more common,” he said.

    Chief Customs Officer, Nigel Barnes, said that illicit tobacco is not a victimless crime.

    “It takes money out from our communities and puts it in the pockets of organised crime groups that then go on to use the money for other crimes,” Mr Barnes says.

    “The motive for this offending is you can make a lot of money with low risk – but it’s not actually low-risk, and this is a prime example of how criminals can expect to lose their ill-gotten gains.”

    If you know or suspect someone may be involved in illegal smuggling, call Customs on 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768), a 24-hour confidential hotline, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Legal professional privilege in Commonwealth investigations discussion paper

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    The Albanese Government is today releasing a discussion paper on the use of legal professional privilege claims in Commonwealth investigations as part of the Government’s comprehensive response to the PwC tax leaks scandal.

    Legal professional privilege is a fundamental tenet of our legal system but abuse of it can undermine investigations and erode trust.

    The discussion paper tests key issues identified through initial consultation in the Government’s review of the use of legal professional privilege in Commonwealth investigations.

    Around 100 stakeholders from across government, the legal profession, academia and industry contributed to the initial stage of consultation, jointly led by the Attorney‑General’s Department and the Treasury.

    Last year the Albanese Government announced a significant package of reforms in response to the PwC scandal.

    We are cracking down on misconduct and rebuilding confidence in the systems that keep our tax system and capital markets strong.

    The legal professional privilege discussion paper has been published to the website of the Attorney‑General’s Department.

    Submissions can be made at the Department’s consultation hub.

    Feedback will inform the development of a final options paper in 2025.

    Submissions close 28 February 2025.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qatar reopens embassy in Damascus after 13-year closure

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Qatari flag is seen hoisted at the Qatari embassy in Damascus, Syria, Dec. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Qatar officially reopened its embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus on Saturday, raising its national flag over the building for the first time in 13 years.

    In the upscale Abu Rummaneh neighborhood of Damascus, workers were seen cleaning the embassy compound and removing graffiti from its walls.

    The embassy’s reopening comes amid a wave of regional and Western representatives visiting Syria to meet the country’s new de-facto leadership following the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government on Dec. 8.

    It also comes almost a week after a Qatari delegation visited Damascus to prepare for the resumption of the Qatari diplomatic mission, which was closed in 2011 following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war.

    The delegation met with representatives of Syria’s transitional government and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people in their pursuit of security, peace, development, and prosperity, Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said.

    The meeting also discussed ways to enhance the flow of Qatari humanitarian aid into Syria and assessed the urgent needs of the Syrian population during this critical phase, Al Ansari noted.

    Qatar is the second country, after Türkiye, to formally resume diplomatic operations in the Syrian capital since Assad’s downfall.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Italy reiterate commitment to deeper collaboration

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    People view an autopilot minibus named “ADone” at the 2024 Turin Auto Show in Turin, Italy, Sept. 13, 2024. The 6-seat minibus was the latest product of a collaboration between the Chinese developer Guizhou Hankaisi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (PIX Moving) and Italian mobile travel solution provider Tecnocad. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese and Italian officials, alongside business leaders, have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration and mutual prosperity during a launch ceremony of the 2024 Development Report on Chinese Enterprises in Italy.

    At the launch event on Friday in Milan, the capital of the Lombardy Region, Yan Dong, president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Italy (CCCIT), highlighted the significant contributions of Chinese enterprises to Italy’s investment, taxation, and employment, despite challenges like protectionist policies and regulatory constraints.

    Emphasizing that the report offers recommendations to improve Italy’s business environment for its in-depth analysis of key areas such as employment, operations and regulatory challenges, Yan noted that “we hope this report will enhance mutual understanding and foster deeper bilateral cooperation.”

    The report, based on survey data from 92 member companies, is the first comprehensive study of Chinese businesses in Italy. It details their operational status, contributions and challenges.

    Chinese Consul General in Milan Liu Kan also praised the report as a critical resource for policymakers and business leaders.

    Reaffirming China’s commitment to peaceful development and mutual prosperity, Liu said “China stands ready to share its development opportunities with Italy and the world, safeguard global free trade, and ensure the stability of industrial and supply chains.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Andrea Tabella, a representative from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to stronger collaboration with the CCCIT to unlock new opportunities for mutual growth. He underscored that the report would help guide support for Chinese enterprises in Italy.

    Raffaele Cattaneo, secretary general of the Lombardy Region, has highlighted the region’s strategic importance in China-Italy economic relations, noting that the region attracts over 50 percent of Chinese investments in Italy and that more than 60 percent of surveyed companies plan to expand their investments there in the next three years.

    Founded in 2021, the CCCIT is the sole officially recognized organization representing Chinese enterprises in Italy. It has over 120 members spanning finance, telecommunications, technology, and manufacturing.

    The launch event drew approximately 150 participants, including representatives from Chinese and Italian businesses, trade associations, and government institutions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Enterprise ICT market revenue in Vietnam to witness 16% CAGR over 2023-2028, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Enterprise ICT market revenue in Vietnam to witness 16% CAGR over 2023-2028, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Technology

    The enterprise ICT revenue opportunity in Vietnam is projected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16%, driven by the acceleration in enterprise digital transformation efforts, especially in banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) segment – the largest end-use market for ICT in the country, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Vietnam Enterprise ICT Country Intelligence Report shows that the ICT market size in Vietnam will increase from $15.7 billion in 2023 to $33 billion in 2028, in line with the positive ICT investment sentiment seen among the enterprises.

    This is put to perspective by findings from the GlobalData’s 2024 ICT customer insight survey*, which reveals that 91.2% of respondents, who are the key ICT decision makers in their respective enterprises, have confirmed that there has been an increase in their enterprise ICT budgets in 2024 as compared to previous year.

    Of the three IT infrastructure segments: hardware, software, and services, the services segment is expected to experience the highest cumulative revenue growth over the forecast period. This growth will be largely driven by the widespread enterprise adoption of cloud computing services, revenue for which is projected to increase at a CAGR of 24.8% during the forecast period.

    Samrat Volam, Technology Analyst at GlobalData, says: “The growth of cloud computing services in the country is driven by the enterprises’ push for digital transformation and the growing demand for scalable, cost-effective IT solutions. Additionally, the need for reliable data storage and processing capabilities plays a significant role. The continuing shift towards flexible and remote working solutions further accelerates this growth.”

    BFSI is the largest end-use vertical

    GlobalData forecasts the BFSI sector represents the largest revenue contributor for Vietnam’s ICT market and will remain so through the forecast period, generating an average 10% of the total cumulative revenue for ICT market between 2023 and 2028.

    Volam adds: “The BFSI sector in Vietnam is growing rapidly due to the modernization of financial services and the expansion of digital banking, driven by increased internet and smartphone penetration. Fintech innovations have introduced a variety of financial products, making them more accessible to consumers and businesses. Government initiatives, such as the “National Digital Transformation Program” and the 2021-2025 cashless payment project, are creating a supportive environment for digital transformation in the sector.

    Volam concludes: “The government-owned National Innovation Center (NIC) plays a key role in advancing Vietnam’s ICT market by fostering an open ecosystem, encouraging the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and driving digital transformation across various industries. By supporting local startups and attracting international investments, the NIC creates a dynamic environment conducive to growth. Additionally, the rapid growth of Vietnam’s IT sector and the rising need for robust cybersecurity measures are accelerating the adoption of advanced security solutions thereby driving the overall ICT market in the country.”

    *GlobalData’s ICT Customer Insight Survey carried out during H1 2024 highlights survey responses related to ICT investment priorities and budget allocations by enterprises in Vietnam.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Singapore PA&H insurance industry to surpass $8 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Singapore PA&H insurance industry to surpass $8 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Insurance

    Personal accident and health (PA&H) insurance in Singapore is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from SGD8.5 billion ($6.2 billion) in 2024 to SGD11.7 billion ($8.6 billion) in 2029, in terms of gross written premiums (GWP), forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Insurance Database, reveals that the share of PA&H insurance in the total insurance industry grew from 12.6% in 2020 to an estimated 15.3% in 2024 and is projected to reach 17.3% by 2029. PA&H insurance is estimated to grow by 8.9% in 2024, propeled by high demand for private health insurance, as well as rising premium rates.

    Aarti Sharma, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Singapore’s PA&H insurance has experienced a strong growth in 2024, bolstered by heightened health and financial awareness that spurred demand for health insurance products. Demographic factors including an aging population, premium price adjustments in response to inflation, and resurgence in tourism have also supported the growth of PA&H insurance.”

    High demand for integrated shield plans (IPs) and their accompanying riders offered by private insurers have supported the growth of PA&H insurance. MediShield is the national health insurance program, which includes MediShield Life – a government-managed basic health insurance plan with optional coverage provided by private insurers.

    According to the Life Insurance Association of Singapore, approximately 71,000 people enrolled for new IP during H12024, bringing the total coverage to 2.9 million, which is about 71% of Singapore’s population. As a result, total new business premiums for individual health insurance increased by 7.1% in H1 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023.

    Sharma continues: “The increase in premiums due to rising healthcare costs will also support the growth of PA&H insurance. In October 2024, Singapore’s Ministry of Health announced a 35% increase in MediShield premiums, effective from April 2025. The adjustments recommended by the MediShield Life Council include higher claim limits, expanded coverage for new treatments, and changes to deductibles and co-insurance. The premium hike will be implemented in phases, with a cap of 35% by March 2028.”

    The changing demographic conditions in Singapore such as an aging population and growing affluent population will also support PA&H insurance growth. As per the Government of Singapore, nearly 20% of the total population was aged 65 and above as of June 2024, which is a significant contributor to the growth of PA&H insurance.

    Enhanced tourism is also contributing to the expansion of PA&H insurance in Singapore. According to Statistics Singapore, the number of international tourists arriving in the country increased by 16.7% on a year-on-year basis in October 2024. Travel insurance plans, which cover personal accidents in addition to trip cancellations, baggage loss, and flight delays are aiding in the growth of PA&H insurance.

    Sharma concludes: “The outlook for the PA&H insurance industry in Singapore appears positive, with opportunities for insurers to capitalize on the evolving market dynamics and increasing demand for comprehensive health coverage. Rising premium prices, growing tourism, as well as an aging demographic will support the growth of PA&H insurance in Singapore over the next five years.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai attends 2024 Presidential Hackathon awards ceremony

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai attends 2024 Presidential Hackathon awards ceremony
    2024-12-22

    On the afternoon of December 22, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2024 Presidential Hackathon awards ceremony. In remarks, President Lai praised the winning teams for proposing innovative solutions in the areas of health promotion and digital and net-zero development. The president also stated that in these challenging and rapidly changing times, the Presidential Hackathon exemplifies collaboration between the government and civil society, breaking through conceptual limitations to implement government innovations that respond to people’s needs and resolve various social problems. If we all work together, he said, the nation can look forward to a better, more advanced, and more prosperous future.
    Upon arrival, President Lai first took in presentations by outstanding domestic and international hackathon teams on their proposals, and then delivered remarks.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    With the support of former President Tsai Ing-wen, the Presidential Hackathon was officially launched in 2018 during my tenure as premier. I am delighted to see that it has become a thriving platform for cross-sector collaboration between the government and civil society. Now in its seventh year, the hackathon has since its inception selected a total of 35 domestic and 12 international outstanding teams. Their achievements are truly remarkable, and I want to thank everyone for their efforts.
    This year, the theme of the domestic track is “Aging Together in Good Health.” With Taiwan becoming a “super-aged society” and our National Health Insurance reaching its 30th anniversary next year, we hope that your collective wisdom will help us jointly achieve the vision of Healthy Taiwan.
    Let me congratulate the five outstanding teams in the domestic track. The first team is Drone for Life. Their aim is to use drones to set up a transportation network that covers remote areas to promote an equitable distribution of medical resources, which is extremely important for rural healthcare. The second team is Quiet Tracker. They want to improve noise management processes and create a noise suitability indicator map database for Taiwan, taking domestic quality of life to the next level. The third team is Greens Plus. Their goal is to develop an AI-enabled agricultural identification platform to alleviate water shortage concerns and improve the quantity and quality of agricultural products for farmers, treating every drop of water as a precious resource.
    The fourth team is CONNECT 10. Their proposal will enhance care services in remote areas to improve the quality of life for recipients, and I am confident that this will make the government’s Long-term Care 3.0 Plan more complete. And the fifth team is Tranquil Aging Master. They want to use a communication platform centered on the elderly to connect care teams, seniors, and their families to create a new model of holistic health care. If this proposal can be implemented, human dignity will be given greater importance, which is good for everyone.
    The theme of this year’s international track is Digital and Green: Next-Generation Public Infrastructure. By integrating digital technology with net-zero, sustainable solutions, we want to promote the digital and net-zero twin transformation, lay a more sustainable foundation for Taiwan’s future generations, and achieve the goal of a smarter, more sustainable new Taiwan.
    I was pleased to see that this year’s international track received a record-breaking 77 team proposals. Here, I would like to congratulate the two winning international outstanding teams. The first team is GreenhopeBCTW. With members from the United States and Taiwan, the group hopes to use personal carbon wallets to turn environmental actions into assets and encourage more people to cut emissions. The second team is MooApps, whose three members are all from Indonesia. They have proposed an innovative digital monitoring system to help livestock farmers improve animal health and reduce herd mortality rates. I am confident that having a constant understanding of physical health conditions – not just for animals but for people as well – can be a powerful aid to individual health.
    Once again, I would like to thank all the outstanding teams for their hard work in proposing innovative solutions in the areas of health promotion and digital and net-zero development. In these challenging and rapidly changing times, the Presidential Hackathon exemplifies collaboration between the government and civil society, breaking through conceptual limitations to implement government innovations that respond to people’s needs and resolve various social problems.
    In closing, congratulations once more to all the outstanding teams. In your contributions, I can see the limitless potential for Taiwan. If we all work together, our nation can look forward to a better, more advanced, and more prosperous future.
    President Lai then presented trophies and certificates to the winning teams in both the domestic and international tracks.
    Also in attendance at the event were American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene and Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei Representative Arif Sulistiyo.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rabuka reveals details of 1987 coup navy ‘secret weapons mission’

    By Litia Cava, FBC News multimedia journalist

    Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed how arms and ammunition used to conduct the 1987 military coup were secretly brought into Fiji on board a naval survey ship.

    Speaking at the commissioning of a new research vessel for the Lands and Mineral Resources Ministry on Friday, Rabuka described the strategic measures taken to ensure the weapons reached Fiji undetected.

    He recounted that during preparations for his coup against Dr Timoçi Bavadra’s Labour government of 1987, Fiji lacked sufficient arms and ammunition.

    “I realised that we didn’t have enough weapons and ammunition in Fiji to do what I wanted to do. So I sent a very quick message to the captain who was there to pick up the ship and surprised him by asking that, get that ship commissioned in Singapore before you sail back to Fiji.”

    Rabuka explained the decision, saying the commissioning had allowed the ship to fly a naval flag, ensuring it would avoid inspection at international ports.

    He said the ship’s captain was instructed to load arms and ammunition en route which were successfully brought back to Fiji.

    The Prime Minister said the measures were necessary at the time to achieve what needed to be done.

    Rare glimpse of tactics
    His remarks offered a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes tactics of 1987, highlighting the extent of planning and resourcefulness involved.

    Rabuka’s comments were made during the launch of a state-of-the-art research vessel which will serve as a floating laboratory for marine geological studies and coastal surveys.

    The vessel is equipped with advanced tools to map the ocean floor, study tectonic activity and support communities affected by climate change.

    The Prime Minister said the new vessel marked a significant step in understanding Fiji’s marine ecosystem.

    He also spoke about the importance of integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge to address critical issues such as climate change and sustainable resource management.

    The PM said there was a need for informed planning to prevent disasters, referencing the recent earthquake in Vanuatu.

    Rabuka said early geological surveys could have guided city planners and engineers in designing structures that mitigate damage from such events.

    The new vessel is expected to provide critical insights into the ocean’s mysteries while contributing to Fiji’s resilience against climate-related challenges.

    Fiji’s President celebrates birthday with military
    Meanwhile, earlier today members of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) gathered at State House to celebrate the 71st birthday of Fiji’s President and Commander-in-Chief, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

    The celebration was led by the Commander of the Fiji Navy, Humphrey Tawake, with senior officers. It was marked by a march by officers and the RFMF band. adding a ceremonial and heartfelt touch to the happy occasion.

    On behalf of the commander of the RFMF who is away on official leave, Commander Tawake extended birthday wishes to the Head of State.

    President Lalabalavu praised the dedication of the RFMF in upholding law and order.

    “The strength of our nation lies in our collective efforts, and since assuming office, I have witnessed the vital role you play in ensuring peace and stability,” he said.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says may keep TikTok around ‘for a little while’

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday suggested that he may allow TikTok to continue operations in the United States.

    At an event hosted by the conservative organization Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump said that the popular video-sharing app may have helped reach some key voters in the presidential election, and expressed the possibility of keeping TikTok around “for a little while.”

    “We did go on TikTok, and we had a great response. We had billions and billions of views,” said the president-elect, adding that he was shown a chart highlighting the views his campaign had received on the app.

    On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a request from TikTok and its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to block a law that would require the sale of the popular video-sharing app by Jan. 19, or face a ban on national security grounds.

    The nation’s top court is set to hear arguments on Jan. 10 regarding whether the law unconstitutionally limits freedom of speech, in breach of the First Amendment.

    The court’s ruling was issued two days after TikTok’s petition for an injunction against the law. TikTok argued that the potential ban would shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration, and “silence the speech of Applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern.”

    In April, U.S. President Joe Biden enacted the law that gives ByteDance only 270 days to sell TikTok, citing unfounded national security concerns. If the company fails to comply, the law will require app store operators such as Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms.

    In May, TikTok sued the U.S. government to block the potential ban, which has drawn widespread criticism.

    In early December, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. dismissed TikTok’s claim that the ban is unconstitutional.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Qingcheng Palace opens to the public

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This photo shows a view in the Qingcheng Palace complex in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

    The Qingcheng Palace complex, located within the Altar of the God of Agriculture, opened to the public for the first time on Saturday.

    It is the second area within the altar — part of the “Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital”, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List — to open to the public this year, following the Divine Granary on April 18.

    First constructed in 1458 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the palace was initially named Zhaigong (Temple of Abstinence), where emperors conducted ritualistic fasting before worshipping the God of Agriculture.

    In 1755, during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the complex was refurbished into its current layout. It was renamed Qingcheng Palace and served as a celebratory venue where emperors convened with officials after worship ceremonies.

    “The Qingcheng Palace is the highest-ranking complex within the Altar of the God of Agriculture,” said Xue Jian, director of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, which manages the altar.

    “It features a four-sided hipped roof, the highest-grade form in imperial architecture,” he added. “The roof uses green glazed tiles, second only to yellow glazed tiles in the hierarchy. The dragon patterns painted below the eaves further signify the structure’s elevated status.”

    According to Xue, the complex only recently opened because the area has become a residential neighborhood. Conservation efforts for the Beijing Central Axis, especially since 2023, have helped relocate residents, demolish non-heritage buildings and restore the site, allowing the complex to be brought back into public view.

    Visitors to the Qingcheng Palace can enjoy an exhibition showcasing the preservation efforts of the Beijing Central Axis, which led to its World Heritage List inscription on July 27. Additional exhibitions highlight the history and architectural features of the palace and include a digital display introducing the rituals of worshipping the God of Agriculture.

    As the Qingcheng Palace is located in the outer area of the altar and is temporarily not connected to the inner area where the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum is situated, visitors with museum tickets can access the Qingcheng Palace complex following a separate ticket check.

    Zhang Lixin, director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, stated that the palace’s opening marks a new milestone in the altar’s history. The Beijing government has mandated that heritage sites along the Beijing Central Axis make maximum efforts to open to the public, enabling more people to experience the beauty of ancient architecture and traditional Chinese culture.

    “Now, the palace serves as a demonstration of the preservation achievements of the Beijing Central Axis, with active participation and support from the public,” Zhang said. “In the future, the palace will become a cultural reception hall for Beijing, fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Yellow River protection efforts making progress

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

    China has made significant strides in enhancing the ecological environment of the Yellow River Basin, according to Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.

    Reporting to the country’s top legislature on Sunday, Li highlighted key achievements under the Yellow River Protection Law, which took effect on April 1, 2023, following its adoption in October 2022.

    For the second consecutive year, the quality of the Yellow River’s main course has met Grade II standards, the vice-chairman said. China uses a five-tier quality system for surface water, with Grade I being the highest.

    Li also pointed to a significant increase in vegetation coverage in the basin, with 84.9 percent of the area showing positive trends. Over the past two decades, the basin’s “green line” has shifted westward by about 300 kilometers.

    In 2023, nine provincial-level regions along the Yellow River completed afforestation efforts covering 1.7 million hectares. Additionally, around 16,000 square kilometers of areas affected by water loss and soil erosion were treated.

    Progress has also been made in pollution control, water conservation and energy transition. For example, in a campaign to address violations involving solid waste, nearly 118 million metric tons of trash were cleared from 4,084 locations.

    Li noted that water consumption per unit of GDP and unit of industrial value added in the nine provincial regions of the basin decreased by 22.8 percent and 40.9 percent, respectively, from 2018 to 2023.

    Thanks to ongoing efforts to promote the construction of wind and solar energy bases in the desertification-prone river’s upper reaches, non-fossil energy generation in these areas now accounts for more than 48 percent of the total installed capacity.

    Despite these advancements, Li acknowledged challenges remaining in further strengthening conservation efforts in the basin.

    “The overall coordination mechanism for governance in the basin still needs improvement,” he said, emphasizing the complexity of managing the Yellow River’s upper and lower reaches, left and right banks, and main and tributary streams.

    Li noted that while some inter-regional joint prevention and control projects have been signed, they lack effective coordination, leading to inadequate implementation. He also pointed to deficiencies in monitoring and information-sharing systems across the basin.

    “Inconsistencies in basic monitoring data standards in certain regions are impeding collaborative information exchange,” he stated.

    To address these challenges, Li called for the rapid establishment of a comprehensive, intelligent information-sharing platform that spans various government levels throughout the basin.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How global inequality hinders climate action

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Susan Ann Samuel, PhD Candidate, School of Politics and International Studies, University of Leeds

    Leaders from around the globe are meeting in Davos. Michael Derrer Fuchs/Shutterstock

    World leaders have gathered for the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. One of their main goals is to align their responses to geopolitical shocks such as floods and wildfires that hamper trade, investment and more.

    The meeting also supposedly aims to find ways to stimulate economic growth to improve living standards, foster a just and inclusive energy transition, achieve security and cooperation amidst conflicts, and accelerate the economic response to an “intelligent age” of AI.

    But, a new report from Oxfam International, published on the first day of the meeting in Davos, highlights how global inequality is more rampant than ever. The report, written by a team of policy campaigners and inequality research advisers outlines how billionaire wealth rose sharply in 2024 worldwide, with the pace of the increase three times faster than in 2023.

    The World Economic Forum lists extreme weather as one of the top global risks. But, as world leaders convene in Davos, the high-profile anti-climate stances of some of them stand in stark opposition to any meaningful progress for climate action.

    The Oxfam report highlights the exploitation involved in creating and sustaining wealth and outlines how, as inequalities deepen, vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected. The most vulnerable – overwhelmingly women, people of colour, Indigenous groups and low-wage workers – are caught in a cycle of insufficient wages, limited services and minimal political influence.

    The report also highlights how wealth inequality is often intertwined with historical processes of extraction — both within countries (for example, through weak labour protections that lowers wages) and between countries (through trade, finance, and resource exploitation).

    The climate connection

    Other research has also shown how inequality is deeply interwoven with climate breakdown. Each crisis exacerbates the other. Historically, the richest nations – and within them, the wealthiest people – have contributed the most to greenhouse gas emissions.

    Meanwhile, lower-income countries that bear little responsibility for global heating suffer the most. These countries, already burdened by debt and systemic inequality, have fewer resources to protect communities from extreme weather, crop failures and infrastructure damage. This makes day-to-day survival a struggle for billions.

    When climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, marginalised communities are denied basic human rights. For instance, droughts reduce crop yields and deplete water sources, so more people — often women and children — have to ration supplies or go without. This directly infringes on their rights to food, safe drinking water and sanitation.

    In these ways, without climate action, the warming planet threatens to widen inequalities by affecting the poorest people most severely. A 2020 World Bank report estimated that an additional 68 to 135 million people could be pushed into poverty by 2030 because of climate change. French researchers identified that climate change also slows down the economic catch-up of poorer countries.



    Read more:
    Extreme weather has already cost vulnerable island nations US$141 billion – or about US$2,000 per person

    The reality on the ground is bleak. Floods in Pakistan displaced thousands and affected more than 33 million people in 2023. That’s ten times more than the total population of Los Angeles where, when the recent wildfires struck, 170,000 people had to be evacuated.

    Around the world, climate movements continue. Law suits that demand climate action are transforming governance. High-level negotiations like the UN’s annual climate summit carry on seeking progress, although the processes could be improved to accelerate change.

    What can Davos do? World leaders need to look at how wealth and power can be redistributed (reparations for climate damages is one way to do this) and low-income, climate-vulnerable nations can be better represented in global decision-making.

    Without this kind of change, there’s a risk climate action will perpetuate the same structural imbalances that first enabled environmental exploitation. Only by tackling both climate injustice and economic inequality together can the world prevent further climate disasters and ensure a more equitable future.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Susan Ann Samuel receives funding from the University of Leeds, for her PhD research.

    – ref. How global inequality hinders climate action – https://theconversation.com/how-global-inequality-hinders-climate-action-247841

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCSD reminds public to keep venues clean during Christmas

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCSD reminds public to keep venues clean during Christmas
    LCSD reminds public to keep venues clean during Christmas
    *********************************************************

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (December 23) appealed to members of the public to keep venues clean and mind their safety while celebrating Christmas.      The LCSD will work with other government departments to implement a series of measures over Christmas (December 24 to 26) to maintain cleanliness and safety at LCSD venues, especially at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC) Piazza, Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Middle Road Children’s Playground, Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Podium Garden and Urban Council Centenary Garden along the Kowloon waterfront, where large crowds are expected.      An LCSD spokesman said, “In crowded areas, people should remain calm and take care of their own safety.”      The public announcement systems at the HKCC will also broadcast anti-littering and crowd management messages in Cantonese, Putonghua and English on a regular basis during the holidays. Crowd control measures will be implemented at the HKCC Piazza, Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade based on actual conditions. Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the announcements, follow the instructions of the duty personnel and mind their safety.

     
    Ends/Monday, December 23, 2024Issued at HKT 15:00

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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon secures increase to its borrowing limit

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Government of Canada has agreed to increase the Government of Yukon’s borrowing limit from $800 million to $1.2 billion, providing the territory with greater financial flexibility and long-term financial sustainability.

    The Yukon is a growing and dynamic territory, with an increasing population, expanding communities and increasing demands for essential services. The Government of Yukon needs the flexibility provided by borrowing to support the sustainable development and growth that Yukoners require.

    To date, the government has operated under a strong financial plan that did not require significant borrowing. Recent unforeseen challenges – such as urgent environmental responses, pressures on the health care system and the continued need to address issues related to climate change – have highlighted the value of increased flexibility to manage cashflows throughout the year and of using tools beyond the government’s line of credit.

    Borrowing remains one of the tools available to the government to help meet immediate financial obligations while having the flexibility to continue to invest in essential infrastructure and services that benefit the entire Yukon and address critical responses that are becoming more common.

    The Yukon remains in a strong financial position, having recently reaffirmed its “AA Stable” credit rating from S&P Global Ratings and maintaining a low net debt-to-GDP ratio, which is among the lowest in Canada.
     

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