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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris Administration Announces $12.1 Million Across Mid-Atlantic to Upgrade Older Diesel Engines to Cleaner and Zero-Emission Solutions that are Better for Our Communities

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    Five selectees in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia will reduce diesel emissions across a range of projects, including upgrades to fire trucks, municipal fleets, and construction equipment

    PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections across the Mid-Atlantic totaling approximately $12.1 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grants Program which will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. These upgrades will result in significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits.

    “Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”

    “The Biden-Harris Administration is once again delivering on its commitments to ensure clear air for all, regardless of zip code or background,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz. “These investments will have positive impacts on the neighbors of today and tomorrow, and on communities well into the future.”

    Mid-Atlantic Regional Selectees:

    • Government of the District of Columbia – $3,467,780
      • Replace one fire truck with one Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV)
      • Replace one refuse truck with one ZEV
      • Replace five Transportation Refrigeration Units with Zero Emission Equipment
      • Replace four transit vehicles with ZEVs
    • Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition – $689,772
      • Replace 16 municipal on-road and nonroad utility vehicles with 10 new vehicles equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction
    • Maryland Environmental Service – $3,474,392
      • Replace 13 terminal tractors with eight zero-emission units and five tier 4 final engines
      • Replace 23 forklifts with zero-emission units
      • Replace three tire manipulation trucks, two diesel-powered mobile pumps, and one diesel-powered air compressor with tier 4 final engines
    • James Madison University – $3,500,000
      • Replace 72 short haul combination diesel engines with renewable Compressed Natural Gas trucks
    • Virginia Port Authority – $972,000
      • Replace four diesel utility tractor rigs with four new battery electric utility tractor rigs

    In total, EPA has tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects totally $125 million to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, more than half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels. All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still under processing. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the DERA National Awards webpage.

    Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly eight million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.

    In selecting projects for award, priority was given to projects that:

    • in areas designated as having poor air quality;
    • reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities;
    • benefit local communities;
    • incorporate local communities in project planning;
    • demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts;
    • illustrate preparation for workforce development; and
    • demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.

    DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring the DERA Program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

    Read more information on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Biden-Harris EPA announces nearly $5.6 million to upgrade older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions in Massachusetts

    Source: US Environment Protection Agency

    City of Boston and Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, Inc. two of 70 selectees nationwide to reduce diesel emissions across a range of projects, including upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment

    Contact Information

    MASSACHUSETTS (Oct. 18, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced selections totaling nearly $125 million under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act National Grants Program which will incentivize and accelerate the upgrade or retirement of older diesel engines to cleaner and zero-emission solutions leading to significant emission reductions and air quality and public health benefits. These awards are in final workplan negotiations with the tentatively selected applicants. The DERA program prioritizes projects in areas that face air quality impacts, especially those projects that benefit disadvantaged communities and other areas that face particular public health or environmental justice risks or impacts.

    “Every community deserves to breathe clean air, but too many communities are still over-burdened by pollution from older diesel equipment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “With the latest round of funding, EPA’s successful DERA program will upgrade these sources of harmful pollution, and accelerate real progress toward a cleaner, more just, and healthier future for all Americans.”

    “Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, EPA is tackling air pollution through innovative technologies, making a difference in everyday people’s lives, especially for those living in areas overburdened by pollution,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. “Through the selection of the City of Boston and the Columbia Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, we will see cost-effective emission reductions which will improve air quality and protect the health of our children, nearby communities, and port workers.

    In Massachusetts, the City of Boston was selected to receive a total of $4 million under two grants and the Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition, Inc. will receive nearly $1.6 million. The City of Boston is receiving $2 million to retrofit battery electric engines on 15 diesel school buses and install 15 direct current fast chargers and supporting infrastructure and $2 million to replace ten Class 7 diesel school buses with ten battery-electric school buses and to install ten direct current fast chargers and supporting infrastructure. The Columbia-Willamette Clean Cities Coalition is receiving $1,554,999 to replace three excavators and five dumpers/tenders with Tier 4 ultra-low sulfur diesel excavators and dumpers/tenders at a port in Everett, Massachusetts.

    In total, EPA has tentatively selected approximately 70 national DERA projects to reduce diesel emissions across a range of transportation sectors including the engine replacements and upgrades to school buses, port equipment, and construction equipment. In addition to funding new cleaner diesel technologies, more than half of these selections will support replacing older equipment and vehicles with zero-emission technologies, such as all-electric school buses, terminal tractors, drayage trucks and provide shore power to marine vessels. All selected projects will reduce diesel pollution and benefit local communities, including disadvantaged communities and other areas facing environmental justice concerns. A small number of awards are still under processing. Once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied and additional selections are finalized, the EPA will update the DERA National Awards webpage.

    Eligible activities include the retrofit or replacement of existing diesel engines, vehicles, and equipment with EPA and California Air Resources Board  certified engine configurations and verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies. Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the most important air quality challenges facing the country. New diesel engines must meet tight standards, however, nearly 8 million legacy diesel engines across transportation sectors remain in service and emit higher levels of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulate matter than newer diesel engines. These pollutants are linked to a range of serious health problems including asthma, lung and heart disease, other respiratory ailments, and premature death.

    In selecting projects for award, priority was given to projects that:

    • Are in areas designated as having poor air quality.
    • Reduce emissions from ports and other goods movement facilities.
    • Benefit local communities.
    • Incorporate local communities in project planning.
    • Demonstrate planning or action towards reducing vulnerabilities to climate impacts.
    • Illustrate preparation for workforce development.
    • Demonstrate an ability to continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.

    DERA advances environmental justice by prioritizing emissions reductions in areas particularly affected by health and environmental impacts from diesel fleets. EPA is committed to ensuring the DERA Program delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which set a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

    Read more information on the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FBI and CISA Issue Public Service Announcement Warning of Tactics Foreign Threat Actors are Using to Spread Disinformation in the 2024 U.S. General Election

    News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

    WASHINGTON – The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued their final four-part joint public service announcement (PSA) today titled “Just So You Know: Foreign Threat Actors Likely to Use a Variety of Tactics to Develop and Spread Disinformation During the 2024 U.S. General Election Cycle.” This PSA highlights efforts by foreign actors to spread disinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. general election with the goal of casting doubt on the integrity of the democratic process and sowing partisan discord. Foreign adversaries are using a variety of sophisticated disinformation campaigns, often leveraging new tools, such as generative artificial intelligence (AI), to craft and spread misleading content. 

    “As we approach Election Day, it is important to remember that while elections are political, election security is not. Election security is national security. Our foreign adversaries are looking to attack our democratic process to further their own objectives, and we need the help of all Americans in ensuring they are not successful,” said CISA Senior Advisor Cait Conley.  “There has been incredible effort across local, state and federal governments to ensure the security and integrity of our nation’s election infrastructure. Americans should be confident that their votes will be counted as cast.  They should also know that our foreign adversaries will try to make them believe otherwise. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant, verify the information they consume, and rely on trusted sources like their state and local election officials.” 

    The PSA highlights specific examples of tactics we have seen used by Russia and Iran during the 2024 election cycle to target all Americans. These include things from mimicking national level media outlets like the Washington Post and Fox News and creating inauthentic news sites posing as legitimate media organizations to using paid influencers to hide their hand. It is important for voters to critically evaluate information sources, particularly as disinformation campaigns evolve to use AI-generated content. Both agencies urge the American public to rely on trusted information from state and local election officials and to verify claims through multiple reliable sources before sharing them on social media or other platforms. 

    For more information on how to protect yourself from disinformation, visit the official websites of the FBI and CISA’s dedicated election security webpage, cisa.gov/Protect2024.  

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    About CISA 

    As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

    Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCR News Release – Campaign underway to recruit additional positions within DCR

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCR News Release – Campaign underway to recruit additional positions within DCR

    Posted on Oct 18, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATION

    KA ‘OIHANA HOʻOMALU KALAIMA A HOʻOPONOPONO OLA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

     

    TOMMY JOHNSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HO‘OKELE

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 18, 2024

     

    Campaign underway to recruit additional positions within DCR

     

    HONOLULU — With considerable job vacancy woes across all state departments, maintaining vital government functions has become increasingly challenging. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), which operates eight correctional facilities across the state, has felt the effects of a chronic shortage of employees, but has been taking aggressive steps to rise to the recruitment challenge.

    Over the summer, the DCR launched a multifaceted “Unlocking Potential” recruitment campaign to address its greatest need: filling vacancies of adult corrections officers (ACO).

    At the start of the year, there were more than 425 vacant ACO positions of the 1,535 authorized positions for Hawai‘i‘s correctional facilities.

    The campaign generated more than 755 eligible applicants and filled nearly 190 adult corrections officer positions (including 89-day temporary hires) from January 1, 2024 to October 15, 2024.

    During the same time period last year, there were approximately 570 eligible applicants and approximately 100 adult corrections officer positions (including 89-day temporary hires) filled.

    As of October 15, 2024, there are nearly 370 vacant corrections officer positions.

     

    DCR Director Tommy Johnson said, “We seek to fill our positions with individuals with the right temperament and attitude. We also conduct thorough background checks that include a criminal history check, psychological examination and physical fitness assessment.”

    “It is not easy. Not everyone makes it through our rigorous screening process and training, but we are making steady progress,” Director Johnson said.

    Another key component of the department’s stepped-up recruitment efforts involves using 89-day temporary hires to fast-track the hiring process, and serves as a way for new hires to assess whether the job is a good fit for them before applying for a permanent position.

    DCR also doubled its recruit training classes to six classes this year from two to three classes.

    What’s more, the starting pay for adult corrections officers increased to approximately $64,000 a year, an increase from $61,200 a year, effective July 1, 2024.

    This year, the recruitment strategy involved engaging teams of off-duty adult corrections officers to conduct on-the-spot interviews of prospective candidates at the Hawaiʻi Career Expo.

    Adult corrections officers will be at the upcoming Career Expo at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 9 am to 2 pm.

    The DCR is now expanding its recruitment efforts to other job positions within the department, positions that are instrumental to the department’s mission: provide rehabilitative services to inmates as well as reduce recidivism.

    “Recruiting adult corrections officers continues to be our priority. We’re building on the foundation of our adult corrections officer campaign, and are now launching our new ‘Champions of Change’ campaign, featuring real employees who hold other job positions to support the inmates and other correctional and administrative functions,” Johnson said.

    This latest recruitment promotes positions in education, health care services, including nursing and behavioral health care or mental health, food service, human resources and other areas.

    Interviews with DCR employees in these areas will be used for a series of recruitment videos. They will be posted on the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation website and used as recruitment tools through social media.

    “These positions are just as important to help ensure our inmates receive the support services they need to be equipped and ready for release back into the community,” Johnson said. “Like the adult corrections officers, we are looking for extraordinary individuals. Candidates for these positions must have a deep commitment to helping others realize their full potential. They must be champions of change who want to guide inmates who want to be reunited with their families again and are ready to begin a new chapter in their lives.”

    “One of the reasons we changed our name from the Department of Public Safety (PSD) to the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was to emphasize our role in supporting those in our custody and care. Our campaign invites those who share our same vision,” Johnson added.

    # # #

     

     

    Media Contact:

    Rosemarie Bernardo

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

    Office: 808-587-1358

    Cell: 808-683-5507

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://dcr.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah pays homage to the martyrs on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah pays homage to the martyrs on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi

    Police personnel across the country are determined to fulfil Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of building a fully developed India

    Central structure at the National Police Memorial symbolizes the unwavering commitment of our soldiers to duty, their profound patriotism, and willingness to make the supreme sacrifice

    Country will always be indebted to the police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duty

    Welfare of police personnel is the priority of Modi government

    Modi Government has introduced many welfare schemes related to health, housing and scholarships for police personnel

    The National Police Memorial built by PM Modi in honour of the sacrifice of the Jawans will continue to inspire our youth and remind citizens that the safety and progress we enjoy today is because of the supreme sacrifice of thousands of soldiers

    In the last decade, due to the dedication of the security forces, Left Wing Extremism, decades-long unrest in Kashmir and the North-East came to an end

    Country is facing challenges like drones, narcotics trade, cybercrime, attempts to spread unrest through AI

    No matter how big the threats and challenges are, they will not be able to stand in front of the unwavering resolve of our soldiers

    Soldiers have given their supreme sacrifice for the country and this is why the country is progressing

    On this day in 1959, 10 CRPF soldiers sacrificed their lives while fighting the Chinese army, that is why this day is celebrated as Police Memorial Day

    Posted On: 21 OCT 2024 2:52PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah paid homage to the martyrs on Police Commemoration Day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi today. On this occasion, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs, Shri Govind Mohan, Union Home Secretary, Shri Tapan Kumar Deka, Director, Intelligence Bureau (IB), senior officers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and several other dignitaries were present.

    In his address, Union Home Minister said that the Jawans of the police forces safeguard India’s borders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Kibithu. He mentioned that the personnel of the forces are always guarding us and the borders, whether it is day or night, during festivals or disasters, in extreme heat, rain, or cold waves.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the central structure at the National Police Memorial symbolizes the unwavering commitment of our soldiers to duty, their profound patriotism, and their willingness to make the supreme sacrifice. He mentioned that on this very day in 1959, 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel bravely faced the Chinese army and sacrificed their lives. Shri Shah said that after becoming Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi decided to build a police memorial in the heart of Delhi to honour the sacrifice of these soldiers. He further stated that this police memorial will continue to inspire our youth and remind citizens that the safety and progress we enjoy today is because of the supreme sacrifice of thousands of these soldiers. He added that 36,468 police personnel have laid down their lives for the safety and security of the country, which has enabled the nation to progress. He also mentioned that in the last one year, 216 police personnel sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, and the country will forever be indebted to these brave soldiers.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that there has been a tradition of our police forces making the supreme sacrifice for the security of the nation. He added that we also have a proud history where brave soldiers, from the icy and treacherous peaks of the Himalayas to the harsh deserts of Kutch and Barmer and the vast oceans, safeguard the country fearlessly, ensuring its security.

    Shri Amit Shah said that there was disruption of peace in Jammu & Kashmir, Left-wing extremism affected areas, and the Northeast for decades, but in the past decade, we have succeeded in establishing peace due to the dedication and efficiency of our security forces. He added that, however, our fight is not over yet. Emerging threats like drones, narcotics trade, cybercrime, attempts to spread unrest through Artificial Intelligence (AI), conspiracies to incite religious sentiments, infiltration, smuggling of illegal weapons, and terrorism are the challenges we face today. Shri Shah stated that no matter how big the threats and challenges are, they cannot stand in the face of the unwavering resolve of our soldiers.

    Union Home Minister said that the police personnel across the country are determined to fulfil Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of building a fully developed India by 2047. He mentioned that the implementation of the three new criminal laws passed by the country’s Parliament has already begun in all the states and union territories. He said that once these laws are fully implemented, our criminal justice system will become the most modern justice system in the world. He further added that in any crime registered in any corner of the country, justice will be served within three years, right up to the Supreme Court. He emphasized that the path to overcoming delays in justice lies in the implementation of these three new laws.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi Government has introduced many schemes for the welfare of police personnel. He mentioned that through Ayushman CAPF scheme, more than 41 lakhs cards have been distributed and 13 lakh claims worth about Rs. 1422 crore have been settled. He said that health of our Jawans and their families is being taken care of anywhere through this card. He said that in the housing scheme also, we have set a target to increase the housing satisfaction ratio. Shri Shah said that the Modi government had approved the construction of 13,000 houses and 113 barracks at a cost of Rs. 3100 crore in 2015, out of which 11,276 houses and 111 barracks have been completed by March 2024. He said through CAPF e-Awas web portal, vacant houses have been allotted. The Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme has proved to be a blessing for the children of our police personnel. Along with this, 26 seats in MBBS and 3 seats in BDS have also been reserved for the dependents of CAPF personnel. Increasing the central ex-gratia amount to lump-sum compensation provides great relief to the families of our jawans.

     

    Union Home Minister said that our police personnel, especially the personnel of CAPFs, perform many other tasks in addition to maintaining law and order and ensuring the security of the country. He said that from 2019 to 2024, CAPF personnel have planted about 5 crore 80 lakh 90 thousand saplings and are taking care of them like their own child. Shri Shah said that through the Civic Action Programme, efforts are being made to bring all the schemes of the Government of India and state governments to the citizens in all border districts. Home Minister said that the sacrifice of the jawans who laid down their lives for the country will not go in vain. He said that due to the sacrifices of these soldiers, the security of the country will be ensured and by 2047, India will emerge as a developed nation. He added that this grateful nation will always remember the sacrifices of these jawans with reverence during the centenary of independence.

    *****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2066653) Visitor Counter : 100

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

    The Hospital will remove darkness from the lives of many people in Varanasi and the region, leading them towards light: PM

    Kashi is also now becoming famous as a big health center and healthcare hub of Purvanchal in UP: PM

    Today, India’s health strategy has five pillars – Preventive healthcare, Timely diagnosis of disease, Free and low-cost treatment, Good treatment in small towns and Expansion of technology in healthcare: PM

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh today. The hospital offers comprehensive consultations and treatments for various eye conditions. Shri Modi also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion.

    Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister said that visiting Kashi during this auspicious period is an opportunity to experience virtue. He noted the gracious presence of the people of Kashi, saints and philanthropists and mentioned performing darshan and receiving prasadam and blessings with Param Pujya Shankaracharya ji. The Prime Minister emphasized that Kashi and Uttaranchal have been blessed with another modern hospital today and mentioned the dedication of RJ Sankara Eye Hospital in the land of Lord Shankar. Shri Modi congratulated the people of Kashi and Uttaranchal on the occasion.

    Giving an analogy of a quote mentioned in the ancient scriptures of India, the Prime Minister remarked that RJ Sankara Eye hospital would wipe out the darkness and lead many people towards light. Shri Modi said that having just visited the eye hospital, he felt it was an amalgamation of spirituality and modernity and the hospital would serve both the old and young in giving eyesight. He added that the poor would be getting free treatment in the hospital in large numbers. Shri Modi noted that the eye hospital would also create new job avenues for many youths as well as job and internship opportunities for medical students along with jobs for the support staff as well.

    The Prime Minister recalled his association with Sankara Eye Foundation during his time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and mentioned inaugurating Sankara Eye Hospital in the presence of Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi’s guru. He said that it is a matter of great contentment to receive the blessings of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadipathi, Jagadguru Shankaracharya Chandrashekharendra Saraswati Swamigal and mentioned accomplishing several tasks under the guidance of Param Pujya Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati  Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that it is a matter of personal satisfaction being associated with three different traditions of Gurus. The Prime Minister thanked Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi for blessing the occasion and welcomed him as the people’s representative of Varanasi. 

    Shri Modi also reminisced about the service and work of noted entrepreneur, Late Shri, Rakesh Jhunjhunwala. He also lauded the latter’s wife Smt Rekha Jhunjhunwala for continuing the heritage and legacy of Shri Jhunjhunwala. The Prime Minister recalled that he had requested both Sankara Eye Hospital and Chitrakoot Eye Hospital to set up their establishments in Varanasi and was thankful to both organizations that both had respected the request of people of Kashi. He noted that in the past, thousands of people from his parliamentary constituency had been treated at Chitrakoot Eye Hospital and now there were two new state-of-the-art eye hospitals within their reach in Varanasi.

    Noting that from time immemorial, Varanasi was identified as the religious and cultural capital, the Prime Minister remarked that now Varanasi was becoming famous as UP and Purvanchal’s healthcare hub as well. Be it the BHU Trauma Center or superspeciality hospital or Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital or strengthening the facilities at Kabir Chaura Hospital or a speciality hospital for the senior citizens and government servants or medical colleges, Shri Modi said there was a lot of work done in the healthcare sector in the last decade. He added that there was a modern health facility even for the treatment of cancer patients in Varanasi. Shri Modi highlighted that the patients were getting good medical treatment in Varanasi itself today as against the visit to Delhi or Mumbai previously. He added that thousands of people from Bihar, Jharkhand and other places were coming to Varanasi for treatment. The Prime Minister remarked that the erstwhile “Mokshadayini” (Salvation giver) Varanasi was transitioning to a  “NavJeevandayini” (New Life giver) Varanasi as well with new energy and resources. 

    Talking about previous governments, the Prime Minister remarked that healthcare facilities in Purvanchal including Varanasi were neglected. He added that the situation was such that 10 years ago, there were no block-level treatment centers for brain fever in Purvanchal leading to the death of Children causing hue and cry in the media. Shri Modi expressed satisfaction that in the last decade, there had been an unprecedented expansion of health facilities not only in Kashi but in the entire region of Purvanchal. He noted that today there were more than 100 such centers working to treat brain fever in Purvanchal and more than 10 thousand new beds have been added in the primary and community centers of Purvanchal in the last decade. He further noted that in 10 years, more than 5 and a half thousand Ayushman Arogya Mandirs were built in the villages of Purvanchal. The Prime Minister also said that there were more than 20 dialysis units working today which were providing free treatment to patients as compared to 10 years ago when there were no dialysis facilities in the district hospitals of Purvanchal.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that India of the 21st century has shed the old mentality and approach pertaining to healthcare. He underlined the five pillars of India’s healthcare strategy namely preventive healthcare, timely diagnosis, free medicines and treatment, better healthcare facilities and adequate doctors in small towns and lastly expansive use of technology in healthcare services.

    Underlining that preventing people from ailments is the highest priority and a first pillar of India’s healthcare policy, the Prime Minister pointed out that diseases tend to make people poorer. Noting that 25 crore people have risen out of poverty in the last 10 years, Shri Modi said that one serious ailment can push them back towards poverty. Therefore, said the Prime Minister, the Government is paying special attention to cleanliness, Yoga, ayurveda and nutrition. Highlighting the expansive reach of the vaccination drive, the Prime Minister pointed out that vaccination coverage remained only around 60 percent ten years ago when crores of children were left out. He lamented the scope of vaccination increasing at a rate of only one to one and a half percent every year and said that it would have taken another 40-50 years to bring every area and every child under the vaccination coverage. He said that the present government prioritized increasing the coverage of vaccination among children and mentioned Mission Indradhanush which involved many ministries working together resulting in an increase in vaccination coverage rate and taking the services to crores of pregnant women and children. He said that the benefits of the Government’s emphasis on vaccination were visible during the covid pandemic while today, this vaccination campaign is going on rapidly across the country.

    The Prime Minister underlined the importance of early detection of disease and mentioned the establishment of lakhs of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country to detect many diseases like cancer and diabetes at the very beginning. He said that a network of critical care blocks and modern labs are also being built in the country today. “This second pillar of the health sector is saving the lives of lakhs of people”, he added. 

    Explaining the third pillar of health being low-cost treatment and cheap medicines, the Prime Minister underlined that the average expenditure on the treatment of diseases has been reduced by 25 percent and also mentioned PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras where medicines are available at 80 percent discount. He informed that the price of heart stents, knee implants and cancer medicines have been significantly reduced while Ayushman Yojana provides free treatment for the poor up to Rs 5 lakh proving to be a lifesaver. He informed that more than 7.5 crore patients have so far availed the benefit of free treatment under Ayushman Yojana.  

    Elaborating the fourth pillar of the health sector. Shri Modi noted that it was going to reduce the dependence on big cities like Delhi-Mumbai for treatment. He added that the Government had established hospitals like AIIMS, medical colleges and super speciality hospitals in small cities in the last decade. The Prime Minister also noted that thousands of new medical seats were added in the last decade to overcome the shortage of doctors in the country. He added that the Government had decided to add 75 thousand more seats in the next 5 years.

    The Prime Minister explained the fifth pillar of the health sector was to make health facilities more accessible through technology. He added that today digital health IDs were being created and patients were provided the facility of consultation at home through means like e-Sanjeevani app. Expressing happiness, Shri Modi noted that till now more than 30 crore people had been consulted with the help of e-Sanjeevani app. He added that India was also moving towards connecting health services with drone technology.

    Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that a healthy and capable young generation will fulfill the resolve of a Viksit Bharat. Shri Modi conveyed his best wishes, especially to India’s doctors, paramedics and other staff.

    Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath and Jagadguru Peethadipathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham, Kanchipuram, Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi were present on the occasion among others. 

     

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    MJPS/SR/TS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurates the “Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024”, organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurates the “Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024”, organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF)

    Out of total 1.73 lakh high-quality Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India, 10,716 are in Bihar with a footfall of 8.35 crore and 4.36 crore non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings, 3,825 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Jharkhand with a footfall of 2.33 crore and 2.12 crore NCD screenings: Shri Nadda

    “Infant Mortality Rate in Bihar came down from 42 to 27 in 2020, and in Jharkhand, from 34 to 25 in 2020”

    “157 District hospitals converted to medical colleges in India, out of which 8 were in Bihar (in Purnia, Saran, Samastipur, Jhajharpur, Siwan, Buxar, and Jamui) and 5 in Jharkhand (in Dumka, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Chaibasa, and Kodarma)”

    “The Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is being redeveloped into Asia’s second-largest hospital”

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 4:49PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurated the “Medicine Update BJMFCON 2024”, organized by the Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF), here today. As the chief guest at the event, Shri Nadda also released the ‘Souvenir and BJMF Directory’.

    Bihar & Jharkhand Medical Forum (BJMF) is a socio-scientific organization of doctors from the states of Bihar & Jharkhand practicing in the Delhi NCR Region for long and serving the people of the region. The first Medicine Update was held in 2023. The 2ndMedicine Update BJMFCON was held today.

     

     

    Addressing the BJMFCON 2024, Shri Nadda stated that “I am delighted to know that BJMF takes its socio, academic and scientific program ahead. You all have not just become doctors for yourself but also have given back to society. United efforts have been made by you to ensure outreach to society while also enlightening yourself through such conferences, continued medical education, seminars, group discussions, and panel discussions conducted by the BJMF.”

     

     

    Highlighting the government’s efforts in transforming the health landscape of the country, Shri Nadda stated that “under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government is taking steps to ensure high quality and affordable healthcare facilities to all” and “is committed to implementing a comprehensive health policy that provides holistic, inclusive, preventive, promotive, curative, palliative and rehabilitative care to all.”

     

    Underlining the government’s efforts on preventive aspects of healthcare and early detection of diseases in the country, he stated that, “there are 1.73 lakh high-quality Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India that go through a digital high-quality assessment. Out of the total Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India, 10,716 are in Bihar with a footfall of 8.35 crore and 4.36 crore non-communicable disease (NCD) screenings, while there are 3,825 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Jharkhand with a footfall of 2.33 crore and 2.12 crore NCD screenings.”

     

     

    Highlighting the strides made in mother and child health, he stated that “institutional deliveries increased from 78.9% to 88.6% in first 5 years of Modi Government”, Shri Nadda stated that “the infant mortality rate (IMR) has declined in the country. IMR in India was 28 per 1000 live births in 2020.  In Bihar, it came down from 42 to 27 in 2020, and in Jharkhand, from 34 to 25 in 2020. The under 5 Mortality Rate was 32 per 1000 live births in India in 2020. In Bihar, it came down from 53 to 30 in 2020 and from 44 to 27 in 2020, in Jharkhand.”

     

    He further added that “from 387 before 2014 to 766, an increase of 98% in the number of medical colleges has been ensured under the Prime Minister’s leadership. 157 District hospitals were converted to medical colleges out of which 8 were in Bihar in Purnia, Saran, Samastipur, Jhajharpur, Siwan, Buxar, and Jamui. 5 of these were in Jharkhand in Dumka, Hazaribagh, Palamu, Chaibasa, and Kodarma.” He emphasized that “the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) is being redeveloped into Asia’s second-largest hospital.”

     

    He added that “The number of MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) seats has seen an increase of 125% i.e. from 51,348 before 2014 to 1,15, 412. While there has been an increase of 134% in postgraduate (PG) seats from 31,185 before 2014 to 73,111.”

     

    He also highlighted that “under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) to correct regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/ reliable tertiary healthcare services and also to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will be opened up in Patna and Darbhanga in Bihar and at Deoghar in Jharkhand.” He also added that “under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world’s largest health insurance scheme, Rs. 86,797 crores worth of treatment has been authorized. As part of its commitment to senior care, the government has extended Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY to all seniors aged 70 and above which facilitates them accessing up to ₹5 lakh of healthcare benefits.”

     

     

    He commended the healthcare providers “for their relentless efforts to ensure the accessibility of healthcare services even in the remotest areas of the country” and highlighted their efforts and service during the COVID-19 pandemic. He concluded his remarks by thanking the doctors for their contribution to providing healthcare to the people and ensuring the achievements of the government in this direction and urged the participants of the programme to come up with concrete recommendations for improving healthcare facilities in the country.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: World Iodine Deficiency Day

    Source: Government of India (2)

    World Iodine Deficiency Day

    Strengthening Public Health through Awareness and Action

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 4:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is observed annually on 21st October. The day aims to raise awareness about the essential role of iodine in maintaining good health and to emphasize the consequences of iodine deficiency. This document outlines the importance of iodine in daily nutrition and its crucial significance in preventing iodine deficiency disorders.

    What is Iodine?

     

    Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism and are crucial for fetal and infant development. Found in foods and iodized salt, iodine exists in several forms, including sodium and potassium salts, inorganic iodine (I2), iodate, and iodide. Iodide, the most common form, is quickly absorbed in the stomach and used by the thyroid for hormone production. Most excess iodide is excreted through urine.

     

    What happens in Iodine Deficiency?

     

    Iodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects on growth and development and is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability in the world. Iodine deficiency disorders result from inadequate thyroid hormone production secondary to insufficient iodine. During pregnancy and early infancy, iodine deficiency can cause irreversible effects.

    • If a person’s iodine intake falls below approximately 10–20 mcg/day,

    hypothyroidism occurs, a condition that is frequently accompanied by goitre.

    Goitre is usually the earliest clinical sign of iodine deficiency.

    • In pregnant women, iodine deficiency of this magnitude can cause major

     neurodevelopmental deficits and growth retardation in the fetus as well as

     miscarriage and stillbirth.

    • Chronic, severe iodine deficiency in utero causes cretinism, a condition

    characterized by intellectual disability, deaf mutism, motor spasticity,

     stunted growth, delayed sexual maturation, and other physical and

    neurological abnormalities.

    • In infants and children, less severe iodine deficiency can also cause

     neurodevelopmental deficits such as somewhat lower than average intelligence

     as measured by IQ.

    • Mild to moderate maternal iodine deficiency has also been associated with an

    increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

    • In adults, mild to moderate iodine deficiency can cause goiter as well as

    impaired mental function and work productivity secondary to hypothyroidism.

    • Chronic iodine deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of the

    follicular form of thyroid cancer.

     

    National Efforts to Eradicate Iodine Deficiency

    Recognizing the serious health implications of iodine deficiency, the Government of India initiated national efforts to combat the problem through the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) in 1962. This program marked a significant step toward addressing iodine deficiency, which was linked to conditions such as mental and physical retardation, cretinism, and stillbirths.

     

    In 1992, the program was broadened and renamed the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) to cover a wider range of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and ensure its implementation across all States and Union Territories.

     

    Primary goals of NIDDCP include:

    • Reducing the prevalence of IDD to below 5% nationwide.
    • Achieving 100% consumption of adequately iodized salt (with 15 ppm of iodine) at the household level.

     

    To accomplish these goals, the programme focuses on several key objectives:

     

    • Conducting surveys to assess the magnitude of IDD in different districts.
    • Replacing common salt with iodized salt in affected regions.
    • Conducting resurveys every five years to measure the impact of iodized salt on IDD.
    • Monitoring iodized salt quality and urinary iodine excretion through laboratory testing.
    • Promoting health education and public awareness about iodine’s role in preventing IDD.

     

    A major policy decision was made in 1984 to iodize all edible salt in India, which became a phased initiative starting in 1986. By 1992, the country aimed to fully transition to iodized salt. Today, India produces 65 lakh metric tonnes of iodized salt annually, which is sufficient to meet the needs of its population. This ongoing national effort underscores the government’s commitment to eradicating iodine deficiency and improving public health.

     

    Achievements of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)

     

    The implementation of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) has led to significant achievements in the reduction of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) across India:

     

    • Reduction in Total Goiter Rate (TGR): The programme has substantially reduced the Total Goiter Rate, a key indicator of iodine deficiency, across the country.
    • Increased Iodized Salt Production & Consumption: The production of iodized salt has reached 65 lakh metric tonnes (MT) annually, which is sufficient to meet the dietary needs of the Indian population.
    • Regulatory Measures: Under Regulation 2.3.12 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulation, 2011, the sale of common salt for direct human consumption is prohibited unless the salt is iodized, ensuring nationwide use of iodized salt.
    • Establishment of Monitoring Laboratories: A National Reference Laboratory for monitoring iodine deficiency disorders has been established at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, along with four regional laboratories at NIN, Hyderabad, AIIH&PH, Kolkata, AIIMS, and NCDC, Delhi. These laboratories conduct training, monitoring, and quality control of salt and urine testing for iodine levels.
    • State-Level Implementation: 35 States/UTs have set up IDD Control Cells within their respective State Health Directorates, and an equal number have established State IDD Monitoring Laboratories to ensure effective implementation of the programme.
    • Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Activities: Extensive IEC campaigns have been carried out to raise public awareness about the importance of regularly consuming iodized salt to prevent IDD.

    Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency

     

    Global efforts to combat iodine deficiency have been significant, with initiatives like Iodine Deficiency Day focusing on raising awareness about the critical role iodine plays in thyroid function, growth, and development. Globally, an estimated 1.88 billion people are at risk of inadequate iodine intake, impacting nearly 30% of school-aged children. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF have championed universal salt iodization since 1993, resulting in over 120 countries adopting iodization programs.

    These concerted efforts have led to a significant reduction in iodine deficiency disorders across India, contributing to the improvement of public health.

     

    Conclusion

     

    In conclusion, World Iodine Deficiency Day serves as a reminder of the progress made in preventing iodine deficiency disorders through national initiatives like NIDDCP and global efforts spearheaded by WHO and UNICEF. Continued and monitoring will ensure sustained success, ultimately contributing to healthier populations and improved quality of life worldwide!

     

     

    References

    https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/ndcp/niddcp/revised_guidelines.pdf

    Click here to download PDF

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 – Pioneering Innovation and Global Collaboration

    Source: Government of India (2)

    ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 – Pioneering Innovation and Global Collaboration

    Highest-ever number of paper received

    Event underscores the India’s role in developing indigenous technologies for global markets

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 5:04PM by PIB Delhi

     

    The 15th ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference, themed “Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World”, will begin from tomorrow (October 21, 2024) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in global telecommunications research and standards development. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), this prestigious event runs from October 21 to 23, 2024, and brings together the brightest minds in academia, industry, and government to discuss cutting-edge developments in 5G, AI, IoT, quantum communications, and other transformative technologies.

    Kaleidoscope 2024 stands out as a key platform for fostering innovation and collaboration in digital transformation and telecommunications. This year’s event has attracted the highest-ever number of paper submissions, reflecting the growing global interest in shaping the future of digital infrastructure and telecommunications standards. More than 140 papers have been received, a record-breaking number for the event, showcasing groundbreaking research that addresses global challenges, including sustainability, digital inclusion, and security.

    Key Highlights of Kaleidoscope 2024:

    1. Top Three Papers to Be Awarded with CHF 2000 Each
      The top three selected papers will receive a cash prize of CHF 2000 each, recognizing the most innovative and impactful research contributions in the field of telecommunications. These papers have been carefully chosen by a distinguished committee of experts from across the world. The winning papers explore pivotal advancements in areas like quantum communication, network security, and 5G applications.
    2. Recognition for Young Authors

    In a special effort to promote and encourage the next generation of researchers, ITU will also be recognizing young authors of the selected papers by awarding them with certificates of excellence. This initiative underscores ITU’s commitment to fostering young talent and advancing telecommunications research that contributes to global digital transformation.

    1. Three Days of Thought Leadership
      The conference will feature a series of technical sessions and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics such as network architectures for 6G, AI’s role in healthcare, IoT for smart cities, and quantum cryptography. These sessions will see participation from leading experts and key stakeholders, who will address both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.
    2. Focus on Global Standards

    As part of the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA-24), Kaleidoscope 2024 will also emphasize the need for international collaboration in setting global standards for next-generation technologies. The event will highlight the critical importance of ensuring that these technologies are implemented in a way that is inclusive, secure, and sustainable for all.

    1. Panel Discussions on Day 3 On October 23rd, the final day of the conference, two panel discussions will take place. The first will focus on “Connecting the remaining 3 billions”. The second will explore the role of youths in global standards development, with objective of enhancing participation & contributions from youths in telecommunications and technology standards.

    India’s Role in the Global Telecommunications Ecosystem

    Hosting this year’s Kaleidoscope, India continues to demonstrate its growing leadership in the global digital ecosystem. Through key initiatives like Digital India and Make in India, the country has positioned itself as a critical hub for innovation in digital infrastructure. Kaleidoscope 2024 not only highlights India’s advancements in 5G deployment but also underscores the country’s role in developing indigenous technologies for global markets.

    As New Delhi becomes the focal point for global discussions on telecommunications, the city is poised to set the agenda for future collaborations that will drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in digital technologies worldwide.

    About ITU Kaleidoscope

    ITU Kaleidoscope is an annual event that has been instrumental in bridging the gap between academia and industry, promoting the exchange of ideas that contribute to the global standardization of telecommunications technologies. Since its inception in 2008, Kaleidoscope has become one of the most influential platforms for discussing the future of digital communications, providing a space where researchers and innovators can present their most promising work.

    Visit the official ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 website at https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-T/academia/kaleidoscope/2024/Pages/default.aspx or simply type ITU Kaleidoscope 2024 in google and select the first displayed website for detailed information on the event program, speakers, and sessions.

     

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Khelo India has significantly increased the number of female athletes in national events : Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Source: Government of India

    Khelo India has significantly increased the number of female athletes in national events : Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

    Union Minister inaugurates newly constructed 300-bedded girls’ hostel at SAI RC LNCPE

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 3:23PM by PIB Thiruvananthpuram

    Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today said that Khelo India ASMITA Women league has significantly increased the number of female athletes participating in national events. The minister was inaugurating the newly constructed 300-bedded girls’ hostel at SAI RC LNCPE, Thiruvananthapuram. Union Minister also emphasized that this reflects a significant investment in the future of our young women athletes. He also noted that India is targeting a place in the top 10 of the medal tally at the 2036 Olympics.

    The Minister urged athletes not to view sports as merely a path to a government job, stressing that they should play for the country, win medals, and bring glory to the nation. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panch Pran underscoring that winning a medal brings honor not just to the individual and their loved ones but to the entire country, which collectively takes pride in such achievements.

    The hostel is constructed under the Khelo India creation and up-gradation of Infrastructure projects. The project, awarded to M/s WAPCOS, was completed within the budget Rs. 32.88 Crores. Since 2014, the Khelo India scheme has successfully completed 202 infrastructure projects, with an additional 121 projects underway. 

    Designed in a pentagon shape, the hostel comprises five blocks, each featuring ground plus three storeys. This innovative architecture maximizes space while fostering a vibrant and welcoming environment. The facility includes a centralized kitchen capable of serving 108 dining guests, along with storage rooms, staff dormitories, and dedicated washing areas.

    As part of the event, Union Minister felicitated sportspersons who have represented India in Olympics, Asiad and other international games. Arjuna awardees Padmini Thomas, S Omanakumari, Geethu Anna Jose, Saji Thomas and V Diju received the honour from the minister.

    Dr. G. Kishore, Principal & Regional Head, SAI RC LNCPE and K.M. Beenamol were also present. Dr. G. Kishore explained about the campus and it’s achievements in the function.

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  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Health – WHO welcomes health ministers to Manila to consider a new vision and actions to improve health in the Region

    Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

    The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific today welcomed ministers, other senior health officials and key partners from across the Western Pacific to the seventy-fifth session of its Regional Committee. WHO’s governing body for the Region convenes every year to formulate policies, adopt resolutions and make decisions to improve the health of more than 1.9 billion people living in the Western Pacific.

    WHO’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala – the first Pacific islander to be elected to the position – welcomed health leaders to the first Regional Committee under his tenure.

    “As the first Regional Director from the Pacific, the challenges we’re discussing – such as rising sea levels and increasingly frequent disasters – are realities that my loved ones and fellow Pacific islanders live with every day,” said Dr Piukala. “I’m keenly aware of the enormity of the work ahead of us, but with mutual trust and support we can meet these challenges.”

    Dr Piukala’s address covered key updates on WHO’s work with countries and partners across the Region from July 2023 to June 2024. He also introduced a draft vision for improving health in the Region, to guide WHO’s work with Member States over the coming five-year period.

    “This vision, jointly developed by WHO and Member States, is a testament to the beauty, strength and diversity of this Region,” said Dr Piukala. “Guided by this vision, we will work together and with our partners to build a sustainable, resilient and healthy future for all people in the Western Pacific.”

    Cook Islands Minister of Health, the Honourable Vainetutai Rose Toki Brown, was elected Chairperson of this year’s session of the Regional Committee. Viet Nam Vice Minister of Health, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, was elected Vice-Chairperson.

    Hon. Toki Brown thanked the delegates for their trust and confidence in electing her as Chairperson, and she added: “This is a special year. It is the first Regional Committee meeting with the new Regional Director, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, at the helm, and we have a lot of important ground to cover.”

    She went on to say, “I know that you are all committed to the health of this Region, and I know you agree on the value of us convening here as members of the World Health Organization. The success of our new regional vision relies upon the mutual accountability of Member States and WHO. Thank you again for your confidence in electing me as Chair of this important meeting. I am very much looking forward to our discussions.”

    A new vision for health in the Region

    The new vision, Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health, well-being and save lives, is being presented to Member States for their endorsement. The vision centres on the analogy of the weaving of a mat − a traditional activity across Asia and the Pacific – symbolizing the collaborative efforts required by WHO, governments and partners to improve the health and well-being of the people of the Region. The vision comprises five vertical strands of action led by governments, interwoven with three horizontal strands of action by WHO over the coming five years.

    The five vertical strands of action led by governments, working with WHO and other stakeholders, include:

    1. Transformative primary health care for universal health coverage

    2. Climate-resilient health systems

    3. Resilient communities, societies and systems for health security

    4. Healthier people throughout the life course

    5. Technology and innovation for future health equity.

    The three horizontal strands of action by WHO are:

    1. Country offices equipped with skills for scaling up and innovation

    2. Nimble support teams in the Regional Office

    3. Effective communication for public health.

    Action frameworks and panel discussions on priority issues

    The Regional Committee will also consider new regional action frameworks on digital health and on health financing to achieve universal health coverage and sustainable development. There will be panel discussions on climate resilient health-care facilities, transformative primary health care and oral health. In addition, there will be side events on topics including One Health, tobacco control and the Investment Round to resource WHO’s work over the next four years.

    Building climate-resilient health-care facilities

    Countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region are at risk from climate change and climate-related disasters. The health impacts of these vary depending on the resilience of communities and the health facilities that serve them.

    During a panel discussion at the Regional Committee today, delegates from Fiji, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Viet Nam emphasized the need to protect health by ensuring hospitals and clinics are climate resilient. The benefits of joining the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Health (ATACH) were highlighted as it provides a platform for countries to accelerate transformative action in building climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems by leveraging the collective expertise and resources of WHO Member States and other stakeholders.

    WHO is working with countries and areas across the Western Pacific to track progress in protecting health from climate change, helping with vulnerability assessments, developing and updating adaptation plans, and implementing climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health facility initiatives.

    Exhibitions to highlight health issues and WHO’s work

    Outside of the main agenda, a series of seven exhibitions was unveiled today on themes relevant to health and WHO’s work in the Region.

    An exhibit on health equity profiles allows delegates to view information on a particular country’s health indicators and explore their intricate association with social and geospatial factors. This should give users a better understanding of how to prioritize and implement strategies to achieve health for all.

    A special exhibit features collaborative art pieces made by staff at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office to mark World Sight Day 2024 and World Mental Health Day 2024. The paintings, representing an eye and a heart, symbolize what people most love to see in their lives and the importance of promoting mental health at work. WHO’s ongoing efforts to improve both eye health and mental health for all rely on an integrated approach, a theme central to the draft regional vision.

    The future of health museum exhibit showcases 15 “future artefacts” such as the “morning mat”, where communities would be encouraged to gather each morning to talk about their health and well-being, and the climate-controlled tuk-tuk, a futuristic three-seater electric vehicle that emits clean air rather than toxic exhaust. These were co-created through foresight activities involving WHO staff and partners. There are also 15 historical artefacts that celebrate public health milestones from the past 75 years.

    A series of models of climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health-care facilities will inform a panel discussion enabling delegates to explore innovative solutions to make health facilities more climate resilient and environmentally sustainable.

    An exhibit about strengthening health emergency response capacities shows WHO’s support for health emergency responses in the Region. It depicts operations support and logistics, emergency medical teams that can be deployed with field hospitals, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network of experts, and public health emergency operations centres.

    The reaching the unreached map explorer in the Western Pacific Region features an interactive web-based map app that helps users find geographically underserved populations across the Region, shedding light on the health inequities they face. This exhibit emphasizes the critical role of data-driven health interventions to reach unreached populations.

    Finally, an exhibit about the dangers of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products showcases examples of these products, describing the tactics used by the tobacco and related industries to entice children and young people to take up smoking and undermine tobacco control efforts. The exhibition also offers information on how countries and partners can prevent uptake of these products.

    Notes:

    The seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee will run from Monday, 21 October, through Friday, 25 October, at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The agenda and timetable are available online. A livestream of proceedings and all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed, can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has a regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Island (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    Related links:

    Report of the Regional Director The work of WHO in the Western Pacific Region, 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024
    Draft vision Weaving health for families, communities and societies in the Western Pacific Region (2025−2029): Working together to improve health and well-being and save lives
    Building climate resilience in health-care facilities (fact sheet, video)
    https://www.who.int/westernpacific/publications/m/item/building-climate-resilience-in-health-care-facilities

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Health – Viet Nam eliminates trachoma as a public health problem – WHO

    Source: World Health Organization

    In a significant health milestone, Viet Nam has successfully eliminated trachoma. This remarkable achievement was validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a plaque was presented to the Vice Minister of Health of Viet Nam, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, during the seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, which opened today in Manila.

    Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally. It is a preventable disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Trachoma is spread by flies and people can also become infected through direct contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. With repeated infections, the eyelashes may be drawn in so that they rub on the surface of the eye, causing pain and damaging the cornea. Some affected individuals must undergo surgery to prevent blindness from the disease.

    Decades of concerted efforts

    Over the past 70 years, Viet Nam has worked tirelessly to combat trachoma, treating hundreds of thousands of people and implementing rigorous control measures. These efforts were significantly strengthened with the implementation of WHO’s SAFE strategy, which stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement.

    Past surveys indicated that trachoma was a public health problem in four provinces in Viet Nam. Thirty years ago, 1.7% of people living in these high-risk provinces required surgery to prevent blindness from trachoma. However, by 2023 the proportion of adults with the blinding form of the disease had fallen below 0.2%, which is the threshold required for WHO validation of elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Continuous monitoring and the focused implementation of the SAFE strategy in the country, starting in 1999, have been instrumental in this decline.

    Trachoma elimination in Viet Nam was made possible through collaboration among several government agencies including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, with the support of WHO and international health partners including the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT),   the Fred Hollows Foundation, the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), RTI International, UNICEF and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Viet Nam was one of the first group of countries to receive Pfizer-donated azithromycin   for trachoma elimination purposes through ITI, a donation that has been critical to global progress against trachoma.

    “Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Viet Nam is a monumental achievement for the country and for the global fight against the disease,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Viet Nam’s health workers, including many working at community level. It underscores the power of collective action, innovative thinking and a shared commitment to a healthier future for all. I commend Viet Nam for its dedication and success in safeguarding the vision of millions.”

    “The elimination of trachoma in Viet Nam demonstrates the commitment of the Government, health workers and communities across the country,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, praising the achievement. “It is a shining example of how targeted interventions, strong partnerships and sustained effort can bring about real change in the health of populations.”

    A trachoma-free future

    WHO Representative to Viet Nam, Dr Angela Pratt, described trachoma as a disease of poverty. “Communities in remote areas without good access to safe water and sanitation were the worst affected. But Viet Nam has demonstrated that it is possible to reach the hardest-to-reach populations, make the right investments to protect people’s health and ensure a trachoma-free future.”

    Reflecting on this historic achievement, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong said that the elimination of trachoma was a proud moment for Viet Nam. “The combined efforts of many agencies and communities, with the support of WHO and partner organizations, have saved thousands of people from lifelong blindness and economic disadvantage. Our children can now grow up safe from this painful and potentially blinding disease. This is a wonderful achievement for our people, which will pay dividends for decades to come. In this happy moment, on behalf of the Vietnamese people, I want to express our sincere thanks to all international partners who contributed great support to trachoma elimination in Viet Nam.”

    In 2018, Viet Nam eliminated lymphatic filariasis. The country has also made tremendous progress on combating malaria, which is now only found in pockets of areas and is close to being eliminated.

    Viet Nam’s success is part of broader progress in disease prevention in the WHO Western Pacific Region. Since the launch of WHO’s first road map for the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in 2012, the Region has made significant strides in eliminating trachoma. Between 2016 and 2022, four out of the Region’s 11 trachoma-endemic countries were validated for trachoma elimination. Viet Nam becomes the fifth, joining Cambodia, China, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Vanuatu in recording this achievement, highlighting the importance of sustained efforts in tackling NTDs.

    WHO continues to support countries in the Region to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs as part of the global effort to improve health and well-being for all.

    Notes

    A certificate and plaque were presented to Viet Nam in recognition of this achievement during the seventy-fifth session of the Western Pacific Regional Committee taking place from Monday, 21 October, through Friday, 25 October, at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in Manila, Philippines. The agenda and timetable of the Regional Committee meeting are available online. A livestream of proceedings, all other official documents, as well as fact sheets and videos on the issues to be addressed can be accessed here. For real-time updates, follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube and the hashtag #RCM75.

    Working with 194 Member States across six regions, WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health. Each WHO region has its regional committee – a governing body composed of ministers of health and senior officials from Member States. Each regional committee meets annually to agree on health actions and to chart priorities for WHO’s work.

    The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than 1.9 billion people across 37 countries and areas: American Samoa (United States of America), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States of America), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, Kiribati, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macao SAR (China), Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States of America), Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Pitcairn Island (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam, Wallis and Futuna (France).

    Related links:

    Fact sheet on trachoma: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/trachoma
    Global road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240010352

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – SHAFDB Wins Pan-African Development Bank Leadership Award

    Source: Media Fast

    Zanzibar, Tanzania: 21 October 2024 – Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB), a leading Pan-African multilateral development bank, dedicated to financing and promoting housing, urban & related infrastructure development across the African continent, has been honored with the prestigious “Pan-African Development Bank Leadership Award – A Pioneer in Housing Finance” for its outstanding contributions to the development of the continent.

    The award, presented during the 40th Anniversary Gala of the African Union for Housing Finance (AUHF) and the International Secondary Mortgage Market Association (ISSMA), recognized Shelter Afrique Development Bank for its pioneering leadership and 42 years unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable development in Africa’s housing sector. This prestigious honor was conferred by Ambassador Sharon Trail, founder of the AUHF 40 years ago, who was also honored with a lifetime achievement award at the same event.

    Receiving the award, Shelter Afrique Development Bank Managing Director, Thierno-Habib Hann expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This honor is a testament to our mission of transforming Africa’s housing and urban landscape. We are proud of the work we’ve done in collaboration with governments, development finance institutions (DFIs), private developers, and financial institutions across Africa to provide affordable housing solutions.”

    The award highlights the transformative changes taking place at ShafDB, driven by its visionary leadership and the ‘New Dawn’ strategy now coming to light.

    Last month, ShafDB was designated as the anchor resource mobilization partner at the African Union’s Inaugural Africa Urban Forum in its Addis Ababa Declaration, further solidifying the Bank’s central role in shaping Africa’s urban development and housing landscape.

    Shaping the housing agenda

    Over the past four decades, ShafDB has spearheaded various affordable housing projects in over 40 African countries, playing a crucial role in shaping the housing agenda by providing long-term financing solutions, promoting green building initiatives, and supporting the construction of inclusive communities.

    Going forward, the institution aims to build on its success by leveraging its expertise and resources to address Africa’s housing and urban challenges, focusing on scalable, sustainable, inclusive, and impactful solutions.

    “We dedicate this award to our shareholders, partners, clients, and the communities we serve. It is through these collaborations that we will continue to make a lasting impact on Africa’s development. My thanks go to our esteemed Board Members who have shown relentless support to our transformation, and to our bold staff at Shelter Afrique Development Bank. They are the reason for our success. For it is only through teamwork, passion, and dedication that we can elevate ShafDB to fulfill its mission for Africa,” Mr. Hann concluded.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PIRA and Army Council still raising questions for Sinn Fein coalition partners

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister:

    “It is quite clear that the 2015 assessment of the Provisionals has not changed. That assessment found that the PIRA:

    Retained an “Army Council” which members believed oversaw both the PIRA and Sinn Fein with an overarching strategy;
    Retained “departments” with specific responsibilities and
    Still had weapons which had not been decommissioned.
    “Over the weekend there has been a politically motivated attempt to kick up dust about the issue. Why? Because some clearly want to spare the blushes of those Unionist parties who sustain Sinn Fein in government.

    “It is simply an intolerable situation for the lead party in the Executive to be controlled and directed by an illegal terrorist organisation with the blood of over 1,700 people on its hands. Yet it seems that that is precisely what the political establishment has decided to tolerate.

    “Little wonder that support for the Protocol implementing Stormont Executive headed by a Sinn Fein party mired in scandal after scandal is at rock bottom among ordinary loyalists.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New affordable homes to be available in the district

    Source: City of Winchester

    Winchester City Council’s cabinet has agreed the purchase of 10 new affordable homes in the village of Twyford.

    Winchester City Council is committed to providing homes for all and delivering 1000 new homes across the district. The scheme in Hazeley Road, Twyford will be developed by Alfred Homes. The 10 homes that the city council has agreed to buy, will provide a mix of affordable rented and shared ownership homes which will be offered first to people who have a connection with the local area.

    The homes are part of a 22 unit scheme which falls within the South Downs National Park (who are also the Local Planning Authority.) It is a site that is allocated for housing in the Twyford Neighbourhood Plan. Planning permission was granted on 10th October this year and it is expected they will be completed in late 2026.

    Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Chris Westwood said

    ‘This is a really good example of how the city council is exploring different ways of ensuring delivery of new affordable council homes for local people across the district. I’m especially pleased to see these new homes in Twyford, where we know from speaking to local people that they would like their families to be able to remain living in the immediate area. I’d like to thank district and parish councillors for their support in getting us here. We’re confident the homes will be built to a high standard and will be energy efficient which will result in both reduced carbon emissions and save people money on running costs – these properties will make lovely homes and I look forward to people moving into them.’

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on an Extended Credit Facility Arrangement with São Tomé and Príncipe

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 21, 2024

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the São Toméan authorities have reached staff-level agreement on economic policies and reforms to be supported by a new 40-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), updating the agreement reached last year. This renewed staff-level agreement is subject to IMF Management approval and IMF Executive Board consideration, contingent on the implementation of the agreed prior actions and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners.
    • The authorities’ ambitious reform program aims at restoring macroeconomic stability while laying the foundations for faster and more inclusive growth. This includes a sizable and front-loaded fiscal adjustment while protecting the vulnerable. The program includes decisive near-term reforms in the electricity sector and medium-term structural reforms to facilitate the green energy transition and unleash the country’s growth potential.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Slavi Slavov, Mission Chief for São Tomé and Príncipe, visited São Tomé during May 23 – June 5, 2024, and held virtual discussions in the recent months, to discuss with the São Toméan authorities IMF support for their policies and reform plans.

    At the end of the mission, Mr. Slavov issued the following statement:

    “The São Toméan authorities and the IMF team have reached a renewed staff-level agreement to support the authorities’ economic adjustment and reform policies with a new 40-month program supported by an arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The agreement is subject to approval by IMF’s Management and Executive Board in the period ahead, and is contingent on the implementation of prior actions by the authorities and the timely confirmation of the necessary financing assurances from the country’s development partners to cover the external financing gap.

    “São Tomé and Príncipe faced a very challenging 2023 and continues to struggle with high fuel import needs and depleted international reserves. Over the past few years, the country has been hit by multiple shocks, whose impact on the economy continues to reverberate. This includes the massive external shock in early 2023 when a major fuel exporter stopped supplying fuel on credit, opening a large external financing gap.

    “These factors, along with energy shortages, contributed to a slowdown of real GDP growth to 0.2 percent in 2022 and 0.4 percent in 2023. Inflation accelerated to 19.2 percent in April 2024 before declining to 12 percent in August, year-on-year. International reserves fell sharply.

    “The authorities’ program aims to restore macroeconomic stability, improve the living conditions of the population, foster the economic recovery, and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. The necessarily ambitious and front-loaded fiscal adjustment is crucial to lowering the high public debt and rebalancing the economy under a pegged exchange rate, but is designed with care to protect the vulnerable.

    “The authorities have already implemented significant reforms. They launched the Value-Added Tax in June 2023 and implemented a large fiscal adjustment in 2023. Fuel prices were adjusted, and explicit fuel subsidies have been eliminated in the aggregate. The central bank (Banco Central de São Tomé e Príncipe or BCSTP) ended monetary financing of the budget and implemented tightening measures.  

    “The authorities will make further efforts to strengthen tax and customs administration and to rationalize budgetary expenditures. These efforts will create the fiscal space for implementing growth-enhancing development programs that will help put public debt on a downward trajectory. In addition, the authorities will strengthen social safety nets and reinforce the existing targeted cash-transfer program for vulnerable households. Given the country’s high public debt, ensuring that new financing takes the form of highly concessional loans or ideally grants will be vital to ensure sustainability and also meet vital spending needs.

    “Moreover, the program will urgently implement near-term reforms to address the crisis in the electricity sector. This would alleviate pressures on public debt and foreign exchange reserves. To prevent implicit fuel subsidies and contain fiscal risks, the authorities will apply the fuel price adjustment mechanism in a truly automatic way on a monthly basis. The government will strengthen transparency and address governance weaknesses to reduce vulnerabilities to corruption. Finally, the authorities will strengthen the BCSTP, ensuring its autonomy and appropriate governance arrangements.

    “Over the medium term, structural reforms will unleash the country’s growth potential. These include the reform strategy for the energy sector with a focus on shifting towards renewable sources, encouraging domestic food production, fostering the tourism sector, adapting to climate change, and empowering women.

    “During the visit and subsequent virtual discussions, the mission met with President Carlos Vila Nova; Prime Minister Patrice Émery Trovoada; Minister of Planning and Finance Ginésio Valentim Afonso da Mata; Minister of Economy Disney Leite Ramos; Governor of the Central Bank Américo D’Oliveira dos Ramos; President of the Court of Auditors Ricardino Costa Alegre; other government officials; representatives of the private sector including banks; and development partners. The mission expresses its deep appreciation to the authorities for their cooperation and constructive policy dialogue.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/18/pr-24382-sao-tome-and-principe-imf-reaches-staff-level-agreement-on-an-ecf-arrangement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Journey of UDAN: Soaring Towards Inclusivity in Indian Aviation

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 11:35AM by PIB Delhi

    “A common man who travels in slippers, should also be seen in the aircraft. This is my dream.”

    – Prime Minister Narendra Modi

    In a country where the sky often symbolizes hope and aspiration, the dream of flying has remained an elusive luxury for many. This dream began to take shape with the launch of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, or “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik,” on October 21, 2016. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), UDAN aims to enhance regional air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports across India, making air travel affordable for the masses. As it celebrates its seventh anniversary, UDAN stands as a testament to the commitment of the Indian government to improve infrastructure and connectivity, especially in remote regions.

    The Dream Takes Flight

    The story of UDAN is deeply rooted in the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who in a pivotal meeting before the National Civil Aviation Policy was announced, emphasised the need to democratize air travel. He famously remarked that he wanted to see people wearing slippers boarding planes, a sentiment that ignited the vision for a more inclusive aviation sector. This commitment to the common man’s dreams led to the birth of UDAN.

    The first UDAN flight took off on April 27, 2017, connecting the serene hills of Shimla to the bustling metropolis of Delhi. This inaugural flight marked the beginning of a transformative journey in Indian aviation, one that would open up the skies to countless citizens.

    UDAN operates on a market-driven model, where airlines assess demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds. The scheme incentivizes airlines to connect underserved regions by offering them support through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and various concessions provided by airport operators, the Central Government, and State Governments.

    The government has implemented several supportive measures to attract airlines to operate flights in less lucrative markets:

    • Airport Operators: They waive landing and parking charges for RCS flights, and the

    Airports Authority of India (AAI) does not levy Terminal Navigation Landing Charges (TNLC) on these flights. Moreover, a discounted Route Navigation and Facilitation Charge (RNFC) is applied.

    • Central Government: For the first three years, excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel

    (ATF) purchased at RCS airports capped at 2%. Airlines are also encouraged to enter code-sharing agreements to expand their reach.

    • State Governments: States have committed to reducing VAT on ATF to 1% or less for ten years and providing essential services such as security, fire services, and utility services at reduced rates.

    This collaborative framework has fostered an environment where airlines can thrive while serving regions that have long been overlooked.

    The RCS-UDAN scheme has played a pivotal role in revitalising the civil aviation industry in India. Over the past seven years, it has catalysed the emergence of many new and successful airlines. Regional carriers such as Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91 have benefited from the scheme, developing sustainable business models and contributing to a burgeoning ecosystem for regional air travel.

    The incremental expansion of the scheme has also generated a rising demand for new aircraft of all sizes, broadening the spectrum of planes deployed on RCS routes. This includes a diverse fleet, featuring the Airbus 320/321, Boeing 737, ATR 42 and 72, DHC Q400, Twin Otter, Embraer 145 and 175, Tecnam P2006T, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Dornier 228, Airbus H130, and Bell 407. Notably, Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 aircraft slated for delivery in the next 10-15 years, significantly augmenting the existing fleet of approximately 800 planes.

    RCS-UDAN is not solely dedicated to offering last-mile connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities; it also stands as a prominent contributor to the burgeoning tourism sector. Initiatives like UDAN 3.0 have introduced tourism routes connecting several destinations in the Northeast region, while UDAN 5.1 is focused on expanding helicopter services in hilly areas to stimulate tourism, hospitality, and local economic growth.

    Significant destinations like Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Kishangarh (Ajmer) are now more accessible, catering to the religious tourism segment. Furthermore, the introduction of airports in Pasighat, Ziro, Hollongi, and Tezu has spurred growth in the Northeast’s tourism industry. Notably, Agatti Island has also been included in the Indian aviation map, enhancing tourism in Lakshadweep.

    From Mundra in Gujarat to Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh, and Kullu in Himachal Pradesh to Salem in Tamil Nadu, RCS-UDAN has connected 34 states and Union Territories across the country. A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalized under UDAN, including ten in the Northeast region and two heliports. Airports like Darbhanga, Prayagraj, Hubli, Belgaum, and Kannur are becoming increasingly sustainable, with many non-RCS commercial flights operating from these locations.

    • Darbhanga Airport (Civil Enclave): Once off the aviation map, Darbhanga celebrated the arrival of its first flight from Delhi on November 9, 2020. This airport now serves as a gateway for 14 districts in North Bihar, connecting to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, and handling over 5 lakh passengers in FY 2023-24.
    • Jharsuguda Airport (AAI Airport): Previously a dilapidated WWII airstrip,

    Jharsuguda became operational in March 2019, serving as the second airport in Odisha. It now connects the region to Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Bhubaneswar, with over 2 lakh passengers in FY 2023-24.

    • Pithoragarh Airport: Nestled in the Himalayas, this airport was identified for RCS

    operations in 2018 and began service in January 2019. Currently, it connects to Dehradun and Pantnagar, showcasing its strategic importance.

    • Tezu Airport: Known for its scenic beauty and religious significance, Tezu airport

    commenced RCS operations in August 2021. It connects Guwahati, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh, accommodating approximately 12,000 passengers in FY 2023-24.

    The Indian aviation landscape has undergone a significant transformation under the UDAN scheme. 601 routes, including helicopter routes, have been operationalized, effectively connecting states and Union Territories. Notably, around 28% of these routes serve the remotest locations, enhancing accessibility across challenging terrains.

    The number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase this number to 350-400 by 2047. The domestic air passengers have more than doubled in the past decade, with Indian airlines significantly expanding their fleets.

    A total of 86 aerodromes—comprising 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodromes— have been operationalized, facilitating the travel of over 1.44 crore passengers across more than 2.8 lakh flights. Since its inception, fixed-wing operations have cumulatively covered approximately 112 crore kilometres, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the globe around 28,000 times.

    UDAN is not just a scheme; it is a movement aimed at empowering every Indian with the gift of flight. Enhancing regional connectivity and ensuring affordability has fulfilled countless citizens’ aspirations while stimulating economic growth and job creation. As UDAN continues to evolve, it holds the promise of transforming India’s aviation landscape, ensuring that the sky truly is everyone’s limit. With its ongoing commitment to connecting underserved regions and promoting tourism, the UDAN scheme remains a game changer for Indian aviation, contributing significantly to India’s vision of a connected and prosperous nation.

    Reference:

    h t t p s : / / p i b . g o v . i n / P r e s s R e l e a s e I f r a m e P a g e . a s p x ? PRID=2004057#:~:text=Ministry%20of%20Civil%20Aviation%20(MoCA,is%20a%20market%20dri ven%20scheme.

    https://http://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/migration/Udaan_Eng.pdf https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=152143&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 Press Release: Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)

    Click here to download PDF

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to inaugurate International Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records on 21st October 2024 in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 11:26AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate International Workshop on Modern Technologies in Survey-Resurvey for Urban Land Records on 21st October 2024 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), New Delhi. The Department of Land Resources is organising this workshop. The inaugural session will include addresses from Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan,  Secretary, Department of Land Resources Shri Manoj Joshi will deliver the keynote address during inaugural session.

    The workshop will unfold over two days. The first day will feature an inaugural session led by the Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan  followed by presentations from experts from countries like Singapore, Korea, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, highlighting best practices in digital land records. There will also be a technology showcase and exhibition by leading Indian and international firms. On the second day, the agenda includes two plenary sessions: the first focusing on case studies of state urban land records and management from Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, and the second examining case studies from various schemes and departments in survey techniques and spatial data, including AMRUT, SMART CITIES, SVAMITVA, Haryana Space Applications Centre, IT & Communication (Jaipur), and Directorate General Defence Estates.

    Expected outcomes from the workshop include the formulation of a national program for urban land record modernization, design plans for pilot projects in selected cities, and strategies for capacity building among urban local bodies (ULBs) and state officials. Furthermore, the workshop aims to generate policy recommendations for integrating modern technologies into urban land governance, ensuring improved efficiency and transparency in land management systems. This concept note sets the stage for collaboration and innovation in improving urban land records through the application of cutting-edge technology.

    Urban land records in India face significant challenges due to fragmentation, outdated information, and maintenance across multiple agencies. These issues hinder effective urban planning, land management, and service delivery. In response, the Government of India is exploring innovative technological solutions to modernize urban land records, building on progress achieved in rural areas. Key technologies such as geospatial tools, satellite imagery, drone surveys, and GIS integration are essential for creating comprehensive, spatially enabled land ownership records. The modernization of urban land records is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency, supporting sustainable development and reducing land-related disputes.

    The workshop aims to bring together relevant stakeholders, including Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, Revenue and Urban Development Secretaries from States/UTs, International experts, and Technology Providers. The primary objectives of the workshop are to showcase global best practices in urban land record modernization, present applicable technological solutions, and facilitate pilot project planning for selected urban areas. Additionally, the workshop will address challenges such as lack of standardization, data security, and capacity building for stakeholders, while promoting collaboration among government officials, experts, and technology providers to develop actionable policy recommendations.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hon’ble President of India to confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 20 OCT 2024 11:19AM by PIB Delhi

    The Hon’ble President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu will confer the 5th National Water Awards 2023 on October 22nd2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD &GR), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti announced the 38 winners, including joint winners, for the 5th National Water Awards, 2023, in 09 categories viz Best State, Best District, Best Village Panchayat, Best Urban Local Body, Best School or College, Best Industry, Best Water User Association, Best Institution (other than school or college), and Best Civil Society on 14th October 2024.

    In the category of Best State, the first prize has been conferred upon Odisha, with Uttar Pradesh securing the second position, and Gujarat and Puducherry jointly securing the third position. Each award winner will be conferred with a citation and a trophy as well as cash prizes in certain categories.

    Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, the Ministry of Jal Shakti has been undertaking a comprehensive campaign to spread awareness about water management and water conservation on a national level. From this standpoint and to create awareness among the people about the importance of water and to help motivate people to adopt the best water usage practices, the 1st National Water Awards were launched in 2018 by the DoWR, RD & GR. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th National Water Awards were given for the years 2019, 2020 and 2022. The awards were not given in the year 2021 due to CoVID pandemic.

    The National Water Awards (NWAs) focus on the good work and efforts made by individuals and the organizations across the country in attaining the government’s vision of a ‘Jal Samridh Bharat’. The awards are for creating awareness among the people about the importance of water and motivating them to adopt best water usage practices.

    Details of winners under various categories for 5th National Water Awards

    5TH NATIONAL WATER AWARDS, 2023

     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: G7 countries agree new plan to dismantle migrant smuggling gangs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Home Secretary has today (4 October 2024) agreed a major international plan to smash criminal gangs responsible for smuggling illegal migrants into G7 nations.

    The G7 Anti-Smuggling Action Plan will deliver a boost to UK law enforcement by fostering closer cooperation with G7 partners to bolster border security, combat transnational organised crime, and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation by migrant smugglers.

    New joint investigative actions will be carried out by law enforcement teams to target criminal smuggling routes, while intelligence sharing between G7 nations will ensure faster identification and disruption of these dangerous networks.

    This approach will enhance the capabilities of the Border Security Command and its new Commander Martin Hewitt CBE QPM in coordinating investigations with international partners to reduce illegal migration to the UK.

    Other measures announced in the plan include: 

    • sharing best practice, including disrupting supply chains that facilitate people-smuggling, such as small boat parts, seizing the illegal financial assets of criminals, and improving cooperation across global transport routes
    • working with social media platforms and internet providers to remove harmful content that promotes illegal migration services or advertises fake job opportunities
    • strengthening capabilities to monitor and anticipate irregular migration flows at both global and regional levels

    The agreement comes after discussions by the Home Secretary at the G7 Interior and Security Ministers’ meeting in Avellino, Italy, this week. It marks another step in the UK’s reset of relations with key allies and affirms a shared commitment to working together to tackle complex cross-border issues. 

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    Criminal smuggling gangs who organise small boat crossings undermine our border security and put lives at risk. Our new government is rapidly accelerating cooperation with other countries to crack down on these dangerous gangs.

    Today’s newly agreed G7 action plan provides an important focus on international law enforcement and reflects our determination to work with global partners on these shared challenges. New international joint investigative teams will help coordinate cross-border action and supplement the measures we have already taken to set up the UK Border Security Command and back it with new funding.

    The plan will help to increase both voluntary and enforced returns of migrants to countries of origin. It aims to offer migrants more choices and improve the overall management of migration flows.

    Instrumental to delivery of this plan in the UK is the new Border Security Command, under the leadership of Martin Hewitt CBE QPM, which will be armed with enhanced powers and coordinate the work of law enforcement and intelligence agencies. It will coordinate investigations with European counterparts and will benefit from a £75 million investment in cutting-edge technology, additional officers, and new covert capabilities.

    In July, the government committed a further £84 million to addressing the root causes of irregular migration. This funding will go towards programmes aimed at tackling the drivers of migration at their source, reducing the need for dangerous and irregular journeys.

    Since taking office, the Home Secretary has increased efforts to work with international partners to tackle the challenges posed by irregular migration. This has included engagement with the United States Attorney General, Merrick Garland, European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and Executive Director of Europol, Catherine De Bolle.

    The UK will continue to drive focus on tackling migrant smuggling with the G7 under Canada’s presidency next year, and at next month’s INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow.

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates the 21st Divya Kala Mela in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates the 21st Divya Kala Mela in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

    The Event – based on Prime Minister’s Vocal for Local vision – is a unique initiative towards Empowering Divyang Entrepreneurs

    Last 20 editions of the Mela generated a combined income exceeding ₹15 crore and facilitated loans worth over ₹12 crore for participating Divyangjans till date

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 8:47PM by PIB Delhi

    The 21st Divya Kala Mela, a monumental fair dedicated to the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities (PwDs), is being held at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, from 17th to 27th October 2024. The fair was officially inaugurated today by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, alongside Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Madhya Pradesh, Shri Narayan Das Kushwaha and Shri Ashok Rohani, MLA of Jabalpur.

    Other dignitaries present at the event included senior officials from the Government of India and Madhya Pradesh, graced the occasion, with active participation from Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, Shri Naveen Shah, Managing Director of National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), and Shri Deepak Kumar Saxena, District Collector of Jabalpur.

     

     

    The grand event is a shining example of India’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth, as it offers an exceptional platform for differently abled entrepreneurs to showcase their products, talents, and skills. With around 100 stalls, the fair has been meticulously organized to promote self-reliance, encourage business ventures, and amplify the impact of PwDs in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ vision.

     

     

     

    Addressing the event, Dr. Virendra Kumar informed about the tremendous success of the Divya Kala Mela since its inception in 2022, with over 20 fairs organized across the Nation, generating a combined income exceeding ₹15 crore for participating Divyangjans. He further announced a special job fair for PwDs, to be held on 25th October 2024, providing new employment avenues and reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all.

     

     

    It was further informed that a special highlight of the event is the distribution of loans worth ₹1.21 crore by Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank, Union Bank, and IDBI Bank to disabled entrepreneurs, a crucial step in bolstering their businesses. To date, the Divya Kala Mela initiative has facilitated loans worth over ₹12 crore, promoting business expansion and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among PwDs. Moreover, the distribution of essential aids and assistive devices like hearing aids, motors, and lifts has further empowered the differently abled community, he added.

     

     

    In his keynote address, Shri Narayan Das Kushwaha praised the Divya Kala Mela as a transformative initiative by the Government of India, which has paved the way for economic empowerment, recognition, and self-reliance for Divyangjan artisans and entrepreneurs. He highlighted that this platform serves not only as an economic catalyst but also as a beacon of awareness and skill recognition for PwDs across India.

    Adding a festive touch, a vibrant cultural programme titled ‘Divya Kala Shakti’, showcasing the talents of Divyang artists from across India, will be held alongside the fair. With performances already having taken place in 15 cities, ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ has become a national platform for the creative expression of PwDs, bringing their talents to the forefront.

     

    In his address, Shri Sandeep Rajak, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, urged the Government to host a World Art Fair in Jabalpur, envisioning a grand collaboration between the public sector, private companies, and NGOs, united by the common goal of empowering the Divyangjans.

    CMD of NDFDC, Shri Naveen Shah, also extended a warm invitation to the citizens of Jabalpur, encouraging them to visit the fair, support the talented Divyang artisans, indulge in delectable local food, and enjoy the colorful cultural programmes. He emphasized that the fair is free and open to the public, making it a not-to-miss event for everyone.

    *****

    VM

    (Release ID: 2066409) Visitor Counter : 72

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Challenges for the Mayor’s 2025-26 budget

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London is responsible for a total budget of £20.7 billion, but what should be his priorities for 2025-26?

    The Mayor’s Budget Guidance document highlights three issues “causing considerable uncertainty to the Greater London Authority (GLA) Group’s medium-term financial forecast”:

    • the future state of London’s economy.
    • the upcoming spending reviews for 2025-26, to be announced as part of the Autumn Budget on 30 October 2024, and for 2026-29, which is due in Spring 2025.
    • the prospect of the government introducing reforms to the local government finance system.1

    The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee will meet tomorrow to hear from a panel of outside experts on the effectiveness of the Mayor’s current budget priorities, and also to discuss and anticipate future financial trends and challenges ahead of next year’s budget.

    Guests include:

    Panel 1 – TfL Funding (10am – 11.15am)

    • Stuart Hoggan, Associate Consultant, LG Futures
    • Antonia Jennings, CEO, Centre for London
    • Tom Pope, Deputy Chief Economist, Institute for Government
    • Tony Travers, London School of Economics (LSE) Department of Government and Director of LSE London
    • Luke Hillian, Strategic Finance Analyst, London Councils
    • Michael Roberts, CEO, London TravelWatch

    Panel 2 – Affordable Housing Delivery (11.15am – 12.10pm)

    • Stephanie Pollitt, Programme Director (Housing), BusinessLDN
    • Stuart Hoggan, Associate Consultant, LG Futures
    • Antonia Jennings, CEO, Centre for London
    • Tom Pope, Deputy Chief Economist, Institute for Government
    • Tony Travers, LSE Department of Government and Director of LSE London
    • Luke Hillan, Strategic Finance Analyst, London Councils

    Panel 3 – London Police and Crime Plan and the New Met for London Programme (12.10pm – 1pm)

    • Rick Muir, Director, Police Foundation
    • Ian Wiggett, Associate Director, World Policing Advisory

    The meeting will take place on Tuesday 22 October from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Applications for the 2025 Winter PPS Competition are now open

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    On October 21, the Higher School of Economics launched the next contest to fill positions of professorial and teaching staff in Moscow, Saint Petersburg And Perm. The competitive application provides for the candidate to choose a preferred career path – academic, educational and methodological or practice-oriented. 273 vacancies are posted for the competition, documents are accepted until 15:00 on November 25.

    Of the 273 vacancies, 172 are offered in Moscow, 79 in St. Petersburg, and 22 in Perm. The Nizhny Novgorod campus is not participating in this competition.

    A total of 707 applications were submitted for the 2024 summer competition, including 476 in Moscow, 152 in St. Petersburg, 36 in Nizhny Novgorod, and 43 in Perm. Decisions on election to the position were made based on 598 applications (415, 106, 34, and 43 by campus, respectively).

    The competition for filling the positions of the teaching staff at the National Research University Higher School of Economics is as open as possible; external candidates have the same chances of winning as current HSE employees. Documents are submitted online in the electronic system – this simplifies the submission of the competition application, gives the opportunity to take part in the competition to people from different cities and countries.

    The selection for the 2025 winter competition consists of several stages.

    First, the applicant must submit the competition documents, then the specialized personnel commissions (there are 34 of them) will decide whether to continue their consideration or reject them, after which their examination will begin, and if necessary, interviews and personal appearances will be held. Any candidate for the position of faculty member can consult with the managers of the personnel commissions at any time and ask them any questions they may have, regardless of whether they are from HSE or not.

    More information about the stages of the competition can be found on its page, and explanations on the preparation of documents and criteria for assessing applicants are also posted here. The registration procedure for participation in the competition lasts more than a month – this time is enough to order and submit documents confirming the absence of restrictions on conducting educational activities.

    Each applicant must fill out the type of competition questionnaire that corresponds to their status. There are three types: “I am a teacher at HSE”, “I work at HSE under an employment contract, but I am not a teacher / I work under a civil contract”, “I am an external participant”. Completion of the competition questionnaire for all participants is carried out through a single personal account (SPA), to enter which university employees can use a corporate login and password. External participants must register in the SPA, after which a password will be sent to the email address they specified.

    When filling out the competition questionnaire, each participant will be asked to choose the closest professional (career) trajectories, within which he sees his professional development at HSE (first and second priorities). There are three such trajectories: academic, educational-methodological and practice-oriented. The candidate’s choice of a preferred career trajectory in the competition application must be confirmed by the data and indicators that he presents in his questionnaire.

    The core of the requirements for employees on the academic trajectory is publication activity in terms of scientific publications. The evaluation criteria for the educational-methodological and practice-oriented professional trajectories have been developed by specialized personnel commissions and approved by the academic councils of faculties/branches.

    In recent years, attention has been paid to the compliance of candidates working at the Higher School of Economics with the rules and principles of assessing student learning outcomes (preventing “grade inflation”). The questionnaire includes a question about taking courses to develop teaching skills, regardless of the chosen trajectory. If you have not completed such courses as part of your advanced training, you can start with independent study of the online course “Modern Approaches to Teaching and Learning”. Other opportunities are also available as part of the “Teach4HSE / We Teach at HSE” project.

    If the candidate has entered into an agreement on electronic interaction (this is only possible on the Moscow campus), he/she will be able to sign the application in electronic format using a simple electronic signature. If he/she has not entered into an agreement, then by November 25, it is necessary to either send a scan of the signed application to the e-mail addresses indicated on page in the section “Application for participation in the faculty competition”, or submit the original to the single reception office of the HSE University – Moscow, to the academic secretary – at the HSE University in St. Petersburg and Perm, or send the document by mail (this can be done before the end of the document acceptance period, notifying the university about sending and keeping the receipt). When filling out the questionnaire, you will be able to see the corresponding instructions.

    The results of the competition will be announced on February 13 by the Academic Councils of the branches (recommendation of professors, election of assistants, lecturers, senior lecturers, associate professors), on February 26 – by the Academic Council of the HSE in Moscow (voting for participants from the capital, for professors from the HSE in St. Petersburg and Perm). The format of the faculty competition will be determined before the meeting of the Academic Council of the HSE / branch at which the competition will be held, and posted on the HSE portal.

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

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

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/edu/977901263.html

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Leading Independent Proxy Advisory Firm ISS Issues New Recommendation in Support of Territorial/Hope Bancorp Combination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ISS Recommends Territorial Shareholders Vote “FOR” Hope Bancorp Transaction

    ISS Recognizes Value Creation Upside of the Hope Bancorp Merger and Risks and Uncertainty Associated with Blue Hill’s Preliminary Indication of Interest

    Territorial Board Urges Shareholders to Follow ISS’s Recommendation and Vote “FOR” the Hope Bancorp Merger Today

    HONOLULU, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Territorial Bancorp Inc. (NASDAQ: TBNK) (“Territorial” or the “Company”) today announced that leading independent proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (“ISS”) has reissued its report assessing Territorial’s proposed merger with Hope Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOPE) (“Hope Bancorp”).

    In its report, ISS recommends that Territorial shareholders vote “FOR” the Company’s pending merger with Hope Bancorp at the Special Meeting on November 6, 2024, at 8:30 a.m., Hawai‘i Time.

    The Territorial Board of Directors also unanimously recommends that all Territorial shareholders vote “FOR” the Hope Bancorp agreement.

    Commenting on the report, Territorial issued the following statement:

    The Hope Bancorp merger is the only transaction that provides realizable value and substantial upside for Territorial shareholders. This tax-free transaction also enables our shareholders to benefit from a more than 1000% increase to Territorial’s standalone dividend. Accordingly, we strongly urge all Territorial shareholders to vote FOR the transaction today.

    ISS’s report recognizes the risks and uncertainty associated with Blue Hill’s preliminary indication of interest, including a lack of financing, failure to identify the entities behind Blue Hill and questionable ability to execute the indication of interest. These deficiencies support our belief that Blue Hill does not have the ability to complete a transaction with Territorial or to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals for the transaction in a timely manner.

    In making its recommendation, ISS stated in its October 18, 2024, reporti:

    • “A merger with HOPE is arguably a better outcome for TBNK than remaining standalone, given the strategic rationale for the combination and the issues facing the company”
    • “we find that the board’s caution [regarding Blue Hill] appears to have a reasonable basis. The request for evidence of committed financing and increased disclosure regarding the consortium, in particular, seem to be low hanging fruit that Blue Hill could provide to address these concerns.”
    • “In our engagement with the company, the board expressed a willingness to engage with Blue Hill if its concerns could be properly addressed in order to best protect shareholders.”
    • “It is unclear at this point why Blue Hill has not provided the board the details it has asked for.”

    Time is short. The Special Meeting is fast approaching. Territorial shareholders are urged to follow the recommendations from ISS and the Territorial Board by voting today FOR the transaction with Hope Bancorp.


    YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT NO MATTER HOW MANY OR HOW FEW SHARES YOU OWN!

    Please take a moment to vote FOR the proposals set forth on the enclosed proxy card — by Internet, telephone toll-free or by signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction form. Vote well in advance of the Special Meeting on November 6, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Hawaiʻi Time.

    If you have questions about how to vote your shares, please contact:

    Laurel Hill Advisory Group

    Call toll-free: (888) 742-1305
    Banks and brokers should call: (516) 933-3100


    About Us

    Territorial Bancorp Inc., headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, is the stock holding company for Territorial Savings Bank. Territorial Savings Bank is a state-chartered savings bank which was originally chartered in 1921 by the Territory of Hawaiʻi. Territorial Savings Bank conducts business from its headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and has 28 branch offices in the state of Hawaiʻi. For additional information, please visit https://www.tsbhawaii.bank/.

    Additional Information about the Hope Merger and Where to Find It

    In connection with the proposed Hope Merger, Hope has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a Registration Statement on Form S-4, containing the Proxy Prospectus, which has been mailed or otherwise delivered to Territorial’s stockholders on or about August 29, 2024, as supplemented September 12, 2024. Hope and Territorial may file additional relevant materials with the SEC. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR FURNISHED OR WILL BE FILED OR FURNISHED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. You may obtain any of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Hope or Territorial at no cost from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Some statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations regarding the low-cost core deposit base, diversification of the loan portfolio, expansion of market share, capital to support growth, strengthened opportunities, enhanced value, geographic expansion, and statements about the proposed transaction being immediately accretive. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “will,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” or similar expressions. With respect to any such forward-looking statements, Territorial Bancorp claims the protection provided for in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties. Hope Bancorp’s actual results, performance or achievements may differ significantly from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. The closing of the proposed transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, the approval of Territorial Bancorp stockholders, and other customary closing conditions. There is no assurance that such conditions will be met or that the proposed merger will be consummated within the expected time frame, or at all. If the transaction is consummated, factors that may cause actual outcomes to differ from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements include, among things: difficulties and delays in integrating Hope Bancorp and Territorial Bancorp and achieving anticipated synergies, cost savings and other benefits from the transaction; higher than anticipated transaction costs; deposit attrition, operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees and customers, may be greater than expected; and required governmental approvals of the merger may not be obtained on its proposed terms and schedule, or without regulatory constraints that may limit growth. Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: possible further deterioration in economic conditions in Hope Bancorp’s or Territorial Bancorp’s areas of operation or elsewhere; interest rate risk associated with volatile interest rates and related asset-liability matching risk; liquidity risks; risk of significant non-earning assets, and net credit losses that could occur, particularly in times of weak economic conditions or times of rising interest rates; the failure of or changes to assumptions and estimates underlying Hope Bancorp’s or Territorial Bancorp’s allowances for credit losses; potential increases in deposit insurance assessments and regulatory risks associated with current and future regulations; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Hope Bancorp or Territorial Bancorp; the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of the common stock of either or both parties to the proposed transaction; and diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities. For additional information concerning these and other risk factors, see Hope Bancorp’s and Territorial Bancorp’s most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Hope Bancorp and Territorial Bancorp do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by law.   

    Investor / Media Contacts:
    Walter Ida
    SVP, Director of Investor Relations
    808-946-1400
    walter.ida@territorialsavings.net

    i Permission to use quotes neither sought nor obtained

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify ETFs Announces the Amplify Bloomberg AI Value Chain ETF (NYSE: AIVC)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify ETFs announces its newly appointed fund, the Amplify Bloomberg AI Value Chain ETF (NYSE: AIVC). In an equal-weighted index approach, AIVC invests in a global mix of semiconductor, cloud/software and hardware companies that form the foundation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through the Bloomberg AI Value Chain Index.

    According to forecasts, the global AI market is expected to grow from $638 billion in 2024 to $3.6 trillion by 2034.1 This growth will be driven by increased AI spending across the private sector, government initiatives and individuals. AIVC is positioned to capture these trends through its unique AI value chain focus.

    AIVC uses an equal-weighted rules-based approach alongside insights from Bloomberg Intelligence analysts to identify companies that are essential to the AI ecosystem. Technologies like generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing and AI infrastructure all rely on semiconductors, hardware, and cloud software systems to operate.

    “AI is fundamentally reshaping industries worldwide and AIVC provides investors with diverse exposure to companies that are the backbone of this industry,” said Christian Magoon, CEO of Amplify ETFs. “Our new focus on AI and its value chain aligns this fund with one of the most compelling growth themes of the next decade.”

    AIVC tracks the Bloomberg AI Value Chain Index, which identifies the top 45 companies integral to AI categorized into semiconductors, hardware, and software/cloud systems. These sectors are the backbone of the AI landscape, enabling the widespread adoption of AI solutions globally. The index is powered by Bloomberg Intelligence (BI) Research, a renowned group of 400+ research professionals across 21 markets. The BI team utilizes proprietary research to evaluate data and trends for creating thematic index baskets.

    The announcement of AIVC is the result of name, fee and strategy changes to the Amplify Global Cloud Technology ETF (IVES). No action is required by current shareholders as a result of this change. These changes were previously communicated via a supplement to the IVES Summary Prospectus, Statutory Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), as published on August 15, 2024.

    Investors can learn more about AIVC at AmplifyETFs.com/AIVC.

    About Amplify ETFs
    Amplify ETFs, sponsored by Amplify Investments, has over $10 billion in assets across its suite of ETFs (as of 10/11/2024). Amplify ETFs delivers expanded investment opportunities for investors seeking growth, income, and risk-managed strategies across a range of actively managed and index-based ETFs.

    1https://www.precedenceresearch.com/artificial-intelligence-market

    Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund’s statutory and summary prospectuses, which may be obtained at AmplifyETFs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

    Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Investments concentrated in specific industries, sectors, markets, or asset classes may underperform or experience greater volatility than the general securities market.

    Investments in artificial intelligence or cloud technology companies are exposed to risks such as small markets, technological obsolescence, and government regulation. These companies, especially smaller ones, are more volatile and susceptible to adverse events in specific regions or industries.

    International investing entails risks related to foreign currency, limited liquidity, less government regulation, and potential volatility from political, economic, or other developments, particularly in emerging markets and concentrated investments in single countries.

    Investment Adviser: Amplify Investments LLC; Sub-Adviser: Penserra Capital Management LLC

    Amplify ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Up to £600 cash boost for Britain’s lowest paid to help kickstart the economy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ten million working people across the country to benefit from an overhaul of workers’ rights as the Government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill returns to Parliament.

    • Impact assessment shows the Employment Rights Bill will have a positive direct impact on economic growth
    • Reforms means extra 30,000 new dads qualify for paternity leave
    • Positive impacts set out include the Employment Rights Bill delivering up to £600 income savings for workers in the lowest paid, insecure jobs

    Ten million working people across the country will benefit from an overhaul of workers’ rights as the Government’s landmark Employment Rights Bill returns to Parliament today (Monday 21 October).

    The Bill will support employers, workers and unions to get Britain growing again as shown by its Impact Assessment published today, setting out how it could boost productivity, create better working conditions and move more people into secure work while improving living standards for families and communities across the UK.

    The analysis shows “many of the policies within the Employment Rights Bill could help support the Government’s Mission for Growth.” It concludes that the package could have “a positive but small direct impact on economic growth” and will “help to raise living standards across the country and create opportunities for all.”

    Poor productivity, insecure work, and broken industrial relations have been holding back the British economy for too long. Last year the country saw the highest number of working days lost to strikes since the 1980s – costing the economy millions of pounds. This has entrenched a culture of brinkmanship that only serves to damage public services, public finances, and public faith in institutions. Today is a significant step in putting an end to that – as the Employment Rights Bill reaches its second reading, alongside a package of consultations to help inform its next steps. This includes a consultation on our new approach to Statutory Sick Pay, where the Bill will be removing the waiting period and the Lower Earnings Limit.

    The Bill is expected to benefit people in some of the most deprived areas of the country by saving them up to £600 in lost income from the hidden costs of insecure work. Around 2.4 million people in the UK work irregular patterns like zero or low hours contracts or agency jobs, where insecure hours can mean forking out on expensive childcare or transport to cover last-minute shifts – or losing out altogether if work is changed or cancelled at short notice.

    New protections like guaranteed hours and giving reasonable notice or compensation for lost work will help shift workers keep up to £600 a year, including workers in the North and Midlands where irregular work is highest.

    For a cleaner working night shifts on an average annual wage of £21,058, a £600 saving would be worth over £250 more a year than the last two national insurance cuts.

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

    We’re delivering real change for working people across the country, while driving our mission for growth and making people better off.

    Successful firms already know that strong employee rights mean strong growth opportunities. This landmark legislation will extend the employment protections given by the best British companies to millions more workers.

    We said we would get on and deliver the biggest upgrade to rights at work in a generation and the growth our economy needs – and that is exactly what we are doing.

    Speaking in the House later today, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will say:

    From our very first day in office, this Government has moved to restore security for working people.

    That principle runs throughout this legislation and ensuring that employee rights are fit for a modern economy, empower working people, and contribute to our central mission of economic growth.

    Make no mistake – a pro-worker economy is a pro-business economy. This legislation will deliver a new deal for working people. It will help fix our broken labour market. And it will tackle the poor pay, poor working conditions and poor job security that have been holding our economy back.

    The Plan to Make Work Pay was developed in partnership with both businesses and trade unions, and the Government will continue to work closely with all stakeholders on how best to implement these commitments. The Impact Assessment sets out further details on how the new measures will:

    • Create a level playing field for all businesses, raising standards and helping stop the undercutting of good employers. 

    • Make flexible working the default, helping people achieve a better work life balance, which can lead to happier, healthier and more productive employees, which benefits both workers and businesses.

    • Provide a boost for business by supporting higher workforce participation and more opportunities to employ a wider pool of talent, thanks to increased flexibility and employment rights.   

    • Bring 1.5 million workers into scope of the right to unpaid parental leave. 

    • Allow payments to workers for short notice shift cancellation or curtailment as high as £120 million per year

    • Offer benefits to workers in sectors such as hospitality, which makes up around 20% of low-paying jobs and accounts for a disproportionate amount of economic activity in areas of central Scotland, North Wales and Southwest England.
    • Create a right to bereavement leave following the death of a loved one, which could benefit up to 2 million people a year.

    The analysis also confirms costs to business will represent under 0.4% of total employment costs across the economy. The majority of this will be transferred directly into the pockets of workers – helping raise living standards and give people more money to spend on the high cost of living, which has driven up over the past 14 years.

    Through new consultations launched today, the Government will be seeking views on the following four areas: 

    Strengthening Statutory Sick Pay through setting a new rate for those on lower earnings

    As part of the Government’s Plan to Make Work Pay the waiting period for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be removed as well as the Lower Earnings Limit. These changes will ensure SSP is available to employees from day one of their sickness absence and is available to all employees, regardless of their earnings. A consultation will seek views on what percentage rate should be paid for those earning below the current rate.

    The UK currently has one of the least protected labour markets in the OECD and these changes will mean up to 1.3 million employees who are currently excluded from SSP will now be eligible. Further detail is available here.

    Ensuring the provisions on Zero Hours Contracts apply effectively to agency workers

    The Government is committed to ending one-sided flexibility for all workers, which is why this consultation wants to fully understand how the zero hours contracts measures in the Employment Rights Bill can best be applied to agency workers without causing unintended consequences. Further detail is available here.

    Creating a modern framework for industrial relations

    Over recent years, trade union laws have been a barrier to effective, positive industrial relations in this country.  Alongside reforms in the Bill, the Government is consulting on several changes to the industrial relations framework, hardwiring a series of fundamental principles including collaboration and accountability, and enabling trade unions to represent and deliver on behalf of their workers. Further detail is available here.

    Strengthening remedies against abuse of the rules on collective redundancy and fire and rehire

    This consultation will ask for views on increasing the maximum period for the protective award in cases where employers haven’t complied with collective redundancy rules, and adding interim relief to collective redundancies and unfair dismissals in fire and rehire scenarios. Further detail is available here.

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:

    Millions of employees across the UK who can’t immediately get sick pay if they are too unwell to work deserve better.

    People should not have to choose between earning a living at work or getting better at home – the changes we want to see will allow employees to do both and businesses to get on.

    We are now asking for your views on the rate of sick pay for low earners, as we fix our broken labour market and the poor pay and working conditions that have been holding our economy back.

    As set out in Next Steps to Make Work Pay, this package is just the first step as we look to engage all stakeholders on how to best put our plans into practice, with further consultation to come in the months ahead. The majority of reforms are expected to take effect no earlier than 2026.

    TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

    Everyone who works for a living deserves to earn a decent living – and to be treated with dignity and respect. The Employment Rights Bill is an opportunity to make work pay for millions and to give working people vital rights and protections.

    We urge MPs from all parties to support this Bill and to be on the right side of history. It’s time to turn the page on the low-pay, low-rights and low-productivity economy of the last 14 years.

    Driving up employment standards is good for workers and good for business. It will allow people more control and predictability over their working lives – and stop decent employers from being undercut by the bad.

    Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain

    Small business owners are rarely against additional rights for their staff, so this is unlikely to deter them from hiring. Indeed they often exceed regulations to offer flexible local employment opportunities that deliver value beyond simply creating work. It must be remembered that the proposed Employment Rights Bill does include protections for employers – such as a lighter-touch process for fair dismissal so employers can continue operating probation periods.

    However, any changes must consider the squeezed budgets and resources small businesses have. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure owners have the support they need to navigate new processes and feel confident that they can meet the costs over the long term.

    Neil Carberry, Chief Executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), said:

    The Government consultations on the Employment Rights Bill offer a crucial chance for business and labour market experts to engage on the detail of how the proposals will impact flexible work.

    In particular, we welcome the opportunity to offer feedback on how agency work interacts with zero hours contracts. We asked for this and the Government have listened.  

    In delivering the Government’s plan to Make Work Pay, we must ensure the views of the full range of workers are taken into consideration and that the protections and opportunities currently afforded to many, for example to agency workers, are in no way jeopardised or put into conflict with future legislative changes.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    • 10 million employees benefitting is based on:
      • ‘Making Unfair Dismissal a Day One’ right which will strengthen protections for all of the 9 million employees who have been with their employer for less than two years.
      • The 2.4 million employees on variable hours contracts that will benefits from a right to guaranteed hours and a right to payment for shifts cancelled, moved or curtailed at short notice.
      • ‘The right to Bereavement Leave’ following the death of a close family member which would benefit between 900,000 and almost 2 million people a year depending on the definition of the scope
      • Bringing an extra 30,000 fathers or partners into scope of Paternity Leave and 1.5 million workers into scope of the right to Unpaid Parental Leave.
    •  Following the consultation on Statutory Sick Pay, the government will specify the percentage rate in law and will seek to make this change through a government amendment to the Employment Rights Bill.
    • Employee will be entitled to a percentage of their weekly earnings or the current SSP flat rate, whichever is lower.   

    • More information on the Plan to Get Britain Working is available here: Back to Work Plan will help drive economic growth in every region – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    • The government’s Impact Assessment shows that around 2.4 million people in the UK are in irregular work such as zero hours or low hours contracts or agency work. This is a total 8.3% of the UK’s workforce who will benefit from strengthened basic protections like guaranteed hours and reasonable notice and compensation for cancelled or changed shifts. These changes will also benefit people in more deprived areas of the country, including the North and Midlands where oa greater proportion of employees are in irregular work.
    • Research by the Living Wage Foundation finds that many shift workers end up forking out on expensive childcare or transport to cover last minute shifts or losing out on this money altogether after short notice changes or cancellations. The Living Wage Foundation estimates that these workers may each save up to £600 a year on lost income, thanks to new protections in the Bill. For a cleaner working night shifts on the median wage of £21,058, a £600 saving would be worth over £250 a year more than the last two national insurance cuts.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Mercury Selected by NAVAIR To Continue To Provide Advanced Data Transfer Systems for Navy Aircraft

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mercury Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY, http://www.mrcy.com), a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing power to the edge, today announced it was awarded a five-year contract worth as much as $131.3 million from the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to continue providing secure data transfer systems for naval aircraft.

    Mercury has been delivering Advanced Data Transfer Systems (ADTS) and components to the Navy since 2017 to support numerous rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. These rugged, flexible, and proven systems simplify the secure transfer of data between planners on the ground and aircraft, significantly improving operational readiness of these airborne assets. The new indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract will allow Mercury to deliver upgraded power-thrifty ADTS units that incorporate the company’s JDAR encryption module.

    “Mercury has a strong partnership with the Navy, providing a range of data storage and transfer, video recorders, mission computers, and cockpit displays for the aircraft fleet,” said Roya Montakhab, Mercury’s SVP of Integrated Processing Solutions. “We are exceptionally proud to continue delivering ADTS systems that ensure critical government data is protected.”

    Mercury’s ADTS features:

    • Up to 3 TB (3 x 1 TB) solid state memory modules (each module available from 128 GB, 256 GB, or 1 TB) with up to 450/300 MB/s read/write transfer rates
    • Optional crash survivable memory module: Up to 30 GB of storage
    • 1 SATA port: optional for crash survivable flight data recorder
    • Up to 250ms of response time
    • MIL-STD-1553B, four 1,000 BASE-TX Gigabit ethernet, analog/digital video/audio, and discrete interfaces
    • External command over external communications circuit
    • Manual zeroize capabilities: via front panel switch
    • Meets information assurance requirements (S&U)

    Mercury Systems – Innovation that matters® 
    Mercury Systems is a technology company that delivers mission-critical processing power to the edge, making advanced technologies profoundly more accessible for today’s most challenging aerospace and defense missions. The Mercury Processing Platform allows customers to tap into innovative capabilities from silicon to system scale, turning data into decisions on timelines that matter. Mercury’s products and solutions are deployed in more than 300 programs and across 35 countries, enabling a broad range of applications in mission computing, sensor processing, command and control, and communications. Mercury is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, and has 23 locations worldwide. To learn more, visit mrcy.com. (Nasdaq: MRCY) 

    Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement 
    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including those relating to the Company’s focus on enhanced execution of the Company’s strategic plan. You can identify these statements by the words “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “continue,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “likely,” “forecast,” “probable,” “potential,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, continued funding of defense programs, the timing and amounts of such funding, general economic and business conditions, including unforeseen weakness in the Company’s markets, effects of any U.S. federal government shutdown or extended continuing resolution, effects of geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in or cost increases related to completing development, engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, changes in, or in the U.S. government’s interpretation of, federal export control or procurement rules and regulations, changes in, or in the interpretation or enforcement of, environmental rules and regulations, market acceptance of the Company’s products, shortages in or delays in receiving components, supply chain delays or volatility for critical components, production delays or unanticipated expenses including due to quality issues or manufacturing execution issues, capacity underutilization, increases in scrap or inventory write-offs, failure to achieve or maintain manufacturing quality certifications, such as AS9100, the impact of supply chain disruption, inflation and labor shortages, among other things, on program execution and the resulting effect on customer satisfaction, inability to fully realize the expected benefits from acquisitions, restructurings, and operational efficiency initiatives or delays in realizing such benefits, challenges in integrating acquired businesses and achieving anticipated synergies, effects of shareholder activism, increases in interest rates, changes to industrial security and cyber-security regulations and requirements and impacts from any cyber or insider threat events, changes in tax rates or tax regulations, changes to interest rate swaps or other cash flow hedging arrangements, changes to generally accepted accounting principles, difficulties in retaining key employees and customers, litigation, including the dispute arising with the former CEO over his resignation, unanticipated costs under fixed-price service and system integration engagements, and various other factors beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties also include such additional risk factors as are discussed in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 28, 2024 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made.

    INVESTOR CONTACT
    David Williams
    Mercury Investor Relations
    David.Williams@mrcy.com

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Turner Brinton
    Senior Director, Corporate Communications
    Turner.Brinton@mrcy.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM launches ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week

    Source: Government of India (2)

    PM launches ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week

    New learnings during the National Learning Week will help in achieving our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047: PM

    PM stresses on the need for innovative thinking and following a citizen-centric approach

    PM urges Civil services training institutions to communicate, learn from each other and adopt global best practices

    Successfully utilising Artificial Intelligence to drive progress for Aspirational India could lead to transformative change: PM

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week at Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi today. 

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that through Mission Karmayogi our goal is to create human resources that would become the driving force of our country’s development. Expressing his satisfaction at the progress made, the Prime Minister added that if we keep working with this passion, no one can stop the country from progressing.  He underlined that the new learnings and experiences during the National Learning Week will provide strength and help in improving working systems which will help us achieve our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    Prime Minister discussed the steps taken to change the mindset of the government over the last ten years, whose impact is being felt by people today. He said this has become possible due to the efforts of the people working in the government and through the impact of steps like Mission Karmayogi.

    Prime Minister emphasized that while the world views Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an opportunity, for India, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity. He spoke about two AIs, one being the Artificial Intelligence and the other, Aspirational India. Prime Minister stressed the importance of balancing both and said that if we successfully utilise Artificial Intelligence to drive progress for Aspirational India, it could lead to transformative change.

    Prime Minister also said that information equality has become a norm due to the impact of the digital revolution and social media. With AI, information processing is also becoming equally easy making citizenry informed and empowering them to keep a tab on all of the activities of the government. So, the civil servants need to keep themselves abreast with latest technological developments so as to meet the rising standards, wherein Mission Karmayogi can prove to be of help.

    He stressed on the need for innovative thinking and following a citizen-centric approach. He mentioned seeking help from startups, research agencies and youngsters for getting new ideas. He urged the departments to have a system of feedback mechanisms.

    Prime Minister lauded the iGOT platform and said that more than 40 lakh government employees have registered on the platform. Over 1400 courses are available and more than 1.5 crore certificates of completion in various courses have been received by the officers.

    Prime Minister noted that the Civil Services training Institutions have been  a victim of working in silos. He said that we have tried to increase partnerships and collaborations among them. He urged the training institutions to establish proper channels of communication, to learn from each other, discuss and adopt global best practices and inculcate a whole-of-government approach.

    Mission Karmayogi was launched in September 2020 envisioning a future-ready civil service rooted in Indian ethos, with a global perspective. National Learning Week (NLW) will provide fresh impetus towards individual and organisational capacity development for Civil Servants creating a “One Government” message and aligning everyone with national goals and promoting lifelong learning.

     

    ***

    MJPS

    (Release ID: 2066376) Visitor Counter : 83

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India leading the standards development process at global level: India’s candidates elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups (SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Communications

    India leading the standards development process at global level: India’s candidates elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups (SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T)

    India increases its leadership positions in ITU-T to 11 positions in WTSA-2024 from 7 positions in WTSA-2022

    Study Groups are technical grouping of experts responsible for developing international standards for telecommunications technologies

    Posted On: 19 OCT 2024 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Keeping in view India’s vision of being a technology leader and leading the standards development process at global level, India’s candidates were elected in leadership positions in all 10 Study Groups(SG) of International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) Standardization Sector (ITU-T).

    While India retained Chair position in one group, it secured Vice-Chair positions in all other 9 Study Groups and the SCV Committee, thereby increasing its leadership positions in ITU-T from 7 in WTSA-2022 to 11 positions in WTSA-2024.

    India is currently hosting the International Telecommunication Unions’ (ITU) World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 15th October and will continue till 24th October 2024. It is for the first time that WTSA is being conducted in the Asia-Pacific region and it would set the direction of standardization activities ITU-T and its work for the next four years (2024-2028). This year’s WTSA-24 witnesses more than 3700 delegates from over 160 countries, the highest ever for any WTSA assembly.

    The ongoing discussions at WTSA focus on promoting standardization activities on emerging technologies and developing new ITU-T Resolutions on topics such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence, post-quantum cryptography, Metaverse, Over-the-top (OTT) services, Sustainable Digital transformation, etc., which would be pivotal in shaping the future of technology and ensuring a connected, secure, and inclusive digital world. The existing ITU-T Resolutions are also being updated. Once the roadmap is set during the WTSA-24, the standardization activities would be taken up by the various ITU-T Study Groups in the form of development of Standards and Technical reports. The work of ITU-T will be carried out through its 10 Study Groups.

    Leadership positions: During the WTSA-24, participating countries elected leadership positions of the various Study Groups. India has significantly strengthened its position in the global telecommunication landscape, securing key leadership roles in all the ITU-T Study Groups. In the ongoing WTSA-24, India has garnered 11 leadership positions, including 1 Chair position for ITU-T SG 11 and 10 vice chair-positions as detailed below:

    S. N.

    Study Group

    Leadership Position

    Chair/Vice-Chair

    1

    SG2: Operational aspects

    Vice-Chair

    Premjit Lal, DDG(IR), DoT

    2

    SG3: Economic & policy issues

    Vice-Chair

    Sathish Kumar MC, Deputy Administrator, USOF

    3

    SG5: Environment, EMF & circular economy

    Vice-Chair

    Neha Upadhyay, Director, TEC

    4

    SGC [Merger of SG9: Broadband cable & TV and SG16: Multimedia & digital technologies]

    Vice-Chair

    Avinash Agarwal, DDG, TEC

    5

    SG11: Protocols, testing & combating counterfeiting

    Chair

    Tejpal Singh, Advisor, TRAI

    6

    SG12: Performance, QoS & QoE

    Vice-Chair

    Abdul Kayum, Advisor, TRAI

    7

    SG13: Future networks

    Vice-Chair

    Abhijan Bhattacharyya, TCS

    8

    SG15: Transport, access & home

    Vice-Chair

    Sudipta Bhaumik, STL

    9

    SG17: Security

    Vice-Chair

    Preetika Singh, Director, TEC

    10

    SG20: IoT, smart cities & communities

    Vice-Chair

    Ravi A Robert Jerard, CMD, BSNL

    11

    SCV [Standardization Committee for Vocabulary]

    Vice-Chair

    Hemendra K Sharma, DDG(Media), DoT

     

    This is a recognition of the contributions of these experts in development of global standards and a major milestone in India’s Standardisation Journey.

    About Study Groups

    Study Groups are technical grouping of experts who work for developing international standards for telecommunications technologies based on the technical inputs received from members of ITU. Chairs and Vice Chairs of these Study Groups are elected from the ITU members during the WTSA. Area of work for the Study Groups (SGs) are as below :

    SG2: Operational aspects

    • Deployment of numbering, naming, addressing and identification (NNAI) requirements and resource assignment,
    • operational and management aspects of networks

    SG3: Economic & policy issues

    Studying international telecommunication/ICT policy and economic issues and tariff and accounting matters (including costing principles and methodologies), with a view to informing the development of enabling regulatory models and frameworks.

    SG5: Environment, EMF & circular economy

    Electromagnetic fields (EMF), environment, climate action, sustainable digitalization, and the circular economy.

    SGC [Merger of SG9: Broadband cable & TV and SG16: Multimedia & digital technologies]

    • Use of telecommunication systems in the distribution of television and sound programs supporting advanced capabilities such as ultra-high definition and high-dynamic range, 3D, virtual reality, augmented reality and multiview.

     

    • Ubiquitous multimedia applications, multimedia capabilities, multimedia services and multimedia applications for existing and future networks.

    SG11: Protocols, testing & combating counterfeiting

    • signalling and protocols
    • establishing test specifications, conformance and interoperability testing for all types of networks, technologies and services that are the subject of study and standardization by all ITU-T study groups​
    • combating counterfeiting of ICT devices
    • combating the use of stolen ICT devices

    SG12: Performance, QoS & QoE

    Development of international standards (ITU-T Recommendations) on performance, quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE). This work spans the full spectrum of terminals, networks and services, ranging from speech over fixed circuit-switched networks to multimedia applications over mobile and packet-based networks.

    SG13: Future networks

    Future computing, including cloud computing and data handling in ICT networks. This work covers network capabilities and technologies to support data utilization, exchange, sharing, and data quality assessment. It also covers computing-aware networking as well as end-to-end awareness, control and management of future computing, including cloud, cloud security and data handling.

    SG15: Transport, access & home

    Development of standards for the optical transport network, access network and home network infrastructures, systems, equipment, optical fibres and cables and the related installation, maintenance, management, test, instrumentation and measurement techniques, and control plane technologies to enable the evolution toward intelligent transport networks.

    SG17: Security

    Cybersecurity, security management, security architectures and frameworks, countering spam, identity management, the protection of personally identifiable information, operational aspects of data protection, open identity trust framework; and quantum-based security; and Child Online Protection.

    SG20: IoT, smart cities & communities

    Coordinated deployment of IoT and address IoT implementation challenges related to interoperability, big data, and architectural frameworks and requirements for supporting various IoT systems. SG20 standards that set the requirements for IoT deployment also help smart cities and communities to improve the efficiency of IoT systems and smart city platforms, break down data silos, facilitate seamless data sharing among various verticals, and enhance data processing and management capacity.

    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ SCV [Standardization Committee for Vocabulary]

    To address the need for a harmonized understanding of all terms and definitions used in standardization.

     

    About TSAG [Telecommunication Standardization Advisory Group]: TSAG acts as an advisory body and plays a crucial role in providing strategic guidance and oversight to the ITU’s standardization activities. It is called on to resolve coordination issues among the study groups, to expand electronic working methods for the ITU-T and to provide advice and procedures on relationships with other standards bodies.

    <><><>

     

    ******

    SB/DP/ARJ

                    

    (Release ID: 2066369)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/USA – US Presidential election: Trump and Harris’ positions on abortion

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Washington (Agenzia Fides) – “Both are against life – the one who throws out migrants and the one who kills children”. “I cannot decide. I am not American and I will not go to vote there. But let it be clear: sending migrants away, denying them the ability to work and refusing them hospitality is a sin, and it is grave.” Abortion, on the other hand, means “killing a human being. Whether you like the word or not, it is murder”. This was Pope Francis’ response to a question about the moral dilemmas posed to American Catholic voters about who to vote for in the upcoming US presidential elections. On abortion and immigration, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris seem to hold opposing positions: the former is against abortion and supports draconian measures against illegal immigrants, the latter is for abortion and a policy of greater openness towards immigrants. But is this really the case? To understand the subject of the current abortion debate in the United States, it is necessary to take a step back. On June 24, 2022, the Federal Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision, which stated that the U.S. Constitution recognizes the right to abortion even in the absence of health problems of the woman or fetus and in the absence of circumstances other than the woman’s free choice. The 2022 ruling de facto rejected the right to abortion at the federal level and returned the issue to state legislatures. Trump, on the one hand, cites the fact that he appointed three Supreme Court justices who were part of the majority of the court that voted in 2022 to abolish the constitutional right to abortion, and on the other hand, he says he wants to leave the decision on this to individual states. “My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land”, he said. In the controversy with the Democratic candidate, who accused him during the September 10 TV debate that Trump would “sign a national abortion ban” if re-elected, the former president responded: “That’s a lie. I’m not signing a ban, and there’s no reason to sign a ban, because we’ve gotten what everybody wanted, Democrats, Republicans and everybody else, and every legal scholar wanted it to be brought back into the states.” When asked by moderator Linsey Davis whether he would veto a national ban, he replied: “I don’t have to,” but did not say that he would veto a national abortion ban if it were passed by Congress. But then he stressed, “Everyone knows that I would not support a federal ban on abortion under any circumstances, and I would even veto it because it is up to the states to decide based on the will of their voters.” Trump also wrote this in an all-caps message posted on social media when his vice presidential candidate JD Vance (R-Ohio) was asked about the issue during the vice presidential debate. The former president, meanwhile, also criticized some of the state’s more restrictive abortion laws, particularly Florida’s six-week clause, and said he favors exceptions in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger. Trump called the Florida ban a “terrible thing and a terrible mistake.” In an interview with NBC News in September, he reiterated that six weeks is “too short” and said he would “vote that we need more than six weeks.” Because of these comments, Trump was criticized by the most conservative part of his electorate for supporting a referendum to approve an amendment to Florida’s constitution, scheduled for November. The constitutional amendment proposed by Florida’s reproductive rights advocates does not specify the number of weeks within which an abortion can be performed, but provides that access to abortion in the state is available until the fetus is viable, i.e., approximately 23-25 weeks of pregnancy. Trump quickly backtracked, saying he would vote “no” on the abortion amendment, meaning that if it is rejected in November, Florida’s six-week ban would remain in place. Trump’s wife has since publicly stated that she supports women’s freedom of choice. “Without a doubt, there is no room for compromise when it comes to this essential right that all women possess from birth, individual freedom. What does ‘my body, my choice’ really mean?” she said in a video posted on social media. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris said at a campaign event in Savannah that her fight was “a fight for the future and it is a fight for freedom, like the freedom of a woman to make decisions about her own body and not have her government tell her what to do.” On her campaign website, Harris promises that if elected president, she will “never allow a national abortion ban to become law.” And “when Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom nationwide, she will sign it”. Specifically, she supports the passage by Congress of a federal law to protect abortion rights, to counteract the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that overturned the historic Roe v. Wade ruling recognizing the constitutional right to abortion. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 21/10/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –