NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier meets with Pakistani military leaders

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

    ISLAMABAD, Oct. 14 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Pakistan Army Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf and Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmad Babar here on Monday.

    Noting that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Pakistan have always respected and supported each other, Li said that the two countries are good brothers and good partners who have stood the test of the changing international landscape and truly shared weal and woe and helped each other.

    Under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, China-Pakistan relations have developed in depth and are moving steadily toward building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, Li said.

    China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen strategic coordination, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and bring more benefits to the two peoples, he added.

    Li pointed out that China firmly supports Pakistan in building a united, stable, prosperous and strong Pakistan, and is willing to continue to provide support and assistance to Pakistan within its capacity and further deepen cooperation with Pakistan in various fields.

    It is hoped that the two militaries will continue to strengthen cooperation and provide solid support for China-Pakistan friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation, noted Li.

    China supports Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and stands ready to deepen counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan, pool counterterrorism efforts among regional countries and jointly safeguard peace and stability of the two countries and the region, Li said.

    The Pakistani side said that deepening the ironclad Pakistan-China friendship is a strong consensus across all sectors of the Pakistani society.

    Pakistan and China have always firmly supported and coordinated with each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, with solid political mutual trust, they said.

    The Pakistani military is committed to contributing to the cause of friendly cooperation between the two countries and will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Pakistan, they said.

    Pakistan is also willing to strengthen defense and security cooperation with China within bilateral and multilateral frameworks, safeguard the common interests of both countries and promote regional peace, stability and development, they added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin will visit the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on October 15–16

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin will visit the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Islamabad) and take part in a meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states.

    The heads of government will consider priority tasks for deepening trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation of the SCO.

    Following the meeting, it is planned to adopt a Joint Communique.

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

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

    http://government.ru/annuncements/52991/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene

    Residents in Western North Carolina Can Apply for Help Buying Food Following Hurricane Helene
    hejones1

    Residents in 25 western counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for help buying food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) which will begin on Oct. 18, 2024, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced today. D-SNAP is open to individuals and households not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. NCDHHS estimates more than 150,000 people will apply for up to $120 million in D-SNAP benefits. 

    “We are making up to $120 million available to more than 150,000 individuals to buy food for their families — an essential step on the road to recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene,” said N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. “We are committed to using every tool to support the recovery of our friends, families, and fellow North Carolinians in western NC — now and for the long haul.”

    NCDHHS received federal approval to begin phase one of the program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture beginning on Oct. 18, 2024. People can start applying for assistance three days before the program starts during online pre-registration beginning Oct. 15 and will have seven days from the start of the program to apply. The application period will close on Oct. 24, 2024.

    Eligible households will be notified within three days of completing the application and receive a one-time benefit on a special debit card (called an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT card) to help buy food. The exact amount will depend on household size, income and disaster losses. While there are income eligibility standards, a number of considerations are taken into account. Individuals above these limits may still be eligible dependent on disaster expenses, so we encourage everyone who needs support to purchase food to begin their application by calling the DSNAP Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117.

    The benefits are good for up to nine months. Benefit cards will be available for pick up at the D-SNAP locations in each county or you can get the EBT card mailed to you overnight at the address you specify on your application.

    To be eligible, a person must: 

    • Live in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties.
    • Be a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians living in zip code 28719
    • Have suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.
    • Have proof of identity and proof of residency (if available).
    • Have income and resources below certain levels.
    • Not currently be receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. People receiving FNS can also get extra help buying food, but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application. They can get more information about how to get the extra help on the FNS webpage. 

    Residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone, when possible, by calling the D-SNAP call center at 1-844-453-1117. The D-SNAP call center will be open at the following hours: 

    • Weekdays (Friday, Oct. 18; Monday, Oct. 21; Tuesday, Oct. 22; Wednesday, Oct. 23; and Thursday, Oct. 24) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.

    Residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone on their assigned day by last name but will not be turned away if they apply any time during the application period.

    • Oct. 18 – A-G
    • Oct. 19 – H-M
    • Oct. 20 – N-S
    • Oct. 21 – T-Z
    • Oct. 22 – Open to all
    • Oct. 23 – Open to all
    • Oct. 24 – Open to all

    Residents can also use the online ePASS Pre-Registration Tool, which will open on Tuesday, Oct. 15 and close on Thursday, Oct. 24. Once the pre-registration is completed, applicants will be issued a confirmation number and will need to call 1-844-453-1117 between Oct. 18 and Oct. 24 to complete the interview part of the application. 

    Residents can also apply for D-SNAP in-person at any of the following locations listed below. The D-SNAP sites listed below will be open at the following hours: 

    • Weekdays (Friday, Oct. 18; Monday, Oct. 21; Tuesday, Oct. 22; Wednesday, Oct. 23; and Thursday, Oct. 24) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Alexander County Department of Social Services
    Alexander County DSS Office
    604 7th St. SW 
    Taylorsville, NC 28681

    Alleghany County
    Emerson Black Building
    1375 US Hwy 21 N
    Sparta, NC 28675

    Ashe County Department of Social Services
    Main Ashe DSS Office 
    150 Government Circle, Suite 1400
    Jefferson, NC  28640

    Avery County
    Avery County Library (Basement)
    150 Library Road 
    Newland, NC 28657

    Buncombe County Department of Social Services
    Main Buncombe County DSS Office
    40 Coxe Ave. 
    Asheville, NC, 28801

    Burke County Department of Social Services 
    Burke County DSS Office
    700 E Parker Road 
    Morganton, NC 28655

    Caldwell County  
    Former Walgreens Building
    621 Harper Ave.
    Lenoir, NC 28645

    Catawba County Department of Social Services 
    Catawba County DSS Office
    3030 11th Ave Drive 
    Hickory, NC 28602

    Clay County Department of Social Services 
    Clay County DSS Office
    119 Courthouse Drive 
    Hayesville, NC 28904

    Cleveland County
    Cleveland County Schools Bus Garage
    300 Kemper Road
    Shelby, NC 28152

    Gaston County Department of Social Services 
    Main Gaston County DSS Office
    330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
    Gastonia, NC 28052

    Haywood County
    Haywood County DSS Office
    157 Paragon Pkwy #300
    Clyde, NC 28721

    Henderson County
    Living Waters Baptist Church
    1284 Sugarloaf Road 
    Hendersonville, NC 28792

    Jackson County
    Jackson County DSS Office
    15 Griffin St. 
    Sylva, NC 28779

    Lincoln County Department of Social Services 
    Lincoln County DSS Office
    1136 East Main St.
    Lincolnton, NC 28092

    Macon County Department of Social Services 
    183 Holly Springs Plaza
    Franklin, NC 28734

    Madison County Department of Social Services 
    Madison DSS Office
    5707 US Hwy 25-70, Suite 1
    Marshall, NC 28753

    McDowell County
    McDowell County YMCA Gym: Bottom Level
    348 Grace Corpening Drive
    Marion, North Carolina 28752

    Mitchell County Department of Social Services 
    Mitchel County DSS Office
    347 Longview Drive
    Bakersville, NC 28705

    Polk County Department of Social Services 
    231 Wolverine Trail
    Mill Spring, NC 28756

    Rutherford County Department of Social Services 
    Isothermal Community College (ICC) Foundation Performing Arts Center 
    286 ICC Loop Road 
    Spindale, NC 288160

    Transylvania County Library
    212 South Gaston St., “Rogow Room” 
    Brevard, NC 28712

    Watauga County Department of Social Services 
    Watauga County DSS Office 
    132 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite C
    Boone, NC 28607

    Wilkes County Department of Social Services 
    Wilkes County DSS Office
    304 College St.
    Wilkesboro, NC 28697

    Yancey County  
    Burnsville Town Center
    6 South Main St.
    Burnsville, NC 28714

    Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Residing in 28719:

    Qualla Boundary
    Qualla Boundary
    1526 Acquoni Road
    Cherokee, NC

    Jackson
    Jackson County DSS Office
    15 Griffin St.  
    Sylva, NC 28779 

    While people in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians living in 28719 are encouraged to apply in their county of residence, they can also apply in person at any of the counties approved to implement D-SNAP. NCDHHS will post information on locations and hours of the sites in each county at www.ncdhhs.gov/dsnap. 

    Please know there may be long wait times. County officials will do everything they can to process applications as quickly as possible.

    People who may have a disability or are physically unable to go in-person appling for help can complete this form in English or Spanish and send an authorized representative in their place.

    NCDHHS is working with USDA on adding two additional counties through phase two of the D-SNAP implementation at a later date. Once approved, NCDHHS will share additional information.

    For information regarding Hurricane Helene and additional resources and flexibilities in place, please go to www.ncdps.gov/Helene and www.ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    ###

    In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

    Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

    To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

    1. mail: 
      Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
      1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
      Alexandria, VA 22314; or
    2. fax:
      (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    3. email:
      FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

    This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

    Los habitantes de 25 condados del oeste y la Banda Oriental de Indios Cherokee afectados por el huracán Helene pueden solicitar ayuda para comprar alimentos a través del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria para Desastres (D-SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés) que comenzará el 18 de octubre de 2024, anunció hoy el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés). D-SNAP está abierto a personas y hogares que actualmente no reciben beneficios de Servicios de Alimentación y Nutrición y que se vieron afectados por el huracán Helene. El NCDHHS estima que más de 150,000 personas solicitarán hasta $120 millones de dólares en beneficios de D-SNAP.

    “Haremos $120 millones de dólares disponibles a más de 150,000 individuos para comprar comida para sus familias — un paso esencial en el camino a la recuperación de la devastación del huracán Helene”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley. “Estamos comprometidos a apoyar la salud y el bienestar de las personas afectadas en todos los rincones del oeste de Carolina del Norte, ahora y a largo plazo”.

    El NCDHHS recibió la aprobación federal para comenzar la fase uno del programa del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos a partir del 18 de octubre de 2024. Las personas pueden comenzar a solicitar asistencia tres días antes del inicio del programa durante la preinscripción en línea a partir del 15 de octubre y tendrán siete días desde el inicio del programa para aplicar. El plazo de la aplicación se cerrará el 24 de octubre de 2024.

    Los hogares elegibles serán notificados dentro de los tres días posteriores a completar la solicitud y recibirán un beneficio único en una tarjeta de débito especial (llamada transferencia electrónica de beneficios, o tarjeta EBT, por sus siglas en inglés) para ayudar a comprar alimentos. La cantidad exacta dependerá del tamaño del hogar, los ingresos y las pérdidas por desastres. Aunque existen requisitos de ingresos, se tomarán en cuenta varias consideraciones. Los individuos con límites de ingreso superiores podrían calificar dependiendo de sus gastos debido al desastre, así que animamos a todos los que necesiten ayuda para comprar alimentos a comenzar la aplicación por medio de llamar al centro de llamadas virtuales de D-SNAP al 1-844-453-1117.

    Los beneficios son válidos hasta por nueve meses. Las tarjetas de beneficios estarán disponibles para recogerse en las ubicaciones de D-SNAP en cada condado o puede recibir la tarjeta EBT por correo durante la noche en la dirección que especifique en su aplicación.

    Para ser elegible, una persona debe: 

    • Vivir en los condados de Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transilvania, Watauga, Wilkes y Yancey.
    • Ser miembro de la Banda del Este de los indios Cherokee que viven en el código postal 28719.
    • Haber sufrido pérdidas o daños relacionados con el huracán Helene, como daños a la propiedad o pérdida de ingresos.
    • Tener prueba de identidad y prueba de domicilio (si está disponible).
    • Tener ingresos y recursos por debajo de ciertos niveles.
    • Actualmente no está recibiendo beneficios a través del programa de Servicios de Alimentos y Nutrición (FNS, por sus siglas en inglés). Las personas que reciben FNS también pueden obtener ayuda adicional para comprar alimentos, pero no necesitan completar una aplicación para D-SNAP. Puede obtener más información sobre cómo obtener ayuda adicional en la página web de FNS. 

    Se alienta a los habitantes a solicitar D-SNAP por teléfono, cuando sea posible, llamando al centro de llamadas de D-SNAP al 1-844-453-1117. El centro de llamadas de D-SNAP estará abierto las siguientes horas: 

    • Días laborables (viernes 18 de octubre , lunes 21 de octubre, martes 22 de octubre , miércoles 23 de octubre y jueves 24 de octubre ), a partir de las 8 de la mañana hasta las 4 de la tarde.
    • Sábado 19 de octubre y domingo 20 de octubre, a partir de las 9 de la mañana hasta el mediodía.

    Se alienta a los habitantes a solicitar D-SNAP por teléfono en su día asignado según la primera letra de su apellido, pero no serán rechazados si solicitan en cualquier momento durante el período de solicitud.

    • Octubre 18: A-G
    • Octubre 19: H-M     
    • Octubre 20: N-S
    • Octubre 21: T-Z
    • Octubre 22: Abierto para todos
    • Octubre 23: Abierto para todos
    • Octubre 24: Abierto para todos 

    Los habitantes también pueden utilizar la herramienta de preinscripción en línea ePASS, que se abrirá el martes 15 de octubre cerrará el martes 22 de octubre . Una vez que se complete la preinscripción, a los aplicantes se les emitirá un número de confirmación y deberán llamar entre el 18 y el 24 de octubre al 1-844-453-1117 para completar la entrevista que es parte de la solicitud.

    Los habitantes también pueden aplicar para D-SNAP en persona en cualquiera de los siguientes lugares que se enumeran a continuación. Los sitios D-SNAP que se enumeran a continuación estarán abiertos a las siguientes horas: 

    • Días laborables (viernes 18 de octubre , lunes 21 de octubre, , martes 22 de octubre , miércoles 23 de octubre y jueves 24 de octubre ), a partir de las 8 de la mañana hasta las 4 de la tarde.
    • Sábado 19 de octubre y domingo 20 de octubre, a partir de las 9 de la mañana a las 2 p.m.

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Alexander
    Oficina del DSS del condado Alexander
    604 7th St. SW 
    Taylorsville, NC 28681

    Condado Alleghany
    Edificio Emerson Black
    1375 US Hwy 21 N
    Sparta, NC 28675

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Ashe
    Oficina principal del DSS de Ashe 
    150 Government Circle, Suite 1400
    Jefferson, NC  28640

    Condado Avery
    Biblioteca del condado Avery (sótano)
    150 Library Road 
    Newland, NC 28657

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Buncombe
    Oficina principal del DSS del condado Buncombe
    40 Coxe Ave. 
    Asheville, NC 28801

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Burke 
    Oficina del DSS del condado Burke
    700 E Parker Road 
    Morganton, NC 28655

    Condado Caldwell
    El edificio que anteriormente era un Walgreens
    621 Harper Ave.
    Lenoir, NC 28645

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Catawba 
    Oficina del DSS del condado Catawba
    3030 11th Ave Drive 
    Hickory, NC 28602

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Clay 
    Oficina del DSS del condado Clay
    119 Courthouse Drive 
    Hayesville, NC 28904

    Condado Cleveland
    Estacionamiento de autobuses de las escuelas del condado Cleveland
    300 Kemper Road
    Shelby, NC 28152

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Gaston 
    Oficina principal del DSS del condado Gaston
    330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way
    Gastonia, NC 28052

    Condado Haywood
    Oficina del DSS del condado Haywood
    157 Paragon Pkwy #300
    Clyde, NC 28721

    Condado Henderson
    Iglesia Bautista Living Waters
    1284 Sugarloaf Road 
    Hendersonville, NC 28792

    Condado Jackson
    Oficina del DSS del condado Jackson
    15 Griffin St. 
    Sylva, NC 28779

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Lincoln 
    Oficina del DSS del condado Lincoln
    1136 East Main St.
    Lincolnton, NC 28092

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Macon 
    183 Holly Springs Plaza
    Franklin, NC 28734

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Madison 
    Oficina del DSS de Madison
    5707 US Hwy 25-70, Suite 1
    Marshall, NC 28753

    Condado McDowell 
    Gimnasio de la YMCA del condado McDowell (Planta baja)
    348 Grace Corpening Drive
    Marion, North Carolina 28752

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Mitchell 
    Oficina del DSS del condado Mitchel
    347 Longview Drive
    Bakersville, NC 28705

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Polk 
    231 Wolverine Trail
    Mill Spring, NC 28756

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Rutherford 
    Centro de Artes Escénicas de la Fundación del Colegio Comunitario Isothermal 
    (ICC – Foundation Performing Arts Center) 
    286 ICC Loop Road 
    Spindale, NC 288160

    Biblioteca del condado Transilvania
    212 South Gaston St., “Cuarto Rogow” 
    Brevard, NC 28712

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Watauga 
    Oficina del DSS del Condado Watauga 
    132 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite C
    Boone, NC 28607

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Wilkes 
    Oficina del DSS del condado Wilkes
    304 College St.
    Wilkesboro, NC 28697

    Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado Yancey 
    Centro de Burnsville (Burnsville Town Center)
    6 South Main Street
    Burnsville, NC 28714

    Banda Oriental de Indios Cherokee habitantes del código postal 28719:

    Límite de Qualla
    Límite de Qualla
    1526 Acquoni Road
    Cherokee, NC

    Condado Jackson
    Oficina del DSS del condado Jackson
    15 Griffin St. 
    Sylva, NC 28779

    Si bien se alienta a las personas en los condados de Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transilvania, Watauga, Wilkes y Yancey y a los miembros de la Banda Oriental de Indios Cherokee que viven en el código postal 28719 a aplicar en el condado de su domicilio, también pueden aplicar en persona en cualquiera de los condados aprobados para implementar D-SNAP. El NCDHHS publicará información sobre las ubicaciones y horarios de los sitios en cada condado en http://www.ncdhhs.gov/fns.

    Tenga en cuenta que puede haber largos tiempos de espera. Los funcionarios del condado harán todo lo posible para procesar las solicitudes lo más rápido posible.

    Las personas que puedan tener una discapacidad o no puedan ir físicamente a solicitar ayuda en persona pueden completar este formulario en inglés o español y enviar un representante autorizado en su lugar.

    El NCDHHS está trabajando con el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) para agregar dos condados adicionales a través de la fase dos de la implementación de D-SNAP en una fecha posterior. Una vez aprobado, NCDHHS compartirá información adicional.

    Para obtener información sobre el huracán Helene y los recursos y flexibilidades adicionales existentes, visite http://www.ncdps.gov/Helene y http://www.ncdhhs.gov/helene. 

    ###

    De acuerdo con la ley federal de derechos civiles y las regulaciones y políticas de derechos civiles del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés), esta institución tiene prohibido discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo (incluyendo la identidad de género y la orientación sexual), credo religioso, discapacidad, edad, creencias políticas o represalias o repercusiones por actividades anteriores en defensa de los derechos civiles.

    La información del programa puede estar disponible en otros idiomas además del inglés.  Las personas con discapacidades que necesiten medios alternativos de comunicación para obtener información sobre el programa (braille, letra grande, cinta de audio, lenguaje de señas estadounidense, etc.) deben contactar a la agencia estatal o local en la que solicitaron los beneficios. Las personas sordas o con problemas de audición o discapacidades del habla pueden comunicarse con el USDA a través del Servicio de Retransmisión/Relé Federal al (800) 877-8339.

    Para presentar una queja por discriminación, el demandante debe completar un Formulario AD-3027, Formulario de queja de discriminación de programa del USDA, que se puede obtener en línea en: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, desde cualquier oficina del USDA, llamando al (866) 632-9992 o escribiendo una carta dirigida al USDA. La carta debe contener el nombre, dirección y número de teléfono del demandante, así como una descripción escrita de la supuesta acción discriminatoria con el suficiente detalle para informar al subsecretario de Derechos Civiles (ASCR, por sus siglas en inglés) sobre la naturaleza y la fecha de una supuesta violación de los derechos civiles. El formulario AD-3027 completo o la carta debe enviarse a:

    1. Correo: 
      Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
      1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
      Alexandria, VA 22314
    2. Fax:
      (833) 256-1665 o (202) 690-7442; o
    3. Correo electrónico:
      FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

    Esta institución ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

    Oct 14, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Direct Cash Donations Make the Biggest Impact

    Source: US State of Oregon

    span>Many people are looking for ways to support hurricane ravaged communities, this is the perfect time to remind everyone that donating cash directly to organizations ensures your contribution is used the way you want it to be.

    While numerous well-meaning influencers and friends are raising money through t-shirt sales and social media donate buttons, those kinds of indirect donations mean not all your money will reach the organization.

    If you buy a $25 fund-raising t-shirt, only the profit will be donated. That means only what is left after transaction fees and the cost of making the shirt. So, a $25 t-shirt sale could result in only $10 going to an organization.

    But a direct cash donation of $25 to a reputable organization goes to the mission of that organization. There may be a small bank fee, but most banks offer nonprofits lower transaction fees than they do for-profit influencers.

    Also, organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed. They often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through businesses local to the disaster, which supports economic recovery. Cash donations are the fastest, most flexible and most effective method of donating.

    Any organization you choose to donate to should have a GuideStar rating, and you can use GuideStar’s free search to see how they rank among their peers. This is just one way to vet who you are donating to.

    The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD) also has compiled a list of recognized disaster relief organizations.

    In addition to the NVOAD site, the State of North Carolina has set up a relief fund and clearly lays out how the money will be spent. It’s worth noting that any funds set up by government agencies are subject to public oversight and public records requests.

    For example, by law FEMA must provide a balance sheet every month, which includes a funding summary, a table delineating the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) funding activities each month by state and event, a summary of the funding for the catastrophic events, and an estimate of the date on which the funds will be exhausted. These are available to the public on the FEMA website

    The FEMA website also outlines every state impacted and their trusted sources for donations and support.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do people trust AI on financial decisions? We found it really depends on who they are

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gertjan Verdickt, Lecturer, Business School, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    When it comes to investing and planning your financial future, are you more willing to trust a person or a computer?

    This isn’t a hypothetical question any more.

    Big banks and investment firms are using artificial intelligence (AI) to help make financial predictions and give advice to clients.

    Morgan Stanley uses AI to mitigate the potential biases of its financial analysts when it comes to stock market predictions. And one of the world’s biggest investment banks, Goldman Sachs, recently announced it was trialling the use of AI to help write computer code, though the bank declined to say which division it was being used in. Other companies are using AI to predict which stocks might go up or down.

    But do people actually trust these AI advisers with their money?

    Our new research examines this question. We found it really depends on who you are and your prior knowledge of AI and how it works.

    Despite the growing sophistication of artificial intelligence, investors prefer human expertise when it comes to stock market predictions, according to a new study.

    Trust differences

    To examine the question of trust when it comes to using AI for investment, we asked 3,600 people in the United States to imagine they were getting advice about the stock market.

    In these imagined scenarios, some people got advice from human experts. Others got advice from AI. And some got advice from humans working together with AI.

    In general, people were less likely to follow advice if they knew AI was involved in making it. They seemed to trust the human experts more.

    But the distrust of AI wasn’t universal. Some groups of people were more open to AI advice than others.

    For example, women were more likely to trust AI advice than men (by 7.5%). People who knew more about AI were more willing to listen to the advice it provided (by 10.1%). And politics mattered – people who supported the Democratic Party were more open to AI advice than others (by 7.3%).

    We also found people were more likely to trust simpler AI methods.

    When we told our research participants the AI was using something called “ordinary least squares” (a basic mathematics technique in which a straight line is used to estimate the relationship between two variables), they were more likely to trust it than when we said it was using “deep learning” (a more complex AI method).

    This might be because people tend to trust things they understand. Much like how a person might trust a simple calculator more than a complex scientific instrument they have never seen before.

    Trust in the future of finance

    As AI becomes more common in the financial world, companies will need to find ways to improve levels of trust.

    This might involve teaching people more about how the AI systems work, being clear about when and how AI is being used, and finding the right balance between human experts and AI.

    Furthermore, we need to tailor how AI advice is presented to different groups of people and show how well AI performs over time compared to human experts.

    The future of finance might involve a lot more AI, but only if people learn to trust it. It’s a bit like learning to trust self-driving cars. The technology might be great, but if people don’t feel comfortable using it, it won’t catch on.

    Our research shows that building this trust isn’t just about making better AI. It’s about understanding how people think and feel about AI. It’s about bridging the gap between what AI can do and what people believe it can do.

    As we move forward, we’ll need to keep studying how people react to AI in finance. We’ll need to find ways to make AI not just a powerful tool, but a trusted advisor that people feel comfortable relying on for important financial decisions.

    The world of finance is changing fast, and AI is a big part of that change. But in the end, it’s still people who decide where to put their money. Understanding how to build trust between humans and AI will be key to shaping the future of finance.

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

    – ref. Do people trust AI on financial decisions? We found it really depends on who they are – https://theconversation.com/do-people-trust-ai-on-financial-decisions-we-found-it-really-depends-on-who-they-are-240900

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Footy finals not enough to boost September spending – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia

    CommBank’s Household Spending Insights Index dipped in September, as consumers refrain from spending extra cash from income tax cuts.

    The monthly CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index declined 0.7 per cent in September to 146.7, despite increased recreation spending around the AFL and NRL Grand Finals.

    Six of the twelve spending categories saw a decline in the month, with Hospitality leading the drop (-2.8 per cent), followed by Transport (-2.5 per cent), Household Goods (-2.3 per cent), and Food & Beverage (-0.6 per cent).

    Recreation helped offset these declines, rising 1.5 per cent in September, largely driven by an 18 per cent surge in Ticketing Services as eager sports fans snapped up tickets to the AFL and NRL grand finals. Spending on Education and Insurance also rose, each up by 0.7 per cent. Utilities spending, unexpectedly up 1.3 per cent, reflected the impact of rising local council and strata management fees, even as electricity costs declined off the back of government rebates.

    There has been a notable decline in spending on Transport, impacted by the falling price of petrol, down approximately 15 per cent in the past 12 months. Transport was the only category to record declines both monthly (-2.5 per cent) and annually (-7.2 per cent).

    On an annual basis, there was a significant slowdown in the pace of spending growth in the year to September to just to 2.1 per cent, down from 3.7 per cent in August.

    Renters have witnessed the weakest spending in the year to September, down 1.1 per cent for the year, compared to though with a mortgage (+1.2 per cent) and those who own their home outright (+2.3 per cent).

    CBA Chief Economist Stephen Halmarick said HSI data suggested income tax cuts had not led to a material rise in consumer spending.

    “The spending slowdown in September was expected after an early Father’s Day led to consumers splashing out on household goods and hospitality for Dad. Although we saw a rise in Recreation spending associated with the AFL and NRL Grand Finals, consumer spending overall remains subdued, now growing at just over two per cent for the year.”

    “It’s important to note that the only other spending categories to rise in September were all essentials, indicating that increased take-home pay from tax cuts is largely being used to pay down debt and on staples, not spending on discretionary items. This trend is reflected in the year to September, supporting our view that softer economic data, coupled with a further deceleration in inflation will see the RBA cut interest rates in December 2024.”

    The CommBank HSI Index tracks month-on-month data at a macro level and is based on de-identified payments data from approximately 7 million CBA customers, comprising roughly 30 per cent of all Australian consumer transactions.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia:

    Source: Australian Parliament

    Issue date: Thursday, 10 October 2024

    The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts is holding a public hearing tomorrow for its inquiry into the challenges and opportunities within the Australian live music industry, focussing on insurance in the sector.

    Since March 2024 the Committee has been investigating the current state-of-play within the Australian live music environment. The Committee has heard that the impact of escalating business costs in the sector—including, but not solely, increasing impediments and costs in obtaining business and event insurance cover—have posed significant challenges.

    Tomorrow’s hearing will take further evidence from submitters and previous witnesses, the Insurance Council of Australia and the Australian Live Music Business Council who have each considered ways to assist the sector with respect to insurance coverage. The Committee will also meet with an Australian insurance broker, H2 Insurance Solutions, which specialises in offering insurance products to the Australian live music sector.

    Additionally, the Committee is interested to learn more about the organisation model and activities undertaken by Statewide Mutual. The Mutual body was created in 1993 to help reduce the risk profiles of activities undertaken by member NSW local governments and to obtain best value insurance coverage.

    The Chair, Mr Brian Mitchell MP, said ‘there has been a perfect storm of escalating costs and compliance for venues and events; higher chances of negative weather impacts; changing audience behaviour and alternative entertainment options. Additionally, digitisation of music and the streaming of it, whilst offering greater choice, has, through algorithms, narrowed audience music selection. This has affected artists’ secondary income streams and reduced the discoverability of new artists.’

    ‘The Committee is looking to find some practical ways of assisting the sector in a manner which helps it to be self-sustainable in a new music consumption paradigm.’ Mr Mitchell said.

    Details of the public hearing are below, with the full program and terms of reference available on the inquiry webpage.
     

    More information about the Committee, including membership, may be found on the Committee’s website.

    Public hearing detail

    Date: Friday, 11 October 2024
     Time: 9:00 am— ~12 midday
    Location: Committee Room 1S4, Australian Parliament House, Canberra

    These hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

    Media inquiries

    Mr Brian Mitchell MP, Committee Chair
    Brian.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au
    03 6398 1115

    For background information

    Committee Secretariat
    Communication.reps@aph.gov.au
    02 6277 2126

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Economy – 3 reasons why gold could hit all-time highs in early 2025 – deVere Group

    Source: deVere Group


    October 14 2024 – Gold prices are on track to reach historic levels in the first quarter of 2025, predicts the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations.


    The bullish prediction from deVere Group’s Nigel Green is driven by a confluence of factors reshaping global markets. 


    He says: “As central banks continue aggressive buying, the US Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, and geopolitical tensions persist, the precious metal is primed for a bullish surge that could shatter previous records.”


    Central banks around the world are accelerating their gold purchases at a pace not seen in decades. This trend, which initially gained momentum following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, has broadened, with many countries shifting away from US dollar-denominated assets. 


    “Gold buying has now surged to nearly three times the level it was before 2022, and the outlook suggests continued strong demand into 2025,” notes the deVere CEO.


    “This wave of buying is not just about portfolio diversification—it’s a strategic move to mitigate risks. Countries, especially those wary of US financial sanctions, are increasingly turning to gold to shield their reserves from political and economic pressures. 


    “China, for instance, has been a key player in this trend. In 2023, China’s central bank added to its gold holdings for 10 consecutive months, underscoring the nation’s intention to reduce its reliance on the dollar amidst growing geopolitical tensions with the West. 


    “This buying intensity continued well into 2024, with net purchases of 290 tonnes recorded in the first quarter of 2024 – the fourth strongest quarter of purchases since the buying streak began in 2022.”


    Similarly, Turkey, Singapore, Brazil and India have also ramped up their gold reserves, driven by their need to safeguard against currency volatility and potential sanctions.


    The US Federal Reserve’s shift from its aggressive interest rate hiking cycle toward rate cuts is another pivotal factor that will likely fuel a rally in gold. 


    “Higher interest rates make gold less attractive as it doesn’t generate yield. However, with rates poised to fall, the tables are turning. Lower rates can often reduce the appeal of yield-bearing assets, drawing some investors – both retail and institutional – back into the gold market.”


    In today’s fragile global landscape, gold’s role as a portfolio hedge remains as vital as ever. 


    The potential for geopolitical shocks—including escalating trade wars, sanctions, and heightened global tensions—continues to loom large. 


    “Gold offers unparalleled protection in such scenarios, especially as concerns grow around issues such as Fed independence, global debt sustainability, and financial sanctions,” affirms Nigel Green.


    “One scenario that could send gold prices soaring is an escalation in financial sanctions comparable to the surge seen since 2021. Another potential trigger could be worsening debt fears in the US.”


    He concludes, “Against this backdrop, and should the current momentum be maintained, we could see new all-time price highs for gold in the first quarter of 2025.”

    deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $12bn under advisement.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Arthramid Vet – Adverse events

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Increased discussion of suspected adverse events in social media following use of Arthramid Vet in horses.

    We have identified an increase in social media discussion around suspected adverse event reports following use of Arthramid Vet in horses.

    Arthramid Vet is an intra-articular polyacrylamide gel used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, synovitis and capsulitis. It is used via the veterinary medicines cascade. A Special Import Certificate is required for use – Apply to import a medicine. 

    These reports often include worsening of lameness and injection site reactions.

    We are closely monitoring adverse event reports received by the VMD.

    Reporting of adverse events

    We strongly encourage anyone who is aware of an adverse event to report to the Marketing Authorisation Holder or directly to us via our online reporting form. Provide all relevant information, including the batch number.

    The reporting of adverse events is critical to our ongoing monitoring activities in order to protect animal health, public health, and the environment. Find out more about pharmacovigilance at VMD Connect – Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Thatcher, Blair and a brief history of class in British politics – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura Hood, Host, Know Your Place podcast, The Conversation

    When Tony Blair came to power in 1997 as the first Labour prime minister in a generation, his government became associated with the phrase “we’re all middle class now”.

    In the second part of Know Your Place: what happened to class in British politics, a podcast series from The Conversation Documentaries, we look back at a century of class in British politics to understand why Blair’s decision to move Labour away from the working class was such a watershed moment.

    The British Labour party was created in 1900 by trade unionists who wanted to give a voice to working class people. At the time, the class structure was rigid and only property-owning men over the age of 21 could vote.

    But the rupture of the first world war ushered in universal adult suffrage, and with it, says Mark Garnett, senior lecturer in politics at Lancaster University, a feeling among opponents of the Labour party that it would eventually become the main electoral force. He says:

    When we get to the middle part of the 20th century, being a supporter of the Labour party was something that one inherited almost … it would certainly be very peculiar if you were a very conscious member of the working class who didn’t also see yourself as a Labour party supporter.

    After the second world war and the election of Clement Attlee as Labour prime minister, class still looked firmly cemented into British political allegiances, as Martin Farr, senior lecturer in contemporary British history at Newcastle University explains.

    The most dramatic illustration of class I can give you is in the 1951 general election: 98% of voters voted Conservative or Labour. No other parties mattered.

    Thatcher’s greatest achievement

    For Farr, the political and economic turmoil of the 1970s, ending in the winter of discontent under the Labour government of James Callaghan, marked the beginning of the end of this political arrangement, paving the way for the election of Margaret Thatcher as Conservative prime minister.

    Margaret Thatcher said that her greatest achievement was Tony Blair. The Thatcher years created a different sort of Labour Party … which necessarily wasn’t the party of trade unions to the same extent because there were weaker trade unions and fewer trade unionists.

    After 17 years of Conservative rule, Blair’s election in 1997 brought Labour back into power. But its attitude toward its working class base had changed.

    Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, says Blair’s advisers realised that the working class in Britain was shrinking and that, unlike the past, Labour couldn’t put together a winning electoral coalition based purely on working-class voters. But he also says they wanted to build a cross-class coalition.

    They spent more time rhetorically appealing to the middle-class votes and thought the working-class vote will look after itself as long as they got the economy and public services right. And perhaps they should have done more … to appeal to both sides of that electoral coalition, that cross-class coalition that they hoped to build. 

    For more analysis, listen to the full episode of Know Your Place: what happened to class in British politics on The Conversation Documentaries, which also includes interviews with the former Labour MPs Reg Race and David Hanson, who is now a member of the House of Lords and minister of state for the Home Office.

    A transcript is available on Apple Podcasts.

    Know Your Place: what happened to class in British politics is produced and mixed by Anouk Millet for The Conversation. It’s supported by the National Centre for Social Research.

    Newsclips in the episode from AP Archive, New Labour, British Movietone, British Pathé, SirEdwardHeath and ITN Archive.

    Listen to The Conversation Documentaries via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Tim Bale has previously received funding for research on the Conservative Party and party members from the Leverhulme Trust and from the Economic and Social Research Council. Martin Farr and and Mark Garnett do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Know Your Place: what happened to class in British politics is supported by the National Centre for Social Research.

    – ref. Thatcher, Blair and a brief history of class in British politics – podcast – https://theconversation.com/thatcher-blair-and-a-brief-history-of-class-in-british-politics-podcast-240738

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tito Mboweni: South African Minister and Reserve Bank governor who drove significant economic reforms

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Roy Havemann, Research Associate, Stellenbosch University

    Tito Mboweni, former South African Reserve Bank Governor, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Labour was arguably one of the country’s most consequential economic policymakers and drove several significant economic
    reforms.

    Mboweni passed away on 12 October 2024 after a short illness.

    Born on 16 March 1959, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economic and Political Science from the National University of Lesotho in 1985. He had attended the University of the North between 1979 and 1980 but left South Africa to go into exile in his second year of studies. In 1987, he obtained a Master of Arts in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia in the UK.

    He began his career in government as Minister of Labour in President Nelson Mandela’s 1994 administration. As the first Minister of Labour in the new democratic South Africa, he took several steps to improve the relationship between business and labour.

    Among these were major legislative reforms, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, Mines Health Safety Act and the NEDLAC Act, designed to improve cooperation between different “constituencies” – labour, business, and government.

    He was appointed as the Eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank in
    1999. In this role he introduced inflation targeting and presided over the first monetary policy committee meetings. This substantially modernised the Bank’s approach. For instance, Mboweni introduced a monetary policy statement outlining the reasons for the Bank’s decisions. These were televised, bringing new transparency to the conduct of monetary policy. Before this, the bank’s targeted monetary policy aggregates, and its communications, were made through printed documents.

    Monetary Policy Forums took monetary policy to many parts of the country, bringing a new openness and engagement between the Bank and ordinary South Africans.

    He held the position of Governor until 2009. But his legacy endures. The South African Reserve Bank is highly regarded across the world, with an inflation rate that is firmly within the target range and well-anchored inflation expectations.

    As finance minister

    Shortly after Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated as President of the Republic of South Africa in 2018, the then Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene resigned. The President appointed Mboweni as Minister of Finance in October 2018.

    Mboweni made three consequential decisions in South Africa’s economic policy
    trajectory.

    The first was the decision, in 2019, to freeze government wages from 2020. He was alarmed by the rapid and unsustainable increase in government wages. Together with slowing economic growth, this led to a fiscal position that was deteriorating at an alarming pace. The wage freeze ultimately started the slow return to the fiscal rectitude that had been the hallmark of the period of government before Jacob Zuma became president in 2009.

    The second, also in 2019, was the publication of a paper on economic growth. It was known officially as “Economic transformation, inclusive growth, and competitiveness: Towards an Economic Strategy for South Africa”.

    Unofficially it was known as the “Tito Paper”.

    This set out a programme of much-needed economic reforms – including steps to lift the restrictions on private power generation. In the six years since the publication of the policy paper (and the subsequent reforms), a total of 6 GW of non-Eskom electricity has been added to the grid, saving South Africa six stages of load-shedding.

    Other recommendations of the paper are being followed, including those for rail, telecommunications and ports.

    The third was the introduction of a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a significant expansion of the grants system, with a Social Relief of Distress grant pegged at R350 per person per month. Research by the NIDS-CRAM initiative, led by Dr Nic Spaull of Stellenbosch University, has highlighted how the grant positively affected millions of people’s lives.

    Enduring legacy

    It is difficult to think of any other economic policymaker who has left such an enduring legacy.

    Stellenbosch University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2010 and appointed him Professor Extraordinary of Economics from 2002 to 2005 . He was a frequent participant at Bureau for Economic Research conferences. There, his engaging speaking style made him a popular drawcard.

    His love of red wine and engaging conversation made him a popular visitor at the university. In 2010, he spent time at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies as part of a research group working on the global financial crisis and its consequences for democracy.

    This is an edited version of a tribute published by the Bureau for Economic Research, Stellenbosch University.

    Roy Havemann is a senior economist at the Bureau for Economic Research where he leads the Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab. He was previously at the National Treasury where, amongst other things, he was Tito Mboweni’s speechwriter.

    – ref. Tito Mboweni: South African Minister and Reserve Bank governor who drove significant economic
    reforms – https://theconversation.com/tito-mboweni-south-african-minister-and-reserve-bank-governor-who-drove-significant-economic-reforms-241236

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The remarkable career of Tito Mboweni: from South African freedom fighter to central bank governor and trusted politician

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jannie Rossouw, Visiting Professor at the Business School, University of the Witwatersrand

    It is sad to write about Tito Mboweni in the past tense.

    Tito Titus Mboweni, who was born on 16 March 1959 in Tzaneen, a town in South Africa in what was then the Transvaal, passed away after a short illness in Johannesburg on 12 October 2024.

    After the announcement of his death, tributes poured in for this South African leader. Many have been touched by his legacy in politics, business, governance and the economy of South Africa.

    While not without some shortcomings, his career from being a freedom fighter to becoming a trusted and popular public figure serves as an enduring example to others in leadership.

    A career in service of society

    During his lifetime, Mboweni managed to achieve multiple accomplishments. The first period of his career was as member of the African National Congress (ANC) liberation movement in exile, where he served as deputy head of the Department of Economic Policy in the ANC.

    Political and public service was a second part of his career.

    After the democratic elections of 1994, Mboweni served as minister of labour in the first cabinet of Nelson Mandela. In a surprise announcement in 1998, Mboweni was appointed as an advisor to the then governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Chris Stals. This was to prepare Mboweni for appointment as governor after the retirement of Stals.

    Mboweni could not move directly into the position as governor, as section 4(2)(a) of the South African Reserve Bank Act states that the “governor shall be a person of tested banking experience”.

    By serving as an advisor to Stals for a little over a year, Mboweni met this legal requirement. He was appointed as the eighth governor of the central bank on 8 August 1999.

    At the time there were concerns about his commitment to the continuation of a policy of controlling inflation, ushered in successfully by Stals in the preceding decade. But Mboweni soon showed his commitment to the continued control of inflation.

    He replaced the previous structure used for monetary policy decisions by Stals by establishing the Monetary Policy Committee in October 1999. This was in preparation for the adoption of inflation targeting as a policy objective for the bank.

    After his retirement from the Reserve Bank, Mboweni commenced with the next stages of his career: a successful stint in business, which was interrupted by his return to politics. He served as minister of finance from 9 October 2018 to 5 August 2021. In this role he made it very clear that South Africa had to adopt a more prudent fiscal policy to avoid a too rapid growth in government debt. But this viewpoint made him unpopular with many cabinet and ANC colleagues, trade unions and others.

    Once he left politics, Mboweni resumed his career in business. He also served the South African community in different ways. He held a number of appointments as honorary professor and was also a patron of the arts. He was also well-known for his enthusiasm for cooking, which he often posted about on social media.

    Challenges

    Mboweni had to withstand political pressure on the issue of the role of the Reserve Bank. He was exemplary in his protection of the autonomy and independence of bank, which is set out in sections 223 to 225 of the South African Constitution.

    In this respect, he followed in the footsteps of Stals.

    Politicians favour lower interest rates, particularly during election periods. But Mboweni was not afraid of being unpopular. He was steadfast in protecting the autonomy and independence of the South African Reserve Bank. Mboweni also led the central bank during the global financial crisis of 2008 . South Africa was one of the countries that did not suffer a banking crisis or collapse during that period.

    Achievements

    Mboweni’s single biggest achievement was his successful transition from an ANC freedom fighter in exile to his roles as senior politician, central bank governor and businessman.

    His successful adoption of a policy of inflation targeting despite opposition was also a major achievement. Under Mboweni’s leadership the South African Reserve Bank showed critics that South Africa can make a continuous commitment to a low rate of inflation.

    Other than establishing the Monetary Policy Committee, Mboweni also played a major role in bringing monetary policy closer to the people. Under his leadership, the bank was one of the first central banks in the world to announce monetary policy decisions about interest rates at a media conference. He also introduced the central bank’s Monetary Policy Forums, where the public can engage the senior leadership of the central bank on monetary policy.

    Shortcomings

    Mboweni had many successes in business, central banking and politics. He also a few shortcomings. One was that he did not insist on the readoption of the lower inflation target (3%-5%) announced in 2001, that was later abandoned. A lower inflation target some 20 years ago would have anchored South Africa’s inflation rate and inflation expectations on a lower trajectory.

    It is difficult to judge whether Mboweni’s somewhat untimely (though not necessarily unexpected) resignation as finance minister can also be regarded as a failure. However, a finance minister can only function optimally with the support of the head of state. Such support was clearly lacking.

    Legacy

    Mboweni leaves a legacy of a successful transformation from a freedom fighter to a businessman, central banker and politician. If more former freedom fighters made this successful transition, South Africa’s prospects would look considerably better.

    Another legacy is honesty and integrity. Mboweni was never embroiled in scandals or questionable business dealings. If other ANC cadres could follow this example, South Africa would also offer a better future for all its citizens.

    As an NRF-rated researcher, Jannie Rossouw received research funding from the NRF. He serves as independent non-executive Board member of Finbond Mutual Bank, Noordelike Helpmekaar Study Fund and Satsanga Fintech Holdings.

    – ref. The remarkable career of Tito Mboweni: from South African freedom fighter to central bank governor and trusted politician – https://theconversation.com/the-remarkable-career-of-tito-mboweni-from-south-african-freedom-fighter-to-central-bank-governor-and-trusted-politician-241234

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Making another stride towards making India global leader in economy and frontline player in ensuring greener, cleaner planet, Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune

    Source: Government of India

    Making another stride towards making India global leader in economy and frontline player in ensuring greener, cleaner planet, Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune

    The Facility exemplifies how technological advancements in bioplastics can lead to economic growth: Dr Jitendra Singh

    India’s Bioeconomy grew more than $150 billion in 2023; expected to achieve $300 billion by 2030: the Minister

    Posted On: 13 OCT 2024 6:20PM by PIB Delhi

     Making yet another stride towards making India a global leader in economy and a frontline player in ensuring greener and cleaner planet, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (I/C) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh today inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in at Jejuri in Pune from New Delhi today. The facility has been built by Praj Industries.

    Addressing the audience, Dr Jitendra Singh said, “This ‘First-of-its-kind Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in India’ is a pioneering effort in developing indigenously integrated technology for the production of Polylactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic. This marks a pivotal development for India’s commitment to sustainable solutions. This demonstrates India’s resolve to transition from fossil-based plastics to eco-friendly alternatives, crucial for addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.”

    Speaking about India’s advancement in the field of science and technology, he said, “India has emerged as a highly alluring destination on a global scale, propelled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visionary endeavour to establish the country as “Atmanirbhar”. Our Bioeconomy has grown more than $150 billion in 2023, and is expected to achieve $300 billion by 2030.”

    The emphasis on Green Growth in the Union Budget (2023-2024); Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to make India a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ launched by the PM in October 2022. This will also enable dual goals of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in India’ with a foundational focus on biosafety, ethics and inclusive growth. He emphasised that the Union has approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy of DBT. The BioE3 Policy is an important step forward towards sustainable growth in the backdrop of climate change, depleting non-renewable resources and unsustainable waste generation.

    Dr Jitendra Singh further said, “India now ranks 12th in the world in biotech and 3rd in Asia-pacific. We are the largest vaccine manufacturer and the 3rd largest Startup ecosystem,” adding, the Biotech ecosystem in the country is emerging at a rapid pace with the setting up of 95 bio incubators and increasing numbers of Biotech Startups. The Biotech Startups have experienced remarkable growth, increasing from just about 50 in 2014 to over 8,500 in 2023. The rise of Biotech Startups is pivotal for our future economy. These efforts place India at the forefront of the global bioplastics movement, showing the world how biotechnology can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

     

    Speaking about the partnerships between industry, academia, and government, he said, it is crucial for translating innovative ideas into real-world solutions and fostering innovation through research and development. This facility symbolises a new chapter for India’s bioeconomy. It showcases our ability to lead in technological innovation and offers a sustainable pathway to reducing Environmental impact. He concluded by saying, “It is time for broader synergy among all professions to achieve the “Amrit Kaal” goals over the next 25 years for advancements in the biotechnology sector which underscores India’s potential as a global player in the field.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tito Mboweni: South African Minister and Reserve Bank governor who drove significant economic reforms

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Roy Havemann, Research Associate, Stellenbosch University

    Tito Mboweni, former South African Reserve Bank Governor, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Labour was arguably one of the country’s most consequential economic policymakers and drove several significant economic reforms.

    Mboweni passed away on 12 October 2024 after a short illness.

    Born on 16 March 1959, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Economic and Political Science from the National University of Lesotho in 1985. He had attended the University of the North between 1979 and 1980 but left South Africa to go into exile in his second year of studies. In 1987, he obtained a Master of Arts in Development Economics from the University of East Anglia in the UK.

    He began his career in government as Minister of Labour in President Nelson Mandela’s 1994 administration. As the first Minister of Labour in the new democratic South Africa, he took several steps to improve the relationship between business and labour.

    Among these were major legislative reforms, including the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, Mines Health Safety Act and the NEDLAC Act, designed to improve cooperation between different “constituencies” – labour, business, and government.

    He was appointed as the Eighth Governor of the South African Reserve Bank in 1999. In this role he introduced inflation targeting and presided over the first monetary policy committee meetings. This substantially modernised the Bank’s approach. For instance, Mboweni introduced a monetary policy statement outlining the reasons for the Bank’s decisions. These were televised, bringing new transparency to the conduct of monetary policy. Before this, the bank’s targeted monetary policy aggregates, and its communications, were made through printed documents.

    Monetary Policy Forums took monetary policy to many parts of the country, bringing a new openness and engagement between the Bank and ordinary South Africans.

    He held the position of Governor until 2009. But his legacy endures. The South African Reserve Bank is highly regarded across the world, with an inflation rate that is firmly within the target range and well-anchored inflation expectations.

    As finance minister

    Shortly after Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated as President of the Republic of South Africa in 2018, the then Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene resigned. The President appointed Mboweni as Minister of Finance in October 2018.

    Mboweni made three consequential decisions in South Africa’s economic policy trajectory.

    The first was the decision, in 2019, to freeze government wages from 2020. He was alarmed by the rapid and unsustainable increase in government wages. Together with slowing economic growth, this led to a fiscal position that was deteriorating at an alarming pace. The wage freeze ultimately started the slow return to the fiscal rectitude that had been the hallmark of the period of government before Jacob Zuma became president in 2009.

    The second, also in 2019, was the publication of a paper on economic growth. It was known officially as “Economic transformation, inclusive growth, and competitiveness: Towards an Economic Strategy for South Africa”.

    Unofficially it was known as the “Tito Paper”.

    This set out a programme of much-needed economic reforms – including steps to lift the restrictions on private power generation. In the six years since the publication of the policy paper (and the subsequent reforms), a total of 6 GW of non-Eskom electricity has been added to the grid, saving South Africa six stages of load-shedding.

    Other recommendations of the paper are being followed, including those for rail, telecommunications and ports.

    The third was the introduction of a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included a significant expansion of the grants system, with a Social Relief of Distress grant pegged at R350 per person per month. Research by the NIDS-CRAM initiative, led by Dr Nic Spaull of Stellenbosch University, has highlighted how the grant positively affected millions of people’s lives.

    Enduring legacy

    It is difficult to think of any other economic policymaker who has left such an enduring legacy.

    Stellenbosch University awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2010 and appointed him Professor Extraordinary of Economics from 2002 to 2005 . He was a frequent participant at Bureau for Economic Research conferences. There, his engaging speaking style made him a popular drawcard.

    His love of red wine and engaging conversation made him a popular visitor at the university. In 2010, he spent time at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Studies as part of a research group working on the global financial crisis and its consequences for democracy.

    This is an edited version of a tribute published by the Bureau for Economic Research, Stellenbosch University.

    – Tito Mboweni: South African Minister and Reserve Bank governor who drove significant economic
    reforms
    – https://theconversation.com/tito-mboweni-south-african-minister-and-reserve-bank-governor-who-drove-significant-economic-reforms-241236

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: VISIT OF FIRST TRAINING SQUADRON TO BAHRAIN AND UAE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 13 OCT 2024 7:26PM by PIB Delhi

    Continuing with the Long Range Training Deployment in the Persian Gulf, INS Tir and ICGS Veera of First Training Squadron (1TS) arrived at the Port of Manama, Bahrain on 12 Oct 24. Aimed at enhancing Naval cooperation and augmenting interoperability, Indian Navy is set to engage with the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces (RBNF) on various domains of maritime ops and best shared practices. Professional interactions, cross ship visits, joint training sessions, yoga sessions, band concerts, friendly sports fixtures, social interactions and community welfare activities are planned during the port call. The sea trainees of Indian Navy will be visiting various training facilities and establishments of RBNF.

    A coordination meeting between the operational teams of both the Navies towards planning and conduct of a Maritime Partnership Exercise is also scheduled. Training interaction with the partners of CMF as part of cooperative engagement and reaffirming maritime security in the region will also feature during the visit.

    In another port visit, INS Shardul of 1TS entered Port Rashid, Dubai at UAE.  The ship was received by the Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India and officials of the UAE Navy. During the visit, the ship will engage with the UAE Navy on multiple training activities and harbour interactions.

    The deployment of 1TS to Bahrain and UAE is aimed not only at exposing the sea trainees towards various Naval training activities but also endeavours to further the socio-political, military and maritime linkages. The visit is indicative of growing defence relations of India with Bahrain and UAE while boosting maritime security cooperation and enhanced synergy amongst the Navies.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: The remarkable career of Tito Mboweni: from South African freedom fighter to central bank governor and trusted politician

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jannie Rossouw, Visiting Professor at the Business School, University of the Witwatersrand

    It is sad to write about Tito Mboweni in the past tense.

    Tito Titus Mboweni, who was born on 16 March 1959 in Tzaneen, a town in South Africa in what was then the Transvaal, passed away after a short illness in Johannesburg on 12 October 2024.

    After the announcement of his death, tributes poured in for this South African leader. Many have been touched by his legacy in politics, business, governance and the economy of South Africa.

    While not without some shortcomings, his career from being a freedom fighter to becoming a trusted and popular public figure serves as an enduring example to others in leadership.

    A career in service of society

    During his lifetime, Mboweni managed to achieve multiple accomplishments. The first period of his career was as member of the African National Congress (ANC) liberation movement in exile, where he served as deputy head of the Department of Economic Policy in the ANC.

    Political and public service was a second part of his career.

    After the democratic elections of 1994, Mboweni served as minister of labour in the first cabinet of Nelson Mandela. In a surprise announcement in 1998, Mboweni was appointed as an advisor to the then governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Chris Stals. This was to prepare Mboweni for appointment as governor after the retirement of Stals.

    Mboweni could not move directly into the position as governor, as section 4(2)(a) of the South African Reserve Bank Act states that the “governor shall be a person of tested banking experience”.

    By serving as an advisor to Stals for a little over a year, Mboweni met this legal requirement. He was appointed as the eighth governor of the central bank on 8 August 1999.

    At the time there were concerns about his commitment to the continuation of a policy of controlling inflation, ushered in successfully by Stals in the preceding decade. But Mboweni soon showed his commitment to the continued control of inflation.

    He replaced the previous structure used for monetary policy decisions by Stals by establishing the Monetary Policy Committee in October 1999. This was in preparation for the adoption of inflation targeting as a policy objective for the bank.

    After his retirement from the Reserve Bank, Mboweni commenced with the next stages of his career: a successful stint in business, which was interrupted by his return to politics. He served as minister of finance from 9 October 2018 to 5 August 2021. In this role he made it very clear that South Africa had to adopt a more prudent fiscal policy to avoid a too rapid growth in government debt. But this viewpoint made him unpopular with many cabinet and ANC colleagues, trade unions and others.

    Once he left politics, Mboweni resumed his career in business. He also served the South African community in different ways. He held a number of appointments as honorary professor and was also a patron of the arts. He was also well-known for his enthusiasm for cooking, which he often posted about on social media.

    Challenges

    Mboweni had to withstand political pressure on the issue of the role of the Reserve Bank. He was exemplary in his protection of the autonomy and independence of bank, which is set out in sections 223 to 225 of the South African Constitution.

    In this respect, he followed in the footsteps of Stals.

    Politicians favour lower interest rates, particularly during election periods. But Mboweni was not afraid of being unpopular. He was steadfast in protecting the autonomy and independence of the South African Reserve Bank. Mboweni also led the central bank during the global financial crisis of 2008 . South Africa was one of the countries that did not suffer a banking crisis or collapse during that period.

    Achievements

    Mboweni’s single biggest achievement was his successful transition from an ANC freedom fighter in exile to his roles as senior politician, central bank governor and businessman.

    His successful adoption of a policy of inflation targeting despite opposition was also a major achievement. Under Mboweni’s leadership the South African Reserve Bank showed critics that South Africa can make a continuous commitment to a low rate of inflation.

    Other than establishing the Monetary Policy Committee, Mboweni also played a major role in bringing monetary policy closer to the people. Under his leadership, the bank was one of the first central banks in the world to announce monetary policy decisions about interest rates at a media conference. He also introduced the central bank’s Monetary Policy Forums, where the public can engage the senior leadership of the central bank on monetary policy.

    Shortcomings

    Mboweni had many successes in business, central banking and politics. He also a few shortcomings. One was that he did not insist on the readoption of the lower inflation target (3%-5%) announced in 2001, that was later abandoned. A lower inflation target some 20 years ago would have anchored South Africa’s inflation rate and inflation expectations on a lower trajectory.

    It is difficult to judge whether Mboweni’s somewhat untimely (though not necessarily unexpected) resignation as finance minister can also be regarded as a failure. However, a finance minister can only function optimally with the support of the head of state. Such support was clearly lacking.

    Legacy

    Mboweni leaves a legacy of a successful transformation from a freedom fighter to a businessman, central banker and politician. If more former freedom fighters made this successful transition, South Africa’s prospects would look considerably better.

    Another legacy is honesty and integrity. Mboweni was never embroiled in scandals or questionable business dealings. If other ANC cadres could follow this example, South Africa would also offer a better future for all its citizens.

    – The remarkable career of Tito Mboweni: from South African freedom fighter to central bank governor and trusted politician
    – https://theconversation.com/the-remarkable-career-of-tito-mboweni-from-south-african-freedom-fighter-to-central-bank-governor-and-trusted-politician-241234

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda inaugurates 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda inaugurates 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities

    ICDRA is being hosted for the first time in India, bringing together regulatory authorities, policymakers, and health officials from over 194 WHO member states

    During the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic, India emerged not only as a global leader in health resilience and innovation but also reaffirmed its role as the Pharmacy of the World: Shri JP Nadda

    “The ICDRA platform provides a space to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and develop regulatory frameworks that ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products worldwide”

    “CDSCO has developed robust systems for approving safe and efficacious drugs and medical devices in the country and for export to more than 200 countries in the world”

    “More than 95% regulatory processes currently have been digitized at CDSCO, bringing transparency and increasing trust among stakeholders”

    Global cooperation is important in drug regulation, particularly in light of challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, the post-pandemic world, and the safe use of AI in healthcare: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

    Posted On: 14 OCT 2024 1:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare inaugurated the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA), here today. The event which is being hosted for the first time in India, from 14th – 18th October by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) brought together regulatory authorities, policymakers, and health officials from over 194 WHO member states.

     

    Addressing the occasion, Shri JP Nadda emphasized on the shared commitment for enhancing global healthcare standards and safeguarding public health. He highlighted that during the unprecedented COVID 19 pandemic, India emerged not only as a global leader in health resilience and innovation but also reaffirmed its role as the Pharmacy of the World. “India rapidly expanded its healthcare infrastructure and scaled up vaccine production to meet both domestic and global demands. The successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program, covering over a billion people, is a testament to the robustness of our healthcare system, the dedication of our health workers, and the soundness of our policies”, he said.

    The Union Health Minister highlighted that India played a crucial role in ensuring affordable access to essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies for nations across the globe. “Guided by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the world is one family, we extended our support to more than 150 countries, providing life-saving drugs and vaccines during the pandemic. This spirit of international solidarity is at the heart of India’s approach to global health. We believe that our progress is inseparable from the progress of the world, and as such, we remain committed to contributing to global health security and sustainability”, he said.

     

    Shri Nadda noted that “the ICDRA platform provides a space to share knowledge, foster partnerships, and develop regulatory frameworks that ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of medical products worldwide.”

    Highlighting the achievements of CDSCO, Shri Nadda said that “it has developed robust systems for approving safe and efficacious drugs and medical devices in the country and for export to more than 200 countries in the world”. Availability of Quality medicine at affordable price is at the core, he said. He also informed that “8 drug testing labs are operational today while 2 more are in pipeline. 8 Mini testing Labs are operational at different ports for quick testing and release of drugs and raw material being imported. In addition, 38 State Drug Regulator’s Testing Labs are operational. Altogether, more than a hundred thousand samples are being tested every year under regulatory surveillance mechanism.”

    The Union Minister also stated that “more than 95% regulatory processes currently have been digitized at CDSCO, bringing transparency and increasing trust among stakeholders.” He also stated that, “Considering the importance of medical devices in health care delivery, Medical Device industry in India is also being regulated. Drugs Rules have been amended to make Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines more comprehensive and at par with the WHO-GMP guidelines.”

    It was also pointed out that in order to make drug supply chain robust, it has been made mandatory to provide Bar Code or Quick Response Code (QR Code) on top 300 brands of drug products. Similarly, QR Code is mandatory on all API packs, either being imported or manufactured in India.

    The Union Minister concluded his address by underscoring India’s full committed to advancing global health. “We believe in 3 Ss i.e. “Skill, Speed and Scale” and by focusing on these three aspects, we have been able to meet the increasing demand for Pharma products while adhering to global quality standards without any compromise. We are prepared to address pressing challenges, from antimicrobial resistance to ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments. We are not just participants in this dialogue; we are partners in building a healthier, safer and more resilient world”, he said.

    Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, in his speech, commended India for hosting this crucial global regulatory forum and highlighted the importance of global cooperation in drug regulation, particularly in light of challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, the post-pandemic world, and the safe use of AI in healthcare.

    Dr Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO Southeast Asia Region stated that “India is the largest provider of generic medicines while the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry is the third largest in the world. She noted that India provides over 50% of the world’s vaccine demands. She emphasized that a strong regulatory system is crucial to achieving universal health coverage and highlighted the need for strengthened regulatory convergence and information sharing between national regulatory authorities.

    Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary stated that “the Indian pharmaceutical industry has recently become the 4th largest export sector of India, exemplifying the level of our integration into the global pharmaceutical supply chain. India is the third largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world, and has the largest number of US FDA approved plants outside the USA.” She also highlighted that “India supply 50% of the world’s vaccines, most of them going to UN agencies like WHO, UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and to organisations like GAVI.

    Ms. Malebona Precious Matsoso, Co-Chair, WHO Intergovernmental Negotiation Body, South Africa said that “regulation of medical products is one of the most crucial aspects today. The impact of regulatory decisions is found not only at the national or global level but also in the hospital rooms.” Public health interventions and response can be shortened through efficient regulation and oversight, she said.

    Highlighting India as the pharmacy of the world, she said that this tag comes with certain expectations and capacities about India. She concluded her address by emphasising on smart regulation as opposed to under-regulation and over-regulation.

    Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India highlighted India’s achievements in drugs control and medical devices sector, including the approval of India’s first CAR T-cell therapy. “We are continuously upgrading our skills and capacities in our systems and are on a path towards low regulation and high execution”, he said.

    As a precursor to the main conference, an exhibition was also held which showcased India’s innovation, capabilities, and leadership in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, and clinical research sectors. Key industry players, including pharmaceutical giants, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare innovators, presented their advancements and breakthroughs to an international audience of regulators and stakeholders. This exhibition served as a testament to India’s standing as the “Pharmacy of the World” and its growing influence in global healthcare.

    In addition to the main conference sessions, several side meetings will take place, where representatives from various countries will engage in focused discussions on specific regulatory challenges and opportunities. These meetings will facilitate bilateral and multilateral dialogues on strengthening regulatory systems, promoting innovation, and fostering collaboration to address global health needs.

    Key Discussions and Regulatory Challenges

    The 5-day conference will feature a series of insightful sessions where regulatory authorities and industry leaders will deliberate on key issues affecting global drug and medical device regulation. Some of the prominent sessions include:

    • Plenary Session on Smart Regulation: Discussions will revolve around the evolving landscape of regulatory reliance and the World Listed Authorities (WLA) framework. Global regulators will explore how to enhance cooperation to streamline processes across countries.
    • Workshops on Medical Devices: A significant focus will be placed on the regulation of medical devices, including IVDs (In Vitro Diagnostics), where experts will discuss trends in global and regional regulatory frameworks.
    • Quality of Pharmaceutical Starting Materials: This workshop will shed light on the need for stringent regulations in ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products from their very inception.
    • Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Regulators and industry experts will discuss the role of AI in improving regulatory oversight, pharmaco-vigilance, and clinical trials, while also addressing the challenges related to data privacy and implementation.
    • Regulatory Preparedness in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: This is a plenary session focused on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for continued regulatory innovation to prepare for future public health emergencies.

    The 19th ICDRA will emphasize strengthening global regulatory systems through partnerships and collective efforts. Regulatory authorities from various nations will discuss challenges and opportunities in harmonizing regulations for medical products, addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and advancing traditional medicines.

    Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research and DG ICMR; Shri Rajiv Wadhawan, Advisor (Cost), Health Ministry; Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India and senior officials of the Union Health Ministry were present at the event.

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Centre for Good Governance Commences Two-Week Training for Civil Servants from BIMSTEC Nations and Maldives

    Source: Government of India

    National Centre for Good Governance Commences Two-Week Training for Civil Servants from BIMSTEC Nations and Maldives

    National Centre for Good Governance reaches key milestone with First-Ever Training Program for BIMSTEC Civil Servants

    Posted On: 14 OCT 2024 2:42PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) has commenced the first Mid-Career Training Programme for the civil servants of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) countries, alongside the 34th Capacity Building Programme for civil servants from the Maldives. This two-week training programme is being organized from 14th October to 25th October 2024 in Mussoorie and New Delhi. A total of 36 civil servants from BIMSTEC countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan, are participating in the programme.  Additionally, 35 civil servants from the Maldives are participating in the 34th Capacity Building Programme. The participants are serving as Divisional Secretary, Additional District Secretary, Deputy Chief Secretary, and Assistant Commissioners, Director, Council Executives representing key ministries from their countries.

    Shri V. Srinivas, Director General, NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), jointly inaugurated the training programme and welcomed the participants. In his address, emphasized the programme’s objective to enhance the skillsets of civil servants by addressing the evolving landscape of administrative reforms and the critical role of digital governance. He noted that the training would focus on citizen-centric governance models, which aim to bridge the gap between government offices and the people they serve, thereby improving public service delivery.

    During the programme, Dr. AP Singh, Associate Professor, NCGG and Course Coordinator for Ist Mid-Career Training Programme for the Civil Servants of BIMSTEC Countries gave detailed information about the National Centre for Good Governance and the milestones achieved by the NCGG over the years. Dr BS Bisht, Associate Professor, NCGG and Course Coordinator for 34th CBP for Civil Servants of Maldives gave the overview of the programme.

    Under the second phase of the programme, the participating officers from BIMSTEC countries and the Maldives will visit key institutions and projects, including the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, the Smart City Project and ITDA, the Smart School in Dehradun, the Haryana Institute of Public Administration, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and the National Science Centre. Additionally, they will visit the Maruti Udyog Limited and visit the iconic Taj Mahal.

    The BIMSTEC programme is being coordinated by Dr. A.P. Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, Dr. M.K. Bhandari, Faculty and Co-Course Coordinators, Shri Sanjay Pant, Training Assistant, and Ms. Monisha Bahuguna, YP. The 34th Capacity Building Programme,is being coordinated by Dr. B.S. Bisht, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, along with Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Faculty and Co-Course Coordinator, Shri Brijesh Bisht, Training Assistant, NCGG  along with the NCGG capacity-building team.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Corruption and rule of law in Spain – E-001959/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001959/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dolors Montserrat (PPE), Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez (PPE)

    The 2024 Report on the Rule of Law in Spain, published last July, highlights that the government was mandated by law to adopt, by September 2024, a comprehensive strategy to prevent and fight corruption. However, no such legislation has been adopted, nor has there been any progress on the reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure, intended to expedite the investigation and prosecution of crimes in order to make the fight against corruption more effective.

    Bearing in mind that Pedro Sánchez’s government is currently beset by various corruption scandals implicating his wife, his brother and former government ministers, some of which even involving European funds:

    • 1.What plan of action does the Commission intend to pursue to bring pressure to bear on the government to improve the fight against corruption, something which would seem not to be its priority?
    • 2.In its structured bilateral dialogue on the rule of law with the government, does the Commission intend to address not only the timetable but also the mobilisation of the necessary human and financial resources to ensure the proper implementation of the present and future Code of Criminal Procedure?

    Submitted: 4.10.2024

    Last updated: 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Funding of NGO Al Sharq Forum through Erasmus+ – P-001524/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Currently, the Turkish organisation Şark Forum Derneği[1] is not receiving any funding from Erasmus+. It has however received funding in the past for projects now finalised.

    As coordinator of four projects, this organisation received (to be shared with their partner organisations) EUR 85 173 in 2021 and EUR 18 755 in 2020[2].

    Applications for funding are assessed against the admissibility, eligibility, selection, exclusion, and award criteria laid down in public calls for proposals. The Erasmus+ selection procedure is published in full transparency[3].

    The mentioned projects were selected by the national agency in charge of implementing Erasmus+ in Türkiye, as a third country associated to the Erasmus+ programme.

    Erasmus+ is mainly implemented by national agencies in charge of selecting projects, managing grants and following up on project implementation, under supervision of their national authorities and the Commission.

    In rolling out the Erasmus+ programme , the Commission, pursuant to t he Financial Regulation[4] and the grant agreements[5], is legally bound to ensure that programme beneficiaries commit to and ensure the respect of EU values and do not commit grave professional misconduct.

    If there is evidence that a beneficiary violated the applicable legislation during the implementation of a project and did not comply with EU values, the Commission and the national agency shall make use of all available means to terminate the cooperation and recover the EU funds .

    Furthermore, t he Financial Regulation recast that was proposed by the Commission in 2022 and was adopted in September 2024[6] will introduce some specific provisions reinforcing the current setup on EU values and extend the list of grounds for exclusion from EU funding to entities when it is established that they have activities contrary to the values on which the EU is founded.

    • [1] https://www.sharqforum.org/
    • [2] These figures are those granted by the national agency to the entire consortium managing each project after finalisation.
    • [3] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/programme-guide/part-c/what-happens-submission
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/eu-financial-regulation_en
    • [5] Article 14 : https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/aga_en.pdf
    • [6] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/09/19/financial-regulation-council-greenlights-simpler-rules-for-executing-eu-budget/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: Lords debates response to the Infected Blood Inquiry

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Members of the House of Lords will debate the response to the Infected Blood Inquiry on Tuesday 15 October. Watch live here on YouTube from 3.15pm.

    Find out more about the debate https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2024/october/lords-debates-infected-blood-inquiry/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8tffSRwLyg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch: House of Lords debates the UK’s electric vehicle strategy

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Look out for this House of Lords debate on electric vehicles, coming up on Wednesday 16 October. Members are expected to discuss the process of a successful transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and meeting net zero targets.

    Find out more https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/515/environment-and-climate-change-committee/news/199773/the-uks-electric-vehicle-strategy-needs-a-rapid-recharge-says-lords-committee/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #StateOpening

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhT9n6LYNLk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Still time to vote in BID Fort William

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Ballot papers were issued on Thursday 3 October 2024 to all businesses who were eligible and who would become levy payers and members of the Fort William Business Improvement District (BID). 

    Any businesses who think they are eligible to vote but may not have received their ballot papers, or any electors requiring a replacement ballot must contact The Highland Council’s Election Office on 01349 886657 or email: election@highland.gov.uk. 

    The ballot is being conducted entirely by post. For the BID to be successful there must be a minimum of 25% turnout by the number of businesses and by combined rateable value. Of those that vote, over 50% by number and 50% by combined rateable value must vote in favour of the BID. 

    A Business Improvement District is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within the boundary of a clearly defined commercial area, where businesses have voted to invest collectively in local improvements which will benefit the local economy. 

    BIDs have a maximum current duration of 5 years and are either dissolved at the end of their term or go back to a vote to be renewed by a further ballot of all eligible businesses. 

    All ballot papers must be returned in the pre-paid envelope provided to the CIVICA Election Services by no later than 5pm on Thursday 21 November 2024. Ballot papers will be counted on Friday 22 November 2024 and the result announced thereafter. 

    For further information on the BID, please contact BID Fort William, MacLean House, Belford Road, Fort William, PH33 6BT; http://www.bidfortwilliam.co.uk; Email: mark@bidfortwilliam.co.uk or phone: 07804 484650. 

    For further information on the ballot visit http://www.highland.gov.uk/bidfortwilliam 

    14 Oct 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia, Windstream Wholesale and Colt Technology Services join forces to complete world’s first ultra-fast 800GbE optical and IP service trial connecting London and Chicago

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release
    Nokia, Windstream Wholesale and Colt Technology Services join forces to complete world’s first ultra-fast 800GbE optical and IP service trial connecting London and Chicago

    • Transatlantic partnership extends potential for capacity, speed and latency while reducing power usage on popular Europe/US route.
    • Service trial spanned 8500km subsea and terrestrial route over live production network.
    • 800GbE can support advanced network applications like AI data center networking, content delivery networks, and financial data hub connections.

    14 Oct 2024
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia, Windstream Wholesale (WW), an optical technology leader in advanced network solutions, and Colt Technology Services (Colt) today announced the successful completion of a world-first 800 Gigabit Ethernet (800GbE) service trial connecting London, UK with Chicago, US across an 8500km subsea and terrestrial route over the production network. The trial showcased innovative power-saving networking technologies from the three global tech businesses to test the boundaries of next-generation wavelength, capacity, speed and latency between two of the world’s largest financial trading hubs.

    The field trial involved connecting one of Colt’s five powerful transatlantic subsea cables and part of its extensive terrestrial fiber optic network with Windstream Wholesale’s domestic U.S. low latency, optical fiber Intelligent Converged Optical Network (ICON) monitoring speed and performance. Together, Colt and Windstream Wholesale have partnered to demonstrate the world’s first transoceanic 800 gigabit ethernet (GbE) end-to-end service transport from router to router over 1Tbps optical transport. The trial was successfully delivered using Nokia’s pioneering sixth-generation Photonic Service Engine (PSE-6s) coherent optics and 7750 Service Router (SR) high-performance routing platforms boosting internet service speeds and supporting ultra-high wavelength capacity, while maintaining power efficiency.

    800G marks a breakthrough in service bandwidth, doubling capacity to support advanced network applications like AI data center networking, content delivery networks, and financial data hub connections.

    Buddy Bayer, Chief Operating Officer of Colt Technology Services, said: “Pushing the boundaries of technology innovation is a fundamental part of our customer commitment: it means we stay a step ahead of the market, so we’re ready when our customers ask, “What’s next for us?” This trial has seen us build a powerful industry collaboration to explore the ‘what’s next?’. It’s tested the limits of infrastructure performance and capability across thousands of miles of land and sea with incredible networking technologies, and it’s demonstrated the power and potential of what can be achieved, without skipping a beat.”

    Joe Scattareggia, President of Windstream Wholesale, said: “Our latest innovation represents a true game-changer for global connectivity. By partnering with two extraordinary leaders in the industry, we’re enabling unprecedented bandwidth capabilities that are essential for driving AI-powered applications worldwide for our customers. As an optical technology leader, Windstream Wholesale and our partners are establishing 800GbE as the next evolutionary advancement increase for wave services. This collaboration has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible, creating a network solution like no other. Together, we’re not just meeting the demands of the future—we’re shaping it.”

    Federico Guillén, President of Network Infrastructure at Nokia, said: “Such an ambitious project — to link two of the world’s most important financial hubs — sets the bar very high for network capacity, speed, security and reliability. This demonstration would simply not have been possible without the commitment of Nokia and our partners to the highest standards of innovation in networking technology. Together, we are redefining the art of the possible for IP and optical networks enabling cross-continental subsea and terrestrial communications.”

    Following the successful completion of the trial, the organizations are currently exploring options to bring 800GbE connectivity services to market for global business customers.

    Resources and additional information 
    Webpage: Nokia PSE-6s
    Webpage: Nokia Optical Networks

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.  

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Colt Technology Services

    Colt Technology Services (Colt) is a global digital infrastructure company which creates extraordinary connections to help businesses succeed. Powered by amazing people and like-minded partners, Colt is driven by its purpose: to put the power of the digital universe in the hands of its customers, wherever, whenever and however they choose.
    Since 1992, Colt has set itself apart through its deep commitment to its customers, growing from its heritage in the City of London to a global business spanning 40+ countries, with over 6,000 employees and more than 80 offices around the world. Colt’s customers benefit from expansive digital infrastructure connecting 32,000 buildings across 230 cities, more than 50 Metropolitan Area Networks and 250+ Points of Presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North America’s largest business hubs.

    Privately owned, Colt is one of the most financially sound companies in the sector. Obsessed with delivering industry-leading customer experience, Colt is guided by its dedication to customer innovation, by its values and its responsibility to its customers, partners, people and the planet.

    For more information, please visit http://www.colt.net

    About Windstream Wholesale

    Windstream Wholesale is an innovative optical technology leader that delivers fast, flexible, and customized wavelength and dark fiber solutions to carriers, content providers, and hyperscalers in the U.S. and Canada. Windstream Wholesale is one of three brands managed by Windstream. The company’s quality-first approach connects customers to new opportunities and possibilities by delivering a full suite of advanced communications services. Windstream also offers fiber-based broadband to residential and small business customers in 18 states as well as managed cloud communications and security services to mid-to-large enterprises and government entities across the U.S. Windstream is a privately held company headquartered in Little Rock, Ark. Additional information about Windstream Wholesale is available at windstreamwholesale.com. Follow us on X (Twitter) @Windstream and LinkedIn at @Windstream.

    To view the Windstream Wholesale network map, visit https://www.windstreamwholesale.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Windstream-Wholesale-National-Network.pdf

    Media inquiries

    Nokia
    Sarah Miller
    Phone: 613-720-9716
    Email: sarah.miller@nokia.com

    Colt
    Anne Amlot
    Email: Anne.Amlot@colt.net

    Windstream
    Scott Morris
    Phone: 501-748-5342
    Email: scott.l.morris@windstream.com

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    October 14, 2024

    Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    October 14, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak held a meeting on the current economic situation

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a meeting within the framework of the incident on the current situation in the economy. The event was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Labor, the Bank of Russia, as well as the scientific and expert community.

    “Overall, our economy is developing better than expected: GDP growth for the first eight months of this year was 4.2%, industrial production – 4.5%, including manufacturing – 8.1%. The unemployment rate remains at historical lows and was 2.4% in January – August,” noted Alexander Novak.

    The meeting examined the main development trends and possible risks for the Russian economy, taking into account the task of forming a supply-side economy and the need to achieve national goals.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52989/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces record-breaking £100m investment deals for Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor announces record investment deals in London so far in 2024 despite global economic downturn and uncertainty
    • In 10 months, London has already seen nearly £10m more invested than in previous years
    • Three tech businesses that Sadiq met in New York announce further investment plans in the capital
    • International investment across the capital has created nearly 10,000 jobs for Londoners in industries of the future such as technology, life sciences, and the green sector in the last five years
    • The Mayor is attending the International Investment Summit bringing together policymakers and business leaders, as the Government drives forward its national mission for growth

    Today, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced record-breaking investment deals worth more than £100million for Londoners so far in 2024 – bucking the global trend – as he attends the Government’s first International Investment Summit to drive forward the national mission for economic growth.

    The Mayor has confirmed that three tech businesses whom he met on his recent trip to New York to bang the drum for London have further plans to invest in the capital. Indian IT giant Mphasis, which opened a new London office in September – has expanded its UK presence over the past year and will look to double its business over the next three years. Constant Contact, a digital marketing and automation platform that has helped millions of small businesses and nonprofits globally, will announce its official launch into the UK in the coming weeks. Financial technology company MoonPay, which builds payment infrastructure for crypto, is working with London & Partners as they look to invest and expand further in the capital.

    The deals done in partnership with London & Partners, the growth agency funded by the Mayor of London, have seen companies from China, Europe, India, and the US invest in the capital in the last five years, with 543 companies creating nearly 10,000 jobs for Londoners in industries of the future such as technology, life sciences, and the green sector.

    This year has so far seen more than £100m in investment deals for Londoners at a time of global economic downturn and uncertainty. In 10 months, London has already seen nearly £10m more invested than in previous years. This includes companies such as Recursion – a US biotech company that uses advanced technology like machine learning and robotics to speed up the discovery of new treatments for complex diseases – opening a new office in the ‘Knowledge Quarter’ in King’s Cross, joining Microsoft and Google DeepMind in rapidly expanding the fast-growing life sciences sector.

    One of the Mayor’s 10 key priorities is the new London Growth Plan, with a target of helping to create more than 150,000 good jobs by 2028 and increasing living standards for Londoners. The new growth plan aims to grow London’s economy, so we can improve the lives of all Londoners, drive London’s green transition and support prosperity in London and across the country. Sadiq is also investing £380m a year into skills, careers, and employment activity to ensure that Londoners get the skills and support that they need to progress into good quality jobs. Grow London Local is a free service supported by the Mayor of London giving small businesses access to in-person and digital support to help grow.  

    Today’s International Investment Summit marks a key moment for Mayors and other leaders who were held back by the previous government to work hand-in-hand with the new Government. Sadiq will work in partnership with the new Government to drive forward investment in the capital, promoting London as one of the world’s best cities in which to invest and do business, and to deliver the change London deserves, helping to create more well-paid jobs and opportunities for Londoners.

    Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I’m proud that in 10 months London has already had a record-breaking year for investments – proving that our city is one of the best in the world to start and scale a business. My message is that London is open: open to business, open to investment, and open to new and fruitful partnerships.

    “London is home to fast-growing sectors at the innovation frontier like life sciences, AI, deep tech and climate tech, as well as a world leader in financial and professional services, digital technology and creative industries like film, TV and gaming, and the experience economy.

    “I am delighted to be attending the International Investment Summit, as we work with the new government to forge new partnerships, reset relationships and seize the opportunity to secure the long-term investment for London and continue building a better and more prosperous city for everyone.”

    Laura Citron OBE, CEO of London & Partners, the growth agency funded by the Mayor of London, said: “We all know that London is a brilliant place to grow a business. But with competition from other cities hotting up, we can’t just expect investors to come here.

    “That’s why we’re out fighting for every win. We target the most exciting, innovative companies and give them a world-class concierge service to invest in London.

    “We hold their hands every step of the way. That’s why London is bucking the global trend with record levels of investment despite a tough market.” 

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Mayors up and down the country are working with us on our pro-growth, pro-business, pro-worker economy and these investment deals in London are the jewel in the crown.

    “This is just the beginning. We’re showing what can be achieved when we work together to give global businesses the certainty they need.”

    Nitin Rakesh, CEO and Managing Director, Mphasis, said: “We are thrilled to expand our operations in London, a city that aligns with our vision of innovation and growth. We extend our sincere thanks to Mayor Sadiq Khan and the supportive London ecosystem for their constant support.

    “London, a global hotbed for technology development is an ideal location for Mphasis’ latest innovation centre. Our centre highlights Mphasis’ commitment to delivering cutting-edge, AI-powered threat detection and response services for our clients. We look forward to strengthening partnerships and driving impactful innovation from this hub.”

    Keith A. Grossman, President of Enterprise at MoonPay, said: “The UK is well-positioned to drive innovation in Web3 and fintech. Since opening our flagship office in London this July, we’ve been impressed by the city’s exceptional talent pool and the support from partners like London & Partners and Mayor Sadiq Khan. We’re eager to expand our team in the area and expect to have over 100 employees by next year.”

    Frank Vella, CEO of Constant Contact said, “Small business has long been the engine that drives the economy, and London has long been a hub for small business innovation. We are proud to support this entrepreneurial spirit. By investing in London and the UK, we aim to empower small businesses with the tools and resources they need to market their businesses online, helping them reach new heights and contribute to the growth of local communities. Our commitment is to fuel their potential and foster a robust ecosystem where small businesses can succeed.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kids Invent Stuff and Taskmaster Education competition

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Intellectual Property Office partners with Kids Invent Stuff and Taskmaster Education to launch nationwide competition for young innovators.

    • the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is supporting Taskmaster Education and Kids Invent Stuff to launch a new invention competition for UK children aged 4 to 11 nationwide
    • the competition aims to encourage innovation and creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and promote understanding of idea ownership among young people
    • the challenge is to create an invention to help Little Alex Horne be the best Taskmaster’s Assistant. The winning entry will be built by Kids Invent Stuff and tested by Little Alex Horne at the Taskmaster House
    • the winning invention will be revealed during British Science Week in March 2025

    The Intellectual Property Office has joined forces with Taskmaster Education and Kids Invent Stuff to launch an exciting invention competition for children aged 4 to 11 nationwide.

    The competition challenges young minds to create an invention to help Little Alex Horne become the best Taskmaster’s Assistant ever. Children will create inventions to improve Alex’s performance as Greg Davies’ assistant on the BAFTA-winning TV show Taskmaster. The winning invention will be brought to life by Kids Invent Stuff and tested by Little Alex Horne at the Taskmaster House.

    The IPO is helping bring the competition to all corners of the UK. The competition aims to encourage creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and nurture an understanding of the ownership of ideas among the UK’s budding young inventors and creators.

    The IPO’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Adam Williams said:

    The IPO is delighted to be working with supporters of young innovation to inspire the next generation of UK inventors. It’s great to see a competition for young people that looks to celebrate and develop innovation skills, and I can’t wait to see the ingenious and no doubt pretty wacky and wonderful ideas it will bring.

    Young people are fantastic creators and innovators, and this nationwide competition combines entertainment, education, and innovation brilliantly. This exciting venture will encourage them to develop their skills and understanding from an early age, impressing on them the importance of IP in protecting their ideas in a challenging and fun way.

    Ruth Amos, Inventor & Director at Kids Invent Stuff said:

    We are thrilled to be working with Taskmaster Education and the IPO on this very exciting challenge. At Kids Invent Stuff, we believe that every child is an inventor, so to be able to bring to life an idea in the Taskmaster House is a dream come true. We can’t wait to see the entries and build the winning invention.

    Dr Ali Struthers, Co-Founder of Taskmaster Education said:

    We’re so excited to be partnering with the brilliant YouTube channel, Kids Invent Stuff, and the IPO in this exciting venture. Our noble quest is to make Little Alex Horne the best Taskmaster’s Assistant he can possibly be. We can’t wait to see what the kids come up with (the wackier, the better, we think) and then watch as Ruth and Shawn bring it to life. We’re sure Alex is going to have lots of fun giving the invention a whirl at the Taskmaster House.

    Little Alex Horne said:

    It’s brilliant that Taskmaster Education have teamed up with Kids Invent Stuff and the IPO to give children the chance to bring their invention ideas to life. Kids Invent Stuff and Taskmaster Education have similar goals, to make learning really fun and exciting, so we’d encourage entrants to think big and be creative. I can’t wait to road test the winning entry at the Taskmaster House (as long as I don’t get injured in the process…).

    Entries can be drawings, pictures, or videos showcasing the children’s most imaginative ideas. The competition welcomes entries from both individuals and from groups.

    The winner will see their invention brought to life by Ruth Amos and Shawn Brown, the engineering experts behind the Kids Invent Stuff YouTube channel. With an audience reaching around 70,000 subscribers, the channel is known for turning children’s creative ideas into real inventions.

    The deadline for entries is Friday, 13 December 2024. The winning invention will be revealed during British Science Week in March 2025.

    For more information and competition resources, visit Cracking Ideas.

    Notes to editors:

    • Taskmaster Education adapts the format of Channel 4’s Taskmaster to create fun and educational experiences for children and young people. In the show, the Taskmaster and his assistant Little Alex Horne challenge comedians with creative tasks. Taskmaster Education uses similar activities to develop important skills in children. These skills include problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. Taskmaster Education provides a flexible and engaging way to inspire learning in classrooms and beyond
    • schools can set up their own Taskmaster Club for pupils. This allows children to try more tasks while developing important life skills. These skills include teamwork, creativity, and reasoning. The Club series that includes the Kids Invent Stuff task is called ‘Bathtub’. To find out more, visit the Taskmaster Education website
    • Kids Invent Stuff is an innovative YouTube channel that brings young people’s inventions to life. Founded by engineers Ruth and Shawn, Kids Invent Stuff offers children aged 4 to 11 the opportunity to see their creative ideas transformed into reality. To find out more visit the Kids Invent Stuff website
    • the IPO has curated a YouTube playlist showcasing the incredible inventions from past IPO and Kids Invent Stuff competitions

    The competition is open to UK residents aged 4 to 11. Competition terms and conditions apply

    How to Enter:

    1. Visit Cracking Ideas to access the competition resources.
    2. Download the competition worksheet from the competition webpage.
    3. Design your invention and give it a catchy, creative name.
    4. Describe how it works and its amazing features.
    5. Write your name and age on the worksheet
    6. Provide an adult’s full name, email address, and town/city location.
    7. Submit your entry by either:

    • emailing to hello@kidsinventstuff.co.uk

    • uploading at kidsinventstuff.com/submit-your-invention

    • posting to: FAO Ruth Amos, Kids Invent Stuff, Alison Business Centre, 39-40 Alison Crescent, Sheffield, England, S2 1AS

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Enlight Announces the Full Commencement of Commercial Operation of the Solar & Storage Cluster in Israel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Cluster includes 12 facilities, with a combined solar generation capacity of 254 MW and energy storage capacity of 594 MWh, and produces over 50% of the clean electricity in Israel’s newly deregulated power market

    Distributed generation facilities located in northern and southern Israel strengthen the energy and economic security of the agricultural communities involved in the Cluster

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy (“Enlight”, “the Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading renewable energy platform, announces that it has completed the COD of its Solar and Storage Cluster (“the Cluster”) in Israel. The Cluster is comprised of 12 installations located in the northern and southern regions of the country, with a combined solar generation capacity of 254 MW and energy storage capacity of 594 MWh. Portions of the Cluster began commercial operation in 2023 and grid connections continued throughout 2024; this gradual COD process has been completed today.

    The entire output of the Cluster will be sold to Enlight’s supplier division, which markets the electricity direct to customers in Israel’s newly deregulated power market. This includes signing corporate PPAs with large industrial clients such as Soda Stream and Applied Materials, as well as sales to households and small businesses through a joint venture with Electra Power, in which Enlight owns a 35% stake. The Cluster’s generation volumes currently account for 50% of all clean power produced under the new regulatory framework.1

    The Cluster is expected to generate revenue of $34-36 million and EBITDA of $24-26 million in the first full operating year, before taking into account the additional margin generated by Enlight’s supplier division. The transition to a deregulated electricity market combined with the low production costs of renewable energy enables the Company to provide its customers with clean power at competitive prices, while at the same time yielding attractive returns for Enlight and its partners. Cluster installations have been built in cooperation with numerous agricultural communities in Israel, and partnership in the projects increases these regions’ energy and economic security.

    Gilad Peled, General Manager of Enlight MENA, commented, “Today we completed the commencement of full commercial operations at the largest group of renewable energy facilities operating in Israel’s deregulated power market. The Cluster will generate attractive returns for Enlight, while creating a stable and vital source of income for our partners in the agricultural communities of Israel.”

    1 Based on Company estimates and publicly available information.

    About Enlight Renewable Energy

    Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at http://www.enlightenergy.co.il.

    Contacts:

    Yonah Weisz
    Director IR
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    +1 617 542 6180
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; the potential impact of the current conflicts in Israel on our operations and financial condition and Company actions designed to mitigate such impact; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, tariffs, sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

    These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Radware Reports Results of 2024 Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, today announced the results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held October 10, 2024. The Company presented three proposals for the shareholders to vote on at the meeting, of which one proposal (to approve grants of equity-based awards to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company) was not adopted by the requisite shareholder vote. The two other proposals voted on at the Annual General Meeting were adopted by the requisite shareholder vote.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, YouTube, and Radware Mobile for iOS.

    ©2024 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Contacts
    Investor Relations:
    Yisca Erez, +972-72-3917211, ir@radware.com

    Media Contacts:
    Gerri Dyrek, gerri.dyrek@radware.com

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and the tensions between China and Taiwan; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; a shortage of components or manufacturing capacity could cause a delay in our ability to fulfill orders or increase our manufacturing costs; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cyber security and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; our net losses in the past two years and possibility we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cyber security and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at http://www.radware.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement cement partnership to support youth entrepreneurship in Africa

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 14, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) on Friday announced they would renew their joint efforts to catalyse resources to boost entrepreneurship in Africa as a crucial driver of economic development, tackling unemployment and reducing inequality.

    African Development Bank President Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina and Agence Française de Développement Chief Executive Officer Rémy Rioux signed a letter of intent on behalf of their institutions following a meeting in Abidjan, home to the Bank’s headquarters.

    Through its Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEB) initiative, the African Development Bank is providing an ecosystem and entrepreneurial services, promoting inclusive, private sector-led economic growth, and creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs. The Agence Française de Développement’s Choose Africa 2 program (http://apo-opa.co/3NqMq7a), seeks to deepen its impact by fostering public policy dialogue, supporting governments in creating a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurship development, and addressing the technical and financial support needs of entrepreneurs.

    Together, the organisations through these initiatives and others, will collaborate closely to support and advocate for entrepreneurship in Africa and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems.

    Noting the challenge of transforming the demographic dividend of Africa’s over 400 million youth into economic dividends, Adesina said he was fully satisfied with the cooperation with AFD “which testifies to our commitment to job creation for the continent of Africa.”

    “We will be putting our risk capital to the benefit of youth. The greatest risk is not investing in youth. The future of Africa is in on the continent,” Adesina said.

    Remy Rioux said it was imperative to emphasise the economic welfare of African youth to avoid the pitfalls of economic migration. “Every year 20 million youth – the population of Senegal – join the workforce in Africa,” he noted. He commended the work of the African Development Bank, especially the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative which has made “spectacular achievements by financing women,” he said. Under partnership between Choose Africa 2 and the African Development Bank’s youth investment banks AFD is developing instruments that will benefit and create opportunities for youth in Cote d’Ivoire, Benin and Togo, Rioux said.

    Rioux was accompanied by AFD’s Director of Cabinet Tristan Mouline, Lionel Yondo, Regional Director for the Gulf of Guinea, Adrien Haye, director of the Cote d’Ivoire office and Noor Mountassir, Côte d’Ivoire country office head. From the African Development Bank, Dr Adesina was accompanied by members of the senior management team. Jerome Bertrand-Hardy, who has been seconded to the Bank from AFD, also attended.                                                                             

    Africa is home to the youngest population in the world with over 60% of people on the continent below 25 years. The youth population dynamic is fueling the rise of youth-led businesses but, significant hurdles remain. Africa’s finance gap for Small and Medium Enterprises stands at $ 331billion, with over half of the MSMEs unable to access the credit they need for growth and sustainability.

    MIL OSI Africa –