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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Teams connect with minority families

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Kiran Fatima, who is of Pakistani descent, speaks a number of Pakistani languages – namely Urdu, Punjabi and Pashto – as well as English and some Cantonese.

    Her knowledge of different languages helps her in her role as a member of the Ethnic Minority (EM) Care Team at the LINK Centre, one of the support service centres for ethnic minorities commissioned by the Government.

    The establishment of EM Care Teams was announced in last year’s Policy Address, with each of the support service centres being tasked with setting up its own team. Eight teams were launched in July of this year, and each team is expected to assist at least 500 ethnic minority households annually through home visits or outreach activities.

    Community support

    Miss Fatima explained that after establishing contact with families through community networks, as well as referrals from the District Services & Community Care Teams (District Care Teams), the EM Care Teams visit ethnic minority households to connect with them, offer assistance, and disseminate important government messages. “A recent example is dissemination of the latest information on Typhoon Yagi to remind ethnic minorities to take precautionary measures.”

    As EM Care Team members often speak the same languages and share similar cultural backgrounds to the ethnic minority families they visit, Miss Fatima believes they are well equipped to understand the needs of such households. Besides providing information about public services, welfare and medical services, and the services offered by District Care Teams and the support service centres for ethnic minorities, they can assist in referring cases to government departments or other organisations for follow-up, she added.

    Tailored services
    Mohammad Bilal, a father of four, has faced challenges as a parent, not least in relation to his youngest daughter’s behaviour. “It is hard for me and my wife to understand school problems like the kids’ homework and the kids’ school notices. I cannot help them,” he said. 

    After the family reached out to the LINK Centre, they were visited by its EM Care Team, whose members now help with translations of homework assignments and school notices. The team has also arranged play therapy sessions for his daughter at the centre.

    “My wife also attended some parenting workshops offered by the LINK Centre, which were in English and designed to meet the needs of ethnic minorities,” Mr Bilal recounted, adding that the family were thankful to have received assistance from the centre in applying for the Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong & Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens).

    Outreach efforts

    LINK Centre person-in-charge Ann Tam revealed that the centre’s EM Care Team is led by one social worker and three programme workers who are all familiar with ethnic minority languages and cultures. It also recruits ethnic minorities as volunteers, and provides basic training for them in areas such as how to conduct effective home visits.

    Miss Tam explained that the care team’s services are promoted at street booths and through visits to places where ethnic minorities gather. “We work closely with the District Offices and District Care Teams,” she added. “Whenever the District Care Teams encounter problems or difficulties when serving ethnic minorities, they could refer the cases to us for further follow-up.”

    More service centres

    Excluding foreign domestic helpers, around 300,000 people from ethnic minority groups currently reside in Hong Kong. The Home Affairs Department has adopted a multi-pronged approach to supporting their integration into the community.

    Assistant Director of Home Affairs Wilson Kwong outlined that the department provides a variety of services for ethnic minorities through the eight support service centres. These services include language classes, integration programmes, counselling services, referral services, and more.

    One of the eight centres, the CHEER Centre in Kwun Tong, also provides instant telephone translation services in eight minority languages to facilitate access to public services. “These centres provide services to over 100,000 service recipients every year, and we will set up two more centres by the end of this year. One is in Kowloon Central and the other one is in New Territories East, bringing the total number of centres to 10.”

    Mr Kwong added that the department has regularised the enhanced services to youth and newly arrived ethnic minorities. It will also continue to implement the “District-based Programme for Racial Harmony”, which includes organising activities at the district level to facilitate communication and interaction between ethnic minorities and the wider community.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra funding committed to support Holocaust Memorial Day

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Government has announced additional funding to support Holocaust Memorial Day 2025.

    • The Government has announced additional funding to support Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
    • 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, with many Holocaust survivors expected to attend the national ceremony
    • Funding reflects the Government’s aim that the national commemorations should be seen by an audience of millions

    The Government has announced additional funding for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to support the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

    Holocaust Memorial Day, marked each year on January 27th, is a day of reflection, remembrance, and education.

    2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, which will be a particularly poignant occasion, highlighting the significance of remembering the atrocities of the past while fostering a future of understanding and unity.

    Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, sending a strong reminder that hatred and intolerance have continued long after the Holocaust.

    Faith Minister Lord Khan said:

    We are absolutely committed to ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. The 80th anniversary is a time for deep reflection, and to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis.

    This funding will enable the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to stage an event and ensure it is broadcast to millions – matching the significance of the moment. It will enable communities across the country to take part in this moment for reflection – and to hear directly from survivors who can bear witness to the appalling crimes committed by the Nazis.

    The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s Chief Executive, Olivia Marks-Woldman, said:

    We are delighted that the Government’s commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day Trust means that we can reach even further in this significant year. The Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 commemorations will be engaging millions of people across the UK, in local communities, on social and traditional media, and at the UK Ceremony.

    Please join us in January to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia – to learn from the past, for a better future.

    The additional funds will help facilitate broadcasting the event, broadening access to people across the country for commemoration and reflection.

    Last month, in his speech to the Holocaust Education Trust, the Prime Minister set out a new “national ambition” to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to hear recorded Holocaust survivor testimony.

    Ahead of its curriculum review, the Government has also committed to ensure that the Holocaust remains on the curriculum and that state schools which are not currently required to follow the national curriculum also teach the Holocaust.

    Notes to editors:

    • The additional funding of £80,000 is in addition to an annual grant of £900,000 given to HMDT – totalling £980,000 this year – which is provided for the annual ceremony and for support for thousands of local activities up and down the country to remember the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

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    Published 13 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Laos witness new landmark of friendship, ready to reap more fruits

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attend the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    VIENTIANE, Oct. 12 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Saturday attended here the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building, pledging to reap more fruits in the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future.

    Li extended warm congratulations on the successful completion of the Mahosot General Hospital building, noting that builders from both countries have worked together to overcome difficulties and complete various tasks with quality and quantity assured throughout the construction.

    Mahosot General Hospital has become the largest in scale, most comprehensive in functions, and best equipped modern comprehensive hospital and medical teaching base in Laos, Li said.

    It has played an important role in improving local medical conditions and enhancing the technical skills of medical staff, which has truly benefited the people of Laos and also witnessed the enduring and increasingly strong friendship between China and Laos, Li said.

    Noting that Mahosot General Hospital is an important achievement of China-Laos high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, the two countries have closely focused on building a community with a shared future with high standards, high quality, and high level.

    The two countries have continued to strengthen the synergy of development strategies, deepen practical cooperation, and work hard to complete a number of important infrastructure projects, injecting strong impetus into the economic construction and improvement of people’s livelihood in both countries, Li said.

    Faced with the current complex and turbulent international situation, China is willing to always stand closely with Laos, work together and move forward side by side, to promote China-Laos cooperation to new heights and greater achievements, Li said.

    For his part, Sonexay said that the hospital is a significant livelihood project, with its foundation stone jointly laid by the top leaders of the two parties and countries. It has played an important role in improving medical conditions and safeguarding the health of the Lao people, becoming a landmark project of Lao-Chinese traditional friendship and cooperation.

    Laos appreciates China’s long-term strong support for Laos’ economic and social development and valuable assistance in improving people’s livelihood, and is willing to work with China to strengthen all-round cooperation and push for more fruitful results in the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future, Sonexay said.

    Nearly 200 representatives from the governments of the two countries, construction companies, and medical staff of Mahosot Hospital attended the ceremony.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone attend the inauguration ceremony of the China-aided Mahosot General Hospital building in Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China to promote high-quality, high-level cooperation with Vietnam — Premier Li

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    HANOI, Oct. 12 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Saturday that China stands ready to promote high-quality and high-level cooperation in various fields with Vietnam.

    China is willing to continue to make bigger the pie of economic and trade cooperation with Vietnam, said Li when meeting with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president.

    Li conveyed the cordial greetings of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, to To Lam, saying that in August this year, the top leaders of the two parties and countries held a meeting in Beijing and made a strategic plan for promoting the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future, which charted the course for the development of bilateral relations.

    He said that China is willing to work with Vietnam to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance strategic communication, deepen solidarity and coordination, and firmly promote the building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

    Li pointed out that China stands ready to solidify the six major goals of greater political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer multilateral coordination and collaboration, and more proper management of differences.

    It is hoped that the two sides will simultaneously promote the “hard connectivity” of railway, expressway and port infrastructure and the “soft connectivity” of smart customs to provide solid support for improving the facilitation of trade and investment and safeguarding the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, Li said.

    He said China is willing to work with Vietnam to actively study the pilot construction of cross-border economic cooperation zones, expand cooperation in emerging fields such as information technology, new energy, digital economy, and important minerals, and deepen cultural exchanges.

    China stands ready to carry out cooperation under the three major global initiatives, jointly promote the building of an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and maintain and promote prosperity and tranquility in Asia, Li added.

    For his part, To Lam asked Li to convey his sincere greetings to Xi, and warmly congratulated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    He said the party and the government of Vietnam have always attached great importance to developing relations with China, and have always regarded relations with China as a strategic choice and top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

    The Vietnamese side will firmly follow the path jointly set by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, adhering to the six major goals, to deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and promote the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

    He said Vietnam firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly opposes all forms of “Taiwan independence” separatist activities, adding that Vietnam is willing to take the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year as an opportunity to maintain regular high-level exchanges, strengthen exchanges between parties, legislatures and civil societies, deepen practical cooperation on trade, investment, finance, agriculture and local governments, and hold the Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges to consolidate the popular support of the two countries.

    Vietnam supports the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives, he said, adding that his country is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China within multilateral frameworks, so as to make greater contributions to promoting regional and world peace and prosperity.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Vietnamese president, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees new trend in booming cultural, tourism consumption

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 12 — With neon lights sparkling against the night sky, a group of models, clad in vibrantly colored and intricately crafted costumes of ethnic minorities, sauntered down the catwalk, each step met with raucous applause.

    This fashion show featuring intangible cultural heritage is the first of its kind held on Qilou Old Street, a national historical and cultural street in Haikou, Hainan Province, south China.

    Both professional and amateur models walked the show, including Pan Yuzhen, in her seventies, a well-known inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Miao embroidery of the Miao ethnic group who had been a guest on the fashion stage in London and Paris.

    “This is my first time in Haikou, and I like it very much,” said Pan, adding that she was happy to have the opportunity to promote the intangible cultural heritage of her people.

    The performance, which integrated tradition with modernity, serves as a microcosm of how localities explored creative approaches to better meet the surging cultural and tourism demand during the National Day holiday ending earlier this week.

    Official data showed that 765 million domestic trips were made during the just-concluded holiday, up 5.9 percent year on year, with total tourist spending rising 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.1 billion U.S. dollars).

    People’s interest in traditional cultural attractions was reflected in the travel boom, with many flocking to historical sites over the vacation period. During the week-long holiday, the demand for taxi services to tourist attractions like ancient cities and towns soared by 111 percent compared to the pre-holiday period, according to data from Didi Chuxing, a popular ride-hailing platform in China.

    With multiple scenic spots featured in the Chinese hit video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” north China’s Shanxi province was experiencing a boom in tourists even before the holiday kicked off.

    In response to the travel peak, the local government and businesses intensified efforts to provide better services for all visitors. “Many local temples that were not accessible for hundreds of years are open to the public this time,” said a travel vlogger in her video on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

    As treasure troves of history and culture, museums have also been gaining popularity among the Chinese in recent years, with 1.29 billion visits to nationwide museums in 2023, surpassing the figures of previous years, data from Chinese authorities revealed.

    Aside from traditional hotspots, lower-profile cities and counties started to rank among the top travel destinations, as an increasing number of people, especially the youth from first-tier cities, prefer to spend their leisure time in less crowded areas.

    Data from Ctrip, a leading online travel agency, noted that tourism orders to counties during the National Day holiday grew by 20 percent compared to the same period last year.

    While venturing to different places, many tourists picked up cultural and creative products as mementos of their trips, and more thoughtfully designed items have started to make their way to market.

    This summer, a plush toy modeled after roujiamo, which is sometimes called the “Chinese hamburger,” went viral among visitors to Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi province. A purchase was combined with learning to make this local street food, which has been hailed as a new, enticing experience. The toy has proved popular far and wide, with more than 10,000 orders made within three months, with people living as far away as New York and Sydney managing to snag one.

    Such consumption frenzy is evident across various cultural activities, including movies, concerts, music festivals and sporting events, with many willing to travel long distances for the experience.

    Mo Zhenqi, from south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, took his child to Rongjiang County, the birthplace of the Guizhou Village Super League, also known as “Cun Chao” in southwest China’s Guizhou Province. They came to watch friendly soccer matches featuring international players from countries including Brazil. He felt “extremely excited” about the fierce competition on the field, the wonderful song and dance performance, and the enthusiastic atmosphere.

    Tourists like Mo revved up the county’s holiday economy, as the holiday week witnessed nearly 500,000 trips to Rongjiang County, with over 600 million yuan in tourism revenue, an increase of nearly 22 percent year on year.

    “The booming cultural and tourism industry could play a more important part in upgrading the economy, boosting consumption, and meeting people’s needs for a better life,” said Miao Muyang, an official with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Silk Road arts festival brings global artists to northwest China’s Shaanxi

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

    XI’AN, Oct. 12 — An international arts festival opened on Saturday in the historic city of Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, attracting artists to showcase their performances in an international arena.

    The 10th Silk Road International Arts Festival, which is hosted by the provincial government of Shaanxi and will run until Nov. 10, has attracted artists from 15 countries and regions, according to the organizer of the event.

    During the festival, 63 performances are scheduled to be staged. A series of activities will also take place during the festival, including shows and exhibitions.

    The first Silk Road International Arts Festival was held in 2014.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rio Tinto class action begins over ‘toxic’ Bougainville mine disaster

    By Harry Pearl of BenarNews

    An initial hearing of a class action against mining giant Rio Tinto over the toxic legacy of the Panguna copper mine on the autonomous island of Bougainville has been held in Papua New Guinea.

    The lawsuit against Rio Tinto and its subsidiary Bougainville Copper Limited (BCL) is seeking compensation, expected to be in the billions of dollars, for what plaintiffs allege is historic mismanagement of the massive open copper-and-gold mine between 1972 and 1989.

    More than 5000 claimants backed by anonymous investors are seeking damages for the destruction that sparked a 10-year-long civil war.

    The Panguna mine closed in 1989 after anger about pollution and the unequal distribution of profits sparked a landowner rebellion. As many as 20,000 people — or 10 percent of Bougainville’s population — are estimated to have died in the violence that followed between pro-inependence rebels and PNG.

    Although a peace process was brokered in 2001 with New Zealand support, deep political divisions remain and there has never been remediation for Panguna’s environmental and psychological scars.

    The initial hearing for the lawsuit took place on Wednesday, a day ahead of schedule, at the National Court in Port Moresby, said Matthew Mennilli, a partner at Sydney-based Morris Mennilli.

    Mennilli, who is from one of two law firms acting on behalf of the plaintiffs, said he was unable to provide further details as court orders had not yet been formally entered.

    A defence submitted
    Rio Tinto did not respond to specific questions regarding this week’s hearing, but said in a statement on September 23 it had submitted a defence and would strongly defend its position in the case.

    The lawsuit is made up by the majority of villagers in the affected area of Bougainville, an autonomous province within PNG, situated some 800km east of the capital Port Moresby.

    Martin Miriori, the primary litigant in the class action lawsuit, photographed in Bougainville, June 2024. Image: Aubrey Belford/OCCRP

    At least 71 local clan leaders support the claim, with the lead claimant named as former senior Bougainville political leader and chief of the Basking Taingku clan Martin Miriori.

    The lawsuit is being bankrolled by Panguna Mine Action, a limited liability company that stands to reap between 20-40 percent of any payout depending on how long the case takes, according to litigation funding documents cited by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.

    While the lawsuit has support from a large number of local villagers, some observers fear it could upset social cohesion on Bougainville and potentially derail another long-standing remediation effort.

    The class action is running in parallel with an independent assessment of the mine’s legacy, supported by human rights groups and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), and funded by Rio Tinto.

    Locals walk by buildings left abandoned by a subsidiary of Rio Tinto at the Panguna mine site, Bougainville taken June 2024. Image: Aubrey Belford/OCCRP

    Rio Tinto agreed in 2021 to take part in the Panguna Mine Legacy Impact Assessment after the Melbourne-based Human Rights Law Centre filed a complaint with the Australian government, on behalf of Bougainville residents.

    Legacy of destruction
    The group said the Anglo-Australian mining giant has failed to address Panguna’s legacy of destruction, including the alleged dumping of more than a billion tonnes of mine waste into rivers that continues to affect health, the environment and livelihoods.

    The assessment, which is being done by environmental consulting firm Tetra Tech Coffey, includes extensive consultation with local communities and the first phase of the evaluation is expected to be delivered next month.

    ABG President Ishmael Toroama has called the Rio Tinto class action the highest form of treason and an obstacle to the government’s economic independence agenda.

    “This class action is an attack on Bougainville’s hard-fought unity to date,” he said in May.

    In February, the autonomous government granted Australian-listed Bougainville Copper a five-year exploration licence to revive the Panguna mine site.

    The Bougainville government is hoping its reopening will fund independence. In a non-binding 2019 referendum — which was part of the 2001 peace agreement — 97.7 percent of the island’s inhabitants voted for independence.

    PNG leaders resist independence
    But PNG leaders have resisted the result, fearful that by granting independence it could encourage breakaway movements in other regions of the volatile Pacific island country.

    Former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae was appointed last month as an independent moderator to help the two parties agree on terms of a parliamentary vote needed to ratify the referendum.

    In response to the class action, Rio Tinto said last month its focus remained on “constructive engagement and meaningful action with local stakeholders” through the legacy assessment.

    The company said it was “seeking to partner with key stakeholders, such as the ABG and BCL, to design and implement a remedy framework.”

    Copyright ©2015-2024, BenarNews. Republished with the permission of BenarNews.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xizang former political advisor sentenced to death with reprieve for bribery

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Jiang Jie, a former senior political advisor of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, was convicted of bribery and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve.
    The verdict was handed down by the Tianjin First Intermediate People’s Court on Saturday. Jiang was a member of the leading Party members group of the Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice chairman of the committee.
    Jiang was found to have exploited his positions in both east China’s Shandong Province and Xizang to provide improper assistance to relevant units and individuals regarding administrative approvals, project contracts, land sales and job promotions.
    In return, he accepted money and valuables worth over 225 million yuan (approximately 31.8 million U.S. dollars), according to court documents.
    He received a reprieve from an immediate death sentence due to his voluntary disclosure of previously undiscovered facts related to the bribery cases, his admission of guilt and his expression of remorse. Additionally, most of his illicit gains and their proceeds have been recovered, said the court. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of The 19th East Asia Summit (EAS)

    Source: ASEAN

    The 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) was held on 11 October 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The Summit was chaired by H.E. Mr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The Summit was attended by ASEAN Member States, Australia, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Russian Federation, and the United States of America (U.S.), as well as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste as Observer. The Secretary-General of ASEAN was also in attendance. The President of the European Council and Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as Guests of the Chair, briefed the 19 EAS on enhancing connectivity and economic integration.Review and Future Direction of the EAS
    We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening the EAS as a premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia in line with the EAS fundamental documents and based on the established principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of The 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Straterra – Overseas investment changes welcome

    Source: Straterra Inc

    Straterra welcomes the Coalition Government’s proposed changes to the Overseas Investment Act, says chief executive Josie Vidal.
    “Mining is very capital intensive so overseas investment is particularly important to the New Zealand mining sector as a provider of capital that just isn’t available here, as well as in providing access to new expertise, technology, and links to global distribution chains,” Vidal says.
    “We agree with the Government that New Zealand needs to attract more overseas investment.
    “Reducing the regulatory burden to investment in mining and mineral processing will help New Zealand unlock our endowment of critical minerals.
    “We support fast-tracking the assessment process and introducing a government policy statement (GPS) mechanism.
    “We are certainly seeing renewed interest internationally in investing in New Zealand mining and New Zealand was viewed more favourably than in recent years in the Fraser Institute Survey of Mining Companies, which ranks jurisdictions worldwide based on their overall investment attractiveness, the attractiveness of their mining policy, and their geological attractiveness.
    “Enabling governments to signal their policy stance using a GPS has a lot of merit. Because of the long lead time required for mining investments, a cross-party approach for attracting investment is needed – at least as much as is possible. A GPS is preferable to successive government’s making disruptive changes to overseas investment settings.
    “We will scrutinise the proposals and provide feedback to the Government and may have more recommendations to make.”
    Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 12/10/2024 Varsovia Regain control, ensure safety

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    At the heart of our country’s migration policy is caring for the security of Poland – millions of Poles. El primer ministro Donald Tusk announced the adoption of the government strategy “Regain control, ensure security”, the aim of which will be to regain full control over migration and to limit as much as possible the illegal crossing of Polish borders. The Prime Minister also referred to other government obligations implemented in recent months. One of the most important challenges in Poland, Europe and the world is to develop a strong response to the challenges and fears caused by mass migration and migratory pressure driven by hostile states. “Poland is supposed to be safe. Poles should feel free. Safe and free in their country. That’s why our migration policy is so important,” admitted the Prime Minister. The foundations of freedom are the state of law, the rule of law and true democratic rules, which have been consistently destroyed over the last eight years. MIGRATION WAS A TOOL OF FIGHT. Lack of real control and chaos in the previous migration policy. government caused hundreds of thousands of people from Asia and Africa to come to Poland, towards whom an atmosphere of hatred and contempt was created. “They built a partly corrupt system, and now no one has any doubts about it, which allowed for an absolutely uncontrolled influx, partly privatized, hundreds of thousands of formally legal migrants or hundreds of thousands of illegal ones. Was it the Belarusian border, was it the visa system, was it pseudo-studies, was it a completely privatized policy when it comes to the labor market versus migrants,” explained Donald Tusk. Thanks to the actions of the current government, in the first half of 2024 a total of 31 percent fewer visas of all categories compared to the same period in 2023. Their predecessors created the most pro-migration government in Europe, in the context of illegal migration, which had no regard for the security of its nation and EU borders. “One of the elements of the migration strategy will be the temporary territorial suspension of the law for asylum and I will demand that it be recognized in Europe. We know well how it is used by Lukashenko, Putin, by smugglers, smugglers and human traffickers, how this right to asylum is used exactly contrary to its essence,” the prime minister admitted. The current government is making a kind of turn in this matter, distancing itself from the disastrous practices of its predecessors and proposes coherent actions in this area. Migration will not threaten the security of either borders or citizens. MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION Over the last eight years, the Polish state has lost control over the wave of illegal migration, and the influx of immigrants has become a weapon in the political struggle. In the years 2018-2023, Poland issued over 6 million euros of visas, most of which were 3.8 million euros for work visas.  “The state is responsible for ensuring that people who want to work honestly in Poland, pay taxes, integrate with Polish society and study at a real university come to Poland. And these are people who deserve respect, respect. This also means integration activities. If someone wants to come to Poland permanently, work longer, study longer, they must want to respect Polish standards and Polish customs, they must want to integrate. After adopting this strategy, which has also happened in recent months, we will reduce illegal migration in Poland to a minimum. We will eliminate these practices in order to fully regain control over who comes, why they come, and how useful they can be,” said the head of government. A negative example of omitting integration processes is the Germans, who put private interests ahead of the good of society. The government’s tough attitude in line with the national interest will protect Polish women and men from fear and provide them with a sense of security. ACTIONS OF THE MFA In the fight against the huge influx of people from Asia and Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs not only increased the prices of Polish visas, but also introduced new guidelines for Polish consulates, which previous governments used for their own purposes. “What I am saying can be achieved, but on one condition: that Donald Tusk’s government will not have someone constantly putting a stick in its spokes, vetoing it maliciously, sending it to the so-called Tribunal, that it will not block even appointment of Polish ambassadors.” – Radosław Sikorski added to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In its report, the Supreme Audit Office found a number of irregularities in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding, among others: consular activities, visa process or favoring companies, people and agencies. The previous Ministry of Foreign Affairs was indifferent to the threat posed by Russia and from the beginning of aggression against Ukraine until December 2023, it issued over 1.8 thousand to Russian citizens. fenómeno.GREAT RETURN TO THE HOMELANDPolonia, like many European countries, is struggling with the challenge of demographic decline. One of the ways to fight it will be the return of Poles and people with Polish roots to their homeland. “We are planning a policy of accelerated returns of Poles and people of Polish origin from the Polish diaspora and abroad. By building the image of a safe country, Poland is also becoming an attractive place for Poles who can come back here. Why wouldn’t an 18-year-old Polish woman, a 20-year-old Pole living in England, France or the United States want to come back here, study here. Soon he will be earning as much as in England, and the place is nicer. And perhaps also thanks to our migration strategy, it will really be not only the coolest, but also objectively the safest place in Europe,” announced Donald Tusk. Citizenship, repatriation and contact with the diaspora are one of the important elements of the migration strategy developed since December 2023. Poland did not have such a document in 2016. THE BORDER IS MORE AND MORE CLEAR Over recent months, our country has rebuilt its credibility in the international arena and has become the country on which the security of the eastern wall of the entire European Union rests, both in terms of defense against foreign countries and illegal immigrants. This year, Poland will allocate 4.3% of GDP to defense, and next year 4.7%. This is the most in the entire North Atlantic Alliance. “The fact that today we invest so much in our defense, in our security, and we do it in a well-thought-out way, also builds the image of Poland as a country that really knows what it is about and that really cares about security. ”- Prime Minister said. The construction of one of the strongest armies in the EU, the ruthless attitude of the Polish government and the services operating on the border with Belarus do not go unnoticed among those involved in the process of illegal border crossing. UNCROSSABLE BORDER Since December 2023, the Polish government has been consistently sealing the border with Belarus , which is attacked every day as part of the so-called hybrid war. The inviolability of Polish borders is guarded by thousands of policemen, soldiers and the Border Guard. If it turns out to be impassable for illegal migrants, no one will die on this border. Anyone who has such a need and is persecuted will be able to come to Poland. On one condition that it complies with all procedures, laws and rules in force in Poland. There is no way that someone would illegally enter Poland and we would turn a blind eye to it,” declared Donald Tusk. In less than a year of government, only two people lost their lives at the border. As many as 18 people died in 2023. TIME FOR ACTION Years of neglect are visible not only in the aspect of defense or migration policy. The actions of the previous government blocked the transfer of billions of zlotys that could have been spent on important investments. “Europe, both institutions and heads of state, all accepted that Poland regained access to European funds and became the center of Europe and the heart of Europe again. In a sense, it was these millions of Polish women and men who decided, and not only our actions, that Poland regained Europe and Europe regained Poland, including these billions,” said Primer Ministro. From the first days of this term, the government also cares about the safety of citizens in other dimensions, which can be seen in social benefits for families and the most needy, facilities for those running agricultural activities and health care. Poles can use, among others: from the “grandmother’s program”, the 800+ program or leave for entrepreneurs. The Prime Minister emphasized that no change could take place without the will of voters. He thanked all those who trusted the current government. “We are aware of how much we owe to those millions who, sometimes despite the circumstances, went and took power from the hands of these people who had been spoiling the Polish state for 8 years, destroying our hopes and dreams. The bromear pair is a real guarantee. Para bromear, the real foundation of these good, positive changes. For us, we are just workers. It is our job to transform these hopes, dreams, our obligations, the expectations of our voters into facts every day, every month. The most important thing is that we maintain and greatly accelerate the course of changes that we started at the end of last year,” explained Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister emphasized that Poles want a completely different Poland than it was under the previous government – they expect the highest standards. Voters’ demands towards the government motivate it to act. It is to them that the government pledged to continue working for the country and its inhabitants.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release – DLNR TRANSFERS 34 HAWAI‘I ISLAND LEASES AND REVOCABLE PERMITS TO DOA, Oct. 11, 2024

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release – DLNR TRANSFERS 34 HAWAI‘I ISLAND LEASES AND REVOCABLE PERMITS TO DOA, Oct. 11, 2024

    Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR 

     

    DAWN CHANG 
    CHAIRPERSON 

     

    NEWS RELEASE 

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    Oct. 11, 2024

     

    DLNR TRANSFERS 34 HAWAI‘I ISLAND LEASES AND REVOCABLE PERMITS TO DOA

    Continuance of Act 90 Requirements

     

    (HONOLULU) – At its meeting today, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) approved transferring more than 7,000 acres of land on Hawai‘i Island from DLNR jurisdiction to the Hawai‘i Dept. of Agriculture (DOA).

    The nine leases and 25 revocable permits represent a continuation of the transfers under Act 90. Passed by the legislature in 2003, the act is to “ensure the long-term productive use of public lands available to be leased by the DLNR for agricultural purposes by allowing those lands to be transferred to and managed by DOA.”   

    This process under Act 90, ensures that both BLNR and Board of Agriculture agree on which parcels of parcels of land are appropriate to be transferred from DLNR  to DOA. 

    “We have appreciated the collaborative process of Act 90 to ensure that there is a balanced approach between supporting sustainable ag and protection and preservation of important public lands for forestry management, watershed protection, recreational trail access, and hunting,” stated Chair Dawn Chang.

     Previously, DLNR had processed executive orders setting aside approximately 24,528 acres to DOA. Last year, the BLNR and the state Board of Agriculture approved an additional 24,767 acres in Kau under lease and revocable permit to Kapapala Ranch for transfer to DOA, but surveys and subdivision are needed before an executive order can be completed for the transfer. In addition, late last year, the Board of Agriculture approved acceptance of 21,672 acres. Under the terms of Act 90, more than 70,000 acres of ag land has been transferred, or approved for transfer, so far. 

    In the latest transfer, most of the land is in pasture, with two parcels described as being utilized for “intensive agriculture.” Five acres will be under a revocable permit to Volcano Island Honey Co. for an apiary. The largest transfer, this time around, is to Parker Ranch, with approximately 4,529 acres of pastureland.

    The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) indicates it needs to establish public or management access over nine additional leases and permits before those lands are transferred to DOA. Those leases and permits will require further coordination with DOFAW on the location of access points before staff can make a recommendation to the BLNR. 

    Comments on the land transfers were solicited from state, county, and federal agencies and no objections or responses were received. In the event the lands are no longer needed for agricultural purposes, the set-asides will be cancelled or amended as appropriate, and those lands will be returned to the DLNR inventory.

     

    # # #

     

    RESOURCES 

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR) 

     

    HD video – Parker Ranch, Hawai‘i Island (Sept. 14, 2022):

    [embedded content]

    Photographs – Parker Ranch, Hawai‘i Island (Sept. 14, 2022):

    https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6jk0gq3dc1rpt8s6a2muq/AM_0jqJOv-B6zlXtP4inN7c?rlkey=q9ouic7uhpgte4v6jph85gd1g&e=1&st=3h53pi0e&dl=0

     

    Media Contact: 

    Dan Dennison 

    Communications Director 

    808-587-0396 

    [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh virtually dedicates to the nation 75 BRO infrastructure projects, worth Rs 2,236 crore, across 11 States/UTs

    Source: Government of India

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh virtually dedicates to the nation 75 BRO infrastructure projects, worth Rs 2,236 crore, across 11 States/UTs

    Terms it as a testament to the Govt’s commitment to further strengthen border infrastructure, defence preparedness & ensure socio-economic progress

    “India will be one of the safest & strongest nations in the times to come”

    Posted On: 12 OCT 2024 1:28PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, on October 12, 2024, virtually dedicated to the nation 75 infrastructure projects of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at a cost of Rs 2,236 crore. These projects – 22 roads, 51 bridges & two others – are spread across 11 States/Union Territories. Nineteen (19) are in Jammu & Kashmir, 18 in Arunachal Pradesh, 11 in Ladakh, nine in Uttarakhand, six in Sikkim, five in Himachal Pradesh, two each in West Bengal & Rajasthan and one each in Nagaland, Mizoram and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

    Raksha Mantri inaugurated the projects from the Headquarters, Trishakti Corps in Sukna, West Bengal. One of the main highlights was the inauguration of the Kupup-Sherathang Road in Sikkim which serves as a crucial link between Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg and Zuluk axis.

     

     

    In his address, Raksha Mantri termed the projects as a testament to the Government’s unwavering resolve to keep strengthening the border infrastructure and ensuring socio-economic progress of these areas. He added that these projects will go a long way in enhancing the defence preparedness of the country. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ can be realised through such infrastructure projects, he said.

    With the inauguration of these 75 projects, BRO has completed a total of 111 infrastructure projects in 2024 at an overall cost of Rs 3,751 crore. This includes 36 projects worth Rs 1,508 crore, such as the state-of-the-art Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh, inaugurated by the Prime Minister earlier this year. Last year, 125 infrastructure projects of BRO were dedicated to the nation at a cost of Rs 3,611 crore.

    Raksha Mantri commended the grit and determination of the BRO personnel for completing the projects in a time-bound manner even in most challenging terrains and harsh weather conditions, adding that the government, in its third term, aims to further bolster the border infrastructure with more promptness. Referring to the increased allocation of Rs 6,500 crore for BRO in Union Budget 2024-25, he expressed hope that it would not only contribute to strategic infrastructure development, but will also prove helpful in socio-economic progress in the border areas, including the North East region.

     

    Raksha Mantri pointed out that the governments before 2014 were of the view that the development of border areas can have an adverse impact as it may be used by the country’s adversaries. He emphasised that border infrastructure development has been the priority area of PM Modi-led Government ever since it came to power as these regions, especially the North-east, is crucial from the socio-economic & strategic perspectives. “In the last decade, we have built a vast network of roads from villages to cities, which has resulted in the country witnessing progress at an unprecedented pace,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh assured the people that new dimensions will be added to the development of border areas. India will be one of the safest and strongest nations in the times to come, he said.

    Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary-designate Shri RK Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, DG Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, General Officer Commanding, Trishakti Corps Lt Gen Zubin A Minwalla were present with Raksha Mantri during the virtual inauguration, while Sikkim Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang was at the main site in Sherathang.

     

    Governors of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram; Lt Governors of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh; Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand; Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences & MoS in Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel & Public Grievances and MoS of Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs attended the event virtually.

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    SR/Savvy/KB

    (Release ID: 2064340) Visitor Counter : 47

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM GatiShakti National Master Plan completes 3 years of transforming India’s Infrastructure landscape

    Source: Government of India (2)

    PM GatiShakti National Master Plan completes 3 years of transforming India’s Infrastructure landscape

    PM GatiShakthi has reduced logistics cost and enabled better service delivery:Shri Piyush Goyal

    More than 44 central Ministries and 36 States and Union territories onboarded: Secretary DPIIT

    Posted On: 12 OCT 2024 3:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (NMP) for muti-modal connectivity, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 13th October 2021, completes three years today having achieved significant milestones in transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape.

    On this occasion, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal said, “PM GatiShakti has brought about a paradigm shift in how India plans and implements infrastructure projects. By integrating data from multiple Ministries and States, we have created a more efficient, transparent, and outcome-driven system. The impact is visible in faster project execution, lower logistics costs, and better services reaching every corner of the country.”

    According to Secretary DPIIT, Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, “PM GatiShakti NMP launched as the transformative approach 3 years ago by Hon’ble Prime Minister, has accelerated the infrastructure planning & development process leveraging geospatial technology and the Whole of the Government approach. During the last three years, more than 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs have been onboarded, their data layers have been integrated and are provided with their own geospatial planning portal.”

    With its vision to bring synergy across Ministries/Departments, and States/UTs, the PM GatiShakti has successfully laid the groundwork for seamless, multi-modal connectivity and accelerated economic growth. The PM GatiShakti has redefined how India plans and executes large-scale infrastructure projects. By harnessing geospatial data from 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs, the platform has significantly improved inter-ministerial coordination and streamlined project execution.

    Key Achievements:

    On boarding Whole of the Government on the Single platform

    PM GatiShakti has integrated 44 Central Ministries and 36 States/UTs with more than 1600 data layers, making it a crucial tool for planning and executing infrastructure projects. To date, over 200 big-ticket infrastructure projects have been evaluated by the Networking Planning Group (NPG) from the perspective of the principles of the PM GatiShakti viz. integrated planning & development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, enhance logistics efficiency and synchronised implementation of projects.

    Social Sector Impact: Extending the PM GatiShakti to the Social Sector Ministries, the focus is on increasing the usage of the PM GatiShakti for social development, identifying social gaps (schools, hospitals, anganwadis) using, and developing applications and planning tools for capturing data. This has enabled better infrastructure planning in essential areas such as primary healthcare, education, postal services, and tribal development, ensuring that even remote and underserved areas are part of India’s infrastructure growth story.

    PM GatiShakti State Master Plans (SMPs): All 36 States/UTs have developed the PM GatiShakti State Master Plan (SMP) portals, aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan platform to synchronise infrastructure assets and enhance regional development. This unified approach has helped States streamline their capital investment for accelerating infrastructure development. Over 533 projects have been mapped by States/UTs on the PM GatiShakti portal.

    EXIM and Trade Facilitation: Aligned with the National Logistics Policy (NLP), the PM GatiShakti has been instrumental in addressing critical infrastructure gaps, reducing logistics costs, and improving India’s logistics performance. According to the World Bank’s ‘Logistics Performance Index Report (2023) India’s rank (38) has improved by six places from 44 in 2018.

    Regional Workshops and Stakeholder Engagement: Following the spirit of cooperative federalism, over the last three years, five regional workshops have been conducted, covering all 36 States/UTs to facilitate knowledge sharing, best practices, and project demonstration by Central and States Governments. These engagements have played a key role in strengthening local adoption and ownership of the GatiShakti framework.

    Driving Sustainable, Data-Driven Development: The PM GatiShakti’s data-driven approach is powered by GIS-based tools and a real-time monitoring system that enables faster and more informed decision-making. The platform ensures that projects are aligned with national priorities and completed on time, minimising delays and reducing cost overruns. This integration is key to meeting India’s Net Zero by 2070 commitments, as the platform promotes the use of green infrastructure and sustainable logistics solutions.

    Training and Capacity Building: As the PM GatiShakti is a new initiative with an advanced GIS platform, DPIIT has undertaken the task to train officials for build their capacities. The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP) has seen significant progress in capacity building through the institution of courses and workshops. A course on the PM GatiShakti, available on the iGoT platform, has already been completed by over 20,000 officials. Additionally, all Central Training Institutes (CTIs) have integrated a course module on the PM GatiShakti into their regular officers’ training curriculum. The resource persons and master trainers from DPIIT and BISAG-N conduct regular sessions on the PM GatiShakti across various CTIs and ATIs, including institutions like Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA), and Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS). There have also been approximately 150 interactive training sessions on the PM GatiShakti with Ministries/Departments, and States/UTs, engaging over 1,000 officials.

    Extending PMGS to the Districts: As India moves forward, the PM GatiShakti is expected to continuously evolve to keep playing a pivotal role in expanding multi-modal infrastructure, developing Smart Cities, and enhancing the country’s industrial capabilities through Industrial Corridors and Mega Investment Regions. Building upon the vision of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and the significant usage demonstrated by Central Ministries/Departments as well as States/UTs, a PM GatiShakti District Master Plan (PMGS DMP) portal is being developed with technical support of BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics) for collaborative planning at the District level by State/District authorities. The NMP platform’s emphasis on cross-sectoral cooperation and emerging technologies such as AI and IoT will further revolutionise infrastructure management and planning.

    Taking PMGS to international level and for promoting the use of  PM GatiShakti and Geospatial technology in the integrated planning of infrastructure, diplomatic engagements are underway with countries in the neighbourhood and other developing countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Senegal and Gambia.

    The government is also considering providing access to non-government users for the data (non-sensitive and shareable) relevant to the planning of the infrastructure and developmental activities by the sector. Such access to the data shall be provided in the most secure manner.

    As India celebrates three years of the PM Gati Shakti, the initiative continues to fulfil its promise of creating a modern, interconnected infrastructure network that is key to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

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    AD/CNAN

    (Release ID: 2064378) Visitor Counter : 56

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri G Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Rooftop Solar Power Plant in GSITI Hyderabad

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 12 OCT 2024 7:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Further Strengthening Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a cleaner and greener India, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) in Hyderabad today. This event, held at the M. S. Krishnan Auditorium, represents a significant step forward in the institute’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy.

    The new solar power plant is a significant step towards reducing GSITI’s carbon footprint while promoting renewable energy use within government institutions. It is expected to generate a substantial portion of the institute’s energy needs, contributing to India’s larger goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the overall energy mix.

    Inaugurating the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at GSITI, Hyderabad, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy lauded the institute for its commitment to sustainable energy, stating, ‘This is a significant step towards environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has emerged as a global leader in climate action, with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana empowering households to harness solar energy. The 150-kilowatt rooftop solar plant at GSITI will meet 75% of the institute’s energy needs, saving Rs 30 lakh annually, and set a new standard for renewable energy use in public institutions.’

    Shri S. D. Patbhaje, Additional Director General of the Geological Survey of India (Southern Region), addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of this project for sustainable development. Shri Eatala Rajender, Member of Parliament for Malkajgiri, also highlighted the critical role of renewable energy in national progress.

    The event also featured a sapling plantation and the unveiling of an inaugural plaque for the solar plant, symbolizing GSITI’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Following the ceremony, the dignitaries toured the solar facility to learn about its technical features and benefits.

    This solar power plant stands as a model for future government initiatives in renewable energy, showcasing GSITI’s role in supporting India’s sustainable energy future and advancing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of making India a global leader in clean energy.

    Union Minister Shri @kishanreddybjp, in his inaugural address, highlighted the “PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana” and the goal of achieving 100% solarization of government offices to reduce carbon emissions.

    He emphasized the vital role of renewable energy in shaping India’s… pic.twitter.com/CCSZwgPfvm

    — Ministry of Mines (@MinesMinIndia) October 12, 2024

    Under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, Hon’ble Union Minister Shri @kishanreddybjp, along with other dignitaries, planted saplings at the GSITI campus. This meaningful gesture reflects GSITI’s commitment to honoring nature and promoting a sustainable, eco-friendly future for… pic.twitter.com/wdhx5wTi3b

    — Ministry of Mines (@MinesMinIndia) October 12, 2024

    Union Minister Shri @kishanreddybjp unveiled the inaugural plaque for GSITI’s Rooftop Solar Power System, marking a major step towards reducing the institute’s energy consumption. This initiative sets a strong example for renewable energy adoption across the nation, positioning… pic.twitter.com/Z7k4Q7T49d

    — Ministry of Mines (@MinesMinIndia) October 12, 2024

    Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal & Mines Shri @kishanreddybjp activated the Rooftop Solar Power Plant at GSITI, marking a significant milestone in the institute’s journey towards clean energy. This operational plant will harness sustainable power to drive GSITI’s facilities,… pic.twitter.com/0iECyaAZeb

    — Ministry of Mines (@MinesMinIndia) October 12, 2024

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sustainable Habits, No Matter Big Or Small, Can Be Evergreen

    Source: Asia Pacific Region 2 – Singapore

    Data security in e-waste recycling, public hygiene, and hawker culture highlighted this year.

     

    Singapore, 13 October 2024 – More than 1000 Clean & Green activities in the form of events or talks, involving partners such as schools, grassroots organisations, NGOs and the corporate sector, plus visits to sites of environmental interest and volunteer deployments, have been held so far across Singapore throughout 2024. In total, the activities saw more than 400,000 participants. The CGS movement encourages everyone to do our part as stewards of a Clean & Green Singapore. To continue our journey of sustainable development, we invite all in Singapore to champion a sustainable way of life, conserve our greenery and biodiversity, adopt green practices, and contribute to a more gracious society. 

    2          The National Environment Agency (NEA)’s annual Clean & Green Singapore (CGS) flagship event, CGS Day, will be held on 3 November 2024. Leading up to CGS Day, four satellite events will be held for members of the public, featuring fun family activities.

    International E-waste Day 2024 Celebration

    13 Oct 2024 (Sun), 10 am – 6 pm @ Westgate Mall

    3          This year’s International E-waste Day (IEWD) 2024 “Secure E-Waste Recycling: Let’s Make a Difference Together”, focuses on data security. Launched by Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Dr Amy Khor, IEWD 2024 aims to raise wider awareness of the secure recycling of data-bearing devices such as mobile phones and laptops. Visitors can learn about e-waste management, especially the data sanitisation and dismantling processes that the e-waste recyclers undertake, by going through educational booths and activities by ALBA E-Waste Smart Recycling and other industry and community stakeholders. IEWD 2024 underscores the overall importance of recycling in Singapore as we move towards becoming a zero-waste nation. More information on the recycling of data-bearing devices can be found in Annex A and B.

    4          As part of IEWD 2024, contests such as the E-Waste Song Challenge, Photo Contest and Community E-waste Recycling Drive were organised to encourage members of public to play an active role in e-waste recycling. The song challenge and photo contest received 66 entries in total, while five community groups, comprising NGOs, Institutes of Higher Learning, and grassroots organisations, participated in the Community E-waste Recycling Drive.

    Eco Paddle with Ola

    13 October 2024 (Sun), 8.30am – 11.30am @ Siloso Beach, Sentosa

    5             Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Baey Yam Keng, joined a kayak litter-picking and beach clean-up activity at Siloso Beach, Sentosa this morning. Organised by Ola Beach Club, the event saw over 100 volunteers from Coca-Cola Singapore, Singapore Paddle Club, Friends of ACE (a migrant worker volunteer network under the Ministry of Manpower), the NEA Volunteer Corps, and the Public Hygiene Council (PHC). The event highlights the important role volunteers play in contributing to a clean environment, as well as supporting marine conservation efforts. The event was also supported by partners, such as Mount Faber Leisure Group, Sentosa Development Corporation and Soffell Singapore. Members of the public who missed this event can sign up for similar activities under CGS Experiences at https://www.cgs.gov.sg/events/eco-paddles-with-ola/, available till end November 2024.

    Community Clean Up @ Upper Boon Keng

    19 October 2024 (Sat), 9am – 11am, Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre

    6         SMS Dr Koh Poh Koon, along with Minister Josephine Teo, Adviser to Jalan Besar GRC GROs, is set to join 50 volunteers for a community clean up at Upper Boon Keng. The event brings together a diverse group comprising SG Clean Ambassadors, Friends of ACE, Kolam Ayer GRO members, and representatives and volunteers from the Federation of Merchants’ Associations Singapore (FMAS), and Kao Singapore. The event will feature litter-picking activities to promote public cleanliness within the estate, as well as the distribution of Magiclean disinfectants and kitchen cleaners, sponsored by Kao Singapore, to hawkers at the Upper Boon Keng Market & Food Centre. The Community Clean Up @ Upper Boon Keng aims to shine a spotlight on good hygiene practices in the F&B industry. The event also demonstrates how stakeholders from different groups, such as residents, merchant associations, corporate partners, migrant workers, and volunteers, can come together for the common cause of keeping shared public spaces clean. This community spirit of taking greater ownership of the environment is the core driver of the Clean & Green Singapore movement.

    Flag-off of Race to Sustainability! 2024

    23 October 2024 (Wed), 9.30am – 10.30am, Gardens by the Bay

    7             Gardens by the Bay’s flagship educational programme, Race to Sustainability!, will return this October. For the first time, it will be open to both lower primary and tertiary students, in addition to upper primary and secondary school students, to engage a wider range of youths. The expanded participation signifies the importance of engaging students and youth of all ages on sustainability issues, to help ensure a Clean & Green future for Singapore. This year’s theme centres on exploring sustainability through imagination and creative play, and offers tailored activities based on students’ levels. These include guided tours, talks, and hands-on challenges in an ‘Amazing Race’ format throughout the Gardens, where participants will learn about Singapore’s sustainability journey, the Gardens’ sustainability strategies, climate change and plant diversity. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, will be flagging off the race on 23rd October 2024.

    8          Additionally, the public can also look forward to a series of exhibitions focused on sustainability, open until 1 December 2024. More details are available at https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/racetosustainability.

    CGS Day 2024

    3 Nov 2024 (Sun), 9am – 11am @ West Coast Park and National University of Singapore (NUS)

    9          The four satellite events will be capped off by CGS Day 2024, with Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat as Guest-of-Honour. The event will feature the opening of a new PHC CleanPod[1] at West Coast Park, followed by a community clean-up activity, a tree-planting at NUS UTown, and the presentation of the Environmental Services Star Awards and Community-In-Bloom Ambassador Awards. CGS Day celebrates the environmental efforts of schools, grassroots, corporate partners and outstanding individuals this past year, as well as reaffirm the community’s commitment to keeping Singapore clean and green. More details on CGS Day will be available closer to date.

    10        CGS aims to inspire Singaporeans to care for our environment by adopting a clean, green, and sustainable lifestyle. Each of us can shape our neighbourhoods and common spaces through our green practices, championing a sustainable way of life, and by being a more gracious society. More information on CGS is available at https://www.cgs.gov.sg/.

    ————

    [1] CleanPods are fully equipped storage sheds that the public can apply to the Public Hygiene Council (PHC) for access to. The public can then borrow tools such as metal tongs and buckets from the sheds, to conduct their own clean-up activities. PHC has set up CleanPods in various housing estates, beaches and parks. To find out more about CleanPods, please visit: https://www.publichygienecouncil.sg/resources/cleanpod/

     

     

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

     

    ANNEX A

    Factsheet on Singapore’s Regulated E-waste Management System

     

    Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme for E-waste

    1          In July 2021, Singapore implemented a nationwide e-waste management system for regulated products, also known as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for E-waste. Producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are physically and/or financially responsible for the collection and proper treatment of discarded EEE. NEA has appointed ALBA E-waste Smart Recycling Pte Ltd (ALBA) to operate the Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) in Singapore. As the PRS Operator, ALBA coordinates the collection and proper treatment of consumer e-waste on behalf of the producers.

    2          Since the implementation of e-waste EPR, ALBA has set up over 800 e-waste collection points that includes e-waste bins and manned collections. They have also partnered organisations such as corporates and public agencies to improve e-waste collections.  As of June 2024, more than 20,000 tonnes of e-waste (equivalent to weight of 73 Airbus A380 airplanes) was collected and recycled under the EPR Scheme for E-waste, up from the total of over 16,000 tonnes as of December 2023.          

    Data security in e-waste recycling

    3             International E-waste Day (IEWD) is a global initiative to raise wider awareness about the growing problem of electronic waste and its impact on the environment and human health. This year’s IEWD, themed “data security” aims to create awareness on data security measures and provide assurance on secure e-waste recycling. Members of the public are encouraged to perform the following steps to protect their information prior to e-waste recycling.

    4          Before recycling any data-bearing devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, the public is advised to protect their personal information by first backing up their data. They should also log out from their personal accounts and remove any storage media before performing a factory reset on their data-bearing devices. A factory reset is an irreversible process; this ensures that any outstanding data is wiped, providing users with a piece of mind before they recycle their data-bearing devices. Detailed steps to recycling data bearing devices can be found in Annex B.

    5          Devices placed in e-waste bins are collected by ALBA E-waste Smart Recycling Pte Ltd and sent to e-waste recyclers for treatment and recycling.

    6            E-waste recyclers take further steps to ensure that data is destroyed before recycling the devices. A data-bearing device is first dismantled to obtain the storage hard drive. The hard drive may then be fed into a degausser machine, which disables the data storage ability of the hard drive using a high magnetic field. Devices may also be crushed or shredded by use of a crusher or shredder machine. This ensures that the data bearing device is physically destroyed and data cannot be recovered by any means.

    Call-for-action to recycle our e-waste

    7          Through proper e-waste treatment and recycling, precious materials such as lithium, cobalt, copper, gold, silver and aluminium can be recovered, which reduces the need to mine for more raw materials. Reducing the need for mining also lowers pollution, as the process of mining has an impact on our environment. In addition, recycled material from e-waste, such as metal and plastic, can be reused to make new products.

    8          Proper recycling of e-waste also safeguards human and environmental health. Improper disposal of e-waste leads to environmental pollution, and this may in turn harm human health. E-waste comprises many different components and requires specialised equipment to dismantle, shred, process and extract the constituent materials. This has to be performed within a controlled environment to prevent pollution while ensuring workplace safety and health. Choosing to recycle instead of discarding e-waste, ensures that they can undergo the proper treatment processes.

    9          To do your part, the public can conveniently drop off e-waste at more than 870 collection points in accessible locations such as electronics retail outlets, shopping malls, community centres, supermarkets, government and commercial buildings.

    – End –

     

    ANNEX B

    Steps to Recycle your Data-Bearing Devices

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Middle East: “Region on the brink of an all-out war” – DPPA Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Remarks by Ms. Rosemary A. DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on the situation in the Middle East – Security Council, 9746th meeting.

    ———————–

    The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council that “the devastating conflict in Lebanon, coupled with intensified strikes in Syria and the raging violence in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, points to a region dangerously teetering on the brink of an all-out war” and said, “our collective inability to stop the violence and stem the bloodshed is damning.”

    DiCarlo said, “Hizbullah and other non-state armed groups must stop firing rockets and missiles into Israel. We urge Israel to stop its bombardment of Lebanon and to withdraw its ground forces. The parties must seize the diplomatic options put on the table before them, not the weapons by their side.”

    She urged the parties to commit to a return to a cessation of hostilities, and the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1701 (2006).

    DiCarlo said, “the Lebanese state must have control over all weapons within its territory. We see what happens when it does not. The political impasse for the election of a president is approaching two years. At this time of crisis, I urge Lebanon’s political leaders to take resolute steps towards addressing the vacuum.”

    She added, “the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Lebanon and Israel must be respected.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjHG3aU_yYE

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: UN Chief urges efforts to advance peace in Myanmar

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Declaring that the people of Myanmar need peace, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries to leverage their influence towards an inclusive political solution to the conflict there. In remarks to reporters in Laos, he also said priority should go to the protection of civilians in line with international humanitarian law.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJUdw9tdAnU

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran rejects claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Oct. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York rejected on Saturday claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ October 7 surprise attack on Israel, according to the official news agency IRNA.

    In a statement, the Iranian mission responded to questions from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal regarding Israel’s claim of having access to minutes from Hamas’ secret meetings, which allegedly indicated Tehran was informed of the group’s plan for the October 7 attack, the report said.

    “While Hamas officials based in (the Qatari capital) Doha have announced that they had no information about the operation and solely Hamas’ military wing based in Gaza had been responsible for the planning, deciding about and directing the operation, any claim aiming to partially or entirely link the operation to Iran or Hezbollah is invalid and comes from fabricated documents,” said the mission.

    The New York Times reported on Saturday that minutes of Hamas’ secret meetings, seized by the Israeli military and obtained by the American newspaper, provided a detailed record of the planning for the Oct. 7 attack, as well as the determination of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ incumbent political bureau chief, to persuade the Palestinian group’s allies, Iran and Hezbollah, to join the operation or at least commit to a broader fight with Israel if Hamas staged a surprise cross-border raid.

    On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. In response, the Israeli military has been conducting a large-scale offensive on Gaza.

    Iranian officials have consistently stated that while Iran supports Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, it had no prior knowledge of the attack on Israel and was not involved in its execution.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China rolls out measures to promote green finance

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has unveiled a guideline on the development of green finance, outlining 19 important measures for key areas to promote the building of a beautiful China.

    Focusing on key areas such as the green development of key industries and ecological protection and restoration, China will work to create a project library for the building of a beautiful China and effectively improve the precision of financial support, according to the guideline jointly issued by four government agencies, including the People’s Bank of China and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

    The guideline stresses enhancing the capacities of financial institutions to provide green financial services and enriching products and services for the area.

    Efforts should be made to increase loan issuance and beef up financing support for green development, the document states.

    It also calls for stepping up innovation in green financial products for key links and areas such as regional ecological and environmental protection projects, the development of the carbon market and green consumption.

    A coordination mechanism across government agencies will be established to ensure implementation of these measures, the guideline says.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s auto sector reports growth momentum

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s automobile industry has revealed a growth trend, with its production and sales of vehicles increasing steadily in the first nine months of 2024, data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showed on Saturday.

    From January to September, China’s auto production totaled about 21.47 million units, up 1.9 percent year on year. Auto sales stood at 21.57 million units, an increase of 2.4 percent from the same period last year.

    In September, auto production came in at nearly 2.8 million units, down 1.9 percent year on year, while monthly sales totaled about 2.81 million units, down 1.7 percent year on year.

    China’s passenger vehicle market has been gradually picking up, with retail sales growing stronger in the third quarter of this year, thanks to government policies encouraging vehicle trade-ins and manufacturers launching new models during “Golden September and Silver October”, a peak period for car sales, said Chen Shihua, deputy secretary-general of the association.

    In August, China increased the financial stimulus to encourage consumers to scrap their old vehicles and buy new ones. Subsidies for trade-ins of new-energy passenger vehicles have doubled from 10,000 yuan (about 1,414 U.S. dollars) to 20,000 yuan, while those for trade-ins of fuel passenger vehicles have been lifted from 7,000 yuan to 15,000 yuan. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond dies

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Scotland’s former First Minister Alex Salmond has passed away at the age of 69, local media reported on Saturday.

    Salmond took ill and collapsed while giving a speech in North Macedonia earlier today, according to the BBC. So far, the cause of his death has not yet been officially disclosed.

    His passing was described as sudden and unexpected. Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, told local media that the news of Salmond’s passing came “as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK (the United Kingdom) and beyond.”

    Salmond, a former member of Parliament, served as Scotland’s first minister between 2007 and 2014.

    He led the Scottish National Party (SNP) to power after winning the Scottish Parliament election in 2007. A passionate advocate for Scottish independence, he resigned as first minister after 55 percent of Scottish voters backed remaining in the UK in the 2014 referendum.

    In 2021, he formed the pro-independence Alba Party, following his resignation from the SNP three years earlier.

    UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid his tribute to Salmond, calling him a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” who leaves behind a “lasting legacy.”

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Bumpy start for UK’s new Labour government

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People attend the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, Britain, on Sept. 23, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As the United Kingdom’s Labour government marks 100 days in office on Saturday, political commentators are markedly less enthusiastic than in the aftermath of the party’s landslide win in the July 4 general election. Instead, they are asking whether Labour will be able to get back on course after an apparently bumpy start.

    Labour had been in opposition since 2010 before Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the party to victory this year, securing a massive 174-seat majority in the UK parliament.

    The honeymoon period of popularity enjoyed by a new government was short-lived for Starmer, however, as his government’s accomplishments so far have been overshadowed by moves including the deeply unpopular plans to cut winter fuel benefits for pensioners.

    Among the most-touted achievements during Starmer’s first 100 days in power are the government’s success in resolving the junior doctors’ and train drivers’ strikes, cancelling the controversial Rwanda scheme proposed by the previous Conservative government, making good progress in launching GB Energy and scrapping no-fault evictions for tenants. Starmer’s handling of the far-right riots that rocked the country this summer has also been applauded.

    On Thursday, the government also unveiled the Employment Rights Bill, outlining reforms aimed at boosting economic growth and upgrading workers’ rights across the country. Official figures on Friday showed that the UK economy returned to growth in August after flatlining for two months, a welcome boost for the government.

    However, the government has come under fire for announcing plans to scrap winter fuel allowances worth up to 300 British pounds (392 U.S. dollars) for 10 million pensioners, and refusing to lift a two-child cap on child benefit.

    There has also been heavy criticism of Starmer for accepting thousands of pounds from a wealthy party donor to pay for clothes. Other Labour ministers have also received free gifts including tickets for major sporting events and Taylor Swift concerts.

    Professor Iain Begg from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) told Xinhua: “Labour, in power for its first 100 days, has been frantic. It’s had considerable difficulties and shown a lack of political experience, but it’s also tried to push forward a very large number of agenda items which had been lapsed under the previous administrations.”

    “The verdict, therefore, is a rather checkered one,” Begg said.

    An Opinium poll revealed in late September that Starmer’s approval rating had plunged below that of the Tory leader Rishi Sunak, suffering a huge 45-point drop since July. Meanwhile, a YouGov poll revealed this week that Starmer is now as unpopular as the controversial Brexiteer Nigel Farage.

    Nevertheless, Begg said that in British politics, a government will often make tough decisions and policy announcements in its first year in power, leaving another four years to turn such decisions around.

    “It’s fair to say that Starmer can expect a few more storms over the next year or so, until some of his initiatives start to show that they’re genuinely making a difference. There’ll be easy tests for the public to apply and if he passes those tests, he’ll be seen as a more successful prime minister than maybe he has been in his first 100 days,” he said.

    Andrew Roe-Crines, a researcher in British politics at the University of Liverpool, thinks the Budget will be an opportunity for Starmer and his party to sway public opinion when it is delivered on Oct. 30.

    “If they are right and they’re able to show this in the Budget by being able to invest in things which people expect to see, then maybe there’s hope for positive things later down the line,” Roe-Crines told Xinhua.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Sam Hou Fai elected Macao SAR chief executive designate

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Sam Hou Fai was elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday, pending appointment by the Central People’s Government.
    He won the election with 394 votes in favor out of 398 valid ballots. Song Man Lei, president of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election, announced Sam the winner.
    According to Macao’s Chief Executive Election Law, an election is valid if two-thirds of the 400-member election committee are present to vote. To be elected, a candidate must receive support from more than half of the total members of the committee, which is at least 200 votes.
    As prescribed by the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, the chief executive is elected by a broadly representative Chief Executive Election Committee and is then appointed by the Central People’s Government. The chief executive serves a five-year term and may be re-elected once.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Iran rejects claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ attack on Israel

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on Oct. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York rejected on Saturday claims linking Tehran to Hamas’ October 7 surprise attack on Israel, according to the official news agency IRNA.

    In a statement, the Iranian mission responded to questions from The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal regarding Israel’s claim of having access to minutes from Hamas’ secret meetings, which allegedly indicated Tehran was informed of the group’s plan for the October 7 attack, the report said.

    “While Hamas officials based in (the Qatari capital) Doha have announced that they had no information about the operation and solely Hamas’ military wing based in Gaza had been responsible for the planning, deciding about and directing the operation, any claim aiming to partially or entirely link the operation to Iran or Hezbollah is invalid and comes from fabricated documents,” said the mission.

    The New York Times reported on Saturday that minutes of Hamas’ secret meetings, seized by the Israeli military and obtained by the American newspaper, provided a detailed record of the planning for the Oct. 7 attack, as well as the determination of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ incumbent political bureau chief, to persuade the Palestinian group’s allies, Iran and Hezbollah, to join the operation or at least commit to a broader fight with Israel if Hamas staged a surprise cross-border raid.

    On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. In response, the Israeli military has been conducting a large-scale offensive on Gaza.

    Iranian officials have consistently stated that while Iran supports Palestinian resistance groups, including Hamas, it had no prior knowledge of the attack on Israel and was not involved in its execution.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Global artists celebrate Silk Road culture in NW China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An international arts festival opened on Saturday in the historic city of Xi’an in northwest China’s Shaanxi province, attracting artists to showcase their performances in an international arena.

    The 10th Silk Road International Arts Festival, which is hosted by the provincial government of Shaanxi and will run until Nov. 10, has attracted artists from 15 countries and regions, according to the organizer of the event.

    During the festival, 63 performances are scheduled to be staged. A series of activities will also take place during the festival, including shows and exhibitions.

    The first Silk Road International Arts Festival was held in 2014.

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Sam Hou Fai elected Macao SAR’s sixth-term chief executive designate

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Sam Hou Fai was elected by an overwhelming majority as the sixth-term chief executive designate of China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Sunday.

    He won the election with 394 votes in favor out of 398 valid ballots. Song Man Lei, president of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Chief Executive Election, announced Sam the winner.

    According to Macao’s Chief Executive Election Law, an election is valid if two-thirds of the 400-member election committee are present to vote. To be elected, a candidate must receive support from more than half of the committee’s members, which is at least 200 votes.

    As prescribed by the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, the chief executive is elected by a broadly representative Chief Executive Election Committee and is then appointed by the Central People’s Government. The chief executive serves a five-year term and may be re-elected once.

    After Song announced the election result, warm applause was heard in the hall.

    In his speech upon election, Sam Hou Fai expressed his gratitude to the committee members.

    “I am grateful to all the election committee members for their recognition and support, which allows me to continue serving Macao, the country, and the broader public in a higher, more comprehensive, and more strategic capacity,” he said.

    According to the Basic Law, the chief executive is accountable to the central government and to the Macao SAR. Sam noted that he will be steadfast in these significant duties and responsibilities.

    He highlighted his commitment to faithfully fulfilling his political platform and manifesto, with the primary goal of meeting people’s expectations for a better life. His highest principles will be fully, accurately, and steadfastly implementing the “one country, two systems” policy and safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, he said.

    In accordance with the provisions of the Chief Executive Election Law, the election result will be submitted to the Court of Final Appeal for confirmation, and thereafter published in the Macao SAR Gazette. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To Viktor Nikitushkin, People’s Artist of Russia

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the teacher-tutor of the State Academic Folk Dance Ensemble named after Igor Moiseyev on his 80th birthday.

    The telegram states, in particular:

    “A famous ballet dancer, teacher and mentor, you make a great contribution to the development of national culture and the preservation of the best traditions of the Russian school of classical dance. Your bright talent and virtuoso technique have been embodied in a number of images created by you on the stage, and have won the love of fans of choreographic art.

    Your long-term teaching activity deserves special recognition. You generously share the secrets of your craft with young performers, helping to reveal the creative potential of future ballet stars.

    I wish you good health, happiness and prosperity.”

    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/gov/persons/151/telegrams/52981/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Xizang official sentenced to death with reprieve for bribery

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Jiang Jie, a former senior political advisor of southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, was convicted of bribery and sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve.
    The verdict was handed down by the Tianjin First Intermediate People’s Court on Saturday. Jiang was a member of the leading Party members group of the Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice chairman of the committee.
    Jiang was found to have exploited his positions in both east China’s Shandong Province and Xizang to provide improper assistance to relevant units and individuals regarding administrative approvals, project contracts, land sales and job promotions.
    In return, he accepted money and valuables worth over 225 million yuan (approximately 31.8 million U.S. dollars), according to court documents.
    He received a reprieve from an immediate death sentence due to his voluntary disclosure of previously undiscovered facts related to the bribery cases, his admission of guilt and his expression of remorse. Additionally, most of his illicit gains and their proceeds have been recovered, said the court. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star set to accelerate world’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) economy with market projected to reach $2.7 trillion by 2032

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

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 13, 2024/APO Group/ —

    GITEX GLOBAL (www.Gitex.com), the world’s largest tech and startup event, takes centre stage in the UAE next week with this year’s 44th edition destined to redefine the world’s digital economy and AI ecosystem.

    Held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, the incomparable international showpiece will be more influential than ever this time around – presenting an expanded events programme that transforms the UAE into an AI universe epicentre.

    Under the theme “Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy”, GITEX GLOBAL 2024 welcomes the world’s largest technology enterprises alongside governments, investors, experts, startups, academia, and researchers.  

    Expand North Star (http://apo-opa.co/405aSCm), the world’s largest startup and investment show, runs concurrently at Dubai Harbour from 13-16 October – hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organised by DWTC.

    With over 6,500 exhibiting companies, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries participating across 38 halls of innovation and business opportunities, these blockbuster events will see the UAE “strategically propel the next generation of AI-driven technologies”.

    Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star, said: “At GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, we shall close the year with significant manoeuvres from our tech community by doubling down on global collaborations and intensive engagements amongst all involved. Through these efforts, we shall forge competitive advantages in the race towards regional and international digital supremacy.

    “With international participation in GITEX GLOBAL 2024 rocketing by almost 40 per cent, it’s a barometer of the unstoppable ambitions of many young rising digital nations who are now confidently forging their ways into the future global AI economy through GITEX. As the world’s most global tech event brand with events in Germany, Singapore, Morocco, and Nigeria alongside Expand North Star, we are committed to strategically propelling the next generation of AI-driven technologies via startups, scale-ups and unicorns.”

    A global agenda for tomorrow’s AI economy

    According to Fortune Business Insights, the global AI market is projected to reach $621 billion in 2024 and soar to $2.7 trillion by 2032. Given its influence and impact now and in the future, the technology takes centre stage at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 with over 3,500 enterprises presenting the latest breakthrough innovations in AI, IoT, data, and the cloud.

    Amongst them is TECOM Group PJSC, which celebrates its 25th successive year at GITEX GLOBAL next week. Ahead of the event, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group PJSC and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said: “Dubai’s pro-innovation frameworks are the bedrock of tech advancements that serve a greater purpose. GITEX GLOBAL is a springboard to unlock this potential, and as the region’s leading tech hub, Dubai Internet City has been a proud partner for decades in its mission towards a brighter future. Our community is pleased to connect innovators from more than 3,500 companies across fields like artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, digital transformation, and beyond to realise this vision.”

    Abu Dhabi’s most influential companies and organisations, including the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and G42 Group with its leading enterprises Presight and Khazna, will reinforce the Emirate’s position as an emerging global AI nexus. Other tech giants participating are Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Builder Ai, Dell, Google, Honeywell, Huawei, IBM, Lenovo, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, Salesforce, SAS, solutions by STC, and Tech Destination Pakistan.

    Presenting the year’s largest AI event, GITEX GLOBAL will deliver 120-plus hours of AI and deep tech-focused content across various topics, facilitating discussions on the implications of AI in Future Health, Digital Finance, and EdTech. Following the wildfire pace of AI adoption and the unprecedented growth in data storage demand, the event is also launching the region’s largest Data Centre Symposium in 2024, featuring the industry leaders Datalec, Kerno, Khazna, Legrand, NTT Data, Schneider Electric, Vertiv, among many others.

    The programme will build anticipation ahead of the all-new AI Everything Global 2025. This event – taking place in Abu Dhabi (4 February) and Dubai (5-6 February) will gather some of the world’s most visionary AI tech companies to construct an innovative, fair, and responsible AI industry of the future.

    Fast-tracking the next generation of startups

    The world’s largest startup and investment event, Expand North Star will foster the next frontier of tech and innovation. In another record-breaking edition, the event will connect the most innovative global founders with new markets, enterprise customers, and an influential pool of investors and venture capitalists with over $1.2 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). These include SOSV, Bessemer Ventures, Lightrock, Sinovation Ventures, and the European Innovation Fund.

    Additionally, Expand North Star will seek to redefine the future of money, blockchain, and creativity through leading co-located events GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania. Accelerating the next generation of scaleups, the world’s largest start-up pitch competition, Supernova Challenge 2.0, also graces GITEX GLOBAL with the winners claiming a share of the $200,000 prize pool.

    Historic international involvement

    GITEX GLOBAL 2024 will welcome the highest international attendance in its history, welcoming over 400 government and digital development agencies from around the world. Alongside GITEX GLOBAL regulars, the new nations debuting this year will showcase their latest groundbreaking tech innovations.

    Next week marks the largest European participation at GITEX GLOBAL with over 35 European countries exhibiting alongside 1,000-plus SMEs and 450-plus startups from debuting countries, including Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovenia.

    Many rising digital nations from Latin America are also behind the record-breaking international involvement, as are those from Central and Southeast Asia. Joining long-time GITEX GLOBAL participants such as China, Japan, South Korea, and India are several debutants – Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan amongst them.

    While promoting international business development, entrepreneurship, and investment engagements to benefit enterprises, organisations, and SMEs alike, GITEX GLOBAL welcomes the European Innovation Council for the first time, Europe’s biggest deep-tech investor.

    It will also see significant collaborations with global organisations from all continents, such as the European Innovation Council, Tech Destination Pakistan, IE University, University College London (UCL), Johns Hopkins University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and key corporate ventures from leading tech enterprises such as Sony, Honda, Standard Chartered, QIC, and many more.

    An action-packed agenda

    Throughout its six-day duration, GITEX GLOBAL will become a microcosm of the world, launching industry-defining programmes such as GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns and rhinos. In 2024, the event will connect 59 top global unicorns, such as Axelera, DeepL, Insilico Medicine, and Synthesis AI.

    The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit is another must-attend show with global innovators and influential leaders set to address critical priorities shaping the future of technology. Additionally, GITEX Cyber Valley is this year’s most anticipated cybersecurity showcase – hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council. With specialists forecasting that damage costs could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, the show will present a power-packed conference agenda as the world’s most influential CISOs, CIOs, and GRC leaders to discuss the risks of global cybercrime.  

    Leo Chen, Corporate Senior Vice President & President of Enterprise Sales at Huawei, which will be present with a flagship stand at the event, commented on the possibilities unlocked at the event for the industry: “GITEX GLOBAL offers a unique platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogues with industry peers about the trends and perspectives on industrial intelligence. We look forward to sharing our insights and learning from others to explore the endless possibilities of industrial digital and intelligent transformation.”

    For more information on GITEX GLOBAL 2024 and to secure your passes, please visit http://www.Gitex.com. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 23, 2025
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