NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New rules to prevent contraband in correctional facilities come into force

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced the final regulatory amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act that limits the use of dry cells and improves the search and seizure of contraband in federal correctional institutions.

    October 9, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario

    Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced the final regulatory amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act that limits the use of dry cells and improves the search and seizure of contraband in federal correctional institutions.

    The regulations provide direction on the use of body scanner searches in federal correctional institutions. Adding body scanner technology to the Correctional Service of Canada’s toolkit gives them a fast and efficient way to detect contraband that is located on, or inside, an offender’s body. These new regulations will be monitored, evaluated, and improved as needed.

    Dry cells are detention cells without conventional plumbing fixtures that allow for close monitoring of the offender while awaiting the expulsion of contraband. The new framework specifies when dry cells can be used, limits the duration of dry cell detention, and improves the monitoring of the physical and mental health of those detained. It also expands data collection on the use of dry cells to better inform decisions going forward.

    These regulations, including the cap on dry cell placement duration, are a direct response to recommendations from the Office of the Correctional Investigator. They have also been informed by the advocacy and policy proposals of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, John Howard Society and the Elizabeth Fry Society, and a public consultation through the Canada Gazette, Part I held in May 2023.

    Gabriel Brunet
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs
    819-665-6527
    gabriel.brunet@iga-aig.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Xage Security Awarded $1.5 Million Contract by United States Navy to Advance Zero Trust Initiatives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xage Security Government (Xage), a global leader in Zero Trust access and protection, today announced a $1.5 million Sequential Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract with the United States Navy to prove out Xage’s Zero Trust Access and Protection and Federated Identity Management capabilities in support of multiple strategic initiatives.

    This initiative supports compliance with the U.S. Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DOD CIO) Zero Trust Target Strategy to enhance the protection of data, systems, and services with a Zero Trust model/architecture by 2027. Additionally, Xage will be used in pursuit of the strategic goal shared by the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (PEO C4I), Tactical Shore & Expeditionary Integration program office (PMW 790) and Program Executive Office Digital and Enterprise Services (PEO Digital) to create an extraordinary future involving battle networks to support the warfighter. This will support the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) DevSecOps (DSO) Overmatch Software Armory (OSA) to deliver the Navy’s contribution to Combined Joint All Domain Command & Control (CJADC-2) and tactical edge cloud Battlenet Landing IT Zone Engineering Development Model (BLITZ EDM) Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) tactical edge capability.

    Xage Meets Robust Navy Security Requirements
    The Xage Fabric Platform is a resilient, highly available cybersecurity mesh, that underpins three core capabilities––Zero Trust identity and access management (IAM), Privileged Access Management (PAM), and Zero Trust remote access (ZTRA)––to enable secure, least privilege access both for internal users and external coalition partners. Xage also provides Zero Trust data exchange capability to ensure the integrity and authenticity of data as it is shared internally and with coalition partners.

    Fulfilling the DOD’s Zero Trust Mandate
    The selection of Xage as a key technology solution provider is based on its robust Zero Trust capabilities in critical areas such as microsegmentation, data integrity and management, least privilege, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). These features are essential across all domains—whether IT, operational technology (OT), or cloud environments—ensuring comprehensive Zero Trust security at every layer.

    Unique Architecture to Support the Warfighter
    In addition to fulfilling DOD Zero Trust requirements, Xage was selected for its ability to fulfill unique requirements for Navy environments.

    The Xage Fabric Platform, deployed as a secure overlay with a distributed architecture and equips the Navy with the following three key capabilities, among others:

    • DDIL: Xage enables the Navy to provide Zero Trust Access and protection to any asset without requiring internet connection, while maintaining the operation of its identity and access functions even in denied, disrupted, intermittent, and limited impact (DDIL) environments. Access and privilege enforcement can still be enforced, even if a remote site or edge device loses connectivity to the central network.
    • Agentless: The Xage Fabric allows the Navy to deploy Zero Trust access and protection without requiring the installation of agents on any endpoints nor the replacement of any existing infrastructure, eliminating a significant management burden and attack vector. The approach enables the Navy to extend the lifespan of legacy mission-critical assets.
    • Data Exchange: The Xage Zero Trust data exchange enables the Navy to securely exchange data with joint coalition and allied partners by providing just enough access, just in time. When access is no longer needed, administrators can easily wipe the identity and access of these external users within seconds. All user activity is tracked, logged, and recorded by Xage and all activity is untraceable by an adversary.

    “Xage was built to cyber-harden the most challenging and mission critical environments and we proudly partner with entities like the USSF Space Systems Command to do so, which will now include an extension of our ‘Never Trust, Always Verify’ support to the Navy,” said Xage Security CEO, Geoffrey Mattson. “Legacy devices, DDIL environments, as well as allied and coalition data exchange are just some of the critical use cases that the Navy is responsible for keeping secure and has an unwavering commitment to defend. Xage is proud to be in service of this mission and national security.”

    About the Contract

    PMW 790 delivers resilient, adaptable, interoperable, and affordable shore and expeditionary C4I capability for the Navy, enabling all domain mission success. PEO Digital is the service office that helps the Navy and Marine Corps with accelerating innovation and security.

    The contract awarded to Xage is spearheaded by PMW 790 and PEO Digital, in collaboration with USSF Space Systems Command (SSC). Together, PMW 790 and PEO Digital are responsible for testing Xage’s Zero Trust capabilities against simulated sophisticated attacks. The PMW 790 Program Manager is requesting this special study to evaluate the approach to Zero Trust across multiple efforts within the Navy. The special study will establish the overarching applicability of Zero Trust concepts across multiple networks to support modern and legacy operational systems.

    It will also test Xage’s ability to establish an enterprise data analytics architecture to provide a subset of data collection goals as stated in the DOD Data Strategy across the Navy enterprise. Included in these concepts is the reduction of the potential attack surface associated with network complexity and controls used today to connect the operational unit networks to larger more accessible enterprise networks and systems. The objective is to demonstrate and test secure data access and exchange across complex network types between systems while ensuring data integrity and authenticity services to various applications where data is being consumed. Zero Trust for the Navy requires a cohesive strategy to reach effective adoption of Zero Trust principles across a diversity of missions within the Navy’s domain.

    PMW 790 is requesting BLITZ onboard Xage Security Government as a Zero Trust Identity software candidate. Xage’s software will also be added to the OSA, which is the Navy’s Tactical DSO ecosystem that supports accelerated application development.

    PMW 790 is looking to leverage the USAF Cloud One DSO accreditation of Xage that supports the DOD CIO Zero Trust and reciprocity directives supported by complementary Department of the Navy CIO and Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN RDA) directives for cloud, Zero Trust and starting with dollar one focusing on Identity.

    Other focus areas of Zero Trust principles are data integrity and management in support of Chief Digital and Artificial Office (CDAO) initiatives as well as leveraging microsegmentation edge cloud technology for Zero Trust governance.

    About Xage Security Gov
    Xage Security Gov, LLC is a wholly-owned affiliate of Xage Security, Inc., a global leader in Zero Trust access and protection on a mission to pioneer a secure tomorrow. Xage’s solutions and services accelerate and simplify the way organizations secure, manage, and transform digital operations across Operational Technology, IT, and the cloud. Xage products include zero trust access, privileged access management, zero trust data exchange, all powered by the Xage Fabric Platform. Learn why organizations like the U.S. Space Force, PETRONAS, and Kinder Morgan choose Xage at xage.com.

    Xage PR Contact
    press@xage.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The U.S. Department of Energy Selects Craft to Protect Federal Investments from Foreign Influence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Craft, the supply chain resilience company, today announced its risk management platform was selected by the United States Department of Energy (DoE) to provide risk assessments for companies that apply for awards and loans through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The collaboration is part of a larger effort to protect U.S. energy infrastructure, technology, intellectual property, and federal investments from hostile foreign nations and influence.

    Currently, more than 500 employees across 61 federal government organizations use the Craft platform in support of the SBIR program to enhance their due diligence practices. The DoE’s Office of Research, Technology & Economic Security is the latest agency to use Craft to conduct due diligence on SBIR award applicants. This formerly manual process is now completed quickly and accurately, and supports compliance with the U.S. SBIR And STTR Extension Act of 2022. With Craft, the DoE can discover foreign ownership and associations across myriad data points including patents, licensing, board seats, politically exposed people, investor locations, blocklists, ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO), and more.

    “The U.S. invests significantly in the private sector to support the country’s energy infrastructure and technological innovation. However, foreign influence poses a major threat,” said Brian Mackerer, group director, Government and Defense Sector, Craft. “Craft’s platform provides the DoE with a gold standard for due diligence and ensures that all investments will advance U.S. energy interests.”

    Craft’s due diligence data and intelligence can be accessed by any U.S. government agency for faster risk assessments and to avoid duplicative work. Its platform will continue to be essential for the DoE and other government agencies to invest confidently and quickly on SBIR awards for important energy technology across batteries, electric grid infrastructure, and renewable and clean energy.

    “Foreign influence is increasingly more difficult to detect and manual vetting processes can slow the rate of U.S. innovation and technological progress,” said a representative from the Department of Energy’s Office of Research, Technology & Economic Security. “Craft’s platform allows us to vet federal funds candidates easier and faster to ensure they are free of hostile foreign influence.”

    Craft’s work with the DoE is the latest in a series of announcements with the U.S. government. In May 2024, Craft announced a $28 million, five-year agreement with the Secretary of the Air Force to bolster due diligence efforts across the Department of Defense. In March 2024, it announced a partnership with Strider Technologies, Inc. to enrich the data used to identify foreign influence within supply chains for federal government agencies and organizations engaged in government contracts.

    “Our vision is for Craft to be the supply chain risk and resilience partner-of-choice for the U.S. government. This collaboration is another step forward in that direction,” said Mackerer.

    For more information about Craft, visit http://www.craft.co or contact press@craft.co.

    About Craft

    Craft illuminates the path to global supply chain resilience. It empowers businesses to strengthen their supplier networks and supply chains with the industry’s most reliable and comprehensive data fabric and advanced risk mitigation engine. Craft’s user-friendly platform offers 360-degree visibility to explore and evaluate supplier networks, AI-driven insights to detect and mitigate disruptions, and collaborative tools to enhance supply chain strategies. Procurement and supply chain professionals can confidently navigate regulatory environments, adhere to ethical standards, and ensure business continuity. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Craft assists commercial and governmental organizations worldwide in creating more resilient supply chains. For more information about Craft, visit http://www.craft.co.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Data Storage Corporation to Present at the MicroCap Rodeo Fall Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) (“DSC” and the “Company”), a provider of diverse business continuity solutions for disaster-recovery, cloud infrastructure, cyber-security, and IT automation, today announced that it will be participating in the MicroCap Rodeo Fall Conference being held Wednesday, October 16th, 2024, in New York City.

    Chuck Piluso, CEO Data Storage Corporation, and Chris Panagiotakos, CFO of Data Storage Corporation, are scheduled to present at 10:00 a.m. ET on Wednesday, October 16th. The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3068/51409 as well as on the Company’s investor relations section of the website at http://www.dtst.com/events.

    Management will also be hosting 1×1 meetings throughout the conference with approved investors.

    Information and registration for the conference can be found here at MicroCap Rodeo.

    About the MicroCap Rodeo Conference:

    The MicroCap Rodeo Conferences stand out as they are organized by money managers and investors, specifically for money managers and investors. This fall, executive management teams from approximately 25 microcap companies across a diverse range of industries will be participating. Investors will have the opportunity to harness top stock ideas for their portfolios through group presentations and 1×1 meetings, offering insights into key value drivers and emerging trends for 2025. Additionally, the event will feature industry guest speakers and ample networking opportunities.

    For more information please contact info@microcaprodeo.com

    About Data Storage Corporation

    Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) is a leading provider of fully managed cloud hosting, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, IT automation, and voice & data solutions. With strategic technical investments in multiple regions, DTST serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, in sectors such as government, education, and healthcare. Focused on the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar cloud hosting and business continuity market. DTST is recognized as a stable and emerging growth leader in cloud infrastructure, support, and the migration of data to the cloud. Our regional data centers across North America enable us to deliver sustainable services through recurring subscription agreements.

    For more information, please visit www.dtst.com or follow us on Twitter @DataStorageCorp.

    Safe Harbor Provision
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. The forward looking statements in this press release include statements such as continuing to grow revenue and increase profitability as the Company executes on its strategic initiatives, the consolidation of the CloudFirst and Flagship subsidiaries positioning the Company to optimize operations, leverage its technical teams, realize greater efficiencies, and improve internal resource allocation, while capitalizing on extensive cross-selling and upselling opportunities among its customer networks, the two meaningful announced contracts being just the first of many such announcements that will come from the efforts of the combined organizations, having developed a robust business strategy that we will drive growth and secure sustainable profitability while maximizing long term value for shareholders and providing meaningful updates to shareholders as developments unfold. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include the Company’s ability to execute and advance its growth strategies. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was initially made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    212-671-1020
    DTST@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VanEck Launches $30M Fund to Support Innovation in Fintech, Crypto and AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Fund is available to Qualified Purchasers Only, is subject to significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Please carefully read the Private Placement Memorandum before investing.

    NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VanEck, a leading global investment management firm, announces the launch of VanEck Ventures, a $30 million early-stage fund dedicated to investing in visionary founders operating at the intersection of fintech, digital assets, and artificial intelligence. This launch marks VanEck’s strategic expansion into venture capital, building on its long-established record of identifying and supporting transformative markets.

    “From pioneering an approach to gold investing in 1968 to recognizing the disruptive potential of Bitcoin in 2017, embracing a long-term view on transformative opportunities has always been part of our investment philosophy. This fund extends that vision into the early-stage venture space,” said Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck. “We look forward to supporting founders of what we believe are some of the most disruptive companies in fintech—those building the future of finance.”

    VanEck Ventures invests in category-defining founders pushing the boundaries of financial applications and markets leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and large language models. The fund’s investment philosophy focuses on supporting exceptional teams building at the application layer while maintaining an infrastructure-agnostic approach. The fund’s core investment themes include tokenized assets, internet native financial marketplaces, and next-generation payments building on stablecoins and tokenized capital markets.

    The fund is led by Wyatt Lonergan and Juan Lopez, both seasoned investors with experience in fintech and crypto ventures. Previously, Lonergan and Lopez headed Circle Ventures, the venture arm of USDC-issuer Circle, where they successfully invested over $50 million in early-stage companies ranging from infrastructure to consumer applications. Their leadership, combined with VanEck’s strong reputation in asset management, positions VanEck Ventures as a valuable partner for emerging innovative startups. VanEck’s global workforce and senior leadership support the fund from an operational and advisory perspective.

    “Three inflection points core to our investment thesis are starting to reshape the foundation of the internet: stablecoins emerging as an open-source banking layer, the commoditization of blockspace, and AI breakthroughs. The convergence of these is creating unprecedented opportunities for globally connected, user-centric financial experiences, and we are excited to back founders building on these innovations,” said Wyatt Lonergan, General Partner at VanEck Ventures.

    The fund expects to make 25 to 35 investments with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $1 million, focusing on companies that offer both strategic and financial upside. The fund has already made 4 investments yet to be announced.

    “Over the past few years, we’ve seen stablecoins enable seamless, large-scale value storage and transfer along with Linux-like composability,” said Juan Lopez, General Partner at VanEck Ventures. “As several on-chain utilities, focused on programmability and compliance, come to market with growing regulatory clarity, it’s never been a more exciting time to build. Our goal is to be a long-term partner to bold founders defining the next phase of blockchain utility.”

    About VanEck

    VanEck has a history of looking beyond the financial markets to identify trends that are likely to create impactful investment opportunities. We were one of the first U.S. asset managers to offer investors access to international markets. This set the tone for the firm’s drive to identify asset classes and trends – including gold investing in 1968, emerging markets in 1993, and exchange traded funds in 2006 – that subsequently shaped the investment management industry.

    Today, VanEck offers active and passive strategies with compelling exposures supported by well-designed investment processes. As of August 31, 2024, VanEck managed approximately $113.9 billion in assets, including mutual funds, ETFs and institutional accounts. The firm’s capabilities range from core investment opportunities to more specialized exposures to enhance portfolio diversification. Our actively managed strategies are fueled by in-depth, bottom-up research and security selection from portfolio managers with direct experience in the sectors and regions in which they invest. Investability, liquidity, diversity, and transparency are key to the experienced decision-making around market and index selection underlying VanEck’s passive strategies.

    Since our founding in 1955, putting our clients’ interests first, in all market environments, has been at the heart of the firm’s mission.

    General Disclosures

    This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities, financial instruments or digital assets mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, tax advice, or any call to action. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward-looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are for illustrative purposes only, are valid as of the date of this communication, and are subject to change without notice. Actual future performance of any assets or industries mentioned is unknown. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its other employees.

    The Fund is available to Qualified Purchasers Only. Please carefully read the Private Placement Memorandum before investing. An investor should consider the investment objective, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. There is no guarantee the Fund will achieve its investment objective and investors may lose their entire investment. The Fund is not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

    The Partnership’s investment program is speculative and entails substantial risks. There can be no assurance that the Partnership’s investment objective will be achieved.

    An investment in the Fund involves a high degree of risk, including, without limitation, uncertain returns, market risk, risks associated with Limited Partner default, indemnification risks, illiquidity, possible lack of diversification, lack of management control, tax risks and potential conflicts of interest. There is no guarantee that the Funds’ investment objectives will be achieved.

    VANECK ABSOLUTE RETURN ADVISERS CORPORATION (“VEARA”), THE INVESTMENT MANAGER OF THE FUND, IS A MEMBER OF NFA AND IS SUBJECT TO NFA’S REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AND EXAMINATIONS. VEARA HAS ENGAGED OR MAY ENGAGE IN UNDERLYING OR SPOT VIRTUAL CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS IN THE FUND. ALTHOUGH NFA HAS JURISDICTION OVER VEARA, YOU SHOULD BE AWARE THAT NFA DOES NOT HAVE REGULATORY OVERSIGHT AUTHORITY FOR UNDERLYING OR SPOT MARKET VIRTUAL CURRENCY PRODUCTS OR TRANSACTIONS OR VIRTUAL CURRENCY EXCHANGES, CUSTODIANS OR MARKETS. YOU SHOULD ALSO BE AWARE THAT GIVEN CERTAIN MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THESE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING LACK OF A CENTRALIZED PRICING SOURCE AND THE OPAQUE NATURE OF THE VIRTUAL CURRENCY MARKET, THERE CURRENTLY IS NO SOUND OR ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE FOR NFA TO ADEQUATELY VERIFY THE OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF A VIRTUAL CURRENCY OR THE VALUATION ATTRIBUTED TO A VIRTUAL CURRENCY BY VEARA.

    General Digital Asset Risks

    Cryptocurrencies and digital assets are not suitable for all investors. Investments in digital assets and Web3 companies are highly speculative and involve a high degree of risk. These risks include, but are not limited to: the technology is new and many of its uses may be untested; intense competition; slow adoption rates and the potential for product obsolescence; volatility and limited liquidity, including but not limited to, inability to liquidate a position; loss or destruction of key(s) to access accounts or the blockchain; reliance on digital wallets; reliance on unregulated markets and exchanges; reliance on the internet; cybersecurity risks; and the lack of regulation and the potential for new laws and regulation that may be difficult to predict. Moreover, the extent to which Web3 companies or digital assets utilize blockchain technology may vary, and it is possible that even widespread adoption of blockchain technology may not result in a material increase in the value of such companies or digital assets.

    Digital asset prices are highly volatile, and the value of digital assets, and Web3 companies, can rise or fall dramatically and quickly. If their value goes down, there’s no guarantee that it will rise again. As a result, there is a significant risk of loss of your entire principal investment.

    Digital assets are not generally backed or supported by any government or central bank and are not covered by FDIC or SIPC insurance. Accounts at digital asset custodians and exchanges are not protected by SPIC and are not FDIC insured. Furthermore, markets and exchanges for digital assets are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in traditional equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange investing.

    Digital assets include, but are not limited to, cryptocurrencies, tokens, NFTs, assets stored or created using blockchain technology, and other Web3 products.

    Web3 Companies include but are not limited to, companies that involve the development, innovation, and/or utilization of blockchain, digital assets, or crypto technologies.

    © Van Eck Associates Corporation

    ©️ Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation
    666 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
    Phone: 800.826.2333
    Email: info@vaneck.com

    Media Contact

    Garret J. Shaw
    +1 517.213.3180
    garret@serotonin.co
     

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: 
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6c23f9cc-2c26-4460-975f-b5b0c214c2e9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Physician and Medical Practice Agree to Pay $625,000 to Settle Kickback Allegations

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Dr. Eric Troyer, of Landis, North Carolina, and his medical practice, Troyer Medical Inc. P.C. (TMI), have agreed to pay $429,254 to the United States to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. Troyer and TMI will pay an additional $195,746 to the State of North Carolina, which jointly funded claims paid by the North Carolina Medicaid program. Troyer and his practice have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “Kickbacks to healthcare providers can undermine the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs and medical decision making,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue those who pay or receive illegal financial inducements, including unlawful inducements for laboratory testing.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from August 2015 to November 2021, Troyer and his medical practice received kickbacks from a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, in return for Troyer’s referrals to that laboratory. According to the settlement, the kickbacks to Troyer and his medical practice allegedly were disguised as payments for purported phlebotomy services, rental of office space and the lease of a chemistry analyzer machine and resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

    “Patients should be able trust that their healthcare provider’s recommendations are for their well-being and not for the provider’s financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of the healthcare system by giving or receiving kickbacks.”

    “This resolution demonstrates the FBI’s dedication to addressing violations that undermine the public’s trust in our healthcare systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement and regulatory partners, remains committed to ensuring healthcare professionals provide transparent and ethical standards of service.”

    “Kickback arrangements aimed at improperly influencing medical decisions will remain a top investigative priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our ongoing enforcement efforts in this area are focused on protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and preventing schemes that could improperly manipulate the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors.”

    “Improper financial relationships between physicians and laboratories undermine patient healthcare and trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Kickbacks should never be a consideration in a medical practice selecting a company for laboratory testing. DCIS will continue to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer and wellbeing of our Warfighters.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, FBI and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

    Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina handled the case. The United States previously resolved allegations that other physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas received kickbacks from the same laboratory.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE mourns Wu Bangguo

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee expressed his profound sorrow over the passing of former Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 10th and 11th National People’s Congress (NPC) Wu Bangguo.

    Mr Lee pointed out that Mr Wu had all along held the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region close to his heart, and had reached out to people from all walks of life during his various visits to Hong Kong, fully demonstrating the central authorities’ unwavering support for the city.

    He also noted that Mr Wu had reiterated on multiple occasions the central government’s firm commitment to the implementation of “one country, two systems”, under which “the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy; working in strict accordance with the Basic Law; as well as fully supporting the administration of the Chief Executive and the Hong Kong SAR Government in accordance with the law to maintain Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.

    During Mr Wu’s tenure as NPC Standing Committee Chairman, the committee deliberated and unanimously passed the “Decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Issues Relating to the Methods for Selecting the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region & for Forming the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Year 2012 & on Issues Relating to Universal Suffrage”.

    Mr Lee said: “On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr Wu’s family.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces new Ministerial Lead for Jasper

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Following last summer’s unprecedented wildfires that devastated the historic town of Jasper, the community is rebuilding. Businesses are getting back on their feet. Visitors are returning. Jasper is resilient.

    Amid the fires, we worked closely with the Municipality of Jasper and the Government of Alberta to provide urgent support to Albertans and impacted Indigenous communities. As we look ahead, we remain committed to ensuring the long-term recovery of Jasper – one of Canada’s national treasures.

    As part of the federal government’s commitment to the people of Jasper, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, will also serve as Ministerial Lead for Jasper.

    In this role, Minister Boissonnault will lead the federal government’s work to support people and businesses in Jasper and to ensure the community rebuilds stronger than ever. He will co-ordinate federal support with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous partners to accelerate the recovery process, report on its progress, and ensure environmental protection measures remain world class. He will be supported in this role by a working group of Cabinet ministers – each with their own mandate in helping Jasper recover.

    Rebuilding from last summer’s wildfires will require a collective effort. The Government of Canada stands ready to provide financial assistance to the Government of Alberta through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), to help with response and recovery costs and build back stronger.

    A home to Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial and a place of natural beauty that has long attracted visitors from all over the world, Jasper is the heart of a vibrant community and national park. Our efforts to restore it are a testament to our commitment to Albertans and to conservation and environmental stewardship for future generations.

    Quotes

    “Our government is here for the people of Jasper. With Minister Boissonnault’s role as Ministerial Lead, we’re undertaking a collective effort – with resources, investments, and partnerships – to help Jasper recover.”

    “As the Alberta Minister in Cabinet and a longtime Jasper visitor, I accept the responsibility that the Prime Minister has given me to lead the rebuild of one of our nation’s most breathtaking communities. Jasper holds a special place in the hearts of millions. My colleagues and I will work hard to give Mayor Ireland, the Town Council, local businesses, and every Jasperite the support they need to build the town back on their terms – and even better than before.”

    Quick Facts

    • Last summer’s wildfires in Jasper National Park were the largest to impact the park in more than a century. Firefighter crews did a heroic job in saving 70 per cent of the infrastructure in the town of Jasper. Recovery and rebuilding efforts are focused on revitalizing both the town and park.
    • Over the course of the incident, over 3,000 personnel from Parks Canada and other agencies across the country worked with the common goals of suppressing the wildfires and helping community members re-enter the town and national park.
    • The working group of Cabinet ministers that will support Minister Boissonnault in his role as Ministerial Lead includes:
      • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
      • Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
      • Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
      • Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
      • Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
      • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
    • On July 25, 2024, the Government of Canada approved a request for federal assistance from Alberta to provide firefighting resources, strategic airlift capacity, as well as resources and logistics support from the Canadian Armed Forces to help keep people in Jasper and across the province safe from harm and protect their communities from wildfires.
    • On July 28, 2024, the federal government announced a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support wildfire disaster relief and recovery efforts in Alberta, including in Jasper.
    • In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the Government of Canada stepped up to ensure all those impacted could receive essential services and benefits. This included:
      • Providing enhanced Service Canada delivery, outreach to evacuees, and deployment of Service Canada employees to evacuation centres to assist clients in submitting applications for benefits, such as Employment Insurance.
      • Replacing citizenship, immigration, or travel documents that were lost, damaged, or destroyed; extending or restoring people’s temporary resident status; transitioning employer-specific work permits to open work permits, as needed.
    • On October 3, 2024, Bill C-76, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act, received Royal Assent. The amendments made to the Act aim to enable the transfer of land use planning and development authorities from Parks Canada to the Municipality of Jasper, to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
    • Through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), the federal government covers up to 90 per cent of eligible provincial response and recovery expenses following a disaster, including:
      • Evacuation, transportation, emergency food, shelter, and clothing.
      • Repairs to public buildings and related equipment, roads, and bridges.
      • Restoration or replacement of individuals’ uninsurable dwellings (principal residences only), personal furnishings, appliances, and clothing.
      • Restoration of small businesses and farmsteads, including uninsurable buildings and equipment.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: IMF Staff and Tajikistan Authorities Reach Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 9, 2024

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

    • IMF staff and the Tajikistan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI aims to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen the authorities’ policy frameworks, and support their efforts to foster more sustainable and inclusive growth.
    • Macroeconomic performance remains favorable with real GDP growth at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, and twelve-month inflation slowing to 3.6 percent in August. The current account remained in surplus in the first half of 2024, with international reserves at comfortable levels.
    • Policy priorities are to enhance revenue mobilization, rationalize tax exemptions, modernize FX and public debt markets, enhance banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and improve governance and transparency of SOEs and other entities to strengthen the favorable business climate.

    Dushanbe, Tajikistan: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Matthew Gaertner held discussions with the Tajikistan authorities during September 23-October 4, 2024, for the first review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) [[1]].

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Gaertner issued the following statement:

    “The IMF mission held productive discussions with the Tajikistan authorities and reached staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the first review under the PCI. The successful completion of the review is subject to approval by IMF management and the IMF Executive Board. Consideration by the Board is expected in November 2024.

    “Real GDP continued to grow at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, supported by strong growth in services and construction. Inflation declined to 3.6 percent in August from 3.8 in December, remaining below the lower bound of the National Bank of Tajikistan’s target range. The current account remained in surplus during the first half of 2024 with strong financial inflows supporting comfortable levels of FX reserves. The authorities recorded a fiscal deficit well below the program’s target in the first half of the year, anchoring a continued reduction in public debt. The banking system is stable, with robust growth in deposits and credit. Strong GDP growth and low inflation are expected to continue in 2025 but geopolitical and climate risks create uncertainty over the medium-term outlook.

    “Program implementation has remained on track, with most of the quantitative targets for end-June 2024 being met and all reform targets being observed. The quantitative targets on net international reserves and the fiscal deficit were met comfortably. Improvements in revenue mobilization and debt management remain central to program objectives. Fiscal reforms have focused on quantifying losses from inefficient tax exemptions and implementing a Medium-Term Revenue Plan aiming to increase fiscal space for priority social and development spending. In line with the updated Debt Management Strategy, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has started issuing government securities at market-based rates to diversify financing sources.

    “Under the PCI, the authorities have improved monitoring of fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOE), bringing all companies with state ownership of at least 20 percent under the monitoring of the MOF. Monetary and exchange rate policy reforms have centered on improving the functioning of the FX market by rationalizing the system supporting remittances and money transfers through the banking system and improving the mechanism for executing government FX transactions to better reflect prevailing market rates.

    “Looking ahead, the authorities will aim to continue to rationalize tax exemptions and tax administration, modernize FX and public debt markets, improve banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and enhance governance and transparency of SOEs and other public and private entities to support a favorable business climate and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Enhanced exchange rate flexibility is essential to strengthen resilience to shocks and support the transition to an interest-rate based framework. The authorities have proposed to expand the fiscal reform agenda through new measures aiming to develop a plan to streamline tax exemptions and including all companies with a minimum of 20 percent state ownership in the 2024 Statement of Fiscal Risks.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities for their excellent cooperation and constructive discussions.”

    [[1]] The IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is designed for countries that do not need balance of payments financial support. The PCI helps countries design effective economic programs that, once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, signal to donors, multilateral development banks, and markets the Fund’s endorsement of a member’s policies.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Monitoring Impact of Hurricane Milton on Capital Markets

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission is closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Milton on investors and capital markets. The SEC also continues to monitor the prior impact of Hurricane Helene.

    The SEC divisions and offices that oversee companies, accountants, investment advisers, mutual funds, brokerage firms, transfer agents, and other regulated entities and investment professionals will continue to closely track developments. They will evaluate the possibility of granting relief from filing deadlines and other regulatory requirements for those affected by the storms. Entities and investment professionals affected by Hurricane Milton or Hurricane Helene are encouraged to contact SEC staff with questions and concerns:

    • Division of Examinations staff in the SEC’s Miami Regional Office can be reached by phone at 305-982-6300 or email at miami@sec.gov
    • Division of Examinations staff in the SEC’s Atlanta Regional Office can be reached by phone at 404-842-7600 or email at atlanta@sec.gov
    • Division of Corporation Finance staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-3500 or via online submission at http://www.sec.gov/forms/corp_fin_interpretive
    • Division of Investment Management staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-6825 or email at imocc@sec.gov
    • Division of Trading and Markets staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5777 or email at tradingandmarkets@sec.gov
    • Office of Municipal Securities staff can be reached by phone at 202-551-5680 or email at munis@sec.gov

    Individuals experiencing problems accessing their securities accounts or with similar questions or concerns relating to either hurricane are encouraged to contact the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy by phone at 1-800-SEC-0330 or email at help@sec.gov.

    Investors should be vigilant for Hurricane Milton-related and Hurricane Helene-related securities scams and check the background of anyone offering them an investment by using the free and simple search tool on Investor.gov. The SEC’s Division of Enforcement will vigorously prosecute those who attempt to defraud victims of the storms. The SEC is asking investors to report any suspicious solicitations at http://www.sec.gov/complaint/tipscomplaint.shtml.

    More information about the SEC’s monitoring of the impact of Hurricane Helene can be found here.

    FOR HURRICANE MILTON:

    What DHS and FEMA are doing

    https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hurricane-milton

    Español: https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/current/hurricane-milton

    What the U.S. government is doing

    https://www.usa.gov/hurricane-milton

    Español: https://www.usa.gov/es/huracan-milton

    FOR HURRICANE HELENE:

    What DHS and FEMA are doing

    https://www.fema.gov/hurricane-helene

    Español: https://www.fema.gov/es/helene

    What the U.S. government is doing

    https://usa.gov/hurricane-helene

    Español: https://usa.gov/es/huracan-helene

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting with the Governor of Omsk Region Vitaly Khotsenko

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting with the Governor of Omsk Region Vitaly Khotsenko

    October 9, 2024

    Governor of Omsk region Vitaly Khotsenko

    October 9, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting with the Governor of Omsk Region Vitaly Khotsenko

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with Omsk Region Governor Vitaly Khotsenko. The parties discussed the creation of solid municipal waste handling facilities in three districts of the region.

    As noted, within the framework of the federal project “Integrated System for Handling Municipal Solid Waste” in Omsk Oblast, it is planned to build integrated facilities for handling municipal solid waste in the territory of three districts. Concession agreements have already been concluded for two of them with the involvement of investors’ funds.

    Construction of solid municipal waste management facilities can also be implemented using infrastructure bonds issued by PPK “REO”. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, together with PPK “REO”, will work out this issue with the region.

    The parties also paid attention to the issue of purchasing buses that use compressed natural gas within the framework of the national project “Environmental Well-being”.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52947/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff and Tajikistan Authorities Reach Staff-Level Agreement on the First Review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI)

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 9, 2024

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

    • IMF staff and the Tajikistan authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the first review under the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI). The PCI aims to maintain macroeconomic stability, strengthen the authorities’ policy frameworks, and support their efforts to foster more sustainable and inclusive growth.
    • Macroeconomic performance remains favorable with real GDP growth at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, and twelve-month inflation slowing to 3.6 percent in August. The current account remained in surplus in the first half of 2024, with international reserves at comfortable levels.
    • Policy priorities are to enhance revenue mobilization, rationalize tax exemptions, modernize FX and public debt markets, enhance banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and improve governance and transparency of SOEs and other entities to strengthen the favorable business climate.

    Dushanbe, Tajikistan: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Mr. Matthew Gaertner held discussions with the Tajikistan authorities during September 23-October 4, 2024, for the first review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) [[1]].

    At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Gaertner issued the following statement:

    “The IMF mission held productive discussions with the Tajikistan authorities and reached staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the first review under the PCI. The successful completion of the review is subject to approval by IMF management and the IMF Executive Board. Consideration by the Board is expected in November 2024.

    “Real GDP continued to grow at 8.3 percent during January-August 2024, supported by strong growth in services and construction. Inflation declined to 3.6 percent in August from 3.8 in December, remaining below the lower bound of the National Bank of Tajikistan’s target range. The current account remained in surplus during the first half of 2024 with strong financial inflows supporting comfortable levels of FX reserves. The authorities recorded a fiscal deficit well below the program’s target in the first half of the year, anchoring a continued reduction in public debt. The banking system is stable, with robust growth in deposits and credit. Strong GDP growth and low inflation are expected to continue in 2025 but geopolitical and climate risks create uncertainty over the medium-term outlook.

    “Program implementation has remained on track, with most of the quantitative targets for end-June 2024 being met and all reform targets being observed. The quantitative targets on net international reserves and the fiscal deficit were met comfortably. Improvements in revenue mobilization and debt management remain central to program objectives. Fiscal reforms have focused on quantifying losses from inefficient tax exemptions and implementing a Medium-Term Revenue Plan aiming to increase fiscal space for priority social and development spending. In line with the updated Debt Management Strategy, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has started issuing government securities at market-based rates to diversify financing sources.

    “Under the PCI, the authorities have improved monitoring of fiscal risks from state-owned enterprises (SOE), bringing all companies with state ownership of at least 20 percent under the monitoring of the MOF. Monetary and exchange rate policy reforms have centered on improving the functioning of the FX market by rationalizing the system supporting remittances and money transfers through the banking system and improving the mechanism for executing government FX transactions to better reflect prevailing market rates.

    “Looking ahead, the authorities will aim to continue to rationalize tax exemptions and tax administration, modernize FX and public debt markets, improve banking supervision and macroprudential oversight, and enhance governance and transparency of SOEs and other public and private entities to support a favorable business climate and foster more sustainable and inclusive growth. Enhanced exchange rate flexibility is essential to strengthen resilience to shocks and support the transition to an interest-rate based framework. The authorities have proposed to expand the fiscal reform agenda through new measures aiming to develop a plan to streamline tax exemptions and including all companies with a minimum of 20 percent state ownership in the 2024 Statement of Fiscal Risks.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the authorities for their excellent cooperation and constructive discussions.”

    [[1]] The IMF’s Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) is designed for countries that do not need balance of payments financial support. The PCI helps countries design effective economic programs that, once approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, signal to donors, multilateral development banks, and markets the Fund’s endorsement of a member’s policies.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/09/pr-24361-tajikistan-imf-and-authorities-reach-agreement-on-1st-rev-of-pci

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: St. Petersburg Gas Forum 2024: Polytech Showcases Cutting-Edge Developments

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    From October 8 to 11, the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum 2024 is being held in the Expoforum Convention and Exhibition Centre in St. Petersburg. Russia’s leading technical university and the flagship university of PJSC Gazprom, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, traditionally participates in the exhibition and scientific-business programme of the forum. This year, SPbPU and the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented a joint stand.

    The St. Petersburg International Gas Forum can be called a unique event without exaggeration, because it is not only an exhibition of achievements in the gas industry, but also provides opportunities for a meaningful dialogue between business, government and science. This is necessary to ensure the technological independence of the Russian energy industry, – noted the rector of SPbPU, chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    Among the innovative developments that forum guests can see at the Polytechnic stand is the installation of selective laser melting with high-temperature heating of the working area “Mercury”, which solves the problems of import preemption in the economy of our country. This is an innovative project, which has no analogues in Russia. The new equipment was created in cooperation with an industrial partner – the company 3DLAM. Thanks to additive metal printing technologies, which Polytechnic is now actively engaged in, it has become possible to manufacture products of the most complex shapes from difficult-to-process alloys. The resulting samples are highly durable and reliable.

    The unit is capable of heating the working area to 1300 degrees for printing new-generation heat-resistant alloys. Joint repair of T32 engine components — the Ladoga gas pumping unit — is currently being discussed.

    In our partnership, we act as an equipment manufacturer, and Polytech acts as a technology center that develops the technology itself, works out modes and prepares technical specifications, according to which we create innovative installations, noted Nikolai Drobchenko, head of the 3DLAM additive technology department.

    Specialists from the research laboratory “Laser and Additive Technologies” of the Institute of Metallurgy and Metallurgy of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University also demonstrate the mobile laser cladding complex “Nomad” and components of gas turbine engines restored using the laser cladding method.

    “Here, there is a synergy of combining scientific research, technological and production experience,” said Mikhail Kuznetsov, head of the Laser and Additive Technologies Research Laboratory. “And all of this is combined into a new development. In this case, it is a layer-by-layer growth complex with high-temperature heating.”

    Also at the Polytechnic stand, you can get acquainted with the work of virtual demonstration complexes based on VR technologies to study the main actions during maintenance and operation of compressor equipment used at underground gas storage facilities.

    Traditionally, the SPbPU History Museum takes part in the exhibition. Its employees tell visitors to the stand about the Polytechnic gas plant, which produced lighting gas for laboratories.

    SPbPU and SPbB RAS stand: L2, Pavilion G.

    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://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/St. Petersburg-gas-forum-2024-polytech-demonstrates-advanced-developments/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scunthorpe angler pays for fishing in close season 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted an angler from Scunthorpe for fishing during the close season.

    A fisheries enforcement officer on patrol

    • Angler caught breaking close season regulations
    • Case brought by Environment Agency’s fisheries enforcement team
    • Close season in place to help protect fishing stocks

    Lulian Constantinescu, 34, of Mulgrave Street, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, admitted the charge at Humber Magistrates Court in a case heard on 18 September 2024.

    He was ordered to pay a total of £307 after admitting that he fished in the close season at South Soak Drain near Wiseman Bridge, Scunthorpe, on 19 March 2024.

    The court imposed penalties of a £123 fine, £135 costs and a victim’s surcharge of £49.

    Close season

    The annual close season (from 15 March – 15 June) prevents fishing for coarse fish in rivers and streams across England, helping to protect fish when they are spawning and supporting vulnerable stocks. Environment Agency officers conduct patrols to ensure anglers respect this no fishing period.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

    “The close season is in place to reduce disturbances to protect vulnerable stocks during their peak spawning period.

    “We urge anglers to respect the close season in order to help reduce pressures on our fisheries, benefitting fish and the wider environment.

    “We hope the penalties will act as a deterrent to any angler who is thinking of fishing during the close season.

    “Our fisheries enforcement team work seven days a week to check that anglers are following fishing regulations.”

    Fisheries enforcement

    The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust.

    Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported.  

    Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency Incident Hotline 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Fishing licences

    All income from fishing licence sales is used to fund our work to protect and improve fish stocks, fisheries and the environment.

    This includes improving habitats for fish, reinvesting money back to facilities and clubs for anglers, tackling illegal fishing and working with partners to encourage more people to give fishing a go.

    Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence.  

    A 1-day licence costs from just £7.10 and an annual licence costs from just £35.80. Concessions are available. Junior licences are free for 13 to 16-year-olds. 

    Licences are available from http://www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

    The Charge – Lulian Constantinescu

    On 19 March 2024 at South Soak Drain near Wiseman Bridge, Scunthorpe, fished for freshwater fish in the close season.

    This is contrary to National Byelaw 2 of the Environment Agency Byelaws made on 12 July 2010 and contrary to National Byelaw 6 confirmed March 23 2010 made pursuant to sections 210 and 211 Schedule 25 of the Water Resources Act 1991.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stormont establishment putting institutions before child safeguarding

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “Confirmation in today’s Belfast Telegraph from the DUP, UUP, Alliance and SDLP that none of their MLAs will sign my motion of no confidence in the First Minister and the Economy Minister is confirmation, if anyone was in doubt, that the Stormont establishment puts preservation of the institutions before child safeguarding.

    “Since the scandal broke, I have been in contact with people across the political spectrum in Northern Ireland appalled that it has been left to one MLA to ask the questions which matter about this issue and push for action.

    “Frankly, Stormont is unrepresentative of the mood of the country when 89 out of 90 MLAs say they have confidence in Ms O’Neill and Mr Murphy.

    “Parties others than TUV have and may well continue to huff and puff about this issue but it is all sound and fury signifying nothing when there is a motion in the business office which they all refuse to sign.

    “I would urge people to raise this issue with their local MLAs.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government honours victims on anniversary of attack against Israel

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Government honours victims on anniversary of attack against Israel – Government.se

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    Published

    On 7 October 2023, Hamas committed the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was joined by other ministers in a ceremony at Stockholm’s Great Synagogue on the evening of 7 October 2024 to honour the memory of the victims of the attack.

    • Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson delivers a speech during the memorial ceremony at Stockholm’s Great Synagogue on 7 October.

      Photo: Ninni Andersson/Government Offices

    • Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in discussion at the memorial ceremony at Stockholm’s Great Synagogue on 7 October, the anniversary of the 2023 terrorist attack against Israel.

      Photo: Tom Samuelsson/Government Offices

    • Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg and Minister for Civil Defence Carl Oskar Bohlin attended the memorial ceremony.

      Photo: Tom Samuelsson/Government Offices

    Mr Kristersson delivered a speech during the ceremony and spoke about honouring the memory of those murdered on 7 October, the importance of an immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and the need for the whole of Swedish society to continue to fight antisemitism.

    Aron Verständig, Chair of the Official Council of Swedish Jewish Communities, and Ziv Nevo Kulman, Israel’s Ambassador to Sweden also spoke.

    Other Government representatives in attendance were Minister for Energy, Business and Industry Ebba Busch, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Migration Johan Forssell, Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Paulina Brandberg and Minister for Civil Defence Carl Oskar Bohlin. 

    The ceremony was organised by the Jewish Community in Stockholm and the Embassy of Israel in Stockholm.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden increasing humanitarian support to Lebanon by SEK 83.5 million

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden increasing humanitarian support to Lebanon by SEK 83.5 million – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The military escalation in Lebanon has had major humanitarian consequences. Sweden is therefore increasing its humanitarian support to Lebanon by a total of SEK 83.5 million. The support will be divided between the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Lebanese Red Cross, Save the Children and the UN Lebanon Humanitarian Fund.

    “More than one million people in Lebanon are in need of emergency humanitarian support. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes. Sweden therefore supports organisations on the ground that provide for people’s basic needs. This involves everything from blankets and mattresses to sleep on, to emergency medical care and ambulances. At the same time, let me emphasise that under international humanitarian law, parties in a conflict are obliged to protect civilians and aid workers,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. 

    On 1 October, the UN launched its Flash Appeal for the humanitarian response in Lebanon. The appeal underscores that one million people are in need of shelter, food, clean water, medicine and life-saving medical care. The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) – of which Sweden is one of the largest donors – has already made a payment of USD 10 million. In addition, the European Commission has increased its humanitarian support to Lebanon by EUR 30 million as a result of the crisis. 

    The SEK 83.5 million support package that Sweden is presenting today is a response to the UN Flash Appeal. SEK 60 million is earmarked core support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and SEK 23.5 million new allocations from Sida. This means that Sweden’s humanitarian support to Lebanon for 2024 has more than doubled as a direct consequence of the critical situation on the ground and now totals SEK 158.3 million. 

    UNHCR is one of Sweden’s largest core support partners and, with the help of Swedish core support, was able to take immediate action when the crisis in Lebanon escalated. SEK 53 million of Sweden’s core support to UNHCR is now being allocated to the organisation’s activities in the region. This means that people fleeing the conflict can receive emergency assistance on both sides of the border between Lebanon and Syria. In addition, SEK 7 million of Sweden’s core support to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will now be allocated to the Lebanese Red Cross, whose work with emergency medical care, blood banks and ambulance services saves lives every day. 

    The new allocations approved by Sida involve SEK 20 million to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, a country-based pooled fund administered by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The fund allocates financial resources to trusted civil society organisations that are well established in Lebanese society and are able to help the people most in need in the most inaccessible parts of the country. Children are often the most affected by conflicts, which is why Sida has also allocated an additional SEK 3.5 million to Save the Children in Lebanon. 

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement for Item 10 General Debate

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Statement for Item 10 General Debate: Technical assistance and capacity-building. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Location:
    Geneva
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Mr Vice-President.

    The UK believes that technical cooperation plays a vital role in promoting and protecting human rights and welcomes the ongoing engagement by many States with the Office of the High Commissioner.

    In Bangladesh, we are encouraged by the interim government’s commitment to accountability following student-led protests over the summer – and its invitation to Office of the High Commissioner to conduct a fact-finding mission. Bangladesh’s cooperation with Office of the High Commissioner is a welcome example.

    We also welcome Transitional Justice legislation in Nepal. We hope that its implementation will ensure a victim-centred conclusion to the peace process.

    However, we remain concerned by the human rights situation in Yemen, including the use of child recruitment, abuses against migrants, and the persecution of the Baha’i and other ethnic and religious minorities. We call on the government and Houthi authorities to enable humanitarian access and human rights monitoring, and to include women and minorities in decision-making and peace negotiations.

    We continue to see human rights violations and abuses in Libya. Technical assistance has a vital role to play in addressing these concerns, including through ongoing support to the judiciary.

    And in Tunisia, space for political participation has shrunk considerably. Legitimate political actors and civil society figures have been detained and charged in a manner that questions the independence of the judiciary and undermines freedom of expression.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The Institute of Intellectual Property is a cross-cutting component of the national innovation system of a technologically developed country

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms of Scientific and Technological Development”

    October 9, 2024

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms of Scientific and Technological Development”

    October 9, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms of Scientific and Technological Development”

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the plenary session of the XXVIII International Scientific and Practical Conference “IP Era” “Intellectual Property – the Basis of an Innovative Economy: Priorities and Mechanisms for Scientific and Technological Development”.

    The event participants discussed issues of international scientific and technical cooperation in the field of intellectual property.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko noted that the institute of intellectual property is a cross-cutting component of the national innovation system of each technologically developed country. In Russia, over the past year, strategic goal-setting in the field of scientific and technological development for the next period has been determined.

    “In May, President Vladimir Putin approved a decree on Russia’s national development goals. For the first time in the history of modern Russia, technological leadership has become a national goal. We now have a unique situation, since one of the strategic objectives aimed at achieving this goal is to increase spending on science to 2% of GDP by 2030. Another objective is to increase the share of domestic high-tech goods and services created on the basis of our own development lines by 1.5 times compared to the 2023 level. In this regard, it is important for us not only to increase the volume of scientific research and development, including through extra-budgetary sources, but also to ensure what Rospatent does – timely and seamless transfer of these technologies into products and services in demand by citizens, the state and business,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    To make management decisions and track the effective transfer of technologies from science to industry, a unified digital environment for research and development is being formed within the Science and Innovation domain. The first 14 services are already functioning in it, including the Service of Technology Requests from Business and End-to-End Traceability.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko separately noted that in order to respond to global challenges, it is necessary to concentrate all resources around the tasks of technological leadership.

    “According to the instructions of the head of state, each national project of technological leadership should provide for separate federal projects on advanced training of qualified specialists and development of the most important science-intensive technologies. The role of intellectual property here is the proper legal protection of the result and its transfer from scientific reserves, which will be formed within the framework of separate federal projects, to specific products and their entry into industrial production. In this regard, I would like to note the work of Rospatent, which today is not limited to just protecting intellectual property, but is focusing on stimulating scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial breakthroughs,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    Today, there are a large number of requests from technology companies for reverse engineering of technologies and products that the companies previously purchased abroad. In the process of reverse engineering, scientists and engineers often manage to improve the properties of technologies and products, thereby creating a qualitatively new result.

    According to Dmitry Chernyshenko, today, only registration in the patent offices of friendly countries where such products are planned for sale can provide proper legal protection for products, especially those with export potential. National patent offices can and should act as methodologists in the proper registration of intellectual property rights.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled that the plenary session was timed to coincide with the 6th meeting of the heads of intellectual property departments of the BRICS countries, and noted the Rospatent project to develop a guide to intellectual property systems in the BRICS countries for entrepreneurs.

    The plenary session was attended by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Maxim Kolesnikov, President of the Eurasian Patent Office (EAPO) Grigory Ivliev, as well as representatives of the intellectual property departments of the Republic of Belarus, China and South Africa. In addition, a greeting was given by the Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lilia Gumerova. The session was moderated by the Head of Rospatent Yuri Zubov.

    In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting with the management of Rospatent and subordinate organizations. They discussed the role of Rospatent in ensuring Russia’s technological leadership, IT infrastructure in the field of intellectual property, and legal protection of regional brands as a tool for developing tourism in the regions of Russia.

    “It is important to create developments with export potential and a focus on further commercialization. Intellectual property is an important indicator of the country’s technological development, and promising scientific ideas should receive legal protection and enter industrial production as soon as possible. The necessary digital and analytical services have been formed in the Rospatent system to support science and business,” said Rospatent head Yuri Zubov.

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

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

    http://government.ru/nevs/52948/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement on CAR

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on Central African Republic.

    Thank you Madame Vice-President,

    We welcome the Central African Republic’s continued engagement with this Council and the Independent Expert’s scrutiny of the human rights situation. Ongoing implementation of national human rights policies remains vital to translate commitments into results.

    Progress by the Special Criminal Court is crucial to ensuring the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity can be held to account. We urge states and other stakeholders to assist the Special Criminal Court in carrying out arrest warrants, including for former President Bozizé. The Central African Republic has the full support of the UK to strengthen the justice system. We encourage the authorities to respect judicial process by handing over Mr Hassan Bouba Ali to the Court.

    Madame Vice President, declining violations committed by the army, police and gendarmerie is positive, but we remain deeply concerned by abuses committed by Russian proxies. Russian forces do not improve security, they spread brutality across the country. They intentionally prolong the conflict, committing conflict-related sexual violence, exploiting national resources, and undermining MINUSCA (Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) as it seeks to fulfil its mandate.

    Mr Agbetse,

    Increasing disinformation and hate speech present unprecedented challenges for long-term stability. What, in cooperation with Central African Republic authorities, can be done to combat this?

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Physician and Medical Practice Agree to Pay $625,000 to Settle Kickback Allegations

    Source: US State of California

    Dr. Eric Troyer, of Landis, North Carolina, and his medical practice, Troyer Medical Inc. P.C. (TMI), have agreed to pay $429,254 to the United States to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations arising from their involvement in laboratory kickback schemes. Troyer and TMI will pay an additional $195,746 to the State of North Carolina, which jointly funded claims paid by the North Carolina Medicaid program. Troyer and his practice have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged schemes.

    “Kickbacks to healthcare providers can undermine the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs and medical decision making,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to pursue those who pay or receive illegal financial inducements, including unlawful inducements for laboratory testing.”

    The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other federally funded healthcare programs. The Anti-Kickback Statute is intended to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.

    The settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from August 2015 to November 2021, Troyer and his medical practice received kickbacks from a laboratory in Anderson, South Carolina, in return for Troyer’s referrals to that laboratory. According to the settlement, the kickbacks to Troyer and his medical practice allegedly were disguised as payments for purported phlebotomy services, rental of office space and the lease of a chemistry analyzer machine and resulted in the submission of false or fraudulent laboratory testing claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE in violation of the False Claims Act.

    “Patients should be able trust that their healthcare provider’s recommendations are for their well-being and not for the provider’s financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to hold accountable those who undermine the integrity of the healthcare system by giving or receiving kickbacks.”

    “This resolution demonstrates the FBI’s dedication to addressing violations that undermine the public’s trust in our healthcare systems,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Jensen of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “The FBI, along with our law enforcement and regulatory partners, remains committed to ensuring healthcare professionals provide transparent and ethical standards of service.”

    “Kickback arrangements aimed at improperly influencing medical decisions will remain a top investigative priority for our agency,” said Special Agent in Charge Tamala E. Miles of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Our ongoing enforcement efforts in this area are focused on protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and preventing schemes that could improperly manipulate the healthcare decisions of patients and their doctors.”

    “Improper financial relationships between physicians and laboratories undermine patient healthcare and trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “Kickbacks should never be a consideration in a medical practice selecting a company for laboratory testing. DCIS will continue to bring to justice medical providers who illegally enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer and wellbeing of our Warfighters.”

    The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina, with assistance from HHS-OIG, DCIS, FBI and the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

    Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Beth C. Warren for the District of South Carolina handled the case. The United States previously resolved allegations that other physicians in South Carolina, North Carolina and Texas received kickbacks from the same laboratory.

    The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Second Annual DEIA Workforce Symposium Held

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State’s second annual Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Workforce Symposium. The symposium brought together DEIA practitioners and leadership from across State agencies to strategize about both the current DEIA landscape and emerging trends.

    “Diversity is New York’s greatest strength — it is embodied in our history of social justice and our intrinsic commitment to civil rights,” Governor Hochul said. “As DEIA efforts are attacked across the nation, we have focused on building the most diverse administration in the State’s history, and cementing a more equitable and more inclusive future for New Yorkers.”

    “New Yorkers need to see themselves represented by their government,” Lieutenant Governor Delgado said. “On behalf of all New Yorkers, I am profoundly committed to embracing and emboldening our state’s diversity, and continuing to have the necessary conversations on DEIA so that we can always welcome fresh ideas and new voices — that’s how we cultivate a stronger, more connected New York.”

    Governor’s Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State is not just responding to the challenges of today but setting a bold new standard for inclusive governance. We are dedicated to creating a government that reflects the strength and richness of our diverse communities — where systems are just, opportunities are equitable, and every employee belongs. Today’s second annual New York State DEIA Symposium is a moment for us to energize our efforts, deepen our commitment, and continue building a workforce that is truly reflective of the people we serve.”

    Led by the Governor’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the daylong in-person event consisted of expert speakers, workshops, award presentations, wellness opportunities and strategic relationship building. Building on the success of the inaugural symposium, this year’s symposium featured a plenary on the current legal landscape of DEIA in addition to five workshops related to the current needs and emerging trends in DEIA to ensure that New York State’s DEIA initiatives are both effective and sustainable:

    • Developing Leadership Buy-in for DEIA Efforts
    • Expanding Equity from the Inside Out
    • Integrating Trauma-Informed Approaches with DEIA
    • Strengthening Accountability in DEIA through Self-Care
    • Developing a Community of Practice for DEIA Practitioners: What’s Next for DEIA Practitioners and How is the Work Evolving?

    Additionally, the state recognized the accomplishments of a state agency, an agency head, and a DEIA practitioner who have all made outstanding contributions toward advancing DEIA initiatives for New York State. The awards celebrated those who have demonstrated excellence through their efforts to recruit and retain talent, foster an inclusive and accessible workplace, and promote equity in policies and programming. The three awards were presented to:

    • New York State Department of Labor
    • Dr. Minosca Alcántara, Executive Director, New York State Bridge Authority
    • Talia Santiago-Bonds, Chief Diversity Officer, New York State Office of Mental Health

    Governor’s Chief Disability Officer Kim Hill Ridley said, “I am so proud to be a part of an administration that focuses on creating a more equitable and inclusive world. Governor Hochul recognizes that diversity, equity and inclusion are critical and that it’s essential to remember the importance of adding the ‘A’ to DEIA. Accessibility is a fundamental human right, and by prioritizing it, we can ensure that everyone feels valued and included.”

    Executive Director for the New York State Office of Language Access Margarita Larios said, “Language empowerment is key to truly celebrating diversity and advancing equity, inclusion and accessibility in New York State. The highly intersectional nature of DEIA work requires specialized training but also strong partnerships that often start or are solidified through opportunities like this unique symposium. The NYS Office of Language Access is grateful to Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez and her team for their guidance and our continued collaboration all year long, including today’s event where we gain so much in motivation and tools to further our reach and impact together. In tandem with OGS Commissioner Jeannette Moy’s resolute support and Governor Hochul’s deliberate leadership, happenings like today inspire us to continue working hard to serve all New Yorkers.”

    Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues said, “At the New York State Department of Civil Service, we’ve been working hard to bolster the state workforce and encourage a wide range of applicants to better reflect the wonderful mosaic of the Empire State and the many unique faces, voices, backgrounds and ideas of those we serve. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re working to reduce barriers and ease the path to public service for all New Yorkers, particularly those from diverse backgrounds and communities. It’s easier than ever to join public service and begin a rewarding, good-paying, stable career while helping your fellow New Yorkers on a daily basis.”

    As the first female Governor of New York, Governor Hochul has been a champion for DEIA. In her 2024 State of the State address, Governor Hochul directed executive-controlled agencies with more than 300 full-time employees to hire a Chief Diversity Officer or other position dedicated full-time to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Additionally, Governor Hochul directed the Office of Employee Relations, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, to develop a DEI training for all State employees as well as the Department of Civil Service — in collaboration with the Governor’s Office — to initiate and provide anti-racism training.

    Governor Hochul has also taken several actions to build a stronger, more diverse workforce. These efforts include: establishing Centers for Careers in government to help New Yorkers find careers in state service, expanding opportunities via the Governor’s Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities (55 b/c), providing funding for new testing centers across the State and expanding the NY HELPS program, which temporarily waives the civil service exam requirements for thousands of vacant state job opportunities accessible to the general public.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: School building funds

    Source: Australian Department of Revenue

    Some school building funds may be eligible to be deductible gift recipients.

    This information will help you to understand the characteristics needed for a school fund to be eligible. If you’re eligible, you can apply for DGR endorsement.

    The word ‘school’ in this section refers to either a school or college.

    Characteristics of a school building fund

    A school building fund has the following characteristics:

    • It is a public fund.
    • It must be operated by or be
    • It meets the key requirements of a school building fund which are

    You can use the checklist to work out if your fund has the characteristics of a school building fund.

    Definition of a school

    A school is a place where people come together to be instructed in an area of knowledge or activity. Schools are not limited to those focused on academic pursuits. They include, but are not limited to, recreational, technical, arts and agricultural schools.

    A school must be an institution and have a real, separate, institutional existence. This may be within or part of another institution.

    Factors that are not required but can help show there is a school, are:

    • a set curriculum
    • instruction or training by suitably qualified persons
    • enrolment of students
    • some form of assessment and correction
    • the creation of a qualification or status that is recognised outside of the organisation.

    Definition of a building

    The term ‘building’ has its ordinary meaning and includes one building, a group of buildings, a part of a building or additions to a building.

    A building should be a permanent structure, roofed and usually with walls and flooring that provides protection from the elements. Therefore, structures such as an outdoor swimming pool, sports oval or a tennis court are not buildings as they are not enclosed and do not provide protection against the elements.

    A permanent structure, such as a covered outdoor learning area that does not have walls is capable of being a building if it is fixed to the ground and has a roof.

    Fixtures are accepted as part of a building. They are affixed to a building and are unable to be detached without substantial damage to the item itself or that to which it is attached. Fixtures include ducted heating systems, fixed air conditioning systems and carpets permanently fixed to the floor.

    Non-fixtures such as computers, furniture, training equipment and laboratory equipment do not form part of the building.

    A building must be used as a school by a qualifying body

    For a building to be characterised as a school building, a qualifying body needs to control the use of the building in its capacity as operator of the school. A qualifying body is a government, a public authority or a non-profit society or association.

    While regard must be given to the actual use of the building, a building may be inferred not to be a school building where the school organisation cannot determine how the building is used.

    The building must be used by a qualifying body for a purpose connected with the instruction provided by the school. A building is ‘used as a school’ as a matter of everyday language where its use for school purposes is substantial. However, a simple mathematical examination of the time the building is ‘used as a school’ is not conclusive.

    The following factors must be considered in determining whether a building is ‘used as a school’:

    • the overall purpose (or purposes) for which the building has been established and maintained
    • the importance of each of the activities carried out to that purpose
    • any connection that the non-school use has towards the school use
    • the extent the school use and non-school use have contributed to that purpose.

    If there is non-school use, whether the building is a school building will depend on how much it limits, detracts from or is incompatible with the instruction provided by the school.

    The following factors are not determinative, but may indicate that a building is ‘used as a school’:

    • amount of time the building is put to school use relative to time put to non-school use
    • number of people involved in the school use relative to number of people involved in its non-school use
    • physical area of the building put to school use relative to physical area put to non-school use
    • extent to which the building has been adapted or modified to accommodate its school or non-school use.

    Where a building’s uses are incidental or ancillary to the provision of instruction in a school building, it may also be considered to be ‘used as a school’.

    Incidental or ancillary buildings include:

    • school tuck-shops
    • toilet blocks
    • school assembly halls
    • school administration office
    • residential accommodation of a boarding school
    • residential accommodation for teachers.

    Any other use of the building must be either integral to its use as a school or be so minor or occasional that it does not interfere with its use as a school.

    A multipurpose building is designed to be put to a variety of different uses. To be a school building, a multipurpose building must satisfy the same requirements to be characterised as a building ‘used as a school’.

    If it’s characterised as a school building, the school building fund can use its funds to contribute towards the cost of any common area. For example, areas put to both school and non-school use such as a hallway or toilet blocks are considered a common area. However, if the common area has been adapted or designed specifically for non-school use, the school building fund cannot provide the money to pay the cost of the adaption or design.

    Use of the school building fund

    A school building fund is solely for providing money to acquire, construct or maintain a building used, or to be used, as a school by a qualifying body. It cannot be used for any other purpose.

    To determine the purpose of the fund, objective circumstances are considered, including the constituent documents of the fund and what the money is provided for. Expenditure on capital improvements and maintenance, as well as installing and maintaining fixtures, are accepted outlays of a school building fund.

    Costs payable from a school building fund include:

    • purchase of land to the extent that it reasonably relates to the area of land occupied by the school building
    • building purchase and construction expenses
    • incidental costs relating to planning, negotiating, financing and obtaining approvals for acquisition or construction
    • fixtures including security related features such as security alarms and lighting and window and door security such as grilles
    • initial repairs
    • additions or extensions to the existing building such as an additional floor, room or permanent structure within the building and the replacement, removal or addition of walls, doors or windows
    • lease payments that relate to the building or land occupied by the building
    • conditions on construction imposed by a local governing body or public authority, to the extent they relate to the ability to construct the school building
    • repairs, painting, plumbing and general maintenance of the school building, including costs of purchasing associated equipment
    • cleaning expenses including cleaning the building’s floor coverings, fixtures and windows
    • building insurance, to the extent it relates to the building
    • security monitoring costs that directly relate to the preservation or protection of a school building
    • administration costs of establishing or promoting the fund, including bank fees, accounting and audit costs, fundraising expenses and reasonable remuneration for the fund’s administrator and staff.

    A school building fund cannot provide funds for:

    • a non-school building
    • the non-school use of a school building
    • other facilities that are not buildings.

    Costs that cannot be paid include:

    • construction of non-school building like a wing of a building designed to be used as a church
    • maintenance costs that relate to the non-school use of a building, like the costs of hiring a cleaner to clean school buildings following weddings unless the fund is fully and promptly reimbursed
    • running expenses of the school that don’t relate to buildings such as water, gas, electricity, sewerage, contents insurance, teaching staff salaries or the general upkeep of furnishings
    • costs of maintaining facilities which are not buildings including sports fields, sports equipment, playgrounds, landscaping and open-air carparks.

    A school building fund may invest or lend its money if this is a bona fide and temporary arrangement and will assist the fund to achieve its objects within a reasonable period. To be a bona fide arrangement, the investment or loan must be designed to make efficient use of the money until such time as it is required for the acquisition, construction or maintenance of the building.

    Taxation Ruling TR 2013/2 Income tax: school or college building funds provides detailed guidance for organisations seeking additional information to determine whether their fund has the characteristics of a school building fund.

    School building fund checklist

    Use our checklist to work out if your fund has the characteristics of a school building fund.

    • Your fund is a public fund.
    • Your fund’s constituent or governing documents clearly show it was established solely to provide money for acquiring, constructing or maintaining a building used, or to be used, as a school.
    • The building is used, or to be used, as a school by a government, public authority or non-profit society or association.
    • Actual payments made by the fund are only for acquiring, constructing or maintaining the building, including acceptable administration costs of the fund.
    • Your fund must be operated by or be an Australian government agency or registered with the ACNCExternal Link.

    If you have worked out that your fund is a school building fund, it also needs to meet other conditions for DGR endorsement.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia’s has violated the OSCE’s core principles: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK military advisor, Nicholas Aucott, says Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has violated core principles contained in the Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE’s Code of Conduct, as Ukrainian civilians are subjected to a daily onslaught of drone attacks and missile strikes.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Mr Chair. This morning, and this afternoon, we discussed the Code of Conduct, a key document underpinning the very rationale for us convening here in this Forum. Amongst other things, signatories to the Code undertook to recognise the validity of the Helsinki Final Act which underpins our commitments to peace, sovereign equality amongst States, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Russia’s initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and its subsequent full-scale invasion in 2022 violated the core principles of the Code and the Act.

    And complicit in Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, Belarus violated its commitments to the Code when it assisted Russia, supporting Russian armed forces and permitting them to use Belarusian territory for its attacks on Ukraine. By doing so, Belarus facilitated Russia’s violation of its obligation to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity of another State. Belarus continues to provide logistical and materiel support to Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

    Russia protests in this Forum when the significant majority of participating States stand up to this act of aggression. Indeed, the Code compels us to do so, ‘to act in solidarity if… norms and commitments are violated and to facilitate concerted responses to security challenges’.

    Russia’s response to this act of solidarity is to distort the facts and to sow disinformation in this Forum and beyond. Russia wants to break this solidarity because Russia is suffering as a consequence; it is suffering from its choice to unleash war.

    The impact for Ukraine and its people is tragic; for Ukrainian soldiers who attempt to halt Russia’s full-scale invasion, and for Ukrainian civilians who are killed and wounded, subjected to a daily onslaught of Russia’s drone and missile strikes. Ukrainians are fighting for their homeland, for their sovereign territory, for their freedom from external coercion, for the principles outlined in the Code to which we all committed, including Russia.

    In September, the number of average daily Russian casualties reached a new high for the war at 1,271, meaning Russia has now likely suffered over 648,000 casualties since the war began. A terrible human cost, for an unjustified and unprovoked war in breach of international law and fundamental OSCE principles.

    Mr Chair, the UK recognises the severity of the threat posed by Russia to global security, through its violation of international law and the UN Charter. This is why we have come together in solidarity; this is why we will continue to resolutely uphold the Code of Conduct and support this Forum.

    We will not allow aggressors like President Putin to succeed, to trample on the fundamental tenets of this organisation. The UK’s commitment to providing Ukraine with military, financial, diplomatic, and political support remains iron clad. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Offers Free Repair and Rebuilding Advice

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Offers Free Repair and Rebuilding Advice

    FEMA Offers Free Repair and Rebuilding Advice

    Des Moines, Iowa — FEMA Mitigation Helpline is available to survivors who are ready and interested in talking with a repair/rebuilding specialist. 

    Iowa residents with homes affected by this year’s flooding can get helpful advice from a specialist on the FEMA Mitigation Helpline at 833-336-2487. Lines are open Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If no answer, leave a message with your name and number for specialist to call you back.

    Your discussion with a FEMA Mitigation specialist will get you started in planning for repairs. As work progresses, experts are available to provide rebuilding tips, advise on building supplies, explain the importance of flood insurance and help you make a personal disaster plan.

    Mitigation reduces a property’s risk to future events, and it allows residents to return home more quickly, with less damage, after the next storm. While it may involve a larger initial investment, mitigation pays off in the long run. In fact, estimates are that on average for every dollar spent on mitigation, six are saved from future losses.

    Contact your local building official before rebuilding/renovating /retrofitting. Make sure your plans meet local and state government requirements. Get proper permits.

    Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. For Spanish, press 2. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. 

     

    April.Bennett

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Irrefutable, independent evidence of Russia violating international law is a concern for us all: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK Counsellor, Ankur Narayan, says that the OSCE’s Code of Conduct, which turns 30 this year, commits all States to act if OSCE norms and commitments are violated; the UN and OSCE have evidence of Russia violating international law.

    Location:
    Vienna
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you Mr Chair for hosting this FSC Security Dialogue to mark 30 years of the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security. Thank you to the speakers for their powerful interventions.

    At last month’s FSC Opening Session, the Russian Delegation described the Code and the Helsinki Final Act as our “lodestar”. We agree. In my statement today, I could have talked about:

    1. Belarus supporting a State using force against another State; breaching para 8.
    2. Or Russia rejecting the sovereign right other States to choose their treaties of alliance; breaching para 11.
    3. Or Russia imposing military domination over any other participating State; breaching para 13.
    4. Or Russia stationing armed forces in the territories of other States – namely Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova – without a freely negotiated agreement, in line with internation law. Thereby breaching para 14.

    Instead, Mr Chair, in the Code’s 30th year, I will focus on paragraphs 30, 31 and 34. These compel States to ensure that their armed and security forces abide by international law. I will highlight three elements: attacks against critical civilian infrastructure ahead of winter; conflict-related sexual violence; and prisoners of war. I will only cite independently-verified, internationally-respected sources.

    Firstly, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission: “Repeated large-scale attacks since March by Russian armed forces against the electricity infrastructure of Ukraine have inflicted extensive harm and hardship on the country’s civilian population, with potentially devastating consequences as winter approaches”. The UN concludes that “the complex and coordinated nature of the strikes, the number of attacks across the country, and Russia’s regular official acknowledgment are indicators that the attacks against the electricity network are of a widespread and systematic nature”. As the Russian Federation knows, international humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate attacks, which disproportionately kill civilians, and which destroy objects indispensable to the survival of civilians.

    Secondly, in March this year the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine  “found that the war crime of rape, and in some cases the war crime of sexual violence, had been committed. Those acts also amounted to torture”. These heinous crimes must end.

    Thirdly, the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine reported “horrific treatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war in several detention facilities in the Russian Federation”. The UN also recently found that “Russian authorities have subjected Ukrainian POWs to widespread and systematic torture and ill-treatment”. This month, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine also found that 119 of 174 Ukrainian prisoners of war interviewed had suffered acts of sexual violence. Russia must abide by its Geneva Convention obligations and treat all civilian detainees and prisoners of war humanely and it must allow immediate unimpeded access to the ICRC.

    Mr Chair, the Code commits us to act in solidarity if OSCE norms and commitments are violated. As catalogued by the OSCE Moscow Mechanisms, ODIHR and UN, there is irrefutable independent evidence of Russia violating international law, including international humanitarian law. As per the Code, such breaches are a “direct and legitimate” concern for us all.  This is why we again demand that Russia withdraws fully and unconditionally from the whole territory of Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders. We demand independent and impartial investigations into all allegations of violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law.  The victims deserve justice. And we will keep working tirelessly with our international partners to this end.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 October 2024

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Governments investing to improve Ontario farmland

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Canada and Ontario funding 213 projects to enhance the resilience of agricultural lands

    October 9, 2024 – Straffordville, Ontario  –  Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    The governments of Canada and Ontario have awarded over $12.2 million in support to 213 projects designed to help farmers make their agricultural lands more healthy and resilient.

    The funding, through the first intake of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, is supporting the planting of grasslands and trees, reducing tillage, and creating water retention ponds. These improvements help farmers increase their resilience against extreme weather events and enhance the health of their soil and water, while boosting biodiversity on their properties.

    Funding amounts vary according to the type and scope of the project. As funding is still available through the second intake of the initiative which opened on June 3rd 2024, farmers are encouraged to apply through the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association website. Eligible applicants could receive $30 per acre for reduced tillage, and up to $25,000 per acre for the establishment of new wetlands on agricultural lands.

    The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year (2023-2028), $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by the provinces and territories.

    Quotes

    “Our hardworking farmers face many challenges that are outside of their control, especially when it comes to extreme weather events and the impacts from climate change. Through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, we can help them protect their land against these unpredictable challenges so they can continue to grow and succeed for generations to come.”

    – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. 

    “We want to support our world-class Ontario farmers with lasting on-farm improvements to help secure long-term growth and environmental resilience for a stronger agri-food sector. We strongly encourage our farmers to apply and take advantage of the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, as funding remains available and open for new applications. This is an exceptional opportunity that we want extended across Ontario’s almost $51 billion agricultural sector.”

    – Rob Flack, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

    “Ontario famers know good stewardship and best management practices are the key to soil health and building long term sustainability on our farms. OSCIA is pleased to deliver the Resilient Agricultural Landscape funding program under the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Initiative to Ontario farmers to complete projects including reduced tillage, creating water retention ponds and wetlands, and establishing natural grasslands that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help sequester carbon.”

    –  Phil Oegema, President – Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association

    Quick facts

    • The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) is being delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) and is helping Ontario reach the goals outlined in the Grow Ontario Strategy, which includes strengthening the stability of the agri-food supply chain. 

    • The second intake includes several continuous improvement updates to ensure the program continues to meet its intended purpose, including clarifying eligible activities and revising selected acreage-based rates and length of land use terms to better align funding incentives with intended outcomes.

    • Additional programming is being planned through RALP.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For media:

    Annie Cullinan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    annie.cullinan@agr.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
    Ottawa, Ontario
    1-866-345-7972
    aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca
    Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn 
    Web: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  

    Makena Mahoney
    Minister’s Office
    Makena.Mahoney@ontario.ca

    Meaghan Evans
    Communications Branch
    OMAFRA.media@ontario.ca
    519-826-3145

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Commercial insurance market projects stability as rates moderate across most lines of business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to the latest Insurance Marketplace Realities report from WTW (Willis Towers Watson, NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, commercial insurance rates have demonstrated balance and stability throughout the year across North America. Jon Drummond, Head of Broking, North America, WTW, commented, “The industry has not categorically rewritten its position on any one line of business, but rather has taken micro-actions reacting to emerging trends.”

    WTW reports that new capital in both the reinsurance and retail marketplace has led to increased competition for premium market share, excluding umbrella and excess liability. This trend has played out across the industry, which is particularly meaningful in 1st party business where capacity was a challenge at the outset of 2024.

    Capacity remains a driving force in delivering soft market conditions for financial lines. While WTW advises that it may be premature to call it a trend, there appears to be mounting focus on rate adequacy in mid-excess Directors & Officers Liability. In addition, the Cyber market projects flat to mid-single digit rate decreases across most renewals in the near term.

    In casualty, Umbrella & Excess liability has seen the most amount of disruption. Loss costs continue to rise due to factors including legal system abuse, litigation financing, and the growth of concerns such as forever chemicals, to which the insurance market has responded by reducing lines of capacity available to insureds and pushing renewal rates past high single-digit.

    WTW’s Marketplace Realities report concludes that while the industry is facing evolutionary change across many lines of business – e.g. climate change, nuclear verdicts, new capital entrants, etc. – the market should deliver relatively stable renewal conditions across most lines of business as the year comes to a close.

    Drummond added, “It goes without saying that the current state of affairs might only be one major hurricane away from being upended, and with Milton knocking on the door, the probability of disruption is growing.”

    Key Price Predictions for 2024

    Property
    CAT-exposed -5% to +10%
    Non-CAT exposed -5% to +5%
    Domestic casualty
    General liability +2% to +8%
    Umbrella (high hazard) +8% to +15%
    Excess (high hazard) +10% +
    Excess (low hazard) +2% to +7%
    Workers’ compensation -5% to +2%
    Auto +4% to +10%
    International Flat
    Executive risks
    Directors’ and officers’ public company (primary) -10% to Flat
    Directors’ and officers’ private / not-for-profit (overall) -10% to Flat
    Side A / DIC -10% to Flat
    Errors and omissions (large law firms) +2% to +8%
    Employment practices liability (primary) -5% to +5%
    Fiduciary (financial institutions) -5% to +5%
    Cyber
    Cyber -5% to Flat
    Political risk
    Most risks Flat to +20%
    Terrorism and political violence
    Terrorism and sabotage Flat to +10%        Non-volatile territories
    +10% to +25%     Volatile territories
    Political violence Flat to +15%        Non-volatile territories
    +15% to +30%     Volatile territories
       

    About WTW

    At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

    Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

    Media Contacts

    Douglas Menelly, Public Relations Lead, North America
    Douglas.Menelly@wtwco.com | +1 (516) 972 0380

    Arnelle Sullivan, Public Relations Associate, North America
    Arnelle.Sullivan@wtwco.com | +1 (718) 208-0474

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour are failing to honour education funding increase promise

    Source: Party of Wales

    “The Welsh Labour Government appear more bothered in appeasing party politics than seeking what’s best for Wales” – Cefin Campbell MS

    Plaid Cymru will today (Wednesday 9 October 2024) call on Labour to honour their commitments to increase funding to education, and to tackle the wider challenges facing the sector.

    Labour pledged additional funding for education in their 2024 General Election manifesto – a promise they’ve failed to deliver, says Plaid Cymru.

    A NAHT report has found that schools in Wales are facing a “harrowing funding crisis”, with a 6% cut in spending per pupil.

    Under Labour, funding constraints facing the education sector have exacerbated the lowest PISA scores in the UK and a recruitment and retention crisis.

    Plaid Cymru’s education spokesperson, Cefin Campbell MS has said that the Labour Welsh Government is “tired and out of ideas” to fix the education system, evading accountability

    Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Education, Cefin Campbell MS said:

    “Under Labour, education standards have fallen, schools are struggling financially, targets to recruit secondary teachers have been missed for nearly a decade, and pupils are simply not learning the basics required for them to succeed.

    “Yet instead of taking swift action to address these issues, Labour shy away from accountability and even fail to implement quick fixes to improve literacy levels.

    “Despite the promise of two Labour governments working together for Wales’ benefit, the Welsh Labour Government appear more bothered in appeasing party politics and blaming local authorities for their failures than seeking what’s best for Wales. So far, they’re failing to deliver on their promises to increase funding to education.

    Mr Campbell continued,

    “It’s clear that after 25 years in power, the Labour Welsh Government is tired and out of ideas when it comes to fixing the education system that they themselves broke.

    “Plaid Cymru won’t ever shy away from standing up for Wales’ best interests and demanding a fair funding model to invest in children’s education.

    “We’re clear that we need to get to grips with the recruitment and retention crisis in our schools by tackling workload pressures; to take immediate steps to update Welsh Government literacy guidance; and to simply fund schools properly through securing fair funding from Westminster. Wales needs a fresh start – and that’s what Plaid Cymru offers.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Legislation to Build and Renovate Homes for Working Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) in introducing the New Homes Tax Credit Act, legislation that will provide tax credits to incentivize new investments and additional resources for home construction and renovations for working families. The New Homes Tax Credit Act will address the lack of housing inventory for individuals and families whose incomes are below 120% of the area median income (AMI), particularly including in areas where middle-income families have historically been priced out. In Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland this added housing inventory would benefit families with annual combined incomes of up to $142,680, $126,480, and $114,000, respectively. 
    “The housing shortage crisis has been brutal for communities across the country. In Vermont, we’ll need at least 30,000 more homes by 2030. We must find new and innovative ways to encourage new construction and renovations of starter homes for lower and moderate-income communities,” said Senator Welch. “Everyone deserves to have a safe and affordable place to live.”  
    “Every New Mexican who’s looked at buying a home knows: housing prices are too high. To solve that, we need to build and renovate more homes. It’s that simple,” said Senator Heinrich. “My New Homes Tax Credit Act will help boost home construction and renovation for middle-income New Mexicans, growing our local economies and giving more working families a shot at success.”  
    “Democrats are focused on attacking the cost of living, and with rents and home prices climbing every year, the key to solving our housing crisis is to build, build, build. That’s what this bill is all about,” said Senator Wyden. “The housing crisis is no longer just about big cities like Portland, it’s all over Oregon and the entire country – urban centers, suburban communities, even a lot of rural areas. Congress needs to look at every available solution that’ll get more housing built so that families don’t have to break the bank to pay the rent every month.”  
    The New Homes Tax Credit (NHTC) would be administered under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. The CDFI Fund certifies Housing Development Entities, which can be CDFIs, government and quasi-governmental entities, or non-profits. Following certification, Housing Development Entities will use the capital raised from exchanging their NHTC with investors to provide funds for construction companies that build or renovate single-family homes.   
    The New Homes Tax Credit Act is supported by the Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Association of Realtors, Homewise, Yes Housing, Inc., Housing New Mexico, and Strong Towns Albuquerque.   
    “With a nationwide shortage of roughly 1.5 million housing units, we must increase the supply of housing to ease the nation’s housing affordability crisis,” said Carl Harris, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “NAHB is pleased to support the Affordable Housing Expansion Tax Credit, which would create a new federal program to help finance the construction or renovation of affordable, entry-level housing. With nearly half of U.S. households unable to afford a $250,000 home, we must adopt policies to make homeownership more accessible and increase production of entry-level housing.”  
    Learn more about the New Homes Tax Credit Act.  
    Access a tool to determine the area medium income across the country here. 
    Read the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –