Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Angola: US President Biden must demand immediate release of five arbitrarily detained government critics  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    During his visit to Angola from 13 to 15 October, US President Joe Biden must demand Angolan President João Lourenço and his government immediately release five government critics arbitrarily detained for more than a year, four of whom have been tortured through deliberate denial of medical care, Amnesty International said. 

    President Biden must also demand President Lourenço and his government stop the four-year crackdown on peaceful protests which has killed dozens of people, including children, and seen more than 100 arbitrarily arrested during demonstrations. Angolan authorities must respect the rights of all people in the country. 

    “In President João Lourenço’s Angola, anyone who publicly criticizes the government risks arrest, torture or even death. If human rights are central to President Biden’s foreign policy, then he must demand Angola’s government immediately and unconditionally free the five arbitrarily detained government critics and end the crackdown on the right to protest,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact. 

    Police arrested Adolfo Campos, Hermenegildo Victor (known as Gildo das Ruas), Abraão Pedro Santos (known as Pensador) and Gilson Moreira (known as Tanaice Neutro) ahead of a protest against high fuel prices in September 2023. One month earlier, police arrested social media influencer Ana da Silva Miguel (known as Neth Nahara) after she broadcast a live TikTok video criticizing President Lourenço. Neth Nahara is featured in this year’s Write for Rights, Amnesty International’s biggest human rights campaign. 

    If human rights are central to President Biden’s foreign policy, then he must demand Angola’s government immediately and unconditionally free the five arbitrarily detained government critics and end the crackdown on the right to protest.

    Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact

    Prison authorities have denied urgent medical care, including surgery, to Campos, Gildo das Ruas and Tanaice Neutro as their health has deteriorated, amounting to torture. They also held Tanaice in solitary confinement for 36 days. Prison guards prevented Neth Nahara from accessing her daily antiretroviral medication for the first eight months of her detention. 

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA response to National Planning Policy Framework consultation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA has published its response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on planning system reform.

    Documents

    Details

    The CMA responded to the consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and planning system, led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

    The CMA’s response welcomes the government’s intent to reform to the planning system in England, as these reforms consider options we had identified in our Housebuilding Market Study.

    The response also sets out where the CMA thinks the UK government should consider further reform, particularly on reform of statutory consultees, taking steps to increase the variety of houses being built, and taking further steps to support small and medium housebuilders. It also urges the government to respond to our Market Study recommendations, and so tackle issues in private management of public amenities and issues in consumer protection for buyers of new build homes.

    For queries relating to the CMA’s response, please contact the CMA advocacy team by email at advocacy@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Gilat Satellite Networks Awarded approximately $4 Million Contract to Provide Connectivity for rural areas in Latin America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced today that it has secured approximately $4 Million contract to provide rural connectivity including banking transactions in Latin America for a period of 3 years.

    Gilat provides critical connectivity for people living in remote areas who rely on the bank for payment services, as well as support services for senior citizens, families, and other underserved populations.

    Gilat provides satellite communications solutions to distant branches, as well as satellite backup links, to ensure connectivity and business continuity. This is critical for the bank’s operation for core banking, e-mail, security, ATMs and Point of Sale.

    “We are very pleased to support essential banking services in the rural areas of Latin America,” stated Ron Levin, Gilat’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Over the years, we have built a robust satellite network, continuously enhancing it with the latest technological advancements. This ensures that we consistently meet the high-quality standards required for business continuity, even in remote areas and in the face of potential disasters.”

    About Gilat

    Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we create and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity and provide comprehensive, secure end-to-end solutions and services for mission-critical operations, powered by our innovative technology. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

    Our portfolio includes a diverse offering to deliver high-value solutions for multiple orbit constellations with very high throughput satellites (VHTS) and software-defined satellites (SDS). Our offering is comprised of a cloud-based platform and high-performance satellite terminals; high-performance Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas; highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

    Gilat’s comprehensive offering supports multiple applications with a full portfolio of products and tailored solutions to address key applications including broadband access, mobility, cellular backhaul, enterprise, defense, aerospace, broadcast, government, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

    Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the current terrorist attacks by Hamas, and the war and hostilities between Israel and Hamas, and Israel and Hezbollah and Iran; and other factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Gilat’s most recent annual report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and Gilat undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:

    Gilat Satellite Networks
    Hagay Katz, Chief Products and Marketing Officer
    Hagayk@gilat.com

    EK Global IR
    Ehud Helft, Managing Partner
    ehud@ekgir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Growing nuclear industry and recent acquisition continue to strengthen Calian nuclear results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY) has announced it secured a number of new contracts in the fourth quarter for its nuclear and environmental services division, marking significant growth in the last quarter of FY2024 ending on September 30. The new contracts—19 in total—represent a 58% increase over Q3 FY2024, primarily driven by the successful integration of MDA’s nuclear assets and strong organic growth.

    The acquisition of MDA’s nuclear division in March 2024 has allowed Calian to capitalize on increased synergies across its nuclear business, through the addition of engineering, tooling and robotics expertise, enhancing its capacity to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for Canada’s growing nuclear sector. The new contracts span major new nuclear projects in Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, supporting life-extension programs for Canada’s existing nuclear facilities and support for next-generation technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs). This expansion has also led to a doubling of the division’s workforce to meet the growing demand for FY2025.

    “The integration of MDA’s nuclear assets has been pivotal in expanding our capabilities and market reach within the nuclear sector,” said Patrick Houston, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Development Officer, Calian. “This strategic acquisition has enabled us to deliver more robust and comprehensive solutions for our clients, further strengthening Calian’s position as a leader in nuclear services. Our Q4 contract signings highlight the increasing trust that our clients place in us to provide cutting-edge, safe and reliable solutions in an industry critical to achieving global sustainability goals.”

    The global nuclear energy market continues to grow, driven by the demand for clean, sustainable energy to address climate change. In Canada, the federal government’s 2024 budget reinforced its commitment to nuclear energy as a key tool in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division is committed to supporting this national effort, particularly in delivering advanced solutions for reactor refurbishments and SMR developments.

    “Calian is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Canada’s nuclear sector,” said Hani Al Anid, Vice President, Calian Nuclear. “With our expertise and highly skilled team, we can continue to meet the vital demands of our current and future customers and support the needs of both existing and next-generation nuclear projects in Canada and around the world.”

    Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division provides a comprehensive range of services covering the entire nuclear lifecycle. This includes safety analysis, licensing, emergency preparedness, environmental protection, decommissioning, waste management, and cutting-edge systems engineering and robotics. As an approved supplier for all CANDU nuclear utilities in Canada, Calian’s nuclear and environmental services division has a proven track record of ensuring the safety and sustainability of Canada’s nuclear infrastructure for over 25 years.

    To learn more, visit the Calian nuclear and environmental services web page on calian.com.

    About Calian
    http://www.calian.com
    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:
    media@calian.com
    613-599-8600 x 2298

    Investor Relations inquiries:
    ir@calian.com


    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Secures $1.6 Million In Contracts for its FlightWave Edge 130 Blue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced it secured $1.6 million in contracts for Edge 130 Blue drones, FlightWave’s Blue UAS approved military-grade tricopter to the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). The contract was secured through Darley, a leading distributor of equipment and technology to first responders and the military, and was coordinated for procurement by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) on behalf of CBP.

    FlightWave, an industry-leading provider of VTOL drone, sensor and software solutions was acquired by Red Cat in September 2024. The acquisition brings FlightWave’s flagship drone, the Edge 130 Blue into its family of low-cost, portable unmanned reconnaissance and precision lethal strike systems. FlightWave’s size, weight and vertical take off capabilities makes it ideal for maritime operations and littoral environments. FlightWave’s recent TACFI award will accelerate advanced enhancements to the Edge 130 Blue.

    “We are excited to continue our relationship with the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the largest federal law enforcement agency that already uses our Teal 2 drones for enhanced situational awareness with supplemental airborne reconnaissance, surveillance and tracking,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “Following our playbook from the acquisition and growth of our flagship Teal drones, we are well positioned to scale up production and get the Edge 130 Blue into the hands of our current customers like the CBP, as well as other security and defense forces around the world.”

    The Edge 130 Blue is a UAS-certified military-grade tricopter for long-range mapping, inspection, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs. Designed specifically for government and military applications, the Edge 130 Blue can be assembled and hand-launched in just one minute by a single user to capture high-accuracy aerial imagery with medium-range autonomy. Weighing in at only 1200g, the Edge has a 60+ minute flight time in forward mode, an industry-leading endurance among all other Blue UAS-approved drones available.

    About Red Cat, Inc.
    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a bleeding-edge Family of ISR and Precision Strike Systems including the Teal 2, a small unmanned system offering the highest-resolution thermal imaging in its class, the Edge 130 Blue Tricopter for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at http://www.redcat.red.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:
    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:
    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Launches Option Income Strategy ETF on Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: PLTY)

    PLTY seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). PLTY is actively managed by ZEGA Financial. PLTY does not invest directly in PLTR.

    PLTY is the newest member of the YieldMax™ ETF family and like all YieldMax™ ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, PLTY will be a Group B ETF and its first distribution is expected to be announced on November 6, 2024. Please see table below for distribution and yield information for all outstanding YieldMax™ ETFs.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Reference
    Asset
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4,5
    30-Day
    SEC Yield
    3
    TSLY YieldMax™ TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF TSLA 115.53% 3.09%
    OARK YieldMax™ Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF ARKK 53.47% 3.37%
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF AAPL 31.19% 3.17%
    NVDY YieldMax™ NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF NVDA 65.43% 3.24%
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF AMZN 41.70% 3.27%
    FBY YieldMax™ META Option Income Strategy ETF META 31.65% 3.22%
    GOOY YieldMax™ GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF GOOGL 22.22% 3.28%
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF NFLX 36.06% 3.45%
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN 97.94% 3.70%
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF MSFT 27.17% 3.33%
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF DIS 35.17% 3.41%
    XOMO YieldMax™ XOM Option Income Strategy ETF XOM 18.73% 3.32%
    JPMO YieldMax™ JPM Option Income Strategy ETF JPM 34.76% 3.60%
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF AMD 73.41% 3.24%
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF PYPL 102.97% 2.94%
    SQY YieldMax™ SQ Option Income Strategy ETF SQ 86.71% 3.44%
    MRNY YieldMax™ MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF MRNA 71.92% 3.91%
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF AI 47.26% 3.76%
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF MSTR 81.35% 0.00%
    YBIT YieldMax™ Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Bitcoin ETP 87.09% 4.07%
    CRSH YieldMax™ Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF TSLA 101.44% 3.61%
    GDXY YieldMax™ Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF GDX® 40.15% 3.27%
    SNOY YieldMax™ SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF SNOW 40.64% 3.44%
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF ABNB 33.60% 2.84%
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF COIN 110.90% 3.22%
    DIPS YieldMax™ Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF NVDA 87.48% 3.69%
    BABO YieldMax™ BABA Option Income Strategy ETF BABA 33.24% 2.62%
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF NDX® 26.88% 3.63%
    TSMY YieldMax™ TSM Option Income Strategy ETF TSM 23.98% 3.48%
    SMCY* YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF SMCI
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple 61.63% 62.93%
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Multiple 45.17% 50.85%
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Multiple 113.94% 0.00%


    The performance data quoted above represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Note: CRSH, FIAT, DIPS and YQQQ are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs” and “ADR” stands for American Depositary Receipt.

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from month to month and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    * The inception date for SMCY is September 11, 2024.

    1. All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and YMAG have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.24% but the investment adviser has agreed to a 0.10% fee waiver through at least February 28, 2025.
    2. The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on October 7, 2024. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recently declared distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by multiplying such distribution by twelve (12), and dividing the resulting amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.
    3. The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended September 30, 2024, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period. As of such date, the ULTY subsidized and unsubsidized 30-Day SEC Yields were 0.00% and 0.00%, respectively. The subsidized yield reflects fee waivers in effect while the unsubsidized yield does not adjust for any fee waivers in effect.
    4. Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.
    5. As of the date hereof, distributions for the following ETFs have included return of investor capital: TSLY, OARK, APLY, AMZY, NVDY, GOOY, JPMO, XOMO, PYPY, CONY, DISO, FBY, MSFO, NFLY, SQY, AMDY, MRNY, AIYY, MSTY, ULTY, YMAX, YMAG, YBIT, SNOY, CRSH and GDXY. For additional information, please visit http://www.YieldMaxETFs.com/TaxInfo.

    Standardized Performance

    For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For SQY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For ULTY, click here.

    Prospectuses

    Click here.

    Before investing you should carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other information are in the prospectus. Please read the prospectuses carefully before you invest.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Contact Gavin Filmore at gfilmore@tidalfg.com for more information.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs and ZEGA Financial is their sub-adviser.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND SUB-ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERNCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX and YMAG generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer time periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer time periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given month. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given time period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    Holdings

    As of October 7, 2024, the YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF did not hold any shares of Palantir Technologies Inc. (“PLTR”). As of such date, the holdings of PLTR in such fund were 0.00%.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs or ZEGA Financial.

    © 2024 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Public hearing on “Simplification and Transparency” – 17-10-2024 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    On 17 October 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30, the FISC Subcommittee will host a public hearing on “Simplification and transparency: Role of simplified tax policy to encourage growth, job creation, competitiveness and cross-border business within the EU”.

    Over the past years, stakeholders have been raising more and more concerns about compliance costs and administrative burden. At the same time, the recent publication of two reports, one by Enrico Letta and one by Mario Draghi, have ignited a new debate on how to improve the competitiveness of the EU’s economy in the aftermath of the COVID-pandemic and the economic hardships caused by the war in Ukraine.

    Against this background, this public hearing will gather information and discuss in which ways reducing both taxpayers’ tax compliance and governmental administrative costs could foster cross-border business, increase competitiveness, and eventually lead to more job creation and economic growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public hearing on “Simplification and Transparency” – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    On 17 October 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30, the FISC Subcommittee will host a public hearing on “Simplification and transparency: Role of simplified tax policy to encourage growth, job creation, competitiveness and cross-border business within the EU”.

    Over the past years, stakeholders have been raising more and more concerns about compliance costs and administrative burden. At the same time, the recent publication of two reports, one by Enrico Letta and one by Mario Draghi, have ignited a new debate on how to improve the competitiveness of the EU’s economy in the aftermath of the COVID-pandemic and the economic hardships caused by the war in Ukraine.

    Against this background, this public hearing will gather information and discuss in which ways reducing both taxpayers’ tax compliance and governmental administrative costs could foster cross-border business, increase competitiveness, and eventually lead to more job creation and economic growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Romania’s accession to Schengen by land – E-001832/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001832/2024
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Victor Negrescu (S&D)

    Romania’s accession to Schengen by air and water has been a real success. Moreover, the pilot projects Romania has implemented with the support of the Commission have strengthened its external borders and are an example of good practice on a European scale.

    Romania’s accession to the free movement area by land can be delayed no longer. The European Union and all the Member States have to bear in mind and respect the efforts Romania has made and the legal and technical arguments in support of that accession.

    • 1.Two Justice and Home Affairs Council meetings will take place this year, on 10 October and 12 December. How likely is it that the Council of the EU will put Romania’s accession to Schengen by land this year on the agenda for the two JHA Council meetings scheduled for this year?
    • 2.At the same time, does the Council of the EU not consider that the conditions exist for a unanimity vote to be held on 10 October when the elections in Austria are over and an Austrian is set to become Commissioner for Internal Affairs?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Antidepressants are polluting Europe’s aquatic ecosystems posing a risk to aquatic life – E-001564/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    There is ample evidence that certain pharmaceuticals are posing problems in rivers and thus to human and animal health[1]. Starting with the Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment[2] in 2019 and the subsequent European Green Deal[3] including notably the Zero Pollution Action Plan[4], there is a high-level of attention at EU level to the toxicity of pharmaceuticals in the environment and action is being taken to better monitor and reduce the presence of pharmaceutical residues in water bodies, including through funding research and innovation[5].

    The proposal to revise the list of Surface and Groundwater Pollutants[6] includes for the first time certain pharmaceuticals compounds and proposes maximum concentrations to be respected. The Commission counts on the co-legislators to support the high level of ambition of this proposal in the forthcoming trilogues.

    The recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive[7] includes new obligations to remove micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals from all large urban wastewater treatment plants (above 150 000 inhabitants) but also for smaller plants when there is a risk for the environment or for human health.

    In line with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, industry will be required to contribute to the financing of the additional infrastructures needed to remove micropollutants. This will also incentivise research and innovation into toxic-free products.

    The proposal for the revision of pharmaceutical legislation[8] repr esents a significant step forward in mitigating the impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment i.e. it requires the Environmental Risk Assessment for antimicrobial to cover the whole life cycle including manufacturing.

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Democratising access to tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Bern, 08.10.2024 – The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation, co-founded by the Swiss Confederation, will hold its fourth summit from 9 to 11 October in Geneva, in presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The high-level political segment, focused on anticipatory science diplomacy, will centre on the theme of ensuring widespread access to the groundbreaking scientific advances that will shape our future.

    Since 2019, GESDA has brought together scientists, diplomats, representatives of the private sector and civil society to work together to anticipate the scientific breakthroughs that will impact our societies and develop solutions to best manage these developments. The foundation’s areas of action include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, synthetic biology and neurotechnologies.

    These themes will be discussed from 9 to 11 October at the 4th GESDA summit in Geneva, one of the major events on the international science diplomacy calendar. Under the theme of scientific acceleration, the summit will examine how new technologies can impact food security, intellectual property and coral reef conservation, in particular through insights from the EPFL’s Transnational Red Sea Center, an initiative supported by the FDFA.

    The impact of scientific progress on peace and security

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will attend the summit on 11 October 2024 and hold political discussions with various ministers and senior representatives. The main goal of this high-level political summit is to democratise access to the scientific advances that will shape the future. To advance this objective, Mr Cassis and GESDA will launch several concrete pilot projects.

    A training framework will be set up to equip decision-makers with the skills needed to anticipate and navigate a world rapidly transformed by scientific and technological advancements, primarily through regional workshops and online training programmes. An interactive exhibition, the Geneva Public Anticipation Portal, will also offer the public a gateway to the world of technological advances. This installation will be part of the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

    GESDA, a tool of Swiss foreign policy

    GESDA was established in 2019 by the Swiss Confederation, the Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva. The foundation is helping to strengthen Geneva’s role as a centre for international cooperation. In 2023, GESDA launched the Open Quantum Institute, now based at CERN, with the aim of putting quantum technologies at the service of the common good. Anticipatory science diplomacy is also one of the thematic objectives set out in the Federal Council’s Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.


    Address for enquiries

    FDFA Communication
    Federal Palace West Wing
    CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
    Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @SwissMFA


    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. García and Beatty Lead Call for IMF Surcharge Reform

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, led 11 Members of Congress in a letter urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to use the United States’ voice and vote at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to push for the elimination of harmful IMF surcharges that burden debt-stricken countries.

    Surcharges are extra fees imposed by the IMF on top of regular interest and service charges when a country’s debt exceeds a certain IMF threshold. These fees significantly increase the cost of borrowing, can undermine debt reduction efforts, and may divert public resources from critical areas like health, education, and climate adaptation. Later this month, the IMF Board of Governors will meet to vote on a series of reforms, including changes to the surcharge policy.

    The Members wrote:

    “The IMF has not offered evidence that surcharges are effective in their goal of disincentivizing reliance on the Fund. In fact, surcharges significantly increase countries’ debt burdens, and the Fund’s own analyses demonstrate that the likelihood of timely repayment and sustainable financing tend to decrease as debt burdens rise. Moreover, IMF lending already comes with great political and economic costs.

    “We acknowledge that Treasury’s approach to surcharge reform endeavors to find a balance between alleviating countries’ debt burdens and maintaining IMF reserves. However, in our estimation, elimination of surcharge fees would not unduly harm the Fund’s balance sheets. The IMF’s precautionary balances target was recently met and will continue to grow above targeted levels even in the absence of surcharges.”

    Reps. García and Beatty were joined by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Bill Foster (IL-11), Al Green (TX-09), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

    To see the full letter, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City visits EMSD (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City visited the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) Headquarters in Kowloon Bay today (October 8) to learn more about its innovation and technology (I&T) initiatives to help government departments and public organisations improve their services, as well as the latest progress in promoting smart government.

         Members first received a briefing by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, on the EMSD’s work to promote innovation in electrical and mechanical (E&M) engineering and support government departments and public organisations in the use of I&T to enhance the quality of their services. Members also gained insights into the current situation of, and challenges the EMSD faced in providing E&M engineering services.

         Members then went to the E&M InnoZone to observe the collection of exhibits showcasing applications of technologies including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and energy efficiency technologies, which are developed by the EMSD in collaboration with local universities, start-ups and research institutions.

         Members also toured the Regional Digital Control Centre and received a briefing by its representatives on how the Centre remotely monitors the operating status of electrical and mechanical equipment at government premises and conducts incident examination and diagnosis through digital technology, thereby enhancing the efficiency of repair and maintenance work. During the visit, Members exchanged views with the EMSD representatives on how to utilise technologies and data analytics to strengthen the energy efficiency and safety of electrical and mechanical equipment with a view to promoting smart city.

         Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Ms Elizabeth Quat, Deputy Chairman, Mr Duncan Chiu, Subcommittee members Mr Chan Chun-ying, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Ms Carmen Kan; as well as non-Subcommittee members Mr Tony Tse, Mr Edward Leung and Mr Gary Zhang.            

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elafibranor approved as first medicine to treat adults with a rare liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved elafibranor (Iqirvo) to treat adult patients with a rare type of liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

    PBC is a type of chronic liver disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. Where there are damaged bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage. This disease can get gradually worse over time and without treatment may lead to liver failure.

    Elafibranor helps to improve how the liver works by reducing the amount of bile acids the liver produces and reducing the build-up of bile. It also acts by reducing inflammation of the liver.

    The recommended dose is one tablet, once a day, at about the same time each day for adult patients. Elafibranor may be given by itself or together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Enabling safe access to high quality, safe and effective medicines is a key priority for us.

    We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review. 

    The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled main study involving 161 adults with PBC, the majority of whom had been taking UDCA for at least one year and continued taking it during the study (though some had stopped taking due to side effects).

    The measure of effectiveness was based on the number of patients whose blood levels of the substances Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (markers of liver damage) decreased to a level considered normal (for both ALP and bilirubin) and by at least 15% (for ALP) after 1 year of treatment.

    The study showed that elafibranor was more effective than placebo at reducing the blood levels of ALP and bilirubin. Overall, levels decreased by the required amount in around 51% (55 out of 108) of patients treated with elafibranor, compared with around 4% (2 out of 53) of patients on placebo.

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website

    If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted for elafibranor (Iqirvo) on 04 October 2024 to Ipsen Ltd via National Procedure.
    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Panama Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Juan Alberto Castillero Correa, the new Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Mr. Castillero Correa served as the Permanent Representative of Panama to the United Nations Office at Geneva from 2019 until June 2024.  He also held the same post from 2004 to 2009. He served as non-resident Ambassador to Qatar from 2008 to 2009, and as ad hoc and ad Honorem Ambassador of Panama in special mission from 1996 until 1999.

    Since 1975, Mr. Castillero Correa has worked as a lawyer, practicing public and private international law in relation to treaties and contracts, corporate law, maritime law, air law, privatisation, and tenders. 

    Mr. Castillero Correa was born in 1948. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the National Institute of Panama (1966) and a degree in law and political science from the University of Panama (1975).  He attended the French Language and Civilization School of the University of Geneva (1975), and studied private international law at the Faculty of Law of the University of Geneva (1976).  He is a member of the Panamanian Bar Association and the Maritime Law Association of Panama.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CR24.039E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – President of the Bishops’ Conference: “No to political divisions that undermine the country’s development”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “The division of political leaders is a scandal. They claim to be Christians but promote the disunity of the country,” said the President of the Kenyan Bishops’ Conference and Archbishop of Kisumu, Maurice Muhatia Makumba. In his homily for the national prayer at the Marian Shrine in Subukia (Nakuru) on October 5, Archbishop Makumba criticized Kenyan politicians who “instead of expressing the gift of unity that comes from God, express division and divide citizens.” Political division, warned the President of the Bishops’ Conference, undermines the country’s economic development at a time when people need it most, burdened by rising prices, unemployment and rising taxes. “May the Lord touch the hearts and minds of our political leaders so that they understand what the people are asking of them. We need leaders who unite the country and not divide it to pursue their own selfish interests,” he warned.The background to Archbishop Makumba’s comments is the serious rifts at the top of the State. On October 1, an 11-count impeachment procedure was initiated against Vice President Rigathi Gachagua by a member of the presidential coalition (Kenya Kwanza). This is the latest act in the months-long dispute between Gachagua and President William Ruto. The 11 charges include ” insubordination” against the President and “attack on national unity” as well as conflict of interest, embezzlement and abuse of power. The motion against him states in particular that he “has inexplicably amassed a huge fortune estimated at 5.2 billion shillings (about 36 million euros) over the past two years, mainly from alleged corruption and money laundering.”Today, October 8, parliamentarians are expected to debate the motion to impeach Gachagua. A total of 291 parliamentarians, more than the 117 required by the Constitution, have signed the motion. Kenyan President William Ruto, meanwhile, has not yet publicly commented on the impeachment process, while in the first days of his presidency he said he would not publicly humiliate his deputy, alluding to the difficult relationship he had with his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta during his second term. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 8/10/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DTEP Funding Announced for Three More UK SMEs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    • Congratulations to High Temperature Material Systems Ltd.; OpenWorks Engineering and Mind Foundry Ltd.
    • The Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will collaborate with an experienced higher-tier partner in the defence sector
    • The Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) boosts defence innovation while supporting the technology supply chain

    Three UK based SMEs have been awarded funding through the latest rounds of the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP). High Temperature Material Systems Ltd.; OpenWorks Engineering and Mind Foundry Ltd. will collaborate with a higher-tier supplier who will engage with the SME and mentor them over the duration of a forthcoming defence project. They will receive a government grant worth 50 percent of the project value with the aim of developing innovative new solutions that meet UK defence challenges and increase capability in the UK defence supply chain.

    DTEP, which seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK Defence supply chain, is sponsored by the MOD’s Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), Innovate UK, and ADS.

    Anita Friend, Head of DASA, said:

    “We are delighted to announce the distribution of further DTEP funding to three more SMEs. These innovative companies, in partnership with their higher-tier DTEP collaborators, are set to play a crucial role in enhancing the UK’s defence supply chain and supporting the ongoing success of future defence and security initiatives.”

    Congratulations to the latest DTEP winners

    Mind Foundry Ltd.

    Mind Foundry builds AI for high-stakes applications. In defence, their work is designed for deployment, combining cutting-edge AI signal processing techniques to process, analyse and enrich feeds from sensors. Together with their higher-tier partner BAE Systems, they will collaborate to develop the capability for taking multiple data inputs from multiple sensor types, and utilise their inferences to demonstrate the potential for a single system to provide a unified operating picture.”

    Brian Mullins, Mind Foundry CEO said:

    “In multi-domain operations, operators often have to analyse information across different sensor feeds manually. This is a risk, increasing the opportunity for error and the potential to miss vital contact information. Being awarded this DTEP funding, we aim to build capabilities to solve this problem and provide operators with a fuller, more robust tactical picture compilation. We are proud to be able to deepen our partnership with BAE Systems, whose experience in deploying sensor systems in complex, operational scenarios will prove vital in guiding not only the scientific art of the possible but in the operator’s need for a solution in practice.”

    High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS):

    HTMS produce a high temperature, lightweight and low cost material called Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC). This type of material has multiple uses across the defence and security supply chain and has the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 1000 degrees centigrade. Together with their higher tier partner MBDA, HTMS will be scaling up the manufacturing of an innovative lower cost form of CMC which will fill a current gap in the UKs defence materials supply chain.

    Dr. Richard Grainger, CTO and Co-Founder of HTMS said: 

    “Being chosen for a DASA DTEP project is an important moment for High Temperature Material Systems (HTMS). This marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise the high temperature composites market for Defence, Aerospace, Clean Transport, and other high performance industries.

    This collaboration accelerates the development of our cutting edge materials, opening doors for increased funding, strategic partnerships, and deeper integration into supply chains. We’re forging a powerful alliance with one of the world’s leading defence entities, which not only strengthens our capabilities but sets a strong course for the future of high temperature composite materials.”

    Dr. Danilo Di Salvo, CEO and Co-Founder of HTMS added:

    “DTEP paves the way for an enhanced market integration whilst empowering us to expand our expert team, bringing onboard more world class engineers and innovators. Working closely with DASA fuels our drive to deliver highly scalable, sustainable, and transformative composite materials. This is only the beginning. Our ambition is to push boundaries and create lasting impact — not just in the UK, but on a global scale. The future is here, and we’re leading the way.”

    OpenWorks Engineering

    OpenWorks Engineering will be working with higher tier supplier MBDA to provide an integrated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) system for the British Army to meet the current threat from drones. The project will deliver a state-of-the-art AI Optical Detection, Tracking and Targeting system which can be used against agile targets while driving at convoy speeds on unimproved roads. It will also deliver an upgraded production facility capable of manufacturing systems at 12 times the current rate with a higher level of quality and assurance.

    Chris Down, Managing Director of OpenWorks Engineering said:

    “We are proud to be working with DASA to develop the next generation in electro-optic tracking systems and build a fully digital manufacturing facility in the North-East.  This DTEP grant will bring new technology to the defence and security forces of the UK and our allies as well as strengthening the UK’s defence supply chain and industrial base.

    The grant will accelerate the fielding of new counter drone and GBAD systems.  This will have an immediate impact in places like Ukraine as well as having the long-term effect of boosting the UK’s defence industry by increasing capacity in the supply chain for the high-tech equipment needed for the battlefield of the future.”

    DTEP’s funding for OpenWorks Engineering, High Temperature Material Systems and Mind Foundry highlights the MOD’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening the UK defence supply chain through strategic SME partnerships.

    Learn more about DASA’s funding opportunities here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Women in the bus industry celebrated as Transport Minister visits Manchester

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Simon Lightwood spoke with women in the industry and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a bus revolution.

    • Local Transport Minister attends award event to celebrate women’s achievements in the bus, coach and community transport industry
    • the Minister heard first-hand the barriers that women in the industry face and discussed how their skills can meet the biggest bus overhaul in a generation
    • bus revolution gathering momentum as consultation closes on removing obstacles to local councils taking back control of bus services from private operators

    Women’s achievements in the bus, coach and community transport industry have been celebrated at a special awards event in Manchester today (8 October 2024), attended by the Local Transport Minister.

    During the event, Simon Lightwood discussed Women in Bus and Coach’s key aims to:

    • stand in solidarity across the profession
    • uplift female role models in engineering, driving and management
    • challenge industry policies that do not meet women’s needs 

    The awards come as the government continues to overhaul the bus industry, by handing power back to councils to grow passenger numbers and deliver better services for all, no matter where people live.  

    The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the brightest minds in the industry are in the driving seat as these plans progress.

    Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:  

    I was delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in the bus and coach industry up and down the country. 

    Our plans to deliver better buses will end the postcode lottery that has determined the quality and frequency of bus services for too long.  

    As we deliver this biggest overhaul to buses in a generation, the work of each and every driver, engineer, manager and the countless others who keep our country moving will be vital.

    The Minister also spoke to young engineers in the industry, following a panel event on opportunities for young women. He heard from Lucy Hough (First Bus), Liz Eades (Stagecoach South East) and Hannah Currie (Wrightbus), who all discussed the barriers facing women in the industry and their experiences as engineers in a male-dominated sector.  

    Yesterday (7 October 2024) marked another landmark in the roll out of bus franchising, as the government’s month-long consultation on updating guidance to reduce barriers to franchising closed. This has seen the government discuss franchising closely with industry, and the outcome will be announced in due course, alongside next steps for implementing the Bill.  

    Attendees at the event also heard from Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who has overseen a dramatic transformation of regional bus services over the last year, with the introduction of the Bee Network.

    Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

    In Greater Manchester we’re bringing buses back into local control, with cheaper fares, better buses and, crucially, more reliable services all attracting more people onboard.

    Our success is down to the hard work and dedication of Bee Network staff, including the many brilliant women working tirelessly to deliver a great service to the people of Greater Manchester, whether that’s driving buses, working at our bus stations, interchanges or Travelshops, or leading our franchising programme.

    It was fantastic to see that recognised today, and as we grow the Bee Network and take forward our plans to transform technical education in Greater Manchester through the MBacc, we want to encourage even more women into the industry.

    The Bee Network called time on the previous broken system of regulation and has set a new bar for urban bus services by introducing capped fares, integrating buses into a citywide transport network and unifying services under a singular, recognisable identity.  

    The government wants to replicate this nationwide, as it seeks to drive growth and share opportunities by providing regular, reliable and affordable services for passengers.

    Louise Cheeseman, Chair and Founder of Women in Bus and Coach, said:

    I am proud to see the incredible achievements of women across our industry celebrated at the 2024 Women in Bus and Coach summit. This event not only highlights the inspiring individuals shaping the future of the bus, coach and community transport sector, but also reinforces our collective commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for women.

    We warmly welcome the government’s plans to deliver the biggest overhaul of bus services in a generation, and we look forward to working together to ensure these changes empower a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative future for all.

    The visit also comes as GoAhead buses announced a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet today, including creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with UK bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

    Roads media enquiries

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    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The state of the waste management sphere is an indicator of careful attention to the environment and a significant component of the comfort of life of citizens

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev announced this at the fourth Russian Environmental Forum. The event was attended by representatives of federal authorities and regulatory agencies, industry and public organizations, and the business community.

    As noted, a corresponding reform has been implemented in Russia since 2019 to create rational approaches to waste management. With its start, the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) was created for the comprehensive coordination of processes. Over the past five years, it has become the main tool for the development of the industry. Today, the entire waste management cycle is the responsibility of 184 regional operators. About 50 million tons of MSW pass through them annually.

    “Over the past period, more than 250 facilities for waste processing, recycling and storage have been built. A significant step was ensuring waste sorting. Since 2019, its volumes have increased almost fivefold. A lot of work was simultaneously carried out in the field of regulatory control. Thus, the concepts of secondary resources and recyclable materials were legislatively established, and requirements for their handling appeared. A new procedure for determining the standards for the accumulation of solid municipal waste was also approved, on which the creation of infrastructure and the calculation of tariffs depend,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    As noted, since January of this year, changes to the extended producer responsibility mechanism have come into force, which provide for the obligation of packaging manufacturers to dispose of it in full. Also in 2024, a law was adopted to solve the problem of medical waste. The least hazardous categories will be sent for processing and disposal along with other types of MSW, which will reduce the volume of landfill disposal.

    At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the difficulties that still need to be addressed. “There are still questions about the quality of regional operators’ work. There are problems with financial stability, payment collection, and a shortage of equipment and containers. All of this ultimately leads to the fact that people can still see uncollected garbage in their yards. And no reporting indicators can cover this. There are regions where the reform is clearly stalling. In order to solve this problem, in a command mode at the level of the entire country, we are working together to sort out the situation in the regions,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled that the tasks for further development of the waste management sphere are outlined in the Presidential Decree on National Development Goals. By 2030, it is necessary to ensure complete sorting of MSW, reduce its landfill disposal by half, and involve at least a quarter of the volume in secondary circulation. Taking into account the existing capacities, in order to achieve the designated targets, it is necessary to double waste processing and reduce its disposal to landfills by 30% in six years.

    According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the creation of the relevant infrastructure will continue within the framework of the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. “The events, as you know, are included in the federal project “Closed Cycle Economy”. And I want to emphasize that the initiative should come first and foremost from the regions and businesses. The government, for its part, will help in the implementation of the projects,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    Speaking about government support measures in this area, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that over three years, 15 projects worth almost 40 billion rubles have been financed through the REO alone. In addition, the entities have concluded 65 concession agreements to create solid municipal waste management facilities with an investment volume of over 170 billion rubles.

    According to Dmitry Patrushev, the implementation of these support mechanisms will continue. At the same time, it is important that entities, especially those with insufficient reform implementation rates, actively engage in the work and find reliable investors.

    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/52935/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Energy rescue plan approved to finance EU-backed emergency heating and power projects for Ukraine ahead of winter season

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB President Nadia Calviño presented the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan to EU finance ministers at their meeting in Luxembourg today.
    • The plan foresees up to €600 million in EU-backed financing for critical energy projects in the public and private sectors to meet urgent heating and power needs of wartime Ukraine.
    • The rescue plan will also support new green energy initiatives, including for energy efficiency and renewable energy, to help rebuild Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and bring the country closer to the European Union.

    Today, European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño announced the Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan, an initiative to extend EU support for Ukraine’s heavily damaged energy infrastructure due to Russia’s ongoing war, ahead of the winter season, aimed at supporting the resilience of the country and its people. 

    Briefing EU finance ministers in Luxembourg today, President Calviño outlined that as part of the plan, the EIB expects to invest up to €600 million in financing for emergency energy projects across the public and private sectors. This funding will be guaranteed under the European Union’s Ukraine Facility and in part supported by the EIB’s EU for Ukraine Fund and Advisory Programme. It will help restore and strengthen Ukraine’s energy infrastructure while also aligning it with EU standards, further advancing the country’s integration into the European Union.

    Initially the emphasis will be on making finance available for projects that generate electricity and heat using equipment which can be quickly set up to meet the urgent needs of households and businesses. The plan focuses also on projects to protect key electricity substations with shelters. It aims to urgently restore electricity and heating to prevent disruptions to critical services such as hospitals, schools and water supplies, ensuring uninterrupted operations for households, businesses and public services.

    Furthermore, part of the plan also refers to more medium-term measures aimed at making the Ukraine energy sector more sustainable and resilient. It aims to improve energy efficiency in both the industrial and residential sectors, reducing energy consumption and promoting long-term resilience.

    The plan will also extend the EIB’s ongoing recovery and municipal framework programmes, to include energy-related initiatives. It is closely aligned with the priorities of the Ukrainian government and follows discussions with Ukraine’s Ministry of Finance.

    EIB Group President Nadia Calviño said: “The Ukraine Energy Rescue Plan is a crucial measure to ensure that millions of Ukrainian citizens and businesses have the electricity and heat they urgently need to face the coming winter. We aim to invest up to €600 million, leveraging the European Union’s Ukraine Facility and the contributions of our shareholders, the EU member states. The EIB is also strengthening Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for the future. Together with our EU partners, our support is unwavering, working hand-in-hand with Ukraine in this critical phase and for the better times ahead.”

    “While addressing Ukraine’s immediate energy needs, the plan also invests in the country’s green transition through energy efficiency and renewable projects. This will not only help Ukraine recover but also accelerate its path to a sustainable energy future and deeper integration with the European Union, aligning the country with EU standards for a stronger, shared future,” added EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who is in charge of the Bank’s operations in Ukraine and will present the rescue plan to the Steering Committee of the Ukraine Donor Platform this week in Rome.

    Ukraine’s Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko said: “I am grateful to the EIB for recognising Ukraine’s urgent energy needs and for the swift decision that has been taken. Russia’s relentless attacks on our energy infrastructure place immense pressure on our country. The EIB’s plan to support Ukraine’s energy sector is yet another crucial form of assistance for us in restoring power and heating to essential services like hospitals and schools. This will ensure that our people have access to the energy they need to withstand the potential challenges ahead.”

    European Commission Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People Valdis Dombrovskis said: “This financing from the EIB, also backed by the EU budget, comes at just the right moment to allow Ukraine’s authorities to restore power and heating for basic services like hospitals and schools, while guarding against further supply disruptions given Russia’s brutal attacks on its energy infrastructure. It will help Ukraine to prepare for the winter season, make its energy network more reliable and resilient, and improve its sustainable energy efficiency as the country aligns with EU standards on its way to eventual accession. The European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its people.”

    Background information

    The Ukraine Facility is the European Union’s financial assistance programme for Ukraine. During the 2024-2027 period, €50 billion will be allocated by the European Union to finance the state budget, stimulate investment and provide technical support in the implementation of the programme.

    The EU for Ukraine Fund (EU4U) was established in 2023 as part of a larger EU for Ukraine initiative. The fund aims to accelerate EIB Global’s support for Ukraine’s most urgent infrastructure needs and to help sustain the country’s economy. It supports critical recovery and reconstruction projects involving both the public and the private sector and improves access to finance for entrepreneurs in Ukraine. To date, the fund has secured over €420 million in pledges from the Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-Evening Report: From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do the US and to Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Martin, Visiting Fellow, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

    Prashantrajsingh/Shutterstock

    It’s time to take Donald Trump seriously. Betting markets say it’s as likely as not he will be elected US president four weeks from today.

    And unlike in 2016 when his program wasn’t clearly defined, he has set out plainly what he intends to do. Which means it’s possible to model the consequences.

    The three Trump promises with the greatest economic impact are

    • the deportation of millions of US residents

    • steep restrictions on imports, especially from China

    • presidential influence over interest rates.

    The best way to model the consequences is with an established model of the kind used by the International Monetary Fund and central banks around the world rather than one set up for the purpose that could be seen as designed to favour or not favour Trump.

    The Washington-based Peterson Institute for International Economics has just done that, noting that during Trump’s first term as president he “by and large” did what he said he would do.

    It finds

    ironically, despite his ‘make the foreigners pay rhetoric’, Trump’s package of policies does more damage to the US economy than to any other in the world.

    No other country in the world would be hurt by Trump’s program as much as the US – not even China – although several US allies would suffer, including Australia, which would be the fourth-worst hit by the most extreme version of what Trump is proposing.

    Peterson Institute for International Economics.

    Mass deportations

    Trump has repeatedly promised the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” targeting up to 20 million unauthorised immigrants, including about 8.3 million thought to be in the workforce.

    He says his model is Operation Wetback – a 1956 Eisenhower administration program that used military-style tactics to deport 1.3 million Mexicans.

    The institute says Eisenhower’s success makes it easy to believe Trump could remove 1.3 million immigrant workers. It has modelled two scenarios: removing 1.3 million and 8.3 million, both over two years in 2025 and 2026.

    Both slash employment, including the employment of non-immigrants, both push up inflation, which eventually is brought under control, and both make the US a less attractive place to invest, which benefits much of the rest of the world.

    The institute says the low and high scenarios differ “only by the degree of damage inflicted on people, households, firms, and the overall economy”.

    Huge tariff hikes

    Trump wants to increase every tariff on goods imported to the US by 10 percentage points, including where there is at present no tariff. And he wants at least a 60% tariff on imports from China. The institute has modelled both, with and without retaliatory tariffs from China and the rest of the world.

    It finds, unsurprisingly, that extra tariffs push up the price of US imports and the prices of US-produced goods that compete with imports. Many are used as inputs in manufacturing, which means US manufacturing suffers (which is probably not what Trump had in mind).

    Fewer imports mean less demand for foreign exchange within the US, which means a higher US dollar which makes US exports less competitive. The US economy is weaker as a result, although China’s is weaker still and Australia’s is weakened as much as the US given its role in providing resources to China.

    Nobbling the Fed

    Trump has raised the prospect of more presidential influence over interest rates, saying he thinks he has “a better instinct than, in many cases” the board of US Federal Reserve. This could be achieved by requiring the president to be consulted on rate decisions or by appointing a compliant chair.

    However it’s done, the institute’s “conservative” assumption based on what happens in developing countries with less central bank independence is that it will push inflation two percentage points higher.

    The modelled result is capital flight. While the US economy is initially stronger than it would have been because of the Fed’s willingness to tolerate higher inflation, after a few years it is weaker and every other economy is stronger.

    When all the measures are combined, under the extreme scenarios the US economy is 6.7% weaker than it would have been by 2035 and Australia’s is 0.2% weaker. Under the more modest scenarios, the US economy is 1.6% weaker and Australia’s is 0.06% weaker.

    Why not examine Harris?

    Despite a history of non-partisanship, the Peterson Institute is prepared for criticism. It points out that the economic model it used is regarded as the best in the world for scenario planning and is Australian, built by Warwick McKibbin of the Australian National University.

    And it says it has modelled the Trump policies rather than the Harris policies because only Trump’s represent a departure from business as usual.

    As the Institute’s president Adam Posen put it in Washington last month, the Harris campaign has said it will not impose across-the-board tariffs, will not engage in mass deportations and will not interfere with the independence of the US Federal Reserve.

    The Trump campaign has indicated it will do all three.

    It’s entirely possible that in office Trump wouldn’t do everything he proposed while campaigning, and it’s entirely possible that he would change course if what was doing damaged the US in the way the modelling suggests.

    But there’s something to be said for taking people at their word, at least to get an idea of what we could be in store for after a knife-edge election.

    Peter Martin is Economics Editor of The Conversation.

    ref. From mass deportations to huge tariff hikes, here’s what Trump’s economic program would do the US and to Australia – https://theconversation.com/from-mass-deportations-to-huge-tariff-hikes-heres-what-trumps-economic-program-would-do-the-us-and-to-australia-240650

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Cultural protection – E-001789/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001789/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nicolás González Casares (S&D)

    Last July, the Galician regional government approved a draft law on public audiovisual media services in Galicia, which was received with great concern by the Colexio Profesional de Xornalistas de Galicia (Galician association of professional journalists). The latter denounced it as ‘a very worrying step backwards, disrespectful towards the profession of journalism and at odds with the rules set out in the European Media Freedom Act’. The Consello da Cultura Galega (Council for Galician Culture), for its part, has echoed the fear that the preliminary draft law would open the door to the incorporation of Castilian into the regular programming of the Galician Radio and Television Company (CRTVG).

    Indeed, the preliminary draft opens up the possibility (Article 7) of introducing content in Castilian in the programming of CRTVG, even though the latter’s principal mandate establishes the obligation to promote the Galician language and culture.

    • 1.Does the Commission consider this change to be in line with the principles of the protection of linguistic and cultural diversity advocated by the EU and enshrined in the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages?
    • 2.Does it consider that it could weaken the role of CRTVG as a bastion of Galician identity, in a context where Castilian is already fully represented in other media?

    Submitted: 23.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The Campact case: foreign political interference circumventing the German Political Parties Act – E-001842/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001842/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomasz Froelich (ESN)

    The action group ‘Ein Prozent’ (One Percent) has learned that ‘Campact’, a German campaign organisation made up of the association and foundation of the same name, donated more than EUR 232 000 to Alliance 90/The Greens, the SPD and the Brandenburg United Civic Movements/Free Voters in the context of the last state elections in Brandenburg, probably with a view to preventing the AfD from reaching a blocking minority[1].

    For years, Campact has been receiving funds from foreign organisations that use financial means to influence society in Europe. In 2022, multi-billionaire George Soros’ Open Society Foundations paid Campact EUR 268 837.87 for ‘democracy projects’. Under the German Political Parties Act, foreign organisations are not permitted to directly support German political parties. Campact and the aforementioned foreign organisations are circumventing this law.

    The Commission has recommended a ban on donations to political parties from organisations from non-EU countries. What is more, Member States are recommended to effectively address circumvention as found in the case described above.

    Does the Commission consider that the actions of Campact and the Open Society Foundations entail a breach of the German Political Parties Act and unlawful foreign political interference, in particular in light of its recommendation of 12 December 2023 (especially recitals 46 and 48 and point 28 thereof[2])?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    • [1] https://www.einprozent.de/blog/recherche/auslaendische-einflussnahme-campact-gegen-die-afd/3221
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202302829
    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Intercontinental knowledge transfer: South Africa improves e-waste management with support from Empa

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Dübendorf, St. Gallen und Thun, 08.10.2024 – In summer 2024, the South African government published a strategy paper on the management of e-waste, which was developed in collaboration with Empa. This is the first time the country has issued standardized guidelines for the proper and safe handling of e-waste. The collaboration is part of a program funded by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

    Electronic waste can pose a considerable risk to people and the environment, as it often contains toxic substances such as the heavy metals mercury and cadmium. At the same time, discarded electrical and electronic devices are an important source of valuable materials, for instance copper and gold. Proper disposal and recycling of e-waste is therefore crucial – also for developing and newly industrialized countries, who can use it to safeguard their populations and strengthen their economies.

    With support from Empa, South Africa has now come a good deal closer to this goal. In June 2024, the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment published, for the first time, a comprehensive e-waste management strategy. An important basis for this strategy was provided by the Sustainable Recycling Industries program (SRI, see text box), financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

    Sustainable change

    As part of the SRI program, Empa and the World Resources Forum (WRF) are working with teams from several developing and newly industrialized countries, including South Africa, to improve the recycling of e-waste in these countries. The aim is both to create the necessary legal framework and to impart technical know-how. “Thanks to the collaboration with Empa and the WRF, our partner countries benefit from proven expert knowledge,” says Philipp Ischer, program manager at SECO. According to the expert, this has a very positive effect on the development of the legal foundations for recycling and the formulation of the relevant norms and standards.

    “One of our activities as part of the SRI program, for example, is the training of auditors who check the quality of e-waste handling processes at recycling companies,” says Manuele Capelli, a researcher in Empa’s Technology and Society laboratory, which manages the program together with the WRF. Members of the Critical Materials and Resource Efficiency (CARE) research group, which has a longs-standing experience in development cooperation, also carried out audits for the Swiss e-waste recycling industry until 2023.

    The expertise from small, prosperous Switzerland cannot, however, be transferred one-to-one to a large newly industrialized country like South Africa. “One of SRI’s goals is to promote sustainable change so that the activities continue even after the program ends,” emphasizes Capelli. Special attention is therefore paid to cooperation with local teams. “Our partners are in contact with the authorities and the industry in South Africa and are very familiar with the country-specific challenges in the area of electronic waste recycling.”

    Creating suitable conditions

    The recycling of batteries is one example of the e-waste management challenges particular to South Africa. The power grid in the country is unstable; hour-long power cuts have been a daily occurrence for years. “As the largest electricity producer in the region, South Africa has no easy way of importing electricity,” explains Capelli. For this reason, many wealthy households rely on their own solar system with battery storage, resulting in large quantities of used batteries over time. “Batteries are a particularly dangerous form of e-waste. They can cause fires if stored incorrectly and not properly monitored,” says Capelli. Thanks to their experience with the recycling and reuse of batteries, the Empa researchers were able to pass on useful know-how to their local partners.

    Otherwise, South Africa faces similar challenges in e-waste recycling as other newly industrialized countries, says Capelli: “The quantities of e-waste are increasing, but disposal and recycling are often inadequate or unsafe. With the new strategy paper, the country now has comprehensive and uniform guidelines for the first time in order to better overcome these challenges. “This is a major milestone and we are delighted to have been able to support South Africa in this,” he says.

    Sustainable Recycling Industries
    Sustainable Recycling Industries (SRI) is a program funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and run by Empa and the World Resources Forum (WRF), an international non-profit organization that emerged from Empa. The aim of the program is to create favorable framework conditions for a sustainable recycling industry for e-waste and related waste streams in selected developing and emerging countries. The countries involved are Colombia, Egypt, Ghana, Peru and South Africa. SRI is currently in its second phase, which will run until 2025. Colombia and Peru have already successfully completed the program.

    http://www.sustainable-recycling.org


    Address for enquiries

    Manuele Capelli
    Technology and Society
    Phone +41 58 765 69 01
    manuele.capelli@empa.ch

    Mathias Schluep
    Managing Director, World Resources Forum
    Phone +41 71 554 09 06
    mathias.schluep@wrforum.org


    Publisher

    Federal Laboratory for Materials Testing and Research
    http://www.empa.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SAMOA REPRESENTED AT THE 5TH BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE TAX ADMINISTRATION COOPERATION FORUM.

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    (PRESS RELEASE- Ministry of Customs and Revenue)- A delegation from the Ministry of Custom and Revenue (MCR) is in Hong Kong, to attend the 5th Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Forum (BRITACOF).

    The delegation is led by the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, and accompanied by the CEO of MCR, Fonoti Talaitupu Lia Taefu and the ACEO for Taxpayer Services, Auimatagi Galumalemana Michael Maua.

    The BRITACOF is one of the major bodies of the Belt and Road Initiative Tax Administration Cooperation Mechanism (BRITACOM), a non profit body envisioned to facilitate trade and investment, foster economic growth for the Belt and Road jurisdictions, and contribute to the fulfillment of inclusive and sustainable development as set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Samoa was one of the thirty four (34) member jurisdictions who signed the Memorandum of Understanding in the year 2019 when the BRITACOM was launched.

    With the acceptance of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority in this year’s forum, the membership now stands at thirty seven (37) council member jurisdictions, thirty (30) observer jurisdictions and more than thirty partners and members of the other bodies and the Advisory Board.

    The Forum for this year, hosted by the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department, commenced on Tuesday 24th September 2024 on the theme “Deepening Tax Administration Cooperation for High Quality Belt and Road Development”.

    The program spreads over a period of three days and focuses on four main topics. The forum kicked off with selected member presentations and panel discussions on raising tax certainty and continues on the second and final day on discussions in the same format, on updates from members and task force on promoting digitalization, improving tax environment and reinforcing capacity building in tax administrations.

    As MCR prepares for its tax reform and transformation project, the forum echoed the drive behind this project. Digitalization is indeed a positive way forward for all tax administrations on the international and regional realms.

    Member administrations, tax practitioners, academic and partners who share their experiences recognizes the critical need for modernization in tax administrations.

    The changing tax environment, taxpayer demands and needs, the need for the tax administrations to enhance compliance management and service delivery are some of the key drivers of modernization and transformation projects noted from the forum. Several approaches taken by members and platforms in the ICT enabled services, legislative frameworks, operational processes and procedures and capacity building for tax officers and stakeholders. Success stories driven by continual stakeholder consultation and engagement, tax administrators and political commitment provides key lessons for Samoa’s delegation and will form a strong foundation to the Ministry’s tax reform and modernization efforts.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: JOINT MEDIA RELEASE – Green transformation of transport sector in Samoa receives major boost with mass donation of 76 EVs from UNDP to the Government of Samoa

    Source: Government of Western Samoa

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    03 October 2024

    Apia, SAMOA – Seventy-six electric vehicles (EVs) were handed over to the Government of Samoa earlier today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), thanks to a major regional project that Samoa is part of, funded by the Government of Japan.

    Valued at more than US$6 million, the EVs were supplied by the Ford-Hyundai Samoa company.

    They include 24 sedans, 19 SUVs, 12 pick-up trucks, two of which were converted to first-responder firefighter trucks, a flat-bed truck converted to an oxygen tanks carrier truck with loading/unloading platform, and 20 plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) passenger vans (minibuses).

    Fifty-three EVs will serve as official vehicles to cater for delegates of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this month.

    Supporting infrastructure are also now in place, with 14 wall mounted EV charging stations installed at selected Government premises, five high capacity ground mounted Direct Current (DC) type charging stations at the Tuanaimato Bowser, and several public charging stations, such as a solar-powered DC type charging station at the Mulifanua wharf, and the Faleolo and Fagalii airports, as well as other locations. The Bowser central government charging station will be fully operational later this month.

    All this was made possible under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project, implemented by the Government of Samoa via the leadership of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), in partnership with UNDP, and funded by Japan.

    “We applaud the fact that this is the first time in the world that some of these EV models have been manufactured and reconfigured to suit our purposes. Most significantly, the procurement of this first lot of EVs for the Government fleet, is our response to the Expected Outcomes of the Pathway to the Development of Samoa 2021 to 2026, in placing emphasis on strengthening and increasing ‘Green Developments’,” said Hon. Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

    The project aims to promote urgent and inclusive transformation of the land and maritime transport sectors towards decarbonization. The project supports the achievement of Samoa’s enhanced NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) which is a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts, for the energy and transport sector by 2030.

    “Today’s launch of EVs represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards a cleaner and more resilient transportation system in Samoa. The CAP-IT project is a vital part of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable mobility solutions across the islands. With these electric vehicles, Samoa takes another step towards achieving our Sustainable Development Goals, also Samoa’s NDCs, and leading by example in the Pacific region,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative.

    Two critical related studies were also launched today focusing on (1) End-of-life EV battery management, and (2) Traffic volumes, vehicle registration, imports, and ownership.

    “The two reports we are launching today – The Baseline Assessment of Samoa”

    Transport Sector and The Report on Solutions for the Safe Disposal and Recycling of EV Batteries – will play a critical role in shaping Samoa’s National Transport Decarbonization Strategy. These reports represent a crucial step towards advancing sustainable transport solutions for the future,” said H.E. Senta Keisuke, Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa.

    The CAP-IT project is a component of the Japan-funded regional project, ‘Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-zero and Climate-Resilient Development’, also supporting Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu in achieving their green transformation ambitions for a more inclusive, climate-resilient future.

    The US$36.8 million regional project, with a country allocation of US$15.5 million for Samoa, is scheduled for completion in March 2025.

    -ENDS-

    SOURCE – Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Samoa, Embassy of Japan in Samoa, UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances organised a workshop on Cyber Security on 7th of October at CSOI to enhance cyber security awareness and promote initiative of Ministry of Electronics and Information Security during the ongoing Special Campaign 4.0

    Source: Government of India

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances organised a workshop on Cyber Security on 7th of October at CSOI to enhance cyber security awareness and promote initiative of Ministry of Electronics and Information Security during the ongoing Special Campaign 4.0

    DARPG Organizes Workshop on Cyber Security to Promote Awareness and Strengthen Cyber Resilience in Public Governance

    Cyber Security workshop Panel discussion on the current cyber security landscape in India and cyber security for e-office, Bhavishya, and CPGRAMS

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 12:21PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), organized a comprehensive workshop on Cyber Security at the Civil Services Officers’ Institute (CSOI), Vinay Marg, New Delhi. The initiative was inspired by the establishment of the Cyber Swachhta Kendra by CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) under MeitY.

    This workshop aimed to enhance cyber security awareness, promote the initiatives of MeitY, and emphasize the need for a robust cyber infrastructure to safeguard public e-governance platforms. The workshop took place under the ambit of Special Campaign 4.0, with participation from more than 200 senior officials, including Senior Officers from NIC, Nodal Officers for Public Grievances/ Centralized Public Grievances Redressal and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), Nodal Officers for National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) 2023, and senior officials involved in the creation and operation of your ministry’s digital platforms.

    The workshop focused on raising awareness about the current cyber security landscape in India, cybersecurity considerations for various government applications, the critical need for cyber security in today’s digital environment, and will provide insights into the measures that can be taken to mitigate cyber threats.

    The workshop featured two key panel discussion rounds. The first, titled ‘Current Cyber Security Landscape in India’,chaired by Dr. Sanjay Bahl (DG, CERT-In),included presentations from Shri Navin Kumar Singh (DG NCIIPC), Shri Santosh Mishra (Partner PWC on Cyber Security and NeSDA 2023), and MS. Seema Khanna (DDG &HoG Cyber Security – NIC) and Dr. Sanjay Bahl (DG, CERT-In) himself. The second panel discussion focused on ‘Cybersecurity considerations for e-Office, Bhavishya & CPGRAMS’ and featured insights from Smt. Jaya Dubey (Joint Secretary, DAPRG), Dr. Sushil Kumar (DDG &HoG, NIC), Ms. Rachna Srivastava (Scientist G, NIC – e-Office), Shri Anil Bansal (Sr Director (IT), DoPPW- Bhavishya), and Shri Sanjeev Saxena (STD, NIC, DARPG- CPGRAMS).

    The Inaugural Session commenced with a welcome address by Shri Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary, DARPG, who set the stage with a compelling message about the importance of building robust cyber infrastructure in today’s digital environment. He emphasized the need for secure and efficient e-governance platforms to ensure transparency and trust in public services.

    Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing cyber resilience in India, emphasizing efforts to strengthen digital platforms against cyber threats, in line with the vision of a secure Digital India. Shri DhruvjyotiSengupta, Joint Secretary, DoPPW, highlighted the cyber safety features of the Bhavishya Portal, stressing the importance of data security and privacy in protecting sensitive pension information and ensuring secure service delivery to pensioners.

    Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, also stressed on the critical need to safeguard e-governance platforms by strengthening cybersecurity measures. He also highlighted key initiatives such as the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA), where Information Security and Privacy serve as core parameters for ensuring the secure and efficient delivery of public services.

    Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, underlined the ongoing efforts of the Government of India in fortifying India’s cybersecurity landscape through initiatives like the Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware Analysis Centre). These efforts, led by CERT-In, play a pivotal role in ensuring a secure digital future for the country.

    The first panel, moderated by Dr. Sanjay Bahl, Director General of CERT-In, provided an overview of national cyber resilience efforts. Shri Navin Kumar Singh of NCIIPC highlighted the need to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Shri Santosh Mishra of PwC discussed current cybersecurity trends driving digital transformation under NeSDA 2023, and Ms. Seema Khanna of NIC addressed the challenges faced by government digital platforms and NIC’s efforts to secure them.The second panel discussion focused on Cybersecurity Considerations for e-Office, Bhavishya, and CPGRAMS, and was moderated by Smt. Jaya Dubey, Joint Secretary, DARPG. She underscored the importance of incorporating strong cybersecurity measures to enhance the efficiency and integrity of key government platforms such as e-Office, Bhavishya, and CPGRAMS.

    The second panel, moderated by Smt. Jaya Dubey, Joint Secretary, DARPG, explored cybersecurity measures for e-Office, Bhavishya, and CPGRAMS. Dr. Sushil Kumar emphasized e-Office security for seamless government operations, while Ms. Rachna Srivastava highlighted its role in enhancing productivity. Shri Anil Bansal stressed the need for data privacy in the Bhavishya Portal, and Shri Sanjeev Saxena outlined CPGRAMS’ cybersecurity strategies to ensure secure citizen grievance redressal.

    The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Smt. Sarita Taneja, who praised the leadership of Shri S. Krishnan and Shri V. Srinivas. The event underscored the critical importance of cybersecurity for secure e-governance, showcasing initiatives by MeitY and DARPG aimed at strengthening India’s digital resilience.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs High-level Meeting on Employment Data

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs High-level Meeting on Employment Data

    Ministry Working on Mechanism for Collation of Employment Data and its Analytics

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 3:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting focusing on the key issues related to employment data and overseas emigration trends in New Delhi on 07.10.2024. Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje was also present on the occasion.

    The deliberations with  Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NITI Aayog aimed to strengthen coordination and data assimilation for both overseas employment and domestic job creation, as well as to enhance the monitoring of recruiting agencies and skill requirements for employment abroad.

    Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the need for a mechanism to have complete data of citizens going abroad for jobs / studies to ECR / NonECR countries. He also suggested that there should be an integration of National Career Service (NCS) portal, MY Bharat Platform, MADAD, eMigrate,  eShram portals, state portals etc for a comprehensive view of supply and demand side of employment.

     

    He further emphasized that industry associations can play a pivotal role in collating the employment data. The Minister underscored the role of NITI Aayog as an umbrella organization that can facilitate the compilation of employment related data from various Ministries.

    It was emphasized that contracts with foreign employers should be standardized and the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangements (MMPA) & Social Security Agreements (SSA) should be reviewed to get feedback on efficacy of its provisions.

    NITI Aayog shared insights from various studies on employment portals in the country, emphasizing the need for a unified platform to integrate employment data across government schemes and sectors.

     

    The meeting underscored Government’s commitment to bridging current data gaps, especially in the informal sector, and to developing a comprehensive, multi-sector employment data portal to drive policy and job creation initiatives.

    The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to strengthening employment data coordination, expanding overseas job opportunities, and security of Indian workers abroad. The proposed Unified Employment Data Portal will serve as a transformative tool in centralizing employment data, while the eMigrate and NCS integration will broaden access to international job markets.

     

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    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2063166) Visitor Counter : 54

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Central Ayurveda Research Institute achieves significant milestones during the first 100 days of the government

    Source: Government of India

    Central Ayurveda Research Institute achieves significant milestones during the first 100 days of the government

    CARI signs MoU with JNU to initiate a research project on entrepreneurship and commercialization in the Ayush industry

    Under Special Camps, 1500 Members of Marginalized Communities Treated

    CARI became the first CCRAS institute to receive NABH accreditation

    Posted On: 08 OCT 2024 3:35PM by PIB Delhi

    The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), under the aegis of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, has achieved significant milestones during the first 100 days of the current government. These accomplishments reflect CARI’s commitment to enhancing healthcare through Ayurveda and contributing to the broader Ayush ecosystem.

    1. Geriatric Care Program Exceeds Targets: In a special initiative to cater to the healthcare needs of the elderly, CARI set a target of covering 2,000 individuals from the geriatric population. The institute has surpassed this goal, reaching 2,272 elderly individuals through its dedicated OPD. The program provided consultations, therapies, and lifestyle modifications based on holistic Ayurveda practices. This initiative has not only addressed healthcare concerns but also improved the quality of life for senior citizens.

    2. Outreach under SCSP: As part of the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP), CARI conducted 80 tours, organizing 8 camps and treating 1,500 patients within the first 100 days. The institute also conducted a comprehensive survey of 480 individuals to study their living conditions, dietary habits, and prevalent diseases. Through 1,980 screenings, lifestyle disorders were identified, marking a proactive approach to preventive healthcare in underserved communities.

    3. Establishment of Integrated Medicine at Lady Hardinge Hospital: CARI is spearheading the establishment of a Department of Integrated Medicine at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi. This initiative aims to integrate Ayush systems with modern medical services, addressing the need for comprehensive healthcare as advocated by the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017. Baseline OPDs and Panchakarma procedures have already commenced, laying the groundwork for this pioneering department.

    4. Strategic Collaboration with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) In a significant academic collaboration, CARI signed an MoU with JNU to initiate a research project on entrepreneurship and commercialization in the Ayush industry. The project aims to develop management principles for Ayush products and services. The project was successfully launched within the first 100 days, marking a new phase in Ayush’s research and industry growth

     

     

    5. Advancing Research and Publications CARI has completed two prestigious multi-center survey projects at Base Hospital Delhi Cantt and Air Force Hospital Hindon. 19 research projects are ongoing, with nine collaborative studies involving top institutions like AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and JNU. During this period the institute also published a research article on allergic rhinitis in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, further enhancing the scientific credibility of Ayurvedic research.

    6. Promoting Patient Safety through Ayurveda : To mark Patient Safety Day, CARI organized a two-day national seminar in collaboration with NPvCC and AIIA, New Delhi. To address Patient safety day on September 17, 2024; a National Seminar was held at India International center, Lodhi Road focusing on the role of diagnostic practices in Ayush systems. It brought together 150 students, research scholars, and faculty members across India, fostering greater awareness of patient safety within Ayush practices.

     

    7. Accreditation and Empowerment Initiatives CARI became the first CCRAS institute to receive NABH accreditation and it also obtained NABL accreditation for its Pathology and Biochemistry labs. Additionally, the institute provided administrative training for Ayush officers, empowering them with crucial management skills for their capacity building on 3rd August 2024.

    Receiving NABH accreditation certificate from Secretary, Ministry of Ayush

    8. Social Outreach CARI ensured the active participation of all staff and officials in national campaigns, including Swachhata Pakhwada and Poshana Maah, organizing public awareness programs, webinars, and cleanliness drives.

    9. 9th Ayurveda Day: This institute is committed to hold various activities in order to celebrate 9th Ayurveda Day on 29th October, 2024. Awareness seminars, webinars, public lectures along with other activities like distribution of medicinal plants, competitions in school, etc. will be covered under Ayurveda Day.

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  • MIL-OSI: Converge Selects Infinera’s 1.2T ICE7

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Infinera (NASDAQ: INFN) announced today that Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (PSE: CNVRG), the leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider in the Philippines, selected Infinera as its submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) vendor for the fiber pairs over which Converge has been granted an Indefeasible Right of Use (IRU) on the Bifrost Cable System, using Infinera’s industry-leading GX Series Compact Modular Platform and its next-generation high-performance 1.2T ICE7 optical engine.

    Additionally, Converge will use Infinera’s solutions to modernize its nationwide terrestrial fiber network across the Philippines.

    Keppel and Converge have entered into agreements for the grant of an IRU to Converge for one fiber pair on the main trunk and the entire Davao branch of the Bifrost Cable System. Developed by Keppel, Meta, and Telin, the Bifrost Cable System is an end-to-end trans-Pacific cable system spanning over 15,000 km, connecting the west coast of North America via Guam with the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. Converge is also the landing party for the Davao branch segment of the Bifrost Cable System and owns the cable landing station in Davao, located in the southern Mindanao region.

    Converge is the fastest-growing fiber broadband and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solutions provider in the Philippines, with total fiber assets extending over 70,000 kilometers. It operates the biggest fiber-to-the-home network in the country, with total homes passed reaching 16 million.

    Converge selected Infinera’s solution based on Infinera’s proven track record in subsea networking with industry-leading reach and capacity performance. Leveraging Infinera’s subsea solution will enable Converge to monetize its fiber assets by delivering the highest capacity at the lowest cost over ultra-long distances.

    Once deployed, Converge will benefit from the industry’s latest generation of advanced high-speed optics and 5-nm technology, enabling single wavelengths of up to 1.2T and improved capacity-reach. Infinera’s solution provides Converge with an operationally seamless solution including advanced spectrum sharing capabilities in a single platform that supports both ICE7 transponders and next-generation optical line system (OLS) capabilities.

    “We are excited to leverage the latest generation of Infinera’s technology for our terrestrial and subsea cable assets. Infinera provides the most advanced subsea networking solution with industry-leading capabilities including advanced power management,” said Dennis Anthony Uy, CEO and Co-Founder of Converge. “Leveraging Infinera’s innovative solution, Converge will be able to effectively scale to meet rapidly growing bandwidth demands across the Philippines and the entire Asia-Pacific region.”

    “By selecting Infinera’s ICE7 as the SLTE for the fiber pairs utilized by Converge in the Bifrost Cable System and to modernize its terrestrial backbone, Converge will benefit from the industry’s latest technology, enabling them to provide their customers with access to cost-effective, high-performance, and high-capacity services,” said David Heard, CEO at Infinera. “We are pleased to have been selected for the company’s growth and expansion, which underscores the value of Infinera’s innovative optical engine solutions and expertise in deploying critical networks globally.”

    Contacts:

    Infinera Media:
    Anna Vue
    Tel. +1 (916) 595-8157
    avue@infinera.com

    Converge Media:
    Jay-Anne Encarnado
    VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations
    corpcomm@convergeict.com   

    Infinera Investors:
    Amitabh Passi, Head of Investor Relations
    Tel. +1 (669) 295-1489
    apassi@infinera.com

    Converge Investors:
    Owen Ocampo
    VP and Head of Investor Relations
    Investor.relations@convergeict.com

    About Converge ICT Solutions
    Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (PSE:CNVRG) is the fastest-growing fixed broadband service provider in the Philippines. It is the first to run an end-to-end pure fiber internet network in the country, providing Filipinos simple, fast, and reliable connectivity. Aside from broadband services, Converge also offers integrated data center and network solutions services. With over 70,000 kilometers of fiber optic assets nationwide, it has one of the most extensive fiber networks in the Philippines. With this fiber-powered network, Converge provides premium world-class digital experience for residential, enterprise, and wholesale customers. Go to https://www.convergeict.com for more information.

    About Infinera
    Infinera is a global supplier of innovative open optical networking solutions and advanced optical semiconductors that enable carriers, cloud operators, governments, and enterprises to scale network bandwidth, accelerate service innovation, and automate network operations. Infinera solutions deliver industry-leading economics and performance in long-haul, submarine, data center interconnect, and metro transport applications. To learn more about Infinera, visit http://www.infinera.com, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and subscribe for updates.

    Infinera and the Infinera logo are registered trademarks of Infinera Corporation.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the operational, performance and financial benefits of Infinera’s GX Series Compact Modular Platform and its ICE7 optical engine. These statements are not guarantees of results and should not be considered as an indication of future activity or future performance. Actual results may vary materially from these expectations as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Information about these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that affect Infinera’s business, is contained in the risk factors section and other sections of Infinera’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter ended June 29, 2024 as filed with the SEC on August 2, 2024, as well as any subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. These reports are available on Infinera’s website at http://www.infinera.com and the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, or strategies and can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will,” and “would” or similar words. Infinera assumes no obligation to, and does not currently intend to, update any such forward-looking statements.

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