NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco’s Trip to the G7 Interior Minister’s Meeting in Italy

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Deputy Attorney General (Deputy AG) Lisa Monaco traveled to Mirabella Eclano, Italy, on Oct. 3-4 for the G7 Interior Ministers Meeting, where she highlighted the importance of international partnerships in supporting the rule of law and protecting against persistent global threats.

    The Deputy AG described the current threat environment to her G7 colleagues as a time where the threats have never been more diverse — from more aggressive actors — and all fueled by international conflicts and emerging, disruptive technologies — especially cyber and AI. She urged the ministers to stay united against threats posed by autocratic nations like Russia, Iran, and China looking to project power at home and abroad through transnational repression, malicious cyber activity, the abuse of emerging technologies, such as AI and cryptocurrencies, and malign foreign influence — especially in a global election year.

    The Deputy AG joined her colleagues in committing to deepening international collaboration against these threats, as well as against terrorism, malign cyber actors, and synthetic drugs such as fentanyl. She shared how the Justice Department is targeting the broader ecosystem that allows cyber criminals and malign nation state actors to flourish — by prioritizing disruptions and placing victims first — and also highlighted how the Department is tackling all aspects of the deadly fentanyl supply chain, in every part of the globe, to protect innocent lives.

    Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s brutal October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, the Deputy AG and Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all forms, both online and offline. They pledged to continue the information sharing and law enforcement partnerships that are integral to thwarting acts of terror around the world. 

    The Deputy AG and ministers also met virtually with Ukrainian Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, and reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and their resolve to hold Russia accountable for the war crimes and atrocities it is perpetrating in its war of aggression. She reiterated the need for sustained coordination in these efforts and underscored the Justice Department’s continued efforts to deprive the Russian war machine of funding and supplies. She joined the other ministers in announcing new efforts to help Ukraine build the rule of law and fight corruption, including through a new G7 Anti-Corruption Task Force.

    As part of their efforts to build cooperation and coordination among the G7 to promote the rule of law around the world, the Deputy AG and Ministers discussed common frameworks to harness the promise of AI while also protecting against the perils of its abuse. The Deputy AG cautioned that AI is changing how crimes are committed, from intensifying cyberattacks, to making fraud scams more believable, to creating child exploitative material, to supercharging malign foreign influence in elections.

    On the margins of the G7 Ministerial, the Deputy AG held several bilateral meetings, including with United Kingdom Home Secretary Yvette Cooper; Canadian Minister of Public Safety Dominic Leblanc; German Minister of Interior Nancy Faeser; and European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson. The Deputy AG also met with the G7 host, Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi, to thank him for his leadership of the G7 and his hospitality. In all these discussions, the Deputy AG reinforced the steadfast commitment of the Justice Department to partnerships that uphold the rule of law and strengthen democracies around the world. 

    Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi welcoming Deputy AG Monaco to the G7 Ministerial. Photo credit: Italian Ministry of the Interior. 
    Deputy AG Monaco with UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Photo credit: UK Home Office. 
    Deputy AG Monaco with G7 leaders. Photo credit: Italian Ministry of the Interior.
    Deputy AG Monaco meeting with Italian Minister of the Interior Matteo Piantedosi. Photo credit: Italian Ministry of the Interior.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Could NZ foreign policy be Trumped? Why the government will be hoping Kamala Harris wins the US election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert G. Patman, Professor of International Relations, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    One of the political ironies of the race for the White House is that the foreign policy interests of New Zealand’s centre-right government are probably best served by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris winning.

    Since the end of World War II, all New Zealand governments have supported multilateralism and an international rules-based order enshrined in the institutions of the United Nations.

    The relationship with the United States has reflected that, and tends to outlast the periodic fluctuations associated with changes in government and policy in Wellington or Washington.

    New Zealand’s current National-led coalition inherited close relations with the US, too. American visitor numbers were second only to Australians last year. The US is our third largest export market. And the two countries remain strategically linked within the Five Eyes intelligence sharing arrangement.

    Nevertheless, one of the key foreign policy goals of the coalition is to strengthen alignment with traditional allies such as the US. Given the very different worldviews of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the November 5 election will have a large bearing on how successful any push for closer relations with the US can be.

    Closer relations in the balance

    On the one hand, Republican candidate Trump is opposed to multilateral institutions, unless they explicitly serve US national interests. And he wants to reverse the impact of globalisation by constraining immigration, free trade and global governance.

    Nationalist slogans like “America First” promise a return to a so-called golden era of patriotism and sovereignty: a top-down world where the greatest power of all is unencumbered and free to assert its dominance.

    On the other hand, Harris would seem to support a more traditional US foreign policy agenda. This recognises the importance of international institutions and alliances in a world where “isolation is not insulation”.

    Whoever occupies the White House next, then, is likely to have a significant impact on New Zealand foreign policy.

    Isolation and dominance: Trump plays the immigration card at Republican National Convention in July 18.
    Getty Images

    Power plays and the Pacific

    First, Trump’s belief in an international system run by great powers would seem to be a recipe for depriving smaller states like New Zealand of a voice on international issues that affect them.

    Second, New Zealand’s regional focus on ties with Pacific Island nations – underpinned by close people-to-people links and a significant proportion of the country’s overseas development aid programme – is more likely to be complemented by a Harris foreign policy.

    Outgoing president Joe Biden reversed decades of US neglect of much of the Pacific, which had played to the advantage of other external powers – notably China.

    The Biden team launched the annual US-Pacific Islands Summit in 2022. And Kamala Harris played an active role in delivering US$800 million in development and climate assistance to Pacific Island nations in 2022-23.

    Whether Trump will maintain this enhanced diplomatic and economic engagement in the Pacific (and elsewhere) is questionable. Similarly, after Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, Trump will probably quit it for a second time.

    Kamala Harris hosts Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in September.
    Getty Images

    AUKUS and Ukraine

    Third, the New Zealand government faces the delicate task of navigating relations with an increasingly assertive China – the country’s biggest trade partner – while pursuing its goal of moving closer to the US.

    Since March 2023, successive New Zealand governments have been considering joining an arrangement to share advanced defence technologies under pillar two of the AUKUS security partnership that aims to deter a rising China in the Indo-Pacific region.

    It remains to be seen how China would react if New Zealand did join. But Trump’s insistence on US primacy in any multilateral agreement could make it more difficult for the government to win domestic support for pillar two membership.

    Even outside the AUKUS debate, Trump is more likely to insist allies spend more on defence than they did traditionally.

    Fourth, New Zealand has a big stake in the failure of Russia’s attempted annexation of Ukraine. Wellington’s interests are clearly more in line with Harris’ pledge to maintain support for Ukraine to restore its territorial integrity.

    Trump’s promise to end the war within 24 hours, on the other hand, could probably only be achieved by giving Vladimir Putin what he wants.

    The Middle East and the UN

    Finally, there do not seem to be substantive policy differences between Trump and Harris on the catastrophic situation in Gaza, and increasingly Lebanon.

    There remains a slim possibility a Harris administration might recognise unconditional support for the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu is not sustainable for a superpower whose foreign policy is supposed to be driven by universal values and respect for international law.

    But this would be near impossible for Trump. Indeed, he would probably provide Netanyahu with even greater support.

    Overall, the foreign policy interests of the National-led coalition seem to align more with a Harris presidency than one led by Trump.

    But even if Harris wins, the alignment of interests will not be perfect. US exceptionalism – an informal ideology that claims the nation is a political exemplar for the rest of the world – and Washington’s veto power in the UN security Council are likely to remain constraining factors on the New Zealand-US relationship.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Could NZ foreign policy be Trumped? Why the government will be hoping Kamala Harris wins the US election – https://theconversation.com/could-nz-foreign-policy-be-trumped-why-the-government-will-be-hoping-kamala-harris-wins-the-us-election-240538

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vital help passes pub test

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The pub test has been part of the Australian vernacular for… well, maybe since the Hope and Anchor opened in Hobart in 1807 and the first bloke to down a schooner regaled the room with his opinion.

    And we all know that alcohol can have a loosening effect on people speaking their mind, so since then pubs have probably seen enough opinions to fill 1000 Sydney Harbours.

    Today though, we use the “pub test” expression to mean what any reasonable person might think about a particular situation. What the average Australian may think is or isn’t a good idea.

    It’s been the question many a politician has asked themselves if trying to gauge the temperature of their electorate on tricky issues.

    Perhaps we could even update the term to be called the “hairdresser test”.

    Recently there has been a lot of talk about whether the supports and programs funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme pass the pub test. I’ll be blunt. Some of them simply do not.

    Most people would tell me I was dreaming if I told them that tarot cards, clairvoyance, wilderness therapy, and cuddle therapy are among the things we had to specify were definitely not being funded by the taxpayer. Can you imagine those things being discussed in the front bar?

    And look, there are very few people on the scheme currently getting cuddle therapy, but we want to put certain therapies beyond all reasonable doubt.

    That is why I have released lists of what NDIS participants can and cannot spend their funding on.

    The lists, which came into effect from October 3, update current guidelines and practices and, importantly, provide much needed clarity and certainty to participants and providers.

    So, no more guessing. Participants will be able to identify what is appropriately funded by the NDIS, and what NDIS funding can be used to purchase.

    But I want to run through a few things the scheme has not and will not pay for.

    It will not pay a participant’s rent, rental bond, home deposit or mortgage. It will not pay for donations, tithes, gifts or political contributions. It will not pay for fines, penalties or court ordered amounts. It will not pay for spa baths, saunas, steam rooms.

    It will not pay for groceries in the ordinary course of events.

    I can’t state it any more clearly that the lists are about putting the rorting and the exploitation of grey areas by some unscrupulous providers behind us.

    This scheme is going to be run properly, transparently – and this is the most important part – in the best interests of participants.

    I want every cent designed to get positive outcomes for participants to go to the participant. Not find its way into the pocket of a dodgy provider.

    I want to stress that very few providers are directing NDIS funds towards iffy supports and services but there are some who think that a scientific or evidentiary basis for therapies is optional.

    It’s not.

    The lists are part of the amendments introduced under the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill No.1, which passed Parliament in August.

    These changes are the next key step in returning the NDIS to its original intent and improving the scheme experience for every participant.

    The lists were finalised after a significant month-long public consultation, with the Department of Social Services, which undertook the consultation, receiving 6180 survey responses, 919 email responses and 120 submissions from organisations and peak bodies.

    Importantly, there will be a transition period for the first year of the new NDIS supports lists to ensure participants aren’t penalised for simple mistakes.

    That transition period will not apply to things which are already unlawful to spend your NDIS money on now, including illicit drugs, sex workers and alcohol.

    And there is also a substitution list which will allow participants to request a replacement support in cases where a standard household item might be able to provide better outcomes and value.

    We know the NDIS is changing lives of participants and their loved ones.

    The NDIS helps young people such as Ken in WA who has Down syndrome, to go to work at Coles. Or Karan from Melbourne, blind and partially deaf, who accesses NDIS supports for assistive technology to live and work independently. While Koen from Sydney uses his NDIS supports to play and coach wheelchair basketball.

    The scheme also helps some short-statured people get modifications for their car so they can drive and live independently.

    I want to acknowledge at this point that many participants are feeling uncertain about these change but the supports being accessed by the vast majority of people will not be impacted by the revised lists which are based on existing guidance.

    The Australian people are fiercely protective of the NDIS, as they are of Medicare. But we must be mindful that we are using taxpayer’s money and we must use it as responsibly as possible.

    Since the lists were announced, around 95 per cent of comments about the news and correspondence I’ve received are very supportive of the changes.

    I hope our quest to make the NDIS fairer and more sustainable has passed the national pub test.

    “This scheme is going to be run properly, transparently, in the best interests of participants.”

    Originally published in The West Australian Monday 7 October 2024.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft has published an atlas of Marine Mammals of Russia

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft, together with the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika, has published the atlas Marine Mammals of Russia as part of the series Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia.

    The ecological atlas introduces readers to marine mammals living in the inland waters and seas of Russia. The publication presents scientific data on 47 species of marine mammals found in the described waters. In addition, it contains information on the climatic and oceanographic features of the seas, the history of their study, problems of protecting marine mammals and the main methods of their study. The book provides an opportunity to obtain modern information on the features of biology, population structure, natural and anthropogenic threats to the described species. The publication contains more than 60 maps, unique artistic illustrations, and photographs from the Company’s expeditions.

    The atlas reflects the results of the Company’s long-term work on studying marine mammals – the polar bear and the walrus, which were carried out within the framework of the corporate program for the conservation of biological diversity. The goal of the program is to study and preserve the population of rare animal species, the state of which can be used to judge the balance of Arctic ecosystems. The results of the Company’s research can be found in a special section of the atlas.

    The atlas was developed by specialists from the Company’s Arctic Scientific Center and leading Russian scientific institutes: the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, the Pacific Institute of Oceanology of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography, the All-Russian Research Institute for Environmental Protection, and the Marine Mammal Council.

    The publication “Marine Mammals of Russia” will be of interest not only to the professional community, but also to all those who are not indifferent to environmental issues.

    The atlas is available for free download:

    Atlas «Marine mammals of Russia“.

    Reference:

    The series “Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia” is a continuation of the series “Atlases of the Seas of the Russian Arctic” of the Arctic Research Center of Rosneft, within the framework of which in 2016-2017 the following publications were published: “Kara Sea”, “Laptev Sea” and “Marine Mammals of the Russian Arctic and Far East”.

    Rosneft and Innopraktika have already published the following publications within the series Ecological Atlases of the Seas of Russia: The Black and Azov Seas, Species – Biological Indicators of the State of Marine Arctic Ecosystems, and The Barents Sea. The atlases present up-to-date information on physical geography, oceanography, hydrometeorology, ecology, as well as on the distribution of marine mammals and birds, obtained as a result of Rosneft’s research activities in the Arctic. The international system of environmental sensitivity indices (ESI) was adapted for the sections devoted to the classification of sea coasts.

    In 2019, Rosneft, together with the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika, released a unique atlas, “Russian Arctic. Space, Time, Resources.”

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 29, 2022

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

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

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213039/

    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 United Kingdom: Commemorating victims of 7 October attacks

    Source: Scottish Government

    First Minister expresses sympathy as he calls for peace.

    First Minister John Swinney expressed his sympathy to the Jewish community as he remembers all those who lost their lives in the Hamas 7 October terror attacks a year ago.

    Since the attacks, the Scottish Government has consistently called for the immediate release of all hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza, the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to all who need it, and a two-state solution with sovereign Israeli and Palestinian states.

    The First Minister said:

    “The atrocious attacks carried out by the terrorist organisation, Hamas, on 7 October resulted in the worst single loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. Jewish communities across the world, including here in Scotland, are deeply traumatised by the attacks,

    “As we remember those who died, I express my sympathy to the Jewish community and all those who mourn. 

    “I also remember the thousands of innocent people who have been killed in the crisis over the last year. Now more than ever, an immediate ceasefire is needed in Gaza, and the Middle East.

    “As communities across Scotland reflect on the 7 October terrorist attacks and the subsequent loss of further innocent life that has followed, I pledge the unwavering support of my government to ensure our communities remain united, that all communities are kept safe and that we live in a Scotland where people of all faiths, and none, can live in peace.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Government officials from the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China and executives from over 100 major Russian and Chinese companies have attended the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum.

    The reports on the development of energy cooperation between the two countries at the Forum were presented by Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company; Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Han Zheng, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; Dai Houliang, Chairman of the CNPC Board of Directors; CEOs of Russian and Chinese companies. The Forum was also attended by ministers and government officials from the two countries, as well as representatives of the scientific community.

    The strong participation once again confirmed the RCEBF’s status as the most important platform for shaping the key areas of energy dialogue between Russia and China.

    The Forum was held in a face-to-face distance format at two venues in Moscow and Beijing, with a video bridge between them.

    UPWARD DEVELOPMENT

    President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China sent greetings to the Forum participants, in which they noted the positive dynamics of the development of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation.

    In particular, Vladimir Putin noted in his address that, despite the complexity of the international situation, relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China continue to develop in an upward direction. The energy sector remains one of the key and most dynamic areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.

    “The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum plays an increasingly prominent role in expanding cooperation in such an important sector, facilitating regular dialogue between representatives of government agencies, leading industry corporations, banking institutions and expert circles of the two countries. One of the Forum’s most vital activities is the creation of the “Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments”. There is no doubt that the development of this unique information and analysis platform opens up new opportunities for mutually beneficial commercial initiatives,” reads the address of the Russian President.

    CORNERSTONE OF CHINA-RUSSIA COOPERATION

    In his welcoming address to the Forum, China’s President Xi Jinping declared energy to be the cornerstone of cooperation between China and Russia.

    According to the PRC President, Beijing intends to build a closer partnership with Moscow in the energy sector. “The energy engagement between China and Russia is a cornerstone of practical cooperation between the two countries and also serves as an effective force for global energy security,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    Russia and China’s energy cooperation demonstrates sustainability despite external challenges, the PRC President said.

    “In the face of external risks and challenges, Russia and China are intensifying interaction and coordination, promoting major cooperation projects, demonstrating the high sustainability of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

    Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company, delivered an address at the opening of the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum devoted to the development of the energy dialogue between the two countries.

    By the end of this year, the trade turnover between Russia and China may reach $180-190 billion, Rosneft CEO believes. According to him, the figure has already reached $153.9 billion in ten months.

    Thus, Igor Sechin added, the goal of reaching $200 billion in trade turnover may be achieved even earlier than in 2024, as previously planned.

    Igor Sechin noted that Xi Jingping’s 2015 proposal at the rostrum of the UN to create a “community of one destiny for the humankind”, which underlay Chinese foreign policy (as part of the preamble to China’s Constitution), was a worthy response to the challenges of the growing turbulence. “The Western opponents cannot or do not want to understand the great humanitarian meaning of this idea, rejecting the concept of common destiny because of certain ideological considerations,” Igor Sechin believes. “They do not want to understand that it is not about a uniformity, which is naturally alien to the Chinese cultural tradition.” “All phenomena develop together and do not impede one another, all principles are effected together and do not contradict one another,” says a Chinese wisdom. “China simply tells the world: “We are all in the same boat.” And it turns out that China is working to unite humanity, while the West is working to divide it,” Igor Sechin said.

    Rosneft CEO noted that China, like Russia, had always been against unilateral sanctions and economic pressure, which turned into selfish promotion of one’s own selfish interests, and had always advocated the universal and equal application of international law. “Nevertheless, we see that the PRC is subjected to commercial discrimination. The goal is openly set to stop China’s technological development and prevent China from becoming the Number 1 technological power,” the head of Rosneft believes. No wonder the 20th CPC Congress has paid so much attention to security, which is becoming a political priority.

    Rosneft CEO emphasised the unique opportunities that the cooperation offers in terms of ensuring China’s and Russia’s economic security in sensitive areas. “In the field of resource supply, including energy resources, Russia is a reliable supplier with a huge potential that is capable of expanding. As for production and technological logistics, our partnership here seems to be the most protected in terms of security,” Igor Sechin said.

    Russian energy companies, Sechin said, were ready to cooperate with Chinese partners in all areas—“in coal, in gas, in oil, in electricity and through Rosatom.”

    Rosneft CEO noted that the Company had always promoted integral cooperation with Chinese partners along the entire technological chain: that is exploration and production, refining, power generation, sales at potential markets, including retail sales. “As a rule, such cooperation implies exchange of shares, setup of joint ventures, supply of equipment, and technological partnership,” he said.

    POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN ENERGY EXPORTS

    Russia’s oil exports to China in January-October 2022 increased by 9.5% year-on-year to reach almost 72 million tonnes. This put Russia in second place among the suppliers of this fuel to Beijing, only slightly behind Saudi Arabia (73.8 million tonnes), Igor Sechin said.

    For his part, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged the possibility of building new oil pipelines to China.

    Rosneft CEO also reminded the audience about the Vostok Oil project that “would provide long-term, reliable, and guaranteed energy supplies to Asia’s growing economies.” The project should produce 115 million tonnes of oil by 2033, equivalent to 2.5% of current world production.

    Russia also retains great potential for increasing hydrocarbon exports. For example, Sechin estimates that Rosneft alone has more than 2 trillion cubic metres of gas reserves in Eastern Siberia and the Far East that could be delivered to China.

    According to Igor Sechin, Russian pipeline gas deliveries could increase by 60% this year. The figure will exceed 100 billion cubic metres a year in the foreseeable future, and Rosneft CEO is confident that this is not even the limit.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted the prospects for liquefied natural gas: “Today Russia exports to China relatively small volumes of LNG, but in the future, the volume of LNG supplies may become comparable to our supplies from pipeline projects.”

    For his part, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang pointed to the importance of proper operation of oil pipelines from Russia to China and the Yamal LNG project, in which CNPC has a stake.

    “The implementation of the Sino-Russian gas pipeline through the Far East route and the Arctic LNG-2 project should also be accelerated,” he added.

    Furthermore, according to Igor Sechin, Russia accounts for almost a quarter of China’s coal imports—53 million tonnes in the first ten months of this year. Only Indonesia supplies more coal to the PRC.

    China buys from Russia not only hydrocarbons, but also electricity. Between January and October, its supplies grew by 33% and set a new record.

    SETTLEMENTS IN NATIONAL CURRENCIES

    As Alexander Novak noted, Russia and China were switching to settlements in national currencies when trading energy resources: “This work helps to prevent risks and facilitate the transformation of the rouble and yuan to the status of world reserve currencies.” In addition, the two countries’ central banks are working on a settlement system outside SWIFT.

    A significant step in the development of settlement in national currencies was Rosneft’s 2022 placement of an issue of bonds in yuan totalling 15 billion. According to bank analysts, this was the largest corporate bond market placement in the Russian market ever.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted that settlements under foreign economic contracts, primarily for the supply of energy products, had been promptly adapted to the new conditions. “I consider it important to develop clearing payments between China and Russia, which could then be joined by other interested countries (EAEU, SCO, BRICS). The existence of an independent settlement system is an important component of financial sovereignty in the contemporary world,” the head of Rosneft said.

    INVESTMENT ATLAS

    A significant contribution to the development of energy cooperation between the two countries was the publication of the Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments. This document is a comprehensive and practical guide to the implementation of joint projects. Its first part, presented at the previous Forum by the Russian side, was devoted to a review of the current state and prospects of development of the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation.

    During the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum, Zhang Jianhua, Head of the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, gave a presentation on the Chinese part of the Atlas.

    The Forum brought together over 300 representatives of major Russian and Chinese companies in the oil and gas, power, coal, nuclear and renewable energy sectors, heads of federal executive authorities, power equipment manufacturers, and representatives of the financial and IT sectors. The participants discussed in detail the key issues of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. On the sidelines of the Forum, contracts were discussed and concluded between Russian and Chinese partners on energy supply, technology development, joint research, personnel training, and involvement of Chinese companies in the procurement of goods, works and services for projects implemented in Russia.

    The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum has been held since 2018, in line with the agreements reached by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. The two leaders outlined the main objective of the Forum, that is to expand cooperation, find new areas for investment and implement promising projects in the energy sphere in Russia and China.

    Since its inception, the Forum takes place under the auspices of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety and the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, and is co-organised by Rosneft and China National Petroleum Corporation.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    November 29, 2022

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Source: Rosneft

    Headline: 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum brings together executives of major companies, government officials and industry experts

    Government officials from the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China and executives from over 100 major Russian and Chinese companies have attended the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum.

    The reports on the development of energy cooperation between the two countries at the Forum were presented by Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company; Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Han Zheng, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China; Dai Houliang, Chairman of the CNPC Board of Directors; CEOs of Russian and Chinese companies. The Forum was also attended by ministers and government officials from the two countries, as well as representatives of the scientific community.

    The strong participation once again confirmed the RCEBF’s status as the most important platform for shaping the key areas of energy dialogue between Russia and China.

    The Forum was held in a face-to-face distance format at two venues in Moscow and Beijing, with a video bridge between them.

    UPWARD DEVELOPMENT

    President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China sent greetings to the Forum participants, in which they noted the positive dynamics of the development of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation.

    In particular, Vladimir Putin noted in his address that, despite the complexity of the international situation, relations between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China continue to develop in an upward direction. The energy sector remains one of the key and most dynamic areas of economic cooperation between the two countries.

    “The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum plays an increasingly prominent role in expanding cooperation in such an important sector, facilitating regular dialogue between representatives of government agencies, leading industry corporations, banking institutions and expert circles of the two countries. One of the Forum’s most vital activities is the creation of the “Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments”. There is no doubt that the development of this unique information and analysis platform opens up new opportunities for mutually beneficial commercial initiatives,” reads the address of the Russian President.

    CORNERSTONE OF CHINA-RUSSIA COOPERATION

    In his welcoming address to the Forum, China’s President Xi Jinping declared energy to be the cornerstone of cooperation between China and Russia.

    According to the PRC President, Beijing intends to build a closer partnership with Moscow in the energy sector. “The energy engagement between China and Russia is a cornerstone of practical cooperation between the two countries and also serves as an effective force for global energy security,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    Russia and China’s energy cooperation demonstrates sustainability despite external challenges, the PRC President said.

    “In the face of external risks and challenges, Russia and China are intensifying interaction and coordination, promoting major cooperation projects, demonstrating the high sustainability of Russian-Chinese energy cooperation,” reads Xi Jinping’s address.

    UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES

    Igor Sechin, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety, Chief Executive Officer of Rosneft Oil Company, delivered an address at the opening of the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum devoted to the development of the energy dialogue between the two countries.

    By the end of this year, the trade turnover between Russia and China may reach $180-190 billion, Rosneft CEO believes. According to him, the figure has already reached $153.9 billion in ten months.

    Thus, Igor Sechin added, the goal of reaching $200 billion in trade turnover may be achieved even earlier than in 2024, as previously planned.

    Igor Sechin noted that Xi Jingping’s 2015 proposal at the rostrum of the UN to create a “community of one destiny for the humankind”, which underlay Chinese foreign policy (as part of the preamble to China’s Constitution), was a worthy response to the challenges of the growing turbulence. “The Western opponents cannot or do not want to understand the great humanitarian meaning of this idea, rejecting the concept of common destiny because of certain ideological considerations,” Igor Sechin believes. “They do not want to understand that it is not about a uniformity, which is naturally alien to the Chinese cultural tradition.” “All phenomena develop together and do not impede one another, all principles are effected together and do not contradict one another,” says a Chinese wisdom. “China simply tells the world: “We are all in the same boat.” And it turns out that China is working to unite humanity, while the West is working to divide it,” Igor Sechin said.

    Rosneft CEO noted that China, like Russia, had always been against unilateral sanctions and economic pressure, which turned into selfish promotion of one’s own selfish interests, and had always advocated the universal and equal application of international law. “Nevertheless, we see that the PRC is subjected to commercial discrimination. The goal is openly set to stop China’s technological development and prevent China from becoming the Number 1 technological power,” the head of Rosneft believes. No wonder the 20th CPC Congress has paid so much attention to security, which is becoming a political priority.

    Rosneft CEO emphasised the unique opportunities that the cooperation offers in terms of ensuring China’s and Russia’s economic security in sensitive areas. “In the field of resource supply, including energy resources, Russia is a reliable supplier with a huge potential that is capable of expanding. As for production and technological logistics, our partnership here seems to be the most protected in terms of security,” Igor Sechin said.

    Russian energy companies, Sechin said, were ready to cooperate with Chinese partners in all areas—“in coal, in gas, in oil, in electricity and through Rosatom.”

    Rosneft CEO noted that the Company had always promoted integral cooperation with Chinese partners along the entire technological chain: that is exploration and production, refining, power generation, sales at potential markets, including retail sales. “As a rule, such cooperation implies exchange of shares, setup of joint ventures, supply of equipment, and technological partnership,” he said.

    POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN ENERGY EXPORTS

    Russia’s oil exports to China in January-October 2022 increased by 9.5% year-on-year to reach almost 72 million tonnes. This put Russia in second place among the suppliers of this fuel to Beijing, only slightly behind Saudi Arabia (73.8 million tonnes), Igor Sechin said.

    For his part, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged the possibility of building new oil pipelines to China.

    Rosneft CEO also reminded the audience about the Vostok Oil project that “would provide long-term, reliable, and guaranteed energy supplies to Asia’s growing economies.” The project should produce 115 million tonnes of oil by 2033, equivalent to 2.5% of current world production.

    Russia also retains great potential for increasing hydrocarbon exports. For example, Sechin estimates that Rosneft alone has more than 2 trillion cubic metres of gas reserves in Eastern Siberia and the Far East that could be delivered to China.

    According to Igor Sechin, Russian pipeline gas deliveries could increase by 60% this year. The figure will exceed 100 billion cubic metres a year in the foreseeable future, and Rosneft CEO is confident that this is not even the limit.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted the prospects for liquefied natural gas: “Today Russia exports to China relatively small volumes of LNG, but in the future, the volume of LNG supplies may become comparable to our supplies from pipeline projects.”

    For his part, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) Chairman Dai Houliang pointed to the importance of proper operation of oil pipelines from Russia to China and the Yamal LNG project, in which CNPC has a stake.

    “The implementation of the Sino-Russian gas pipeline through the Far East route and the Arctic LNG-2 project should also be accelerated,” he added.

    Furthermore, according to Igor Sechin, Russia accounts for almost a quarter of China’s coal imports—53 million tonnes in the first ten months of this year. Only Indonesia supplies more coal to the PRC.

    China buys from Russia not only hydrocarbons, but also electricity. Between January and October, its supplies grew by 33% and set a new record.

    SETTLEMENTS IN NATIONAL CURRENCIES

    As Alexander Novak noted, Russia and China were switching to settlements in national currencies when trading energy resources: “This work helps to prevent risks and facilitate the transformation of the rouble and yuan to the status of world reserve currencies.” In addition, the two countries’ central banks are working on a settlement system outside SWIFT.

    A significant step in the development of settlement in national currencies was Rosneft’s 2022 placement of an issue of bonds in yuan totalling 15 billion. According to bank analysts, this was the largest corporate bond market placement in the Russian market ever.

    Executive Secretary of the Presidential Commission on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry Igor Sechin noted that settlements under foreign economic contracts, primarily for the supply of energy products, had been promptly adapted to the new conditions. “I consider it important to develop clearing payments between China and Russia, which could then be joined by other interested countries (EAEU, SCO, BRICS). The existence of an independent settlement system is an important component of financial sovereignty in the contemporary world,” the head of Rosneft said.

    INVESTMENT ATLAS

    A significant contribution to the development of energy cooperation between the two countries was the publication of the Atlas of Russian-Chinese Energy Cooperation Investments. This document is a comprehensive and practical guide to the implementation of joint projects. Its first part, presented at the previous Forum by the Russian side, was devoted to a review of the current state and prospects of development of the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation.

    During the 4th Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum, Zhang Jianhua, Head of the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, gave a presentation on the Chinese part of the Atlas.

    The Forum brought together over 300 representatives of major Russian and Chinese companies in the oil and gas, power, coal, nuclear and renewable energy sectors, heads of federal executive authorities, power equipment manufacturers, and representatives of the financial and IT sectors. The participants discussed in detail the key issues of bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. On the sidelines of the Forum, contracts were discussed and concluded between Russian and Chinese partners on energy supply, technology development, joint research, personnel training, and involvement of Chinese companies in the procurement of goods, works and services for projects implemented in Russia.

    The Russian-Chinese Energy Business Forum has been held since 2018, in line with the agreements reached by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. The two leaders outlined the main objective of the Forum, that is to expand cooperation, find new areas for investment and implement promising projects in the energy sphere in Russia and China.

    Since its inception, the Forum takes place under the auspices of the Commission for the President of the Russian Federation on the strategy of development of the fuel and energy industry and environmental safety and the State Energy Administration of the People’s Republic of China, and is co-organised by Rosneft and China National Petroleum Corporation.

    Rosneft
    Information Division
    November 29, 2022

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With the support of Rosneft, the photo exhibition “Attraction of the Arctic” opened

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The annual photo exhibition “Attraction of the Arctic” opened on Tverskoy Boulevard in Moscow. The photo exhibition was organized by Rosneft Oil Company together with the non-governmental development institute “Innopraktika”.

    The exhibition includes unique shots from the atlas “Russian Arctic. Space. Time. Resources” (a joint project of Rosneft and Innopraktika), photographs from Rosneft research expeditions and pictures of the Company’s facilities. Residents and guests of the capital will be able to see icy landscapes, large-scale polar research, the unique beauty of the Arctic and its amazing inhabitants, many of which are listed in the Red Book. The exhibition is open to everyone until January 30.

    Rosneft is implementing a comprehensive scientific research program in the Arctic region. Since 2012, the company has conducted more than 30 expeditions in five Arctic seas and collected a unique layer of information about this region. Geological, oceanographic, hydrometeorological and environmental research is carried out in cooperation with the country’s leading scientific institutes.

    In the fall of 2020, during a research expedition, the first stratigraphic drilling of wells in the Kara Sea in the history of continental shelf studies was carried out. In 2021 and 2022, Rosneft continued research in the waters of the Laptev Sea and the Chukchi Sea. The extracted core is being studied by specialists from Innopraktika at the Geological Faculty of Lomonosov Moscow State University. These studies are of great importance for understanding the geological structure of the Russian Arctic. In 2022, the stratigraphic drilling project was awarded a diploma as a laureate of the International Competition of Scientific, Scientific-Technical and Innovative Developments Aimed at the Development and Development of the Continental Shelf.

    Rosneft and the Russian Arctic National Park jointly implemented the Clean Arctic project to study the impact of economic activity during the Soviet era on Arctic ecosystems. This was the first time such a program was implemented in Russia.

    The results of many years of work on studying the Russian North are presented in the ecological atlases “Kara Sea”, “Laptev Sea”, “Marine Mammals of the Russian Arctic and Far East”, “Barents Sea”, “Species – Biological Indicators of the State of Marine Arctic Ecosystems”. This year, together with “Innopraktika”, the Company published the book “Rediscovering the Arctic”, dedicated to the results of expeditions and scientific research of the Arctic zone over 10 years.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 28, 2022

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

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

    http://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/213015/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Kamala Harris maintains narrow lead in key states in US presidential race

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    The United States presidential election will be held on November 5. In analyst Nate Silver’s aggregate of national polls, Democrat Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump by 49.3–46.2, a slight gain for Trump since last Monday, when Harris led Trump by 49.3–46.0.

    Joe Biden’s final position before his withdrawal as Democratic candidate on July 21 was a national poll deficit against Trump of 45.2–41.2.

    In economic data, the US added 254,000 jobs in September and the unemployment rate slid 0.1% to 4.1%. The unemployment rate had peaked at 4.3% in July.

    The US president isn’t elected by the national popular vote, but by the Electoral College, in which each state receives electoral votes equal to its federal House seats (population based) and senators (always two). Almost all states award their electoral votes as winner-takes-all, and it takes 270 electoral votes to win (out of 538 total).

    Relative to the national popular vote, the Electoral College is biased to Trump, with Harris needing at least a two-point popular vote win to be the Electoral College favourite in Silver’s model.

    In the key states, Harris remains ahead in Silver’s poll aggregates by one to two points in Pennsylvania (19 electoral votes), Michigan (15), Wisconsin (ten) and Nevada (six). If Harris wins these four states, she probably wins the Electoral College by at least 276–262. Trump leads by 0.5 points in North Carolina (16 electoral votes), one point in Georgia (16) and 1.2 points in Arizona (11).



    Read more:
    Kamala Harris the slight favourite to win US election as she narrowly leads in key states

    In Silver’s model, Harris has a 56% chance to win the Electoral College, unchanged since last Monday’s article. The FiveThirtyEight model was more favourable to Harris in September, but now gives her a 55% chance to win. It’s close to a 50–50 probability for either candidate, but Harris remains a slight favourite.

    There are still more than four weeks to go until the election, so there’s time for the polls to change and for one candidate to have a decisive Electoral College advantage on election day. Or the polls could be understating either Harris or Trump, in which case the candidate that benefits from the poll error could have a decisive win.

    Thumping lead for LNP in Queensland

    The Queensland state election is on October 26. A Freshwater poll for The Financial Review, conducted September 26–29 from a sample of 1,067, gave the Liberal National Party (LNP) a 56–44 lead, a five-point gain for the LNP since the previous Freshwater poll in July 2023.

    Primary votes were 43% LNP (up three), 30% Labor (down four), 12% Greens (up one), 8% One Nation (up one) and 7% for all Others (down one).

    Labor Premier Steven Miles had a net approval of -5, while LNP leader David Crisafulli had a +15 net approval. Crisafulli led Miles by 46–38 as preferred premier.

    The poll asked about the federal leaders’ Queensland ratings, with Anthony Albanese at net -17, while Peter Dutton was at net zero. Queensland is a Coalition-friendly state at federal elections relative to the national results.

    Federal Newspoll quarterly data

    On September 30, The Australian released aggregate data for the four Newspolls taken from July to September, which had a combined sample size of 5,035. The Poll Bludger said the Coalition led in New South Wales by 51–49, unchanged on the June quarter.

    In Victoria, Labor led by 52–48, a two-point gain for the Coalition. In Queensland, the Coalition led by an unchanged 54–46. In Western Australia, Labor led by an unchanged 52–48. In South Australia, Labor led by 54–46, a one-point gain for Labor.

    The Poll Bludger’s BludgerTrack data shows the results by educational attainment. In the September quarter, Labor led by 53–47 among university-educated people, a one-point gain for Labor. With TAFE-educated people, there was a 50–50 tie, a one-point gain for the Coalition. Those with no tertiary education favoured the Coalition by 51–49, a one-point gain for the Coalition.

    Coalition gains lead in Morgan poll

    A national Morgan poll, conducted September 23–29 from a sample of 1,668, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a 1.5-point gain for the Coalition since the September 16–22 Morgan poll.

    Primary votes were 38% Coalition (up 0.5), 30% Labor (down two), 13.5% Greens (up one), 4.5% One Nation (down 0.5), 9.5% independents (steady) and 4.5% others (up one).

    The headline figure uses respondent preferences. But if preferences were assigned using the 2022 election flows, Labor led by 51.5–48.5, a 0.5-point gain for the Coalition. There was an unusually large gap last week between the two measures.

    Resolve poll on Middle East conflict

    Voting intentions have not yet been released from a national Resolve poll for Nine newspapers that was conducted October 1–5 from a sample of 1,606. Regarding the political response in Australia to the Middle East conflict, 22% thought Dutton and the Liberals had responded best, 18% Albanese and Labor and 6% Adam Bandt and the Greens, while 55% said none had responded best or were unsure.

    On Australia’s actions, 23% thought we should voice in-principle support for Israel, 12% Gaza and 65% both or none. On accepting refugees, 52% don’t want any refugees accepted, 24% would accept refugees from either Israel or Gaza, 13% Gaza only and 11% Israel only.

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

    – ref. Kamala Harris maintains narrow lead in key states in US presidential race – https://theconversation.com/kamala-harris-maintains-narrow-lead-in-key-states-in-us-presidential-race-240117

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Townsend, Research Fellow, UQ School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland

    A new portrait of NRL legend Wally Lewis conveys a striking message about the consequences of brain trauma in sport.

    The portrait, created by visual artist Jamie van Leeuwen in cooperation with Lewis, is currently entered in the 2024 Brisbane Portrait Prize.

    It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional photography to depict Lewis contemplating his own brain, prompting viewers to consider the consequences of athletes subjecting their bodies (and brains) to a lifetime of physical trauma in contact sports.

    It further suggests that art has an important role to play in science communication.

    Heavy lies the crown

    Lewis is one of Queensland’s most beloved figures and one of Australia’s greatest rugby league players.

    His intelligence was matched by a rugged playing style. He thrilled crowds by appearing to relish hard tackles and seeking confrontation.

    Lewis’ State of Origin performances for Queensland, the Australian representative team, and multiple clubs earned him the nickname “The King” and the “Emperor of Lang Park,” where he is celebrated with a life-size statue.

    In short, it is difficult to overstate the affection many Queenslanders have for Lewis and the magnitude of his reputation in the Australian rugby league community.

    The King speaks

    Although rugby league gave a lot to Lewis, it also took a heavy toll.

    After retiring he moved into broadcasting, becoming the long-term sports anchor for Channel Nine in Queensland.

    In late 2006, he had two successive epileptic episodes on live television.

    Following the second episode, Lewis announced publicly that he had been diagnosed with epilepsy during his playing career but hid the condition for decades. He further revealed his epilepsy was caused by repeated concussions.

    Wally Lewis has spoken out about his epilepsy struggles.

    More recently, Lewis has become one of the most prominent figures in the broader conversation around brain trauma in sport, particularly following his 2023 diagnosis of traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), the symptomatic precursor of the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

    This diagnosis is likely linked to his lifetime accumulation of brain trauma in rugby league.

    Who is listening?

    Many Australian sports and athletes are being impacted by concussion, with a cacophony of experts and advocates attempting to make themselves heard.

    Scientists, researchers, doctors, athletes, parents, families, and politicians are all straining to communicate the potentially serious consequences of brain trauma to the sporting public.

    This portrait of Lewis cuts through the noise and conveys a complex and sometimes controversial narrative: the neurological consequences of contact sport can outweigh its benefits.

    This is a particularly fraught conversation in light of a recent study that argued the opposite.

    The King’s Battle

    The portrait conveys the duality of contact sport in an instant.

    As the artist states, the meaning of the piece is “about legacy […] both sides of legacy.”

    Lewis’ successes are evidenced by the 1987 Maroons jersey he wears and the crown atop his head.

    The costs are equally visible.

    His wearied expression, the blood and grime on his collar and the disembodied brain resting in his palms prompt the viewer to imagine Lewis’s thoughts.

    Is he re-imagining past victories? Planning an uncertain future? Harbouring fears for his fellow athletes?

    After viewing the image for the first time, Lewis said:

    It pretty much tells the story straight away […] there is great hope in the future that I’m going to be able to deal with some of the difficulties.

    The image is emotionally freighted in a way that researchers and medical practitioners usually try to avoid, particularly in discussions about sports concussion where advocates for player safety have been accused of being overly emotional or scare-mongering.

    The King’s Battle reminds us brain trauma is an emotional issue as much as a scientific one.

    As ANU science media researcher Matt Ventresca says, some of the most effective advocates for player welfare are former and current athletes who “in the absence of scientific certainty, express fear about the health of their brains.”

    Art and the future of science

    Arts and science are often viewed as contradictory, but creative expressions like The King’s Battle should play a role in science communication.

    Think Susan Sontag’s brilliant essay Illness as Metaphor or the haunting lyrical description of cancer in Blood by Australian band The Middle East.

    “Blood”, by Australian indie band The Middle East, became the band’s signature song.

    The concussion crisis is a potent space for artistic representation – the 2015 film Concussion starring Will Smith is a landmark in public perceptions of brain trauma in sport.

    The upcoming ABC television program Plum also tells the story of a brain damaged former sports star.

    A 2024 portrait of former Australian NFL player Colin Scotts shows the consequences of a life in contact sport.

    Artistic representations such as The King’s Battle are important because they bring home the consequences of brain trauma in ways that traditional science communication struggles to achieve.

    It reminds us that understanding the emotion of health is just as important as understanding its scientific and medical aspects.

    For CTE researchers, van Leeuwen’s portrait also carries abstract echoes of another hope for the future.

    His use of AI technology to disembody Lewis’ brain in the artwork is reminiscent of current methods of CTE diagnosis: post-mortem removal and dissection of the brain.

    The difference in The King’s Battle is that Lewis can look on the damage done to his brain while still very much alive.

    In much the same way, we hope in the near future that technological advances will allow us to see CTE in the brains of living athletes and help them to live better lives with the disease.

    Alan Pearce is currently unfunded. Alan is a non-executive director for the Concussion Legacy Foundation (unpaid position) and Adjunct research manager for the Australian Sports Brain Bank (unpaid position). He has previously received funding from Erasmus+ strategic partnerships program (2019-1-IE01-KA202-051555), Sports Health Check Charity (Australia), Australian Football League, Impact Technologies Inc., and Samsung Corporation, and is remunerated for expert advice to medico-legal practices.

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

    – ref. Why a portrait of a former NRL great could spark greater concussion awareness in Australia – https://theconversation.com/why-a-portrait-of-a-former-nrl-great-could-spark-greater-concussion-awareness-in-australia-238882

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trojan Horse approach to fast-track projects threatens environment

    Source: Green Party

    The Government’s fast-track list is another example of its reckless approach to the environment and disregard for due process. 

    “The government is set to unleash environmental destruction across Aotearoa, while using some potentially worthy projects as a diversion,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for the Environment, Lan Pham.

    “Our environment forms the foundation for life as we know it. By looking after nature, we look after ourselves. We need to move on from the archaic, exploitative and extractive approach that has already seen us lose so much.

    “However, the Government is selling out to big business by effectively putting our environment up for auction. 

    “From the outset, this shadowy legislation has been shrouded in smoke and mirrors while public scrutiny and due democratic process have been completely shut out. 

    “What we see in this list is a number of projects that will have long-lasting and potentially irreversible impacts on the environment. Talk of renewable energy and housing – which could be consented under current processes –  are nothing more than a smokescreen to the environmental vandalism this is set to unleash. 

    “The fast track still has the power to bulldoze through environmental protections and set aside previous court rulings that declined projects due to their serious environmental harm. The Government is trying to gaslight us all into thinking we need this legislation to build nice things – we don’t. This isn’t about building a better future, it’s all about handouts to big business. 

    “We are deeply concerned that projects with massive, irreversible environmental effects – like seabed mining by Trans-Tasman Resources in a marine mammal sanctuary, or gold mine expansion that threatens the future of an entire forest in the Coromandel, are included in the list of projects. Extending the Bathurst coal mine in Buller and digging an open-cast mine in Central Otago during a climate crisis is beyond irresponsible.  

    “To make things abundantly clear to companies and potential investors out there looking to profit from this legislation in a way that destroys our precious environment: You need to know that a Green Government will review consents, and revoke those with significant harm,” says Lan Pham. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Discusses Helene Recovery Efforts on Face the Nation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis appeared on CBS’ Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan to discuss North Carolina’s recovery efforts from Helene. 
    Watch the full interview HERE. 

    Senator Tillis on the state and federal disaster response:
    “Resources are beginning to move. I think they’re moving a little bit more slowly than I hoped, but that is why we’re working on the ground. I want to thank all of the local, state, federal responders out there. They’re doing extraordinary work, but we’ve got to plus up the resources out there into some of the hardest hit areas, areas that we haven’t reached yet. I think that could be done through the leadership of active-duty DOD personnel working with the state and with the National Guard. We just need to surge more resources.”
    Senator Tillis on calling for a military leader to take charge of recovery efforts:
    “We’ve got to clear roads, most roads are closed in Western North Carolina. I’ve been out there twice last week and [will be out] every day this week. Just the basics of debris removal, rescue operations, things that the Department of Defense, the 82nd Airborne, the 101st Airborne are accustomed to doing in battle situations are exactly what we need in Western North Carolina…It has to be a coordinated response and FEMA knows how to do this well. They’ve done it in other major disaster events. The American people and people in North Carolina need to understand the scope of this storm is more like Katrina. It may look like a flood to the observer, but again, this is a land mass roughly the size of the state of Massachusetts with damage distributed throughout. We have to get the maximum resources on the ground immediately to finish rescue operations and then sadly be there for recovery and rebuilding.”
    Senator Tillis on the spread of misinformation during recovery efforts:
    “I’ve been involved in a number of storm responses and this is when I believe discipline is absolutely essential…Many of the observations are not even from people on the ground. I believe that we have to stay focused on rescue operations, recovery operations, clearing operations, and we don’t need any of these distractions on the ground. It is at the expense of the hard-working first responders and people that are just trying to recover their lives…If there are any challenges, call my office and we’ll track them down if there are real issues, but most of what I’ve seen is a distraction and not helping the core of the effort right here which is to save lives and start rebuilding.”
    Senator Tillis on North Carolina protecting voting access for residents affected by Helene:
    “North Carolina is doing a great job. I’ve spoken with state leaders and they’re coming back and taking lessons from Louisiana and a number of other states that have had to provide ballot and voting access in difficult situations like this. They’ll be passing legislative matters this week to address it and I think that North Carolina will be prepared to make sure that everybody who wants to vote will have access to the ballot and vote before election day or on election day.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Is owning a dog good for your health?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tania Signal, Professor of Psychology, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia

    Pogodina Natalia/Shutterstock

    Australia loves dogs. We have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and one in two households has at least one dog.

    But are they good for our health?

    Mental health is the second-most common reason cited for getting a dog, after companionship. And many of us say we “feel healthier” for having a dog – and let them sleep in our bedroom.

    Here’s what it means for our physical and mental health to share our homes (and doonas) with our canine companions.

    Are there physical health benefits to having a dog?

    Having a dog is linked to lower risk of death over the long term. In 2019, a systematic review gathered evidence published over 70 years, involving nearly four million individual medical cases. It found people who owned a dog had a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those who did not own a dog.

    Having a dog may help lower your blood pressure through more physical activity.
    Barnabas Davoti/Pexels

    Dog ownership was linked to increased physical activity. This lowered blood pressure and helped reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.

    The review found for those with previous heart-related medical issues (such as heart attack), living with a dog reduced their subsequent risk of dying by 35%, compared to people with the same history but no dog.

    Another recent UK study found adult dog owners were almost four times as likely to meet daily physical activity targets as non-owners. Children in households with a dog were also more active and engaged in more unstructured play, compared to children whose family didn’t have a dog.

    Exposure to dirt and microbes carried in from outdoors may also strengthen immune systems and lead to less use of antibiotics in young children who grow up with dogs.

    Children in households with a dog were often more active.
    Maryshot/Shutterstock

    Health risks

    However, dogs can also pose risks to our physical health. One of the most common health issues for pet owners is allergies.

    Dogs’ saliva, urine and dander (the skin cells they shed) can trigger allergic reactions resulting in a range of symptoms, from itchy eyes and runny nose to breathing difficulties.

    A recent meta-analysis pooled data from nearly two million children. Findings suggested early exposure to dogs may increase the risk of developing asthma (although not quite as much as having a cat does). The child’s age, how much contact they have with the dog and their individual risk all play a part.

    Slips, trips and falls are another risk – more people fall over due to dogs than cats.

    Having a dog can also expose you to bites and scratches which may become infected and pose a risk for those with compromised immune systems. And they can introduce zoonotic diseases into your home, including ring worm and Campylobacter, a disease that causes diarrhoea.

    For those sharing the bed there is an elevated the risk of allergies and picking up ringworm. It may result in lost sleep, as dogs move around at night.

    On the other hand some owners report feeling more secure while co-sleeping with their dogs, with the emotional benefit outweighing the possibility of sleep disturbance or waking up with flea bites.

    Proper veterinary care and hygiene practices are essential to minimise these risks.

    Many of us don’t just share a home with a dog – we let them sleep in our beds.
    Claudia Mañas/Unsplash

    What about mental health?

    Many people know the benefits of having a dog are not only physical.

    As companions, dogs can provide significant emotional support helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress. Their presence may offer comfort and a sense of purpose to individuals facing mental health challenges.

    Loneliness is a significant and growing public health issue in Australia.

    In the dog park and your neighbourhood, dogs can make it easier to strike up conversations with strangers and make new friends. These social interactions can help build a sense of community belonging and reduce feelings of social isolation.

    For older adults, dog walking can be a valuable loneliness intervention that encourages social interaction with neighbours, while also combating declining physical activity.

    However, if you’re experiencing chronic loneliness, it may be hard to engage with other people during walks. An Australian study found simply getting a dog was linked to decreased loneliness. People reported an improved mood – possibly due to the benefits of strengthening bonds with their dog.

    Walking a dog can make it easier to talk to people in your neighbourhood.
    KPegg/Shutterstock

    What are the drawbacks?

    While dogs can bring immense joy and numerous health benefits, there are also downsides and challenges. The responsibility of caring for a dog, especially one with behavioural issues or health problems, can be overwhelming and create financial stress.

    Dogs have shorter lifespans than humans, and the loss of a beloved companion can lead to depression or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

    Lifestyle compatibility and housing conditions also play a significant role in whether having a dog is a good fit.

    The so-called pet effect suggests that pets, often dogs, improve human physical and mental health in all situations and for all people. The reality is more nuanced. For some, having a pet may be more stressful than beneficial.

    Importantly, the animals that share our homes are not just “tools” for human health. Owners and dogs can mutually benefit when the welfare and wellbeing of both are maintained.

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

    – ref. Is owning a dog good for your health? – https://theconversation.com/is-owning-a-dog-good-for-your-health-238888

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At the Direction of FEMA Administrator Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Visits Firefighters in Support of Hurricane Helene Response

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: At the Direction of FEMA Administrator Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Visits Firefighters in Support of Hurricane Helene Response

    At the Direction of FEMA Administrator Criswell, U.S. Fire Administrator Visits Firefighters in Support of Hurricane Helene Response

    Local firefighters and first responders face the dual burden of operational response and personal recovery for Hurricane Helene

    WASHINGTON — At the direction of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to support the whole of government response, U.S. Fire Administrator, Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, met with firefighters and emergency response teams last week in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee to discuss ongoing recovery efforts and assess their urgent needs. Today, the Fire Administrator met with fire chiefs in Augusta, Georgia to visit the Emergency Operation Center and fire stations, survey devastation, and work with the fire chief in a food and water distribution line. 

    “I had the opportunity to visit multiple active scenes across the impact zones and talk with the responders.” said Fire Administrator Moore-Merrell. “As you look into their eyes, it is completely evident that they are mission-driven and passionate about what must be done. Every block is searched not once, not twice but often three times as these rescuers dig down through debris. For each person, they’re not just here to help a community, it is personal. Seeing so much destruction on this large scale in their own communities means that they are rescuing or helping people to recover that they might know. These are their neighbors, friends and even family members.”

    Throughout this multi-state visit over several days, the Fire Administrator supported ongoing efforts by FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to expedite the deployment of additional resources, personnel and equipment to the hardest-hit areas. The Fire Administrator pledged continued support and coordination with state and local governments to ensure first responders can conti­­nue to serve their communities effectively in the weeks and months to come.

    During the visit to South Carolina, the Fire Administrator met with a family of a fallen firefighter killed at the beginning of the storm and expressed the federal family’s gratitude and continued support. 

    In North Carolina, the Fire Administrator visited Asheville Fire Department Station 13, Swannanoa Volunteer Fire Department, Garran Creek Fire Rescue, and Fairview Volunteer Fire Department. FEMA Incident Management Teams were complemented by local firefighters at every stop. One of the most valued assets on any team were the peer counselors and clinicians.  Going forward, USFA will prioritize mental health resources for all Helene responders.

    The visit to Kingsport and Johnson City EOC and to the town Erwin, Tennessee displayed the need for multifaceted search techniques involving firefighters, K-9, LEOs, heavy equipment operators, and structural engineers was widespread. The coordination among federal Urban Search & Rescue, local responders, and state teams was seamless.

    On her visit to Shreveport, Louisiana, she met with firefighters from San Diego Fire Department and Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 8

    who were injured in a traffic accident on their way to help Hurricane Helene survivors. 

    For more information on the U.S. Fire Administration, visit U.S. Fire Administration (fema.gov).

    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55900″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/43f6f4cc134b2ed4753a44d45772cae6.jpg?itok=XeG8u2eh” alt=”Caption:

    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.

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    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.
    View Original‘ data-align=”center” data-asset-link=”1″ data-entity-type=”emerald” data-image-style=”large” data-asset-type=”imageasset” data-asset-id=”55901″ src=”https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/externals/f02cdf2a3378aa5314a98821c5db3f0f.jpg?itok=Q883QSFh” alt=”Caption:

    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.

    ” class=”image-style-large”>

    Asheville, N.C. – (Oct. 4, 2024) – U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell meets firefighters at fire departments across Buncombe County, North Carolina, on Friday, October 4, 2024.

    mashana.davis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Exit polls show Tunisian President Kais Saied winning presidential election

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tunisian President Kais Saied (R, front) registers at a polling center in Tunis, Tunisia on Oct. 6, 2024. (Tunisian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua)

    Exit polls showed that Tunisian President Kais Saied is expected to win the presidential election on Sunday, Tunisian State TV reported.

    According to the estimated results of a poll by Sigma Conseil, a Tunisian survey company, Saied won 89.2 percent of the vote, followed by Ayachi Zammel with 6.9 percent and Zouhair Maghzaoui with 3.9 percent.

    In a press briefing following the election, Farouk Bouaskar, president of the Independent High Authority for Elections (ISIE), said the preliminary turnout in the presidential election reached 27.7 percent.

    According to statistics from the ISIE, a total of 2,599,252 Tunisians voted in Tunisia and 104,903 Tunisians went to the polls abroad.

    The official TAP news agency said the Chahed Observatory reported a turnout of 28.8 percent when the polling stations closed.

    The total number of voters registered on the electoral register is around 9,753,217 people.

    The preliminary results of the election will be announced Monday evening, according to the ISIE.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: HK to attract new batch of key enterprises: financial chief

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Paul Chan said on Sunday that the HKSAR government’s Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises will announce next month a list of more than 10 enterprises that will establish a foothold in Hong Kong.

    These enterprises are from the Chinese mainland, the United States, Europe and other places, with more than half of them specializing in artificial intelligence and big data. Some of them are leading enterprises in their fields.

    Chan said that entering the fourth quarter of 2024, the overall market atmosphere has improved significantly. From September to last Friday, the average daily turnover was about 192 billion HK dollars (about 24.72 billion U.S. dollars), which was double of that in August.

    Chan said that the continuous reform and innovation of Hong Kong’s listing system over a past period of time have enhanced Hong Kong stock market’s attractiveness and vitality.

    In 2018, Hong Kong allowed pre-revenue/pre-profit biotechnology companies, and new economy companies with different share structures, to list in Hong Kong.

    There are more than 330 new economy companies listed in Hong Kong. Although they only account for about 30 percent of the listed companies, their total market value exceeded 9.6 trillion HK dollars, accounting for more than 26 percent of the total market value of Hong Kong stocks and accounting for nearly 23 percent of the average daily trading volume of Hong Kong stocks. This has brought the Hong Kong stock market to a new level.

    Last year, Hong Kong further introduced a special listing rule for specialist technology companies to support these companies to raise funds.

    These reforms have made Hong Kong a preferred listing destination for many tech companies, Chan said.

    At the end of this month, Chan will lead a delegation from the financial and innovation sectors to the Middle East to promote Hong Kong’s latest development as an international financial, trade and innovation center, Hong Kong’s unique advantages and functions under “one country, two systems,” as well as new opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. (1 HK dollar equals 0.13 U.S. dollars) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt takes the scalpel to regional health budgets

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    At Labour’s insistence, Te Whatu Ora financial documents have been released by the Health Select Committee today showing more cuts are on the way for our health system.

    “The Government has manufactured a financial crisis to justify stripping back the health system. These cuts are affecting patient care,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

    “The Government said it wouldn’t touch the front line, but it has broken that promise.

    Te Whatu Ora’s internal budget shows all four regions of New Zealand are getting less than the previous year of between about six percent and 14 percent, an average of nearly nine percent across the country.

    “We have seen communities in Buller and Dunedin march in the streets demanding better health services for their people. Labour will stand with communities and fight for the health services they need and deserve.

    “Te Whatu Ora’s deficit can be explained in part by hiring more nurses, doctors and allied staff such as physiotherapists, necessary and consistent with the workforce plan Labour put in place. This is exactly where the Government should be investing, not cutting.

    “However, the FTE numbers show what frontline staff have been telling us – that there is now a hiring freeze starting to take effect.

    “The Government also withheld $529 million from Te Whatu Ora to pay nursing, midwifery and allied staff the pay increases they got in 2023. This would account for a big chunk of Te Whatu Ora’s deficit in the last financial year.

    “The documents further undermine the Government’s story that Te Whatu Ora’s deficit is fuelled by back office roles. It’s important the health system is staffed by those who care for patients and keep the whole system functioning – like those booking appointments, orderlies and cleaners.

    “If there is any bump in non-clinical staff, it’s under Minister of Health Shane Reti’s watch, as there is an almost doubling of management and admin personnel costs in June 2024. Given that he has brought in expensive commissioners and regional CEs he needs to come clean about the cause of this increase.

    “These financial documents don’t support the Government’s spin. Shane Reti made up claims about 14 layers of management to justify cuts to frontline services.

    “The Government has the wrong priorities – its reckless tax cuts are harming the health services New Zealanders need and depend on,” Ayesha Verrall said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DDG Ellard emphasizes vital role of parliaments, provides update on WTO priorities

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DDG Ellard acknowledged the crucial role that parliaments play as the key link between international institutions and the public. She emphasized that parliamentary engagement on WTO issues is essential for ensuring that the Organization’s work is effective, tangible and meaningful.

    Turning to current priorities, DDG Ellard first stressed the importance of bringing into force the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted in June 2022, to end the worst form of fisheries subsidies. To do this, 111 WTO members — two-thirds of the WTO membership — must accept the Agreement. At this point, 83 members have already done so, leaving 28 remaining for entry into force. She expressed gratitude to members that have accepted the Agreement, commending parliamentarians for their unwavering support and efforts toward swift ratification. She urged those who have not yet done so to take action promptly.

    DDG Ellard also highlighted significant progress made at MC13 on the second part of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, aiming to address overcapacity and overfishing. While a final agreement is still pending, she noted that the negotiations have come closer to consensus than ever before, following more than 20 years of discussions. Since MC13, members have engaged intensively in efforts to conclude a comprehensive agreement on fisheries subsidies based on the revised text in document TN/RL/W/279, aiming to establish strong disciplines on major subsidizers and distant water fishing, while providing appropriate and effective flexibility for developing members.

    DDG Ellard described the extensive work in the lead up to the WTO’s July 2024 General Council meeting. “We are very close,” she emphasized, urging political leaders to engage actively in finalizing the Agreement by the end of the year.

    On the topic of dispute settlement reform, DDG Ellard commended Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius and the six co-facilitator experts for their efforts in advancing the ongoing negotiations among WTO members towards achieving a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system by 2024, as mandated by ministers at MC12 and MC13. The areas of particular focus are appeal/review and accessibility to developing members. 

    She emphasized that although the Appellate Body is not functioning, the system has not ground to a halt, with members continuing to bring disputes to the WTO. In 2024, members initiated seven new disputes, and there are seven panel proceedings under way, demonstrating ongoing confidence in the system. 

    She further emphasized the ongoing work to build the necessary multilateral consensus to incorporate the outcomes of the plurilateral initiatives of WTO members into the WTO rulebook, such as the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement and the outcomes of the Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce. She pointed to the IFD Agreement as the first global accord on investment facilitation, with the support of two-thirds of WTO members, including developing members. 

    She also noted that the stabilized text on e-commerce (INF/ECOM/87) has garnered broad support, although some participants are still conducting internal consultations. The co-convenors of the e-commerce initiative are continuing to engage to determine next steps.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Members underline need for services trade to be inclusive

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Follow-up to outcomes of ministerial conferences

    At the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in February 2024, ministers stressed that services generate more than two-thirds of global economic output and account for over half of all jobs. They also emphasized the importance of advancing work on trade in services at the WTO. Stemming from this, the Council agreed to hold an informal discussion on the WTO-World Bank report entitled “Trade in Services for Development“. The ministerial mandate on the WTO’s work on trade in services can be found in paragraph 18 of the MC13 Declaration.

    Several members also expressed an interest in exploring the interplay between services trade and the green transition. The WTO’s Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States announced that it is working on updating the note entitled “Vulnerable ACP State services sectors impacted in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic” submitted in 2021. A suggestion was made to hold a workshop on crisis preparedness in response to the MC13 mandate.

    Participation of LDCs in services trade

    The WTO LDC Group presented to the Council a new questionnaire that aims to assess how LDC services suppliers are working with consumers and enterprises, particularly in the member economies that have notified preferences for LDCs, with the aim of identifying the challenges they may face.

    Members reaffirmed their commitment to increasing the participation of LDCs in global services trade in line with the MC12 Outcome Document and the MC13 Declaration. They reiterated their continued support for putting the Services Waiver into practice as a means of reaching this goal. The waiver was formalized by a decision adopted at the 2011 Ministerial Conference. Preferences for LDC services and service suppliers have been notified by 51 WTO members under the waiver. Members’ notifications can be found here.

    A total of 35 WTO members are classified as LDCs.

    Work Programme on E-commerce

    Some members proposed that the Council complement the work done in the General Council’s dedicated discussions on e-commerce in light of its services-trade focus. Some of the issues suggested for discussion include trade in digitally delivered services, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and financial inclusion.

    The importance of making digital trade more inclusive and of boosting the participation of developing economies in e-commerce was also highlighted.

    Services trade concerns

    Members discussed three previously addressed specific trade concerns involving cybersecurity measures and mobile applications, among other services-related topics.

    Japan and the United States, supported by several other members, reiterated concerns about the cybersecurity measures of China and Viet Nam. China repeated concerns with certain services measures of the United States. China also reiterated its concerns regarding India’s measures in relation to mobile applications.

    Trade in financial services

    Crisis preparedness

    In the Committee on Trade and Financial Services, Pakistan underscored the important role played by financial services in supporting crisis management frameworks. It stressed that the capacities of developing economies in this area should be reinforced, as mandated by ministers at MC13 (see paragraph 21 of the Ministerial Declaration). Members expressed readiness to look into ways of discussing this.

    The Committee is one of the Services Council’s subsidiary bodies.

    Facilitating electronic payments

    Introducing a new proposal, China said that developing economies lack an effective infrastructure and regulatory framework to keep up with international organizations and governments in terms of making online payments more secure. Given that emerging technologies are heavily impacting international economic activities, China suggested a discussion on the WTO’s role in facilitating the expansion of electronic payments across economies.

    The proposal will be discussed at the next Committee meeting in December.

    Reducing the cost of remittance services

    Members were unable to reach consensus on establishing a work programme on reducing the cost of remittance services in the Committee – as proposed by India in a communication dated 8 March – but there was support among members for exploring how the WTO can complement discussions in other international fora.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Supporting clean technology innovation in First Nations communities

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Federal investment helps design cleaner energy systems in Atlantic Canada

    October 3, 2024 Lennox Island, Prince Edward Island Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Every day, Indigenous communities and their members across Atlantic Canada are leading the way toward sustainability and opportunity. In Epekwitk, Prince Edward Island, a collaborative approach between business, academia and the community is helping to drive innovation in renewable energy. The Government of Canada is working with Indigenous communities and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to maximize their assets, capitalize on economic opportunities, and contribute to the prosperity of Indigenous peoples across Atlantic Canada.

    Supporting Indigenous Business Leaders

    Today, Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, announced a non-repayable contribution of $100,000 to L’nu Energy Inc. to support the purchase of equipment as the company expands its services to Indigenous communities. The investment will help the company better serve its customers from design to completion, as well as the development, management and optimization of renewable energy microgrid systems.

    The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

    Climate change has pushed all communities to rethink their thinking and approach to long-term growth. Today’s announcement demonstrates how the federal government continues to build on its programs to advance the transition to net-zero emissions through support for Indigenous business leaders, as well as the design of collaborative ecosystems to grow more cleantech companies.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: CBO Confirms: Biden-Harris Medicare Cost-Shifting Policy Will Cost Taxpayers Billions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) issued its fiscal analysis of the Biden-Harris administration’s Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program. Among other findings, CBO estimates the program – which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched to artificially lower seniors’ premiums that have surged due to Democrat policymaking – could cost taxpayers more than $21 billion over three years if implemented as planned.  
    CBO conducted its analysis at the request of Senate Budget Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), along with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.).
    “When Democrats unilaterally enacted major changes to Medicare two years ago, they set seniors up for new expenses and fewer options. This nonpartisan CBO analysis confirms CMS’s cost-shifting plan is a dishonest election year gimmick to cover up those consequences,” Grassley said. “Rather than coming to the table and legitimately addressing its partisan mistakes, the Biden-Harris administration threw taxpayer dollars at the problems it created, putting Americans on the hook for tens of billions more dollars.” 
    “As predicted, the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act not only quelled investment for new cures, but caused Medicare prescription drug plan premiums to skyrocket, and Democrats are scrambling to cover it up before the election. In July, the Biden-Harris CMS scrambled to create a new federal program that will send billions of tax dollars to large health insurance companies to cover up a massive flaw in their so-called Inflation Reduction Act,” Arrington said. “Today, CBO confirmed that the administration’s election year Hail Mary will cost taxpayers an astounding $7 billion next year alone, and $21 billion over the planned three-year demo, adding to the more than $2 trillion in Biden-Harris executive spending.”
    CBO findings of note:

    Relative to prior projections, CBO expects an increase in federal Medicare Part D spending by $10-$20 billion in 2025 as a result of Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act. The demonstration’s temporary subsidies will drive up federal spending by another $5 billion and increase net spending on interest by $2 billion.

    The demonstration program increased plans’ expected benefit payments, which contributed to a significant 2024-2025 rise in the amount plans bid. Those higher bids hike the premiums that beneficiaries pay, as well as the federal subsidies to Part D plans.

    Background:
    Congressional Democrats in the Inflation Reduction Act significantly redesigned the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit at an estimated cost of nearly $30 billion over 10 years. PDP sponsors then moved to increase their plan bids and base beneficiary premiums, while reducing plan offerings for 2025.
    As a reaction, CMS announced its Premium Stabilization Demonstration. This cost-shifting program artificially lowered the cost of seniors’ Part D premiums by sending federal funds to large health insurance companies. It applies a uniform reduction of $15 to the base beneficiary premium, establishing a year-over-year limit of $35 on how much a plan’s total Part D premium can increase. The Wall Street Journal Editorial Board called the demonstration a “Medicare election bribe for seniors.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hagerty, Biggs, Colleagues Call Out DOJ for Refusing to Provide Answers on Prosecutions of Illegal Aliens Registering to Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Tennessee Bill Hagerty
    Garland’s DOJ did not respond to initial letter demanding answers on prosecutions, as evidence of thousands of cases of illegal aliens registering to vote have emerged
    NASHVILLE, TN—United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Rules Committee, and Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05) today led their colleagues in calling out U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland on the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) failure to prevent illegal aliens from registering to vote in American elections or prosecute those who evidently have done so.
    “We are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections,” the Members of Congress wrote. “As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting.  Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 34 days, your Department’s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming.”
    State officials across the country have recently taken steps to prevent, deter, and investigate cases of illegal voter registration by non-citizens, including in South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, and Tennessee. Since the Members of Congress sent their initial letter, cases have emerged in the states of Virginia and Texas.
    “Clearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans’ trust and confidence in election results,” the Members of Congress continued.
    The members of Congress, once again, requested the following information by October 16, 2024:
    1.     Please provide the number of aliens who have been charged, tried, or convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 611 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.
    2.     Please provide the number of aliens who been charged, tried, or convicted under 52 U.S.C. § 20511 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.
    3.     Please provide the number of aliens who have been prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 911 since 2021, including the status of each case.
    4.     Please provide the number of referrals received from other government officials or the public in reference to the statutes cited in questions 1 through 3.
    5.     How does the Department of Justice investigate allegations received of non-citizen voting or voter registration?
    6.     What affirmative steps have the Department of Justice taken to detect, prevent, and deter illegal aliens and other non-citizens from registering and voting in federal elections?
    7.     What affirmative steps have the Department taken to obtain relevant information from the Department of Homeland Security on aliens who have registered or voted in elections?
    8.     What steps have been taken by U.S. Attorneys and the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division, which is responsible forprosecuting election crimes and assisting U.S. Attorneys in prosecuting election crimes, to obtain jury-related information that indicates aliens have unlawfully registered to vote?
    9.     As the 2024 election nears, what steps will the Department take to detect, investigate, and prosecute non-citizens who violate 18 U.S.C.§ 911, 52 U.S.C. § 20511, or 18 U.S.C. § 611 by voting or registering to vote in the 2024 election?
    10.  What steps have the Department taken to contact Virginia and Texas election officials to obtain information and the voter registration and voter history files on each of the aliens removed from the voter rolls who were unlawfully registered and voting in those states?
    Co-signers of the letter include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Rick Scott (R-FL), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Risch (R-ID), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Steve Daines (R-MT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tim Scott (R-SC), Marco Rubio (R-FL), John Thune (R-SD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), John Barrasso (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Katie Britt (R-AL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), along with Representatives Andy Harris (R-MD-01), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Gary Palmer (R-AL-06), Matt Rosendale (R-MT-02), Ralph Norman (R-SC-05), Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Andy Ogles (R-TN-05), Aaron Bean (R-FL-04), Josh Brecheen (R-OK-02), Nancy Mace (R-SC-01), Bob Good (R-VA-05), Eric Burlison (R-MO-07), Mike Ezell (R-MS-04), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), Tom Tiffany (R-WI-07), Lauren Boebert (R-CO-03), Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Michael Guest (R-MS-03), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN-01), Ben Cline (R-VA-06), Chip Roy (R-TX-21), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA-11), Mary Miller (R-IL-15), Paul Gosar (R-AZ-09), Lance Gooden (R-TX-05), Jeff Duncan (R-SC-03), Harriet Hageman (R-WY-01), Barry Moore (R-AL-02), Mike Collins (R-GA-10), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), Greg Lopez (R-CO-04), Keith Self (R-TX-03), Brian Babin (R-TX-36), August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Alex Mooney (R-WV-02), Dusty Johnson (R-SD-01), Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Rich McCormick (R-GA-06), and Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01).
    A copy of the letter can be found here and below.
    Dear Attorney General Garland:
    We are deeply concerned by reports of non-citizens registering to vote and voting in federal elections. As of today, there has been no response from you or your Department regarding the inquiry on July 12, 2024, seeking information on efforts undertaken by your Department to enforce laws prohibiting non-citizen voting.  Given that the 2024 Presidential Election is in less than 34 days, your Department’s inaction and refusal to provide any information regarding its efforts to promote public trust and confidence in our elections is especially alarming.
    Since the initial letter, several more concerning reports have been released by state officials indicating that a large number of non-citizens appear on their voter rolls. For example, the Virginia Attorney General recently announced that 6,303 non-citizens were identified on and removed from Virginia’s voter rolls in 2022 and 2023. In another troubling report released in August, over 6,500 non-citizens registered to vote in Texas were identified and removed from voter rolls. Of the 6,500 non-citizens identified, 1,930 had a voter history.
    Clearly, there is a non-negligible amount of voter participation by non-citizens in federal elections, which is not only a serious threat to the integrity of our elections and the democratic process they represent, but also has the potential to reduce Americans’ trust and confidence in election results.
    Accordingly, we respectfully reiterate the July 12 request for information on your Department’s enforcement efforts.  The initial deadline for providing this information was July 26, 2024, so the response is now 9 weeks overdue.
    Please provide responses to the following no later than October 16, 2024:
    1.     Please provide the number of aliens who have been charged, tried, or convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 611 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.
    2.     Please provide the number of aliens who been charged, tried, or convicted under 52 U.S.C. § 20511 since January 20, 2021, including the status of each case.
    3.     Please provide the number of aliens who have been prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 911 since 2021, including the status of each case.
    4.     Please provide the number of referrals received from other government officials or the public in reference to the statutes cited in questions 1 through 3.
    5.     How does the Department of Justice investigate allegations received of non-citizen voting or voter registration?
    6.     What affirmative steps have the Department of Justice taken to detect, prevent, and deter illegal aliens and other non-citizens from registering and voting in federal elections?
    7.     What affirmative steps have the Department taken to obtain relevant information from the Department of Homeland Security on aliens who have registered or voted in elections?
    8.     What steps have been taken by U.S. Attorneys and the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division, which is responsible forprosecuting election crimes and assisting U.S. Attorneys in prosecuting election crimes, to obtain jury-related information that indicates aliens have unlawfully registered to vote?
    9.     As the 2024 election nears, what steps will the Department take to detect, investigate, and prosecute non-citizens who violate 18 U.S.C.§ 911, 52 U.S.C. § 20511, or 18 U.S.C. § 611 by voting or registering to vote in the 2024 election?
    10.  What steps have the Department taken to contact Virginia and Texas election officials to obtain information and the voter registration and voter history files on each of the aliens removed from the voter rolls who were unlawfully registered and voting in those states?
    Thank you for your attention to this matter and we look forward to your prompt reply.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Rejects Biden-Harris Bears Ears Plan

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    “Local Stakeholders Sidelined in Misguided Management“
    Washington, D.C. – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) responded to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) finalization of the proposed management plan for the Bears Ears National Monument (BENM), a 1.36 million-acre monument in Southern Utah. Senator Lee criticized the plan, highlighting a lack of local input and its harmful impact on Utahns who depend on the land for their livelihoods.
     
    “Once again, the Biden administration has imposed a one-size-fits-all management plan that disregards the voices of those who know the land best—Utahns,” Senator Lee stated. “While the administration has bent over backward to ensure input from special interests, it has failed to afford the same consideration to the people of Utah. These are public lands, yet the public most affected by these decisions—the ranchers, recreationists, and workers—has been sidelined.”

    Senator Lee noted that despite years of negotiation, the state of Utah and the federal government could not finalize the long-awaited land exchange with the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), a failure that he attributes to the administration’s unwillingness to collaborate in good faith.

    “This plan is the latest in a long line of top-down, federal overreach that prioritizes political agendas over real solutions. Utahns deserve better than to be treated as second-class citizens when it comes to managing their own lands.”

    Lee called on the administration to revisit the plan and give Utahns a true seat at the table.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: CRTC moves to deploy fibre optic internet in 16 rural Manitoba communities

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Through the Broadband Fund, the CRTC has committed more than $8 million to Westman Communications Group to build approximately 310 kilometres of fibre transport infrastructure. The projects will improve access to reliable, high-quality Internet services.

    October 3, 2024 — Ottawa-Gatineau – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

    The CRTC is taking steps to provide 16 rural Manitoba communities with access to high-speed fibre optic Internet.

    In 2019, the CRTC implemented the Broadband Fund to help connect rural, remote and Indigenous communities across Canada. To date, the Fund has helped improve high-speed Internet and cell phone services in 270 communities, connecting essential facilities such as schools, health centres and community centres.

    Through the Broadband Fund, the CRTC has committed more than $8 million to Westman Communications Group to build approximately 310 kilometres of fibre transport infrastructure. The projects will improve access to reliable, high-quality Internet services.

    These projects received support from affected communities. Letters of support highlighted the positive impacts the projects had on daily life in these areas, such as improving public safety and promoting commercial and industrial development.

    The CRTC continues to assess applications received under the Broadband Fund and will make further funding announcements in the coming months.

    Quote

    “We are taking action to ensure that all Canadians have access to high-speed Internet services. The projects announced today will bring fibre optic Internet services to 16 rural communities in Manitoba. They will improve access to health care and other government services, support small businesses and create new economic opportunities.”

    – Vicky Eatrides, CRTC Chair and CEO

    Quick Facts

    The CRTC is an independent, quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates Canada’s communications sector in the public interest. It holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record. To date, the CRTC Broadband Fund has supported projects that will connect more than 47,000 households, improve cellphone service along more than 630 kilometres of major highways, and build more than 4,900 kilometres of fibre optics in communities. In March 2023, the CRTC launched a public consultation to enhance the Broadband Fund. It will initiate a process to create an Indigenous component of the Fund.

    Related links

    Media RelationsEmail Address: media@crtc.gc.caPhone: 819-997-9403

    General InquiriesTelephone: 819-997-0313Toll-free: 1-877-249-CRTC (2782)Teletypewriter: 819-994-0423

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Visits East Bank Middle School, Tours GreenPower

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations and Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committees, visited East Bank Middle School and toured the GreenPower Manufacturing Facility, both in Kanawha County, W.Va.
    First, Senator Capito spoke to the 8th grade class at East Bank Middle School in East Bank, W.Va. about her career in public service and current work in the U.S. Senate.
    “I am always inspired by the young people of our state and their potential, and the students at East Bank Middle School are no exception,” Senator Capito said. “We had a productive conversation about civics and the different branches of government, and I enjoyed the opportunity to share my experience. The future is bright for these students, and I can’t wait to see all they go on to accomplish.”
    Second, Senator Capito toured the GreenPower Motor Company, a local manufacturer of electric school buses, in South Charleston, W.Va. During the visit, Senator Capito met with company leaders and presented keys for a new electric bus to Wyoming County School Superintendent Dr. John Henry.
    “Just over two years ago, GreenPower pledged to bring operations to West Virginia. And today, we’re getting another new school bus—made with West Virginia aluminum from Jackson County—on the road that will safely bring our children in Wyoming County to and from school. Through this visit, we are seeing the success that can result when we pursue pragmatic solutions based in reasonable policies that put our state’s needs first. I commend GreenPower and all those involved for investing in West Virginia and contributing to not only our economic development, but the education of our children – something so central to our state’s future,” Senator Capito said.
    “It was wonderful to welcome Senator Capito to the facility and show her the products we are making here in West Virginia. She has been a great champion for our industry in the Senate and we are grateful for her continued support,” Mark Nestlen, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at GreenPower Motor Company, said.
    Photos from today’s visits are included below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) pictured with eighth grade students at East Bank Middle School in East Bank, W.Va. on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) visits the GreenPower electric bus manufacturing facility in South Charleston, W.Va. on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) presents a set of keys to a new electric bus to Wyoming County School Superintendent Dr. John Henry at the GreenPower electric bus manufacturing facility in South Charleston, W.Va. on Thursday, October 3, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Hagerty Urge Biden-Harris Administration to Protect U.S. Economic Interests from EU Regulatory Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)
    October 3, 2024
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other Biden-Harris administration officials urging them to defend U.S. economic interests against the European Union regulatory encroachment.
    The European Union (EU) recently adopted its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which forces U.S. businesses to comply with European policies, or face severe penalties. CSDDD’s implementation raises serious concerns, including extraterritorial regulatory overreach, adverse impacts on supply chains, litigation risks, and unfeasible climate transition requirements.
    “The CSDDD’s extraterritorial scope amounts to a serious breach of U.S. sovereignty and a direct threat to the global competitiveness of American companies,” the members of Congress wrote. “We are deeply concerned that the [Biden-Harris] Administration is surrendering its regulatory responsibilities to European officials, allowing them to dictate draconian social and climate policies to American companies.”
    “The EU is attempting to mitigate the relative damage of its onerous regulatory framework by forcing Americans to bear the burden as well,” the members of Congress continued. “Any policies impacting U.S. businesses should be debated and determined by the elected representatives of the American people, not overseas bureaucrats advancing their own agendas.”
    In addition to Ricketts and Hagerty, the letter was co-signed by 64 other members of Congress. 
    Full text of the letter can be found here and below:
    Secretary Yellen,
    The European Union (EU) has long been known for implementing vague, broadly scoped, and complex regulations that hinder business growth and raise consumer costs. The EU’s longstanding regulatory overreach has had deleterious effects on its member states’ economies and diminished the competitiveness of their firms on the global stage. According to the International Monetary Fund, the Eurozone economy grew only 6% in the 15-year period ending in 2023, compared to 82% growth for the United States. European companies have been quick to identify overregulation as an impediment to growth; in one study, more than 60% of EU companies deemed regulation to be a barrier to investment, while 55% of small and medium-sized enterprises cited regulatory obstacles and administrative burdens as their greatest challenge.
    Now, the EU is attempting to impose its debilitating regulatory agenda on American companies through its Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (also known as “CSDDD” or “CS3D”). Formally adopted by the Council of the EU on May 24, 2024, the CSDDD will impose significant legal obligations on U.S. businesses. The directive effectively converts the U.N. Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights—and the provisions of three international human rights conventions, eight conventions of the International Labour Organization, eleven environmental law conventions, and the climate mitigation targets of the Paris Agreement—into binding laws. CSDDD will include governmental enforcement mechanisms, including the possibility of substantial monetary penalties, and will also create private rights of action for those adversely affected by violations. EU member states must implement regulations and administrative procedures required by the directive within two years. Many U.S. companies will be harmed by this enormous compliance burden. After EU member states incorporate the European Parliament’s broad legislation into their own national laws, the CSDDD will ultimately apply to U.S. multinational businesses with annual EU market revenue of more than €450 million, regardless of their corporate “footprint” in the EU. While the full effect of CSDDD may not be clear until the member states begin to transpose the regulations into their own laws and the EU provides additional guidance, it is clear that “in-scope” U.S. businesses will be forced to ensure that their supply chains and other business partners are compliant. Companies will need to “identify, prevent, mitigate and account for how they address actual and potential impacts in their operations, supply chains and other business relationships.” That is neither practical nor realistic—nor does it genuinely constitute “due diligence,” which is generally defined as review and analysis prior to actions being taken (e.g., “prevent” and “mitigate”). Notably, American companies will be required to comply with CSDDD even though the U.S. has not ratified many of the international conventions underlying the directive.
    The CSDDD’s extraterritorial scope amounts to a serious breach of U.S. sovereignty and a direct threat to the global competitiveness of American companies. Given this, the Biden-Harris Administration must meaningfully respond. Although you acknowledged the issue in your testimony before the House Financial Services Committee, there has been little evidence that the Administration has an effective strategy for engaging with European officials on the issue. To date, no other senior officials in the Biden-Harris Administration have expressed opposition to CSDDD despite the threat it poses to U.S. interests.
    We are deeply concerned that the Administration is surrendering its regulatory responsibilities to European officials, allowing them to dictate draconian social and climate policies to American companies. The EU is attempting to mitigate the relative damage of its onerous regulatory framework by forcing Americans to bear the burden as well. If implemented in any manner substantially similar to its current form, the CSDDD could force companies to divest or reduce ties with European businesses, causing significant economic harm to both the U.S. and EU.
    Any policies impacting U.S. businesses should be debated and determined by the elected representatives of the American people, not overseas bureaucrats advancing their own agendas. Accordingly, we strongly encourage you and your colleagues at the relevant federal agencies to actively and publicly engage with your counterparts in Brussels and EU member-state capitals to delay implementation of CSDDD and work with the new European Parliament to repeal or substantially modify the directive. Such action is necessary to preserve U.S. sovereignty and sustain America’s economic competitiveness.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Demands John Deere Explain “Disgraceful” Attempts to Prevent Farmers from Repairing Their Own Equipment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    October 03, 2024
    Raises Concern about Company Undermining Right-to-Repair Agreements, Violating Clean Air Act
    Repair restrictions like John Deere’s hurt farmers and consumers across the country; cost American farmers $4.2 billion per year
    “John Deere has repeatedly interfered with farmers’ ability to repair the equipment they own, including by blocking independent repairs to maximize profit, negotiating an MOU in bad faith, and failing to inform farmers of their rights in potential violation of the Clean Air Act.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Boston, MA – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Deere & Company (John Deere) accusing the company of undermining its own “right-to-repair” agreements and evading its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act by failing to grant its customers the right to repair their own agricultural equipment. 
    John Deere restricts farmers from repairing broken equipment themselves, even when they have the knowledge and tools to do so, instead forcing them to wait for weeks until a John Deere technician is available, and risking missed crop windows on which farmers’ livelihoods rely. In Massachusetts, there are just three John Deere dealerships for 470,000 acres of farm operations, or 2,400 farms per dealership. Farmers nationwide lose an average of $3,348 per year “directly tied to downtime and repair restrictions imposed by equipment manufacturers.” Repair restrictions cost U.S. farmers $4.2 billion per year.
    “While John Deere’s profits spike thanks to this strategy, farmers suffer,” wrote Senator Warren.
    In fact, by overcharging for repair services, John Deere has seen its profits streaming in. Since 2020 the company has seen a 270% increase in profits, despite labor strikes, supply disruptions, a drop in sales, and a global pandemic. 
    After years of legal battles, in January 2023, John Deere signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) promising to provide farmers and independent repair shops with the diagnostic tools and information they need to make repairs to their machines. But the MOU appeared to be a veiled attempt to hold off the passage of “right-to-repair” legislation. In exchange for pledges to provide the information and tools needed for farmers to make repairs, John Deere secured a politically valuable promise from the American Farm Bureau Federation to encourage American farmers not to introduce, promote, or support federal or state right-to-repair legislation that imposed obligations beyond the MOU’s commitments. 
    John Deere is not upholding its side of the bargain, and appears to have negotiated the MOU in bad faith. Rather than allow farmers meaningful opportunity to repair their equipment, John Deere has provided inadequate tools and disclosures.
    The software tool offered to farmers redacts or obfuscates functions and information required to complete repairs. Further, earlier this year, John Deere admitted to omitting a legally required addendum about repair rights from its manuals. 
    The exclusion of this information may violate the Clean Air Act, which requires manufacturers to “provide in boldface type on the first page of the written maintenance instructions notice that maintenance, replacement, or repair … may be performed by any automotive repair establishment or individual.” The EPA warned John Deere that its manuals were not in compliance with EPA regulations.
    “John Deere has repeatedly interfered with farmers’ ability to repair the equipment they own, including by blocking independent repairs to maximize profit, negotiating an MOU in bad faith, and failing to inform farmers of their rights in potential violation of the Clean Air Act,” wrote Senator Warren. “Deere’s attempts to stave off right-to-repair reforms that would save American farmers $4.2 billion per year are disgraceful.”
    Senator Warren asked John Deere to respond to questions related to the company’s repair restrictions and apparent failure to comply with the law by October 17, 2024. 
    Senator Warren has repeatedly sought to bolster competition and fight back against costly restrictions on repairs for cars, military equipment, and other goods: 
    In September 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren sent two letters regarding the costly restrictions imposed on the Department of Defense that bar the military from repairing its own military equipment and instead force it to pay billions of dollars extra to military contractors.
    In July 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren included a provision in the Senate Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA that would require contractors to provide DoD with “fair and reasonable” access to repair materials.
    In August 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), celebrated the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reversing course and allowing enforcement of Massachusetts’ pro-consumer Right to Repair law. 
    In June 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) called on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reverse its course after it sent a recent letter to auto manufacturers, advising them not to comply with Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law. 
    In February 2022, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Angus King (I-Maine), and Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) urged the Department of Health and Human Services to move forward with the march-in petition submitted for the prostate cancer drug Xtandi.
    In July 2021, Senator Warren and Representative Doggett (D-Texas) sent a letter to the Department of Defense requesting information about steps taken to reduce costs of DoD-funded prescription drugs and medical products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On October 4, Mikhail Mishustin will present Government awards in the field of education

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 4, Mikhail Mishustin will present Government awards in the field of education. The event will be attended by the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.

    * * *

    By the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of August 28, 2013 No. 744 10 annual prizes in the field of education have been established. They are awarded to individual laureates or a group of authors (up to five people) by decision of the Government based on proposals from the Interdepartmental Council for Awarding Government Prizes in the Field of Education.

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

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

    http://government.ru/annuncements/52887/

    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 USA: Warren, Blumenthal Push Department of Justice to Hold Boeing Executives Accountable for Deadly Safety Failures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    October 03, 2024
    Lawmakers urge DOJ to investigate Boeing executives’ behavior, criminally prosecute those responsible for crashes
    “For too long, corporate executives have routinely escaped prosecution for criminal misconduct… This coddling comes at the expense of customer and worker safety.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Boeing executives following years of promoting short-term profit over passenger safety. In the letter, the lawmakers urge the DOJ to review the behavior and potential culpability of Boeing’s executives, and criminally prosecute those responsible.
    The letter comes as years of safety issues involving Boeing planes – including the fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 – have continued to raise alarm about Boeing’s corporate culture. As recently as last week, the National Transportation Safety Board was forced to issue “urgent safety recommendations” for Boeing’s 737 aircraft line due to mechanical issues. Even amidst these continued failures, the Department of Justice has not criminally prosecuted those individuals responsible for harms to deliver justice and hold Boeing accountable. In July 2024, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a felony charge of conspiring to defraud the federal government, but DOJ did not take the company to trial or charge individual executives. The deal included an additional fine, commitments to update compliance and safety processes, and oversight by a safety monitor for three years.
    “For years, the federal government has accused Boeing of putting profits over passenger safety, without pursuing full accountability from the company or the company’s executives directly responsible for compromising passenger safety,” the lawmakers wrote. “[T]he combination of a relatively small fine coupled with a toothless commitment to improve aircraft safety has proven insufficient to effect real change at the company.”
    In October 2023, Senator Warren called on the DOJ to immediately reverse its newly unveiled “safe harbor” policy, which would offer a “get-out-of-jail-free” card for mergers involving corporate white-collar criminals. Deputy Attorney General Monaco justified the policy, later noting that “[t]he rule of law demands that those most culpable for a company’s misconduct are the ones being charged, prosecuted, and convicted.”
    “For too long, corporate executives have routinely escaped prosecution for criminal misconduct. This coddling comes at the expense of customer and worker safety, and it must end,” wrote the lawmakers.
    After 346 people died in two Boeing 737 MAX plane crashes due to apparent failures in the MCAS flight stabilization system, the DOJ deferred prosecution, instead negotiating a deal to resolve criminal charges. This year, after the DOJ found that Boeing violated the terms of the deal, Boeing entered a plea agreement. Again, the DOJ failed to hold any Boeing executives accountable for the serious failures — and since the fatal 737 MAX crashes, countless more safety concerns have surfaced.
    “The deadly crashes and reporting on safety issues since 2018 have shined a spotlight on Boeing’s corporate culture of prioritizing profits at the expense of safety…DOJ must do its part to bring the individuals responsible for Boeing’s safety failures to justice,” wrote the lawmakers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation

    Temporary Flexibilities in Place for Medicaid Beneficiaries Due to Hurricane Helene Devastation
    hejones1

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with state, federal and local partners to help North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene access needed health care. Temporary changes to NC Medicaid will allow people to more easily refill prescriptions early, get medically necessary services, be admitted to a nursing home and more.

    “This storm has been catastrophic for so many people in our state. We are committed to using every tool we have to help people and communities survive and recover,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.

    Flexibilities are active from Sept. 26, 2024, through Oct. 15, 2024, and are intended to:

    • Ensure people can get their medicine. People covered by NC Medicaid will be able to fill their prescriptions early, including people who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency. 
    • Ensure children with complex medical needs and adults with disabilities or serious health conditions are safe. Case managers are implementing required disaster plans for Community Alternatives Program for Children and Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults. 
    • Make it easier for health care providers to participate in Medicaid as part of disaster relief. To ensure there are medical professionals on the ground, health care providers can apply to be a NC Medicaid provider through a temporary, expedited process.
    • Ensure people get medically necessary services. NC Medicaid providers will not need to get prior authorization for medically necessary drugs, equipment and supplies provided during the Hurricane Helene emergency. People covered by NC Medicaid who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency will be reimbursed for medically necessary services.
    • Maintain support for people with traumatic brain injury or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. When direct support is not available due to the emergency, relatives may provide Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living. People who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency may receive Innovations Waiver services without prior authorization, including respite. And NC Medicaid will cover the replacement or repair of homes or vehicle modifications damaged by Hurricane Helene.
    • Help hospitalized patients have continuity of care. Hospitals in affected counties that participate in Medicare and are approved to provide post-hospital skilled nursing facility care can do so for patients who no longer need acute care. They can provide this care for patients that are unable to find placement in skilled nursing facility.
    • Expedite the process for someone to be admitted to a nursing home. People covered by NC Medicaid who have been displaced due to the emergency will not need to have a Preadmission Screening and Resident Review.
    • Access private duty nursing. People covered by NC Medicaid will not need prior authorization for private duty nursing that is medically necessary. 

    Additional detail, including documentation requirements, is available in the NC Medicaid Bulletin issued on Oct. 1, 2024.

    There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

    If you would like general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene and ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, please email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte está trabajando con socios estatales, federales y locales para ayudar a los habitantes de Carolina del Norte afectados por el huracán Helene a acceder a la atención médica necesaria. Los cambios temporales en NC Medicaid permitirán que las personas vuelvan a surtir las recetas con mayor facilidad, obtengan los servicios médicos necesarios, sean ingresados en un hogar de ancianos y más.

    “Esta tormenta ha sido catastrófica para muchas personas en nuestro estado. Estamos comprometidos a utilizar todas las herramientas que tenemos para ayudar a las personas y las comunidades a sobrevivir y recuperarse”, dijo el Secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Kody H. Kinsley.

    Las medidas de flexibilidad están activas a partir del 26 de septiembre de 2024, hasta el 15 de octubre de 2024, y están destinados a:

    • Garantizar que las personas puedan obtener sus medicamentos. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid podrán surtir sus recetas antes de tiempo, incluidas las personas que se han reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia. 
    • Garantizar que los niños con necesidades médicas complejas y los adultos con discapacidades o problemas de salud graves estén seguros. Los administradores de casos están implementando los planes de desastres requeridos para el Programa de Alternativas Comunitarias para Niños y el Programa de Alternativas Comunitarias para Adultos Discapacitados.
    • Facilitar la participación de los proveedores de atención médica en Medicaid como parte del alivio de desastres. Para garantizar que haya profesionales médicos en el sitio, los proveedores de atención médica pueden solicitar ser proveedores de NC Medicaid a través de un proceso temporal y acelerado.
    • Garantizar que las personas reciban los servicios médicos necesarios. Los proveedores de Medicaid de Carolina del Norte no necesitarán obtener autorización previa para los medicamentos, equipos y suministros médicamente necesarios proporcionados durante la emergencia del huracán Helene.Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid que se hayan reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia recibirán un reembolso por los servicios médicamente necesarios.
    • Mantener el apoyo a las personas con lesión cerebral traumática o discapacidades intelectuales y/o del desarrollo. Cuando el apoyo directo no está disponible debido a la emergencia, los familiares pueden proporcionar Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living (apoyos comunitarios, apoyo en empleo y vivencia). Las personas que se han reubicado temporalmente fuera del estado debido a la emergencia pueden recibir servicios de Exención de Innovaciones (Innovations Waiver) sin autorización previa, incluso relevo. Y NC Medicaid cubrirá el reemplazo o la reparación de viviendas o modificaciones de vehículos dañados por el huracán Helene.
    • Ayudar a los pacientes ingresados en hospitales a tener continuidad de atención médica. Los hospitales en los condados afectados que participan en Medicare y están aprobados para brindar atención poshospitalaria en un centro de enfermería especializada pueden hacerlo para pacientes que ya no necesitan cuidados intensivos/agudos. Pueden proporcionar esta atención a pacientes que no pueden ser colocados en un centro de enfermería especializada.
    • Acelerar el proceso para que alguien sea ingresado en un asilo de ancianos. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid que hayan sido desplazadas debido a la emergencia no necesitarán someterse a una evaluación previa a la admisión ni a una revisión de residentes.
    • Acceder a enfermería de servicio privado. Las personas cubiertas por NC Medicaid no necesitarán autorización previa para la enfermería de servicio privado que sea médicamente necesaria. 

    Los detalles adicionales, incluso los requisitos de documentación, están disponibles en el Boletín de NC Medicaid emitido el 1 de octubre de 2024.

    No hay una manera correcta o incorrecta de sentirse en respuesta al trauma de un huracán. Si la tormenta le ha afectado y necesita a alguien con quien hablar, llame o envíe un mensaje de texto a la Línea de Ayuda en Caso de Catástrofe al 1-800-985-5990. La ayuda también está disponible para cualquier persona, en cualquier momento en inglés o español a través de una llamada, mensaje de texto o chat al 988. Más información en linea988.org

    Si desea información general, acceso a recursos o respuestas a preguntas frecuentes, visite el sitio web: ncdps.gov/helene y ncdhhs.gov/helene.

    Si necesita información sobre recursos de ayuda para la recuperación para un residente afectado por la tormenta, envíe un correo electrónico a IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

    Oct 3, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –