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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Receives Friend of the Family Award for Defending Conservative Values and Religious Freedom

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Oswego, New York – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) was recently honored with the Friend of the Family Award by the Faith & Freedom Coalition, recognizing her dedication to upholding conservative values, protecting American families, and defending religious liberty and individual freedom through her legislative efforts during the 118th Congress.

    Tenney has championed numerous bills, including the Parents Bill of Rights Act, which ensures parents have the right to know what their children are being taught and what is happening in our nation’s schools. She also supported the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act, aimed at preserving fairness by preventing biological men from competing in women’s sports, further advocating for conservative principles and traditional values.

    “The woke left continues its assault on conservative values, religious liberty, and the sanctity of life. It is essential to stand behind legislation that defends these priorities. I am deeply honored to receive the Friend of the Family Award, which highlights my commitment to safeguarding freedom, religious liberties, and supporting Israel. I am grateful to the Faith & Freedom Coalition for this recognition and remain dedicated to fighting for the values NY-24 holds dear in Congress,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/10/2024 VIDEO: Blackburn Celebrates Female Athletes on October 10

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following video celebrating women’s athletic achievements on October 10th after introducing a resolution earlier this year to designate 10/10 as ‘American Girls in Sports Day.’ 
    Despite the fact that nearly 70% of Americans agree athletes should only be allowed to compete on teams that correspond with their sex at birth, Senate Democrats blocked the effort to pass this resolution last month.

    Click here to download this video of Senator Blackburn discussing ‘American Girls in Sports Day.’
    “In 2022, the Biden-Harris Department of Education announced new rules that would actually force schools to allow biological men to play on female teams. This regulation really does undermine women’s sports, so I introduced legislation that would establish a day, October 10th, as ‘American Girls in Sports Day.’ The Democrats went to the floor and blocked that resolution, but October 10th should still be a day we set aside and celebrate our female athletes. In the last 50 years, since the signing of Title IX, female athletes have really gone from the sidelines to center stage. That is something to celebrate.” – Senator Blackburn

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK climate finance helps reduce more than 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions globally

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) has helped 110 million people adapt to the effects of climate change.

    • Reduced or avoided over 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and avoided 750,000 hectares of ecosystem loss, according to official analysis released today.

    • Climate finance has helped to mobilise £8.4 billion of public and £7.8 billion of private finance for climate change.

    The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF), helps developing countries limit and manage the impacts of climate change, mitigate further global warming from emissions and avert, minimise and address loss and damage.

    The results published today demonstrate the transformational impact of the UK’s International Climate Finance from 2011, ensuring developing countries have access to clean energy and innovative technology to drive the global transition to net zero, while supporting the most vulnerable countries who are experiencing the worst impacts of the climate crisis. Over the last 12 years, the UK has:

    • Supported over 82 million people with improved access to clean energy.
    • Avoided or reduced 105 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking all UK cars off the road for approximately 1 year and 7 months.
    • Avoided 750,000 hectares of ecosystem loss, the equivalent to more than 1 million football pitches.

    Through UK International Climate Finance, UK aid is investing in innovative solutions to tackle climate change, such as energy efficiency and forestry across the Global South to demonstrate their commercial viabilities:

    • The Climate Public Partnership (CP3) programme has been addressing the dual challenge of both climate challenge and access to clean, affordable energy by building a public-private partnership to unlock private investments. By investing in private equity funds, including £50 million to the Catalyst Fund, over a portfolio of 124 projects, UK aid successfully mobilised over £86 million of private finance to date.

    • In Madagascar and Indonesia, UK aid is helping to protect, restore and sustainably manage mangrove forests while reducing the poverty of the coastal communities that rely on them. By working together with national governments, local communities and the private sector, the Blue Forests Programme developed green business opportunities based on sustainable mangrove forestry and fisheries management and helped protect around 58,000 hectares of mangrove forests and delivered around 660,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide savings. 

    These results come as the UK has taken swift action at home to tackle the climate crisis and provide energy security for British families and businesses. The UK is first major economy to set a landmark goal in delivering clean power by 2030. In the space of a few months the Government has already:

    • Lifted the ban on onshore wind in England to roll out a new supply of clean and cheap power.
    • Delivered the most successful renewables energy auction to date, securing enough clean power to supply the equivalent of 11 million homes.
    • Introduced Great British Energy, creating the next generation of skilled jobs and protecting family from volatile fossil fuel prices that helped drive the cost of living crisis.
    • Consented unprecedented amounts of nationally significant solar – 2GW – more than the last 14 years combined.

    The UK will use that strong action at home to accelerate global action at the COP29 summit in Baku, raising ambition to agree a new financial target to support developing countries in tackling climate change.

    Minister for International Development, Anneliese Dodds said:

    International climate finance is at the heart of our climate and development objectives and our Mission to be a clean energy superpower.

    Our work – and the billions in private finance it has unlocked – will help the most vulnerable who are experiencing the worst impacts of the climate crisis and enable partners to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement. 

    Our programmes are making a positive difference to people’s lives and helping to build a liveable planet for all, now and in the future.

    UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said:

    The UK has played a key role in supporting the most vulnerable communities across the globe in tackling climate change while alleviating poverty and improving access to cleaner energy sources.

    But there is more work to do, and unlocking greater global climate finance is crucial in addressing the needs of developing countries who are on the frontline of the crisis.

    That’s why the UK will be pushing for an ambitious finance goal for climate aid at COP29. We will continue to champion the voices of those most affected and we will lead from the front in speeding up the global transition to net zero.

    UK Minister for Nature Mary Creagh said:

    We have a responsibility to tackle the biggest challenges facing our planet. This means putting nature loss and climate change at the forefront of the global agenda.

    We are seeing an unprecedented decline in species and the loss of some of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. Our climate programmes play a vital role in protecting and restoring nature and supporting the communities most affected by this crisis.

    These results come ahead of this year’s UN climate summit COP29 in Baku, which will see countries come together to negotiate a new financial target for supporting developing countries in their climate actions, known as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).

    In addition to UK ICF, the UK’s world leading expertise on green finance and net zero industries is supporting developing countries achieve their own climate goals through leveraging private sector funds. Since 2011, the UK has helped mobile £7.8 billion of private finance for climate change purposes.

    The £11.6 billion commitment for the ICF remains the government’s intention as we undertake the spending review. Speaking at the UN General Assembly on 27 September the Prime Minister made clear the UK would continue to be a leading contributor to international climate finance.

    Background

    • The UK’s International Climate Finance is funded by Official Development Assistance (UK aid) from FCDO, DESNZ and DEFRA.
    • UK International Climate Finance (ICF) is a portfolio of investments with a goal to support international poverty eradication now and in the future, by helping developing countries manage risk and build resilience to the impacts of climate change, take up low-carbon development at scale and manage natural resources sustainably. Through annual publications the ICF sets out results from these investments against a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
    • To find out more about International Climate Finance
    • UK International Climate Finance results 2024

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    Updates to this page

    Published 10 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Education under siege: How cybercriminals target our schools​​

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Education under siege: How cybercriminals target our schools​​

    Introduction | Security snapshot | Threat briefing
    Defending against attacks | Expert profile 

    Education is essentially an “industry of industries,” with K-12 and higher education enterprises handling data that could include health records, financial data, and other regulated information. At the same time, their facilities can host payment processing systems, networks that are used as internet service providers (ISPs), and other diverse infrastructure. The cyberthreats that Microsoft observes across different industries tend to be compounded in education, and threat actors have realized that this sector is inherently vulnerable. With an average of 2,507 cyberattack attempts per week, universities are prime targets for malware, phishing, and IoT vulnerabilities.¹ 

    Security staffing and IT asset ownership also affect education organizations’ cyber risks. School and university systems, like many enterprises, often face a shortage of IT resources and operate a mix of both modern and legacy IT systems. Microsoft observes that in the United States, students and faculty are more likely to use personal devices in education compared to Europe, for example. Regardless of ownership however, in these and other regions, busy users do not always have a security mindset. 

    This edition of Cyber Signals delves into the cybersecurity challenges facing classrooms and campuses, highlighting the critical need for robust defenses and proactive measures. From personal devices to virtual classes and research stored in the cloud, the digital footprint of school districts, colleges, and universities has multiplied exponentially.  

    We are all defenders. 

    A uniquely valuable and vulnerable environment 

    The education sector’s user base is very different from a typical large commercial enterprise. In the K-12 environment, users include students as young as six years old. Just like any public or private sector organization, there is a wide swath of employees in school districts and at universities including administration, athletics, health services, janitorial, food service professionals, and others. Multiple activities, announcements, information resources, open email systems, and students create a highly fluid environment for cyberthreats.

    Virtual and remote learning have also extended education applications into households and offices. Personal and multiuser devices are ubiquitous and often unmanaged—and students are not always cognizant about cybersecurity or what they allow their devices to access.

    Education is also on the front lines confronting how adversaries test their tools and their techniques. According to data from Microsoft Threat Intelligence, the education sector is the third-most targeted industry, with the United States seeing the greatest cyberthreat activity.

    Cyberthreats to education are not only a concern in the United States. According to the United Kingdom’s Department of Science Innovation and Technology 2024 Cybersecurity Breaches Survey, 43% of higher education institutions in the UK reported experiencing a breach or cyberattack at least weekly.² 

    QR codes provide an easily disguised surface for phishing cyberattacks

    Today, quick response (QR) codes are quite popular—leading to increased risks of phishing cyberattacks designed to gain access to systems and data. Images in emails, flyers offering information about campus and school events, parking passes, financial aid forms, and other official communications all frequently contain QR codes. Physical and virtual education spaces might be the most “flyer friendly” and QR code-intensive environments anywhere, given how big a role handouts, physical and digital bulletin boards, and other casual correspondence help students navigate a mix of curriculum, institutional, and social correspondence. This creates an attractive backdrop for malicious actors to target users who are trying to save time with a quick image scan. 

    Recently the United States Federal Trade Commission issued a consumer alert on the rising threat of malicious QR codes being used to steal login credentials or deliver malware.³

    Microsoft Defender for Office 365 telemetry shows that approximately more than 15,000 messages with malicious QR codes are targeted toward the educational sector daily—including phishing, spam, and malware. 

    Legitimate software tools can be used to quickly generate QR codes with embedded links to be sent in email or posted physically as part of a cyberattack. And those images are hard for traditional email security solutions to scan, making it even more important for faculty and students to use devices and browsers with modern web defenses. 

    Targeted users in the education sector may use personal devices without endpoint security. QR codes essentially enable the threat actor to pivot to these devices. QR code phishing (since its purpose is to target mobile devices) is compelling evidence of mobile devices being used as an attack vector into enterprises—such as personal accounts and bank accounts—and the need for mobile device protection and visibility. Microsoft has significantly disrupted QR code phishing attacks. This shift in tactics is evident in the substantial decrease in daily phishing emails intercepted by our system, dropping from 3 million in December 2023 to just 179,000 by March 2024. 

    Source: Microsoft incident response engagements.

    Universities present their own unique challenges. Much of university culture is based on collaboration and sharing to drive research and innovation. Professors, researchers, and other faculty operate under the notion that technology, science—simply knowledge itself—should be shared widely. If someone appearing as a student, peer, or similar party reaches out, they’re often willing to discuss potentially sensitive topics without scrutinizing the source. 

    University operations also span multiple industries. University presidents are effectively CEOs of healthcare organizations, housing providers, and large financial organizations—the industry of industries factor, again. Therefore, top leaders can can be prime targets for anyone attacking those sectors.

    The combination of value and vulnerability found in education systems has attracted the attention of a spectrum of cyberattackers—from malware criminals employing new techniques to nation-state threat actors engaging in old-school spy craft.  

    Microsoft continually monitors threat actors and threat vectors worldwide. Here are some key issues we’re seeing for education systems. 

    Email systems in schools offer wide spaces for compromise 

    The naturally open environment at most universities forces them to be more relaxed in their email hygiene. They have a lot of emails amounting to noise in the system, but are often operationally limited in where and how they can place controls, because of how open they need to be for alumni, donors, external user collaboration, and many other use cases.  

    Education institutions tend to share a lot of announcements in email. They share informational diagrams around local events and school resources. They commonly allow external mailers from mass mailing systems to share into their environments. This combination of openness and lack of controls creates a fertile ground for cyberattacks.

    AI is increasing the premium on visibility and control  

    Cyberattackers recognizing higher education’s focus on building and sharing can survey all visible access points, seeking entry into AI-enabled systems or privileged information on how these systems operate. If on-premises and cloud-based foundations of AI systems and data are not secured with proper identity and access controls, AI systems become vulnerable. Just as education institutions adapted to cloud services, mobile devices and hybrid learning—which introduced new waves of identities and privileges to govern, devices to manage, and networks to segment—they must also adapt to the cyber risks of AI by scaling these timeless visibility and control imperatives.

    Nation-state actors are after valuable IP and high-level connections 

    Universities handling federally funded research, or working closely with defense, technology, and other industry partners in the private sector, have long recognized the risk of espionage. Decades ago, universities focused on telltale physical signs of spying. They knew to look for people showing up on campus taking pictures or trying to get access to laboratories. Those are still risks, but today the dynamics of digital identity and social engineering have greatly expanded the spy craft toolkit. 

    Universities are often epicenters of highly sensitive intellectual property. They may be conducting breakthrough research. They may be working on high-value projects in aerospace, engineering, nuclear science, or other sensitive topics in partnership with multiple government agencies.  

    For cyberattackers, it can be easier to first compromise somebody in the education sector who has ties to the defense sector and then use that access to more convincingly phish a higher value target.  

    Universities also have experts in foreign policy, science, technology, and other valuable disciplines, who may willingly offer intelligence, if deceived in social-engineering cyberattacks employing false or stolen identities of peers and others who appear to be in individuals’ networks or among trusted contacts. Apart from holding valuable intelligence themselves, compromised accounts of university employees can become springboards into further campaigns against wider government and industry targets.

    Nation-state actors targeting education 

    Peach Sandstorm

    Peach Sandstorm has used password spray attacks against the education sector to gain access to infrastructure used in those industries, and Microsoft has also observed the organization using social engineering against targets in higher education.  

    Mint Sandstorm 

    Microsoft has observed a subset of this Iranian attack group targeting high-profile experts working on Middle Eastern affairs at universities and research organizations. These sophisticated phishing attacks used social engineering to compel targets to download malicious files including a new, custom backdoor called MediaPl. 

    Mabna Institute  

    In 2023, the Iranian Mabna Institute conducted intrusions into the computing systems of at least 144 United States universities and 176 universities in 21 other countries.  

    The stolen login credentials were used for the benefit of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and were also sold within Iran through the web. Stolen credentials belonging to university professors were used to directly access university library systems. 

    Emerald Sleet

    This North Korean group primarily targets experts in East Asian policy or North and South Korean relations. In some cases, the same academics have been targeted by Emerald Sleet for nearly a decade.  

    Emerald Sleet uses AI to write malicious scripts and content for social engineering, but these attacks aren’t always about delivering malware. There’s also an evolving trend where they simply ask experts for policy insight that could be used to manipulate negotiations, trade agreements, or sanctions. 

    Moonstone Sleet 

    Moonstone Sleet is another North Korean actor that has been taking novel approaches like creating fake companies to forge business relationships with educational institutions or a particular faculty member or student.  

    One of the most prominent attacks from Moonstone Sleet involved creating a fake tank-themed game used to target individuals at educational institutions, with a goal to deploy malware and exfiltrate data. 

    Storm-1877  

    This actor largely engages in cryptocurrency theft using a custom malware family that they deploy through various means. The ultimate goal of this malware is to steal crypto wallet addresses and login credentials for crypto platforms.  

    Students are often the target for these attacks, which largely start on social media. Storm-1877 targets students because they may not be as aware of digital threats as professionals in industry. 

    A new security curriculum 

    Due to education budget and talent constraints and the inherent openness of its environment, solving education security is more than a technology problem. Security posture management and prioritizing security measures can be a costly and challenging endeavor for these institutions—but there is a lot that school systems can do to protect themselves.  

    Maintaining and scaling core cyberhygiene will be key to securing school systems. Building awareness of security risks and good practices at all levels—students, faculty, administrators, IT staff, campus staff, and more—can help create a safer environment.  

    For IT and security professionals in the education sector, doing the basics and hardening the overall security posture is a good first step. From there, centralizing the technology stack can help facilitate better monitoring of logging and activity to gain a clearer picture into the overall security posture and any vulnerabilities. 

    Oregon State University 

    Oregon State University (OSU), an R1 research-focused university, places a high priority on safeguarding its research to maintain its reputation. In 2021, it experienced an extensive cybersecurity incident unlike anything before. The cyberattack revealed gaps in OSU’s security operations.

    “The types of threats that we’re seeing, the types of events that are occurring in higher education, are much more aggressive by cyber adversaries.”

    —David McMorries, Chief Information Security Officer at Oregon State University

    In response to this incident, OSU created its Security Operations Center (SOC), which has become the centerpiece of the university’s security effort. AI has also helped automate capabilities and helped its analysts, who are college students, learn how to quickly write code—such as threat hunting with more advanced hunting queries. 

    Arizona Department of Education 

    A focus on Zero Trust and closed systems is an area that the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) takes further than the state requirements. It blocks all traffic from outside the United States from its Microsoft 365 environment, Azure, and its local datacenter.

    “I don’t allow anything exposed to the internet on my lower dev environments, and even with the production environments, we take extra care to make sure that we use a network security group to protect the app services.”

    —Chris Henry, Infrastructure Manager at the Arizona Department of Education 

    Follow these recommendations:  

    • The best defense against QR code attacks is to be aware and pay attention. Pause, inspect the code’s URL before opening it, and don’t open QR codes from unexpected sources, especially if the message uses urgent language or contains errors. 
    • Consider implementing “protective domain name service,” a free tool that helps prevent ransomware and other cyberattacks by blocking computer systems from connecting to harmful websites. Prevent password spray attacks with a stringent password and deploy multifactor authentication.  
    • Educate students and staff about their security hygiene, and encourage them to use multifactor authentication or passwordless protections. Studies have shown that an account is more than 99.9% less likely to be compromised when using multifactor authentication.   

    Corey Lee has always had an interest in solving puzzles and crimes. He started his college career at Penn State University in criminal justice, but soon realized his passion for digital forensics after taking a course about investigating a desktop computer break-in.  

    After completing his degree in security and risk analysis, Corey came to Microsoft focused on gaining cross-industry experience. He’s worked on securing everything from federal, state, and local agencies to commercial enterprises, but today he focuses on the education sector.  

    After spending time working across industries, Corey sees education through a different lens—the significantly unique industry of industries. The dynamics at play inside the education sector include academic institutions, financial services, critical infrastructure like hospitals and transportation, and partnerships with government agencies. According to Corey, working in such a broad field allows him to leverage skillsets from multiple industries to address specific problems across the landscape. 

    The fact that education could also be called underserved from a cybersecurity standpoint is another compelling challenge, and part of Corey’s personal mission. The education industry needs cybersecurity experts to elevate the priority of protecting school systems. Corey works across the public and industry dialogue, skilling and readiness programs, incident response, and overall defense to protect not just the infrastructure of education, but students, parents, teachers, and staff. 

    Today, Corey is focused reimagining student security operations centers, including how to inject AI into the equation and bring modern technology and training to the table. By growing the cybersecurity work force in education and giving them new tools, he’s working to elevate security in the sector in a way that’s commensurate with how critical the industry is for the future. 

    Next steps with Microsoft Security

    To learn more about Microsoft Security solutions, visit our website. Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters. Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity.

    ¹The Institutional Impacts of a Cyberattack, University of Florida Information Technology. January 18, 2024.

    ²Cyber security breaches survey 2024: education institutions annex, The United Kingdom Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. April 9, 2024

    ³Scammers hide harmful links in QR codes to steal your information, Federal Trade Commission (Alvaro Puig), December 6, 2023.

    Methodology: Snapshot and cover stat data represent telemetry from Microsoft Defender for Office 365 showing how a QR code phishing attack was disrupted by image detection technology and how Security Operations teams can respond to this threat. Platforms like Microsoft Entra provided anonymized data on threat activity, such as malicious email accounts, phishing emails, and attacker movement within networks. Additional insights are from the 78 trillion daily security signals processed by Microsoft each day, including the cloud, endpoints, the intelligent edge, and telemetry from Microsoft platforms and services including Microsoft Defender. Microsoft categorizes threat actors into five key groups: influence operations; groups in development; and nation-state, financially motivated, and private sector offensive actors. The new threat actors naming taxonomy aligns with the theme of weather.  

    © 2024 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Cyber Signals is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT. This document is provided “as is.” Information and views expressed in this document, including URL and other Internet website references, may change without notice. You bear the risk of using it. This document does not provide you with any legal rights to any intellectual property in any Microsoft product. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple debuts the first scripted film captured in Apple Immersive Video

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple debuts the first scripted film captured in Apple Immersive Video

    October 10, 2024

    UPDATE

    Apple debuts the first scripted film captured in Apple Immersive Video and reveals new immersive films for Apple Vision Pro

    New episodes, films, series, and concerts captured in Apple Immersive Video are set to debut later this year, with more coming early next year

    Today, Apple revealed new episodes, films, series, and music performances captured in Apple Immersive Video that will debut on Apple Vision Pro for free. Apple Immersive Video is a remarkable media format that leverages ultra-high-resolution 3D video and Spatial Audio to put viewers in the center of the action.

    Submerged, the first scripted short film captured in Apple Immersive Video, written and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Edward Berger, is now available. Next month, Apple and The Weeknd will launch a breathtaking immersive music experience celebrating the seven-time diamond-certified artist’s highly anticipated new album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. With Concert for One, a new concert series set to debut later this year, fans will experience intimate performances from the world’s biggest artists, beginning with a special set from the award-winning British singer-songwriter RAYE. New episodes of Adventure, which follows pioneering athletes as they take on awe-inspiring challenges, will also release this year.

    Submerged

    This immersive fiction thriller, available to Apple Vision Pro users around the world for free, invites viewers onto a WWII-era submarine and follows its crew as they wrestle to combat a harrowing attack. This adrenaline-pumping thrill ride showcases the unique storytelling experiences made possible by Apple Immersive Video.

    “Apple Immersive Video allows Apple Vision Pro users around the world to experience the next generation of sports, documentaries, and music performances. With Submerged, an immersive film from visionary director Edward Berger, we’re excited to premiere the next generation of narrative filmmaking,” said Tor Myhren, Apple’s vice president of Marketing Communications. “Vision Pro places you in the middle of the story — inside a densely packed submarine, shoulder to shoulder with its crew. That deep sense of immersion just wasn’t possible before, and we can’t wait to see how it inspires filmmakers to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.”

    “Apple Immersive Video is a wonderful new medium that expands the horizon of storytelling,” said Edward Berger, director of the Academy Award-winning All Quiet on the Western Front and the upcoming, critically acclaimed Conclave. “Apple Vision Pro inspired me to tell a story in a way that just wasn’t possible before, and in the process, it changed the way my team and I think about creating a story. This immersive technology pioneered by Apple is going to change the future of filmmaking.”

    Shot on location in Prague, Brussels, and Malta over three weeks, Submerged was filmed using a full-scale 23-ton submarine set made with real steel, brass, and metal that was modeled after WWII-era vessels. Significant portions of the set were built to withstand being fully submerged, and featured practical camera traps and special effects that were uniquely rigged to expose Apple Immersive Video cameras to sparks, steam, water, and fire without breaking viewers’ sense of immersion. Cast members who might appear out of frame or focus in a 2D feature were meticulously scripted, and participated in extensive stunt rehearsals, including freedive training in dive tanks and open water, to maintain continuity and realism. Fans can go behind the scenes of Submerged with a short film that shows how the cast and crew crafted this immersive, action-packed drama exclusively for Apple Vision Pro.

    2024 NBA All-Star Weekend

    Next Friday, basketball fans will enjoy an immersive short film of the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, featuring the Rising Stars, the Slam Dunk contest, the first-ever NBA vs. WNBA 3-Point Challenge, “Stephen vs. Sabrina,” and highlights from the All-Star Game.

    Concert for One

    Concert for One is the first music series captured in Apple Immersive Video, bringing fans closer to their favorite artists than ever before. The inaugural performance comes from six-time BRIT Award winner RAYE, who alongside her 20-piece band offers her blend of R&B, jazz, and pop to viewers from the best seat in the house.

    Adventure

    After stepping into thin air above Norway’s breathtaking fjords with highliner Faith Dickey, and traversing the streets and rooftops of Paris with the world’s leading parkour group, viewers are invited to swim alongside freediver Ant Williams while he attempts to best his record for the longest distance under ice with just a single breath. The next episode of Adventure, “Ice Dive,” will debut in the U.S. in December.

    Early next year, viewers can experience the shores of Majorca, Spain, where world-class sport climber Kai Lightner tackles his biggest challenge yet: free-solo climbing over the secluded and rocky coves, where one slip will send him into the raging sea.

    Elevated

    In the next episode of Elevated, “Maine,” available early next year, viewers will experience a crisp autumn in New England, with a stunning journey along winding coastlines and above breathtakingly beautiful rivers.

    These new episodes, films, series, and concerts join the growing Apple Immersive Video catalog available today, which includes Alicia Keys: Rehearsal Room, Boundless, Elevated, Prehistoric Planet Immersive, Wild Life, and more — all available from the Apple TV app on Apple Vision Pro.

    Availability

    • Apple Vision Pro is available in Australia, Canada, China mainland, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the U.K., and the U.S.
    • Users in these countries and regions can enjoy a free demo of Apple Vision Pro at their local Apple Store and receive an extended preview of Submerged upon request beginning Monday, October 14.
    • Apple Immersive Video is available at no additional cost from the Apple TV app in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, the U.K., and the U.S. Users in China mainland can access Apple Immersive Video from the Migu Video and Tencent Video apps, which are available to download for free from the App Store for Apple Vision Pro.
    • New Apple Immersive Video episodes and films debut in U.S. English with subtitles in additional languages. Title availability varies by country or region.

    Press Contacts

    Zach Kahn

    Apple

    zkahn@apple.com

    Andrea Schubert

    Apple

    a_schubert@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Violence at all levels’: UN report into the abuse of women and girls in sport is a wake-up call for Australia

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Fitz-Gibbon, Professor (Practice), Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, Monash University

    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    This week the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls presented a report detailing the violence experienced by women and girls in sport globally.

    The report provides a global snapshot of the abuse women athletes experience, who is most likely to perpetrate the violence, and makes recommendations on what should been done to promote safety of women and girls.

    Off the back of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic games, where Australia cheered on the record-breaking success of women athletes, the report should be a wake-up call for Australian sports and clubs.

    Abuse of women and girls in sport

    Drawing on more than 100 submissions and consultations with 50 people, the report finds:

    Women and girls in sport face widespread, overlapping and grave forms and manifestations of violence at all levels.

    These abusive behaviours include coercive control, physical violence, corporal punishment, verbal abuse, social exclusion, bullying and identity abuse.

    The impacts of this violence are wide-ranging: physical injuries, insomnia, fear and anxiety, reduced self-confidence, substance misuse, eating disorders, self harm, and decline in athletic performance and participation.

    These impacts can extend well beyond the athlete’s involvement in their sport.

    Women and girls also experience economic violence in sport. For example, when women athletes do not have control over their earnings, or when they are coerced into signing exploitative contracts.

    The report notes women athletes also experience heightened rates of abusive and harassing behaviours in online settings. This includes sexual harassment and threats, racism, ridicule, body shaming, sexualised comments, stalking, doxing and revenge porn.

    Perpetrators are wide-ranging. They include coaches, managers, spectators, teachers, peers, sports lawyers, referees and medical staff.

    The report describes sexual harassment and abuse as “rampant” and acknowledges the high rate of sexual violence, in particular with relationships between coaches and athletes.

    This includes grooming of younger athletes, where power and control dynamics, combined with an abuse of trust between an adult and child athlete, provide the conditions for sexual abuse to proliferate.

    It follows a 2023 report from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and UN Women, which estimates 21% of girls worldwide have experienced at least one form of sexual abuse as a child in sport.

    Is this a problem in Australia?

    Australians often pride themselves on how sports bring the nation, communities and families together but we too have a wide-reaching problem in this area.

    In 2021, a review of Swimming Australia found women athletes and coaches had experienced physical and mental abuse while the “Change the Routine” review of Gymnastics Australia revealed child abuse and neglect, misconduct, bullying, abuse, sexual harassment and assault towards gymnasts.

    More recently, a review by Sports Integrity Australia into Australian volleyball, which revealed systemic verbal and physical abuse of athletes, prompted a formal apology to past athletes.

    And a 2024 Deakin University study showed 87% of Australian sportswomen had experienced online harm within the past year.

    A lack of accountability and consequence

    In the traditionally male-dominated culture of sport, abusers have often gone unsanctioned, while those who experience abuse often leave their sport early and with significant consequences to their careers, financial stability, and mental and physical wellbeing.

    There are examples where abuse has been minimised or ignored by those in leadership to protect the reputation of the team or the sporting code, and where coaches have been able to move between teams without consequence.

    Take, for example, the sexual abuse of young female gymnasts by United States coach Larry Nassar.

    The first complaint against Nassar was made in 1997. Despite this, and the numerous other complaints which followed, Nassar remained in his coaching position with USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University until 2015. In December 2017 he was convicted of numerous counts of sexual abuse of minors.

    Outcomes of investigations by sporting bodies often remain confidential. For example, in 2017 the Fremantle Dockers and the AFL were criticised for their use of a “confidentiality agreement” in settling a sexual harassment matter.

    This impunity demonstrates a significant lack of accountability.

    The barriers to reporting abuse in sport

    There are significant barriers to reporting.

    Women elite athletes may fear losing their funding and sponsorship deals if they report abuse.

    In Australia, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse heard child athletes are most at risk of experiencing abuse by a person of authority (such as a coach) when they are about to achieve their best performance.

    As the UN Report states, it is at this time that “there is very little to gain by revealing the abuse and too much to lose”.

    This must change.

    When sporting codes put a desire to win above safeguarding and accountability, the clear message sent to victims is that violence is excusable, and that sporting heroes are immune to the consequences of their abusive actions.

    Raising awareness around early identification of abusive behaviours is key.

    The UN report reveals athletes often feel uncertain and uncomfortable in identifying early forms of abusive behaviours and lack information on what supports are available to them when they do.

    Ensuring a suite of reporting pathways is also critical. There is no one-size-fits-all model.

    Why Australia should take the lead

    Participating in sport has significant benefits. But sport settings must be safe for all.

    Many sporting organisations and clubs have recognised the problem of abuse of women and girls in sport, rolling out respect and responsibility programs, sexual harassment policies, as well as clearer reporting and investigation policies.

    This is a good start but must be built on.

    Indeed, the safety of women and girls must be a key focus of the Australian High Performance “Win Well” strategy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

    Recent initiatives and policy changes should be monitored to examine how they work and whether they deliver safer outcomes for women and girls in sport at all levels.

    Responses to proven allegations of abuse must hold perpetrators to account. And critically, investigations must be independent, transparent and timely.

    The UN report reminds us “sports is a microcosm of society”.

    Violence against women and children in Australia has been declared a national emergency – ensuring the safety of women and girls in all sport settings is one critical component of addressing that crisis.

    Kate has received funding for family violence-related research from the Australian Research Council, Australian Institute of Criminology, Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, the Victorian, Queensland and ACT governments, the Commonwealth Department of Social Services and the Victorian Women’s Trust. This piece is written by Kate Fitz-Gibbon in her role at Monash University and is wholly independent of Kate Fitz-Gibbon’s role as Chair of Respect Victoria.

    – ref. ‘Violence at all levels’: UN report into the abuse of women and girls in sport is a wake-up call for Australia – https://theconversation.com/violence-at-all-levels-un-report-into-the-abuse-of-women-and-girls-in-sport-is-a-wake-up-call-for-australia-239085

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: PEUGEOT Completes its EV Line-up with the New PEUGEOT E-408: Unexpected from Every Angle, 100% Electric

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

    CASABLANCA, Morocco, October 10, 2024/APO Group/ —

    PEUGEOT (www.PEUGEOT.com) completes its EV line-up, with a fully electric version of the PEUGEOT 408, following the launch of the plug-in hybrid version in 2022. The new PEUGEOT E-408 combines the unexpected allure of a fastback silhouette with zero emission efficiency, the thrill of a powerful 157 kW/210 hp motor, and the pleasure of the PEUGEOT electric driving experience, with up to 453 km range. When it comes to recharging, the process is made simple with the integrated trip planner. PEUGEOT also offers total peace of mind to its customers by providing the PEUGEOT E-408 with 8 years/160,000 km warranty through its ALLURE CARE programme.

    ALLURE: With its fastback silhouette and 100% electric powertrain, the PEUGEOT E-408 is an entirely unique offering in the market.

    EMOTION: The pleasure of 100% electric driving is amplified with the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® and its embedded trip planner.

    EXCELLENCE: The PEUGEOT E-408 completes PEUGEOT’s EV line-up, the widest of any mainstream manufacturer in the European electric market with 12 electric passenger cars and LCVs.

    By unveiling the PEUGEOT 408 in June 2022, PEUGEOT brought the allure of an unprecedented fastback silhouette to the top of the C segment. Unexpectedly different, the 408 stands out with its feline posture, dynamic lines offering an elevated driving position, and the premium sophistication of its design down to the finest details.

    The two electrified powertrains, PLUG-IN HYBRID 180 e-EAT8 and PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8, marked a first step in electrification for the 408. Earlier this year, the 48V HYBRID 136 e-DCS6 joined the 408 line-up. The new PEUGEOT E-408 takes this electric strategy to the next level with a zero-emission powertrain of 157 kW/210 hp paired with a 58,2 kWh (usable) NMC battery.

    The launch of the PEUGEOT E-408, with the opening of orders from 2nd October, marks the latest step in PEUGEOT’s ambition to become the mainstream EV leader in Europe. The new PEUGEOT E-408 will be built at the Mulhouse plant and benefits from the ALLURE CARE programme and is warranted for up to 8 years / 160,000 km, the longest of any European brand.

    ALLURE: AN UNEXPECTED AND DYNAMIC FASTBACK DESIGN

    The innovative and unexpected fastback design perfectly matches the modernity of the new PEUGEOT E-408. A platform that allows for total electrification without compromising on style, dynamism, or interior comfort.

    With an overall length of 4.69m and a width of 1.85m (with the mirrors folded), the PEUGEOT E-408 uses the multi-energy E-EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform), notable for its wheelbase length of 2.79 m. This generous dimension allows the battery to be installed in the car’s underbody, under the floor between the wheels, thus preserving the cabin space and lowering the PEUGEOT E-408’s centre of gravity for dynamic road behaviour where pleasure drives progress.

    This architecture combines the dynamic elegance of a fastback, road behaviour worthy of the best saloons, and a slightly elevated driving position that enhances daily enjoyment, safety, and comfort.

    A feline posture

    With its wide tracks – 1.59 m at the front and 1.60 m at the rear – the PEUGEOT E-408 is firmly anchored to the road. Despite being elevated, this model offers a sleek and sporty profile thanks to a limited height of 1.49 m, which improves aerodynamics.

    The feline character of the PEUGEOT E-408 is highlighted by the unique and sharp treatment of the body surfaces, particularly noticeable towards the rear – with the ‘cat’s ears’, the boot lid, and the shape of the wings, creating sharp facets designed to play with the light.

    Side body and wheel arch protections extend into a robust black rear bumper, which, by cutting the body colour diagonally, accentuates the rear’s dynamism. The large 19-inch Graphite wheels with innovative design receive 225-50R19 tyres with very low rolling resistance (A+ class).

    A modern identity

    The body-colour treatment of the PEUGEOT E-408’s grille “dematerialises” it by blending it into the bumper’s overall shape – a sign of a generational change and the electrification era of the PEUGEOT range.

    The brand’s identity is more visible than ever through the sophisticated work on lighting. At the front, the LED technology allows for very thin – and very effective – headlights that form the PEUGEOT E-408’s look: a resolutely PEUGEOT look. The light signature extends downward with two LED strips in the shape of fangs plunging into the bumper. At the rear, PEUGEOT’s identity takes the form of the iconic three LED claws, inclined for even more dynamism.

    Five colours are available for the new PEUGEOT E-408: Okenite White, Obsession Blue, Selenium Grey, Elixir Red and Perla Nera Black.

    EMOTION: MORE THAN EVER, PLEASURE DRIVES PROGRESS

    Generous power, immediate torque… the 100% electric drive of the PEUGEOT E-408 offers pure driving pleasure. This is further amplified by the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® and road behaviour, in true PEUGEOT tradition.

    A unique driving experience

    The incomparable PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® offers exceptional ergonomics. The compact steering wheel enhances driving pleasure by allowing unique agility and precision of movement. Positioned at eye level just above the steering wheel, the digital cluster includes a fully customisable and configurable 10-inch 3D digital panel.

    More than ever, driving pleasure is embedded in the new PEUGEOT E-408’s genes, with exemplary road handling, high-end ride comfort, and perfect manoeuvrability in the city, enabled by a curb-to-curb turning radius of 11.18 m. To improve vibrational comfort, the body rigidity is optimized by bonding structural elements.

    Performance contributes to driving pleasure

    The new PEUGEOT E-408 features a synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets developing 157 kW (210 hp) and a generous torque of 345 Nm. This motor is produced in France, in Trémery, by the STELLANTIS-NIDEC joint venture. The reducer it is associated with is manufactured by STELLANTIS in Valenciennes (France).

    The PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with countless connected services*

    The 10-inch high-definition central screen allows you to control the PEUGEOT i-Connect® Advanced system, which comes standard on the PEUGEOT E-408 and offers efficient and effective TomTom connected navigation. For optimal readability, the map display covers the entire 10-inch touchscreen. As for system updates, they are carried out “over the air,” meaning directly through data transmission via the telecom network.

    Efficient navigation with a trip planner and optimised solutions. The navigation system includes a “trip planner” function that optimally plans routes to maximise the car’s range and facilitate recharging. To calculate the ideal route, the system takes into account numerous pieces of information, including the distance to be travelled, the battery charge level at the start, the desired battery charge level at the destination, speed, energy consumption, traffic, type of road, elevation, and of course, available charging stations near the destination.

    The e-Routes by Free2move Charge application is also accessible in the vehicle by connecting a smartphone to the PEUGEOT i-Connect® system. It optimises all trips by calculating the best route based on the vehicle’s range needs, the location of charging stations, traffic conditions, the distance to be travelled, etc.

    The mirroring function that connects the smartphone to the car’s infotainment system is wireless (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and it is possible to connect two phones via Bluetooth simultaneously. Four USB-C ports complete the connected setup of the PEUGEOT E-408.

    The fully configurable i-toggles arranged under the central screen like an open book, provide a unique aesthetic and technology level in the segment. Each of the 5 customisable i-toggles offer a touch-sensitive shortcut to climate control settings, a phone contact, a radio station, an app launch… configured to the user’s choice. This can be customised for each driver, with up to 8 customisable profiles.

    A daily ally for more safety and ease, the “OK PEUGEOT” natural language voice recognition command allows access to all infotainment functions and ChatGPT. Like all the latest generation PEUGEOTs, the new PEUGEOT E-408 integrates the generative artificial intelligence ChatGPT, which responds, via voice command, to all requests, such as tourist information or generating a quiz to keep children occupied during a trip…

    The MyPEUGEOT® smartphone app is particularly practical and allows:

    • Launching or scheduling thermal preconditioning. Beyond comfort, this feature allows, when the vehicle is plugged in, to optimise range (faster convergence of the temperature setpoint during startup phases by anticipating the optimal operating temperature of the battery).
    • Consulting, scheduling, launching, or delaying battery charging.
    • Activating the welcome light sequence, for example, to locate the car in a crowded parking lot.

    A warm atmosphere inside the cabin

    The new PEUGEOT E-408 is designed as a high-end fastback in the C segment. It offers numerous features intended to fully enjoy the pleasure of travel and mobility.

    Inside the new PEUGEOT E-408, the LED ambient lighting (8 colours to choose from) behind the central screen, diffuses a soft light and contributes to the sophisticated cabin ambiance. The same

    light extends to the padded door panels, which are covered with either fabric, Alcantara® (RHD), or real stamped aluminum pieces (LHD), depending on the trim level.

    The thermal and acoustic comfort of the new PEUGEOT E-408 is optimised by the technologies implemented for the design and manufacture of its windows:

    • At the front and rear, the windows have a thickness (3.85 mm) above average.
    • At the front, the side windows are laminated (3.96 mm on GT) for better sound insulation and increased security.

    Of course, the air conditioning contributes to the thermal comfort of the occupants. The vents bringing fresh air into the cabin are positioned high at the front, and the rear passengers benefit from 2 air vents placed at the back of the central console.

    To ensure a healthy interior atmosphere, the PEUGEOT E-408 GT can be equipped with the optional AQS (Air Quality System), which continuously monitors the quality of the air entering the cabin and can automatically activate air recirculation. This serenity is complemented on the GT level by the Clean Cabin, an air treatment system with pollutant gas and particle filtration, with the air quality being displayed on the central touch screen.

    The new PEUGEOT E-408’s Hi-Fi Premium FOCAL® system is a result of over 3 years of co-design working with the high-end audio specialist. Complemented by ARKAMYS digital sound processing, the Hi-Fi Premium FOCAL® system consists of 10 speakers with exclusive patented technologies:

    • 4 TNF tweeters with inverted aluminum domes,
    • 4 woofers/midrange speakers with Polyglass membranes and TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) suspension of 165mm,
    • 1 Polyglass central channel,
    • 1 Power Flower™ triple coil oval subwoofer.
    • They are paired with a new 12-channel 690 W amplifier (boosted class D technology).

    Particularly enveloping, the front seats have obtained the AGR (Aktion für Gesunder Rücken) label awarded by an independent German association of ergonomics and back health experts. This label rewards both the ergonomics and the range of adjustments of the front seats. These can also have 10-way electric adjustments with two possible memory settings for the driver, 6  ways for the passenger, as well as 8-pocket pneumatic massage with 8 different programs, and heated seats.

    The seat design has been thought to highlight the quality of the materials used: mottled fabric, technical meshes, Alcantara, embossed leather, and nappa leather (for select markets). On the GT versions, they are adorned with an Adamite colour signature thread, which also outlines the dashboard, door panels, and padded console pads.

    Between the front seats, the central console’s arch extends to a space dedicated to wireless phone charging. Thus, the rest of the console is entirely dedicated to storage and practicality, with an armrest, 2 USB C ports (charge/data), 2 large-diameter cup holders, and up to 33 liters of various storage.

    The rear space is particularly generous, thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.79 m, making the new PEUGEOT E-408 the most spacious PEUGEOT for rear seated passengers: they benefit from 183 mm of leg room. The footwell, the space dedicated to the rear passengers’ feet under the first-row seats, is designed to maximise freedom of movement; the seat design and seating angle are

    intended to give passengers the opportunity to make the most of their space for optimal comfort during trips.

    Connectivity is not left behind with the presence, from the Allure level, of 2 USB C charging ports at the back of the central console.

    The new PEUGEOT E-408 offers a 2-part (60/40) bench seat with a ski hatch as standard. In the GT trim, it benefits from an immediate folding system of its 2 parts by operating two easily accessible controls from the trunk sides.

    The boot volume of the new PEUGEOT E-408 is particularly generous, offering 471 dm3  of loading capacity. With the rear seats folded, the space available is further increased to 1,545 dm3. Once the bench seatback is folded down, it is possible to load an object up to 1.89 m long. For daily practicality, the boot area is equipped with a 12V socket located on the right boot trim, LED lighting, a net and storage elastic, and bag hooks.

    EXCELLENCE: A CONSTANT QUEST FOR EFFICIENCY, SAFETY, AND QUALITY

    Efficiency was at the heart of the PEUGEOT teams’ concerns throughout the design and development of the PEUGEOT E-408.

    Designed for a smooth energy transition

    The aerodynamics of the new PEUGEOT E-408 (SCx: 0.66) received particular attention. Bumpers, front air intake, underbody screen, and lower rear guards for the the front wheels. The new PEUGEOT E-408 also receives a specific underbody forming an aerodynamic flat floor, the result is a low electricity consumption of 15.2 kWh / 100 km and up to 453 km WLTP combined range according to the WLTP cycle.**

    The PEUGEOT E-408 is equipped with a high-voltage battery of 58,2 kWh usable. With NMC 811 technology – 80% Nickel, 10% Manganese, 10% Cobalt – it benefits from increased energy density with 18 onboard modules. The new PEUGEOT E-408 offers a range of 453 km in the WLTP mixed cycle, meeting the needs of most C-segment customers, whose typical daily mileage is under 45 km (Industry data).

    Regenerative braking allows for a smoother driving experience. Using the paddles behind the compact steering wheel, the driver can easily activate regenerative braking in 3 levels, the left paddle increases regeneration, and the right one decreases it… The three regeneration levels are: Low (-0.6 m/s²) for sensations close to a thermal vehicle, Moderate (-1.3 m/s²) for increased deceleration when releasing the accelerator pedal and, Increased (-2.0 m/s²) for maximum deceleration when releasing the accelerator pedal and thus maximum regeneration. The last two levels automatically illuminate the rear stop lights.

    The driver can also choose between three drive modes, depending on their priorities. Normal is the default mode, setting the power at 140 kW (190 hp) and torque at 300 Nm, offering an ideal balance between dynamism and range. The Sport mode (157 kW/210 hp and 345 Nm) is available for maximum performance and activates automatically and temporarily during “kick downs.” The ECO mode (125 kW/170 hp, 270 Nm) favours range while preserving driving pleasure.

    The new PEUGEOT E-408 is equipped as standard with a heat pump, as well as heated steering wheel and seats, optimizing passenger thermal comfort while preserving battery energy. A simple and fast recharge. For AC charging, the new PEUGEOT E-408 is equipped as standard with an 11 kW three-phase charger. For DC charging via superchargers, the PEUGEOT E-408 accepts power up to 120 kW, allowing a charge from 20% to 80% of the battery in just over 30 minutes (under nominal battery temperature conditions) and recovering 100 km of range in just over 10 minutes. To optimise charging, the driver can program the lower and upper thresholds from the PEUGEOT E-408’s central screen. For example, from 20% minimum charge to 80% maximum charge.

    Something for everyone

    Two plug-in hybrid engines are also available on the PEUGEOT 408:

    PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8: 2-wheel drive / combination of a 180 bhp (132 kW) turbo engine and an 81 kW electric motor coupled with the e-EAT8 8-speed automatic gearbox / currently undergoing homologation.

    PLUG-IN HYBRID 180 e-EAT8: 2-wheel drive / combination of a 150 bhp turbo engine (110kW) and an 81kW electric motor coupled with the 8-speed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox / currently undergoing homologation.

    The Li-ion battery on both plug-in hybrid versions has a capacity of 12.4kWh. Two types of on-board chargers are available: a 3.7kW single-phase charger as standard and an optional 7.4kW single-phase charger.

    Estimated charging times are the following:

    • From a 7.4kW Wall Box (32 A) and with the 7.4kW single-phase on-board charger, fully charged in 1 hour 40 minutes.
    • From a reinforced socket (14 A) and with the 3.7kW single-phase on-board charger, fully charged in 3 hours 55 minutes.
    • From a standard socket (8A) and with the single-phase on-board charger (3.7kW), full charging takes approximately 7 hours 05 minutes.

    One hybrid engine is available on the PEUGEOT 408:

    HYBRID 136 e-DCS6: 2-wheel drive / combination of a 136 hp turbo engine (100kW) and a 48V battery coupled with the 6-speed e-DCS6 automatic gearbox.

    This PEUGEOT HYBRID 48V system, which consists of a new-generation 136 hp petrol engine coupled with a dual-clutch 6-speed gearbox that incorporates an electric motor. Thanks to a battery that recharges while driving, this technology offers extra torque at low revs and a reduction of up to 15% in fuel consumption (5.2 l/100 km in WLTP mixed cycle**). In urban driving, the new 408 Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 can operate up to 50% of the time in 100% electric zero-emission mode.

    Maximum safety for optimal peace of mind

    Onboard the new PEUGEOT E-408, a comprehensive set of latest-generation driving aids, powered by information gathered from 5 cameras and 3 radars, secure and ease driving, maneuvers, and travel. Some of these systems are directly derived from higher segments:

    • Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function and adjustable inter-vehicle distance setting.
    • Automatic emergency braking with collision risk alert: it detects pedestrians and cyclists, day and night, from 7 km/h to 140 km/h depending on the version.
    • Active lane departure warning with trajectory correction.
    • Driver attention alert detecting vigilance issues during long drives and at speeds above 65 km/h, using steering wheel micro-movement analysis.
    • Extended recognition and display on the digital cluster of traffic signs: stop, no entry, no overtaking, end of no overtaking, in addition to the usual speed-related signs.
    • Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres).
    • Rear traffic alert: during reverse, alerts of approaching danger nearby.

    A clear and straightforward range

    The new PEUGEOT E-408 is available in two trims: Allure and GT

    The new PEUGEOT E-408 is available in two versions: Allure and GT.

    The PEUGEOT E-408 Allure comes standard with: LED headlights, 19” alloy wheels, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with a customisable 10” digital instrument cluster, connected navigation with trip planner, OK PEUGEOT voice command, wireless mirroring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 6-speaker audio system, heated driver seat and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking camera and sensors, heat pump, etc.

    The PEUGEOT E-408 GT comes standard with, in addition to the Allure version’s equipment: Matrix LED headlights, front parking sensors, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with a customisable 10” digital instrument cluster, aluminum interior trims with customisable 8-colour ambient lighting, aluminum door sills, hands-free motorised tailgate, Drive Assist Plus package (Level 2 semi-autonomous driving), etc.

    Superior quality

    The new PEUGEOT E-408 is positioned at the top of the C segment, offering ergonomics, quality, finish, and equipment worthy of higher categories.

    As on all its 100% electric models, PEUGEOT will offer its PEUGEOT Allure Care program on the new PEUGEOT E-408, which covers the electric motor, charger, transmission, and main electrical and mechanical components for up to 8 years or 160,000 kilometers. PEUGEOT Allure Care complements the specific PEUGEOT warranty that already applies to the high-voltage battery for 8 years/160,000 km to provide comprehensive vehicle coverage. PEUGEOT Allure Care activates automatically and free of charge every 2 years or 25,000 kilometers after each maintenance performed within the PEUGEOT network.

    Owners of the PEUGEOT E-408 will benefit from reduced maintenance constraints, with a service program every 2 years or 25,000 kilometers.

    *Some services may require a subscription.

    ** WLTP cycle under approval 

    MIL OSI Africa –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Progress on Jasper recovery: Premier Smith and Minister McIver Joint Statement

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    “Our government has been steadfast in our support for Jasper’s recovery. The Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee has been meeting on a weekly basis since August 22, 2024. Prior to that, the Emergency Management Cabinet Committee was meeting daily to respond to emerging issues related to the wildfire situation across the province, including the wildfire that devastated the Municipality of Jasper and Jasper National Park.

    “The mandate of Alberta’s Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee is to provide oversight and support in the transition from emergency response to long-term recovery. The committee provides direction to provincial representatives on the Jasper Recovery Task Force, which is working closely with the Municipality of Jasper and Parks Canada to determine the best solutions to promote recovery in the area.

    “While the wildfire in Jasper originated within Jasper National Park, Alberta’s Jasper Re-Entry Cabinet Committee provided $7.5 million in emergency evacuation payments to support more than 6,500 evacuees from the town of Jasper, followed by a provincial Disaster Recovery Program with a budget of up to $149 million to support Jasper’s recovery. However, under the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, only a portion of Alberta’s costs are eligible for reimbursement.

    “Now that the federal government has also established a working group for Jasper’s recovery, we are calling on the federal government to waive the DFAA cost-share formula, given that this fire originated from the national park, which is under federal jurisdiction. We encourage quick decisions to ensure plans that fit Jasper’s unique circumstances are in place before the snow flies.

    “Alberta’s government has a plan for interim housing to support Jasper residents while they rebuild their homes and community. To support this plan we have asked the federal government to partner with Alberta in sharing the costs of this project that would provide much needed interim housing in Jasper through the DFAA. With winter fast approaching, we hope that they will support this important work to provide interim housing in Jasper.

    “We’re glad to see that the federal government has now appointed a task force of ministers at the federal level. It is our hope that the task force will respond to these requests and work with us to continue supporting Jasper residents.”

    Key Facts:

    • Alberta’s government contributed more than $12 million in matching funds to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Wildfire Appeal for donations to help Jasper residents impacted by wildfires.
    • Residents affected by mandatory evacuation orders were provided emergency evacuation payments.
    • Weekly telephone townhalls were set up to provide information to Jasper residents.
    • Schools reopened in September after undergoing deep cleaning.
    • All services at the Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre returned to normal on August 26.
    • Arrangements were made to safely relocate seniors from affected facilities.
    • The Canadian Red Cross launched its support program for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations with funds from the Alberta government.
    • Mental health supports were provided through reception centres and continue to be provided at the Re-Entry Centre in Jasper.
    • Together with the Municipality of Jasper, we have worked with the federal government to streamline processes for obtaining permits for demolition, remediation and debris removal at non-industrial sites.

    Membership of Alberta’s Jasper Re-entry Cabinet Committee (JRCC):

    • Danielle Smith, Premier (Chair)
    • Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs, (Vice-chair)
    • Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services
    • Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance
    • Pete Guthrie, Minister of Infrastructure
    • Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks
    • Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
    • Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals
    • Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport
    • Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
    • Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction
    • Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for Rural Health, MLA for West Yellowhead

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: World Mental Health Day Festival

    Source: US State of New York

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul participated in a fireside chat at The Project Healthy Minds World Mental Health Day Festival. World Mental Health Day was established on October 10, 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health. Since then, it has been observed every year with the aim of raising awareness in the global community about critical mental health agendas through collaboration with various partners to take action and create lasting change.

    VIDEO of the event is available on YouTube here and available in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.

    AUDIO of the Governor’s remarks is available here.

    PHOTOS of the event are available on the Governor’s Flickr page.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: Good morning, everyone. Good morning, and thank you so much for joining us on this World Mental Health Day. We are excited to have this conversation with regard to mental health — America’s fraying social fabric — which is such a necessary and worthwhile conversation to have. And we are so glad to have with us Kathy Hochul, the 57th Governor of New York — first female Governor of New York.

    Governor Hochul: Yes. Thank you, everybody.

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: And not only do we have in her an advocate when it comes to mental health reform, but also with abortion rights and gun safety and beyond. But in particular, today we’re going to really talk about the status of mental health when it comes to our youth both in the State of New York and beyond, because a number of the initiatives that you’ve actually started are really a model that the rest of the country is looking at and implementing. And so, we just thank you so much for taking the time to have this really critical and necessary conversation.

    You know, it’s been said that if you’re not afraid, you’re not paying attention. And I think that is certainly true of these times when we think about — whether it’s natural disasters or the global conflict in Ukraine or Israel, and the slightly contentious election for President that we’re in the midst of — but all of these have ramifications when it comes to our young people. And I want to get to that larger crisis that’s taking place, but first I want to talk about — further compounding all of this — is that there are still lingering effects from COVID-19.

    Governor Hochul: That’s exactly right. I would put that at the top of the list of what maybe precipitated this unusual time in our history where we’re finding that childhood is no longer a time of joy. It is enormously stressful. And to see kids in middle school and high school in particular that are really devolving into a dark place — and this is not from me reading books. This is from me spending two years on the road convening young people in libraries and classrooms and different community centers all over the State, and asking them what’s going on. Why are these statistics that we’re seeing about — particularly young women contemplating suicide and actually following through with it — happening? The depression, the anxiety — all these parallel factors are going on at a time when people are not recovered from the pandemic.

    And I say that to adults and they don’t even think about it anymore because their resiliency was baked into them. As adults, you’ve been through a lot. When you are a 12-year-old or a 16-year-old, you don’t have those natural coping skills. And those kids today are still talking about the pandemic that we have put in the rear view mirror.

    But parallel with that was the rise in social media algorithms that are addictive. So, this was the imperfect storm that — the collision of which — has affected the mental health of our kids, and we have to do something about it because we’re the adults in the room, we’re the adults in their lives and they’re asking us, as one young woman said to me, “You have to save us from ourselves. We cannot put down the phones, we cannot break the addiction.” And I have to do something. I’m the first woman governor, but also I’m the first mom governor whose kids have gone through this, and I see so many family members and so, I applaud you. And also Project Healthy Mind for putting a spotlight on something that four or five years ago I don’t think there would have been as much interest in, but now even the Surgeon General has declared this a crisis. And we, in leadership positions, have no option but to act, and I’ve been doing this for years.

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: And when you talk about the stress, anxiety, uncertainty in particular that kids are feeling — give us an idea of some of the initiatives, some of the specific steps that your administration is taking.

    Governor Hochul: Well, number one, when I first became governor three years ago, I knew that there’s still a stigma about seeking help. I mean, I’ve been working on this in the addictive space — opioid addiction — and so people don’t want to get help. Mental health, it seems like you’re admitting a weakness if you seek help. I’m glad to see there’s been an evolution where more people are open about it and talking about it on social media platforms and podcasts, and programs like this that allow people to feel more comfortable with the fact that we’re all imperfect. Sometimes we need help at different points in our lives. But when it came down to what I could do as governor — $1 billion I put on the table. I said, “This means we’re serious.” The whole array of services, whether it’s in schools — which I think is one of the most important places [for there to be] mental health services and clinics inside our schools — to help kids who are starting to show signs of fraying from the stress. If we help them now, we don’t have to commit them to a lifetime of needing services and help later. So, it’s right in the classroom, all the way to dealing with the challenge of homelessness and mental health challenges on our subways — we have embedded teams that are professionals, they’re caring, I’ve met with them so many times, I’ve been there with them — they meet individuals who others may walk by and be afraid of and say, “You know, that person could do harm to myself or my baby in the stroller. I’m a senior citizen going to a doctor’s appointment.” There’s a fear that’s embedded in all of us when you see something that is unknown to you.

    So, let’s get people help. They do not deserve to live on the subways and in our streets; we get them supportive housing so there’s money involved in that as well; opening up more mental health beds.

    During the pandemic — people don’t know this — thousands of beds dedicated for providing mental health services in our hospitals were converted to COVID beds. And then afterward I said, “Well, why aren’t they all back online? I’m tracking the numbers. Why do we have such a shortage in places like New York City? Why is there a shortage of hospital beds available to treat people who need these services?” Well, it turns out that the reimbursement rates were higher for a hospital, more profit could be made if you kept them as non-psychiatric beds because those costs are higher.

    So I said, “That’s not okay.” I closed the gap so they can make the money they need to make on Medicaid provided beds, so that was taken care of. And also making those — bringing them back online. So it’s everything from the classroom to reducing the stigma in countless ways, programs like this, money for programming and supportive services.

    Everything we can think of, we’re trying to do. But my job is to make sure we don’t start another whole generation of young people who are held captive to these algorithms. We have nation leading legislation, and I’ll tell you, taking on the tech companies is not the easiest thing in life to do, but we forced them to adhere to what we’re saying in New York.

    In New York State, as a result of laws that I enacted just a few months ago and with the support of Common Sense Media and other great organizations and our advocates, no longer can social media companies unsolicited — and bombard young people with addictive algorithms without them asking for it. Their parents have to be okay with that. I don’t think too many parents are going to say that’s okay.

    They also cannot send notifications all night long to our kids who need a good night’s sleep. They’re exhausted. You don’t function at a high level as an adult, but certainly not a young person supposed to sit for eight hours a day and be paying attention when you haven’t slept at night because you cannot put down that addictive feature, which is your phone.

    And so that’s where we are now, and again, talking about what’s happening in schools. Stood up to the social media companies. We are a tech society. We are a tech state. We’re a tech city. I welcome the tech companies. This is not an ‘us against them,’ it is saying, “You know better. You are all executives who probably have children. Do you really want your kids to be seeing these dark images and being drawn into places?”

    You put in the word ‘suicide,’ it’s not teaching you how to get help and supportive and uplifting messages to help you heal, it teaches you how to commit suicide. That’s what I’m talking about. There are messages that are not appropriate for young people.

    They can, on their own, go to social media sites, but don’t be taking personal information you have collected about a child that you have gathered, and now use that to hold them captive. That’s the cycle we’re going to break here in the State of New York, and I hope every other state follows suit.

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: And these are, as you’ve said — yes, there’s applause there — first in the nation social media laws that you are taking to protect our children. But beyond that, you just finished a listening tour with regard to — I guess, that has informed some of your decisions to try to have this initiative to ban cell phones in schools. I’m curious what made you decide, “You know what, we have to do this,” and what has been the reaction, the feedback that you’ve been getting?

    Governor Hochul: Great question. Again, I wanted to hear from parents, teachers, students themselves, administrators, school boards, principals, everybody. So, these are the people I’ve been gathering.

    And what I have universally heard is that school districts and school boards don’t want to be the heavies. They know this should happen, and those who are courageous enough to go forward already, and some school districts have, I know Lackawanna in Western New York, where I was born in the City of Lackawanna, they’ve done it; there’s a number in Westchester; Schoharie County was the first that I could think of that had a widespread unveiling of this. They said it was hard at first, and parents were resistant. Teachers didn’t know what would happen, they didn’t want to be the cell phone police, they wanted to just teach. But they are the happiest school district in our state — I’m going to go out on a limb here. Because the school superintendent said to me, “We heard something we haven’t heard in years, children’s voices – children’s voices at lunch, physical education, in the hallways.”

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: They’re actually interacting with each other.

    Governor Hochul: They’re talking, they’re sometimes yelling at each other. Sometimes there’s things — he says, “They’re not always friendly.” But he says, “And they’re making eye contact with each other.” I mean, think about what happens when you spend your day like this. You lose those human interaction skills that we expect young people to graduate from school having developed. And what happens to an 18-year-old, who does not have that because we’ve allowed this phenomenon and this distraction all day long. And they don’t develop that. When they go to a workplace, they want to get a job at Hudson Yards and be part of a team and, and the creative collisions that come up with the brilliant ideas that New York City is known for. It’s not going to happen because we’ve not allowed them to emerge as fully functioning adults by letting this distraction – And teachers, I’ll tell you, when I say distraction — 74 percent of teachers in the United States of America say this is such a distraction they want them gone because they’re in competition. One teacher said, “I don’t even want to teach anymore. I’m in competition with this cell phone, and they’re not looking at me, they’re not paying attention. I’m trying to create a bond and a relationship with them. And I, by the end of this school year, I’ve thrown in the towel, I can’t do this anymore.” So the teachers want it. School districts want me to be the heavy. I said, “I get blamed for everything anyhow, just add it to the list, right?” It’s like, “I can take it, don’t worry about me.” So I said, “I’ll be the heavy because this is right.”

    The parents are the ones you worry about, right? And I’m a mom. My kids were in middle school during Columbine. So that shapes how you feel, that insecurity when the most, you know, your most precious person in the world to you is your child going off to kindergarten. And again, I still sometimes think about how I cried for days when my kid’s going off to kindergarten. Then they go off to college, it’s like, bye, give us a call once in a while.

    So, but, it’s hard. And when you see this — the shootings, the mass shootings, we did an event with Gabby Giffords yesterday on gun violence, and thank you for raising that. We have the toughest gun laws in the country, by the way, and the lowest — third lowest homicide rate by the — third lowest in the nation. So that’s another focus, but it ties into anxiety that parents have and they feel now that because they have to be connected with their kids all day long and, and especially if there’s a crisis on the school grounds. There’s the worst nightmare of all: a school shooter on the loose near your child. I also was thinking, well, maybe this is going be too hard for parents because, you know, it’s a lot to ask and they’re going to be worried.

    When I talk to law enforcement, and they said to me, “Tell the parents and we’ll tell them — if there is an active shooter on the grounds, in the building — the last thing you want your child to be doing is looking for their cell phone, starting to record things, talking to their friends, calling their parents.” He said, “They need to be focused on the adult in the room who will lead them to safety.” And that was my aha moment. I said, “You’re right. Parents need to know that.” So, there’s that safety issue, but also, my kids are adults now. They didn’t have cellphones in school. They’re — it did not happen during their era. Our job is not to raise kids. Our job is to raise adults. Fully functioning adults who know how to interact with others, who are not so attached to their parents every hour of the day throughout school. At some point, you do have to cut the cord. The apron strings as they used to say. No one knows what an apron is anymore, so I don’t say that. I had to make one at Home Ec because they wouldn’t teach us real skills, okay? I wanted to work on cars, with the guys in the shop, but they didn’t let us, okay? So, you have to cut the ties at some point.

    And one first grade teacher said to me, and I love talking to teachers, she says, “I’m fed up with the fact that every child, every six-year-old in my first grade class, has a smartwatch on that the parents send so they can be in touch with their child throughout the day, and they’re like, ‘Oh, the teacher was mean to me, Mommy.’”

    They said they’re getting phone calls from parents: “‘I just got sent to the office.’ Why are you sending my little girl to the office?” So, it’s not functioning. And so, parents, I know it’s hard because you need to go back to a time when you grew up, your parents did not keep track of you all day long. You did not have them as a crutch. And my God, if you forgot your lunch, two options: Borrow one of your friends, see if you can share a sandwich, or the next day, don’t forget. And you won’t forget the next day, right? Oh, because I hear that. “What if they forget their lunch? What if they have to make their after school plans?” Well, we’ll give them the phone back after school and maybe they’ll learn the skill of pre-planning their day. So, I want them to learn coping skills, resiliency and emerge as part of our New York State workforce — fully functioning — and we are the barriers because we’re not being the heavies and saying no, and that’s the path I’m on. I have to work with our Legislature. I have to do a lot more education on this because it’s a change. But, none of us had it and we turned out okay, right?

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: I want to switch gears here for a minute because we are talking about — obviously, in the news — the devastation from Hurricane Milton, and when it comes to national disaster relief, quite often we’re talking about money to build homes and jobs back again, food and all of that. But, when it comes to mental health assistance, what do you think the role of the state and federal government is at that point?

    Governor Hochul: They’re absolutely right about the devastation — so many New Yorkers have a connection to Florida, right? My father’s home, my sister’s home, my brother’s home and my aunt’s home — all in St. Petersburg, heavily damaged. My aunt’s home was already demolished two weeks ago. So, we have connections that are tighter than most other states, so I immediately sent our resources. I said, “Tell the governor we’re on our way.” And, we sent helicopters, search and rescue — 65 people are down there now, we’ll send more.

    So, there’s that side of it, but the trauma inflicted on a community after an event like this is something we cannot overlook. This is like a community that has gone through a mass shooting. I refer back to Buffalo again. We had to provide mental health services to the survivors of the Tops shooting when ten people were gunned down and slaughtered in a grocery store in 2022 because of the color of their skin, and that’s what that white supremacist 18-year-old said he was going to do.

    That community is trying to heal, but you need to provide services so we went in, our mental health teams went in to help them heal. The same thing should happen in communities where you see these people sobbing, standing their whole — everything they’ve built their whole lives, the baby pictures are in a puddle on the street and their wedding album and their clothes.

    It is so hard to see your whole life wiped away, and if we don’t think that has an effect on your mental health and your sense of security forever, then we are wrong. So, we need to be more intentional and provide resources to local social service agencies and say, “Once the storm is cleaned up, don’t assume their lives are cleaned up — that they’re back to normal.” And so, being sensitive to that in government is the smart way to do it. These people need our help and that’s what government is there to do.

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: And we’re just about out of time, but I do want to ask one last question — which I think is a large overarching issue — which is, how do you destigmatize the idea of mental health? Because, a lot of people still — there is a fear or an embarrassment that I need a little help. I need to talk to somebody about this.

    Governor Hochul: That’s when you get the validators that people trust. It’s the hip hop artists, it’s the athletes, it’s the people that, people are watching their — I watch “Only Murders in the Building.” I mean, is that building actually here? I can’t find it. I keep walking around.

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: I think it’s on the Upper West Side.

    Governor Hochul: Okay, I keep walking around trying to find it. I walk around the City all the time. No one knows it’s me, because I can put on a baseball hat and jeans and no one knows who I am, so it’s great. So, I’m always walking around doing things.

    But, more people who do that — I think because we are a society that’s impacted by influencers— Taylor Swift talks about it. I think that’s an important part of it because it’s really hard to break out of that, especially for men, I believe. But I’m really proud of even family members who say, “I have my weekly check in telehealth services with my therapist.” like, thank you. That’s smart, and tell your other friends you’re doing that.

    And I do think that the telehealth services help destigmatize. You don’t have to get up and go into an office and sit in a waiting room, and you might know somebody and you’re all kind of like — I think that’s a brilliant innovation that creates accessibility, even on your cell phone. I’ve got my appointment, I can talk to somebody.

    So, it has gotten much easier and stigma is a powerful negative force on people who should be seeking help. Whether it’s from fentanyl addiction, or opioid addiction. I did commercials on this when I was Lieutenant Governor, trying to destigmatize getting help for those addictions and services that are provided.

    Same thing with mental health. So, there’s not one answer, but forums like this, sharing information — I just talked about mental health on a podcast not long ago, and it’s getting out there. So, I will do my role. Anything I can do in state government, you know. Whether it’s public awareness campaigns, we always are doing this, but I’m open to ideas. I really am.

    We don’t have all the answers, and I want to be helpful. I want to be not just investing, the government investing the most money ever, but having the best results. And it is my state where people dealt with the epicenter of the pandemic, we have to recognize that.

    And we’re the ones who are very anxious about crime. I can tell everybody in the whole City that the crime rates, the murder rate in New York City is almost as low as it was in the 1960s. We have plummeted. Shootings are way down — but I can’t tell you to feel good about that. And that’s what we wrestle with. I want to change the psychology around this and it’s hard, but we have to take it on and say, “I want people to feel good about the City.” Not just, “I’m supposed to feel better because the numbers are down.” I don’t expect that. What I want to do is make people feel that they’re safer, that their kids are going to be okay. And just try to remove some of the stress that is part of everyday life here, because this is an extraordinary place.

    And the benefits so outweigh the negative, and we have to keep focusing on the positive — because life is good. And people sometimes just need a little bit of help, and pulling them upwards and letting them grow. Letting them just really flourish, you know? And mental health is such an important part, it’s the foundation of everything. It’s everything.

    Linsey Davis, ABC News: Well, I think that forums like this, conversations like this, are so helpful. And step one, two three, right? Just to talk about it.

    And we appreciate so much you taking this time — your leadership and the initiatives that you have in order to try to make things better in particular, not just for us, but for our youth. And by extension of our youth, for all of us as the adults. So, we thank you so much. And we thank all of you for being such very intensive listeners today.

    And we do want to remind everybody here — I say it to you as I say it to myself as well, that we have to keep mental health top of mind, right? That is just as important as any other aspect of our wellness.

    And so, again, on this mental health day. We just thank you all so much for taking the time to be together.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: SuRo Capital Corp. Third Quarter 2024 Preliminary Investment Portfolio Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Continues to Execute on AI Strategy with Significant New Investments

    Net Asset Value Anticipated to be $6.50 to $7.00 Per Share

    NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SuRo Capital Corp. (“SuRo Capital”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”, and “our”) (Nasdaq: SSSS) today provided the following preliminary update on its investment portfolio for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024.

    “For over a decade, SuRo Capital has been the public’s gateway to curated venture capital. This access, once reserved only for venture capitalists, has provided exposure to some of the largest, most compelling, and highly sought after private companies in the world before they become publicly traded. Our current portfolio offers exposure to the infrastructure for artificial intelligence, growing consumer brands, and exciting consumer and enterprise software names, among others,” said Mark Klein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SuRo Capital.

    Mr. Klein continued, “This year has been one of the most active investment periods for SuRo Capital in the last decade. During the quarter, we made a $17.5 million investment in OpenAI (via ARK Type One Deep Ventures Fund LLC), one of the largest artificial intelligence developers in the world, and increased our position in CoreWeave, an AI cloud computing provider, via a $5.0 million secondary transaction. Subsequent to quarter-end, we made a $12.0 million investment in VAST Data (via IH10, LLC), an AI infrastructure data platform focused on providing enhanced productivity and simple data management for the AI-powered world, and increased our investment in CoreWeave with an additional $5.0 million secondary,” said Mark Klein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SuRo Capital.

    “With these new investments and our existing investment in CW Opportunity 2 LP we have invested nearly $55.0 million into some of the leading AI infrastructure companies. Given AI’s significant addressable market, we believe dedicating a significant portion of our portfolio to AI infrastructure will prove to be successful for our shareholders,” Mr. Klein continued.

    “Finally, during the quarter, our Board of Directors approved a repurchase program of up to $35.0 million for our 6.00% Notes due 2026 and the issuance of up to $75.0 million of private 6.50% Convertible Notes due 2029, with an initial issuance of up to $25.0 million. We believe the refinancing of a portion of our current debt to a longer-dated convertible instrument with favorable terms strengthens our balance sheet, provides greater flexibility to invest capital beyond 2026, and will ultimately maximize shareholder value in the long term,” concluded Mr. Klein.

    As previously reported, SuRo Capital’s net assets totaled approximately $162.3 million, or $6.94 per share, at June 30, 2024, and approximately $212.0 million, or $8.41 per share, at September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2024, SuRo Capital’s net asset value is estimated to be between $6.50 to $7.00 per share, based on presently available information.

    Investment Portfolio Update
    As of September 30, 2024, SuRo Capital held positions in 36 portfolio companies – 32 privately held and 4 publicly held, some of which may be subject to certain lock-up provisions.

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, SuRo Capital made the following investments:

    Portfolio Company Investment Transaction Date Amount(1)
    OpenAI Global, LLC –
    ARK Type One Deep Ventures Fund LLC(2)    		 Convertible Equity via
    Class A Interest    		 9/25/2024 $17.5 million
    CoreWeave, Inc. Common Shares 9/26/2024 $5.0 million

    __________________
    (1)   Amount invested does not include any capitalized costs or prepaid management fees or fund expenses, if applicable.
    (2)   SuRo Capital is invested in the Convertible Equity of OpenAI Global, LLC through its investment in the Class A Interest of ARK Type One Deep Ventures Fund LLC.   ARK Type One Deep Ventures Fund LLC’s sole portfolio asset for Class A Interest holders is the Convertible Equity of OpenAI Global, LLC.

    During the three months ended September 30, 2024, SuRo Capital exited or received proceeds from the following investments:

    Portfolio Company Transaction
    Date    		 Quantity Average Net
    Share Price    (1)    		 Net
    Proceeds    		 Realized
    Gain/(Loss)
    Churchill Sponsor VII LLC 8/18/2024 N/A N/A $- $(0.3 million)
    OneValley, Inc. (f/k/a NestGSV, Inc.)(2) 8/29/2024 N/A N/A $3.0 million $(6.6 million)
    PSQ Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a PublicSquare) – Public Common Shares(3) Various 359,845 $2.82 $1.0 million $0.7 million
    SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.)(4) 9/30/2024 N/A N/A $0.4 million $(6.8 million)
    YouBet Technology, Inc. (d/b/a FanPower)(5) 8/22/2024 N/A N/A $- $(0.8 million)

    __________________
    (1)   The average net share price is the net share price realized after deducting all commissions and fees on the sale(s), if applicable.
    (2)   On August 29, 2024, SuRo Capital sold its remaining position in OneValley, Inc. (f/k/a NestGSV, Inc.).
    (3)   As of September 30, 2024, SuRo Capital held 1,616,187 remaining PSQ Holdings, Inc. (d/b/a PublicSquare) public common shares.
    (4)   On September 20, 2024, SPBRX, INC. (f/k/a GSV Sustainability Partners, Inc.) dissolved its business and made a final distribution.(5)   Investment made through SuRo Capital Sports, LLC.

    Subsequent to quarter-end through October 10, 2024, SuRo Capital made the following investments:

    Portfolio Company Investment Transaction Date Amount(1)
    CoreWeave, Inc. Series A Preferred 10/8/2024 $5.0 million
    VAST Data, Ltd. – IH10, LLC(2) Series B Preferred via
    Membership Interest    		 10/9/2024 $12.0 million

    __________________
    (1)   Amount invested does not include any capitalized costs or prepaid management fees or fund expenses, if applicable.
    (2)   SuRo Capital is invested in the Series B Preferred Shares of VAST Data, Ltd. through its investment in the Membership Interest of IH10, LLC. IH10, LLC’s sole portfolio asset is interest in the Series B Preferred Shares of VAST Data, Ltd. through a special purpose vehicle.

    SuRo Capital’s liquid assets were approximately $39.5 million as of September 30, 2024, consisting of cash and securities of publicly traded portfolio companies not subject to lock-up restrictions at quarter-end.

    As of September 30, 2024, there were 23,378,002 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding.

    Convertible Note Purchase Agreement
    On August 6, 2024, SuRo Capital entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “Note Purchase Agreement”), by and between the Company and the purchaser identified therein (the “Purchaser”), pursuant to which we may issue up to a maximum of $75.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.50% Convertible Notes due 2029 (the “Convertible Notes”). Pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, on August 14, 2024 we issued and sold, and the Purchaser purchased, $25.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes (the “Initial Notes”). Under the Note Purchase Agreement, upon mutual agreement between the Company and the Purchaser, we may issue additional Convertible Notes for sale in subsequent offerings to the Purchaser (the “Additional Notes”), or issue additional notes with modified pricing terms (the “New Notes”), in the aggregate for both the Additional Notes and the New Notes, up to a maximum of $50.0 million in one or more private offerings.

    Interest on the Convertible Notes will be paid quarterly in arrears on March 30, June 30, September 30, and December 30, at a rate of 6.50% per year, beginning September 30, 2024. The Convertible Notes will mature on August 14, 2029, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at our option on or after August 6, 2027 upon the fulfillment of certain conditions. The Convertible Notes will be convertible into shares of our common stock at the Purchaser’s sole discretion at an initial conversion rate of 129.0323 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, subject to adjustments and limitations as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.   The net proceeds from the offering of the Convertible Notes will be used to repay outstanding indebtedness, make investments in accordance with our investment objective and investment strategy, and for other general corporate purposes. The Note Purchase Agreement includes customary representations, warranties, and covenants by the Company.

    Subsequent to quarter-end, pursuant to the Note Purchase Agreement, on October 9, 2024 we issued and sold, and the Purchaser purchased, $5.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Additional Notes. The Additional Notes are treated as a single series with the Initial Notes and have the same terms as the Initial Notes. The Additional Notes are fungible and rank equally with the Initial Notes. Upon issuance of the Additional Notes, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes became $30.0 million.

    Note Repurchase Program
    On August 6, 2024, SuRo Capital’s Board of Directors approved a discretionary note repurchase program (the “Note Repurchase Program”) which allows the Company to repurchase up to 46.67%, or $35.0 million in aggregate principal amount, of our 6.00% Notes due 2026 (the “6.00% Notes”) through open market purchases, including block purchases, in such manner as will comply with the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). As of September 30, 2024, we had repurchased 1,010,136 of the 6.00% Notes due 2026 under the Note Repurchase Program.

    Subsequent to quarter-end through October 10, 2024, we repurchased an additional 201,446 of the 6.00% Notes due 2026 under the Note Repurchase Program. The aggregate principal dollar amount of 6.00% Notes that may yet be repurchased by SuRo Capital under the Note Repurchase Program is approximately $4.7 million.

    Share Repurchase Program
    Under the Share Repurchase Program, the Company may repurchase its outstanding common stock in the open market, provided it complies with the prohibitions under its insider trading policies and procedures and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the Exchange Act.

    Since inception of the Share Repurchase Program in August 2017, SuRo Capital has repurchased over 6.0 million shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $39.3 million. This does not include repurchases under various tender offers during this time period. The dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased by SuRo Capital under the Share Repurchase Program is approximately $20.7 million. The Share Repurchase Program is authorized through October 31, 2024.

    Preliminary Estimates and Guidance
    The preliminary financial estimates provided herein are unaudited and have been prepared by, and are the responsibility of, the management of SuRo Capital. Neither our independent registered public accounting firm, nor any other independent accountants, have audited, reviewed, compiled, or performed any procedures with respect to the preliminary financial data included herein. Actual results may differ materially.

    The Company expects to announce its third quarter ended September 30, 2024 results in November 2024.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Statements included herein, including statements regarding SuRo Capital’s beliefs, expectations, intentions, or strategies for the future, may constitute “forward-looking statements”. SuRo Capital cautions you that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these statements. All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the impact of any market volatility that may be detrimental to our business, our portfolio companies, our industry, and the global economy, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, intentions, and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Risk factors, cautionary statements, and other conditions which could cause SuRo Capital’s actual results to differ from management’s current expectations are contained in SuRo Capital’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SuRo Capital undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this press release.

    About SuRo Capital Corp.
    SuRo Capital Corp. (Nasdaq: SSSS) is a publicly traded investment fund that seeks to invest in high-growth, venture-backed private companies. The fund seeks to create a portfolio of high-growth emerging private companies via a repeatable and disciplined investment approach, as well as to provide investors with access to such companies through its publicly traded common stock. SuRo Capital is headquartered in New York, NY and has offices in San Francisco, CA. Connect with the company on X, LinkedIn, and at http://www.surocap.com.

    Contact
    SuRo Capital Corp.
    (212) 931-6331
    IR@surocap.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Sacks Parente Golf Inc. Announces Closing of $732,000 Underwritten Public Offering of Shares of Common Stock

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMARILLO, CA, Oct. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sacks Parente Golf, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPGC) (“SPG” or the “Company”), a technology-forward golf company with a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, announced the closing of its underwritten public offering (the “Offering”) of 366,000 shares of Common Stock for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $732,000, prior to deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this Offering for general corporate and working capital needs.

    The transaction closed on October 10, 2024.

    In addition, the Company has granted Aegis Capital Corp. a 45-day option to purchase additional shares of common stock of up to 15% of the number of shares of common stock sold in the Offering solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If this option is exercised in full, the total gross proceeds of the offering including over-allotments are expected to be approximately $842,000 before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses, which amount would essentially exhaust the maximum amount the Company can currently raise under its shelf registration statement.

    Aegis Capital Corp. acted as the sole book-running manager for the Offering. TroyGould PC acted as counsel to the Company. Kaufman & Canoles, P.C. acted as counsel to Aegis Capital Corp.

    The Offering was made pursuant to an effective registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-281664) previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and declared effective by the SEC on September 23, 2024. A preliminary prospectus (the “Preliminary Prospectus”) describing the terms of the proposed offering was filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the Preliminary Prospectus may be obtained by contacting Aegis Capital Corp., Attention: Syndicate Department, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 27th floor, New York, NY 10105, by email at syndicate@aegiscap.com, or by telephone at (212) 813-1010. Before investing in this Offering, interested parties should read in their entirety the registration statement and the Preliminary Prospectus and the other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference in such registration statement and the Preliminary Prospectus, which provide more information about the Company and the Offering.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Sacks Parente Golf, Inc.

    Sacks Parente Golf, Inc. is a technology-forward golf company that help golfers elevate their game. With a growing portfolio of golf products, including putters, golf shafts, golf grips, and other golf-related accessories, the Company’s innovative accomplishments include: the First Vernier Acuity putter, patented Ultra-Low Balance Point (ULBP) putter technology, weight-forward Center-of-Gravity (CG) design, and pioneering ultra-light carbon fiber putter shafts.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The foregoing material may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, including without limitation statements regarding the Company’s product development and business prospects, and can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “should,” “continue” or the negative versions of those words or other comparable words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future actions or performance. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and its current plans or expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect current plans. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may differ significantly from those anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended, or planned. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the security laws of the United States, the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to actual results.

    Investor Contact for Sacks Parente Golf, Inc.:
    Tel: (855) 774-7888, Option 8
    investors@sacksparente.com

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saddle up for more great tourism experiences in Nova Scotia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    ACOA supports successful events and strategic tourism plans in Truro and Amherst

    October 10, 2024 · Truro, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism is essential to Atlantic Canada. It boosts local economies and creates jobs, while promoting and showcasing the region’s vibrant cultures and communities. The Government of Canada is investing to help organizations harness tourism potential by undertaking strategic planning and hosting exciting events. 

    Stampede and hockey showcased the region while communities plan for more opportunities

    Today, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced a total non-repayable contribution of $362,500 to three organizations for four tourism projects.

    This investment helped the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society (operating as Central NS Sports & Entertainment) host two events in Truro, the 2023 World Junior A Hockey Challenge and the inaugural Nova Scotia Stampede. This investment will also help the Town of Truro and the Town of Amherst, in partnership with municipalities and First Nations partners, develop strategic plans to increase tourism in rural centres, promote the diverse variety of local offerings and extend the tourism season. For more information, see the attached backgrounder.

    Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to help grow Atlantic Canada’s tourism sector, and showcase the region’s diverse experiences to visitors from around the world.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Saddle up for more great tourism experiences in Nova Scotia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Tourism boosts local economies, highlights unique attractions, and celebrates the region’s rich culture.

    October 10, 2024 · Truro, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    Tourism boosts local economies, highlights unique attractions, and celebrates the region’s rich culture. Today, the Government of Canada announced a total of $362,500 to three organizations for four tourism projects to help tap into tourism opportunities through strategic planning and hosting dynamic events.

    The Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society (operating as Central NS Sports & Entertainment) received a $150,000 non-repayable investment through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) to host the four-day inaugural Nova Scotia Stampede from September 26-29, 2024 at the Provincial Exhibition Grounds in Truro. The professional rodeo featured international and national champions competing in events such as bull riding, barrel racing and saddle bronc, as well as 4H showcases, musical performances, Nova Scotian food, artisans and vendors. The week-long event sold out all rodeo events, full-day passes and VIP tickets, attracting many visitors outside of the traditional peak tourism season, and showcasing Nova Scotia’s culture and agriculture sector to an international audience. The Province of Nova Scotia provided $150,000 for this project, and the Town of Truro and Colchester County provided a combined $75,000.

    The Society also received a $100,000 non-repayable investment through ICF to host the 2023 World Junior A Challenge which took place December 10-17, 2023 at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC). The event is an under-20 international ice hockey tournament sponsored by Hockey Canada, the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) and the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). It featured six teams from around the world, giving young players exposure to international level competition, and bringing visitors to the region outside the peak tourism season. The Province of Nova Scotia provided $100,000 for this project and the Town of Truro and Colchester County each provided $50,000.

    The Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society is a not-for-profit organization which operates the Rath Eastlink Community Centre and provides event management services for the Provincial Exhibition Grounds which includes the development of the inaugural Nova Scotia Stampede project.

    The Town of Truro and Municipality of the County of Colchester are receiving a non-repayable investment of $96,850 through ICF to create a strategic tourism plan for the Truro-Colchester region. The town and county, in collaboration with regional partners Millbrook First Nation and the Town of Stewiacke, will continue to engage local businesses, community organizations, industry leaders and all levels of government to play an active role in creating a long-term success plan for elevating tourism in the area. The plan will focus on developing tourism all year long by identifying potential gaps and opportunities in the market, and will be implemented over the next three to five years.

    The Truro-Colchester region is located in north central Nova Scotia and has a population of over 50,000 people. Known as the “Hub of Nova Scotia,” Truro’s central location and historic downtown make it a popular destination from which to view the famous tidal bore in the Bay of Fundy.

    The Town of Amherst is receiving a non-repayable investment of $15,250 through ACOA’s Tourism Growth Plan (TGP) to develop and implement a strategic tourism plan in Cumberland County. The plan will help the town  build on its tourism potential, improve its tourism products, and engage with the broader network of tourism stakeholders in the area. It will also conduct a Digital Footprint Analysis, to help tourism businesses improve their virtual profile and better present themselves to potential visitors online. Cumberland County provided $7,625 for this project.

    The Town of Amherst is the largest town in Cumberland County and has a population of approximately 9,500. Amherst welcomes visitors crossing the border from New Brunswick, and is a good place to explore both the rugged cliffs of the Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides, and the sandy shores and warm water of the Northumberland Shore.

    Connor Burton
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Houston Chapter Raises Money for Scholarships at 36th Annual Golf Tournament

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Houston Chapter Raises Money for Scholarships at 36th Annual Golf Tournament

    Tickets were sold out for the recent IADC Houston Chapter 36th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament. On 13 September, Members headed to the Cypresswood Golf Club to tee up for a great cause – raising money for scholarship recipients. It was an outstanding event, filled with lots of camaraderie, fun, and great food! Thank you to everyone who attended & supported this event. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Competitions, lectures and master classes: the capital will host a sports festival

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Residents and guests of the capital are invited to the Moscow Fitness Festival. Those wishing to test their strength, endurance and agility will be able to take part in various competitions and win prizes. The sports festival will be held on October 12 in the Druzhba universal sports hall in Luzhniki. The grand opening will begin at 12:00.

    The festival, organized with the support of the capital Department of Sports, is becoming an annual tradition for fans of an active lifestyle. This time, guests will be treated to a new feature – an obstacle course. Trainers and visitors to fitness clubs will be able to demonstrate their athletic skills in an extreme relay race, both in individual and team competitions.

    The festival will feature mas-wrestling, arm-wrestling and fitness challenge competitions. Prizes will be awarded to winners in different weight and age categories. In addition, a sports exhibition, lectures on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, master classes, competitions and much more have been prepared for visitors.

    Among the star participants are Russian gymnast and Olympic champion Artur Dalaloyan, gymnast and Guinness World Record holder Alexander Sychugov, Olympic silver medalist and world gymnastics champion Darya Nagornaya, Olympic medalist and world champion swimmer Evgeny Korotyshkin and others.

    You can view the schedule of all events and apply for participation on the websiteThose who decide to join the festival will need personal equipment.

    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.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145043073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Multimedia music programme “After the Rain” to be staged at Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Multimedia music programme “After the Rain” to be staged at Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs (with photos)
    Multimedia music programme “After the Rain” to be staged at Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will present participatory music programme “After the Rain” at the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs, which is opening for public performances for the first time. Local music group Toolbox Percussion, media arts collective Dimension Plus and Singaporean composer Lee Jiayi will attempt to broaden public imagination and experience with a bespoke multimedia music journey that unveils the mystery of the hillside cavern.      Built in rock caverns, the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs has occasionally been used as a filming location. It will be open for the first time for public performances. In their quest to explore the intricate relationship between humanity, technology and climate change, the artists seamlessly meld live music and interactive multimedia design with the environment. Louis Siu, executive artistic director of Toolbox Percussion, hopes that audiences of “After the Rain” will realise that water resources are indeed hard to come by.      During the programme, attendees will each be given a specially designed rainstick and walk through a tunnel about 100 metres long to interact with percussionists. Ink projections on the walls will fuse with people’s silhouettes, together shaping a unique sonic and visual landscape.      Both Louis Siu and Lee Jiayi had played in an orchestra before, but they were not entirely satisfied with performing a pre-existing repertoire. Over the years, they have been working with people from diverse backgrounds, such as photographers, choreographers, designers and visual artists, in their challenge to the usual definition of music. Their creative partner Keith Lam from Dimension Plus is also a boundary-pusher who is keen on offering new sonic experiences by, for instance, transforming a theatrical space into a cave-like structure using AI-generated imagery.      Multimedia music programme “After the Rain”, in 28 performances altogether, will be held at the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs with details as follows: October 30, November 1, 6 and 8 (Wednesdays and Fridays): 7pm and 8pmNovember 2, 3, 9 and 10 (Saturdays and Sundays): 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 7pm and 8pm      Tickets priced at $360 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288, or use the mobile ticketing app “URBTIX”.      The programme contains strobe lighting effects. Attendees are required to walk in the reservoir area and should assess whether their physical condition allows them to participate and whether they need to be accompanied by a carer. Attendees are advised to arrive at the venue early for admission. There will also be a fee-charging activity titled “Immersive Cavern Walk”, where the reservoir decorated with interactive multimedia design is open for public tours during specific non-performance hours. For access information of the reservoir and other programme details, please refer to asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/aftertherain.      The second Asia+ Festival is running from September to November, highlighting the arts and culture of nearly 30 countries from Asia and the Belt and Road regions. Apart from stage programmes, there are also thematic exhibitions, an outdoor carnival, film screenings, outreach activities and more, numbering over 100 in total. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit asiaplus.gov.hk/2024/en/.

     
    Ends/Thursday, October 10, 2024Issued at HKT 15:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kadir Rende from Turkey: “Polytech is a springboard for future professionals”

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 7, applications for free education at the expense of the budget of the Russian Federation within the quota established by the government of the country for the 2025/26 academic year were accepted. A bachelor’s student from Turkey, Kadir Rende, spoke about his experience at the Polytechnic University. He entered the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU on a contract basis, but passed the quota selection of Rossotrudnichestvo and continued his education on a budgetary basis.

    — Why did you choose to study mechanical engineering at the Polytechnic?

    — From an early age, I was interested in how the toys I played with worked. I was constantly taking them apart to understand how they worked. As I grew older, this curiosity grew into a desire to find out why machines move and how it happens. I never doubted that I would become an engineer.

    When I decided to study in Russia, I started looking for the ideal university and chose Peter the Great Polytechnic University. It is one of the best universities in the country with a rich history, within whose walls many famous engineers and scientists studied.

    Mechanical engineering is a promising direction. Highly qualified specialists like me will be in demand at various enterprises. I am sure that the knowledge and skills I have gained will help me make a significant contribution to this industry and realize my ambitions.

    — How difficult is it to communicate in Russian in everyday life?

    — I studied Russian at the preparatory department in Kazan before continuing my studies in St. Petersburg. Although it may seem that I speak well, my level is still limited to conversational. In lectures I encounter more complex materials, which sometimes causes difficulties. Fortunately, I have excellent relationships with teachers who understand our problems and are always ready to help. My Russian classmates and other students are also very friendly and willing to explain if something is unclear. I am a sociable person. I enjoy speaking Russian, which I find very rich and beautiful.

    Thanks to constant practice, I feel that my level of language proficiency is getting better and better. This year, I even took second place in the Olympiad in Russian as a Foreign Language, which I am very proud of!

    — What other Russian cities have you seen?

    — I have been to Moscow, Kazan and small towns around it, but to be honest, St. Petersburg is my favorite. It feels like a fairy tale, so I really love walking around the cultural capital. Last year, my relatives flew in from Istanbul to visit me. They were delighted with the city.

    — Did you manage to make friends with the locals?

    — I was told that Russians can seem “cold”. However, almost all my friends here are Russian. We communicate very well. At first it was difficult to get to know each other because of the language barrier, but as I got to know them better, I realized that they are actually kind and helpful people.

    — Do you study on a fee-paying basis or through some kind of scholarship program?

    — At first, I studied under a contract and didn’t even think about participating in the competition for free education. I thought that I would have to start studying all over again. But after studying the issue in detail, I made up my mind. In my second year, I managed to transfer to a budget. So I’m very happy.

    — What do you do in your free time?

    — I try to find interesting and beautiful places in the city. Then I visit them with friends. The Polytechnic also has excellent conditions for doing sports. I am into boxing and go to free training sessions in the evenings, I made new friends there. There is a gym in our dormitory, sometimes I work out there.

    — What advice would you give to other international students who are already studying or just entering the Polytechnic?

    — There are many organizations for students, including international students, at the university, and I highly recommend visiting them. They offer a variety of activities and events, allowing everyone to find something for themselves. I go to Russian conversation clubs in the PolyUnion space, and at the Interclub I like to get together with friends for games. There are really many opportunities for activities here. It’s a great way to meet new people and improve your knowledge of the language.

    — What are your plans for the future?

    — After completing my bachelor’s degree, I would like to continue my studies at the Polytechnic University for a master’s degree. I understand that this will be very useful for building my future career.

    We remind you that international students can apply forwebsite quota selection until January 15. You can also take part in the international Open Doors Olympics and get the opportunity to study for bachelor’s, master’s and postgraduate degrees at the Polytechnic University for free.

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

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

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/international_activize/kadir-rende-from-turkey-polytech-springboard-for-future-professionals/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister witnesses Lao Ramayan performance

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 10 OCT 2024 1:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi witnessed an episode of Lao Ramayan – called Phalak Phalam or Phra Lak Phra Ram – performed by the prestigious Royal Theatre of Luang Prabang. Ramayan continues to be celebrated in Laos, and the epic reflects the shared heritage and age-old civilization connection between the two countries. Several facets of Indian culture and tradition have been practised and preserved in Laos for centuries. The two countries are closely working to illuminate their shared heritage. The Archaelogical Survey of India is involved in restoring the Vat Phou temple and related monuments in Laos. Several dignitaries, including Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Governor of Bank of Lao PDR and Mayor of Vientiane were present on the occasion.

    Prior to the Ramayan performamce, Prime Minister participated in a blessing ceremony by senior Buddhist monks of Central Buddhist Fellowship Organization of Lao PDR, led by Most Venerable Mahaveth Masenai, the revered abbot of Si Saket temple in Vientiane. Shared Buddhist heritage represents yet another facet of close civilizational bonds between India and Laos.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2063779) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Civic reception is a golden occasion for Olympians and Paralympians

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds rolled out the red carpet last night as it honoured the local stars of the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics with a civic reception.

    The event was organised to recognise the inspirational achievements of competitors from the city and the rest of West Yorkshire on the global sporting stage in Paris earlier this year.

    Guests at the reception – held in the banqueting suite at Leeds Civic Hall – included athletes Hannah Cockroft, Guillaume Junior Atangana and Donard Ndim Nyamjua, gymnasts Harry Hepworth and Luke Whitehouse and divers Lois Toulson, Jack Laugher, Anthony Harding and Yona Knight-Wisdom.

    They gave the 100-strong invited audience some intriguing insights into their Games experiences during a series of interviews with sports commentator and former international gymnast Lisa Gannon.

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, had earlier welcomed attendees to the event, organised by Leeds City Council with support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

    Other speakers included Ed Anderson (HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire), Councillor Salma Arif (Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture), Mariana Pexton (interim chief executive of Leeds City Council) and Alison Lowe (West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime).

    Together they congratulated the assembled Olympians and Paralympians on their achievements and thanked them for further enhancing West Yorkshire’s status as a powerhouse of sporting talent and ambition.

    There was recognition, too, for the crucial part played by coaches, volunteers and other unsung heroes in delivering the kind of world-class performances seen in Paris.

    Stewart Ross, chair of Triathlon Leeds, Dave Murray, director of performance at Leeds Gymnastics Club, and Marc Holdsworth, head coach at City of Leeds Diving Club, were among those sharing the spotlight with the competitors.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:

    “Leeds, and indeed West Yorkshire as a whole, is hugely passionate about sport and that was reflected in the excitement generated earlier this year by the Olympics and the Paralympics.

    “As a city and a county, we have a superb range of sports facilities and an excellent record of staging high-profile sporting events. Add in the natural talent and determination that is in Yorkshire’s DNA and it’s no wonder that we keep producing sportsmen and sportswomen who are at the very top of their respective games.”

    The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, said:

    “I was pleased and proud to have the opportunity to welcome so many of our Olympians and Paralympians to Leeds Civic Hall for this well-deserved celebration of their achievements.

    “Their stories gave us a real flavour of what it’s like to compete at the highest level of sport, with all the rewards and challenges that can bring. It was also great to hear about the dedicated work that is done by coaches and volunteers with our athletes – from grassroots to elite – as they help them realise their sporting dreams. Thank you for making us all so proud.”

    Alison Lowe, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said:

    “West Yorkshire’s sporting legends did us proud in Paris, and inspired young people right across our communities. Every child deserves the chance to follow in their footsteps and go for gold. That’s why we’re planning to create more opportunities for people in West Yorkshire to get involved in sport.”

    Leeds’s impressive range of sporting facilities includes Beeston’s John Charles Centre for Sport, the Leeds Gymnastics Club set-up in Seacroft and the Bodington Playing Fields-based Brownlee Centre – the UK’s first purpose-built triathlon training site.

    The list of major sporting events held in the city in recent years, meanwhile, includes the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon and the AJ Bell World Triathlon Championship Series as well as a number of fixtures at 2022’s Rugby League World Cup.

    Local competitors have also enjoyed notable recent success at some of the world’s biggest sporting occasions, with Yorkshire famously outperforming countries such as Jamaica, Spain and Brazil with its haul of seven gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the London 2012 Olympics.

    Last night’s event came just over a month after the end of the 2024 competitions in Paris, with the date being picked to fit in as best as possible with the busy diaries of West Yorkshire’s various Olympians and Paralympians.

    Hannah Cockroft was joined at Leeds Civic Hall by her husband and fellow Paralympian, Salford-born Nathan Maguire, fresh from their wedding on Saturday.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with members of the Austrian Ski Association, on the occasion of the World Ski Championships 2025

    Source: The Holy See

    This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the members of the Austrian Ski Association ( Ski Austria ), on the occasion of the World Ski Championships 2025, to be held in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, from 4 to 16 February.
    The following is the Pope’s greeting to those present at the audience:
     
    Greeting of the Holy Father
    Dear Msgr. Lackner,
    Your Excellency,
    Dear athletes, dear friends,
     
    I warmly greet you, who have come to the Vatican from Austria to meet the Successor of Peter.
    Your homeland, rich in majestic mountains, offers excellent possibilities for alpine sports. Your association, Ski Austria , founded in 1905, aims to promote the various skiing activities nationwide, especially the athletes in their outstanding performances. I would like to encourage all of you to always cultivate in your endeavours the values inherent to sport: such as constancy, sincerity, friendship, solidarity. Constancy, sincerity, friendship, solidarity. In this way you make your contribution to a more fraternal world, because sport creates brotherhood, in order to sing, amidst the wonders of nature in your country, the hymn of praise to the Creator.
    May the Lord accompany you and the Guardian Angels protect you from every danger. I pray for you and you, pray for me.
    (Words in German) Ich bete für Sie, beten Sie für mich: Diese Arbeit ist nicht einfach! Vielen Dank.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A kindergarten and a school will be built in Kommunarka

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The city has signed an agreement with the developer to participate in the development of social, transport, and engineering infrastructure in the capital’s development area. It provides for the construction of an educational complex for 675 students in the Kommunarka district (TiNAO). This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The educational complex will consist of a kindergarten for 225 children and a school for 450 children. It will be built at the address: block 70, land plot No. 78/3. According to the participation agreement that the city concluded with the developer, the facility is planned to be commissioned in 2026. After the completion of construction, the investor will transfer it to the capital’s education system,” Vladimir Efimov noted.

    The project is being implemented by the developer as part of the construction of the residential complex “1st Salaryevsky”.

    “The total area of the three-story building will be 14 thousand square meters. Separate entrances will be provided for school and preschool departments. In addition to the kindergarten group cells and school classrooms, the complex will include sports facilities, a medical office and a dining hall. Sports grounds, a 60-meter running track and a place for long jumps will be created in the physical education and sports zone,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy of the capital.

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Mosgosstroynadzor issued a permit for the construction of a social facility in early September of this year. According to the committee chairman Anton Slobodchikova, an educational complex for 675 places will be built on a land plot of 1.5 hectares. The progress of the work at all stages will be monitored by a committee. As soon as the developer sends a notice of the start of construction and installation work, inspectors will draw up a program of site inspections.

    The facade finishing will visually divide the building using different materials and colors, but maintaining one color scheme. And the metal perforated panels in the piers will unite the stained glass systems and window units into a single ribbon glazing. The chaotic arrangement of window openings on the main facade, combined with concrete tiles imitating clinker brick, will give the building architectural expressiveness.

    The territory of the educational complex will house physical education and sports zones, utility zones, and recreation areas. A hard-surfaced area for events will be organized near the main entrance to the school department.

    The preschool department’s territory includes group play areas and physical education and health grounds, a utility area, as well as storage space for strollers, bicycles and sleds.

    According to the head of the Department for the Development of New Territories of the City of Moscow Vladimir Zhidkin, in the development of TiNAO, the city adheres to the principle of balanced development. The more actively housing is built, the more social facilities appear. Since the annexation of the territories to the capital, more than 150 educational facilities have been built and commissioned in TiNAO, 20 of them are since the beginning of the current year.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin reported on the development of social infrastructure in TiNAO.

    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.mos.ru/nevs/item/144993073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why isometric exercises are so good for you

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Gordon, Professor of Exercise Physiology, Anglia Ruskin University

    Isometric exercises involve contracting your muscles. Odua Images/ Shutterstock

    Exercise is great for improving heart health. But the thought of hitting the gym or going for a jog might put some people off from doing it. And, if you have a heart condition already, such dynamic exercises may not be safe to do.

    The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to do a vigorous workout to see heart benefits. You can even improve your heart health by holding still and trying really hard not to move.

    Isometric training, as this is called, is becoming increasingly popular as a way of reducing blood pressure and hypertension, and improving strength and muscle stability.

    Normally, to build strength and force, our muscles need to change length throughout a movement. Squats and bicep curls are good examples of exercises that cause the muscle to change length throughout the movement.

    But isometric training involves simply contracting your muscles, which generates force without needing to move your joints. The harder a muscle is contracted, the more forceful it becomes (and the more forceful a muscle is, the more powerfully we can perform a movement).

    If you add weight to an isometric exercise, it causes the muscle to contract even harder. A wall sit and a plank are examples of isometric contractions.

    Isometric exercises are associated with a high degree of “neural recruitment”, because of the need to maintain the contraction. This means these exercises are good at engaging specialised neurons in our brain and spinal cord, which play an important role in all the movements we do – both voluntary and involuntary. The greater this level of neural activation, the more muscle fibres are recruited – and the more force generated. As a result, this can lead to strength gains.

    Isometric exercises have long been of interest to strength and power athletes as a means of preparing their muscles to generate high forces by activating them. But research also shows isometric exercises are beneficial for other areas of our health – including reducing hypertension and promoting better blood flow.

    There are a couple reasons why isometric exercises are so good for the heart.

    When a muscle is contracted, it expands its size. This causes it to compress the blood vessels supplying this muscle, reducing blood flow and raising the blood pressure in our arteries – a mechanism known as the “pressor reflex”.

    Then, once the contraction is relaxed, a sudden surge of blood flows into the blood vessels and muscle. This influx of blood brings more oxygen and (crucially) nitric oxide into the blood vessels – causing them to widen. This in turn reduces blood pressure. Over time, this action will reduce stiffness of the arteries, which may lower blood pressure.

    Over time, isometric exercises may help lower blood pressure.
    Andrey_Popov/ Shutterstock

    When blood flow is reduced during an isometric movement, it also reduces the amount of available oxygen that cells need to function. This triggers the release of metabolites, such as hydrogen ions and lactate, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system – which controls our “fight of flight” response. In the short term, this leads to an increase in blood pressure.

    But when an isometric exercise is done repeatedly over many weeks, there’s a reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity. This means blood pressure is lowered and there’s less strain on the cardiovascular system – which makes these exercises good for the heart.

    Isometric exercises may be even more beneficial for heart health than other types of cardiovascular exercise. A study which compared the benefits of isometric exercise versus high-intensity interval training found isometrics led to significantly greater reductions in resting blood pressure over the study period of between two and 12 weeks.

    How to use isometric exercise

    If you want to use isometric training to reduce blood pressure, it’s recommended that you should do any isometric contraction for two minutes at around 30-50% of your maximum effort. This is enough to trigger physiological improvements.

    You can start by doing this four times a day, three-to-five times per week – focusing on the same exercise. As you progress, you can start to vary the exercises you do, add weights to the exercise, or add in more than one isometric exercise.

    Some good isometric exercises to begin with include a static squat, a wall sit or a plank. Even during these small bouts of exercise, your heart rate, breathing and arterial pressure will all increase – the same responses that occur during more conventional whole-body exercises, such as cycling and running.

    The beneficial improvements in blood pressure start to manifest around 4-10 weeks after starting isometric training – though this depends on a person’s health and fitness levels when starting out.

    Isometric training appears to be a simple, low-intensity mode of exercise that offers big benefits for cardiovascular health – all while requiring little time commitment compared with other workouts.

    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. Why isometric exercises are so good for you – https://theconversation.com/why-isometric-exercises-are-so-good-for-you-239543

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Film Panorama 2024 opens tonight (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chinese Film Panorama 2024 opens tonight (with photo)
    Chinese Film Panorama 2024 opens tonight (with photo)
    *****************************************************

         The opening ceremony for the Chinese Film Panorama 2024 was held tonight (October 9) at Hong Kong City Hall, followed by a screening of the opening animated film “Into the Mortal World” (2024) directed by Zhong Ding.      The Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Film and Television Artistic Director of the Bauhinia Culture Group, Mr Deng Wugui; the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lin Nan; the Chairman of the Southern Film Culture Foundation, Mr Ding Kai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the Chairman of the South China Film Industry Workers Union, Mr Cheung Hong-tat; and the executive producer of the opening film, Mr Huang Long, officiated at the opening ceremony.      The Panorama is presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Southern Film Culture Foundation in association with Sil-Metropole Organisation Ltd, the China Film Foundation and the South China Film Industry Workers Union, and supported by the Bauhinia Culture Group. Ten distinctive feature-length animated films and two short film programmes produced on the Mainland will be shown at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall, the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive, and lecture halls of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum, the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), Cine-Art House (Maritime Square) and the Rayson Huang Theatre of the University of Hong Kong from today to November 16.       The opening film, “Into the Mortal World”, is a reinterpretation of the mythology of “The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl”. The weaver girl’s son is reconnected with his long-lost sister when he is demoted to the mortal world and embarks on an adventure in the divine realm.      Other selected films include “Princess Iron Fan” (1941) (4K restored version), “The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven” (First and Second Parts) (1961-1964), “Peacock Princess” (1963), “Nezha Conquers the Dragon King” (1979), “The Legend of Sealed Book” (1983) (4K restored version), “To the Bright Side” (2021), “Chang An” (2023), “The Storm” (2024) , and “Boonie Bears: Time Twist” (2024). Apart from animated feature films, two collections of animated short films will also be screened.      “Into the Mortal World” is in Cantonese while other films are in Putonghua. “Chang An” will be screened on October 14 at Rayson Huang Theatre of the University of Hong Kong and on November 16 at the EKCC for free. Cine-Art House (Maritime Square) will offer a free screening of “Peacock Princess” on October 12. The admission tickets for the screening at Rayson Huang Theatre of the University of Hong Kong have been available at The University of Hong Kong Staff Association located at 5/F, T T Tsui Building of the University of Hong Kong starting from September 30. The admission tickets for the free screenings at Cine-Art House (Maritime Square) and the EKCC are available at the respective screening locations from September 30 and November 1. Each person can obtain up to two tickets per screening on a first-come, first-served basis. Other film tickets priced at $70 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme details, please call 2734 2900 (LCSD) or 2780 5355 (for screenings at Cine-Art House (Maritime Square) and the University of Hong Kong) or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=66.      The Chinese Film Panorama 2024 is one of the activities in the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. The LCSD has long been promoting Chinese history and culture through organising an array of programmes and activities to enable the public to learn more about the broad and profound Chinese culture. For more information, please visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ccpo/index.html.

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 9, 2024Issued at HKT 21:28

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Athli App Launches “Body Temple” by Linn Lowes: A New Fitness Program Designed to Push Your Limits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, Oct. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In celebration of her birthday, celebrity trainer Linn Lowes is launching her latest fitness program, Body Temple – Not Your Typical Gym-program, exclusively on the Athli App. This new six-week challenge offers a dynamic, gym-based regimen that’s crafted to take users out of their comfort zones and deliver serious results.

    Available starting October 6, Body Temple offers a balanced mix of classic weightlifting routines and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions to help users build strength, increase endurance, and sculpt their bodies. The program runs four days a week, ensuring participants stay engaged while accommodating the physical recovery time that fuels true progress.

    “This plan is all about breaking through barriers,” says Linn Lowes, founder of Athli and lead trainer. “It’s not about staying comfortable; it’s about pushing yourself beyond what you thought possible. Whether you’re looking to build lean muscle, target glutes, or boost overall fitness, Body Temple will keep your body guessing and growing.”

    The first week offers a sneak peek into what participants can expect:

    • Day 1: Shake It Off – Up Tempo Lifting
    • Day 2: Golden Glutes – Lower Body with Glute Focus
    • Day 3: Rest
    • Day 4: Build Your Beast – Upper Body
    • Day 5: Endurance Energy – Up Tempo Lifting
    • Day 6 & 7: Rest

    This program marks another significant step in Athli’s mission to provide empowering fitness programs for women. Athli, owned by Appex Group Inc., continues to grow its offerings, expanding the app’s diverse training options that help users stay motivated and achieve their health goals.

    “We’re excited to introduce Body Temple to our Athli community,” said Karetha Strand, CEO of Appex. “This program reflects our commitment to delivering high-impact fitness experiences. Linn’s unique approach aligns perfectly with our mission of helping users push past their limits to achieve personal strength and growth.”

    With Body Temple, Athli aims to provide users with the tools to feel empowered and accomplished, no matter where they are in their fitness journey. The launch of this program underscores Athli’s continued commitment to elevating the fitness experience for women.

    About Athli:

    Athli is a women’s fitness app owned by Appex Group Inc. and founded by celebrity trainer Linn Lowes. The app offers a comprehensive suite of features, including gym and home workout plans, pregnancy programs, step tracking, nutrition guidance, and more. Athli is designed to be a complete fitness solution for women, helping users achieve their health and fitness goals with ease.

    For more information about Athli and the new Body Temple program, visit https://www.athli.store/.

    To download the Athli App on iOS, visit https://apps.apple.com/us/app/athli-female-fitness-coach/id1546738786.

    Media Contact:

    Kerri Walsh
    press@joinappex.com   
    +1 (617) 209-9498

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A working meeting of the university management with partners from the Omsk ANC was held at the State University of Management

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 9, 2024, a meeting was held of the heads and responsible executives of the teams of the State University of Management and the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center, implementing a major scientific project “Ensuring food security of the country based on the creation of software and hardware systems and intelligent platform digital solutions in the field of development of agro-industrial technologies of the full life cycle.”

    Let us recall that the project is aimed at research, development and implementation of advanced software, information, technological, agricultural and organizational-managerial innovations in the sphere of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation.

    The meeting was attended by Rector Vladimir Stroyev, Vice-Rector Maria Karelina, Head of the Institute of Information Systems Olga Pisareva, Director of the Engineering Project Management Center Vladimir Filatov, Researcher of the Center Dmitry Rybakov and Associate Professor of the Innovation Management Department Denis Serdechny. On behalf of the Omsk ANC, Director Maxim Chekusov and Researcher Artem Timokhin were present.

    At the working meeting, colleagues summed up the preliminary results of their joint activities, discussed in detail the first results of the project, as well as the most important areas for its further support, development and expansion.

    During the tour of SUM, the guests learned about the specifics of the university, its history, campus structure and research potential. In particular, the partners inspected the Sports Complex, the Information Technology Center and the SUM Media Center. Vladimir Stroyev and Maxim Chekusov looked with interest at the prototype of an unmanned aerial vehicle designed at our university. According to Vladimir Filatov, this is a racing drone designed for high-speed filming and capable of accelerating to 250 km/h. In addition, due to the modular design, the head part can accommodate equipment for various purposes.

    The meeting participants noted that such interdisciplinary interaction will allow us to obtain significant scientific results, as well as to translate them into technical and analytical solutions that are in demand today, aimed at achieving food and technological independence for our country.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/9/2024

    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.

    A working meeting of the university management with partners from the Omsk ANC was held at the State University of Management

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Terminal Transmits First Laser Communications Uplink to Space 

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s LCOT (Low-Cost Optical Terminal), a ground station made of modified commercial hardware, transmitted its first laser communications uplink to the TBIRD (TeraByte Infrared Delivery), a tissue box-sized payload formerly in low Earth orbit.
    During the first live sky test, NASA’s LCOT produced enough uplink intensity for the TBIRD payload to identify the laser beacon, connect, and maintain a connection to the ground station for over three minutes. This successful test marks an important achievement for laser communications: connecting LCOT’s laser beacon from Earth to TBIRD required one milliradian of pointing accuracy, the equivalent of hitting a three-foot target from over eight American football fields away.
    The test was one of many laser communications achievements TBIRD made possible during its successful, two-year mission. Prior to its mission completion on Sept. 15, 2024, the payload transmitted at a record-breaking 200 gigabits per second. In an actual use case, TBIRD’s three-minute connection time with LCOT would be sufficient to return over five terabytes of critical science data, the equivalent of over 2,500 hours of high-definition video in a single pass. As the LCOT sky test demonstrates, the ultra-high-speed capabilities of laser communications will allow science missions to maintain their connection to Earth as they travel farther than ever before.

    NASA’s SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) program office is implementing laser communications technology in various orbits, including the upcoming Artemis II mission, to demonstrate its potential impact in the agency’s mission to explore, innovate, and inspire discovery.
    “Optical, or laser, communications can transfer 10 to 100 times more data than radio frequency waves,” said Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator and SCaN program manager. “Literally, it’s the wave of the future, as it’ll enable scientists to realize an ever-increasing amount of data from their missions and will serve as our critical lifeline for astronauts traveling to and from Mars.” 

    Historically, space missions have used radio frequencies to send data to and from space, but with science instruments capturing more data, communications assets must meet increasing demand. The infrared light used for laser communications transmits the data at a shorter wavelength than radio, meaning ground stations on Earth can send and receive more data per second. 
    The LCOT team continues to refine pointing capabilities through additional tests with NASA’s LCRD (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration). As LCOT and the agency’s other laser communications missions continue to reach new milestones in connectivity and accessibility, they demonstrate laser communications’ potential to revolutionize scientists’ access to new data about Earth, our solar system, and beyond. 
    “It’s a testament to the hard work and skill of the entire team,” said Dr. Haleh Safavi, project lead for LCOT. “We work with very complicated and sensitive transmission equipment that must be installed with incredible precision. These results required expeditious planning and execution at every level.” 

    Experiments like TBIRD and LCRD are only two of SCaN’s multiple in-space demonstrations of laser communications, but a robust laser communications network relies on easily reconfigurable ground stations on Earth. The LCOT ground station showcases how the government and aerospace industry can build and deploy flexible laser communications ground stations to meet the needs of a wide variety of NASA and commercial missions, and how these ground stations open new doors for communications technology and extremely high data volume transmission. 
    NASA’s LCOT is developed by the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. TBIRD was developed in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory (MIT-LL) in Lexington. TBIRD was flown and operated as a collaborative effort among NASA Goddard; NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley; NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; MIT-LL; and Terran Orbital Corporation in Irvine, California. Funding and oversight for LCOT and other laser communications demonstrations comes from the (SCaN) Space Communications and Navigation  program office within the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Southern Arabian Peninsula Chapter Tackles Critical Issues at Q3 Gathering

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Southern Arabian Peninsula Chapter Tackles Critical Issues at Q3 Gathering

    The IADC Southern Arabian Peninsula Chapter (SAPC) hosted its Q3 meeting in Doha, Qatar on 12 September. There were 129 total participants present, and the event was filled with insightful discussions and invaluable networking opportunities. 

    The meeting opened with updates regarding the Chapter, workgroups, IADC headquarters, and the SAPC Annual Golf Tournament. Afterward, a series of guest speakers presented on various topics: 

    • Manish Kumar, GM Wells at Shell, presented on “Job By Design V2.0 – Learning from Normal Work,” discussing the importance of designing jobs with safety and predictable results in mind.
    • Pamela Cordova, Principal Research Analyst at S&P Global, gave an insightful presentation on the “Jackup Market Outlook,” analyzing current trends and future projections for the industry.
    • Steve Beedie, Author of Unspoken Wounds, delivered an inspiring presentation titled “Open the Bleed Off – Inspiring Energy to Open Up,” addressing mental health and well-being in the oil and gas industry.
    • Mike Cadigan, President/CEO of Billy Pugh Company, presented on “Safety Innovations Through Industry Engagement,” focusing on the future of personnel transfer technology and safety improvements.

    Following the guest speakers, the Qatar-based winners of the SAPC 2023 Safety Awards were recognized for their outstanding safety initiatives:

    • 2023 Statistical Safety Performance Award ‘Number of Consecutive Years Recordable Incident -Free’ Best Individual Offshore Drilling Rig: Gulf Drilling International’s Al-Wajba
    • Safety Initiative Award’s ‘Highly Commendable Non-Drilling Contractor Initiative’ – ( Global Gravity Aps

    After the closing remarks, attendees had the opportunity to meet Steve Beedie for a book signing while the networking reception was being set up. 

    Congratulations to the SAPC for another successful event, and thank you to everyone who participated!

    MIL OSI Economics –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Praise Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Promote Women’s Economic Empowerment, Ask about Progress in Abolishing the Male Guardianship System and Promoting Women’s Access to Justice

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Saudi Arabia, with Committee Experts praising the State’s measures promoting women’s economic empowerment and raising questions about its progress in abolishing the male guardianship system and promoting women’s access to justice.

    A Committee Expert welcomed initiatives for women within the Saudi Vision 2030.  The increase in women’s participation in the labour force showed the State’s efforts to promote the economic empowerment of women.

    One Committee Expert said the State party continued to entrust the protection of women to male guardians. The guardianship system led to women being controlled by their guardians and being subjected to domestic violence. When would the Kingdom abolish male guardianship?

    Nahla Haidar, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Saudi Arabia, noted that there were barriers to access to justice for women in Saudi Arabia, including due to the guardianship system. What measures were in place to ensure women could benefit from legal services?

    Hala Mazyad Altuwaigri, President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation, said the Saudi Vision 2030 included numerous programmes that sought to increase women’s participation in the labour market.  The Government had launched the “Qurra” programme to support childcare services for working women, and part-time and remote work programmes for women. As a result of these national efforts, the participation rate of women in the labour market until the end of the second quarter of 2024 was 35.4 per cent.

    In 2017, the delegation reported, a Royal Decree was adopted that made the guardianship system obsolete.  Women no longer needed permission to receive State services, including police services. Husbands were not allowed to impose obedience on their wives; such actions were grounds for the dissolution of marriages.

    Access to justice was ensured for women on an equal footing with men, the delegation said. Women were allowed to access the judicial system in marriage and divorce matters.  An application had been developed that allowed the Ministry of Justice to share documents and rulings on court cases with women living in rural areas, giving them access to justice.

    In closing remarks, Ms. Altuwaigri said the recommendations provided by the Committee would be heeded and followed up on by Saudi Arabia. The Government was determined to take all measures necessary to fulfil women’s rights and eliminate discrimination of women, in cooperation with all relevant international bodies, including the Committee.

    Ana Peláez Narváez, Committee Chair, in her concluding remarks, said the dialogue had allowed the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in Saudi Arabia.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and encouraged it to take all necessary measures to better implement the Convention for the benefit of all women and girls in the country.

    The delegation of Saudi Arabia consisted of representatives from the Human Rights Commission; Shura Council; Ministry of Justice; Council of Ministers’ Experts Authority; Ministry of Education; Public Prosecution; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance; Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development; Ministry of Information; Ministry of Interior; Ministry of Culture; Family Affairs Council; General Authority for Statistics; King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre; National Women’s Observatory; Quality of Life Programme; Digital Transformation Programme Centre; Ministry of Economy and Planning; and the Permanent Mission of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue the concluding observations on the report of Saudi Arabia at the end of its eighty-ninth session on 25 October.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 10 October to consider the ninth periodic report of New Zealand (CEDAW/C/NZL/9).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fifth periodic report of Saudi Arabia (CEDAW/C/SAU/5).

    Presentation of Report

    HALA MAZYAD ALTUWAIGRI, President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation, said significant changes had been achieved in Saudi Arabia in the interest of women and girls over the reporting period.  The empowerment of women was one of the goals of the National Transformation Programme, one of the programmes of the “Saudi Vision 2030”, which implemented more than 150 reforms and policy measures.  In the field of human rights, more than 50 legislative, institutional, judicial and procedural reforms and measures were devoted to women’s rights and empowerment.

    The report was prepared by the Standing Committee for the Preparation of Reports, which was established in January 2015; it was the national mechanism for the preparation of reports to treaty bodies and follow-up to the implementation of treaty body recommendations.  It had found that most of the Committee’s previous recommendations had been implemented.

    Many laws had been amended and issued to ensure gender equality and equal opportunities and promote women’s empowerment, and to harmonise them with international standards. Among these was the amendment of the travel document system to ensure that women had access to travel documents and travel abroad on an equal basis with men.  The civil status law was amended to allow women to obtain civil documents and to report marriages, divorces and deaths on an equal basis with men. The social insurance system was amended to achieve gender equality in the retirement age, which was now 60 years for both sexes. 

    The labour law was amended to ensure equality between women and men in job interviews, employment, wages, allowances, benefits and training.  The protection from abuse law was amended to enhance the protection of victims of violence, provide them with assistance, and prosecute perpetrators, by doubling penalties in specific cases that required severe punishment.  The personal status law strengthened the rights of women and girls by restricting the discretionary power of judges, as well as by setting a minimum age for marriage, giving women priority in the custody of their children, and prohibiting the banning of women from marrying those they consented to.  In 2017, a Royal Order was also issued that removed the requirement for women to obtain a guardian’s permission to obtain services or complete procedures in all aspects of life.

    The National Policy to Encourage Equal Opportunities and Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation was released in January 2023 to eliminate all discrimination in the field of work, enabling marginalised groups to enter the labour market.  The Government had launched the “Qurra” programme to support childcare services for working women, the “Self-Employment Support” programme, which expanded opportunities to increase women’s income according to their skills, and part-time and remote work programmes, which enabled women to achieve a balance between work and family. 

    As a result of these national efforts, the participation rate of women in the labour market until the end of the second quarter of 2024 was 35.4 per cent.  The number of women in senior positions in government jobs in 2023 reached 27,942, an improvement of 38 per cent compared to 2019. The number of women in senior and middle positions in the private sector in 2023 increased by 282 per cent compared to 2019. 

    An initiative had been launched to empower women in the field of cybersecurity, which had resulted in an increase in women’s participation in communications and information technology jobs, from seven per cent in 2017 to 25 per cent in 2024. Around 250 women had been appointed to the judiciary in the Public Prosecution, and the number of female lawyers had reached 2,136.  Women also actively participated in the security and military sectors alongside men, and had played a role in the evacuation of civilians of various nationalities during the Sudanese crisis in 2023.

    In 1961, Saudi Arabia had only four female university students.  Today, the number of girls graduating from universities almost exceeded the number of male graduates.  There had been a significant increase in the enrolment rates of girls at various educational levels.  More than 1,000 educational projects have been launched in various regions and governorates of the Kingdom, and places in kindergartens had been increased by 400,000.

    The Government had provided a package of basic health services for women before and during pregnancy and after childbirth.  Mobile clinics covered remote and rural areas, providing maternal care, mental health, and programmes to prevent chronic diseases.  As a result of efforts in the field of health, the Kingdom ranked 44 out of 143 countries in the Global Women’s Health Index.

    Saudi Arabia worked in cooperation with friendly countries to promote and protect women’s rights by highlighting Islamic values that enhanced the status of women in society and ensured their enjoyment of all their rights.  The Kingdom would continue to fulfil its obligations under the Convention and endeavour to strengthen partnership and cooperation with international organizations and mechanisms concerned with human rights.  It would continue reforms in the field of women’s rights and empowerment to achieve the best possible results for women, within the framework of the “Saudi Vision 2030”.

    Questions by a Committee Expert 

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Saudi Arabia, welcomed Saudi Arabia’s reforms to improve the situation of women, including reforms allowing women the right to a driver’s licence and passports.  Reforms needed to be effectively implemented.  There were challenges to fulfilling women’s rights, however, including related to the guardianship system, free speech, the protection of foreign workers, domestic violence and the death penalty.

    The 1982 basic law did not include guarantees of non-discrimination and gender equality.  Would this law be amended?  It was welcome that the State party had a national human rights institute, but it was not in line with the Paris Principles.  Would the State party make it fully independent?

    There were barriers to access to justice for women, including due to the guardianship system.  How many female judges were there in Saudi Arabia?  What measures were in place to ensure women could benefit from legal services?  Was there gender sensitive handling of cases?  Did the country plan to amend the 2017 law on the financing of terrorism and the anti-cybercrime law to bring them in line with international standards? Could the State party provide data on the women subjected to the death penalty?  Would the State party implement a moratorium on the death penalty?

    How many complaints of discrimination against women had been received by the national human rights institute. Could women leave care centres without the permission of their guardians?  Would the State party stop issuing the death penalty to women who acted in self-defence?

    Another Committee Expert said that the State party’s reservation to the Convention was counter to article 27 of the Vienna Convention.  Would the State party review this reservation?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the basic law was based on transparency and justice and instilled the virtue of equality between men and women.  The Convention was included in State legislation and relevant agencies had been tasked with implementing it.  Discrimination against women was prohibited in law and in practice.

    There were seven women judges, and the State party was encouraging women to become judges.  Access to justice was ensured for women on an equal footing with men. Women were allowed to access the judicial system in marriage and divorce matters.  Marriage documents were provided to both spouses.  An application had been developed that allowed the Ministry of Justice to share documents and rulings on court cases with women living in rural areas, giving them access to justice.

    The national human rights institute was independent in its activities and worked in step with the Paris Principles. It was not directly linked to the executive power.  Its members were well-trained in human rights.  It received complaints through a hotline, prepared annual reports on the situation of human rights in the country, and expressed opinions on draft and promulgated laws.  The complaints it received were referred to competent authorities as required.

    There were thousands of members of civil society advocating for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia in the press and through social media.  Such practices were guaranteed so long as they did not threaten the security of society. Imprisoned persons had committed criminal acts under the Kingdom’s legislation, including inciting hatred.

    Capital punishment was only imposed for the most serious crimes.  Death penalties were required to be reviewed in appellate courts by 13 judges.  The State party was developing databases on domestic workers to inform policies related to such workers.  There were only two domestic workers on death row in 2023 and one in 2024.  One of these women had killed a child by suffocation, another had killed another woman using acid, while a third had set fire to a man while he was sleeping.

    Saudi Arabia had the right to express reservations to the international treaties to which it was a party.  The reservation made at the time of ratification was precautionary but had not been an obstacle to the State’s fulfilment of its commitments under the Convention.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert said Saudi Arabia had taken positive steps for women, including by establishing the Council of Family Affairs and the Committee for Women under the Ministry of Resources, which all contributed to the empowerment of women.  Did the Council have sufficient status and budget?  What outcomes had been achieved by these bodies? The Government had included a budget for the empowerment of women within the national budget.  What achievements had been made through this budget?

    There had been reports of torture by authorities against women who protested the male guardianship system. These individuals were imprisoned for long periods and issued travel bans.  Did the State party plan to lift travel bans and other laws inhibiting the activities of women activists?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed initiatives for women within the Saudi Vision 2030.  The increase in women’s participation in the labour force showed the State’s efforts to promote the economic empowerment of women.  Did the State party plan to increase the representation of women within the Shura Council from the current 20 per cent? What quota was being debated? What steps had been taken to collaborate with civil society to implement temporary special measures to fulfil the rights of women?  Did the Saudi Vison 2030 include plans to appoint female judges and lawyers?  Did women have access to training that prepared them for high-level Government positions and positions in science and technology fields?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that the Council of Family Affairs was established in 2016.  It was independent of the Government.  The Committee on Women included specialists and experts.  It revised policies and took initiatives to empower women in all sectors.  The State party had developed a “Strategy of Women” which sought to provide economic opportunities and training to enhance women’s participation in information and communication fields and increase the work-life balance for women.  The budget for the Council for 2023 was 49 million riyals, which guaranteed the sustainability of its programmes.  The Ministry of Finance was working to establish a coding system to determine the overall budget allocated for women.

    The Saudi Vision 2023 aimed to empower civil society, which effectively partnered with the Government.  Civil society organizations received complaints of abuse from women and conducted awareness raising on the rights of women and the Convention.  They had produced a shadow report to the Committee.

    There was no restriction on the freedom of movement of women, except when they had violated the law. Restrictions aimed to ensure the security of society and prevent the repetition of crimes.

    The national strategy for women aimed to increase opportunities for women in leadership positions.  There were programmes in place to improve the quality of life of Saudi women in all facets of life.  There were indicators in place on women’s representation in leadership positions in the 13 districts in the State.  There had been an improvement in women’s representation in high-level Government positions by around 30 per cent between 2019 and 2023, and a three-fold increase in their representation in high-level positions in the private sector. The Government aimed to reach gender parity in the Shura Council.

    Laws in the Kingdom underwent constant review, including laws on terrorism and capital punishment. Persons could not be punished for exercising their right to self-defence.  The “Qurra” programme promoted childcare for working women. Over 117,000 women had benefitted from childcare programmes.  The cost of transport had also been reduced for working women, and women’s choices for specialisation in university and vocational education had been expanded.

    The Saudi Vision 2030 included numerous programmes that sought to improve access to services for women, increase women’s participation in the labour market, and strengthen the empowerment of women.  In 2024, women’s participation in the labour market had increased to 37 per cent.  The Government was also supporting women’s participation in sporting and cultural programmes.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked how the State party monitored and evaluated policies for women.

    Another Committee Expert asked why the State party had many more female lawyers than judges.  Were there plans to appoint more female judges?

    NAHLA HAIDAR, Committee Expert and Rapporteur for Saudi Arabia, asked if there was a possibility to reopen cases of travel bans issued for women human rights defenders.

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, asked about obstacles to introducing a moratorium on the death penalty.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Council of Family Affairs ensured that Government bodies were playing their roles regarding matters concerning families and women.

    The right to go before the judicial system was guaranteed for all individuals.  Legal aid was provided to individuals to appeal decisions such as travel bans.  There were plans to support increased appointments of women judges and magistrates. The judiciary was completely independent and could not be interfered with.  This ensured that trials were fair and that human rights were respected.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked if the State party would develop a national action plan on women, peace and security that called for women’s leadership in the field.  The Committee acknowledged the State’s efforts to promote ceasefire talks between warring parties in Sudan.  How many women had participated in these talks?

    The State party continued to entrust the protection of women to male guardians.  The guardianship system led to women being controlled by their guardians and being subjected to domestic violence.  When women left home without permission, guardians could compel them to return through the courts.  When would the Kingdom abolish male guardianship?  Would it accord women with the same legal capacity as men?  Would the State party ensure that the definition of rape in the upcoming Penal Code was based on affirmative consent, and that the Code addressed psychological violence?

    Saudi women were subjected to various forms of digital violence.  The potential weaponizing of the cybersecurity law could shrink the civil space for women human rights defenders.  How would the State party address these issues?

    One Committee Expert said Saudi Arabia had developed many measures to prevent trafficking in persons and support victims of trafficking.  The Expert welcomed efforts to harmonise legislation on trafficking with international standards.  However, domestic workers continued to lack sufficient legal protections, making them vulnerable to trafficking.  The State’s anti-trafficking hotlines were available in only two languages, limiting access for migrants.  Domestic workers also lacked labour law protections, leading to a high risk of forced labour.  Did the State party plan to increase the number of shelters for victims of human trafficking?  How did the State party ensure that all persons in migration shelters were assessed to determine if they were victims of trafficking, and how was it protecting domestic workers from trafficking and forced labour?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Saudi Arabia was implementing the Security Council resolution on women, peace and security. Women were engaging in conflict resolution efforts and humanitarian activities.

    In 2017, a Royal Decree was adopted that stipulated that women did not need permission to obtain State services. This Decree made the guardianship system obsolete.  Women no longer needed permission to receive State services, including police services. Women could marry a person of their choice.  Husbands were not allowed to impose obedience on their wives; such actions were grounds for the dissolution of marriages.  Decisions on guardianship considered the opinions of mothers and medical professionals.

    The Kingdom had set up a national committee to combat trafficking in persons and a national action plan on combatting the phenomenon, and had established the crime of trafficking in persons.  The national action plan enhanced measures to identify and protect victims and prosecute perpetrators.  The State party was enhancing cooperation mechanisms with international organizations and civil society to combat the crime.  It was working to ensure migrant workers were aware of their rights and complaints procedures.  Around 141 persons had been convicted between 2020 and 2024 for trafficking, with sentences of up to 15 years imprisonment issued.  All migrant workers had the right to keep their passports and they could not be ordered to work for more than 10 hours per day.  In 2021, 76 victims of trafficking were identified, and 128 were identified in 2023.  Victims of trafficking were given priority access to justice.

    State legislation regulated the behaviour of people in cyberspace and protected children from online abuse. Last month, a national conference on the empowerment of women in cyberspace was held.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert commended Saudi Arabia for leading the implementation of the Security Council resolution on women, peace and security.  What support would the State party give to women in developing countries to access digital technology?  Remnants of the guardianship system still lingered in the Kingdom.  How was the State party addressing these?

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, said that male guardianship of minors and persons with disabilities continued.  When would the State party abolish the guardianship system for women with disabilities?

    One Committee Expert said that since 2016, Saudi Arabia had shown a great capacity to promote change for women, but violence and discrimination against women persisted.  Implementation of the 2018 law on harassment was thus essential.

    Another Committee Expert said that children born to Saudi women married to foreign men were not automatically granted Saudi nationality.  Did the State party plan to amend nationality legislation in this regard?  It was welcome that kindergarten education was free for foreign children; did they have access to higher education and free healthcare?  How many children born to Saudi mothers and foreign fathers had been granted nationality in the past 12 months?  Foreign mothers did not have the right to register the births of their children. Why was this?  Saudi Arabia hosted a large population of Bedouins who were not eligible for Saudi citizenship.  How was the State party strengthening protections for this population?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party had launched several initiatives to promote women’s empowerment in the digital environment.  Forty thousand women had been trained in artificial intelligence and digital security.

    There were numerous non-governmental organizations working to detect cases of trafficking and providing shelters for victims of trafficking. 

    Guardianship was only implemented for certain persons with disabilities who could not make autonomous decisions, not for all persons with disabilities.

    Women were included in the Saudi team working to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan.  A large percentage of the State’s diplomatic corps were women.  There was no maximum representation of women in the Shura Council.  The Government had taken measures to protect women refugees, providing them with shelter, and psychological and legal aid.  The Government was addressing all forms of violence against refugee women and girls and helping them to integrate into their community.  Around 292 projects had been developed for displaced persons around the world. Female aid workers were providing aid in disaster zones.

    Saudi legislation ensured that foreign citizens could receive Saudi nationality if they fulfilled certain conditions, such as mastering Arabic, and forfeiting their original nationality.  A decree was passed that granted the children of Saudi women married to foreigners with the same rights as Saudi children.  Non-nationals could receive education in the State’s higher education facilities.

    The State party and its national human rights institute had implemented awareness raising campaigns on domestic violence, as well as training programmes for civil servants and civil society on the Convention and on combatting gender-based violence and domestic violence.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    One Committee Expert congratulated Saudi Arabia on making education free and mandatory for children up to 15 years. It was commendable that 98 per cent of women had received an education.  What temporary special measures had been put in place to ensure that girls had the same opportunities as boys to participate in sports and physical education?  Women made up 69 per cent of students in higher education, but this did not translate to their employment.  There was a disproportionate percentage of men in sectors such as engineering and construction.  Why was this?  How had temporary special measures been used to encourage women’s representation in the oil and gas sector?  How many girls had pursued education outside of the country without the permission of guardians compared to boys?  How many women held professorships in universities?

    A Committee Expert asked about barriers that remained regarding women’s labour participation and how they were being addressed.  How was the State party working to narrow the gender pay gap and encouraging women to pursue non-traditional career paths?  How were the national policy on equality in work and anti-discrimination laws being enforced?  How was the State party combatting workplace harassment against women?

    Women had the right to maternity leave with full pay for up to 10 weeks.  What challenges had the State party encountered in enforcing maternity leave, and were there plans to extend maternity leave to 14 weeks in line with international standards?  What steps had been taken to establish labour inspections and complaints mechanisms for domestic workers?  How did the State party ensure that domestic workers were not penalised when they reported abuse?  Did the State party intend to ratify International Labour Organization Convention 189 on domestic workers?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Saudi Arabia was working to implement measures to ensure quality education for boys and girls. Forty per cent of scholarships were granted to girls to receive education in science and technology. Around 75 per cent of teachers were female.

    The State party had prohibited discrimination and harassment in the public and private sector workplaces and implemented a code of workplace behaviour to prevent discrimination. Workers could submit complaints regarding wage discrepancies to the Government.  Inspections were carried out to ensure that labour laws were being respected.  Sanctions were issued to companies that discriminated against women in terms of wages. 

    Migrant workers could change jobs without requiring consent from their former employers; the State party had abolished the kafala system.  National legislation on domestic work prohibited employing workers under 21 years of age, and forbade discrimination and breaches of the dignity of migrant workers. Abuse of domestic workers was a crime. A law had been implemented in 2024 to protect domestic workers from being penalised for reporting abuse. There were housing units that provided shelter, and psychological and medical support to migrant victims of abuse. Persons who came to these units were screened to ensure that they were not victims of trafficking.

    Vocational training had been provided to 15,000 women, which had led to a 25 per cent increase in the number of women in the labour market.  There was also a digital training programme in place, which around 1,000 women had benefited from.  The State party had recently extended maternal leave to 12 weeks with full pay and four weeks with partial pay.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    One Committee Expert asked about the reasons for gaps in education and employment outcomes between boys and girls. Why did the oil and gas sector have the lowest inclusion rate of women of all sectors?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed amendments to legislation to include “women’s health” as a public service and to make maternity healthcare free.  Did the State party include a gender sensitive approach in mental health programmes?  Did women still require guardians’ permission to access certain health services, such as reproductive health services?  Did women have full autonomy in relation to their reproductive health rights? 

    Abortion was illegal in Saudi Arabia except in cases to save a woman’s life.  Male guardians’ approval was necessary to receive abortions.  Did the State party plan to increase the situations in which abortion was allowed, including in cases of rape, and to remove the requirement of permission from male guardians to receive abortions? Would it decriminalise abortion? There were reports that migrants found to have AIDS were immediately detained and deported.  How did the State party ensure that migrant women, including women with AIDS, had access to health care?

    A Committee Expert asked how the State party was combatting stereotypes related to women in the labour force. Over 3,000 women had received business licences over the reporting period.  How did this compare to the number of licences issued to men?  Were there microfinancing programmes in place for women-led small businesses?  What reforms were being made to the social insurance scheme to benefit women, and what was the timeline for reforms?  How was the State party encouraging women’s participation in sports?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Government provided comprehensive health care services to all citizens on an equal footing. Reproductive and maternal health services were available for women across the State.  Around 88 per cent of women visited health care centres before childbirth.  Permission was not required from legal guardians to receive health care services. Abortion could only take place for medical reasons and needed to take place before the 20th week of pregnancy.

    The State party provided comprehensive health care and health care insurance to all residents, including non-nationals.  Persons with HIV/AIDS were guaranteed the right to education, work and psychological counselling.  Medical centres were required to provide services to persons with HIV/AIDS.

    The State party’s social security system supported the cost of living.  The State was supporting access to low-rate bank loans for women. Mortgage loans for women with favourable conditions were also being offered.  There had been a large increase in beneficiaries of these loans over the past five years.

    Saudi Arabia had six female ambassadors and 204 female diplomats who held key posts in the Foreign Ministry. The share of female diplomats had increased to over 30 per cent of the foreign service in 2024.

    There were seven women presidents of sports federations, which had over 50,000 female members.  The number of sport clubs for women had increased by 37 per cent from 2018 to 2024.  Sports facilities had been constructed in 590 schools for boys and girls.  Women were being encouraged to become physical education teachers.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    A Committee Expert asked about the number of medical practitioners who had been punished for performing illegal abortions over the reporting period.

    One Committee Expert welcomed legal reforms to eliminate barriers to education and employment for women with disabilities, and efforts to combat desertification and drought and support small-scale rural farmers.  Far fewer women were employed in agriculture compared to men.  How would the State party ensure women’s equal participation in agriculture and the blue economy, and boost women’s knowledge of agribusiness?

    Female migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers continued to face arbitrary detention and other forms of abuse. How was the State party addressing this? Did it intend to ratify the 1951 Refugee Convention?

    The Committee welcomed the State party’s initiatives to combat climate change.  Saudi Arabia regularly faced heatwaves and the adverse effects of climate change, which disproportionately affected marginalised women.  How were these women involved in climate change mitigation strategies and decision making on risk management?

    Another Committee Expert said that many public and private institutions continued to demand the permission of guardians without consequences.  Did the State party plan to impose sanctions for such actions?  Were there plans to provide training to officials on legislation on the provision of services?  What were the exceptional cases in which child marriage was allowed?  What awareness raising campaigns were in place regarding child marriage?  Men received a higher portion of inheritance than women.  Did the State party plan to amend legislation to provide women with equal access to inheritance?

    Many husbands reportedly prevented their wives from participating in work or education.  Muslim women could only marry Muslim men, but Muslim men could marry women of other faiths.  Women did not have the right to unilaterally end a marriage.  After divorces, the custody of children was automatically granted to women until the children reached age 15, but men retained guardianship of the children.  What measures were in place to provide equal marriage and divorce rights to women?

    A Committee Expert cited reports of Saudi women who sought asylum in other countries being intercepted by the Government.  Could the State party comment on these reports?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said rural women helped Saudi Arabia to achieve sustainable development.  The State party had implemented a programme that supported women farmers to access land and training without discrimination.  In 2022, there were 57,000 beneficiaries of the programme, 63 per cent of whom were women.

    The Kingdom provided humanitarian aid to refugees, helping them to access passports, health services, education, care and assistance.  It also guaranteed their freedom of movement.  The competent Saudi authorities were considering the possibility of ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention.  The State party had responded to the individual cases brought to it by United Nations bodies regarding asylum seekers through written responses published on a Government website.

    Civil society organizations and the national human rights institute provided avenues for women to lodge complaints related to direct and indirect discrimination.  Saudi Arabia planned to develop its statistics on women and had created the National Observatory on Women towards this aim.

    Inheritance was regulated by the personal status law, which was based on the Islamic Sharia.  There were more than 30 situations in which inheritance was equal for women and men.  The Personal Status Code did not contain provisions that suppressed the rights of women. It promoted women’s rights and the best interests of the child

    Concluding Remarks 

    HALA MAZYAD ALTUWAIGRI, President of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia and head of the delegation, said the recommendations provided by the Committee would be heeded by Saudi Arabia and followed up on by the dedicated Standing Committee.  The Government was determined to take all measures necessary to fulfil women’s rights and eliminate discrimination of women, in cooperation with all relevant international bodies, including the Committee.

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had allowed the Committee to better understand the situation of women and girls in Saudi Arabia.  The Committee commended the State party for its efforts and encouraged it to take all necessary measures to better implement the Convention for the benefit of all women and girls in the country.  The Committee would select measures for immediate follow-up and called on the State party to report on the implementation of these measures within the required period.

     

     

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

     

    CEDAW24.024E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alberta shows once again it is rodeo country

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Canadian Finals Rodeo. Photo by Andy Devlin/Rogers Place.

    Alberta has long been known as the home of rodeo, with the Canadian Finals Rodeo being one of the province’s flagship events. It showcases the grit, talent and dedication of athletes who embody the spirit of the West. The 50th Canadian Finals Rodeo wrapped up this past weekend in Edmonton, leaving a lasting impact on the city and province.

    The annual event celebrated the talent of Canada’s rodeo stars and highlighted Alberta as the heart of rodeo culture in the country. Alberta’s government is proud to be investing $4.5 million over three years, bringing the event to Edmonton this year, in 2025 and 2026, ensuring this world-class rodeo stays in the province, now and into the future.

    “I’m so impressed with the talent showcased at the 50th Canadian Finals Rodeo last week. We’re thrilled to have supported Edmonton in hosting such an iconic event, and even more proud of the significant economic boost it brings to our local businesses and tourism sector. Alberta is, and will always be, rodeo country!”

    Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow presents an award at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Photo by Andy Devlin/Rogers Place.

    The economic impact of the event in Edmonton was calculated at more than $30 million and supported more than 5,500 jobs. The four-day event drew more than 42,000 spectators that filled over 12,000 hotel rooms.

    “It was great to see the Canadian Finals Rodeo back in Edmonton this year. Our livestock community contributes so much to the sport of rodeo, and we wouldn’t have this level of competition without the production of great bucking horses and bulls. I am proud to witness the animal athletes from our bucking horse and bull producers in Alberta. The caliber of stock that they bring to each rodeo throughout the years is remarkable.”

    RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

    Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson presents an award at the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Photo by Andy Devlin/Rogers Place.

    “CFR50 was a huge success. Edmontonians and Edmonton businesses embraced the return of professional rodeo to our city, which saw the streets of downtown teeming with cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo lovers from across the prairies and around the world. From the volunteers to the competitors to all the sponsors, partners and friends of CFR, thank you to everyone who helped bring the thrill of exciting western action to more than 42,000 spectators, and a more than $30 million economic impact to our city.”

    Traci Bednard, president and CEO, Explore Edmonton

    Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring Alberta continues to host world-class events that enrich the province’s cultural and economic fabric. By continuing to invest in large-scale sporting and cultural events like the Canadian Finals Rodeo, Alberta is ensuring that it remains a premier destination for competitors, fans and guests from across the world.

    Related information

    • Canadian Finals Rodeo
    • Explore Edmonton

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Alford Joins Chairman Jason Smith at Ways & Means Event in Kansas City to Prevent the Harris 2025 Tax Hike

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District)

    RAYMORE, Mo. – This week, U.S. Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) joined Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) and U.S. Congressman Ron Estes (KS-04) to host a roundtable discussion at Superior Linen Supply Company in Kansas City.
     
    During the discussion, the Representatives heard from local business leaders across various industries about how Congress can build on the success of the 2017 Trump tax cuts and prevent the Biden-Harris administration’s promised $7 trillion tax hike next year.
     

    “It was an honor to join Chairman Jason Smith and the Ways and Means Committee for a critical roundtable discussion at Superior Linen Supply Co. in Kansas City. This meeting allowed us to directly speak with local business and insurance leaders, whose firsthand experiences are vital in shaping our legislative efforts. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has been a fundamental tool in easing business constraints and cutting taxes. Hearing from the folks who are directly impacted by this key law is critical in providing Congress with real-world insights that guide our decisions as we work on a tax package next year,” said Congressman Alford.
     
    “After more than 100 Tax Teams events in 19 states, one thing is clear – American families, small businesses, and farmers who are already struggling in the Biden-Harris economy cannot afford a tax increase next year. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with local job creators in my home state of Missouri to hear their perspectives on how disastrous the Biden-Harris tax hikes would be and discuss how Congress can build on the success of the Trump tax cuts in 2025 to not only prevent the Democrats’ planned tax increases, but also deliver real relief to workers, families, and businesses,” said Chairman Smith. 
     
    The roundtable in Kansas City is the latest in over a hundred events the Ways and Means Committee Tax Teams have held in communities across the United States to prepare legislative solutions before the expiration of key provisions of President Trump’s signature 2017 tax law.
     

    During the event, Representatives Alford and Estes and Chairman Smith heard directly how vital provisions from the Trump tax cuts, including the Section 199A small business deduction and Opportunity Zones, are to American businesses’ ability to expand, hire new employees, invest in their communities, and grow wages.
     
    Roundtable participants underlined the consequences they will face if the Trump tax cuts’ small business provisions were allowed to expire, which would increase the tax rate paid by small businesses to over 43 percent.
     
    Roundtable attendees included:

    -Superior Linen
    -H&R Block
    -Lockton Companies
    -Xtreme Gymnastics & Motus Ninjas
    -Rieger Distillery
    -Crossland Construction
    -Burns & McDonnell
    -T-Mobile
    -4-State Supply
    -Black & Veatch
    -J.E. Dunn
     
    To learn more about the work of the Ways and Means Committee Tax Teams, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
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