NewzIntel.com

Category: Tourism

  • MIL-OSI China: Expo to highlight cultural inheritance

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The eighth China Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo will open in Jinan, East China’s Shandong province during Oct 17-21.

    The expo, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and undertaken by the Shandong culture and tourism department and the Jinan government, will fully showcase the achievements of China’s intangible cultural heritage protection over the 20 years since it joined the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

    The expo will also present the active utilization and innovation of intangible cultural heritage in modern life, intergenerational inheritance of certain cultural items, and works by the younger generation of inheritors.

    Additionally, learning space and live broadcasting, as well as digital and AI-enabled experiences will be prepared to give the audience an immersion contact with intangible cultural heritage.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Orkney ferry funding

    Source: Scottish Government

    Government support to help council replace fleet.

    Orkney Islands Council has secured £3 million Scottish Government funding for plans to replace its internal ferry fleet.

    The funding will help the local authority develop a planned pilot for two electric ferries and its business case for a replacement internal ferry fleet.

    The council plans to introduce eight new vessels to link communities and boost tourism. This includes three large ferries to serve the islands of Westray, Stronsay, Sanday and Eday with plans being drawn up for all of Orkney’s air and ferry-linked island communities. 

    The Orkney funding is on top of an additional £42 million provided in this year’s budget to support local authority ferry services across Scotland.

    Finance Secretary Shona Robison – who chairs the Orkney Internal Ferry Replacement Task Force – said:

    “This funding will enable Orkney Islands Council to take forward its business case to replace its internal ferry fleet. It will also help bring forward their pilot of electric ferries and I am grateful to Orkney Islands Council for its constructive engagement through this process. 

    “The Scottish Government is committed to working alongside Scotland’s island communities, to empower them to thrive. Since 2021-22 our Islands Programme has distributed more than £12 million to support 61 critical infrastructure projects on 50 islands.

    “We are also collaborating with islanders, local authorities and delivery partners to ensure that the new National islands Plan – which we expect to publish next year – meets their needs and supports their ambitions.”

    Orkney Islands Council Leader Heather Woodbridge said:

    “The engagement with the Scottish Government through the task force has been extremely constructive – and we very much welcome this funding announcement which puts us on a sure footing as we progress our work at pace on the final business case. 

    “This funding package is the first financial commitment in the collaborative approach that is being taken to replace Orkney’s ageing internal ferry fleet, with discussions continuing on the delivery of the next tranche of business case funding and the shape of the financial model that will allow us to provide a modern ferry fleet that our island communities need and deserve.”

    Background

    In May, First Minister John Swinney announced a £5 million package of support for island communities ahead of a new National Islands Plan publishing next year.

    The new Programme for Government commits the Scottish Government to the continuation of the Islands Cost Crisis Emergency Fund worth £1 million in 2024-25 and with an even stronger focus on child poverty. The fund helps local authorities support those islanders most affected by cost-of-living pressures.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New trade in services pact signed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Commerce today signed the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II).

    Chief Executive John Lee witnessed the signing of the new agreement by Financial Secretary Paul Chan and Deputy China International Trade Representative of the Ministry of Commerce Li Yongjie this afternoon.

    Scheduled to be implemented on March 1, 2025, the Amendment Agreement II introduces new liberalisation measures across several service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages, such as financial services, construction and related engineering services, testing and certification, telecommunications, motion pictures, television and tourism services.

    The Trade & Industry Department explained that the liberalisation measures take various forms, including removing or relaxing restrictions on equity shareholding and business scope in the establishment of enterprises, relaxing qualification requirements for Hong Kong professionals providing services, and easing restrictions on Hong Kong’s exports of services to the Mainland market.

    Most of the measures apply to the whole Mainland, while some of them are designated for pilot implementation in the nine Pearl River Delta municipalities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, it added.

    The Chief Executive thanked the central government for its care and support for the Hong Kong SAR, as well as the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities for actively working towards the Hong Kong SAR Government’s proposal of further opening up the Mainland market to Hong Kong in trade in services.

    “The Amendment Agreement II introduces new liberalisation measures across different service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages, making it easier for Hong Kong service suppliers to establish enterprises and develop business on the Mainland, enabling more Hong Kong professionals to obtain qualifications to practise on the Mainland, allowing more of Hong Kong’s quality services to be provided to the Mainland market, and contributing to and serving the country’s development,” he said.

    “The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to encourage different sectors of the community to leverage the unique advantages of ‘one country, two systems’ and join hands with their counterparts on the Mainland to promote the competitiveness of the professional services sector, in order to inject new impetus to economic development and achieve high-quality development.”

    Speaking at a media session after the signing ceremony, the Financial Secretary pointed out that the further relaxation under CEPA will enable Hong Kong firms and professional sectors to get into the Mainland market a lot easier.

    “Depending on specific sectors, the progress will be different. But I am sure for the professional sectors, people are very keen to expand their foothold into the Mainland by using the Greater Bay Area as the starting point. So this will have a very positive impact on Hong Kong,” Mr Chan said.

    An example of the measures regarding construction and related engineering services is that Hong Kong general practice surveying enterprises will be allowed to provide professional services in Guangdong Province through filing of records.

    For tourism services, there will be measures to optimise the implementation of the 144-hour visa-exemption policy for foreign group tours entering Guangdong from Hong Kong.

    Mr Chan said the Government will be communicating with the different sectors and working with the different stakeholders to move as fast as possible, to materialise the various implementation details, so that the businesses and professionals in Hong Kong would find it useful and easier to expand into the Mainland.

    Furthermore, the department noted that the Amendment Agreement II brings institutional innovation and collaboration enhancement, including the addition of allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to adopt Hong Kong law and allowing Hong Kong-invested enterprises to choose for arbitration to be seated in Hong Kong.

    It also added commitments regarding domestic regulation to ensure the transparency, predictability and efficiency of regulations on trade in services.

    In addition, the new agreement removed the period requirement on Hong Kong service suppliers to engage in substantive business operations in Hong Kong for three years in most service sectors.

    This will allow Hong Kong startups to enjoy the preferential treatment under CEPA in a shorter time and attract enterprises and talent from around the world to establish a presence in Hong Kong and explore the Mainland market, the department noted.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Tourism gets a boost in Colchester and Cumberland Counties

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Truro, Nova Scotia · October 9, 2024 · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

    The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, will announce funding toward four projects for strategic tourism growth in Nova Scotia.

    Date: October 10, 2024

    Time: 11:30 a.m                

    Location:

    Truro Civic Square
    740 Prince Street
    Truro, Nova Scotia
    B2N 1G9

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

    Lauren Sinclair
    Director, Communications and Outreach
    Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    Lauren.Sinclair@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
    782-641-6365

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

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

    October 9, 2024

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

    October 9, 2024

    Previous news Next news

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing plans to expand low-altitude flights for rescue, delivery

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 9 — Beijing will expand its low-altitude flight scenarios, including in emergency rescue and express delivery, as the city strives to boost the burgeoning low-altitude industry.

    According to Beijing’s latest action plan on developing low-altitude economy, the city plans to host more than 5,000 enterprises engaged in the sector and increase the value of its low-altitude industry to 100 billion yuan (about 14.2 billion U.S. dollars) by 2027.

    The Chinese capital will focus on expanding the use of low-altitude flights for emergency rescue and express delivery, said the plan. Regular low-altitude delivery services will be promoted in suburban districts including Yanqing, Pinggu, Miyun and Fangshan.

    The city also plans to establish a low-altitude passenger route linking Beijing Daxing International Airport and Xiong’an New Area in north China’s Hebei Province, while exploring intercity air commuting between Beijing and surrounding areas.

    The low-altitude economy includes both conventional general aviation and drone-supported services in low-altitude airspace. Many Chinese cities are moving quickly to establish a foothold in the sector, considering it a new track of industrial development.

    In August, Beijing launched its first unmanned aerial vehicle logistics delivery route in a section of the Great Wall, which enables tourists to receive summer relief items and emergency supplies within minutes.

    The eastern metropolis Shanghai also plans to have largely established a low-altitude communications network with continuous coverage throughout the region by the end of 2026 to facilitate the development of the low-altitude economy.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chagos Islands: how to ensure their coral reefs aren’t damaged as they return to Mauritius

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Moolna, Lecturer in Environment and Sustainability, Keele University

    The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the largely uninhabited Chagos archipelago to Mauritius. The islands have been known as the British Indian Ocean Territory since being administratively detached in 1965 from what was then the colony of Mauritius. Except for the US military base on Diego Garcia at the southern tip of the archipelago, the islands have been uninhabited since 1973.

    As Mauritius takes back control, there are big environmental implications.

    These 247,000 square miles (640,000km²) of remote seas include among the most pristine tropical coral reef ecosystems on our planet. Chagos is nearly three times the area of the British Isles. In 2010, it became the world’s largest marine protected area that bans any form of fishing.

    The shallow water coral reefs account for 1.5% of the global total. Like coral reefs elsewhere around the planet, the marine ecosystems of Chagos are threatened by climate change with rising sea levels and warming waters. Unlike most places, however, these reefs don’t currently face the extra stresses such as pollution and physical damage that come with the presence of people.

    Whether the islands remain uninhabited is a major factor in the potential environmental repercussions of Mauritian sovereignty. Future scenarios are highly dependent on how the UK and Mauritius engage with the displaced Chagossian community.

    Chagossians have long campaigned for a right to return to the islands and need to be part of future plans. This would require establishment of infrastructure and livelihoods. The UK government has previously explored resettlement options with detailed feasibility studies. Addressing possible resettlement will form an important part of how Mauritius takes forward management of the environment in Chagos.

    The environmental consequences of a change in management and human activity could be good or bad. Any environmental benefits or damage will depend very much on what, if any, development takes place and how it is managed. The presence of people could cause damage, but it doesn’t need to.

    Economic activity and infrastructure can support the capacity to do research and to take action to help habitats adapt to climate change. This could include, for example, transplanting strains of coral with better resistance to marine heatwaves.

    Island restoration efforts that began when Chagos was a British territory could become much easier if facilitated from local settlements rather than relying on long-distance expeditions. This includes the removal of rats from certain islands to help ground-nesting birds. Rat eradication also helps the health of surrounding coral reefs. The presence of people as observers could help deter unregulated fishing from vessels sailing into these quiet waters.

    There is substantial scientific research by people from around the globe, including from the Zoological Society of London, already taking place on the ecosystems of Chagos. This supports informed ecological management under the current administration.

    The government of Mauritius needs to continue supporting this, including plans for a Mauritian marine protected area in Chagos. Limited settlement and different zones allowing some uses including fishing are proposed. Funding and support for Mauritius to grow its ability to manage these islands is promised in the sovereignty transfer announcement. This is vital for a future Mauritian administration to be able to take forward environmental action.

    Mauritius should embrace cooperation with the UK and other regional partners. The neighbouring Republic of Seychelles, for example, has extensive experience with the management of its own lightly inhabited outer islands, similar to those of the Chagos. Mauritius already cooperates with Seychelles in the world’s first joint management area of underwater extended continental shelf, the Mascarene plateau that covers approximately 150,000 square miles.



    Read more:
    Freedom for Chagos Islands: UK’s deal with Mauritius will be a win for all

    Ensuring an environmentally sound future

    The announcement of an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago might end years of dispute between the UK and Mauritius governments over jurisdiction. But it marks the humble beginnings of what will be complex, difficult and important work. There will inevitably be disputes between the two countries and other people involved, not least Chagossian citizens, in how these globally important ecosystems are managed.

    It is vital for the environment of Chagos that there is an effective handover. Approaching sovereignty transfer, Mauritius needs to continue the current level of environmental engagement. There may later be reintroduction of economic activities, such as limited commercial fisheries or the resettlement of people with potential tourism development.

    Importantly, environmental outcomes can be successfully addressed whether people return or not. But this needs careful evidence-informed planning and robust management. And Mauritius needs to build effective working partnerships with the UK, Chagossians, scientists and the wider global community to deliver a sustainable future for the Chagos archipelago.


    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 35,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Adam Moolna has dual citizenship of the UK and Mauritius, and has previously worked on environmental and conservation partnerships with Seychelles’ government-owned Islands Development Company

    – ref. Chagos Islands: how to ensure their coral reefs aren’t damaged as they return to Mauritius – https://theconversation.com/chagos-islands-how-to-ensure-their-coral-reefs-arent-damaged-as-they-return-to-mauritius-240610

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker on improving Yukon’s aviation sector and boosting tourism

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:

    “The past several years have certainly brought unique challenges to our territory’s aviation industry, yet it has continued to rise to the occasion. Throughout it all, Yukon aviation has kept us connected with the rest of the country, enriching our way of life and supporting our economy through tourism, business and travel.

    • Read more about Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker on improving Yukon’s aviation sector and boosting tourism
    • Add new comment

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Shapiro Encourages Travelers to Visit Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Experience Peak Fall Foliage, Unveils New Color-Correcting Viewfinders at Black Moshannon State Park

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    October 09, 2024 – Philipsburg, PA

    Governor Shapiro Encourages Travelers to Visit Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Experience Peak Fall Foliage, Unveils New Color-Correcting Viewfinders at Black Moshannon State Park

    Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro joined Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County to encourage travelers to visit Pennsylvania’s state parks this fall as trees reach peak color, showing once again that Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway. While at Black Moshannon State Park, Governor Shapiro and First Lady unveiled new viewfinders installed at nine state parks that help visitors who are colorblind see the vibrant colors of Pennsylvania’s spectacular fall foliage.

    “Pennsylvania is the place to be in the fall, with more than two million acres of state park forests and woodlands offering visitors one of the most colorful, brilliant displays of foliage anywhere in the world,” said Governor Shapiro. “Within a few hours’ drive for over 70 million Americans, Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway – and we want everyone to be able to enjoy everything we have to offer. That’s why our team at DCNR has installed new viewfinders at nine state parks to help people with red-green colorblindness experience the full splendor of fall in Pennsylvania.”

    This summer, Governor Shapiro launched Pennsylvania’s state tourism brand – The Great American Getaway – showcasing all the Commonwealth has to offer as a premier weekend getaway destination with thousands of attractions. Outdoor recreation adds $17 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy annually, supporting 164,000 jobs. Two weeks ago, the Shapiro Administration launched a new fall travel campaign to lean into Pennsylvania’s premier position as the place to experience the very best of autumn – from unrivaled fall foliage and the nation’s most historical haunts to the season’s best scents and treats.

    Speakers Include:
    Mathias Weinzen, Black Moshannon State Park Manager
    Cindy Adams Dunn, DCNR Secretary
    Ta Enos, President and CEO, PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship
    Representative Paul Takac
    Scott Kolesar, Park Visitor Living with Colorblindness
    Governor Josh Shapiro

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rebates for buying e-bikes and e-scooters are good but unlikely to greatly boost sustainable transport on their own

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Abraham Leung, Senior Research Fellow, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University

    BikePortland/Flickr, CC BY

    Queensland has joined Tasmania as the second Australian state or territory to offer a A$500 rebate for buyers of new e‑bikes. The pre-election announcement includes a smaller $200 rebate for e‑scooters.

    The Queensland e‑mobility rebate scheme is first come, first served, until its $2 million budget ($1 million was added last week) is used up. The Tasmanian scheme has closed for this reason.

    These schemes follow a trend of government incentives to buy e‑bikes in North America and Europe. The Australian schemes differ from most schemes overseas by including e‑scooters too.

    It’s a welcome move to promote sustainable transport. These personal transport devices have smaller environmental footprints to produce and operate than electric cars. Owning e‑bikes or e‑scooters can enable people to drive less – reducing congestion and emissions – and avoid high fuel costs.

    However, my research and other studies suggest ownership doesn’t guarantee much greater use. Additional measures will be needed to boost use of these sustainable transport modes.

    Why own e-bikes or e-scooters when you can share?

    The rebate is likely to boost retailers’ sales. More than 860 rebate applications were received within three days of the scheme starting on September 23.

    And existing owners now have an incentive to upgrade or replace models. They might then sell their pre-loved e‑bikes or e‑scooters on the second-hand market. This means others could get them more cheaply.

    Queensland was the first Australian state to legalise the use of e‑scooters in 2018, when Brisbane introduced shared e‑scooter operations. Regional cities such as Townsville and Cairns launched similar schemes. Dockless e‑bikes later replaced Brisbane’s initial CityCycle bike-sharing scheme.

    I recently conducted research to understand why South-East Queensland residents want to own e‑scooters. The study methods were comparable to an earlier e‑bike user survey.

    Both sets of owners cite replacing car use as their top reason for ownership. However, their motivations differ.

    E‑scooter owners are mainly driven by the lower price and the fun factor of riding. E‑bike owners focus more on fitness and the health benefits of getting some exercise when riding. Australian regulations require e‑bikes to be pedal-assisted.

    But does this mean people will ride more?

    Since 2022, the Queensland government has offered a rebate of up to $6,000 for buying full-sized electric vehicles (that scheme closed last month). It now appears to have responded to calls to do the same for e‑bikes and e‑scooters.

    Buyers certainly won’t mind freebies and rebates, but rebate-induced ownership might not increase overall use by much.

    An Australia-wide survey in 2023 found 57% of respondents had access to at least one working bicycle at home and this proportion has been increasing. However, only 15% reported riding in the previous week. Only 36.7% had ridden in the past year.

    Overall cycling participation has declined over the past decade, except during the COVID pandemic when work and travel patterns were more local. For all periods, men are significantly more likely to cycle than women.

    The same 2023 survey revealed only about 2.1% own e‑bikes. The rebate will likely increase this rate in Queensland.

    Some preliminary evidence suggests e‑bike users ride more often and further than those riding non-electric bikes. It also helps older people get into cycling. And it has the potential to replace car use even in rural areas.

    Despite e‑bikes offering advantages over traditional bikes, riders of both face obstacles to greater use, such as road safety and poor cycling infrastructure.

    What kinds of incentives do other countries offer?

    Australian policymakers should consider offering incentives to ensure the new purchases are well used, not sitting idle most of the time.

    The United Kingdom has a long-standing cycle-to-work scheme that offers commuters a tax exemption for buying bicycles or e‑bikes.

    In the Netherlands, incentive schemes have used smartphone technology to track their mileage. For example, in the B-Riders scheme, riders earn €0.08–0.15 (A$0.13–0.21) per kilometre. There was a 68% increase in e‑bike use by former car commuters after one month and 73% increase after six months of participation.

    Schemes in North America tend to be aimed at lower-income households. They are more likely to be involuntarily carless, so e‑bikes can improve their access to jobs, goods and services.

    There are alternatives to rebates. North Vancouver, for example, is trialling e‑cargo bike lending to replace car shopping trips, as these bulky bikes are not practical for every household to own.

    In France, residents can claim a bike or e‑bike subsidy of up to €2,000 (A$3,210). Second-hand devices sold by approved repairers are covered too, which is likely to help reduce e‑waste. Australian schemes so far only cover new purchases.

    What more can be done?

    For e‑bike and e‑scooter owners, the main barrier to riding more is the lack of safe and well-connected infrastructure. Numerous studies have connected rates of riding to the quality and quantity of infrastructure. Extensive, high-quality and safe cycling networks can deliver lasting shifts towards sustainable transport.

    When the Spanish city of Seville built such networks, cycling rates surged 11-fold in a few years.

    In the Netherlands, this infrastructure is so well-funded and extensive that it’s no surprise cycling is popular there.

    Riders don’t just need bikeways. They also need end-of-trip facilities with secure parking (and maybe free charging too).

    In Australia, cycling gets only around 2% of transport funding.

    In Brisbane, despite not being anywhere close to the European level of cycling infrastructure, new “green bridges” and bikeways will be expanded to more areas of the city (and other Queensland venues). It’s part of preparations to host “climate-positive” Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. This year’s games host, Paris, successfully upgraded infrastructure and boosted cycling rates.

    Another benefit of more riders on the streets is that it creates “safety in numbers”. Greater numbers would also help attract more funding for infrastructure that makes cycling and scooting safer and more attractive.

    Both e‑bikes and e‑scooters are already worthwhile investments. Using them often would free yourself from car dependence – and that’s good for the planet and your wallet.

    Abraham Leung received funding from the Transport Academic Partnership (Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission) and the Transport Innovation and Research Hub (Brisbane City Council, BCC). The data from the Privately Owned Electric Mobility User Survey (POEMUS) used in this article is funded and commissioned by BCC.

    His current Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship is funded and/or partnered with TMR, BCC, Townsville City Council, and micromobility operators Neuron and Beam. He is also an active member of PedBikeTrans.

    – ref. Rebates for buying e-bikes and e-scooters are good but unlikely to greatly boost sustainable transport on their own – https://theconversation.com/rebates-for-buying-e-bikes-and-e-scooters-are-good-but-unlikely-to-greatly-boost-sustainable-transport-on-their-own-239939

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 09/10/2024 Prague Consultations between the Polish and Czech governments

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The 9th Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations were held in Prague. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the head of the Czech government, Petr Fiala. We have many common interests and we look at issues in a similar way, such as the role of Europe, assistance to Ukraine, security and actions related to crisis situations. Polska and Chequia also have a common position on illegal immigration in the European Union. Prime Minister Donald Tusk was accompanied by 14 members of the Council of Ministers. Joint action of Poland and Checo. Cooperation between Warsaw and Prague is very good. This was especially visible during the tragic flood that hit both of our countries in September. “With a rare partner we have relationships so intense, so good and so characterized by mutual understanding,” said Prime Minister Donald Tusk during the opening of Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations. Special thanks go to to the pilots of Checo Mi-17 helicopters, who actively helped in rescue operations on the Polish side of the border. “This is just an illustration of our very good cooperation in the broadly understood field of security. What we are trying to do together – both bilaterally and in Europe – is the best example of how to build security policy in relations between nations and states,” noted the Prime Minister. At the same time, Donald Tusk recalled the Polish initiative to organize a meeting in Wrocław regarding the rapid and flexible aid from the European Union, which will concern flood-affected areas. “The idea is to use European funds as effectively as possible and in some situations also jointly […] so that we can jointly and effectively counteract this type of disasters in the future,” explained the head. Polish government. Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who was one of the participants of the meeting in Wrocław, thanked the Polish initiative in the EU. “I thanked the Prime Minister for his actions. It was a meeting with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Prime Ministers of Central European countries in Wrocław,” emphasized the head of the Czech government. Countries struggling with the effects of the September flood will be able to benefit from aid in the amount of EUR 10 billion for reconstruction from the Cohesion Fund. For our country, it will be half of this amount – 5 million de euros, i.e. approximately PLN 20 billion. Together in the international arena, Poland and the Czech Republic cooperate very well in the European Union forum, as well as in the matter of helping the struggling Ukraine. “I would like to thank the Czech Republic very much for their initiatives regarding Ukraine. We will cooperate even closer. We do it in a responsible, rational and very solidary way – both when it comes to helping refugees from Ukraine and helping to defend Ukraine against Russian aggression,” explained the head of the Polish government. El primer ministro checo, Petr Fiala added that both our countries are perfectly they know that the defense of Ukraine is an issue directly related to our security. “We know from our own experiences that we cannot allow Russia to make any expansion […]. Poland and the Czech Republic also have in common the fact that we have accepted a huge number of Ukrainian refugees in both countries. This shows that for us, words about solidarity are not just platitudes,” noted Petr Fiala. Poland and the Czech Republic, as one of the first countries in the EU, have been helping fighting Ukraine from the very beginning of the war. Poland and Chequia together on the issue of illegal immigration in the EUWarsaw and Prague also has a common position on illegal immigration in the European Union. El primer ministro Donald Tusk explained that during the Polish presidency in 2025, our governments will cooperate on a profound correction of some traditional European policies on illegal migration. “We present a common, firm and rational position, without any obsessions. We are definitely in favor of defending Europe against the wave of illegal migration,” emphasized the Prime Minister. As he explained during the press conference after the consultations, Poland and the Czech Republic must convince other partners in the European Union that the EU’s task is to protect the external border, not to create internal borders and searching in, which only consist in moving groups of illegal immigrants within Europe. “We will cooperate here in all aspects. Poland can count on Chequia and Chequia can count on Poland. We will give examples of this at the next meeting of the European Council,” announced the head of the Polish government. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also drew attention to the need for decisive action in the fight against illegal migration. “A change of perspective is necessary on migration. We need to be more active and more assertive towards third countries. I am convinced that both our countries have similar positions and views here,” said the head of the Czech government. As he added, organized pseudo-terrorist groups are particularly active in the matter of illegal migration. Polish-Czech energy cooperation One of the topics of intergovernmental consultations in Prague was energy cooperation .“Cooperation in the field of energy is important to us. We are starting nuclear energy practically from scratch. You already have a very long experience […]. Therefore, I am very glad that we have decided to cooperate closely and exchange information so that our activities in this field are effective and as cheap and effective as possible,” emphasized Donald Tusk. Prime Minister Petr Fiala also drew attention to the aspect of developing energy cooperation. “In both Our countries are preparing to build new nuclear blocks […]. The nuclear alliance is a form of cooperation that makes sense,” said the head of the Czech government. As he added, both countries see the benefits of the development of nuclear energy. By train from Prague to the Polish seaThis year’s tourist season on the Baltic Sea was exceptional – over half a million Czechs visited Poland beaches. “I am an eyewitness to the most friendly and expected invasion of ours, which were tourists from the Czech Republic at our seaside. You broke all Historical Records. We are very proud of it […]. Czech women and men are the most welcomed tourists on Polish soil,” emphasized Donald Tusk. Soon, tourists will have a new opportunity to reach the Baltic Sea. A direct railway connection between Prague and Tricity will be opened. Trains will run 4 times a day. Prime Minister Donald Tusk was accompanied in Prague by 14 members of the Council of Ministers: Vice-President of the Council of Ministers, Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister of State Assets Jakub Jaworowski, Minister of EU Affairs Adam Szłapka, Minister de Infraestructura Dariusz Klimczak, Minister de Cultura y National Heritage Hanna WróblewskaMinister of Climate and Environment Paulina Henning-Kloska,Minister of Science Dariusz Wieczorek,Minister of Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak,Minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski,Minister of Development and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk,Minister of Industry Marzena Czarnecka,Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna ,Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz,Minister – Member of the Council of Ministers, Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Jan Grabiec.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh Visits National Zoological Park, Delhi to Review Elephant Shankar’s Health

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 6:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and External Affairs Kirt Vardhan Singh inspected Delhi Zoological Park on Wednesday. The main objective of the inspection was to take stock of the health and maintenance arrangements of the African elephant Shankar. He also inquired about the facilities available for tourists, animals and birds.

    MoS Shri Singh inspected the enclosure of the African elephant ‘Shankar’ and had detailed discussions with ‘mahouts’ and veterinary doctors.  He also fed fruits to elephant Shankar. During the inspection, Dr. Adrian, an expert from Vantara, Jamnagar, Gujarat and an elephant expert from South Africa was also present. There was also a detailed discussion on measures to further improve Shankar’s health and an action plan has been prepared in this regard. To further improve the health of Shankar, he advised the experts from Vantara, Jamnagar to train the mahouts, make requisite diet plan for the elephant and bring about radical changes in the enclosure.

    During this, upgradation and modernization of the zoo to global standards was also discussed. Minister of State Shri Singh said that due to the wildlife related policies of the Central Government, people’s connection with nature and wildlife has increased. At the same time, awareness among people about the importance of conservation is also continuously increasing. During this, they also became aware of the activities of Wildlife Week.

    He briefed the forest officials about letters written to the South African countries South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia, Kenya, Botswana for a companion for the African elephant Shankar. In a positive move, Botswana and Zimbabwe have pledged to donate the elephant and formalities related to the same are being completed.

    ADG Wildlife of the ministry Sh. Sushil Awasthi and Director of Delhi Zoological Park, Sh. Sanjeet Kumar were present in the meeting.

    *****

    VM/GS

    (Release ID: 2063615) Visitor Counter : 72

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 08/10/2024 Reconstruction and support after flooding

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The Council of Ministers meeting began with a report on the removal of the effects of the flood. It discussed progress in reconstruction, support provided to the victims, and the investigation of issues related to irregularities during the flood. The Prime Minister emphasized that the government must be united in this matter and support each other. Effective aid and rapid action

    Although the flood situation is now under control, the government continues to monitor the areas affected by the element. On Tuesday, the Council of Ministers adopted a resolution on the coordination of actions related to the occurrence of floods in September 2024, which will allow Minister Marcin Kierwiński to more effectively coordinate actions related to the removal of flood damage, i.e., first of all, directing money so that it reaches them in an optimal way and in agreement with local communities.

    The role of Minister Kierwiński is to coordinate, facilitate this work for us as a team. Para bromear commitment of the government as a whole, not individual ministries

    – explained the Prime Minister. At Tuesday’s meeting, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a special team that will be an auxiliary body supporting the Minister in coordinating activities related to reconstruction after the flood.

    Financial support for victims

    So far, provincial governors have already paid out approximately 200 million zlotys in aid benefits to people affected by the flood.

    There are no hold-ups in this regard. Another 13 million zlotys are still to be paid. I think it is a matter of today, tomorrow at the latest, how this money will reach the victims

    – Minister Marcin Kierwiński noted. The Ministry of Development and Technology has delegated 120 employees of the General Office of Building Supervision to the areas affected by the flood, who will accelerate the process of valuation and granting residents support in the amount of PLN 100-200 thousand.

    Reconstruction of the transport and school infrastructure

    One of the government’s priorities is the rapid reconstruction of infraestructura, including educational and sports facilities. Local government officials can use a special application to report losses in public utility facilities, which will help estimate the reconstruction plan using EU funds.

    Thanks to the funds prepared by Minister Sławomir Nitras, we have started a program to rebuild sports and tourist infrastructure for the amount of 400 million złoty. After my visit to the flooded areas, I know that a very important problem is the issue of rapid reconstruction and restoration of normal functioning of the infrastructure of schools

    – emphasized M. Kierwiński. As a result of the flooding, school boiler rooms suffered, among others. In the perspective of the autumn-winter period, their renovation and reconstruction are a priority, in order to be able to conduct lessons in comfortable conditions.

    Flood-related cases under scrutiny by prosecutor’s office

    During the meeting, Minister of Justice Adam Bodnar announced the involvement of the prosecutor’s office in investigating irregularities related to the flood.

    The prosecutor’s office is working intensively with experts from the Wrocław University of Science and Technology to clarify all the circumstances related to the damage to the flood embankments.

    – said Adam Bodnar. The Minister of Justice drew attention to several ongoing proceedings, including cases of looting, disinformation and the washing away of an earth dam in Stronie Śląskie, which concerns over 2 thousand injured people. The analysis of these cases is aimed at eliminating similar threats in the future.

    The Future: Reconstruction Plus

    Reconstruction after the flood will also be an opportunity to improve the quality of life of residents. Regions affected by the devastating element will not only be rebuilt, but also modernized.

    Reconstruction must be this Reconstruction Plus. This space must be better than it was before the flood. We will overcome the effects of this flood if we act united and support each other

    – Prime Minister announced. The reconstruction will be carried out with long-term benefits in mind, while ensuring that aid reaches all those affected by the floods. The Prime Minister thanked members of the government for their continued commitment to helping the disaster-stricken regions and their residents.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manning Surveys Hurricane Helene Damage, Meets with Survivors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06)

    Asheville, NC – Today, Congresswoman Kathy Manning (NC-06) traveled to western North Carolina where she was joined by Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer to view the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene and the extensive response efforts underway. They listened to business owners discuss the challenges they face and explained how federal resources can aid in the recovery and rebuilding of affected communities.

    Congresswoman Manning visited the historic Biltmore Village, where two-story high flood waters destroyed shops and restaurants and left layers of thick mud, and the recently renovated River Arts District, where the storm tore buildings apart and decimated breweries, artists’ studios, and collaborative galleries. Manning spoke with small business owners who are deeply concerned that their businesses will be closed during the peak tourism season. She also visited a local SBA help center, where business owners are receiving assistance with completing their SBA applications for disaster aid.

    “The devastation caused by the storm is heartbreaking. Over 80% of Asheville remains without water and power, yet the resilience of the people I met is remarkable. I was also impressed by the knowledgeable team from the SBA and am grateful for Administrator Guzman’s clear explanation of the available funds for affected areas and how the Biden-Harris Administration has streamlined the relief process, ensuring that aid reaches people more quickly. We are fortunate to have such dedicated emergency relief workers,” said Congresswoman Kathy Manning. “Based on our discussions, it is clear that more funding is needed for the disaster relief effort. Congress must ensure that affected communities receive the resources needed for recovery and rebuilding, both now and in the months to come. I stand ready to return to Washington without delay to advocate for the people and communities impacted by this unprecedented storm.”  

    On September 29, 2024, President Biden granted Governor Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene to provide immediate federal assistance to North Carolinians in designated disaster areas.   

    Federal, state, and local partners are actively collaborating to mobilize resources into western North Carolina. These response efforts include search and rescue operations, wellness checks, the delivery of essential supplies such as food and water, removing debris to clear roads and bridges, restoring critical services like water, sewer, and electricity, and conducting damage assessments.  

    President Biden has directed the Department of Defense to deploy 1,500 active-duty troops to support North Carolina’s 2,800 active-duty National Guardsman responding to the disaster. This deployment is in addition to the more than 7,000 federal personnel currently assisting with response efforts across all affected areas.

    For the latest updates on relief efforts, open shelters, and more, visit the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s website here.  

    ###

    The Office of Congresswoman Kathy Manning stands ready to assist North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene. Find critical resources and updates to assist those affected by the storm here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER STATEMENT ON EPA REMOVAL OF ROCHESTER EMBAYMENT FROM LIST OF THE GREAT LAKES’ MOST POLLUTED AREAS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    New York, N.Y. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer released the following statement on the removal of the Rochester Embayment from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list of the Great Lakes’ most environmentally degraded areas:
    “I was thrilled to lead the charge and secure $9.5 million in federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to finally rebuild the Braddock Bay barrier beach that Hurricane Agnes washed away in 1972 in the Town of Greece,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “In the four years since its reconstruction, Braddock Bay has been transformed from a pollution hotspot into a thriving area with healthy restored habitats for wildlife and improvements that returned tourism, boating, and recreation to the waterfront. The Braddock Bay restoration was the last of 14 major pollution- and ecologically-impaired hotspots along Rochester’s Lake Ontario and Genesee River embayment coastline – from Webster to Parma – that have now been cleaned up and restored thanks to federal GLRI funding. The water is cleaner, birds and fish are more abundant, beach closures are down, and the Rochester coastline can now be removed from the EPA’s list of ‘Areas of Concern.’ I fought to secure a historic $1 billion for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with moments like this in mind. Investing in the Great Lakes means investing in the future of New York, and I will always fight for funding so our community can enjoy the full natural beauty and economic energy of the wonderful communities along the Great Lakes.”
    Schumer has helped deliver nearly $14 million in federal funding through the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) to fund eight habitat restoration projects, including $9.5 million for the Braddock Bay restoration project. Thanks to those projects, 275 acres of habitat and 30,000 linear feet of wetland channeling have been restored to improve connectivity and biodiversity in the bay.
    Schumer has been a relentless champion for the Great Lakes, including securing a historic $1 billion – the largest ever single investment – in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) as a part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Law. Since its inception in 2010, Schumer noted, the GLRI has had a significant impact on Upstate New York. Schumer has long been a champion for the Great Lakes, fighting off budget cuts to the GLRI in 2019 and working to secure a multimillion-dollar increase in authorization levels for the program in 2018.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Past meets present at Barooga’s Bullanginya Dreaming

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey, blends Aboriginal insights with the elemental forces of light, water, and fire into a spectacular audio visual experience.

    Located on the banks of the Bullanginya Lagoon, the immersive laser light show takes visitors on a 1.8 kilometre journey through the region’s Indigenous history, with 12 light activations telling the stories of the Bangerang People.

    The 60-90-minute experience, which aims to entertain and educate visitors on the significance of local flora, fauna and Country, has been named in Tourism Australia’s July ‘Hot List’ of destinations.

    More than 2,500 visitors have visited the experience so far injecting some $200,000 in direct tourism related spending.

    Many visitors are staying in town and visiting other attractions, eating out and shopping, and well over a third of visitors are coming from more than 50km away.

    Before starting the project, developer Barooga Sports Club, engaged with the traditional owners of the area, the Bangerang people, to ensure the experience reflects the cultural significance of the land and its stories.

    Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson, founder of A.C.H.E (Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education), has been a key partner throughout the three-year planning and development process.

    As a proud Bangerang man, Uncle Darren says the finished product has exceeded his expectations and reflects the deep cultural heritage of his people.

    Aboriginal Artist Rebecca Atkinson is the behind the light show, with her artwork serving as the inspiration for each of the twelve light activations.

    Culturally significant discoveries were made during the project, including birthing trees which were sacred places of women’s business.

    Supporting the local Aboriginal people was a key driver for the project with staff completing cultural immersion training, and 10 per cent of the sales of all merchandise going back to the Bangerang community

    Bullanginya Dreaming is an accessible tourism attraction with pathways designed to accommodate visitors with disability or mobility issues.

    The exhibition received funding from the NSW State Government, Federal Government and Barooga Sports Club, the creator of the project.

    For more information and tickets go to: https://bullanginyadreaming.com.au/

    Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

    “We know regional NSW is home to some stunning sights and the combination of the natural beauty of the Murray River region and this light and sound show is no exception.

    “This project is also a great example of what can be achieved through partnership between the community and Aboriginal businesses and government.”

    “The NSW Government is committed to growing a vibrant visitor economy across the state by supporting a diverse range of visitor experiences, driven by locals, who know their communities best.

    Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

    “The Bangerang people have taken inspiration from their Country and stories to create a dynamic, innovative installation that is putting their town on the tourist map.

    “The NSW Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities in their efforts to protect, revive, celebrate and sustain their cultural heritage, and Bullanginya Dreaming Luna Light Journey is a wonderful example of this.”

    Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Andrew Higgins said:

    “This project is a community-led initiative that beautifully showcases the Bangerang people’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing spiritual connection to Country.

    “It’s inspiring to see how this project not only celebrates Aboriginal culture but provides social and economic benefits to partnering Aboriginal businesses, with profits from the tours and merchandise supporting the Bangerang Corporation and local Aboriginal artists.”

    Exhibit founder and Sporties CEO Bobby Brooks said:

    “This exhibit offers visitors an experience like no other, through light and art, Bullanginya Dreaming cultivates unity, respect and appreciation for the rich legacy of the Bangerang people.

    “This captivating spectacle transcends time and strengthens the bond between the community and its local Indigenous heritage with something for everyone to enjoy and learn from whether that’s families, the young, old, school groups, locals or visitors to the region.”

    Local Elder Uncle Darren (Dozer) Atkinson said:

    “It’s been amazing for the Bangerang people to have this recognition of our culture and our stories.

    “Bullanginya Dreaming is about learning and understanding local culture and local history, and also increasing the knowledge of our First Nations.”

    Local artist Rebecca Atkison said:

    “My artwork tells a story, whether it’s about scar trees, birthing trees, or bush medicine, my artwork tells people about the First Nation’s rich history, right here in our own backyard.

    “Much of my art features the land, water, sky and wildlife and the reason why those elements are so important – it tells the story of how we are all connected to the world around us.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, ASEAN countries reap fruits of high-quality development via Belt and Road cooperation

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

    China, ASEAN countries reap fruits of high-quality development via Belt and Road cooperation

    An aerial drone photo taken on July 31, 2024 shows a view of Qinzhou Port in Qinzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Oct. 8 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will attend the 27th China-ASEAN Summit, the 27th ASEAN Plus Three Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit in the Lao capital Vientiane starting from Wednesday, and pay official visits to Laos and Vietnam.

    While pursuing high-quality development and advancing modernization, China has been offering new growth momentum to its neighbors connected by mountains and rivers, notably through Belt and Road cooperation with common development being a highlight.

    Experts said that Li’s upcoming trip to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expected to boost bilateral relations, foster deeper and more substantive cooperation, and enhance people-to-people exchanges, which will further catalyze regional peace, stability and prosperity.

    ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY

    Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Its landscape, largely covered by rugged mountains and high plateaus, forms natural barriers to efficient transportation, hindering the country’s development and the improvement of people’s livelihood.

    The China-Laos Railway has helped transform the country’s predicament into a growth opportunity, turning Laos into a land-linked hub on the Indo-China Peninsula.

    Passengers are seen at the Vientiane Station of the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos, April 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The 1,035-km railway, a landmark Belt and Road project, connects Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan Province with Vientiane.

    Nearly three years into operation, the railway has handled over 10 million tons of imported and exported goods valued at about 5.7 billion U.S. dollars in total, with varieties of goods expanding from the initial 500 to more than 3,000, according to official data.

    Since the railway launched its international passenger service in April 2023, it has transported over 222,000 cross-border passengers as of early July this year, providing affordable, convenient and comfortable experiences to travelers.

    Daovone Phachanthavong, vice executive president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Xinhua the China-Laos Railway “has promoted regional connectivity and injected vitality into economic and social development along the line.”

    Vietnam, a neighbor of Laos, has enjoyed enhanced connectivity and more efficient logistics from infrastructure cooperation with China as well, which includes railway, expressway and port infrastructure.

    China-Vietnam freight trains are a good case in point. Since its launch in November 2017, the service has significantly boosted rapid cargo movement between the two countries and further into Southeast Asia.

    “China has strengths in capital, technology, and experience in infrastructure construction, while Vietnam is in need of infrastructure development in transportation, energy, and urban areas,” said Do Thi Thu, a senior lecturer at the Banking Academy of Vietnam.

    This aerial photo taken on Oct. 16, 2023 shows a China-Vietnam (L) and a China-Laos international cold-chain freight trains pulling out of Yanhe Station of Yuxi City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BOOMING HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

    Infrastructure construction has opened up broader prospects for practical cooperation between China and ASEAN countries in a rich variety of areas, driving stronger economic growth, closer exchanges and high-quality development.

    China is the largest foreign investor in Laos. A large chunk of the investment has funded infrastructure, development zones, as well as power transmission lines and hydropower plants, creating many jobs for local people and pushing forward Laos’ industrial upgrade.

    Daovone said that Laos sees huge potential for further deepening cooperation with China across such fields as agriculture, electric vehicles and trucks, electricity, mining, solar energy, tourism, as well as hotels and restaurants.

    Agriculture is the mainstay of the Lao economy. Laos exports bananas, rubber, cassava, sugarcane and others, with China being the largest buyer.

    Through the years, Chinese companies have collaborated with the Lao government on tropical agricultural science and technology, and Laos is seeking to promote sustainable agricultural production and increase exports to China through the China-Laos Railway.

    Vietnam, meanwhile, is China’s largest trading partner within ASEAN, and China has been Vietnam’s largest trading partner since 2004. Annual volume of two-way trade has exceeded 200 billion U.S. dollars for three consecutive years.

    Do, the Hanoi-based scholar, said that Vietnam-China “large cooperative projects on infrastructure, energy, and border area development have contributed to the socio-economic growth of both nations.”

    Vietnam-China trade cooperation “has bright prospects for deeper and more substantive cooperation in the future,” she said.

    She also said the introduction of fresh and frozen Vietnamese durians into the Chinese market shows the development of trade cooperation, exemplified by diversifying products within the same category and adding value.

    With Chinese consumers’ demand for durians on the rise, China is now the world’s largest importer and consumer of durians. Last year, some 493,000 tons of fresh Vietnamese durians were sold to China.

    Vietnamese vendors sell durians in Dongxing, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on May 18, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Do also pointed out the abundant opportunities in substantive development of bilateral trade, noting the two countries can further enhance cooperation particularly in high-tech agriculture and e-commerce.

    “China has advanced significantly in technology and innovation, while Vietnam is undergoing a digital transformation and developing its digital economy, creating great potential for cooperation in information technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and digital transformation in manufacturing,” she added.

    CLOSER COMMUNITY FOR BROADER PROSPERITY

    The flagship projects realized through high-quality cooperation between China and ASEAN nations have become benchmarks of their ever-closer relationships, the strengthening of which is conducive to regional prosperity and peace, experts have said.

    This year marks the 15th anniversary of the China-Laos comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. In October 2023, leaders of the two countries signed a new five-year action plan for building a China-Laos community with a shared future, injecting new momentum into the further development of bilateral ties.

    Photo taken on Oct. 16, 2016 shows the border trade on the Beilun River on the China-Vietnam border. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Daovone greatly appreciates the friendship between the two socialist countries, which is maintained by the top leaders of both countries and exchanges between the two peoples.

    Laos-China relations have been moving forward at a high level, he said, expressing the hope that Li’s upcoming visit to Laos will further advance this relationship. As Laos is the current rotating chair of ASEAN, Li’s attendance at related gatherings “will make the summit more colorful.”

    Vietnam, another socialist neighbor, shares cultural and social affinities with China. Last year, the two countries announced the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, ushering in a new stage in their ties.

    “Mutual assistance during difficult times, such as supporting each other during the resistance against colonialism and imperialism, post-war reconstruction, and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic, has strengthened the friendship between our two countries,” Do said.

    As the world is facing rising challenges and geopolitical competition, “a successful bilateral community like Vietnam-China could inspire other bilateral and multilateral communities with a shared future, such as between China and ASEAN,” she said.

    Do noted that working towards a community with a shared future helps Vietnam and China focus on sustainable development goals, including environmental protection, climate change response and food security.

    “It allows the two countries to address common challenges and promote development for the benefit of their peoples, as well as for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘China Travel’ boom showcases appeal, openness: spokesperson

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

    BEIJING, Oct. 8 — A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday said the “China Travel” boom showcases China’s appeal and openness.

    According to data released by multiple tourism platforms, during the National Day holiday, the number of travel orders by foreign tourists to China grew by around 60 percent year-on-year, and many Chinese cities have become popular destinations. Also, relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently rolled out facilitation measures for foreign travelers to China.

    In response to a related query, spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing that China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 24 countries, offers a visa-free entry policy for 16 countries, and extends 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 54 countries.

    “It’s increasingly easier and more enjoyable for foreign tourists to visit China,” Mao said, adding that Beijing unveiled the brochure titled “Welcome to Beijing: Essential Tips for New Arrivals,” which offers a bird’s-eye view of all kinds of services and information. Shanghai equipped its taxis and subway stations with payment devices that accept foreign bank cards. Eight cities including Chengdu and Xi’an launched new steps on a pilot basis to make payment easier for foreigners in China, she added.

    “China will open wider to the world and make cross-border travel easier. We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, enjoy the beautiful landscape and experience the charm of the country,” said Mao.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China saw 765 million domestic tourist trips during 7-day holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    People visit a historical and cultural street in Xixiu District of Anshun City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Oct. 2, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China recorded 765 million domestic tourist trips during the 7-day National Day holiday that ended Monday, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.9 percent on a comparable basis, according to data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
    The figure is 10.2 percent more than that of the same period in 2019, the ministry said.
    The total spending by domestic tourists exceeded 700 billion yuan (about 99.3 billion U.S. dollars) during the period, marking a year-on-year growth of 6.3 percent and a 7.9 percent increase compared to 2019, according to the ministry. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Macao sees record tourism figures during National Day holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The tourism office of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) revealed on Tuesday that the seven-day National Day holiday recorded nearly 1 million inbound travelers, averaging 141,000 per day, which is a 22.9-percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, surpassing the average traveler volume in 2019.
    The authority said that the volumes of both average daily and single-day visitor arrivals in Macao reached the highest records for National Day holidays, and the average hotel occupancy rate topped 94.5 percent over the holiday period.
    Particularly, the figures showed that the number of inbound travelers peaked at 174,000 on Oct. 3, marking the highest single-day traveler volume for the seven-day holiday since official statistics were available.
    According to the office, the 993,117 visitor arrivals over the seven days included 826,181 from the Chinese mainland, 117,009 from China’s Hong Kong, 10,987 from China’s Taiwan, and 38,940 international visitors. The average daily volume of mainland visitors was 118,026, exceeding the daily average of the National Day holiday in 2019 by 4.1 percent.
    During the holiday, the SAR launched various events and activities, such as the 32nd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest and special sales activities, to enhance traveler experiences and boost local consumption.
    Moreover, the Macao Grand Prix Museum reported an 8,558-visitor volume during the holiday. On Oct. 1, the museum canceled its regular closure and opened for free, recording 3,386 visitors and setting a new single-day attendance record since its opening. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Council of Ministers meeting on 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Translation. Timor-Leste Portuguese to English –

    Presidency of the Council of Ministers

    Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
    ……………………………………………. ……………………………………………. …………………….

    Press release

    Council of Ministers meeting on 9 October 2024

    The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and decided to grant full powers to the Minister of Planning and Strategic Investment, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, within the scope of development cooperation. The agreement is expected to be signed on October 11, during the official visit of Minister Gastão Francisco de Sousa to Jakarta.

    This memorandum of understanding covers several areas of development cooperation, including building basic infrastructure, promoting affordable renewable energy, creating sustainable cities and communities, fostering agriculture and rural development, encouraging tourism, improving the health and education sectors, stimulating private sector investment, promoting digital development, social inclusion, and climate change mitigation efforts. ENDS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI China: Tourism records new highs during holiday

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

    Tourist attractions in China were packed with visitors during the weeklong National Day holiday, while affordable international flights and accommodations ensured that overseas destinations also benefited from the strong spending power of Chinese travelers.

    The latest figures from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism show that domestic attractions received 765 million visits during the holiday, also known as Golden Week, which started on Oct 1. That was up 5.9 percent year-on-year and an increase of 10.2 percent compared with the same period in 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak.

    Tourism-related revenue reached a record high of over 700.8 billion yuan ($99.4 billion) during the break, up 6.3 percent year-on-year and an increase of 7.9 percent compared with the same period in 2019.

    Ye Wen, a resident of Jiangxi province who visited Beijing with her family, said the Chinese capital was a crowd magnet during the holiday. “We were packed like sardines. I felt my feet didn’t touch the ground as I pushed my way through the crowd,” she said.

    However, Ye emphasized that their trip was meaningful because this year’s National Day marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

    “I took my grandparents to Tian’anmen Square, the Palace Museum and the Summer Palace. It was a pity, though, that we didn’t have the opportunity to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tian’anmen,” she added.

    According to official statistics, about 123,000 people including tourists and local residents watched the flag-raising ceremony at Tian’anmen Square on Oct 1.

    While Beijing and Shanghai remained the top domestic travel choices during Golden Week, the craze over Black Myth: Wukong — a video game based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West — turned lesser-known cities and counties into holiday destinations.

    For example, Xixian county in Shanxi province reaped big benefits, because several scenes in the video game are based on one of its tourist spots, Xiaoxi­tian, or Thousand Buddha Nunnery, which boasts stunning Buddhist architecture and cultural elements.

    The unexpected and huge influx of tourists prompted local authorities to limit the number of visitors to Xiaoxitian to 10,000 per day starting on Thursday.

    Data from travel portal Fliggy shows that in addition to the robust growth in domestic tourism, international travel also increased during the weeklong break, thanks to a drop in airfares and hotel room rates.

    During the holiday, bookings for overseas tour products jumped 50 percent year-on-year on the platform, while hotel bookings saw 20 percent growth compared with the same period in 2019, Fliggy said.

    Domestic airfares and hotel rates dropped 13 percent and 6 percent, respectively, compared with last year, while international flights and hotel rooms were respectively cheaper by 19 percent and 3 percent, according to the portal.

    “All trips were value for the money,” Fliggy said.

    Tourism data recorded by another travel agency, Qunar, was equally encouraging. Overseas flight and hotel bookings by users on the platform covered 1,597 cities in 144 countries and regions during the holiday.

    Short-haul Asian destinations with friendly visa policies, including Japan, Thailand and South Korea, remained top choices for Chinese travelers, according to Qunar.

    Travelers from first-tier Chinese cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, preferred long-haul flights to holiday destinations in Europe and the United States, it added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘China Travel’ boom showcases appeal, openness

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Pan Fenglan (C) talks with German tourists at her homestay at Dazhai Village of Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 26, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday said the “China Travel” boom showcases China’s appeal and openness.

    According to data released by multiple tourism platforms, during the National Day holiday, the number of travel orders by foreign tourists to China grew by around 60 percent year-on-year, and many Chinese cities have become popular destinations. Also, relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, recently rolled out facilitation measures for foreign travelers to China.

    In response to a related query, spokesperson Mao Ning said at a daily news briefing that China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 24 countries, offers visa-free entry policy for 16 countries, and extends 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 54 countries.

    “It’s increasingly easier and more enjoyable for foreign tourists to visit China,” Mao said, adding that Beijing unveiled the brochure titled “Welcome to Beijing: Essential Tips for New Arrivals,” which offers a bird’s-eye view of all kinds of services and information. Shanghai equipped its taxis and subway stations with payment devices that accept foreign bankcards. Eight cities including Chengdu and Xi’an launched new steps on a pilot basis to make payment easier for foreigners in China, she added.

    “China will open wider to the world and make cross-border travel easier. We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, enjoy the beautiful landscape and experience the charm of the country,” said Mao.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: National Day holiday consumption displays China’s economic vitality, potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Tourists taste food at the Qianmen pedestrian street in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s just-concluded National Day holiday ignited a surge in consumer activity, fueled by a dynamic blend of travel demand and targeted incentives, highlighting the strong economic vitality of the world’s second largest economy.

    Over the seven-day holiday ending on Monday, more than 2 billion cross-regional trips were made nationwide, according to the Ministry of Transport, representing a 4.1-percent average daily increase compared to 2023.

    The surge in travel not only boosted tourism-related industries but also stimulated consumer spending across various sectors — highlighting the resilience of China’s domestic market during and beyond the holiday period.

    Local governments and businesses responded to the travel rush with innovative initiatives, such as consumer vouchers and home appliance trade-in programs, aimed at tapping into the holiday spirit and bolstering consumption.

    Tourism boom with inbound surge

    The holiday unleashed a travel frenzy. During the holiday period, a remarkable 765 million domestic trips were made, marking a 5.9 percent year-on-year increase, with total tourist spending surging 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.11 billion U.S. dollars).

    The travel boom was fueled by a growing demand for diverse tourism experiences, with domestic bookings of travel packages, including flights, hotels and dining, jumping by 40 percent, according to Fliggy, a popular travel platform.

    Data from Trip.com, another leading travel platform, showed that outbound travel orders had surpassed 2019 level, driven by trips to popular destinations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

    Notably, inbound tourism exceeded outbound travel, with inbound orders skyrocketing by 60 percent year on year during the holiday, as more foreign tourists flocked to China, drawn by its unique blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks and vibrant modern attractions.

    The China Tourism Academy predicts that foreign arrivals in the second half of 2024 will exceed 15 million, with the inbound tourism market expected to return to 2019 level, marking the start of a new growth cycle.

    Cultural tourism flourished during the holiday, seeing activities like museum visits, exhibitions and immersive experiences becoming major highlights. Beijing, for instance, hosted over 900 cultural events, an 11-percent increase compared with last year.

    Fueled by the blockbuster video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” north China’s Shanxi has recently seen a phenomenal travel boom, as this province is home to many of the stunning locations featured in the game.

    Analysts expect that as more travelers engage with diverse cultures, the vibrant growth of China’s economy and the richness of its cultural heritage will be fully showcased.

    Spending boost with policy support

    The holiday also sparked a wave of consumer activity, with government-backed incentives playing a key role in heating up the market.

    China unveiled an action plan in March this year to implement a program of large-scale equipment upgrades and trade-ins of consumer goods to expand domestic demand, and stepped up policy support in July with an extra funds injection of 300 billion yuan via ultra-long special treasury bonds.

    Encouraged by the trade-in policy and automaker discounts, the holiday period saw new car sales increase by 11.7 percent — with new energy vehicle sales surging 45.8 percent year on year.

    During the holiday, JD.com, a leading online retailer, reported an increase of 67 percent in home appliance sales compared with 2023, while home appliance retailer, Suning, saw trade-in orders rising by 132 percent year on year.

    According to the Ministry of Commerce, in the first three days of the holiday, 1.04 million consumers purchased 1.55 million home appliances under the trade-in program, contributing to sales of 7.36 billion yuan.

    Powered by the travel and tourism surge, the dining sector across China sizzled with energy. Data from Meituan, one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms for services, showed that from Oct.1 to 5, daily average dine-in consumption rose 33.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

    Audiences packed cinemas, with a total of 2.1 billion yuan in box office takings recorded during the holiday.

    Local governments rolled out policy measures to spur consumption. Shanghai, for instance, injected 5 billion yuan into vouchers for dining, entertainment and shopping, while cities including Chongqing hosted a variety of promotions to spark consumption.

    “The robust holiday consumption highlights China’s vast market, and its strong economic resilience and great potential,” said Xu Guangjian, a professor at the Renmin University of China.

    The accelerated integration of culture, sports and tourism, along with evolving business models, is creating new opportunities for sustained growth, further consolidating the role of consumption as a key driver of the economy, Xu noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China handles about 6.3B parcels during holiday

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An exhibitor operates an unmanned autonomous delivery vehicle for courier service displayed at the World Intelligence Expo 2024 in north China’s Tianjin, June 20, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s postal and express delivery industry handled around 6.3 billion parcels during the seven-day National Day holiday that ended on Monday, reflecting vibrant tourism and consumption during the period.

    A total of 3.16 billion parcels were collected during the holiday, with the average daily collection volume increasing by 28.4 percent compared with the National Day holiday last year, according to data released by the State Post Bureau on Tuesday.

    The number of parcels delivered totaled 3.12 billion, and the daily volume of delivered parcels during the period expanded by 26.7 percent from the National Day holiday period in 2023.

    Relevant enterprises have taken multiple measures to meet the robust demand nationwide, including extending service times and cooperating with cultural and tourism enterprises, said the bureau.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: National Day holiday sees surge in online payments

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An Indian passenger (L) asks about Weixin Pay, one of China’s major mobile payment platforms, at Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, April 3, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China’s just-concluded National Day holiday has seen strong consumption momentum, as indicated by a surge in the number of transactions made via Weixin Pay, a major e-payment method in China.

    Over the week-long holiday ending on Monday, the total number of online and offline transactions going through Weixin Pay increased by 20 percent year on year, said a report released by WeChat, an all-in-one social media app operated by Tencent.

    According to the report, cross-border transactions using the service during the period surged by 68 percent compared to last year, suggesting high demand for overseas travel. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), Macao SAR, Thailand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Japan are among the most popular overseas destinations based on the transaction figures.

    Meanwhile, Hong Kong residents were also active shoppers on the Chinese mainland during the holiday, with both the number and amount of transactions using WeChat Pay approximately doubling year on year, it said.

    A boom in tourism and consumption has characterized this year’s National Day holiday, during which 765 million domestic trips were made, marking a yearly increase of 5.9 percent, while domestic tourist spending climbed 6.3 percent to 700.8 billion yuan (about 99.11 billion U.S. dollars), according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan duty-free sales exceed $110M

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    This aerial photo taken on April 4, 2023 shows the Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Offshore duty-free shops on south China’s island province of Hainan generated 785 million yuan (about 111 million U.S. dollars) in sales during the recent National Day holiday, local customs said Tuesday.

    Hainan’s offshore duty-free shops received some 110,200 customers with per capita consumption of 7,124 yuan during this period, Haikou Customs confirmed.

    China released a master plan in June 2020 to build Hainan into a globally influential and high-level free-trade port by the middle of the century. During recent years, the island province has become an attractive shopping destination for domestic consumers.

    Following years of efforts to enhance the local tourism and shopping sector, Hainan now boasts 12 offshore duty-free shops.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How do you stop elephant herds from trashing crops and trees? Target sensitive nostrils with a ‘scent fence’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Patrick Finnerty, Postdoctoral research fellow in conservation, University of Sydney

    Elephant numbers are surging in southern Africa, with fewer natural predators, reduced hunting pressure and feeding by farmers and tourist operators.

    While this is good for elephants, it’s making life harder for humans who live near them. These huge herbivores can raid crops and destroy large trees in national parks with impunity, causing problems for farmers and land managers alike.

    Traditional solutions aren’t ideal. Culling is controversial, and building fences strong enough to deter elephants is very expensive.

    But there’s another option: a fence made of scent. We have explored how specific plant scents can stop wallabies from eating native seedlings. The technique works on Australian herbivores. Would it work for southern Africa’s much larger elephants?

    Our new research put this idea to the test. We mimicked the scent of a shrub known as common guarri (Euclea undulata), which elephants avoid eating, and built a Y-shaped maze for elephants. We placed the scent on one side of the Y and left the other side scent-free.

    The results were clear – our elephants voted with their trunks and avoided the stinky side. This suggests scent could play a useful role in fending off hungry pachyderms.

    How can elephants be a problem?

    The world has three species of elephant. The small Asian elephant is endangered while the even smaller African forest elephant, which lives in rainforests in West Africa and the Congo Basin, is critically endangered.

    But the largest species, the African savannah elephant, is bouncing back in southern Africa from decades of poaching and habitat loss.

    This is great on a conservation front. But it brings fresh problems. As elephant herds expand, they increasingly come into conflict with people – especially farmers. Losing a year’s crop to hungry elephants is devastating. When farmers try to stop them, the elephants can attack and even kill.

    In large numbers, elephants can damage the natural environment like other herbivores – but even more so. In South Africa’s Kruger National Park and other wild places, their enormous appetites have reshaped whole plant communities. The plants elephants like disappear, while those they don’t spread. Elephants also destroy large trees and prevent the growth of new ones.

    Oranges unable to be sold by Zimbabwean farmers are dumped, which attracts elephants and fuels population growth.

    As elephant numbers grow, desperate farmers and land managers have scrambled for solutions. Killing problem elephants has been a common fix. But the practice now faces strong public opposition. Fencing is costly and usually impractical for lower-income farming areas. Other deterrents, such as using flashing lights and annoying sounds to scare off the pachyderms have had mixed success.

    Curiously, elephants are scared stiff of bees. This knowledge has been used effectively by Kenyan farmers, who install beehives around their fields. Studies have shown the technique deters up to 80% of elephants. This method has limits, though, as there are only so many bees an area can sustain and maintaining hives takes work.

    The scent defence

    To deter an elephant, it helps to think like an elephant. We’ve long known carnivores rely heavily on scent to find prey. But scent is very important to herbivores too, as our team has explored. Herbivores rely on smell to tell them which plants to eat and which to avoid.

    In Australia, we have used this knowledge to artificially replicate the scent of boronia pinnata, a flowering shrub which swamp wallabies avoid. These wallabies are the local native equivalent of deer in their eating habits – they eat many different plants, including tree seedlings land managers would rather they did not.
    When we put vials of boronia scent next to vulnerable native seedlings in Sydney’s Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, we found these seedlings were 20 times less likely to be found and eaten by pesky wallabies.

    Researchers have found similar scent “misinformation” tactics substantially reduced how many eggs from threatened birds were eaten by invasive predators such as ferrets, cats and hedgehogs in New Zealand, while others have found it can reduce losses of wheat grain to house mice in Australia.

    But would this approach work on elephants? We were hopeful. We know elephants can smell water from afar. Better still, elephants have the strongest sense of smell of any land animal.

    We went to South Africa to test it out.

    Our entire research team, including humans and elephants.
    Patrick Finnerty, CC BY-NC-ND

    A proof of concept

    We set up our experiment at the Adventures with Elephants tourism and research centre north of Johannesburg, which is home to six semi-tame elephants.

    Here, we built a large maze shaped like a Y to let us test our idea in a controlled and safe environment. This is essential when working with temperamental animals weighing up to six tonnes.

    From almost ten meters away, elephants had to choose which path through the Y to follow using only their sense of smell. Plants and odour vials were hidden down each arm of the maze, ensuring the animals were not using vision to choose. Both exits to the maze contained lots of leaves and stems of the jacket plum (pappea capensis), a tree elephants love to eat. On one side of the Y, we placed a single glass vial containing just 1 millilitre of a mixture mimicking the smell of common guarri.

    It took just 1 ml of this scent to nudge elephants to go elsewhere.
    Patrick Finnerty

    The results were exciting. Time and time again, the elephants avoided the side where the artificial odour was present.

    An elephant stands at the top of the Y maze, scents the unpleasant plant on the right arm, and chooses to walk down the left arm.

    Scaling up

    Our results suggest using scent could provide a practical way we could avoid human-elephant conflicts and help people protect crops and national parks at a larger scale.

    Combining artificial odours with existing control measures such as fencing or beehives could offer more accessible and cost-effective methods to live alongside elephants.

    What’s next? We aim to scale up this research in the hope of creating a practical, versatile and cheap tool which people in elephant territory can use to protect crops, trees, and houses from these giant herbivores.

    We acknowledge our research co-authors, Clare McArthur and Peter Banks (University of Sydney) Adrian Shrader (University of Pretoria) and Melissa Schmitt (University of North Dakota), and Paul Finnerty for help designing and constructing the maze. We also thank Sean Hensman and the staff at Adventures With Elephants, South Africa, for allowing us to conduct our study on their premises.

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

    – ref. How do you stop elephant herds from trashing crops and trees? Target sensitive nostrils with a ‘scent fence’ – https://theconversation.com/how-do-you-stop-elephant-herds-from-trashing-crops-and-trees-target-sensitive-nostrils-with-a-scent-fence-239593

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore via video conferencing

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi lays foundation stone for various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore via video conferencing

    Inaugurates 10 Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra

    Lays foundation stone for upgradation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur

    Lays foundation stone for New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport

    Inaugurates Indian Institute of Skills Mumbai and Vidya Samiksha Kendra, Maharashtra

    Launch of projects in Maharashtra will enhance infrastructure, boost connectivity and empower the youth: PM

    Posted On: 09 OCT 2024 3:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore via video conference today. The projects of today include the foundation stone laying of the upgradation of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur and the New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport. Shri Modi also launched the operationalization of 10 Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra and inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS), Mumbai and Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) of Maharashtra.

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that Maharashtra is being presented with 10 new Medical colleges and important infrastructure projects including the modernization and expansion of Nagpur Airport and construction of a new terminal building for Shirdi Airport. He congratulated the people of Maharashtra for the development projects of today.

    Recalling his visit to Mumbai and Thane to inaugurate projects worth Rs 30,000 crore, the Prime Minister mentioned that development projects worth thousands of crores such as the expansion of Metro network, upgradation of airports, highway projects, infrastructure, solar energy and textile parks have been initiated in various districts earlier. Shri Modi underlined that new initiatives have been undertaken for farmers, fishermen and animal keepers while the foundation stone for Wadhawan Port – India’s largest container port has also been laid in Maharashtra. The Prime Minister remarked, “Never in the history of Maharashtra has development taken place at such a fast pace, on such a large scale, in different sectors.”

    Recalling the recent recognition of Marathi as a classical language, the Prime Minister remarked that when a language gets its due respect, it’s not just the words but the entire generation gets a voice. He added that the dream of crores of Marathi brethren was fulfilled with this. Shri Modi noted that the people of Maharashtra celebrated the recognition of Marathi as a classical language. He added that he was receiving messages of happiness and gratitude from people across the villages of Maharashtra. Shri Modi remarked that the recognition of Marathi as a classical language was not his work but a result of the blessings of people of Maharashtra. The Prime Minister underlined that the works of progress in Maharashtra were underway due to the blessings of luminaries like Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Baba Saheb Ambedkar, Jyothiba Phule and Savitribai Phule.

    The Prime Minister noted that the results of the assembly elections  published yesterday for Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir and the voters of Haryana had clearly revealed the mood of the people of the country. He added that the victory in Haryana for the third consecutive time after successful completion of two terms was historic.

    Prime Minister Modi cautioned against those who play divisive politics and mislead the voters for personal gains. He also pointed out attempts to induce fear among Muslims in India and convert them into votebank and also expressed disdain towards those indulging in casteism in Hinduism for their benefit. Shri Modi warned against those trying to break Hindu society in India for political gains. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the people of Maharashtra would reject efforts to break the society.

    In the last 10 years, the Prime Minister said that the government has begun a ‘Maha Yajna’ of creating modern infrastructure for the development of the nation. “Today, we are not only constructing buildings but laying the foundation of a healthy and prosperous Maharashtra”, the Prime Minister said, referring to the inauguration of 10 new  Medical colleges in the state to improve the lives of lakhs of people. He said that Thane, Ambernath, Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Buldhana, Hingoli, Washim, Amravati, Bhankdara and Gadchiroli districts would become centers of service for lakhs of people. The Prime Minister underscored that the 10 new Medical colleges would further add 900 medical seats in Maharashtra taking the total number of medical seats in the state to about 6000. Recalling his resolve to add 75,000 new medical seats from the Red Fort, the Prime Minister said that today’s event is a big step in this direction.

    Adding that the Government had eased the Medical Education, the Prime Minister remarked that the doors to new avenues were opened for the youth of Maharashtra. He added that the priority of the government was to ensure that as many children from poor and middle class families become doctors and their dreams are fulfilled. Shri Modi said that at one point of time, there was a huge challenge of non-availability of books  in mother tongue for such specialized studies. The Prime Minister said that the Government  ended this discrimination and the youth of Maharashtra would be able to study medicine in Marathi language. He added that the youth will fulfill their dream of becoming doctors, by studying in their mother-tongue.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the Government’s effort to make life comfortable was a big medium to fight against poverty. Lambasting the previous Governments for making poverty the fuel of their politics, he added that his government has lifted 25 crore people out of poverty within a decade. Elaborating on the transformation of health services in the country, Shri Modi said “Today, every poor person has an Ayushman card for free medical treatment”. He added that recently the elderly aged above 70 years were also getting free medical treatment. Shri Modi noted that the Essential medicines were available at very low prices at Jan Aushadhi Kendras and the stents for heart patients were made cheaper by 80-85 percent. He added that the Government had also reduced the prices of medicines necessary for cancer treatment. Adding that medical treatment had become cheaper due to the increase in the number of government medical colleges and hospitals, Shri Modi said “Today the Modi government has given a strong shield of social security to the poorest of the poor.”

    The Prime Minister emphasized that the world only trusts a country when its youth is filled with confidence. He noted that the confidence of today’s young India is writing the story of a new future for the nation and highlighted that the global community sees India as a significant hub for human resources, with vast opportunities in education, healthcare, and software development across the globe. To prepare India’s youth for these opportunities, the Prime Minister informed that the government is aligning their skills with global standards. The Prime Minister mentioned the launch of various projects in Maharashtra, including the Vidya Samiksha Kendra, aimed at advancing the educational framework and the inauguration of the Indian Institute of Skills in Mumbai, where future-oriented training will be provided to align the talent of young individuals with market demands. Further, Shri Modi highlighted the government’s initiative of offering paid internships to youth, a first in India’s history, where students will receive a stipend of Rs 5,000 during their internship. He expressed happiness that thousands of companies are registering to be a part of this initiative thereby helping young individuals gain valuable experience and opening new opportunities for them.

    The Prime Minister said India’s efforts for its youth are yielding significant results. He said that India’s educational institutions are standing on par with the top institutes globally and highlighted the growing quality of higher education and research in India as released by World University Rankings only yesterday.

    Shri Modi said that the world’s eyes are now on India as the country has become the fifth-largest economy. “Future of the global economy is in India”, the Prime Minister remarked, noting the new opportunities brought by economic progress, especially in sectors that were once neglected for decades. He gave the example of tourism and pointed out the lost opportunities in the past to fully utilize Maharashtra’s invaluable heritage, beautiful natural sites and spiritual centers to develop the state into a billion-dollar economy.

    The Prime Minister stressed that the present government includes both development and heritage. Touching upon building a bright future inspired by India’s rich past, the Prime Minister mentioned the new terminal at Shirdi Airport, the modernization of Nagpur Airport and other development projects underway in Maharashtra. He said that the new terminal at Shirdi Airport will greatly benefit devotees of Sai Baba allowing more visitors from across the country and abroad. He also spoke about inaugurating the upgraded Solapur Airport which will now enable devotees to visit nearby spiritual destinations such as Shani Shingnapur, Tulja Bhavani and Kailas Temple thereby, boosting Maharashtra’s tourism economy and creating employment opportunities.

    “Every decision and every policy of our government is dedicated to only one goal – Viksit Bharat!”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He added that the Government’s vision for the same was welfare of the poor, farmers, youth and women. Therefore, he added that every development project was dedicated to the poor villagers, laborers and farmers. Shri Modi highlighted that the separate cargo complex being built at Shirdi Airport would help the farmers a lot as various types of agricultural products could be exported across the country and abroad. He added that farmers of Shirdi, Lasalgaon, Ahilyanagar and Nashik would benefit from the cargo complex by easily being able to transport products like onion, grapes, guava and pomegranate to the big market.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the government was constantly taking necessary steps in the interest of farmers such as abolishing the minimum export price on Basmati rice, removal of ban on export of non-Basmati rice, reducing the export duty on parboiled rice by half. He added that the government has also reduced the export tax on onions by half to increase the income of farmers of Maharashtra. Shri Modi also added that the Government had decided to impose a 20 percent tax on the import of edible oils and significantly increase the custom duty on refined soybean, sunflower and palm oil to help the farmers of India to benefit with higher prices for crops like mustard, soybean and sunflower. Shri Modi also added that the way the government was supporting the textile industry the cotton farmers of Maharashtra would be greatly benefitted.

    Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that the resolve of the present government is to strengthen Maharashtra. He expressed happiness with the state’s pace of progress and congratulated the people of Maharashtra for all the development projects of today.

    Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C P Radhakrishnan, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis were virtually present on the occasion.

    Background

    The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the upgradation of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur with a total estimated project cost of around Rs 7000 crore. It will serve as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, aviation, tourism, logistics, and healthcare, benefiting Nagpur city and the wider Vidarbha region.

    The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport worth over Rs 645 crore. It will provide world-class facilities and amenities for the religious tourists coming to Shirdi. The construction theme of the proposed terminal is based on the spiritual neem tree of Sai Baba.

    In line with his commitment to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all, the Prime Minister launched the operationalization of 10 Government Medical Colleges in Maharashtra located at Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Gadchiroli, Buldhana, Washim, Bhandara, Hingoli and Ambernath (Thane). While enhancing the undergraduate and postgraduate seats, the colleges will also offer specialized tertiary healthcare to the people.

    In line with his vision to position India as the ‘Skill Capital of the World’,  the Prime Minister also inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Mumbai, with an aim to create an industry-ready workforce with cutting-edge technology and hands-on training. Established under a Public-Private Partnership model, it is a collaboration between the Tata Education and Development Trust and Government of India. The institute plans to provide training in highly specialized areas like mechatronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, industrial automation and robotics among others.

    Further, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) of Maharashtra. VSK will provide students, teachers, and administrators with access to crucial academic and administrative data through live chatbots such as Smart Upasthiti, Swadhyay among others. It will offer high-quality insights to schools to manage resources effectively, strengthen ties between parents and the state, and deliver responsive support. It will also supply curated instructional resources to enhance teaching practices and student learning.

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