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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ask UConn Extension: What to Know about Raising Backyard Poultry

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Raising backyard poultry is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh eggs, meat, and even companionship while contributing to a sustainable food system. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced poultry keeper, understanding the essentials of poultry selection, housing, health management, and biosecurity is key to maintaining a healthy and productive flock.

    Getting Started

    Before bringing home birds, check local regulations. Some areas restrict poultry ownership or limit certain species. Decide who will care for the birds and clarify your goals—whether it’s for egg production, meat, exhibition, or personal enjoyment. You’ll also need to consider housing: do you have an existing structure, or will you need to build one?

    Choosing the Right Birds

    Selecting birds that match your needs and climate is crucial. Popular egg-laying breeds include Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, and Sussex, while broiler breeds like Cornish Cross are best for meat. Dual-purpose breeds, such as Plymouth Rocks and Orpingtons, provide both meat and eggs.

    Temperament also matters, especially if children will be involved. Some breeds are docile and easy to handle, while others are more flighty. Climate adaptability is another key factor—cold-hardy breeds like Rhode Island Reds and Buff Orpingtons thrive in colder regions. Waterfowl options include Pekin and Rouen ducks, as well as Toulouse and Embden geese. Heritage turkey breeds, such as Broad Breasted Bronze and Narragansett, can also do well with proper care.

    To ensure healthy birds, purchase from a reputable hatchery certified by the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). NPIP certification helps prevent the spread of diseases like Salmonella and avian influenza. Some hatcheries also offer vaccinations for common poultry diseases such as Marek’s disease, which is especially important for outdoor-raised chickens.

    Acquiring Your Poultry

    Birds can be purchased from hatcheries, farm stores, local breeders, or poultry swaps. Hatcheries offer a wide selection and ship day-old chicks directly to your home, often with vaccination options. Farm stores provide convenience but may have a limited selection and mix birds from different sources, increasing disease risks. Local breeders can offer high-quality or rare breeds but require careful vetting to ensure the flock’s health.

    Regardless of where you buy, prepare a proper setup before the birds arrive. Chicks need a brooder with heat, food, and water, while older birds require secure housing. Always quarantine new birds for at least two weeks before introducing them to an existing flock to monitor for illness and prevent disease spread.

    Proper Housing

    A well-designed poultry house protects birds from weather, predators, and disease. Key features include:

    • Shelter: A dry, ventilated space free from drafts.
    • Space: At least two to four square feet per bird inside the coop, plus an outdoor run.
    • Bedding: Straw, wood shavings, or sand to absorb moisture and provide comfort.
    • Predator Protection: Secure coops with hardware cloth (not chicken wire), locking doors, and enclosed runs to deter raccoons, foxes, and hawks.
    • Ease of Maintenance: Nesting boxes should be easy to access for egg collection, and perches should be placed at varying heights for roosting. Regular cleaning prevents disease buildup.

    Biosecurity: Protecting Your Flock

    Biosecurity is essential to prevent the introduction and spread of disease. Key practices include:

    • Quarantine: Keep new birds separate for two weeks before adding them to your flock.
    • Limit Exposure: Prevent contact with wild birds, which can carry diseases like avian influenza.
    • Control Visitors: Restrict visitors to your poultry area and ensure they follow hygiene practices.
    • Sanitation: Clean coops, feeders, and waterers regularly. Provide dry bedding and uncontaminated water.

    Understanding Avian Influenza

    Avian influenza (bird flu) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds. It spreads through direct contact with infected birds, secretions, and contaminated surfaces. Signs include respiratory distress, swelling, decreased egg production, and sudden death.

    To prevent bird flu infection:

    • Keep domestic poultry separate from wild birds and limit their exposure to free-range areas.
    • Secure feed and water sources.
    • Implement proper biosecurity measures.
    • Regularly clean and sanitize all equipment and facilities.

    If avian influenza is suspected, report it immediately to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. Cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) kills the virus, making them safe to consume.

    Raising backyard poultry requires planning and commitment, but it can be a fulfilling endeavor. Choosing the right birds, providing proper housing, implementing biosecurity measures, and staying informed about poultry health are key to maintaining a thriving flock. With responsible management, backyard poultry can provide fresh food and enjoyment for years to come.

    Read the fact sheet, Backyard Poultry: A Quick Look at Raising Healthy Birds, for more information.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CareCloud Announces Preferred Stock Dividend Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOMERSET, N.J., March 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CareCloud, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CCLD, CCLDO, CCLDP), a leader in healthcare technology and generative AI solutions for medical practices and health systems nationwide, announced today that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has declared monthly cash dividends for its 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) and its 8.75% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) for March and April 2025.

    The following table shows the monthly dividends and associated record and payment dates:

        March 2025     April 2025  
    Series A dividend per share   $ 0.18229     $ 0.18229  
    Series A additional payment per share   $ 0.04688     $ 0.04688  
    Series B dividend per share   $ 0.18229     $ 0.18229  
    Ex-dividend date     March 31, 2025       April 30, 2025  
    Record date     March 31, 2025       April 30, 2025  
    Payment date     April 15, 2025       May 15, 2025  

    Holders of shares of the Series A Preferred Stock as of the record date are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.75% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $2.1875 per annum per share). Additionally, since this payment will be credited against the oldest dividend due (at which point in time, the cash dividend rate was 11% per annum), the Board authorized an additional payment equal to 2.25% per share of Series A Preferred Stock. For clarity, previous holders of Series A Preferred Stock that were converted on March 6, 2025, already received dividends paid in shares up and through March 6, 2025, and will not receive either the dividend payment or the additional payment per share.

    Holders of shares of the Series B Preferred Stock as of the record date are entitled to receive cumulative cash dividends at the rate of 8.75% per annum of the $25.00 per share liquidation preference (equivalent to $2.1875 per annum per share).

    Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are cumulative and payable monthly on the 15th day of each month; provided that if any dividend payment date is not a business day, then the dividend may be paid on the next succeeding business day. Dividends are payable to holders of record on the applicable record date, which shall be the last day of the calendar month, whether or not a business day.

    About CCLDP

    Due to the mandatory conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock into common stock on March 6, 2025, the Company formally notified the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC of its intent to voluntarily delist its Series A Preferred Stock from the Nasdaq Global Market since the security no longer complies with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements. The Company may, at its option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem additional shares of the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption.

    About CCLDO

    CareCloud’s Series B Preferred Stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol “CCLDO.” Commencing on February 15, 2024, the Company may, at its option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, for cash at redemption prices of either $25.50 per share (for redemptions on and after February 15, 2025 and prior to February 15, 2026), $25.25 per share (for redemptions on and after February 15, 2026 and prior to February 15, 2027), or $25.00 per share (for redemptions on and after February 25, 2027), plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the date fixed for redemption. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company may, at its option, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ written notice, redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, within 120 days after the first date on which such Change of Control occurred, for cash at a redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon to, but not including, the redemption date.

    About CareCloud

    CareCloud brings disciplined innovation to the business of healthcare. Our suite of technology-enabled solutions helps clients increase financial and operational performance, streamline clinical workflows and improve the patient experience. More than 40,000 providers count on CareCloud to help them improve patient care while reducing administrative burdens and operating costs. Learn more about our products and services including revenue cycle management (RCM), practice management (PM), electronic health records (EHR), business intelligence, patient experience management (PXM) and digital health at www.carecloud.com.

    Follow CareCloud on LinkedIn, X and Facebook.

    Disclaimer

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains various forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “shall,” “should,” “could”, “intends,” “expects,” “plans,” “goals,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “possible,” “potential,” “target,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.

    Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements reflecting management’s expectations for future financial performance and operating expenditures, expected growth, profitability and business outlook, the impact of pandemics on our financial performance and business activities, and the expected results from the integration of our acquisitions.

    These forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our (or our industry’s) actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. New risks and uncertainties emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of the risks and uncertainties that could have an impact on the forward-looking statements, including without limitation, risks and uncertainties relating to the Company’s ability to manage growth, migrate newly acquired customers and retain new and existing customers, maintain cost-effective global operations, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs, predict and properly adjust to changes in reimbursement and other industry regulations and trends, retain the services of key personnel, develop new technologies, upgrade and adapt legacy and acquired technologies to work with evolving industry standards, compete with other companies’ products and services competitive with ours, and other important risks and uncertainties referenced and discussed under the heading titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligations to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

    SOURCE CareCloud

    Company Contact:
    Norman Roth
    Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller
    CareCloud, Inc.
    nroth@carecloud.com

    Investor Contact:
    Stephen Snyder
    Co-Chief Executive Officer
    CareCloud, Inc.
    ir@carecloud.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Marshall Islands: How the Rongelap evacuation changed the course of history

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Giff Johnson, editor of the Marshall Islands Journal and RNZ Pacific correspondent in Majuro

    The late Member of Parliament Jeton Anjain and the people of the nuclear test-affected Rongelap Atoll changed the course of the history of the Marshall Islands by using Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior ship to evacuate their radioactive home islands 40 years ago.

    They did this by taking control of their own destiny after decades of being at the mercy of the United States nuclear testing programme and its aftermath.

    In 1954, the US tested the Bravo hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll, spewing high-level radioactive fallout on unsuspecting Rongelap Islanders nearby.

    For years after the Bravo test, decisions by US government doctors and scientists caused Rongelap Islanders to be continuously exposed to additional radiation.

    Marshall Islands traditional and government leaders joined Greenpeace representatives in showing off tapa banners with the words “Justice for Marshall Islands” during the dockside welcome ceremony earlier this week in Majuro. Image: Giff Johnson/RNZ Pacific

    The 40th anniversary of the dramatic evacuation of Rongelap Atoll in 1985 by the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior — a few weeks before French secret agents bombed the ship in Auckland harbour — was spotlighted this week in Majuro with the arrival of Greenpeace’s flagship Rainbow Warrior III to a warm welcome combining top national government leaders, the Rongelap Atoll Local Government and the Rongelap community.

    “We were displaced, our lives were disrupted, and our voices ignored,” said MP Hilton Kendall, who represents Rongelap in the Marshall Islands Parliament, at the welcome ceremony in Majuro earlier in the week.

    “In our darkest time, Greenpeace stood with us.”

    ‘Evacuated people to safety’
    He said the Rainbow Warrior “evacuated the people to safety” in 1985.

    Greenpeace would “forever be remembered by the people of Rongelap,” he added.

    The Able US nuclear test at Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands on 1 July 1946. Image: US National Archives

    In 1984, Jeton Anjain — like most Rongelap people who were living on the nuclear test-affected atoll — knew that Rongelap was unsafe for continued habitation.

    There was not a single scientist or medical doctor among their community although Jeton was a trained dentist, and they mainly depended on US Department of Energy-provided doctors and scientists for health care and environmental advice.

    They were always told not to worry and that everything was fine.

    Crew of the Rainbow Warrior and other Greenpeace officials — including two crew members from the original Rainbow Warrior, Bunny McDiarmid and Henk Hazen, from Aotearoa New Zealand – were welcomed to the Marshall Islands during a dockside ceremony in Majuro to mark the 40th anniversary of the evacuation of Rongelap Atoll. Image: Giff Johnson/RNZ Pacific

    But it wasn’t, as the countless thyroid tumors, cancers, miscarriages and surgeries confirmed.

    As the desire of Rongelap people to evacuate their homeland intensified in 1984, unbeknown to them Greenpeace was hatching a plan to dispatch the Rainbow Warrior on a Pacific voyage the following year to turn a spotlight on the nuclear test legacy in the Marshall Islands and the ongoing French nuclear testing at Moruroa in French Polynesia.

    A Rainbow Warrior question
    As I had friends in the Greenpeace organisation, I was contacted early on in its planning process with the question: How could a visit by the Rainbow Warrior be of use to the Marshall Islands?

    Jeton and I were good friends by 1984, and had worked together on advocacy for Rongelap since the late 1970s. I informed him that Greenpeace was planning a visit and without hesitation he asked me if the ship could facilitate the evacuation of Rongelap.

    At this time, Jeton had already initiated discussions with Kwajalein traditional leaders to locate an island that they could settle in that atoll.

    I conveyed Jeton’s interest in the visit to Greenpeace, and a Greenpeace International board member, the late Steve Sawyer, who coordinated the Pacific voyage of the Rainbow Warrior, arranged a meeting for the three of us in Seattle to discuss ideas.

    Jeton and I flew to Seattle and met Steve. After the usual preliminaries, Jeton asked Steve if the Rainbow Warrior could assist Rongelap to evacuate their community to Mejatto Island in Kwajalein Atoll, a distance of about 250 km.

    Steve responded in classic Greenpeace campaign thinking, which is what Greenpeace has proved effective in doing over many decades. He said words to the effect that the Rainbow Warrior could aid a “symbolic evacuation” by taking a small group of islanders from Rongelap to Majuro or Ebeye and holding a media conference publicising their plight with ongoing radiation exposure.

    “No,” said Jeton firmly. He wasn’t talking about a “symbolic” evacuation. He told Steve: “We want to evacuate Rongelap, the entire community and the housing, too.”

    Steve Sawyer taken aback
    Steve was taken aback by what Jeton wanted. Steve simply hadn’t considered the idea of evacuating the entire community.

    But we could see him mulling over this new idea and within minutes, as his mind clicked through the significant logistics hurdles for evacuation of the community — including that it would take three-to-four trips by the Rainbow Warrior between Rongelap and Mejatto to accomplish it — Steve said it was possible.

    And from that meeting, planning for the 1985 Marshall Islands visit began in earnest.

    I offer this background because when the evacuation began in early May 1985, various officials from the United States government sharply criticised Rongelap people for evacuating their atoll, saying there was no radiological hazard to justify the move and that they were being manipulated by Greenpeace for its own anti-nuclear agenda.

    Women from the nuclear test-affected Rongelap Atoll greeted the Rainbow Warrior and its crew with songs and dances this week as part of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the evacuation of Rongelap Atoll in 1985 by the Rainbow Warrior. Image: Giff Johnson/RNZ Pacific

    This condescending American government response suggested Rongelap people did not have the brain power to make important decisions for themselves.

    But it also showed the US government’s lack of understanding of the gravity of the situation in which Rongelap Islanders lived day in and day out in a highly radioactive environment.

    The Bravo hydrogen bomb test blasted Rongelap and nearby islands with snow-like radioactive fallout on 1 March 1954. The 82 Rongelap people were first evacuated to the US Navy base at Kwajalein for emergency medical treatment and the start of long-term studies by US government doctors.

    No radiological cleanup
    A few months later, they were resettled on Ejit Island in Majuro, the capital atoll, until 1957 when, with no radiological cleanup conducted, the US government said it was safe to return to Rongelap and moved the people back.

    “Even though the radioactive contamination of Rongelap Island is considered perfectly safe for human habitation, the levels of activity are higher than those found in other inhabited locations in the world,” said a Brookhaven National Laboratory report commenting on the return of Rongelap Islanders to their contaminated islands in 1957.

    It then stated plainly why the people were moved back: “The habitation of these people on the island will afford most valuable ecological radiation data on human beings.”

    And for 28 years, Rongelap people lived in one of the world’s most radioactive environments, consuming radioactivity through the food chain and by living an island life.

    Proving the US narrative of safety to be false, the 1985 evacuation forced the US Congress to respond by funding new radiological studies of Rongelap.

    Thanks to the determination of the soft-spoken but persistent leadership of Jeton, he ensured that a scientist chosen by Rongelap would be included in the study. And the new study did indeed identify health hazards, particularly for children, of living on Rongelap.

    The US Congress responded by appropriating US$45 million to a Rongelap Resettlement Trust Fund.

    Subsistence atoll life
    All of this was important — it both showed that islanders with a PhD in subsistence atoll life understood more about their situation than the US government’s university educated PhDs and medical doctors who showed up from time-to-time to study them, provide medical treatment, and tell them everything was fine on their atoll, and it produced a $45 million fund from the US government.

    However, this is only a fraction of the story about why the Rongelap evacuation in 1985 forever changed the US narrative and control of its nuclear test legacy in this country.

    The crew of Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior III vessel were serenaded by the Rongelap community to mark the 40th anniversary of the evacuation of Rongelap Islanders from their nuclear test-affected islands this week in Majuro. Image: Giff Johnson/RNZ Pacific

    Rongelap is the most affected population from the US hydrogen bomb testing programme in the 1950s.

    By living on Rongelap, the community confirmed the US government’s narrative that all was good and the nuclear test legacy was largely a relic of the past.

    The 1985 evacuation was a demonstration of the Rongelap community exerting control over their life after 31 years of dictates by US government doctors, scientists and officials.

    It was difficult building a new community on Mejatto Island, which was uninhabited and barren in 1985. Make no mistake, Rongelap people living on Mejatto suffered hardship and privation, especially in the first years after the 1985 resettlement.

    Nuclear legacy history
    Their perseverance, however, defined the larger ramification of the move to Mejatto: It changed the course of nuclear legacy history by people taking control of their future that forced a response from the US government to the benefit of the Rongelap community.

    Forty years later, the displacement of Rongelap Islanders on Mejatto and in other locations, unable to return to nuclear test contaminated Rongelap Atoll demonstrates clearly that the US nuclear testing legacy remains unresolved — unfinished business that is in need of a long-term, fair and just response from the US government.

    The Rainbow Warrior will be in Majuro until next week when it will depart for Mejatto Island to mark the 40th anniversary of the resettlement, and then voyage to other nuclear test-affected atolls around the Marshall Islands.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 76-2025: Services Restored: Friday 14 March 2025 – Biosecurity Portal, AAMP, BCST, EVE

    Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

    14 March 2025

    Who does this notice affect?

    Approved arrangements operators, customs brokers, importers, manned depots, and freight forwarders who are required to book and manage requests for inspections via the Biosecurity Portal.

    Approved arrangements operators who will be required to view and/or update details of their Approved Arrangement via the Approved Arrangement Management Product (AAMP).

    Approved arrangement operators attempting to access online reports of…

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Center Workers Form Union with CWA for Frontline Workers Serving LGBTQ+ Community

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    NEW YORK – Today, workers at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center) announced that they are forming a union with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1180.

     

    Members of the union organizing committee presented management with a request for voluntary recognition after an overwhelming majority of eligible staffers signed cards signaling their desire to be represented by the union. Organizers for the union also filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). If their request for voluntary recognition is granted, organizers will withdraw the NLRB petition.

     

    “The LGBTQ+ community suffers when workers are ignored, overworked, or forced to leave,” said Gloria Middleton, president of CWA Local 1180. “A union contract that secures good working conditions ensures that workers at The Center can best serve and support New York City’s LGBTQ+ community.”

     

    “Unionizing to me is the best thing we can do to support the center as people who love The Center,” said Shana Salzberg, a Youth Substance Use Treatment Coordinator. “I feel so lucky that my job as a counselor gets to be to help young people be their full selves. I want myself and my colleagues who love and are committed to this work to be able to work at The Center long term and be able sustain ourselves in the tough work we do day in and day out. For that, we need a union to ensure we are getting paid a fair wage and to support us in an unstable and scary time.”

     

    “I want to retain dedicated and talented staff who tell me, ‘I love the work but I struggle seeing how I can grow what I want out of life within it, things like a family,’” said Salem Joseph, a Youth Leadership Coordinator. “A union is about building collaborative dialogue with management that will help The Center retain critical staff and better serve the community.”

     

    “I’ve seen the dissonance between The Center’s values – of affordable healthcare for the LGTBQ+ community; of equitable pay – and the lived realities of the workers who keep The Center running,” said Silas Norum-Gross, a Youth Substance USE Counselor. “A union voice gives us the power to uphold these core values of The Center as we serve our community. This is not only better for us, it’s better for our community.”

     

    The union would represent more than 60 frontline workers, ranging from mental health counselors and youth services providers to front desk staff facing safety concerns on the job. The Center is a nonprofit organization that plays a vital role in the LGBTQ+ community, with dedicated staff providing services to more than 6,000 people each week. 

     

    Follow campaign updates on Instagram or X. 

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dumfries man sentenced to over 19 years in prison for a series of armed robberies and fentanyl possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Dumfries man was sentenced today to 19 years and two months in prison for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl.

    According to court documents, from March 6, 2024, through March 27, 2024, Dwayne Selman-Neville, 38, and a co-conspirator, Al Gibran Taylor, 42, of Reston, conspired to rob multiple local businesses throughout Northern Virginia.

    On March 8, 2024, Taylor entered a Starbucks in Herndon, jumped over the store’s counter, and pointed a handgun at employees. Taylor ordered the employees to open the store’s safe and give him cash. Taylor left the store with stolen money and fled with Selman-Neville who was waiting nearby in a vehicle.

    On March 11, 2024, Selman-Neville entered a check cashing store in Chantilly dressed as an Amazon delivery driver and carrying a cardboard box with an Amazon.com logo on it. Selman-Neville showed a cashier a piece of paper on the clipboard that stated, among other things, “This is a robbery.” Selman-Neville then grabbed the cashier’s arm and pushed her toward the store’s safe. When the cashier attempted to press a panic button, Selman-Neville said, “No, don’t do that, I’m going to kill you.” At Selman-Neville’s demand, the cashier took a tray of cash from the safe and gave it to him. Selman-Neville ran out of the store and fled with Taylor, who was waiting nearby in a vehicle. 

    On March 14, 2024, Selman-Neville and Taylor approached a drive-through window at a bank in Herndon. Either Selman-Neville or Taylor handed the drive-through teller a note stating, among other things, “This is a bank robbery. Follow your training and follow my instructions. I have an associate inside the bank right now, who is ready to kill on my signal.” The note demanded money from the bank and stated, “If you comply, no one will get hurt.” The teller left the drive-through window for a short period of time, and Selman-Neville and Taylor drove away before they could obtain any money.

    On March 14, 2024, Selman-Neville, again disguised as an Amazon delivery driver, entered a check cashing store in Annandale and spoke with the store’s cashier, who was behind a window. Approximately 40 seconds later, Selman-Neville walked out of the store after the cashier, who did not speak English, was unable to understand what Selman-Neville was saying to her.

    On March 26, 2024, Taylor was arrested by federal authorities for a different offense and detained pending trial.

    On March 27, 2024, Selman-Neville robbed a check cashing store in Woodbridge, once again dressed as an Amazon delivery driver. He drove to the store in a vehicle that he and Taylor had rented together the previous week. The store’s cashier area was separated by a window and a locking door from customers. As Selman-Neville approached the window, a cashier opened the door and took an Amazon box from Selman-Neville. Selman-Neville then grabbed this cashier by the arm and pushed her toward a cash register. Selman-Neville pointed a handgun at the cashier and another employee and ordered them to give him money. The employees complied and Selman-Neville ran to the rental vehicle and fled.

    On April 15, 2024, law enforcement arrested Selman-Neville and searched a residence where he had been staying. Investigators found clothes that Selman-Neville wore during some of the robberies, including a vest with an Amazon logo. They also found 280 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, 136 pills containing oxycodone, 46.37 grams of solid pink material containing methamphetamine, 26.07 grams of solid material containing dipentylone, and 7.23 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles. The Fairfax County Police Department and Prince William County Police Department assisted in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-220.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dual Russian And Israeli National Extradited To The United States For His Role In The LockBit Ransomware Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A dual Russian and Israeli national was extradited to the United States on charges that he was a developer of the LockBit ransomware group, United States Attorney John Giordano announced.

    In August, Rostislav Panev, 51, was arrested in Israel pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest request.  Today, Panev was extradited to the United States and had an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa where Panev was detained pending trial.

    “Rostislav Panev’s extradition to the District of New Jersey makes it clear: if you are a member of the LockBit ransomware conspiracy, the United States will find you and bring you to justice,” said United States Attorney John Giordano. “Even as the means and methods of cybercriminals become more sophisticated, my Office and our FBI, Criminal Division, and international law enforcement partners are more committed than ever to prosecuting these criminals.”

    “No one is safe from ransomware attacks, from individuals to institutions. Along with our international partners, the FBI continues to leave no stone unturned when it comes to following LockBit’s trail of destruction. We will continue to work tirelessly to prevent actors, such as Panev, from hacking their way to financial gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Newark Division Terence G. Reilly.

    According to the superseding complaint, documents filed in this and related cases, and statements made in court, Panev acted as a developer of the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. During that time, Panev and his LockBit coconspirators grew LockBit into what was, at times, the most active and destructive ransomware group in the world. The LockBit group attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States. Their victims ranged from individuals and small businesses to multinational corporations, including hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, critical infrastructure, and government and law-enforcement agencies. LockBit’s members extracted at least $500 million in ransom payments from their victims and caused billions of dollars in other losses, including lost revenue and costs from incident response and recovery.

    LockBit’s members were comprised of “developers,” like Panev, who designed the LockBit malware code and maintained the infrastructure on which LockBit operated. LockBit’s other members, called “affiliates,” carried out LockBit attacks and extorted ransom payments from LockBit victims. LockBit’s developers and affiliates would then split the ransom payments which were extorted from victims.

    As alleged in the superseding complaint, at the time of Panev’s arrest in Israel in August, law enforcement discovered on Panev’s computer administrator credentials for an online repository that was hosted on the dark web and stored source code for multiple versions of the LockBit builder, which allowed LockBit’s affiliates to generate custom builds of the LockBit ransomware malware for particular victims. On that repository, law enforcement also discovered source code for LockBit’s StealBit tool, which helped LockBit affiliates exfiltrate data stolen through LockBit attacks. Law enforcement also discovered access credentials for the LockBit control panel, an online dashboard maintained by LockBit developers for LockBit’s affiliates and hosted by those developers on the dark web.

    The superseding complaint also alleges that Panev exchanged direct messages through a cybercriminal forum with LockBit’s primary administrator, who, in an indictment unsealed in the District of New Jersey in May, the United States alleged to be Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev (Дмитрий Юрьевич Хорошев), also known as LockBitSupp, LockBit, and putinkrab. In those messages, Panev and the LockBit primary administrator discussed work that needed to be done on the LockBit builder and control panel.

    Court documents further indicate that, between June 2022 and February 2024, the primary LockBit administrator made a series of transfers of cryptocurrency, laundered through one or more illicit cryptocurrency mixing services, of approximately $10,000 per month to a cryptocurrency wallet owned by Panev. Those transfers amounted to over $230,000 during that period.

    In interviews with Israeli authorities following his arrest in August, Panev admitted to having performed coding, development, and consulting work for the LockBit group and to having received regular payments in cryptocurrency for that work, consistent with the transfers identified by U.S. authorities. Among the work that Panev admitted to having completed for the LockBit group was the development of code to disable antivirus software; to deploy malware to multiple computers connected to a victim network; and to print the LockBit ransom note to all printers connected to a victim network. Panev also admitted to having written and maintained LockBit malware code and to having provided technical guidance to the LockBit group.

    The LockBit Investigation

    The superseding complaint against, and apprehension of, Panev follows a disruption of LockBit ransomware in February 2024 by the U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA)’s Cyber Division, which worked in cooperation with the Justice Department, FBI, and other international law enforcement partners. As previously announced by the Department, authorities disrupted LockBit by seizing numerous public-facing websites used by LockBit to connect to the organization’s infrastructure and by seizing control of servers used by LockBit administrators, thereby disrupting the ability of LockBit actors to attack and encrypt networks and extort victims by threatening to publish stolen data. That disruption succeeded in greatly diminishing LockBit’s reputation and its ability to attack further victims, as alleged by documents filed in this case.

    The superseding complaint against Panev also follows charges brought in the District of New Jersey against other LockBit members, including its alleged primary creator, developer, and administrator, Dmitry Yuryevich Khoroshev. An indictment against Khoroshev unsealed in May alleges that Khoroshev began developing LockBit as early as September 2019, continued acting as the group’s administrator through 2024, a role in which Khoroshev recruited new affiliate members, spoke for the group publicly under the alias “LockBitSupp,” and developed and maintained the infrastructure used by affiliates to deploy LockBit attacks. Khoroshev is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/.

    A total of seven LockBit members have now been charged in the District of New Jersey. Beyond Panev and Khoroshev, other previously charged LockBit defendants include:

    • In July, two LockBit affiliate members, Mikhail Vasiliev, also known as Ghostrider, Free, Digitalocean90, Digitalocean99, Digitalwaters99, and Newwave110, and Ruslan Astamirov, also known as BETTERPAY, offtitan, and Eastfarmer, pleaded guilty in the District of New Jersey for their participation in the LockBit ransomware group and admitted deploying multiple LockBit attacks against U.S. and foreign victims. Vasiliev and Astamirov are presently in custody awaiting sentencing.
    • In February 2024, in parallel with the disruption operation described above, an indictment was unsealed in the District of New Jersey charging Russian nationals Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev, also known as Bassterlord, with deploying LockBit against numerous victims throughout the United States, including businesses nationwide in the manufacturing and other industries, as well as victims around the world in the semiconductor and other industries. Sungatov and Kondratyev remain at large.
    • In May 2023, two indictments were unsealed in Washington, D.C., and the District of New Jersey charging Mikhail Matveev, also known as Wazawaka, m1x, Boriselcin, and Uhodiransomwar, with using different ransomware variants, including LockBit, to attack numerous victims throughout the United States, including the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department. Matveev remains at large and is currently the subject of a reward of up to $10 million through the U.S. Department of State’s TOC Rewards Program, with information accepted through the FBI tip website at www.tips.fbi.gov/.

    The U.S. Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) Rewards Program is offering rewards of:

    Information is accepted through the FBI tip website at tips.fbi.gov.

    Khoroshev, Matveev, Sungatov, and Kondratyev have also been designated for sanctions by the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control for their roles in launching cyberattacks.

    Victim Assistance

    LockBit victims are encouraged to contact the FBI and submit information at www.ic3.gov. As announced by the Department in February, law enforcement, through its disruption efforts, has developed decryption capabilities that may enable hundreds of victims around the world to restore systems encrypted using the LockBit ransomware variant. Submitting information at the IC3 site will enable law enforcement to determine whether affected systems can be successfully decrypted.

    LockBit victims are also encouraged to visit www.justice.gov/usao-nj/lockbit for case updates and information regarding their rights under U.S. law, including the right to submit victim impact statements and request restitution, in the criminal litigation against Panev, Astamirov, and Vasiliev.

    The FBI Newark Field Office, under the supervision of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, is investigating the LockBit ransomware variant. Israel’s Office of the State Attorney, Department of International Affairs, and Israel National Police; France’s Gendarmerie Nationale Cyberspace Command, Paris Prosecution Office — Cyber Division, and judicial authorities at the Tribunal Judiciare of Paris; Europol; Eurojust; the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency; Germany’s Landeskriminalamt Schleswig-Holstein, Bundeskriminalamt, and the Central Cybercrime Department North Rhine-Westphalia; Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice, Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Canton of Zurich, and Zurich Cantonal Police; Spain’s Policia Nacional and Guardia Civil; authorities in Japan; Australian Federal Police; Sweden’s Polismyndighetens; Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Politie Dienst Regionale Recherche Oost-Brabant of the Netherlands; and Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation have provided significant assistance and coordination in these matters and in the LockBit investigation generally.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Trombly, David E. Malagold, and Vinay Limbachia for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorneys Debra Ireland and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are prosecuting the charges against Panev and the other previously charged LockBit defendants in the District of New Jersey.

    The Justice Department’s former Cybercrime Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust, Office of International Affairs, and National Security Division also provided significant assistance.

    Additional details on protecting networks against LockBit ransomware are available at StopRansomware.gov. These include Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisories AA23-325A, AA23-165A, and AA23-075A. 

    The charges and allegations contained in the superseding complaint and above-named Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    ###

    Defense counsel: Frank Arleo, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Charged with Firearm Crimes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging a Mexican national, in the United State illegally, with firearm and immigration crimes.

    Gerardo Lopez-Gutierrez, 44, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was initially charged by complaint on March 6, 2025.

    According to court documents, on March 4, 2025, Lopez-Gutierrez was approached by law enforcement for unlawful camping. During the interaction, Lopez-Gutierrez was in possession of a Ruger AR-556 rifle and a records check showed the firearm was reported stolen out of Moab, Utah.  Lopez-Gutierrez is restricted from possessing a firearm after he was convicted of re-entry of a previously removed alien in the District of Arizona. As a result, Lopez-Gutierrez was taken into custody.

    Lopez-Gutierrez is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, alien in possession of a firearm, and illegal re-entry of a previously removed alien. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for March 14, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.

    Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.

    The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Assistant United States Attorney Victoria K. McFarland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
     

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sinaloa Cartel Leader in Idaho Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – A 44-year-old Honduran national suspected to be unlawfully in the United States and using the name “Hector Ojeda Manuel Aponte” was sentenced yesterday to 262 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced.

    According to court records, Aponte was distributing approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine every one to two weeks, along with fentanyl pills and bath salts.  Aponte had multiple vehicles to transport and distribute drugs, stash houses to hide the drugs, and business fronts to launder his illicit drug proceeds. According to multiple sources, Aponte was the “number one guy” for the Sinaloa Cartel in the State of Idaho.  He had a well-established supply chain and a distribution network consisting of other accomplices.

    Aponte is the sixth and final defendant sentenced from the investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also previously sentenced Ernesto Diaz Gaspar (30 months in prison), Wilkin Rolando Martinez Munguia (36 months in prison), Cevin Alfonzo Martinez (42 months in prison), and Jesus DeJesus Loera (70 months in prison).  Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Lawrence Barnes (160 months in prison).  Defendants Barnes and Loera are U.S. Citizens, while the remaining defendants are aliens unlawfully present in the United States.

    “The United States Department of Justice is committed to eliminating the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels and their distribution of narcotics in Idaho.”  Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said.  “Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold them accountable for bringing poisonous drugs into our state.”

    “Illegal immigration and drug trafficking are interconnected threats because Foreign Terrorist Organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel routinely employ people like this defendant to further their drug enterprises,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.  “I am gratified that we, at the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with our partners at the Nampa Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, succeeded in holding this defendant accountable for his serious crimes targeting our community, resulting in this lengthy prison sentence.  Justice was served yesterday.”    

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, which led to the convictions and sentences.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Postal Robberies While Armed with a Dangerous Weapon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — William Carl Jackson, 36, pleaded guilty to robbing a postal carrier while armed with a dangerous weapon, Acting United States Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. 

    According to court documents, Jackson robbed postal carriers on July 11, 2024, and July 31, 2024.  During in each robbery, he brandished a fake pistol at the victim and then ordered the victim to turn over his postal keys.  After taking the victim’s keys, he then fled from the scene on a bicycle. 

    This case was the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Elliot C. Wong is prosecuting the case.

    Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2025.  He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum statutory fine of $250,000.  Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana man sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine through East Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TYLER, Texas – A Shreveport, LA, man has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Darren Tremaine Jackson, 41, was convicted at trial in March 2024 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.    Jackson was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on March 12, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on February 13, 2020, Jackson, and co-defendant Gary Wayne Sepulvado, were stopped by law enforcement officers for a traffic violation in Smith County.  After observing a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search was executed, and a kilogram of methamphetamine was discovered.  Sepulvado pleaded guilty to related charges on November 15, 2023, and is awaiting sentencing.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker and Dustin Farahnak.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Drugs for Rare Diseases – Yukon Agreement Backgrounder

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    March 2025

    Today, the Government of Canada and the territory of Yukon signed the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Disease (DRD) agreement to invest over $8.5 million over three years to improve access to new drugs for rare diseases for residents and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening for rare diseases.

    In March 2023, the Government of Canada announced an investment of up to $1.5 billion over three years to support the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Disease (the Strategy), including up to $1.4 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories (PTs) to help patients with rare diseases have access to treatments as early as possible, for better quality of life.

    These three-year agreements are part of the first phase of the Strategy, which is focused on building, testing, and learning in collaboration with governments and health system partners. Lessons learned from the initial three-year bilateral funding agreements with PTs as well as the Strategy-funded projects by pan-Canadian partners (e.g., drug pipeline work) will be incorporated into recommendations for the design of future phases of the Strategy.

    In the lead-up to this bilateral agreement, PTs, except Quebec, worked together to develop a small common list of new drugs to be listed and cost-shared across the country, and initiated discussions on a collaborative approach to improve screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.

    Common List

    The common list of new drugs was developed with PTs to ensure that the National Strategy delivers the most possible benefits to all patients with rare diseases. Recognizing the unique challenges associated with decision making about rare diseases drugs, the common list is designed to further the development, collection, evaluation and use of real-world data and evidence in decision making about the listing and reimbursement of rare disease drugs within Canada’s existing pharmaceutical management system.

    Through the signing of bilateral agreements, PTs, including Yukon, are committing to work with the Government of Canada and other PTs who may sign bilateral agreements to design and implement evidence collection projects – complementary to related projects now underway through Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) and the Canadian Institute of Health Information – that will inform the future collection and use of real-world data and evidence for decision making about all new rare disease drugs.

    Following the conclusion of pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) price negotiations for each drug on the common list, they will be published online here on a drug-by-drug basis. PTs who choose to sign bilateral agreements may elect to make these drugs available to their residents.

    Types of Drugs Being Covered at Time of Yukon’s Agreement Signature

    As part of today’s announcement, the Government of Yukon is confirming that it is initially electing to make Yescarta available to its residents.

    Yescarta is a drug used to treat several forms of relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas in adults: follicular lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). These are all forms of cancer. Yescarta is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy that uses a person’s own immune cells to fight cancer. For the estimated 1402 to 1571 people with this rare disease in the Canada at any one time, treatment with Yescarta (a single infusion) is expected to cost $485K.

    Following submission of additional data, final recommendations and long-term pricing agreements can be completed and negotiated respectively. Such measures provide patients with earlier access to promising new drugs while creating mechanisms to revisit the clinical and economic evidence as it evolves.

    Screening and Diagnostics and Other DRDs

    In addition to improving access to new DRD on the common list, bilateral agreements aim to improve screening and diagnostics as well as access to other existing DRD. Through this agreement, Yukon is committing to work with Canada and other PTs who may sign bilateral agreements on developing and implementing a plan for improving screening and diagnostics for rare diseases. This planning work will take place over the first two years of the agreement period, with investments to begin no later than the third year.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Drugs for Rare Diseases – Nunavut Agreement

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    March 2025

    Today, the Governments of Canada and Nunavut signed the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Disease (DRD) agreement to invest over $7.3 million over three years to improve access to new drugs for rare diseases for residents and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening for rare diseases.

    In March 2023, the Government of Canada announced an investment of up to $1.5 billion over three years to support the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Disease (the Strategy), including up to $1.4 billion for bilateral agreements with provinces and territories (PTs) to help patients with rare diseases have access to treatments as early as possible, for better quality of life.

    These three-year agreements are part of the first phase of the Strategy, which is focused on building, testing, and learning in collaboration with governments and health system partners. Lessons learned from the initial three-year bilateral funding agreements with PTs as well as the Strategy-funded projects by pan-Canadian partners (e.g., drug pipeline work) will be incorporated into recommendations for the design of future phases of the Strategy.

    In the lead-up to this bilateral agreement, PTs, except Quebec, worked together to develop a small common list of new drugs to be listed and cost-shared across the country, and initiated discussions on a collaborative approach to improve screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.

    Common List

    The common list of new drugs was developed with PTs to ensure that the National Strategy delivers the most possible benefits to all patients with rare diseases. Recognizing the unique challenges associated with decision making about rare diseases drugs, the common list is designed to further the development, collection, evaluation and use of real-world data and evidence in decision making about the listing and reimbursement of rare disease drugs within Canada’s existing pharmaceutical management system.

    Through the signing of bilateral agreements, PTs, including Nunavut, are committing to work with the Government of Canada and other PTs who may sign bilateral agreements to design and implement evidence collection projects – complementary to related projects now underway through Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) and the Canadian Institute of Health Information – that will inform the future collection and use of real-world data and evidence for decision making about all new rare disease drugs.

    Following the conclusion of pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) price negotiations for each drug on the common list, they will be published online here on a drug-by-drug basis. PTs who choose to sign bilateral agreements may elect to make these drugs available to their residents.

    Types of Drugs Being Covered at Time of Nunavut Agreement Signature

    As part of today’s announcement, the Government of Nunavut is confirming that it is initially electing to make the following four drugs available to its residents:

    Health Canada has authorized Poteligeo, an intravenous chemotherapy drug, for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS) who have tried and failed at least one other treatment. For the estimated 144 to 230 people in Canada who will be diagnosed with this rare condition each year, public drug coverage will be in the order of $35,000 for the first treatment, and $17,000 for subsequent treatment cycles.

    Health Canada has authorized Welireg to treat von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease in adults, an inherited genetic condition associated with tumours developing in multiple organs. For the estimated 774 to 3692 people with this rare disease in Canada at any one time, public drug coverage for each 28-day treatment cycle is expected to be $18,000.

    Yescarta is a drug used to treat several forms of relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas in adults: follicular lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). These are all forms of cancer. Yescarta is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy that uses a person’s own immune cells to fight cancer. For the estimated 1402 to 1571 people with this rare disease in Canada at any one time, treatment with Yescarta (a single infusion) is expected to cost $485K.

    Health Canda has authorized Epkinly for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), a type of blood cancer which causes tumours in the lymph nodes or other organs including the spleen, liver or bone marrow. For the estimated 1402 people diagnosed with this disease each year in Canada, public drug coverage for the first 28-day treatment cycle for each patient will be $14,000, with subsequent cycles varying in cost.

    Epkinly is the first drug to receive a time-limited reimbursement recommendation from the CDA-AMC, which is a recommendation to publicly fund a drug for a certain period of time on the condition that the manufacturer will conduct ongoing clinical studies that address uncertainty in the evidence.

    Following submission of additional data, final recommendations and long-term pricing agreements can be completed and negotiated respectively. Such measures provide patients with earlier access to promising new drugs while creating mechanisms to revisit the clinical and economic evidence as it evolves.

    Screening and Diagnostics and Other DRDs

    In addition to improving access to new DRD on the common list, bilateral agreements aim to improve screening and diagnostics as well as access to other existing DRD. Through this agreement Nunavut is committing to work with Canada and other PTs who may sign bilateral agreements on developing and implementing a plan for improving screening and diagnostics for rare diseases. This planning work will take place over the first two years of the agreement period, with investments to begin no later than the third year.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada signs bilateral agreement with Yukon for Drugs for Rare Diseases

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Agreement will improve access and affordability of drugs for rare diseases

    March 13, 2025 | Whitehorse, Yukon | Health Canada

    In Canada, one in 12 people live with a rare disease and for most people affected, the cost of treatment is unaffordable. Canadians deserve a health care system that provides timely access to quality health services and medications, including effective drugs for rare diseases, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health and the Honourable Tracy-Anne McPhee, Yukon’s Minister of Health and Social Services, announced a bilateral agreement investing over $8.5 million over three years to improve access to selected new drugs for rare disease and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis and screening.

    The first step in this bilateral agreement will be to deliver funding, under the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases, to the territory to provide access to Yescarta, a drug used to treat several forms of relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphomas in adults: follicular lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). Yescarta is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy that uses a person’s own immune cells to fight cancer.

    The names of other drugs on the common list are published online on a drug-by-drug basis following the conclusion of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance price negotiations for each drug. In addition, the Yukon is committing through this agreement to work with Canada and other provinces and territories on developing and implementing a plan for improving screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.

    The Government of Canada remains committed to working with provinces and territories to improve health care for all Canadians, including access to affordable prescription medications, and to achieving better health outcomes for everyone.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada signs bilateral agreement with Nunavut for Drugs for Rare Diseases

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Agreement will improve access to, and affordability of, drugs for rare diseases

    March 13, 2025 | Iqaluit, Nunavut | Health Canada

    In Canada, 1 in 12 people live with a rare disease, and for most people affected, the cost of treatment is unaffordable. Canadians deserve a health care system that provides timely access to quality health services and medications, including effective drugs for rare diseases, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable John Main, Nunavut’s Minister of Health, announced a bilateral agreement investing over $7.3 million over three years to improve access to selected new drugs for rare diseases, and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening.

    The first step in this bilateral agreement will be to deliver funding to support the territory for the following four drugs under the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases:

    • Poteligeo, for the treatment of mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome;  
    • Epkinly, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; 
    • Welireg for the treatment of treatment of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease; and, 
    • Yescarta for the treatment of follicular lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL). 

    The names of other drugs on the common list will be published online on a drug-by-drug basis following the conclusion of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance price negotiations for each drug. In addition, Nunavut is committing through this agreement to work with Canada and other provinces and territories on developing and implementing a plan for improving screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.

    The Government of Canada remains committed to working with provinces and territories to improve health care for all Canadians, including access to affordable prescription medications, and to achieving better health outcomes for everyone. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada signs bilateral agreement with Northwest Territories for Drugs for Rare Diseases

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Agreement will improve access to, and affordability of, drugs for rare diseases

    March 13, 2025 | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories | Health Canada

    In Canada, 1 in 12 people live with a rare disease, and for most people affected, the cost of treatment is unaffordable. Canadians deserve a health care system that provides timely access to quality health services and medications, including effective drugs for rare diseases, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

    Today, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Lesa Semmler, Northwest Territories’ Minister of Health and Social Services, announced a bilateral agreement investing over $7.8 million to improve access to selected new drugs for rare diseases, and to support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening.

    The first step in this bilateral agreement will be to deliver funding to the territory to provide access to Poteligeo, for the treatment of mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome, under the National Strategy for Rare Diseases.

    The names of other drugs on the common list is published online on a drug-by-drug basis following the conclusion of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance price negotiations for each drug. In addition, the Northwest Territories is committing through this agreement to work with Canada and other provinces and territories on developing and implementing a plan for improving screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.

    The Government of Canada remains committed to working with provinces and territories to improve health care for all Canadians, including access to affordable prescription medications, and to achieving better health outcomes for everyone. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: World-class attractions in Manitoba receive federal support

    Source: Government of Canada News

    These nine projects, announced today, highlight the growing potential of tourism and cultural initiatives helping drive economic development in communities across Manitoba.

    The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) provides funding to support communities, small and medium-sized businesses, and not-for-profit organizations in developing tourism products and experiences in the Prairie provinces. Federal investment today totals $1,846,559.

    • 10144585 Manitoba Inc. (o/a Rosé Beach House) – $350,000 to expand a retro chic boutique hotel and increase tourism offerings in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba.
    • Assiniboine Park Conservancy Inc. – $250,000 to develop and implement a winter activation program at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
    • Churchill Chamber of Commerce – $250,000 to create an artificial intelligence powered northern lights tracker and enhance marketing in Churchill, Manitoba.
    • Exchange District Business Improvement Zone – $150,000 to expand the Lights on The Exchange / Allumez le Quartier public art festival in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
    • Falcon Trails Resort Inc. – $99,999 to enhance a recreational alpine and Nordic ski facility in southeastern Manitoba.
    • MASS Investments Inc. – $152,875 to create a glamping accommodation experience to increase tourism in Pinawa, Manitoba.
    • National Indigenous Residential School Museum – $350,000 to expand and enhance the National Indigenous Residential School Museum in Manitoba.
    • Pinawa Unplugged Ltd. – $118,685 to develop multi-day active tourism offerings and improve accommodations in Pinawa, Manitoba.
    • Tourism Industry Association of Manitoba – $125,000 to support export readiness activities for tourism operators in Manitoba.

    Related products

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: PEI Regional Energy and Resource Table Collaboration Framework and Associated Projects Receiving Federal Funding: Backgrounder

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Canada-Prince Edward Island Regional Energy and Resource Table (Regional Table), a federal-provincial collaboration launched in 2022, supports PEI’s ambitious goal of becoming Canada’s first net-zero province. The Regional Table works through government collaboration with Indigenous Partners and input from regional stakeholders.

    The Collaboration Framework identifies three opportunity areas that have the potential to contribute significantly to building or expanding Prince Edward Island’s competitive advantage in a low-carbon economy:

    • Clean Electricity and Energy Storage – Scaling up renewable energy production and storage to meet the province’s growing demand for clean energy.
    • Clean Fuels – Accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to power homes, businesses and industries.
    • Clean Technology Innovation– Expanding innovation in technologies that support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.

    To support advancement of the three priorities listed above, the federal government is also announcing today four investments totalling $2.7 million in the following projects:

    Project Name: Na’ku’set Park Capacity Building Project
    Recipient: Maritime Electric

    Location: Western PEI

    Funding Amount: $1.8 million

    Project Summary: Through its Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program, NRCan will provide $1.8 million of the $2.5-million cost for advancing Indigenous expertise and capacity building associated with Na’ku’set Park, which is a proposed 32 MW grid-tied, utility-scale solar and battery storage project in Western PEI. This initial funding for the project, which will be majority-owned by Lennox Island First Nation, in partnership with Maritime Electric, will focus on pre-development activities (including preliminary studies, consultations, expertise and training) as well as Indigenous economic development guidance, workforce strategies and the integration of Indigenous people into the proposed project.

    Project Name: Mainland Transmission Connection Study

    Recipient: Maritime Electric

    Location: PEI

    Funding Amount: $300,000

    Project Summary: Through the Strategic Interties Predevelopment Program, Natural Resource Canada has provided $300,000 to Maritime Electric for a predevelopment study to inform optimal PEI- mainland transmission connections with New Brunswick .

    Project Name: Holland College Energy Management

    Recipient: Holland College

    Location: Charlottetown and Summerside

    Funding Amount: $307,000

    Project Summary: NRCan will contribute $307,000 toward Holland College’s $442,000 project for implementing an efficient energy management system — in accordance with ISO 50001 standards — for 13 campus buildings. This project will help Holland College reduce its energy costs by improving its energy performance and provide a model for improving energy efficiency across Canada.

    Project Name: PEI Home Energy Labelling Project

    Recipient: Government of Prince Edward Island

    Location: PEI

    Funding Amount: $285,000

    Project Summary: NRCan will contribute just over $285,000 toward the $383,100 cost of producing home energy labels, via virtual pre-retrofit assessments, for every home in PEI. The project will also provide updated home energy labels for 25 percent of homes sold annually. In addition, this project will create and maintain a live labelling system with digital building records for 100 percent of PEI homes.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Supports Increased Indigenous Participation in British Columbia’s Natural Resources Economy

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Natural Resources Canada has provided $6.2 million in investment to seven Indigenous-led projects in development in British Columbia through the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) Program.

     

    Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) program

    The INRP program aims to increase the economic participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in the development of natural resource projects that will increasingly be needed in the clean economy.

    Budget 2022 allocated $80 million over five years starting in 2022–2023 to contribute funding for projects that increase the capacity of Indigenous communities to engage in, benefit from, actively participate in and capitalize on economic development opportunities in the natural resource sectors; and increase investment and collaboration between Indigenous Peoples and other natural resource development stakeholders, including governments, industry and non-governmental organizations.

    Projects:   

    First Nations Climate Initiative/Nisga’a, Haisla, Metlakatla, Halfway River First Nations

    $3.75 million to the First Nations Climate Initiative (FNCI), a five-year strategic plan to deliver on the Climate Action Plan (with a total project cost of $9.8 million), which aims to position B.C. First Nations as leaders in the decarbonized natural resources economy.

    Fort Nelson First Nation            

    $1.2 million in funding to Fort Nelson First Nation to develop the Tu Deh-Kah (TDK) project. This 100-percent Indigenous-owned project will be the first geothermal facility in the province and among the first in Canada. The project aims to build a facility in Fort Nelson to power 10,000 homes and provide meaningful economic opportunities for the First Nation and neighboring communities, supporting the clean energy transition in the North. This project will also directly support Canada’s climate change efforts and goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

    First Nations LNG Alliance (FNLNGA)

    $364,100 in funding to First Nations LNG Alliance to continue delivering communications, media and community outreach services to First Nations and Indigenous communities involved in the liquefied natural gas industry. This includes supporting Indigenous communities’ ability to navigate the relevant policy analysis and research to plan for and adapt to changes in the industry.

    Seabird Island Band

    $358,336 in funding to Seabird Island Band. This funding will provide training for community members and offer paid internships in forestry. The training will include topics in scaling, timber cruising, sustainable harvesting plans, stewardship, work safety and value-added forestry products. The goal of the project is to increase this community’s capacity to manage new forest resources, improve stewardship and on economic opportunities in forestry.

    Gitga’at Development Corporation

    $53,942 in funding to Gitga’at Development Corporation to create a strategic forestry plan, which will help guide forestry decision making on its traditional territory. This project will engage the community, allowing it to understand the perception and intent of its forest resources resulting in an SFP for its use.

    Ka:’yu:’k’t’h7Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations Community

    $134,919 in funding to Ka:’yu:’k’t’h7Che:k’tles7et’h’ First Nations Community for engagement to create a lands and forest management and conservation plan. This project will guide development, land stewardship and conservation on the nation’s 6,300 hectares of treaty settlement lands.

    Williams Lake First Nation

    $377,685 in funding to Williams Lake First Nation to expand its ongoing wildfire risk reduction, through chipping and biomass harvest and understory burning operations. The First Nation will train community members on safety regarding chainsaw and brush saw use as well as understory burning treatments as part of a larger fuel management project.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Female Chinese astronaut sends Int’l Women’s Day greetings from space

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This screen image captured at Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Jan. 20, 2025 shows Shenzhou-19 astronaut Wang Haoze working inside China’s orbiting space station. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Wang Haoze, China’s first female space engineer to work in the country’s space station, sent her greetings to women and girls in a video released by the China Manned Space Agency on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8.
    “I hope that you can become the bright moon, as well as the twinkling stars. Become your own little sunshine, and grow up in the radiant and enchanting spring,” Wang said in a video recorded aboard the orbiting Tiangong space station.
    Wang is the third Chinese woman to participate in a crewed spaceflight mission.
    Together with other two Shenzhou-19 astronauts, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, Wang embarked on a six-month crewed spaceflight mission on Oct. 30, 2024.
    They are now halfway through their space journey, and their life in orbit is “busy and fulfilling,” according to Wang.
    In the video, she said, “In my spare time, I stare at Earth through the porthole. The blue planet and the vast universe are indescribably beautiful.”
    “Whenever I do this, I always think of an unyielding girl on Earth who believes that reading can change her destiny. She never bows her head and never gives up in the face of difficulty. She fearlessly embarks on a space journey toward an ocean of stars,” Wang said.
    “She is who I used to be, and she is also every woman who has dreams in her heart and pursues them persistently.”

    Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe (C), Song Lingdong (R) and Wang Haoze attend a see-off ceremony at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Oct. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Born in 1990 in Luanping County, north China’s Hebei Province, Wang enrolled at Southeast University to major in thermal energy and power engineering, following her completion of the national college entrance examination.
    After graduating with a master’s degree, Wang joined the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation’s Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology and began her career in rocket engine research.
    She later signed up for the selection process for the country’s third group of astronauts. She was the only woman selected in that group and became China’s first female space engineer.
    She attributes the success of her space flight journey to her spiritual drive to “work harder than others.”
    To date, the Shenzhou-19 astronaut crew has carried out a significant number of scientific experiments and technological tests in orbit, and cooperated closely on two rounds of extravehicular activities in space, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korean president released

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was released Saturday as the prosecution decided not to appeal against a court’s release approval.

    Yoon got off a black vehicle and walked out of the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, about 20 km south of Seoul, waving hands and bowing to his supporters who were standing along the road, TV footage showed.

    After arriving at the presidential residence in central Seoul, the impeached leader got off the vehicle again to shake hands with his supporters.

    Yoon said in a statement that he appreciated the court’s determination, people’s support despite cold weather, and the leadership of the ruling People Power Party.

    The Seoul Central District Court approved the release of the arrested president on Friday, accepting Yoon’s request to cancel his detention that was made by his legal team on Feb. 4.

    Yoon was apprehended in presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested and prosecuted.

    Prosecutors brought the accusation against Yoon at 6:52 p.m. local time on Jan. 26, but the Seoul Central District Court said Yoon’s arrest period expired at 9:07 a.m. local time of the same day.

    The prosecution’s special investigative unit in charge of Yoon’s insurrection case sought to appeal against the court’s Friday ruling, but the country’s prosecutor general ordered the unit to follow the court’s decision, according to local media outlets.

    Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.

    A motion to impeach Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, and since then the constitutional court has held 11 hearings on Yoon’s impeachment with its final verdict widely expected to be delivered next week.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-Nigeria partnership to empower women to realize dreams: Chinese envoy

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria rolled out the drums on Friday to celebrate International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8. The event, held at the China Cultural Center in the Nigerian capital of Abuja under the theme “Her Story, Her Future,” brought together women from different backgrounds to reflect on their achievements and chart the way forward for gender equality.

    Speaking at the event, Yu Dunhai, Chinese ambassador to Nigeria, emphasized the significance of this year’s celebration, particularly as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

    Reiterating China’s dedication to gender equality, he hailed the progress made in women’s empowerment globally since the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in September 1995. While reflecting on the progress in gender inclusion, the Chinese envoy noted the significant strides that China has made to ensure that women’s rights are protected.

    Over the years, practical cooperation between China and Nigeria has deepened across various fields, providing many Nigerian women with better medical resources, more agricultural skills, and increased business and entrepreneurial opportunities, Yu said.

    “China will work with Nigeria to better implement the consensus reached between our two leaders, carry out the 10 partnership action plans, including promoting women’s exchanges, and jointly build a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future,” he said. “I believe that more women will benefit from the high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, realizing their dreams and creating an even more splendid future.”

    Other speakers at the event recalled the inspiring stories of women around the world, including their remarkable contributions and attainments in various sectors and the importance of continuous empowerment.

    Oraeluno Raphael, acting permanent secretary of the Nigerian Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, reaffirmed the government’s support for the growth of women in society.

    He said Nigeria will continue to ensure capacity-building through training, cultural exchanges, and other initiatives aimed at repositioning women for greater impact.

    “The theme ‘Her Story, Her Future’ reminds us that every woman’s journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the pursuit of dreams. Women have challenged norms, paved the way for future generations, and transformed societies. Their voices, struggles, and triumphs have enriched cultures and inspired progress,” said Olubunmi Olowookere, permanent secretary of the Social Development Secretariat of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Administration.

    “As we honor the past, we also commit to the future, where every woman has the opportunity to rise, to lead, and thrive — a future where education, equality, and empowerment are not privileges but rights,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korean president Yoon to be released as prosecution decides not to appeal

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    class=”c3″>South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will be released as the prosecution decided not to appeal against a Seoul court’s release approval, multiple media outlets said Saturday.

    Yoon was expected to be transported to the presidential residence in central Seoul from the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, about 20 km south of the capital city.

    The Seoul Central District Court approved the release of the arrested president on Friday, accepting Yoon’s request to cancel his arrest that was made by his legal team on Feb. 4.

    Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested and prosecuted.

    Prosecutors brought the accusation against Yoon at 6:52 p.m. local time on Jan. 26, but the court said Yoon’s arrest period expired at 9:07 a.m. local time of the same day.

    Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.

    A motion to impeach Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, and since then the constitutional court has held 11 hearings on Yoon’s impeachment with its final verdict widely expected to be delivered next week.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World AIDS Day: UN urges leaders to ‘take the rights path to end AIDS’ by 2030

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    By Vibhu Mishra

    Health

    Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is within reach, but only if global leaders commit to dismantling barriers to healthcare and upholding human rights, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on World AIDS Day.

    Observed annually on 1 December, the World AIDS Day serves as a reminder of the global fight against the pandemic while commemorating lives lost and celebrating progress.

    “Every 25 seconds, someone in the world is infected with HIV,” Mr. Guterres said.

    “One-quarter of people living with HIV – more than nine million people – lack access to lifesaving treatment,” he added.

    He called for a rights-based approach to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and treatment, highlighting the harmful effects of discriminatory laws and practices that stigmatize women, girls, and minorities.

    “The fight against AIDS can be won,” Mr. Guterres stressed, “If leaders take a rights-based approach to ensure that everyone – especially the most vulnerable – can get the services they need without fear.”

    “We will overcome AIDS if the rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected. I call on all leaders to heed this year’s theme and take the ‘rights’ path,” he declared.

    Keep rights at core

    UNAIDS, the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS, reinforced the call, urging governments to “take the rights path to end AIDS.”

    Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director, stressed the importance of removing systemic barriers to healthcare.

    “To protect everyone’s health, we need to protect everyone’s rights,” she said.

    Progress at stake

    Its World AIDS Day report showed that respecting and protecting human rights can help ensure equitable access to HIV services and prevent new infections.

    It also revealed how gaps in realization of human rights, and abuses and violations obstruct the end of the AIDS pandemic.

    The UNAIDS report underscores that progress will stall without a human rights-based approach. In 2023, 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV globally, three times the target of no more than 370,000 annual infections set for 2025.

    Soundcloud

    Angeli Achrekar, Assistant Secretary General and Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS, discusses their latest report with UN News.

    Women, children at risk

    In addition, 63 countries still criminalize LGBTQ+ people, while widespread gender-based violence and limited educational opportunities for women and girls leave them particularly vulnerable.

    Last year, they accounted for 62 per cent of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Worse still, nine out of ten new infections among 15 to 19-year-olds are among girls, reflecting systemic gender inequalities, according to UNICEF.

    The disparity is also evident in access to treatment, including for boys and young men.

    While 77 per cent of adults living with HIV have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), only 57 per cent of children aged 0 to 14, and 65 per cent of adolescents aged 15 to 19 do.

    “Children and adolescents are not fully reaping the benefits of scaled up access to treatment and prevention services,” said Anurita Bains, UNICEF Associate Director of HIV/AIDS.

    “Children living with HIV must be prioritized when it comes to investing resources and efforts to scale up treatment for all, this includes the expansion of innovative testing technologies,” she added.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council: Put young women at the heart of peace and security efforts

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Women

    Peace is in peril worldwide and avenues for diplomatic dialogue are shrinking, but young women peacebuilders are demonstrating that a better world is possible, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Tuesday. 

    Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, was speaking during a debate on investing in the transformative power of intergenerational leadership on the women, peace and security agenda, where she urged ambassadors to “open doors for the next generation”.

    “Investments in women, peace and security agenda are not an option; they are a necessity for preventing conflict and achieving sustainable and inclusive peace,” she said.

    ‘Bucking the status quo’

    Ms. DiCarlo listed Malala Yousafzai, the girls’ education champion from Pakistan and youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate ever, climate activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, and Ilwad Elman from Somalia who works to rehabilitate child soldiers and counter violent extremism, as examples of young women who are envisioning and demanding a world of justice and peace.

    “These remarkable leaders remind us that transformation requires bucking the status quo,” she said.

    In this regard, she pointed to the UN Secretary-General’s policy brief on A New Agenda for Peace which calls for dismantling entrenched patriarchal systems that perpetuate inequality and exclusion.

    Reimagine power structures

    “It underscores the urgent need to reimagine global power structures and place women and girls – especially young women – at the centre of our efforts to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity,” she said.

    “If we do not break free from patriarchal norms, true peace and inclusive security will remain out of reach,” she warned.

    Furthermore, the recently adopted Pact for the Future underlines the importance of ensuring that women’s leadership and participation are integrated into all aspects of conflict prevention and sustaining peace, she added.

    Ms. DiCarlo highlighted three key areas in advancing intergenerational leadership: facilitating dialogues, fostering inclusive peace processes, and investing in young women’s leadership.

    Foster dialogue and inclusion

    She said intergenerational dialogues are critical opportunities for building trust and articulating shared aspirations.

    She cited an example from Chad, where the UN Peacebuilding Fund supported local dialogue platforms that brought together youth associations with traditional authorities.  This ultimately strengthened social cohesion and reduced intercommunal tensions and conflicts in the Nya Pendé and Barh Sara regions.

    Ms. DiCarlo also stressed the need to advance inclusive, multi-track peace processes that prioritize diverse groups of women, including young women, and promote their leadership and rights at every level.  At the same time, she also recognized “the diverse and changing mediation landscape today”.

    UN Photo/Gregorio Cunha

    The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) hosts a workshop on key peace and security issues for Yei women and youth.

    Promote peace from the bottom-up

    She recalled that during the Council’s annual open debate on women, peace and security, the Secretary-General launched an initiative that invites mediators from a cross section of society to join the UN in taking concrete actions to ensure women’s participation in peace processes. 

    Moreover, she noted that the UN actively backs multi-track efforts that promote peace from the bottom up, emphasizing young women’s leadership. 

    She witnessed this recently in Colombia, where the UN Mission verifying the 2016 peace deal supports women and men from all backgrounds and ages, addressing stigmatization of ex-combatants in reintegration areas.

    “Third, our investments must be aligned with our priorities. Significant and sustained resources are essential to support young women peacebuilders and ensure their work flourishes,” she said.

    Building from the ground up

    For example, through a Peacebuilding Fund initiative in Somalia, young men and women worked together in managing and restoring water canals across clan lines, overcoming historical grievances and mitigating inter-clan conflicts driven by resource scarcity.

    Ms. DiCarlo said that as the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security approaches, along with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, “we must open doors for the next generation.”

    “Together, we must cultivate leadership from the ground up, placing young women and women’s rights at the heart of our efforts,” she concluded. 

    Appeal from Sudan

    The Council also heard from Tahani Abbas, a human rights defender, legal representative, and peace advocate from Sudan, where rival military forces have been locked in a brutal war since April 2023.

    She said women have been on the frontlines of conflict response, creating “networks of resistance” such as Emergency Response Rooms that provide medical services, daycare, communal kitchens and more.

    She was adamant that supporting women peacebuilders before, during, and after crises pays peace dividends.

    “When the war broke out in Sudan, we found that the women who had participated in de-escalation and dialogue processes at the local levels prior to the war had used their skills and capacities to mediate, negotiate, and manage tensions and conflicts in their communities during the war,” she said.

    Ms. Abbas called for the Council’s ongoing support to women “who are fighting for peace and security every day”, saying “even though it may be logistically and politically difficult, the decisions made within the United Nations will have a direct impact on the lives of the Sudanese population and women peacebuilders around the world.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: APEC Growth Holds Steady Amid Uncertainty, Calls for Structural Reforms Gyeongju, Republic of Korea | 09 March 2025 APEC Policy Support Unit The report projects GDP growth of 3.3 percent in 2025, following an estimated 3.5 percent expansion in 2024, though a further slowdown to 2.7 percent is anticipated in the coming years.

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    Economic growth in the APEC region remains stable in the short term, yet medium-term prospects face mounting risks as trade restrictions, fiscal pressures and geopolitical uncertainties continue to evolve, according to the latest APEC Regional Trends Analysis.

    The report projects GDP growth of 3.3 percent in 2025, following an estimated 3.5 percent expansion in 2024, though a further slowdown to 2.7 percent is anticipated in the coming years. Structural challenges, including demographic shifts and rising trade barriers, are expected to weigh on future economic trajectory.

    “The region’s growth trajectory reflects both resilience and vulnerability,” said Carlos Kuriyama, Director of the APEC Policy Support Unit. “While we are seeing steady economic activity, sustained growth will require proactive reforms, particularly in trade policy and fiscal management.”

    Trade performance in the region has shown modest recovery, with merchandise trade in the first nine months of 2024 increasing by 3 to 4 percent in 2024, reversing the sharp contraction seen in 2023 on a year-on-year basis. However, the number of trade remedies surged to 1,043 by the end of 2024, up from 960 in 2023, highlighting ongoing worries on unfair trade practices.

    Moderating inflation trends, on the other hand, offer a measure of relief, with rates easing to 2.6 percent in 2024, compared to 3.8 percent in 2023. This has provided central banks with greater policy flexibility. However, increasing trade restrictions and geopolitical risks could reintroduce price pressures, potentially limiting interest rate adjustments.

    “While inflation has moderated, risks remain,” said Rhea C. Hernando, an analyst with the Policy Support Unit. “Ongoing global risks, rising protectionism, and shifts in trade policy could complicate efforts to maintain price stability in the months ahead.”

    The region’s fiscal position remains fragile, as sustained government expenditures continue to outpace stagnant revenue collection, which has hovered around 28 to 29 percent of GDP for over two decades. Without fiscal adjustments, rising public debt levels could strain economic resilience.

    Meanwhile, global financial volatility has driven investors toward safe-haven assets, pushing gold prices to record highs. Escalating economic and geopolitical uncertainties, reflected in the sharp rise in policy uncertainty indices since 2020, have fueled increased hedging.

    “Macroeconomic stability hinges on careful fiscal planning,” said Glacer Niño A. Vasquez, a researcher with the Policy Support Unit. “Governments need to strike a balance—ensuring fiscal prudence while enhancing investments in infrastructure, digital transformation, and human capital to boost productivity and growth.”

    The report underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to sustain long-term economic momentum. Flexible and coordinated monetary and fiscal policies will be necessary to control inflation while preserving growth potential. Deeper regional cooperation will be essential to foster open trade and investment while addressing shared challenges. Productivity-enhancing reforms that promote innovation, technological adoption, and workforce skills development will also be critical to securing APEC’s long-term economic future.

    “As global uncertainties persist, APEC economies must reinforce trade openness, strengthen policy coordination, and pursue long-term reforms,” Kuriyama concluded. “A forward-looking approach will be crucial in fostering a resilient and sustainable regional economy.”

    For more information on the APEC Regional Trends Analysis, March 2025, visit this page.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on News 12

    Source: US State of New York

    arlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on News 12. The Governor updated New Yorkers on the brush fires in Long Island, and declared a state of emergency to prioritize the deployment of resources toward fire suppression and necessary evacuations.

    AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

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

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Governor,  thank you for joining us this afternoon.

    Governor Hochul: No, thank you. A very, very serious situation we’re dealing with on Long Island, and I appreciate the great coverage that News 12 has been giving of this really difficult situation where the winds are just our enemy, and they’re creating havoc in the communities along — people in Brookhaven right now, and we’re seeing people having to be evacuated from the West Hampton area. Early on this afternoon, I had the DOT shut down a number of highways, and we’re just really very concerned.

    Our main focus has been really the immediate fire suppression and resource development: getting in the fighting personnel, the equipment, the National Guard is there — the National Guard, in fact, is in the air providing air support, and I’ve deployed, actually, four Blackhawks, and one right now is dumping 660 gallon buckets as we speak, because we’re going to do the very best we can to suppress this. That is our most urgent concern, as well as public safety; we may be involving people in more evacuations.

    So, for these reasons, I am declaring a state of emergency that will allow us to deploy resources as quickly as possible, and I’m working very closely with County Executive Ed Romaine. I’m working with our Supervisors, who I just spoke with, Panico and Moore. — they’re on the grounds right now and I’m getting images sent directly from them. So, it’s an “all hands on deck” approach here, and I have resources from the Office of Emergency Management, Office of Fire Prevention, the DOT, DEC, State Parks, State Police. We are putting everybody on this so we can get the fire under control and make sure that our public is safe.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Governor, what can you tell us about how many acres you know that this fire is? How much of it has been suppressed up until this point?

    Governor Hochul: It has not been suppressed. I mean, this is still out of control at this moment. The winds are just wreaking havoc on this situation, as you’ve been reporting. The winds could be upward of 36 miles an hour.

    And it doesn’t take much — we saw with the Southern Pine Beetle that just infested the Pine Barrens along the Sunrise Highway, and that’s the real area of vulnerability. But the problem is it’s not just that area. It is approaching the Gabreski Airport — we’ve had to evacuate, we’re starting evacuations there — and Amazon facility, and other facilities, and even a few homes that we’ve already lost, and that is the concern.

    I think everyone has the image of the Palisades in California just in the forefront of their minds, and, so, we have to do everything we can to prevent that scenario and be prepared for major evacuations. So I want to, again, thank you for keeping the public informed, but everybody needs to be staying tuned right now because the situation could change very quickly.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely. Governor, if I could just ask you to go back for a second. Did you say that some homes had been lost?

    Governor Hochul: At least one or two that I’m aware of already, and there are a number in harm’s way.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: This is just terrible news to hear as we’re taking a look right now at some of these images here. Governor, also tell us what does this state of emergency mean? How is this going to directly impact Long Islanders? What do they need to know about it?

    Governor Hochul: It allows us as a state, and localities, to be able to bypass traditional procurement measures. We can get resources on the ground immediately. I’m also very concerned about air quality. If you recall the Quebec fires — from a few years ago — New York City had the worst air quality on the planet for a number of days, and for people in nursing homes and children; I want to make sure that if we need to, we get masks out, we’re checking up on people in nearby nursing homes and senior facilities.

    So everybody needs to be thinking about themselves, their neighbors, but whatever they can do to protect their homes. This may be contained in the next day or two, but we also are very smart to prepare for the worst case scenarios so everybody can remain safe regardless of what happens.

    God bless our firefighters. Most of these people are volunteers, and they are just putting their lives on the line for their neighbors and this is why we just cherish them so much.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely, our hearts go out to these volunteers. Governor, can you tell us where that home was that was lost?

    Governor Hochul: I don’t have the exact location, but I know there’s communities in West Hampton that are vulnerable right now. We’ll work on getting that location for you.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely, we appreciate that. And you said there may be some more evacuations. Governor, let me ask you, as we start to get closer to it being dark, what are your concerns here as the day and night goes on?

    Governor Hochul: Oh, we don’t know if the wind is going to pick up or die down. Again, it is wildly unpredictable. The forecast may say it is decreasing, but it doesn’t take much wind to continue the spread and it just feeds on, again, these trees that have been taken down by the infestation of the beetles — we’ve seen that. I mean, every time I go there, it’s heartbreaking to see what has happened already, but now, that is just a cinder for a huge fire, and that is our concern that this could spread and spread to other areas.

    And the more individual fires we have — I believe there’s four right now — then it also diffuses our resources, right? We have to be focused on putting out each fire, but if they rise in different areas then we have to send other people there. But thank God we have about 50 volunteer fire companies working tirelessly and we have mutual aid agreements. I can bring in people from all over the state and even indeed other other states if we need them. But, right now we’re working closely in coordination with the Emergency Operations Center. I may be going there tomorrow depending on what the situation on the ground is, but we are there with everything from air support, to ground support, to whatever resources we can give to keep Long Islanders safe.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Governor, we appreciate that. As we watch this unfold, we saw one video from a helicopter that just shows how massive this fire is. What can you share with us about the acreage or just the expanse of this fire?

    Governor Hochul: It’s spreading very quickly. This started a few hours ago, and now it has multiple renditions of it. It’s not just one fire that we can keep an eye on, it is spreading to different pockets and all triggered by the high winds and the dry, dry conditions and, again, the many trees from the Pine Barrens area that are on the ground are cinder for this. So, we’re concerned about the Amazon facility, we’re concerned about Gabreski Airport right now, and a chemical plant in the area.

    So, these are the areas where we are aware of them. Everyone knows what’s in each building — this is what the fire companies do, the state knows this — and we have to be very careful. Again, air quality is of concern as well. People need to be sure that they’re taken care of. If they still have N95 masks from the pandemic, or there’s ways they can keep a wet towel around their mouth and protect themselves, their kids and their pets. If it starts getting closer, you need to start focusing on air quality and possibly an evacuation.

    So, everybody needs to be watching social media reports from government sources, watch for text messages, watch for all the emergency alerts — but, I have officially declared a state of emergency right now.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: And Governor Hochul, if I can ask you, we have seen some pictures and video from people who said they could see this smoke all the way from Connecticut. Have you been in touch with governors from any of the neighboring states? Have you heard from other people who have been impacted by this?

    Governor Hochul: I’m getting video from people right on the ground and it looks devastating. Elected officials are sending me videos; people that are getting up close to it; our supervisors are sharing this with myself and my team. So, if I need additional assistance from other states, I will absolutely call on them and we’re just assessing our needs right now. But, again, they’re looking at a fire that is close to our residents, and that is a dangerous, dangerous situation on many levels, and everybody has to be staying focused on their own homes, their families, and their communities.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Absolutely. New York Governor Kathy Hochul joining us live this afternoon. Governor, thank you for your time. We will continue to check back in with you, as hopefully this fire gets put out sooner rather than later.

    Governor Hochul: Absolutely. Thank you so much for all your attention. You’re doing a great job.

    Thema Ponton, News 12: Thank you, Governor, for your time. We’ll let you get back to work to help the people of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police Vehicle Rammed – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force is investigating after a stolen vehicle rammed a police vehicle, causing injuries, in Alice Springs overnight.

    Early this morning, police will allege that two vehicles, a white Amarok and a white Hilux (Rego – ARW), were stolen from a residence in Eastside. Around 3:50am, the offenders attended a residence in Braitling, threatening the owner with a blunt weapon before stealing alcohol and fleeing the scene. Shortly after, the offenders have attempted to enter a licensed premises on Palm Circuit before fleeing the scene.

    As police were responding, the stolen Hilux has allegedly accelerated towards a stationary police vehicle on Ross Highway, ramming it and again fleeing the scene. The impact was significant, resulting in a male police officer suffering an injured hand and likely concussion.

    The police operation continued with the stolen Amarok successfully tire spiked on Bloomfield Street, with 8-10 youths fleeing the vehicle.

    The stolen Hilux involved in the ramming remains outstanding. The injured officer was treated by St Johns Ambulance and later reviewed by Alice Springs Hospital, prior to release this morning. 

    Commander James Gray-Spence said, “Strike Force Viper detectives will investigate these incidents, identify the offenders and take those responsible into custody. The offenders conduct is reckless, disgusting and cowardly. 

    “Thank you to the police officers who responded to these scenes overnight with extreme professionalism and dedication to duty, putting yourselves in harms way to protect the community.”

    Police urge anyone who witnesses crime or anti-social behaviour to contact police on 131 444 or in an emergency dial 000. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Two sessions’ key to observing China’s governance, modernization, says Nigerian media executive

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

    ‘Two sessions’ key to observing China’s governance, modernization, says Nigerian media executive

    ABUJA, March 8 — China’s “two sessions” have become a crucial window through which the world observes the country’s governance model and gains insights into the Chinese modernization, a Nigerian media executive has said.

    The “two sessions” showcase the transparency and efficiency of China’s governance, as well as its responsible administrative system, Ali Muhammad Ali, managing director and CEO of the News Agency of Nigeria, told Xinhua.

    China’s governance experience is even more valuable in the current context of profound global changes, he added.

    Having visited China multiple times, Ali has been deeply impressed by the country’s rapid development and transformation. China stands out in renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture, among other fields, he said.

    Describing China’s engagement with other developing countries as “unique,” he emphasized its focus on delivering tangible benefits through infrastructure development, vocational training and technology-driven investment.

    China’s cooperation with African nations, particularly in industrialization, capacity building and technology transfer, is playing a crucial role in addressing the continent’s development challenges, he said.

    “Africa is benefiting from industrial investments and infrastructure projects that are transforming economies across the continent,” Ali said, adding that without roads, bridges, railways and power projects, “industrialization would be impossible.”

    Noting that his news agency is keenly watching and reporting on this year’s “two sessions,” Ali expected the “two sessions” to reveal more information on future China-Africa cooperation.

    By deepening China-Africa cooperation, more African nations will learn from China’s experience and jointly advance global governance and economic prosperity, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislature vows high-quality legislation, oversight to serve national interest

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

    China’s top legislature vows high-quality legislation, oversight to serve national interest

    BEIJING, March 8 — The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, on Saturday unveiled its annual work plan for 2025, vowing to advance high-quality legislative work and conduct effective oversight to serve the overall national interest.

    Chinese national lawmakers on Saturday started deliberating the work report of the NPC Standing Committee at the ongoing NPC annual session.

    To ensure constitutional implementation and strengthen compliance oversight, the NPC Standing Committee will improve the systems ensuring comprehensive implementation of the Constitution and establish a system for reporting on its implementation, the report said, adding that the legislature will enhance its capacity to conduct constitutional review and normative document recording and review.

    HIGH-QUALITY LEGISLATION

    In the annual legislative plan, the NPC Standing Committee unveiled several key areas for the coming year.

    In order to strengthen the legal framework for the development of the socialist market economy, the NPC Standing Committee will formulate a law on promoting the private sector, a law on national development planning, a financial law, a financial stability law, and a law on cultivated land protection and quality improvement.

    It will also revise the Unfair Competition Law, the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, the Agriculture Law, the Fisheries Law, the Civil Aviation Law, and the Banking Regulation Law, according to the report.

    In the social and cultural sectors, the legislature will formulate a law promoting public awareness and education regarding the rule of law, a social assistance law, a childcare services law, and a law on public-interest litigation initiated by procuratorates.

    It will also revise the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases and the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language, the report said.

    With a focus on refining the systems concerning ecological conservation, the legislature will continue with the compilation of an environmental code and formulate a national parks law and an atomic energy law.

    To modernize the national security system and public security governance mechanisms, the NPC Standing Committee will formulate a law on public health emergency response and a hazardous chemicals safety law. It will also revise the Road Traffic Safety Law, the Food Safety Law, the Cybersecurity Law, the Public Security Administrative Penalties Law, the Prison Law, and the State Compensation Law.

    In regard to legislation in areas involving foreign affairs, the legislature will revise the Maritime Law, the Foreign Trade Law, and the Arbitration Law, according to the report.

    The NPC Standing Committee also vowed to intensify research on legislation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and big data.

    EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT, LEVERAGING LAWMAKER ROLE

    The report noted that the legislature has prepared 37 oversight programs for this year, including inspections into the implementation of five laws: the Trade Union Law, the Energy Conservation Law, the Forest Law, the Food Safety Law, and the Law on Promoting the Circular Economy.

    The NPC Standing Committee will hear and deliberate special reports on a variety of issues, such as fostering new quality productive forces, promoting integrated development of the cultural and tourism sectors, protecting the rights and interests of workers in flexible and new forms of employment, and climate change action.

    On measures to fully leverage the roles of NPC deputies, the legislature will encourage deputies to engage the people on a broader range of issues and in more diverse forms, and will continue to improve working mechanisms for handling and giving feedback on public opinions brought forward by deputies.

    The NPC Standing Committee will also carry out a research project on the election of deputies to county- and township-level people’s congresses, according to the report.

    MIL OSI China News –