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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Boosts Chennai Port Infrastructure with Inauguration of Key Project worth Rs.187 Crores

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Boosts Chennai Port Infrastructure with Inauguration of Key Project worth Rs.187 Crores

    Chennai Port Welcomes New Coastal Road, EXIM Godowns, and Shore Power Facilities

    Doubling Rail Connectivity and Expanding Cargo Capacity will enhance trade efficiency at Chennai and Kamarajar Port

    These projects are a testament to our commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and our unwavering focus on sustainability: Shri Sonowal

    Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 3:32PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, visited Chennai today to inaugurate a series of essential infrastructure projects at the Chennai Port Authority (ChPA) and Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL). These initiatives, launched with a combined investment of Rs. 187.33 Crores, are set to strengthen port infrastructure, streamline trade operations, and advance India’s green port initiatives.

    During his address, the Minister underscored the Ministry’s commitment to modernizing ports and enhancing maritime connectivity, emphasizing the role of these projects in positioning India as a key player in global trade.

    The Minister inaugurated several high-impact projects, starting with the construction of four new EXIM godowns at Chennai Port, with a project cost of Rs. 73.91 Crores. Covering an area of 18,000 sq. meters, these godowns will provide essential storage for sensitive cargo, including agricultural products and food grains, which require dedicated, clean, and covered storage solutions. This project, fully funded under the Sagarmala scheme, is aligned with India’s goal of expanding its trade capacity at major ports to meet growing demand. In addition to the godowns, the Minister dedicated the newly constructed concrete coastal road, which extends 350 meters in length and 12 meters in width. This road, developed at a cost of Rs. 4 Crores, facilitates smoother transport of heavy cargo and container movement to the Second Container Terminal (CITPL) at Chennai Port. The new road enhances access, reduces dust pollution, and promotes environmental compliance, marking a significant improvement in port infrastructure.

    In further support of efficient transport, Shri Sonowal inaugurated the Doubling of Southern Railway Connectivity at KPL, with a total investment of Rs. 88.91 Crores. This expansion adds 2.65 km of railway line to accommodate growing EXIM trade demands. It includes the construction of three new rail bridges over the Kosasthalai River and Buckingham canal and the conversion of unmanned level crossings to interlocked crossings. This project will significantly increase the port’s rail handling capacity from 22 to 44 rakes per day, allowing for faster and safer cargo movement within the port. The Minister also inaugurated a Shore Power Supply Facility for coal vessels at KPL, established at a cost of Rs. 20.51 Crores. Aligned with India’s Green Port Guidelines, the facility offers shore power at berths CB1 and CB2, reducing emissions and allowing vessels to operate without reliance on diesel engines, thus supporting a cleaner and more economical operational environment.

    During the event, Shri Sonowal highlighted the importance of these projects in enhancing India’s maritime growth and sustainability. “These projects are a testament to our commitment to strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and our unwavering focus on sustainability. We are laying the groundwork for seamless operations and green practices, preparing our ports to meet the evolving demands of global trade while ensuring they align with environmental goals,” he said.

    The event concluded with a presentation of the IAPH Sustainability Award report to the Minister and a commendation for KPL’s exceptional CSR contributions for the year 2022-23. In a nod to community heritage, the Minister also officiated the renaming of ‘Clive Battery Quarters’ to ‘Ramanujan Quarters’ under the Panch Pran initiative, highlighting the Ministry’s focus on building a resilient and inclusive port environment.

    These projects represent a crucial milestone for Chennai and Kamarajar Ports, underscoring the Ministry’s vision for a future-ready, sustainable port ecosystem. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways remains steadfast in advancing infrastructure and environmental initiatives that position India as a leading maritime hub and global trade enabler.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s address at 70th Annual Meeting of the General Body of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Very good morning to all of you.

    Distinguished members of the Executive Council, esteemed faculty, dedicated officers, and valued members of the IIPA, the 70th year is special and is special for an institution.

    It is both a moment of celebration, introspection, and reflection. Celebration because it is a significant milestone in the journey towards serving the country that is home to one-sixth of humanity. Introspection and reflection so as to move ahead with greater vigour and dedication, aligning with the emerging aspirations of Bharat.

    Over the last decade, spurred by a series of people-centric policies and initiatives, there has been in place a mood of hope and possibility, high expectancy, and aspirations. Institutions such as the IIPA, with a rich canvas of experienced human resource have to be in a high state of proactive role. Undoubtedly, IIPA has advanced governance, domestically and championed international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

    This institution has enriched the discourse around public administration, ensuring that our civil servants are equipped with a broad, forward-looking outlook that encompasses both national and international best practices. As indicated on earlier occasions by me from this platform, IIPA must deliberate the purpose of its coming into being, the goal, the achievements thus far, and how to optimise its performance and relevance in the journey ahead.

    A fundamental premise of the IIPA was that Indian public administration should have Indian characteristics distanced from colonial mindset, aligning with our aspirations post-independence. This is a time to take a stock of the progress on this anvil. We are indeed proud when we look at the overall trajectory, more so in the last decade. We are now defying the earlier defied colonial ideas and symbols. Kingsway has transformed itself to now Kartavya Path and Racecourse is Lok Kalyan Marg.

    Netaji Bose stands in the canopy where once King George’s statue was there. The ensign of the Indian Navy was changed to include our tricolour and we now have 1500 colonial era statutes that are not on the book anymore.

    The new criminal laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhitaand Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam have unshackled Indian criminal justice system from colonial legacy. It is a monumental and revolutionary change and now Dand Vidhan has become Nyaya Sanhita, Nyaya Vidhan, effecting improvements to protect victims’ interests, carry out prosecution efficiently and amongst many other much needed wholesome changes.

    Friends, Bharat is quickly jettisoning the colonial mindset, now we do not need English to learn medicine or technology. The question that we all must think is this is public administration marching in the right direction.

    On the 75th anniversary our Prime Minister reminded us that we need to build an India free of colonial mindset. On this momentous occasion in our post-independence journey the Prime Minister gave ‘Panch Pran’ or five resolves. These are worth taking by one and all as they need action at the level of one and all.

    One, a resolve of developed India, there can be no difference on this.  Removing any trace of the colonial mindset, taking pride in our legacy, our strength of unity and lastly fulfilling the duties of citizen with honesty.

    Our public administration would be out of sync with national good and spirit if it does not imbibe these values. People in public administration should be invariably committed to the values of nationalism, the idea of a developed and united India and to serving all Indian citizens without fear or favour.

    It is IIPA’s responsibility to infuse these values in the steel frame of Bharat. Distinguished audience, IIPA can massively contribute in fructifying these goals. IIIPA is immediately befitting platform for ideation and innovation when it comes to policy evolution and implementation.

    The democratic fabric of this country is amply reflected in the preamble of the Indian constitution, its fundamental rights in part three and fundamental duties in part four, capital A of the constitution. Rights blossom with a proactive public administration, visionary policies and expressions must be transformed into reality ensuring people aware in fullness their rights. This is ongoing process, it needs to fast track, ensuring rights is much beyond just having an intent about it. It is a matter of capabilities and competence. The world is changing too fast. We have to keep pace with it and so must our public administration.

    Friends, as we stand at the significant juncture, public administration faces unprecedented challenges as also opportunities. The rapidly evolving digital landscape, the imperatives of climate change and ever-rising aspirations of our citizens demand impactful, transformative, effective governance approaches. In today’s context, digital transformation is not just an option, it is beyond necessity, it is beyond flight with us. It is absolute necessity.

    India’s success with digital public goods and platforms has been globally acknowledged by global institutions and the countries as a role model for the developing world. In this sphere, we have shown the world how technology can be leveraged for inclusive governance for 1.4 billion people, even in the remotest corner. Through our India is Tech programme, we are setting a template for the global South to emulate and implement technological solutions for governance.

    The world is fast adopting India model, seeking our assistance and giving India a soft diplomacy cutting edge. IIPA must continue to play a pivotal role in preparing civil servants and public administrators for this fast changing digital age. Our training programmes and research initiatives are required to focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, machine learning and the kind while ensuring their ethical and responsible implementation in public service delivery. The cornerstone of effective public administration is continuous learning and capacity building. IIPA has a great role to play on these aspects.

    Distinguished audience, however, while embracing technology, we must also ensure it does not create further divisions. Rapidly advancing technology can exclude the most vulnerable section of the society. Therefore, our approach should be inclusive, a hallmark of our 5,000 year old civilisational ethos and we need to be inspired as we are at the moment by Antyodaya ensuring that technological advancements reach all corners of our population.

    As we integrate technology, we must prioritise cyber security and data privacy. These are emerging areas of great concern for ordinary citizens. An environment of trust must be fostered where citizens feel that their information is secure and used responsibly by all institutions concerned.

    Distinguished audience, as we progress into a new era of governance, data must be at the forefront of our decision-making process. Evidence-based studies are essential to understand the impact of various welfare policies. Data is bedrock, fundamental premise of assessing needs of the society. It is data that dispels myth, makes us aware of the ground reality and therefore, it is quiescence to any governance at the heart of which is welfare of the people.

    Assessments based on empirical evidence will not only enhance the credibility of our institutions but also build public trust in governance. I emphasise this because in a country like ours, we may have to be empirical on occasions on account of mass data that has to be analysed. It will also give a befitting reply to those who are not ready to accept the phenomenal rise of Bharat and leave no effort to taint and tarnish our institutions.

    On various occasions, I have expressed my concern over emerging worrisomely alarming scenario where some within, some without are engaged in a structured manner with evil design that is inimical to Bharat’s interest to run down our institutions, taint them differently and make all efforts that our progress be not recognised but the country has moved forward with speed. As we discuss the transformative power of public administration, there has been recognition of the immense power of the half of humanity, our mothers and sisters. Women have demonstrated exemplary administrative acumen managing households with a high degree of efficiency, foresight and resilience. People present here particularly in the front row are aware how top positions that of the Chief Secretary and DGP and Secretaries in Government of Indian States are being occupied very ably by this gender.

    Friends, imagine the quantum leap our economy could take if women were equally represented, if their representation was uniform in all domains of public service, policy making. After nearly three decades of consistent and delayed efforts, the long-anticipated justice was finally delivered with the Parliament passing Women’s Reservation Bill, providing one-third reservation for women in state legislatures and Lok Sabha, a game changer. This will have geometric impact on our harmony, policy making, societal growth and overall development.

    This decision not only acknowledges the leadership potential of women but also fulfils a profound aspect of social justice. I strongly believe increasing participation of women in policy making will promote an empathetic and sensitive governance.

    Friends, India is a land of fairs and festivals with frequent religious congregations dotting our landscape over the year. These celebrations on occasions are overshadowed and marred by mishaps that are avoidable. I had reflected this on two earlier occasions also. IIPA has a huge role to play in this, sensitising district administration at the national level, all over the country, needs to pick up.

    Surely anticipatory steps can avoid most of these mishaps. Just imagine what a long way we have come when we look at the technological aspect of IMD. When we have natural disasters, cyclones of gravity, human lives are saved. Property destruction is also saved. In this backdrop there is no reason why when we have fairs and festivals and congregations all over the country, well in advance the information is known. A country that is known to the world to have organised Kumbh Mela without any problem.

    I am sure IIPA will take a step to ensure that district administration in the country is abling sensitise to have a calendar so that these events are well planned. Right from making amenities to the people who congregate and sensitise the administration that handles sometimes delicate situations same goes about dilapidated buildings, bridges. Surely IIPA can step in and sensitise on these and related aspects. I have only reflected illustratively, IIPA can get as exhaustive as possible.

    Democracy gets strengthened with people’s commitment to discipline and nationalistic thoughts going up. Democracy has to be nurtured, it has to blossom. Every citizen’s participation has to be there. That is reflected in PART IVA of the constitution, fundamental duties, we have to inculcate in by a spirit of nation first. Nation always first, nation above personal or other interest. Development has to be addressed in a bipartisan manner, development has to be away from routine aspects of politicking.

    Friends, with constant I need to indicate to you there are forces both in Bharat and abroad that want to impede Bharat from moving forward on the path of economic upsurge. An upsurge that is exponential, an upsurge that is unprecedented, an upsurge that is unrivalled amongst large economies, an upsurge the world is stunned with. The rise of Bharat as a favourite global destination of opportunity and investment in the accolades emanating from IMF and the world bank. Some people seek to impede these then our rise in strategic and diplomatic spheres where our voice is being heard at the moment as never before. When India is emerging through able leadership at global level as a centre that stands for dialogue and diplomacy.

    India that is credited in the world for bringing Global South on the central stage and getting inclusion of African Union in G20. When we find these forces, we have to get into a mode to be committed passionately with a mission to ensure that Bharat’s rejuvenation and resurgence is fast-tracked rather than impeded.

    In this also administration has to play a pivotal role and guidance must emanate from the IIPA. I emphasise this because our bureaucracy by its very nature has a potential to be transformative to any degree. They are role model in the district and elsewhere for the people at large.

    Particularly impressionable minds and therefore, if IIPA takes steps how these role models are more exposed to our impressionable minds in schools and colleges. How they inculcate a sense of discipline by impactful presence on the road. How they make our institutions effective by visiting a school or a primary health centre. These are aspects on which I am sure IIPA will look into.

    Distinguished audience, as we work towards the vision of a developed Bharat@2047 and that’s a challenge. We are proud of our accomplishments being placed at the moment as the fifth largest global economy on way to becoming third one. But there has to be eight-fold rise in our per capita income that is a challenge we have to meet and therefore, I would urge IIPA has already been aligning its programmes with national priorities.

    Its training programmes have evolved significantly incorporating modern pedagogical methods and practical case studies. The institute needs to further strengthen these initiatives to enhance problem-solving capacities among civil servants, promote evidence-based policy making and strengthen ethical leadership and governance. Our civilisation is synonymous with ethical standards. Ethics always has played a key role over thousands of years of existence of our civilisation, ethics binds us, ethical standards can never be compromised. But these have to be nurtured, these have to be nurtured constantly by ensuring that where temptation is too tempting, one would normally yield. The spinal strength has to emanate from the courses that have to be spread from institutions like IIPA.

    Friends, now entering eighth decade, the institution will surely focus more on emotional intelligence of the trainees. Developing soft skills, emotional intelligence and cultural competence among public officials is crucial so that officials can understand the struggles of the marginalised and the underprivileged, design and implement policies that truly address those challenges. I have had the occasion in my position to address probationers. The kind of satisfaction and happiness they will get to serve one-sixth of humanity in this position is not available elsewhere. That confidence has to be imparted by bodies like IIPA.

    Whatever you deliberate in the meeting today, I would appeal it should revolve around this central idea, effective and efficient public administration is the very basis of our development journey.

    Friends, we all in togetherness are vectors of development of the this Amrit Kaal. When I see talent before me, the people in the first row and subsequent rows, I feel humbled because I don’t have to speak to them what should be done. I have to learn from their experience what should be done and the organisation is indeed blessed to have such a reservoir of talent, of experience, exposure, commitment. I am sure it will optimally perform.

    I wish this meeting and the team here all the very best. I am confident that with your continued dedication IIPA will scale new heights of excellence in the years to come.

    Thank you. Jai Hind!

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bharat today is jettisoning the colonial mindset, defying the earlier deified colonial ideas-VP

    Source: Government of India

    Bharat today is jettisoning the colonial mindset, defying the earlier deified colonial ideas-VP

    Indian public administration should have Indian characteristics distanced from colonial mindset, says Vice-President

    Emotional intelligence and cultural competence among public officials is crucial to understand the struggles of the marginalized and the underprivileged-VP

    Technology adoption in public administration must be inclusive and inspired by ‘Antyoday’ – VP

    Evidence-based studies essential to assess the impact of welfare policies, stresses VP

    Participation of women in policy making will promote empathetic and sensitive governance, underlines VP

    Vice President addresses the 70th Annual Meeting of the General Body of IIPA

    Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 2:34PM by PIB Delhi

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said that Bharat is quickly jettisoning the colonial mindset, we are now defying the earlier deified colonial ideas and symbols and Indian public administration should have Indian characteristics distanced from colonial mindset, aligning with our aspirations post independence.

    While addressing the gathering at the 70th Annual Meeting of the General Body of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi today, Vice-President underlined, “Indian public administration should have Indian characteristics distanced from colonial mindset aligning with our aspirations post independence. Look at the overall trajectory, more so in the last decade.”

    “We are now defying the earlier deified colonial ideas and symbols. King’s way is now Kartavya Path and Race Course Road is Lok Kalyan Marg. Netaji now stands in the canopy where once King George’s statue was there. The ensign of India Navy was changed to include our tricolor. 1500 colonial-era statutes are not on the law book anymore.

    The new criminal laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam — have unshackled Indian Criminal Justice system from colonial legacy. It is a monumental and revolutionary change that the ‘Dand’ Sanhita has now become the ‘Nyaya’ Sanhita, effecting improvements to protect victim’s interests, carry out prosecution efficiently, amongst many other aspects. Bharat is quickly jettisoning the colonial mindset. Now you do not need English to learn medicine or technology”, he added.

    Recalling the ‘Panch Prans’ iterated by the Prime Minister during his Independence day speech in 2022, Shri Dhankhar stated, “…Prime Minister reminded us that we need to build an India free of colonial mindset. To that end, he gave panch pran or five resolves. (a) a resolve of developed India, (b) Removing any trace of the colonial mindset, (c) Taking pride in our legacy, (d) Our strength of unity, and (e) Fulfilling the duties of citizens with honesty. Our public administration would be out of sync with national mood and spirit if it does not imbibe these values”.

    Highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence and soft skills among public officials, Shri Dhankhar said, “Focus more on emotional intelligence of its trainees. Developing soft skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence among public officials is crucial so that officials can understand the struggles of the marginalized and the underprivileged; design and implement policies that truly address those challenges”.

    In his address, Shri Dhankhar further emphasized the need to enhance civil servants’ problem-solving abilities and reinforce ethical leadership, stating that while ethical standards are fundamental to our civilization, they require constant nurturing to withstand temptation.

    Emphasising on the importance of technology adoption in public administration, he said, “Our training programs [IIPA’s] and research initiatives should focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics, while ensuring their ethical and responsible implementation in public service delivery. The cornerstone of effective public administration is continuous learning and capacity building.”

    Drawing attention to the concern of digital marginalisation and need of an inclusive approach, Shri Dhankhar underlined, “However, while embracing technology, we must also ensure that it does not create further divisions. Rapidly advancing technology can exclude the most vulnerable sections of society. Therefore, our approach should be inclusive and inspired by ‘antyoday,’ ensuring that technological advancements reach all corners of our population.”

    Stressing on the need for data driven and evidence based studies to asses impact of welfare measures, Shri Dhankhar underlined “As we progress into a new era of governance, data must be at the forefront of our decision-making processes. Evidence-based studies are essential to understand the impact of various welfare policies. Assessments based on empirical evidence will not only enhance the credibility of our institutions but also build public trust in governance. It will also give a befitting reply to those who are not ready to accept the phenomenal rise of Bharat and leave no stone unturned to taint and tarnish our institutions!”

    “As we integrate technology, we must prioritize cyber security and data privacy. An environment of trust must be fostered where citizens feel that their information is secure and used responsibly”, he added.

    Recognizing women’s exemplary administrative acumen and hailing the passing of Women’s Reservation Bill, Shri Dhankhar remarked, “This decision not only acknowledges the leadership potential of women, but also fulfills a profound aspect of Social Justice. I strongly believe increasing participation of women in policy making will promote empathetic and sensitive governance”.

    The Vice-President pointed out that while India is a land of fairs and festivals, these celebrations are sometimes marred by avoidable mishaps, underscoring the crucial role IIPA can play in sensitizing district administrations at the national level. He emphasized that with proper anticipatory measures and advanced planning, particularly regarding amenities and safety, such incidents can be minimized.

    Shri Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director-General, IIPA, Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Secretary to the Vice-President of India and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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    JK/RC/SM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT OF INDIA INTERACTS WITH WOMEN ACHIEVERS IN THE INDIAN AVIATION SECTOR

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 04 NOV 2024 1:36PM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu interacted with a group of women achievers in the Indian Aviation Sector at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (November 4, 2024). This meeting took place under the initiative “The President with the People” which aims to establish a deeper connect with people and recognise their contributions.

    Speaking on the occasion, the President said that women are playing a key role in various operational and technical areas in India’s civil aviation sector. She noted that 15 percent of Air Traffic Controllers are women, 11 percent of flight dispatchers are women, and 9 percent of aerospace engineers are women. She also noted that 18 percent of pilots who received commercial licenses last year were women. She appreciated all women achievers who think innovatively and have the courage to tread new paths.

    The President said that the inclusive efforts of the Government of India have given a boost to the progress of women in the civil aviation sector. More and more women are now choosing aviation as their career. She emphasised that along with increasing the participation of women in the aviation industry, equal opportunities moving forward in this field are also necessary.

    The President said that apart from education and proper training, support of family is also important. It is often seen that many women are not able to fulfill their dreams even after receiving higher education due to a lack of support from family. She urged the women achievers to become guides for other women and encourage them to choose their careers and realise their dreams.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Enforcement of targeted measures by various agencies after imposition of GRAP to control and abate air pollution in Delhi-NCR during the period from 15.10.2024 to 31.10.2024

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 NOV 2024 3:31PM by PIB Delhi

    With the implementation of revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas since 15.10.2024, comprehensive and target specific actions under Stages I & II of GRAP are being taken by the concerned agencies responsible for control of air pollution in NCR. Stage-I of GRAP has been in-force since 15.10.2024 and Stage-II since 22.10.2024 in the entire NCR. During 15.10.2024 – 31.10.2024 period, a range of preventive and remedial measures were initiated to abate air pollution in the region. Summary of the actions taken by different agencies in this regard are as follows:

    Setting up a GRAP Monitoring Control Room in the Commission To follow up and monitor the targeted actions by NCR States, a GRAP Monitoring Control Room has been set up in the Commission since 15.10.2024 which is headed by Member (CAQM). A dedicated WhatsApp group has been created for smooth flow of information between Control Room and concerned Nodal Officers of States. The Control Room remains operational throughout the week.

    Some of the highlights of GRAP actions taken by the NCR States are as under: Inspection of Construction & Demolition (C&D) sites and action taken: As per the GRAP action, inspection of C&D sites has been intensified by concerned agencies to ensure compliance of air pollution control measures. Based on such inspections, action is being taken against non-complying units. More than 7000 C&D sites were inspected across NCR and Environmental Compensation (EC) has been imposed on 597 non-complying sites and orders for closure have been issued for 56 sites.

    Deployment of Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), Water Sprinklers (WS) and Anti-Smog Guns (ASGs) to control Road Dust: To control the dust pollution at its source, deployment of MRSMs, Water Sprinklers and ASGs has been increased across NCR. In Delhi alone on an average 81 MRSMs were deployed daily while in Haryana and UP, 36 MRSMs were deployed daily to arrest the dust pollution from roads. Similarly, on an average around 600 water sprinklers and ASGs each were also deployed on daily basis across NCR.

    Enforcement actions in Vehicular Sector: Intensive drive was taken to challan non-compliant vehicles on account of non-possession of PUCs, visibly polluting, carrying C&D waste, etc. Overaged vehicles found plying on road were also impounded.  A total of around 54,000 vehicles have been challaned for non-possession of PUCs and around 3900 overaged vehicles have been impounded across NCR during the period (15.10.2024 – 31.10.2024).

    Enforcement of MSW Management measures: Intensive inspections were carried out for illegal dumping sites across NCR and necessary action taken against illegal sites. More than 5300 such inspections were carried out. Accordingly, action against defaulters for MSW burning during GRAP period was also taken.

    Enforcement actions in Industrial Sectors and use of DG sets: Enforcement drives have been taken by NCR State agencies to inspect industries and DG sets and take action against non-complying units by imposing EC and/or issuing closure.  Approx. 1400 industries and 1300 DG sets were inspected and action against non-complying units were taken.  

    Efforts by the concerned agencies responsible for control of air pollution in Delhi-NCR will be further intensified during the GRAP period as per the prevailing situation.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Modi Govt’s Education Revamp Puts India on Track to be ‘Viswa Guru’: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Source: Government of India

    Modi Govt’s Education Revamp Puts India on Track to be ‘Viswa Guru’: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Doctor’s Role Essential to Build Scientific Temper in the Society: Shri Sonowal

    Assam Medical College a leading force of India’s Clinical Excellence; to support AMC Capacity Expansion: Shri Sonowal

    Dibru College’s Legacy Tapped for Growth; Local Talent Poised to Drive Regional Development: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

    Posted On: 03 NOV 2024 3:28PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal widely interacted with students community as he attended the 78th Foundation Day of Assam Medical College & Hospital as well as at the 62nd Foundation Day of Dibru College as the Chief Guest in Dibrugarh, Assam today. Shri Sonowal highlighted the role that the PM Shri Narendra Modi led Government played to revamp the education sector of the country, which has put India on track to be ‘Viswa Guru.’

    Speaking to the young minds of Assam Medical College, the Union Minister, said, “The role played by any doctor is crucial to build scientific temperament in the society. It is a matter of immense pride that the rich legacy of the Assam Medical College is in safe hands of all of you to further this temperament while enriching the lives of people, both physically as well as mentally. The prowess of doctor’s community as well as that of our scientists proved essential to thwart the threat that COVID posed. While the vaccination healed people, the selfless service by doctor’s community proved crucial to heal the community. Today, the talent of doctors of India is top notch when it comes to clinical excellence. The rapid growth of medical tourism is a testament to this. While we excel at the contemporary medicine practice, our age old traditional medicinal systems has proven effects on healing the health and mind. India’s biggest soft power export to the world is Yoga which has been healing the health and mind of all of humanity. Today, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, we are integrating the best of traditional medicine with that of modern medicine in order to provide a holistic treatment and provide for a complete wellbeing. The legacy of Assam Medical College must be honed to support our talent pool to become world class doctors and researchers. Apart from the Government of Assam’s commitment of ₹300 crores to improve the infrastructure, as a MP of Dibrugarh LSC, I shall definitely add to this in order to elevate prowess of AMC as leading centre of care and healing in the region. AMC is the pride of Dibrugarh, the pride of Assam and the pride of the Northeast. You shall continue to inspire generations and heal humanity.”

    The event at AMC was also attended by Bimal Borah, Minister, Govt of Assam;  Rameswar Teli, MP of Rajya Sabha; Bolin Chetia, MLA of Sadiya LAC; Dr Saikat Patra, Mayor, Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC); Prof Sanjeev Kakati, Principal, AMC; Dr Reema Nath, Vice Principal, AMC along with Arun Jyoti, CEM of Moran Autonomus Council; Indra Gogoi, Vice Chairman, Assam Gas Company Limited; Ujjwal Kashyap, District President, BJP Dibrugarh and other dignitaries.

    Shri Sonowal also attended the 62nd Foundation Day Celebration of Dibru College in Dibrugarh, Assam today. It was founded with the support from public and eventually it became as a pioneering college of the region, receiving top honours from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Shri Sonowal also offered floral tributes to the founding Principal of the college Bharat Narayan Jamowar as well as Vice Principal Nanda Lal Borgohain here today.

    Speaking at this event, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The 21st century is one of competition, and we must participate to reach success with dignity. Dibru College is here to prepare you for that challenge. Students from across the Northeast are studying here, and it has been training & honing the human resources contributing handsomely to the cause of nation building. You all should be thankful for that. My appeal to students today is to focus on building yourselves. There is no shortcut to success—you must work hard on your character and discipline. Our dynamic PM, Shri Narendra Modi ji, works tirelessly for the nation, not just as a leader but as someone fully immersed in serving the country. May you find a role model in his life!”

    The event was also attended by Rameswar Teli, ex Union Minister of State and MP of Rajya Sabha; Dr Saikat Patra, Mayor, DMC; Prof Jiten Hazarika, Vice Chancellor, Dibrugarh University; Pradeep Kumar Baruah; President of Governing Council of Dibru College; Aditi Baruah, Principal, Dibru College as well as other dignitaries.

    *****

    NKK/AK

    (Release ID: 2070435) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Culture completes Special Campaign 4.0 focusing on institutionalization of Swachhata and minimizing pendency in the Offices

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 4:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Culture (MoC), along with its organizations, participated in the Special Campaign 4.0 while focusing mainly on institutionalization of Swachhata and minimizing pendency in Government Offices.

    During implementation phase from 2nd to 31st October,2024, the Ministry achieved 100% targets in carrying out cleanliness drives in all designated 529 sites. 100% files in Record Management viz.12,668 Physical files and 3261 E-files were reviewed. 1167 Physical Files & 470 E-Files have been weeded out and closed, respectively. Revenue to the tune of Rs.31,73,667/- was generated by disposing of scarps. A total of 46876 Sq.ft. area was freed. In addition, 100% Public Grievances; 60% Public Grievances Appeals, 73% MP References 55% PMO References were disposed of. Ministry released 5 Press Statements. 187 Tweets were also issued by the Ministry and its various organizations.

    Cleanliness drive conducted at Ramappa Temple, Hyderabad and Warangal Fort, Hyderabad sites

    Ramappa Temple, Hyderabad

       

    Before                                           After

    Warangal Fort, Hyderabad

                 

    Before                                         After

     

    Digitization of Records

    The National Archives of India(NAI), an attached office of Ministry of Culture, has collections of approximately 34 crore pages. The NAI has a plan to convert all its physical collections into digital and make it accessible to the society online.  NAI has started a digitization programme through outsourcing. NAI has started the work of digitization of 30 Crore pages and uploading the same on Department search portal i.e. www.abhilekh-patal.in. and the work is expected to be completed in two years.  56,07,806 pages have been digitized in the month of October 2024 with complete DMS implementation, Bar-coding and each record have 24 number of indexing field.

    Conservation of Records

    As a part of restorative conservation of records, The National Archives of India (NAI) repaired 2380 number of sheets; stitched and bound 14 vols and 160 files/mics items; and also repaired 44 maps during the period.

    (On going conservation of Records at NAI)

    Appraisal of Records

    Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Railway, Ministry of Coal and Directorate General CRPF, New Delhi have intimated NAI for appraisal of 680, 1366, 81 and 102 files, respectively. NAI has initiated action for joint appraisal of the above files as per provisions of Public Record Act & Rules.

    Record Management Training

    The following Training Programmes in Record Management were conducted by National Archives of India during Special Campaign 4.0 :-

    1. 178th Orientation course on Records Management for the Central Government officials/Departmental Records Officers was conducted for three days from 23-25 October 2024 at NAI, Records Centre, Jaipur. 27 participants from various Ministries/ Departments like Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Defence, Atomic Energy, Archaeological Survey of India and PSUs etc. participated in this orientation course.

     

     

    2.As part of special campaign 4.0, a workshop/training session on ‘Records Management’ was conducted by NAI at Ministry of Coal on 18th October, 2024. Approximately 40 participants including ASO, SO and US level officers attended the workshop.

     

     

    Exhibition

    The National Archives of India organized an exhibition titled “सुशासन और अभिलेख ” as part of Special Campaign 4.0 for Swachhata. The exhibition was inaugurated by Hon’ble Culture Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on 1st October 2024 at NAI and remained open for public viewing till 30th October, 2024.

    Best Practice:

    Adding a creative dimension to the SHS Campaign,2024 and Special Campaign 4.0 some of the Organizations of Ministry of Culture have undertaken the following initiatives with citizen involvement and collective action as part of good practice:-

    1. Waste to Art Initiatives by National Council for Science Museums (NCSM) by engaging community in the waste to art initiatives: –
      1. 3 days Waste to Art Exhibition organized at National Science Centre, New Delhi, a Unit of NCSM, from 24th to 26th September,2024.

     

     

    b) Shadow Art piece crafted from discarded electronic, electrical & spare parts,  and A Coffee Table Book curated by NCSM Hqrs, Kolkata using waste material.

     (Coffee Table Book)

    1. Workshop on Composting Garden Waste organized by Goa Science Centre and Planetarium, a Unit of NCSM.

     

    Workshop on Vermicomposting organized by District Science Centre, Dharampur, Gujarat, a Unit of NCSM.

     

    1. Workshop on Hand made paper organized by Goa Science Centre and Planetarium Goa, a Unit of NCSM.

     

    1. Mobile Science Exhibition on Hygiene and Sanitation organised by District Science Centre, Dharmpur, Gujarat, a Unit of NCSM.
    1. Preservation of Gandhi Papers by Asiatic Society of Kolkata(ASK) 
    1. Curative Preservation of Manuscripts and Book “Ramayana” by Asiatic Society of Kolkata(ASK).
       

     

     

    Ministry of Culture is committed to continue with the good works done during Special Campaign in order to promote and institutionalize swachhata, and reduce pendency in all organizations.

    ***

    SKT/

    (Release ID: 2070325) Visitor Counter : 57

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways Undertakes Massive Cleanliness Drive, Covering 45.20 crore of Square Meters of area during this year Swachhata pakhwada

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Indian Railways Undertakes Massive Cleanliness Drive, Covering 45.20 crore  of Square Meters of area during this year Swachhata pakhwada

     Over 450,000 People Participate in Swachhata Initiatives Across Indian Railways

    Indian Railways Plants Over 263,000 Saplings in Swachhata Pakhwada Drive

    2259 anti littering drives were launched where 12,609 persons were penalized and 177133 persons were counseled for not littering across Railway premises

    This year special focus was kept on cleanliness of Railway track located in station adjacent areas and areas around tracks falling in urban/semi urban areas

    Posted On: 02 NOV 2024 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Railways has always been a key participant of Government of India’s Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) with theme ‘Swachh Rail, Swachh Bharat’ and with extensive initiatives to ensure a cleaner and more hygienic travel experience for passengers.

    During Pakhwada period, Indian Railways’ Units undertook day wise plan/ activities like plantation drive, Swachh Samwaad, Swachh Railgaadi, Swachh Station, Swachh Parisar, Swachh Aahar, Swachh Parsadhan etc. This year special focus was kept on cleanliness of Railway track located in station adjacent areas and areas around tracks falling in urban/semi urban areas, cleanliness of drains & toilets, cleaning of railway colonies, Railway buildings/establishments etc

    During Swachhata Pakhwada 2024, Indian Railway has performed a remarkable exercise w.r.t. cleanliness Details are as under:-

    • 7285 number of stations, 2754 trains and 18331 offices were covered for extensive cleanliness during the Pakhwada.
    • 45.20 crore square meter area was cleaned up.
    • A total length of 20,182 kms of tracks were cleaned.
    • 465723 persons took part in Swachhata Pleade/Shramdan activities.
    • 1,17,56,611 meter of drains were cleaned up during the campaign.
    • On 821 locations, Nukkad Nataks were organized for the awareness of passengers.
    • 2259 anti littering drives were launched over Indian Railways where 12,609 persons were penalized and 177133 persons were counseled for not littering the Railway premises.
    • 1541 Swachhata awareness webinars/seminars were organized which were attended by 66,188 persons.
    • During the drive, 2,63,643 number of saplings were planted.
    • At Railway Workshops, 5400 tons of scrap was collected during the Pakhwada.
    • Overall, 4619 tons of waste was collected during Pakhwada.
    • 710 tons of plastic waste was removed.
    • 19,759 number of Dust bins were installed.
    • As a part of feedback mechanism, 50,276 SMS/feedbacks were obtained from passengers regarding cleanliness levels.
    • Swachh Aahar drives were launched at around 2597 locations and around 6960 number of food stalls were deeply cleaned. Similarly, Swachh Neer drives were launched at around 4478 locations and around 17579 number of water booths were cleaned.
    • ‘Waste to Art’ selfie points were created at 452 stations.

    Every Railway personal took part the campaign whole heartedly, with around 2100 action plans & 3250 nos. of different kind of cleanliness activities under aforesaid day wise plans like swachhata pakhwada logo & banners have been posted on Railways’ website, announcement in trains/stations for proper disposals of waste in trains/stations for passenger awareness, Prabhat Pheris taken out with the slogan “Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat” to raise awareness, Nukkad Nataks organized with the help of NGOs, Religious bodies and School children at railway stations for awareness of passengers, people are encouraged to desist from open defecation in areas approaching stations, on track, in yard or depot premises through IEC, Do/Don’t posters displayed for passengers on cleanliness, Intensive cleaning of Railway premises (Stations, Trains, Railway Colonies, Retiring/Waiting Rooms, Running Rooms, Rest House and Dormitories canteens, food stalls in and around station premises).

    Like every year, since inception of swachhata pakhwada, Indian Railways has been observing Swachhata Pakhwada every year with true spirit. This year, IR has observed swachhata pakhwada from 1st October to 15th October 2024.

    Chairman & CEO,Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar launched the Swachhata Pakhwada programme on 01st Oct, 2024, from conference hall of Rail Bhawan by administrating Swachhata Pledge.Shri Kumar encouraged the Railway officials to keep their ambient clean and urged that we should not constraint cleanliness practices only during this fort night campaign but all time through the year. A skit performance was also organized by Railway Board’s officials for spreading awareness for cleanliness among people. Under the campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, around 2,000 saplings were distributed among Railway officials at Rail Bhawan, in inaugural function. Winner of essay competition on subject Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskar Swachata were awarded by Chairman & CEO, Railway Board. A health camp for personals of Railway Board engaged in cleanliness activates was also organized wherein around 120 personals were covered.

    Indian Railway always endeavor to carry such campaigns in a ‘Whole of Society Approach’ with emphasis on people’s participation making ‘sanitation everyone’s business’. Indian Railways remains committed to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The initiatives undertaken during Swachhata Pakhwada will continue to be implemented to ensure a cleaner, greener and more sustainable travel experience for all.

    ***

    Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

    (Release ID: 2070317) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China mulls law revision to better protect maritime passengers

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China aims to improve protection of the rights and interests of maritime passengers through a draft law revision.
    The draft revision to the maritime law has been submitted to an ongoing session of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, scheduled from Monday to Friday, for deliberation.
    The draft, containing 311 articles in 16 chapters, stipulates better protection of passenger rights by properly increasing the transport carriers’ liability limits for personal injury and property damage compensation to passengers, and by unifying the liability limits for compensation in domestic and international maritime passenger transportation.
    It also makes proper adjustments to the rights and obligations of parties involved in maritime activities.
    China’s maritime law came into force in 1993.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor reports distressed pension assistance program has protected benefits for more than 1.2M workers, retirees, families

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that its Employee Benefits Security Administration has issued a report illustrating how the American Rescue Plan has protected the financially distressed pension plans of more than 1.2 million U.S. workers, retirees and their families, ensuring they receive the retirement benefits they earned. 

    The department’s report on the impact of the Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Relief Act finds that, as of October 2024, more than $69 billion in Special Financial Assistance has been approved for 98 multiemployer pension plans whose participants faced reductions in retirement benefits averaging 41 percent. The report also shows the American Rescue Plan already has provided more than $1.6 billion in restorative payments and ongoing benefit payments to more than 121,000 retirees, an average of about $13,600 per retiree. Almost half of the $1.6 billion reversed retirees’ previous benefit reductions.

    “A pension is more than a number on a sheet of paper; it’s the ability to stop working after years of making a good, honest living, to rest your aching knees and aching backs, and to go to bed without setting an alarm clock. A pension isn’t given. It’s earned,” said Acting Secretary Julie Su. “The Biden-Harris administration’s American Rescue Plan has already delivered on the promise of ensuring a secure and dignified retirement for more than 1.2 million workers and retirees, and there’s still more to come. We ultimately expect pension plans covering more than two million workers and retirees to remain solvent and able to pay out full benefits for the next several decades.”

    Special Financial Assistance has safeguarded plan benefits for union workers and retirees in many industries, including nearly 620,000 Teamsters, more than 152,000 in the United Food and Commercial Workers International, over 103,000 Bakery and Confectionery workers, more than 89,000 United Steelworkers, over 50,000 Communications Workers of America, as well as 49,000 union musicians and 29,000 carpenters.

    The pension protection legislation in the American Rescue Plan was named for the late Butch Lewis, a former Teamster who fought to protect union retirees’ pensions from harsh benefit cuts through no fault of their own. Ultimately, the act is expected to ensure roughly two million workers’ and retirees’ pension plans remain solvent and able to pay full benefits workers earn through at least 2051.

    Read the EBSA report on Special Financial Assistance. 

    Read a White House fact sheet on the impact of the Butch Lewis Act.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News release on compost reimbursement program

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    News release on compost reimbursement program

    Posted on Nov 1, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    ʻOIHANA MAHIʻAI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KIAʻĀINA
                                                                            

    SHARON HURD
    CHAIRPERSON

    HAWAIʻI BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

    NR24-32

    Nov. 1, 2024

     

    COMPOST REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

     

    HONOLULU – The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs.

     

    Act 231 was passed by the State Legislature during its 2024 session and Governor Josh Green, M.D., released funding totaling $400,000 in August 2024. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant.

     

    Under the reimbursement program, compost must be purchased from a certified processor, retailer or wholesaler licensed to do business in Hawaiʻi. In addition, certified Hawai‘i processors are limited to those companies regulated under the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Solid Waste Management Program. 

     

    “The cost of compost is a major expenditure for many farming operations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi Board of Agriculture. “This reimbursement program can help to prevent the spread of coconut rhinoceros beetles and other pests by providing an incentive to purchase compost from certified compost operators, which are required to treat all compost for pests prior to sale.”

     

    Qualified agricultural operations include commercial agriculture, aquacultural facilities, livestock, poultry, apiary and landscaping activities. Applicants must also provide a W-9 tax form, sample invoice and proof of compliance with federal, state and county tax and business regulations. The deadline to submit invoices is May 1, 2025.

     

    For more information and to download the application forms, go to:  https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/main/compost-reimbursement2025/

    Program Contact:

    Plant Industry Division

    [email protected]

    808-973-9530

     

    # # #

     

    Attachment: Compost Reimbursement Fact Sheet

     

     

    Media Contact:
    Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
    Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
    Phone: 808-973-9560
    Cell: 808-341-5528
    [email protected]
    http://hdoa.hawaii.gov

    HDOA is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, retaliation, or harassment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under federal or state law, with respect to any program or activity.

                                                             

    For more information, including language accessibility and filing a complaint, please contact HDOA Non-Discrimination Coordinator at 808-973-9591, or visit HDOA’s website at http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/.

     

    To request translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, or other auxiliary aids or services for this document, contact the HDOA at 808-973-9591 or email [email protected].

     

    TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

    The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or any other class as protected under applicable federal or state law, in administration of its programs, or activities. To learn more, or file a complaint, please refer to the links below:

     

    NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

    English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Tagalog | Thai ไทย

    NON-EMPLOYEE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

    English | Hawaiian Hoʻokomo ʻōlelo | Ilokano | Laotian ພາສາລາວ | Chinese 中文 | Spanish Español | Tagalog | Thai ไทย

    DISABILITY NON-DISCRIMINATION PROGRAM AND POLICY

    English

    LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN

    English

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: “RESCUE: HI-SURF” EPISODE DIRECTED BY NATIVE HAWAIIAN FILMMAKER ERIN LAU TO AIR NOVEMBER 4 ON FOX

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: “RESCUE: HI-SURF” EPISODE DIRECTED BY NATIVE HAWAIIAN FILMMAKER ERIN LAU TO AIR NOVEMBER 4 ON FOX

    Posted on Nov 1, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

     

     CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    GEORJA SKINNER

    CHIEF OFFICER, CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DIVISION

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    November 1, 2024

    “RESCUE: HI-SURF” EPISODE DIRECTED BY NATIVE HAWAIIAN FILMMAKER ERIN LAU TO AIR NOVEMBER 4 ON FOX 

    Hawai‘i hires for the hit series earned more than $31 million in total wages; workforce training also provided to local interns 

     

    HONOLULU – The pulse-pounding new drama “Rescue: HI-Surf,” a co-production of John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television and FOX Entertainment, continues to further opportunities for Hawai‘i’s creative talent. Native Hawaiian filmmaker Erin Lau directs the seventh episode of the North Shore O‘ahu-set series as it follows the personal and professional lives of local lifeguards. Airing on FOX November 4, 2024, the episode marks Lau’s directorial debut in the network television space, furthering her impressive writer/director/producer credits across high-profile branded content and award-winning short films.

    Exploring themes of redemption, legacy and identity, Erin Lau’s dynamic body of work is known for empathetic storytelling. Since graduating from Chapman University’s MFA program, she has honed her craft through opportunities with the Sundance Institute, Tribeca Studios and Women in Film among others. Lau’s work has screened at more than 50 film festivals globally. Her Chapman thesis, “The Moon and the Night,” received support from the Sundance Native Lab and the Criterion Channel. Her short film, “Inheritance,” premiered at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival and won the Oscar-qualifying Best Hawai‘i Short Award at the 42nd Hawai‘i International Film Festival. Through Jubilee Media, Lau has directed content for global brands such as Google. 

    “I am incredibly grateful for the support from our local film community and the collective of organizations and advocates that have helped me grow as a filmmaker and are empowering even more voices,” shares Lau. “Opportunities like this are essential for our emerging artists, and I’m thrilled to be part of ʻRescue: HI-Surf’ as it celebrates Hawai‘i’s creatives and stories.”

    Lau joins over 2,100 local cast and crew that have been part of the first season of “Rescue: HI-Surf,” collectively earning more than $31.75 million in wages. The series inspired by the water men and women of Hawai‘i has additionally invested more than $33.85 million in the local economy through food purchases, lodging, equipment and office rentals and goods and services from local vendors. Production is also championing the next generation of creative workers, bringing on local interns across various departments and offering hands-on experience in roles as production assistants.

    Said Georja Skinner, chief officer, Creative Industries Division (CID) at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), “’Rescue: HI-Surf’ has made a significant step in providing Erin this opportunity to direct television. Already an accomplished, award-winning filmmaker, she is committed to her community to see others realize their dreams. The series not only authentically captures the courage and care of Hawai‘i’s lifeguard community but is also creating valuable workforce opportunities for local creatives on a network series.”

    “Rescue: HI-Surf” airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. in Hawai‘i on FOX affiliate KHON-TV. 

    The teaser trailer of the new “Rescue: HI-Surf” episode and photos of Erin Lau’s journey as a filmmaker in Hawai‘i are available here.

    About Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) 

    DBEDT is Hawai‘i’s resource center for economic and statistical data, business development opportunities, energy and conservation information as well as foreign trade advantages. DBEDT’s mission is to achieve a Hawai‘i economy that embraces innovation and is globally competitive, dynamic and productive, providing opportunities for all Hawai‘i’s citizens. Through its attached agencies, the department fosters planned community development, creates affordable workforce housing units in high-quality living environments and promotes innovation sector job growth.

    About Creative Industries Division (CID)  

    CID, a division within DBEDT, is the state’s lead agency dedicated to advocating for and accelerating the growth of Hawai‘i’s creative economy. Through initiatives, program development and strategic partnerships, the division and its branches implement activities to expand the business development, global export and investment capacity of Hawai‘i’s arts, culture, music, film, literary, publishing, digital and new media industries. As a major branch of CID, the Hawai‘i Film Office (HFO) was established as the one-stop central coordinator for film and photographic use of state-administered parks, beaches, highways, and facilities and is committed to developing Hawai‘i’s film industry, which provides desirable jobs for residents, as well as opportunities to build the creative and technical skillsets of the local workforce.    

    # # # 

    Media Contacts: 

    Laci Goshi
    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
    808-518-5480 

    [email protected]

    Georja Skinner

    Chief Officer, Creative Industries Division
    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    808-586-2590 
     [email protected]

    Susan Wright 

    Becker Communications 

    808-799-4293 

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Sets Date to Announce Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WATERLOO, Ontario, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (TSX: DSG) (Nasdaq: DSGX), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, is scheduled to report its third quarter fiscal 2025 financial results after market close on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

    Members of Descartes’ executive management team will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 5:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Designated numbers are +1 289 514 5100 and +1 800 717 1738 for Toll-Free in North America, using conference ID 07584.

    The company will simultaneously conduct an audio webcast on the Descartes website at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations. Phone conference dial-in or webcast log-in is required approximately 10 minutes beforehand.

    Replays of the conference call will be available until December 10, 2024, by dialing +1 289 819 1325 or Toll-Free for North America using +1 888 660 6264 with Playback Passcode: 07584#. An archived replay of the webcast will be available at www.descartes.com/descartes/investor-relations.

    About Descartes Systems Group
    Descartes is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security, and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (Twitter).

    Descartes Investor Contact
    Laurie McCauley
    (519) 746-2969
    investor@descartes.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aroma Retail Supports Exponential Ecommerce Growth with Descartes Parcel Shipping Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, announced that Las Vegas-based Aroma Retail, a leading environmental scenting company specializing in signature resort scents and unique fragrance libraries for home and business, is using Descartes’ cloud-based, multi-carrier parcel shipping solution to scale ecommerce order fulfillment in support of escalating sales growth.

    “What began as a tiny operation in our kitchen a few short years ago, manually shipping a handful of orders daily, has exploded into a 13,000-square-foot facility shipping on average 4,000+ orders per month, with more than US$5 million in annual revenue. It quickly became clear that we needed an ecommerce shipping solution that could scale rapidly and take our peak season volume spikes in stride,” said Jim Reding, CEO at Aroma Retail. “From hiccup-free integration with our ecommerce platform and rate shopping integrated into the checkout process to highly responsive support, the Descartes solution has simplified and expedited fulfilment, boosting productivity, cutting shipping costs and transforming the customer experience to help us build brand loyalty and drive continued growth.”

    Descartes’ cloud-based multi-carrier parcel shipping solutions help small-, medium- and even large-sized retailers control, manage and automate steps in ecommerce fulfillment processes to improve warehouse performance. The solutions help retailers reduce shipping costs by automatically importing ecommerce orders, comparing carrier rates, eliminating fulfillment decisions, printing shipping labels for all major carriers, and tracking shipments in real-time through final delivery. With seamless integration to leading ecommerce marketplaces, ERP providers, and supply chain platforms and live customer support, Descartes’ shipping solutions help ecommerce businesses scale easily and quickly to manage rising order volumes and drive growth.

    “We’re delighted that Descartes’ ecommerce shipping solution has played a meaningful role in Aroma Retail’s explosive growth,” said Mikel Richardson, General Manager, Ecommerce North America at Descartes. “In a highly competitive ecommerce marketplace, service differentiation is key to customer satisfaction and a steady flow of orders. Our multi-carrier parcel shipping solutions enable ecommerce businesses of all sizes to quickly scale their operations to meet peak demands, optimizing delivery execution and cultivating a differentiated customer experience to improve retention.”

    Learn more about Descartes’ Ecommerce Shipping & Fulfillment Solutions.

    About Aroma Retail

    Founded in 2017, Aroma Retail provides environmental scenting solutions for homes and businesses, including pure grade fragrance oils used by world-class resorts. The Green-Certified and Women-Owned company operates out of a 13,000 square-foot facility in Las Vegas, NV and offers a fragrance library of more than 100 scents. Aroma Retail ships a wide range of scented products and aroma diffusion machines globally via its ecommerce website and through its Las Vegas retail location, Smelly Bar. For more information, visit www.aromaretail.com.

    About Descartes

    Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Global Media Contact
    Cara Strohack                                                                     
    Tel: +1(800) 419-8495 ext. 202025                                 
    cstrohack@descartes.com  

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ ecommerce solution offerings and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AMG Reports Financial and Operating Results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company reports EPS of $3.78, Economic EPS of $4.82 in the third quarter of 2024

    • Net income (controlling interest) of $124 million, Economic Net Income (controlling interest) of $153 million
    • Economic Earnings per share of $4.82 for the quarter, increased 18% year-over-year
    • Repurchased $103 million in common stock, bringing year-to-date share repurchases to $580 million

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMG, a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally, today reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

    Jay C. Horgen, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMG, said:
    “AMG delivered strong results in the third quarter, including year-over-year growth of 18% in Economic Earnings per share, reflecting the ongoing momentum in our business and the positive impact of our disciplined capital allocation strategy.

    “Our growth strategy continues to drive the evolution of our business mix toward secular growth areas, with alternative strategies meaningfully, and increasingly, contributing to AMG’s earnings. AMG’s dedicated private markets Affiliates raised approximately $7 billion in the quarter, reflecting the strength of the ongoing demand for our Affiliates’ specialized strategies. During the quarter, we continued to invest AMG’s capital and resources in and alongside our Affiliates to enhance their growth – including by collaborating to develop additional innovative alternative solutions, across both private markets and liquid alternatives, for the U.S. wealth marketplace. AMG’s proven ability to magnify the competitive advantages of partner-owned firms, while also preserving their independence, continues to differentiate AMG’s partnership model and is highly valued by prospective Affiliates. As we form partnerships with additional new Affiliates in areas of secular demand and continue to invest in existing Affiliates, including by leveraging our capital formation capabilities, we expect to accelerate the evolution of AMG’s business profile toward alternatives and enhance our long-term growth prospects.

    “Our excellent capital position was further strengthened through the issuance of $400 million in senior notes in the quarter, extending the average duration of our debt to more than 20 years. Given our unique partnership model, proven strategic capabilities, and ample financial flexibility, we see increasing opportunities to invest for growth in both new and existing Affiliates, and create meaningful additional shareholder value over time.”

    FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    (in millions, except as noted and per share data) 9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024
    Operating Performance Measures              
    AUM (at period end, in billions) $ 635.8     $ 728.4     $ 635.8     $ 728.4  
    Average AUM (in billions)   663.8       711.7       664.4       694.9  
    Net client cash flows (in billions)   (9.4 )     (2.8 )     (23.1 )     (5.6 )
    Aggregate fees   997.5       1,157.1       3,505.7       3,726.8  
    Financial Performance Measures              
    Net income (controlling interest) $ 217.0     $ 123.6     $ 476.8     $ 349.5  
    Earnings per share (diluted)(1)   5.48       3.78       12.28       10.25  
    Supplemental Performance Measures(2)              
    Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) $ 208.4     $ 214.1     $ 639.6     $ 691.4  
    Economic net income (controlling interest)   149.5       153.2       474.9       495.8  
    Economic earnings per share   4.08       4.82       12.72       14.90  
                                   

    For additional information on our Supplemental Performance Measures, including reconciliations to GAAP, see the Financial Tables and Notes.

    Capital Management
    During the third quarter of 2024, the Company repurchased approximately $103 million in common stock, bringing total year-to-date repurchases to approximately $580 million. The Company also announced a third-quarter cash dividend of $0.01 per share of common stock, payable November 29, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 14, 2024.

    About AMG
    AMG (NYSE: AMG) is a strategic partner to leading independent investment management firms globally. AMG’s strategy is to generate long‐term value by investing in a diverse array of high-quality independent partner-owned firms, through a proven partnership approach, and allocating resources across AMG’s unique opportunity set to the areas of highest growth and return. Through its distinctive approach, AMG magnifies its Affiliates’ existing advantages and actively supports their independence and ownership culture. As of September 30, 2024, AMG’s aggregate assets under management were approximately $728 billion across a diverse range of private markets, liquid alternative, and differentiated long-only investment strategies. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.amg.com.

             

    Conference Call, Replay, and Presentation Information
    A conference call will be held with AMG’s management at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time today. Parties interested in listening to the conference call should dial 1-877-407-8291 (U.S. calls) or 1-201-689-8345 (non-U.S. calls) shortly before the call begins.

    The conference call will also be available for replay beginning approximately one hour after the conclusion of the call. To hear a replay of the call, please dial 1-877-660-6853 (U.S. calls) or 1-201-612-7415 (non-U.S. calls) and provide conference ID 13749048. The live call and replay of the session and a presentation highlighting the Company’s performance can also be accessed via AMG’s website at https://ir.amg.com/.

    Financial Tables Follow

    ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT – STATEMENTS OF CHANGES (in billions)
               
    BY STRATEGY – QUARTER TO DATE Alternatives Global Equities U.S. Equities Multi-Asset &
    Fixed Income    		 Total
    AUM, June 30, 2024 $ 256.6   $ 186.4   $ 146.6   $ 111.4   $ 701.0  
    Client cash inflows and commitments   14.3     3.9     4.7     4.4     27.3  
    Client cash outflows   (6.9 )   (10.2 )   (8.4 )   (4.6 )   (30.1 )
    Net client cash flows   7.4     (6.3 )   (3.7 )   (0.2 )   (2.8 )
    New investments*   —     —     —     0.7     0.7  
    Market changes   1.1     11.2     8.3     3.6     24.2  
    Foreign exchange   2.8     3.0     0.4     0.5     6.7  
    Realizations and distributions (net)   (1.3 )   (0.0 )   (0.0 )   (0.1 )   (1.4 )
    Other   (0.1 )   0.0     0.0     0.1     —  
    AUM, September 30, 2024 $ 266.5   $ 194.3   $ 151.6   $ 116.0   $ 728.4  
               
    BY STRATEGY – YEAR TO DATE Alternatives Global Equities U.S. Equities Multi-Asset &
    Fixed Income    		 Total
    AUM, December 31, 2023 $ 238.8   $ 186.6   $ 142.8   $ 104.5   $ 672.7  
    Client cash inflows and commitments   36.7     13.6     14.3     16.8     81.4  
    Client cash outflows   (18.4 )   (28.4 )   (25.9 )   (14.3 )   (87.0 )
    Net client cash flows   18.3     (14.8 )   (11.6 )   2.5     (5.6 )
    New investments   0.7     —     —     0.7     1.4  
    Market changes   7.7     23.8     20.1     8.3     59.9  
    Foreign exchange   2.4     1.8     (0.1 )   0.2     4.3  
    Realizations and distributions (net)   (3.9 )   (0.1 )   (0.1 )   (0.2 )   (4.3 )
    Other   2.5     (3.0 )   0.5     0.0     0.0  
    AUM, September 30, 2024 $ 266.5   $ 194.3   $ 151.6   $ 116.0   $ 728.4  
             
    BY CLIENT TYPE – QUARTER TO DATE Institutional Retail High Net
    Worth    		 Total
    AUM, June 30, 2024 $ 369.7   $ 201.4   $ 129.9   $ 701.0  
    Client cash inflows and commitments   11.7     8.5     7.1     27.3  
    Client cash outflows   (11.7 )   (13.2 )   (5.2 )   (30.1 )
    Net client cash flows   (0.0 )   (4.7 )   1.9     (2.8 )
    New investments*   —     —     0.7     0.7  
    Market changes   9.2     9.4     5.6     24.2  
    Foreign exchange   3.6     2.9     0.2     6.7  
    Realizations and distributions (net)   (1.3 )   (0.1 )   (0.0 )   (1.4 )
    Other   (6.1 )   (0.4 )   6.5     —  
    AUM, September 30, 2024 $ 375.1   $ 208.5   $ 144.8   $ 728.4  
             
    BY CLIENT TYPE – YEAR TO DATE Institutional Retail High Net
    Worth    		 Total
    AUM, December 31, 2023 $ 354.9   $ 196.0   $ 121.8   $ 672.7  
    Client cash inflows and commitments   36.8     26.3     18.3     81.4  
    Client cash outflows   (31.7 )   (39.1 )   (16.2 )   (87.0 )
    Net client cash flows   5.1     (12.8 )   2.1     (5.6 )
    New investments   0.5     —     0.9     1.4  
    Market changes   26.0     23.1     10.8     59.9  
    Foreign exchange   2.0     2.4     (0.1 )   4.3  
    Realizations and distributions (net)   (3.9 )   (0.3 )   (0.1 )   (4.3 )
    Other   (9.5 )   0.1     9.4     0.0  
    AUM, September 30, 2024 $ 375.1   $ 208.5   $ 144.8   $ 728.4  
     

    __________________________
    * Includes assets under management related to a new investment made by an existing Affiliate.

     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
           
        Three Months Ended  
    (in millions, except per share data)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
    Consolidated revenue   $ 525.2     $ 516.4    
               
    Consolidated expenses:          
    Compensation and related expenses     211.8       220.8    
    Selling, general and administrative     91.1       97.0    
    Intangible amortization and impairments     12.5       7.3    
    Interest expense     31.1       34.7    
    Depreciation and other amortization     3.0       3.3    
    Other expenses (net)     7.9       11.6    
    Total consolidated expenses     357.4       374.7    
               
    Equity method income (net)(3)     39.8       52.6    
    Affiliate Transaction gain(4)     133.1       —    
    Investment and other income     23.0       22.8    
    Income before income taxes     363.7       217.1    
               
    Income tax expense     77.7       31.3    
    Net income     286.0       185.8    
               
    Net income (non-controlling interests)     (69.0 )     (62.2 )  
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 217.0     $ 123.6    
               
    Average shares outstanding (basic)     34.9       30.1    
    Average shares outstanding (diluted)     43.4       35.0    
               
    Earnings per share (basic)   $ 6.22     $ 4.11    
    Earnings per share (diluted)(1)   $ 5.48     $ 3.78    
     
    RECONCILIATIONS OF SUPPLEMENTAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES(2)
        Three Months Ended  
    (in millions, except per share data)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 217.0     $ 123.6    
    Intangible amortization and impairments     29.8       27.5    
    Intangible-related deferred taxes     14.7       15.6    
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     (104.7 )     —    
    Other economic items     (7.3 )     (13.5 )  
    Economic net income (controlling interest)   $ 149.5     $ 153.2    
               
    Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted)     36.6       31.8    
    Economic earnings per share   $ 4.08     $ 4.82    
               
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 217.0     $ 123.6    
    Interest expense     31.1       34.7    
    Income taxes     76.6       33.3    
    Intangible amortization and impairments     29.8       27.5    
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     (139.6 )     —    
    Other items     (6.5 )     (5.0 )  
    Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest)   $ 208.4     $ 214.1    
                       

    See Notes for additional information.

     
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
           
        Nine Months Ended  
    (in millions, except per share data)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
    Consolidated revenue   $ 1,555.2     $ 1,516.6    
               
    Consolidated expenses:          
    Compensation and related expenses     663.0       676.5    
    Selling, general and administrative     273.4       278.1    
    Intangible amortization and impairments     37.5       21.8    
    Interest expense     92.4       98.1    
    Depreciation and other amortization     10.0       9.4    
    Other expenses (net)     36.2       31.5    
    Total consolidated expenses     1,112.5       1,115.4    
               
    Equity method income (net)(3)     154.3       188.3    
    Affiliate Transaction gain(4)     133.1       —    
    Investment and other income     87.2       60.0    
    Income before income taxes     817.3       649.5    
               
    Income tax expense     155.4       130.0    
    Net income     661.9       519.5    
               
    Net income (non-controlling interests)     (185.1 )     (170.0 )  
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 476.8     $ 349.5    
               
    Average shares outstanding (basic)     35.6       31.4    
    Average shares outstanding (diluted)     42.9       35.2    
               
    Earnings per share (basic)   $ 13.41     $ 11.11    
    Earnings per share (diluted)(1)   $ 12.28     $ 10.25    
     
    RECONCILIATIONS OF SUPPLEMENTAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES(2)
           
        Nine Months Ended  
    (in millions, except per share data)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 476.8     $ 349.5    
    Intangible amortization and impairments     88.6       118.7    
    Intangible-related deferred taxes     44.6       46.6    
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     (122.1 )     —    
    Other economic items     (13.0 )     (19.0 )  
    Economic net income (controlling interest)   $ 474.9     $ 495.8    
               
    Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted)     37.3       33.3    
    Economic earnings per share   $ 12.72     $ 14.90    
               
    Net income (controlling interest)   $ 476.8     $ 349.5    
    Interest expense     92.4       98.1    
    Income taxes     150.7       133.0    
    Intangible amortization and impairments     88.6       118.7    
    Affiliate Transactions(4)     (162.7 )     —    
    Other items     (6.2 )     (7.9 )  
    Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest)   $ 639.6     $ 691.4    
                       

    See Notes for additional information.

     
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           
        Period Ended  
    (in millions)   12/31/2023   9/30/2024  
    Assets          
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 813.6     $ 1,010.7    
    Receivables     368.4       457.1    
    Investments in marketable securities     461.0       66.1    
    Goodwill     2,523.6       2,532.0    
    Acquired client relationships (net)     1,812.4       1,807.1    
    Equity method investments in Affiliates (net)     2,288.5       2,148.4    
    Fixed assets (net)     67.3       61.0    
    Other investments     480.9       532.8    
    Other assets     243.9       287.8    
    Total assets   $ 9,059.6     $ 8,903.0    
               
    Liabilities and Equity          
    Payables and accrued liabilities   $ 628.5     $ 625.7    
    Debt     2,537.5       2,619.7    
    Deferred income tax liability (net)     463.8       522.0    
    Other liabilities     466.3       464.5    
    Total liabilities     4,096.1       4,231.9    
               
    Redeemable non-controlling interests     393.4       397.1    
    Equity:          
    Common stock     0.6       0.6    
    Additional paid-in capital     741.4       711.3    
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (167.6 )     (139.2 )  
    Retained earnings     6,389.6       6,738.1    
          6,964.0       7,310.8    
    Less: treasury stock, at cost     (3,376.1 )     (3,994.5 )  
    Total stockholders’ equity     3,587.9       3,316.3    
    Non-controlling interests     982.2       957.7    
    Total equity     4,570.1       4,274.0    
    Total liabilities and equity   $ 9,059.6     $ 8,903.0    
     

    Notes

    (1) Earnings per share (diluted) adjusts for the dilutive effect of the potential issuance of incremental shares of our common stock.
       
      We assume the settlement of all of our Redeemable non-controlling interests using the maximum number of shares permitted under our arrangements. The issuance of shares and the related income acquired are excluded from the calculation if an assumed purchase of Redeemable non-controlling interests would be anti-dilutive to diluted earnings per share.
       
      We are required to apply the if-converted method to our outstanding junior convertible securities when calculating Earnings per share (diluted). Under the if-converted method, shares that are issuable upon conversion are deemed outstanding, regardless of whether the securities are contractually convertible into our common stock at that time. For this calculation, the interest expense (net of tax) attributable to these dilutive securities is added back to Net income (controlling interest), reflecting the assumption that the securities have been converted. Issuable shares for these securities and related interest expense are excluded from the calculation if an assumed conversion would be anti-dilutive to diluted earnings per share.
       
      The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
          Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
      (in millions)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
      Numerator                  
      Net income (controlling interest)   $ 217.0   $ 123.6   $ 476.8   $ 349.5  
      Income from hypothetical settlement of Redeemable non-controlling interests, net of taxes     17.1     5.2     39.4     1.0  
      Interest expense on junior convertible securities, net of taxes     3.4     3.4     10.1     10.1  
      Net income (controlling interest), as adjusted   $ 237.5   $ 132.2   $ 526.3   $ 360.6  
      Denominator                  
      Average shares outstanding (basic)     34.9     30.1     35.6     31.4  
      Effect of dilutive instruments:                  
      Stock options and restricted stock units     1.7     1.7     1.7     1.9  
      Hypothetical issuance of shares to settle Redeemable non-controlling interests     5.1     1.5     3.9     0.2  
      Junior convertible securities     1.7     1.7     1.7     1.7  
      Average shares outstanding (diluted)     43.4     35.0     42.9     35.2  
       
    (2) As supplemental information, we provide non-GAAP performance measures of Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest), Economic net income (controlling interest), and Economic earnings per share. We believe that many investors use our Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) when comparing our financial performance to other companies in the investment management industry. Management utilizes these non-GAAP performance measures to assess our performance before our share of certain non-cash GAAP expenses primarily related to the acquisition of interests in Affiliates and to improve comparability between periods. Economic net income (controlling interest) and Economic earnings per share are used by management and our Board of Directors as our principal performance benchmarks, including as one of the measures for determining executive compensation. These non-GAAP performance measures are provided in addition to, but not as a substitute for, Net income (controlling interest), Earnings per share, or other GAAP performance measures. For additional information on our non-GAAP measures, see our most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q, respectively, which are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
       
      Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) represents our performance before our share of interest expense, income and certain non-income based taxes, depreciation, amortization, impairments, gains and losses related to Affiliate Transactions, and non-cash items such as certain Affiliate equity activity, gains and losses on our contingent payment obligations, and unrealized gains and losses on seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments. Adjusted EBITDA (controlling interest) is also adjusted to include realized economic gains and losses related to these seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments.
       
      Under our Economic net income (controlling interest) definition, we adjust Net income (controlling interest) for our share of pre-tax intangible amortization and impairments related to intangible assets (including the portion attributable to equity method investments in Affiliates) because these expenses do not correspond to the changes in the value of these assets, which do not diminish predictably over time. We also adjust for deferred taxes attributable to intangible assets because we believe it is unlikely these accruals will be used to settle material tax obligations. Further, we adjust for gains and losses related to Affiliate Transactions, net of tax, and other economic items. Other economic items include certain Affiliate equity activity, gains and losses related to contingent payment obligations, tax windfalls and shortfalls from share-based compensation, unrealized gains and losses on seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments, and realized economic gains and losses related to these seed capital, general partner commitments, and other strategic investments.
       
      Economic earnings per share represents Economic net income (controlling interest) divided by the Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted). In this calculation, we exclude the potential shares issued upon settlement of Redeemable non-controlling interests from Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted) because we intend to settle those obligations without issuing shares, consistent with all prior Affiliate equity purchase transactions. The potential share issuance in connection with our junior convertible securities is measured using a “treasury stock” method. Under this method, only the net number of shares of common stock equal to the value of the junior convertible securities in excess of par, if any, are deemed to be outstanding. We believe the inclusion of net shares under a treasury stock method best reflects the benefit of the increase in available capital resources (which could be used to repurchase shares of our common stock) that occurs when these securities are converted and we are relieved of our debt obligation.
       
      The following table provides a reconciliation of Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted):
          Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
      (in millions)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
      Average shares outstanding (diluted)   43.4     35.0     42.9     35.2    
      Hypothetical issuance of shares to settle Redeemable non-controlling interests   (5.1 )   (1.5 )   (3.9 )   (0.2 )  
      Junior convertible securities   (1.7 )   (1.7 )   (1.7 )   (1.7 )  
      Average shares outstanding (adjusted diluted)   36.6     31.8     37.3     33.3    
    (3) The following table presents equity method earnings and equity method intangible amortization and impairments, which in aggregate form Equity method income (net):
          Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
      (in millions)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
      Equity method earnings   $ 61.0     $ 75.3     $ 217.3     $ 292.6    
      Equity method intangible amortization and impairments     (21.2 )     (22.7 )     (63.0 )     (104.3 )  
      Equity method income (net)   $ 39.8     $ 52.6     $ 154.3     $ 188.3    
    (4) The following table presents the impact of the completion of our previously announced sales of our equity interests in Veritable, LP to a third party in the third quarter of 2023, and Baring Private Equity Asia to EQT AB (“EQT”), a public company listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (EQT ST), in the fourth quarter of 2022, pursuant to which we received ordinary shares of EQT:
          Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
      (in millions)   9/30/2023   9/30/2024   9/30/2023   9/30/2024  
      Affiliate Transaction gain   $ 133.1     $ —   $ 133.1     $ —  
      Investment and other income – Realized gains on EQT shares     6.5       —     29.6       —  
      Affiliate Transactions, pre-tax     139.6       —     162.7       —  
      Income taxes     (34.9 )     —     (40.6 )     —  
      Affiliate Transactions, after-tax   $ 104.7     $ —   $ 122.1     $ —  
                                     

    Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters

    Certain matters discussed in this press release issued by Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (“AMG” or the “Company”) may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding the performance of our business, our financial results, our liquidity and capital resources, and other non-historical statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “outlook,” “guidance,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “preliminary,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “projects,” “positioned,” “prospects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “pending investments,” “anticipates,” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including changes in the securities or financial markets or in general economic conditions, the availability of equity and debt financing, competition for acquisitions of interests in investment management firms, uncertainties relating to closing of pending investments or transactions and potential changes in the anticipated benefits thereof, the investment performance and growth rates of our Affiliates and their ability to effectively market their investment strategies, the mix of Affiliate contributions to our earnings, and other risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    This release does not constitute an offer of any products, investment vehicles, or services of any AMG Affiliate.

    From time to time, AMG may use its website as a distribution channel of material Company information. AMG routinely posts financial and other important information regarding the Company in the Investor Relations section of its website at www.amg.com and encourages investors to consult that section regularly.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: New liquidity solutions firm Nodem Capital launches

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, Nov. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nodem Capital, a new secondaries firm which aims to meet the acute need across Next Wave markets for a creative liquidity provider, has officially launched.

    The firm will offer secondary liquidity to the holders of venture capital-backed assets in markets that include Emerging Europe, Turkey, Latin America, Southeast Asia and India. These Next Wave markets are defined as the world minus the 10 ‘legacy’ advanced economies such as North America and Western Europe.

    Nodem will specialise in offering partial liquidity (through preferred equity investments) to ‘non-sellers’ who want to maintain exposure and control but accelerate liquidity for distributions or growth.

    Nodem is well into the process of seeking FCA authorisation. All investment activities will commence once regulatory approvals are granted. Initial investor capital is in place, and the anticipated timeline is for investments to start in Q1 of 2025.

    In January 2025, Nodem will host a launch event and kick off monthly online panel discussions with leading Next Wave investors.

    Nodem was founded by Alex Branton, a former senior member of the private equity and venture capital teams at Sturgeon Capital. Sturgeon is an emerging markets investment firm with assets over $300 million, and investors include Chevron, the IFC and SBI.

    Before Sturgeon, Alex was also an investor at Cambridge Associates, advising some of the world’s most sophisticated institutions.

    Alex said: “Having spent my career as both a General Partner and Limited Partner in emerging markets, I feel uniquely qualified to solve the liquidity needs of our stakeholders.

    “We’re building a firm that investors can rely on for speedy solutions tailored to the specific needs of LPs and GPs active in our markets.”

    Pitchbook data suggest that from a near non-existent base in 2011-12, there has been a rapid build-up in capital raised by venture capital funds across Next Wave markets, peaking in 2021 when nearly $57bn was raised. The explosion in capital raising from 2019-21 was fuelled by earlier successes in the US/China and major early mobile internet successes by Next Wave VCs.

    Whilst these early fund vintages are rapidly maturing, widescale exits continue to be pushed back – with up to 20/ times as many companies now being financed by VCs versus exited.

    Alex added: “Many investors are now seeking, and struggling to find, liquidity solutions for their Next Wave holdings, resulting in LPs being reluctant to commit to new funds until value is released from earlier vintages.

    “Nodem is launching ahead of an expected ten-fold increase in the investable universe, which is defined as the value of assets held in venture capital funds older than 10 years old, to around $130bn. This presents us with a clear opportunity to serve clients in these markets.”

    For more information about Nodem Capital, visit nodem.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/178ed306-396d-4a71-abc5-b798ee2b4a75

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales AI developments enhance operational performance of maritime mine countermeasures

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales AI developments enhance operational performance of maritime mine countermeasures

    • At the Euronaval exhibition at Paris Nord Villepinte from 4-7 November, Thales is showcasing recent advances in mine countermeasures with a presentation of its latest AI technologies implemented in the Pathmaster solution.
    • AI has a key role to play in the detection, classification, identification and neutralisation of maritime mines. With Thales’s Mi-Map sonar analysis application, sonar data can be processed up to four times faster than with conventional tools, making it possible to locate underwater mines with greater precision than ever before.
    • Thales’s Pathmaster solution draws on the latest research by cortAIx, the Group’s accelerator for trusted, cybersafe AI.
    @Thales

    At Euronaval (4-7 November 2024), Thales is showcasing recent advances in artificial intelligence with a presentation of its Pathmaster solution, which uses AI to detect and classify maritime mines with unprecedented precision for neutralisation by autonomous underwater vehicles.

    Maritime mines at any depth represent a low-cost, persistent threat to naval operations and compromise the safety of maritime shipping, which accounts for 90% of international trade. According to the latest estimates, several million maritime mines are now deployed worldwide, with particularly high densities in areas affected by major military conflicts or geopolitical tensions. As well as damaging marine ecosystems, they create a significant financial burden because of the need to re-route ships and protect shipping lanes.

    “With the proliferation and growing sophistication of maritime mines, advanced data gathering and analytics capabilities have an increasingly important role to play in countering this global threat. Autonomous mine countermeasures systems implementing artificial intelligence algorithms are now capable of processing data more efficiently and at lower cost than ever before while protecting human operators from the dangers of maritime minefields. Thales’s trusted AI augments the capabilities of its Pathmaster solution to significantly improve sonar data analysis and provide operators with valuable decision support during critical phases of their missions,” said Gwendoline Blandin-Roger, Vice President, Underwater Systems, Thales.

    Pathmaster uses AI to support the key tasks of mine detection and classification, while the Mi-Map application enables operators to analyse high-resolution sonar data covering hundreds of square kilometres, either in real time or after the mission, with greater efficiency than ever before. AI algorithms analyse sonar images to detect and classify potential mines much more accurately and over significantly larger areas. Thales’s Mi-Map solution is up to four times faster than conventional sonar data analysis tools as well as reducing the cognitive load on operators.

    Thales’s AI-augmented Pathmaster system has been proven in comprehensive sea trials conducted for the Franco-British MMCM programme and was certified in 2024 to the International Maritime Organization’s degree 3 autonomy by the Naval Authority Group within the UK MoD’s Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation.

    AI at Thales

    Thales is a major player in trusted, cybersafe, transparent, explainable and ethical AI for armed forces, aircraft manufacturers and critical infrastructure providers. The Group employs over 600 engineers specialising in AI and around 100 doctoral candidates are conducting their AI research with Thales. Organised within Thales’s AI accelerator for research (AI Lab), systems, including decision support systems, (AI Factory) and sensors, including sonar, radar, radios and optronics, (AI Sensors), these experts are helping to incorporate AI into over 100 of Thales’s products and services. Thales’s AI capabilities draw on the most advanced sensor and system technologies to address the full spectrum of user requirements in the defence, aviation, space, cybersecurity and digital identity industries. Trusted AI is designed to meet the specific security and sovereignty needs of Thales’s customers. It brings greater efficiency to data analysis and decision support and speeds up the detection, identification and classification of objects of interest and target scenes, while taking account of specific constraints such as cybersecurity, embeddability and frugality in critical environments.

    In 2023, the Group was Europe’s top patent applicant in the field of AI for mission-critical systems. Also in 2023, the Group’s Friendly Hacker Unit demonstrated its credentials at the CAID challenge (Conference on Artificial Intelligence for Defence) organised by the French defence procurement agency (DGA), which involved finding AI training data even when it had been deleted from the system to preserve confidentiality.

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader serving the Defence & Security, Aerospace & Space and Cybersecurity & Digital Identity markets.

    The Group develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    Thales invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: OEUK news OEUK responds to Autumn Budget 30 October 2024

    Source: Offshore Energy UK

    Headline: OEUK news

    OEUK responds to Autumn Budget

    30 October 2024

    Photo caption: OEUK CEO David Whitehouse. Credit: Offshore Energies UK.

    The leading trade body for the UK offshore energy sector has responded to today’s Autumn Budget.

    Confirming changes to the Energy Profits Levy, the Chancellor said she has sought to ensure the UK oil and gas industry can protect jobs and support domestic energy security. She confirmed that while the government will increase and extend the energy profits levy on oil and gas production to a headline rate of 78% and remove the associated investment allowance, the 100% first-year capital allowance and the decarbonisation allowance will be retained. The Chancellor also confirmed that the EPL will fall away in March 2030 unless the Energy Security Investment Mechanism is triggered before then.

    OEUK said there is different path which generates more economic value and enables a homegrown transition towards the country’s climate goals by anchoring the sector’s world class supply chain and supporting over 200,000 UK-wide jobs.

    The Chancellor today reconfirmed support for GB Energy and funding for carbon capture and storage and hydrogen projects across the UK.

    David Whitehouse, CEO Offshore Energies UK comments:

    “Today we heard the Chancellor recognise the role of the oil and gas sector to support high quality jobs and strengthen the UK’s energy security. We welcome that and the meetings and dialogue which have taken place between industry and the new government.

    “While the government will increase and extend the Energy profits levy on oil and gas production to a headline rate of 78% and remove the associated investment allowance, the 100% first-year allowance and the decarbonisation allowance will be retained. The Chancellor also confirmed that the EPL will fall away in March 2030.

    “However, with an increase in tax despite commodity prices at recent lows, there is no hiding that this is a difficult day for the sector.

    “Oil and gas companies, our world class supply chain and our highly skilled people will support the energy transition. We will not be successful without them.

    “It’s why there is a different path for this industry which can deliver the energy future we all agree on. With industry and government working in partnership we can protect the North Sea as a national economic asset. It can and should serve as an engine to realise UK economic growth and climate goals.

    “We welcome that the government will consult in early 2025 on how the oil and gas tax regime can encourage investment and respond to changes in the oil price. We also note the consultation on end use emissions for oil and gas projects.

    “That’s why we are calling for a homegrown energy transition – making the most of our whole homegrown sector – from oil, gas, wind, hydrogen to carbon capture projects with fair and competitive stable policies that keep jobs, skills and capital in the UK.”

    Notes to editors:

    1. Issued by the communications team, OEUK. Contact [email protected].
    2. OEUK is campaigning for a homegrown energy transition that makes the most of the UK’s people and industrial strengths to be a secure, sustainable and skilled future. Download a copy of OEUK’s industry manifesto here.

    Did you know?

    • 154,000 jobs are directly or indirectly related to offshore energy.
    • 120,000 of these are directly or indirectly supported by oil and gas projects. When induced jobs are included this increases to over 200,000.
    • Spend in the UK’s offshore energy sector could total £450bn by 2040.
    • The existing supply chain built through experience supporting the oil and gas sector has the capability to service 84%, 80% and 58% of our CCS, Hydrogen, and Floating offshore wind sectors, respectively.
    • Moving to net zero will require more than £1 trillion of investment across the UK economy.
    • The offshore energy sector is ready to spend £450bn on projects in the next 15 years under the right investment conditions.
    • The UK imports around 40% of its energy needs. UK energy production is at the lowest it has ever been.
    • The UK gets three-quarters of its total energy from oil and gas. Domestic production is equivalent to around half these needs.
    • Over 24 million homes rely on gas boilers for heating. 1.5 million more homes rely on heating oil.
    • Over 30% of UK electricity is supplied by gas power stations
    • 38 million UK vehicles run on petrol or diesel.

    Share this article

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council pledge to improve public transport means more buses on the road

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 4th November 2024

    Seven new bus routes have been introduced in Stoke-on-Trent to make it easier for residents to get around the city.

    Some of the additional services are completely new and some are existing routes which will now run into the evenings and at weekends. They are in addition to the service improvements which were introduced by the city council in May.

    The new routes are:

    • Service 6A (Blythe Bridge – Meir Park – Meir – Longton – City Centre) – additional early morning buses on weekdays, operated by First Potteries.
    • Service 9A (Tunstall – Mill Hill – Bradeley – City Centre) – a new service operating every 30 minutes during the daytime Monday to Saturday, operated by D&G Bus, starting on 11 November. 
    • Service 11 (Longton – Stoke – Newcastle) – later evening buses on the Longton to Newcastle section of route on Mondays to Saturdays, operated by D&G Bus.
    • Service 19/19A (City Centre – Sneyd Green) – new routes serving Cobridge Health Centre, providing a direct link along Leek New Road to and from the Sneyd Green area, operated by Stanton’s of Stoke.
    • Service 21 (City Centre – Stoke – Trentham) – new hourly Sunday service operated by First Potteries.
    • Service 22 (Longton – Blurton – Trentham – Royal Stoke University Hospital – Newcastle) – a new hourly Sunday service, operated by First Potteries, and further buses operating later into the evenings on Mondays to Saturdays, operated by D&G Bus.
    • Service 43 (City Centre – Milton – Baddeley Green) – new hourly Sunday service operated by First Potteries.

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: “Improving the city’s transport links is a key priority for Stoke-on-Trent City Council and is part of our wider vision of creating a healthier, wealthier and greener city for all.

    “Now we want to build on our commitment to improving public transport in the city by putting on even more new services which will make it easier for residents to get to work, college, their jobs and our city centre.”

    Cllr Gordon-McCusker added: “Earlier this year, we announced new routes which run more frequently and operate at the weekends. We also recently helped to introduce routes like the number 42 bus in Norton after listening to residents who say they have been cut off for many years.

    “We want to see these services continue for as long as possible, so I encourage all residents across the city to make use of our buses and ensure that these routes are sustainable for the long term.”

    David Brookes, managing director of D&G Bus, said: “The bus operators of Stoke-on-Trent, in collaboration with the city council, have worked together as part of the Enhanced Partnership to introduce these new routes, funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

    “The partnership has been a tremendous success, and we are proud to have been part of it. The introduction of these routes, alongside the Affordable Fares scheme and other improvements, such as enhanced bus stop infrastructure, are all positive outcomes from the partnership that will further elevate and improve public transport in Stoke-on-Trent.”

    The new bus routes are part of the city council’s Bus Service Enhancement Scheme, part of the wider Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is being funded by £31.6 million from the Department for Transport (DfT).

    Already, BSIP has seen the launch of the incredibly successful Affordable Fares scheme, which offers discounted bus tickets to adults and young people, and improvements to more than 180 bus stops around the city.

    The next phase of the Bus Service Enhancement Scheme will see a tender produced for more new bus routes in the city, including proposals for daytime buses to the Middleport area and later, evening buses for Abbey Hulton, Blurton, Chell and Norton.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ECKOH PLC – 01 11 2024] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ECKOH PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 01 NOVEMBER 2024
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 10p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 19,886,513 6.8014    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 19,886,513 6.8014    

    NOTE: 12,060 shares were transferred out on 01/11/2024 by a discretionary client.

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    10p ORDINARY SALE 47,788 52.755p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 04 NOVEMBER 2024
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Write for Rights: Amnesty launches annual letter-writing campaign to help people imprisoned for speaking truth to power

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty International launches flagship Write for Rights campaign to help people facing human rights abuses around the world

    Millions of letters and emails will be sent to support these individuals and urge authorities to end injustices

    ‘Sending a letter or email might seem like a small act, but when sent in their thousands they can change lives: those in power are forced to take notice’ – Sacha Deshmukh

    Amnesty International is calling on people across the UK to take part in its flagship letter writing campaign, Write for Rights, in support of individuals from around the world who have been persecuted, jailed, or face human rights abuses for standing up for their rights.

    This year, Write for Rights will support nine individuals who are suffering abuses, including:

    Ana da Silva Miguel, also known as Neth Nahara, was arrested in August last year after broadcasting a video on TikTok criticising President João Lourenço. The next day, Angola’s first stage court convicted her of an “outrage against the state, its symbols and bodies”. She was sentenced to six months in prison and fined one million kwanza (approximately $1,200). Last September, Angola’s second stage court extended Neth’s sentence to two years, following an appeal by the public prosecutor. During her imprisonment, authorities denied Neth her daily HIV medication for eight months, which severely impacted her health.

    Oqba Hashad, an Egyptian business student, has been arbitrarily detained for nearly five years without trial solely because of his brother’s human rights activism. Despite a court order for his release, he remains detained in horrific conditions, including being denied a proper prosthetic leg. Prison authorities have interrogated Oqba on multiple occasions about his brother’s activism and contact with his family. Egypt, as a state party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, must ensure detainees with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation and health services.

    Professor Şebnem Korur Fincancı, head of the Turkish Medical Association, faces more than seven years in prison because of her human rights work. Professor Fincancı is a prominent human rights defender, anti-torture advocate and forensic medicine expert. In October 2022, she was arrested and put in pre-trial detention. A criminal investigation was launched against her after she called for an independent investigation into allegations that Turkish armed forces might have used chemical weapons in Kurdistan Region of Iraq in comments during a live TV interview. Professor Fincancı was later convicted of trumped-up charges of “making propaganda for a terrorist organisation”. She is currently awaiting the result of an appeal, but also faces additional charges linked to her human rights work.

    Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, said:

    “The people we have focused on this year are all imprisoned because the governments of their countries value power over free speech. By joining this campaign, people in the UK – and indeed around the world – can help improve their chances of getting justice.

    “Sending a letter or email might seem like a small act, but when sent in their thousands they can change lives: those in power are forced to take notice. 

    “Amnesty’s Write for Rights campaign helps to protect the lives of persecuted people every year. We hope to see people across the country getting involved to make as much noise as possible about the injustices these human rights defenders are facing.”

    Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign goes back to the roots of the organisation, which was founded in 1961, with early campaigners writing letters of support to those affected by human rights abuses, as well as letters of concern to governments around the world.

    Successes from previous Write for Rights campaigns:

    Human rights defender Rita Karasartova was arrested in 2022 along with 26 others for opposing a new border agreement that gave control of a freshwater reservoir to Uzbekistan. She was initially detained for organising ‘mass disorder’ and later charged with attempting to ‘violently overthrow the Government’, which carries a potential 15-year sentence. Rita and at least 21 others were acquitted on 14 June this year: a significant victory for justice and human rights in Kyrgyzstan, even though the prosecutor has filed an appeal against the ruling.

    She subsequently expressed her gratitude for the countless letters she received from Amnesty supporters during the campaign, emphasising that each one gave her immense hope and strength, reinforcing her belief in the power of solidarity.

    In 2021, Amnesty campaigned for Egyptian human rights lawyer Mohamed Baker, who received a presidential pardon in July last year and was released from prison the following day. He is now safely reunited with his loved ones.

    Cecillia Chimbiri and Joanah Mamombe were acquitted by the Zimbabwean High Court in July 2023 of communicating falsehoods and obstructing the course of justice. The two – together with Netsai Marova, who did not face trial as she is out of the country – were arrested and abducted in May 2020 following a protest on the Government’s failure to provide social protection during the Covid 19 pandemic. Amnesty campaigned for them during the 2022 Write for Rights campaign.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maia Sandu’s victory in second round of Moldovan election show’s limits to Moscow’s meddling

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    Following a campaign marred by widespread and credible allegations of massive interference by Russia and pro-Russian proxies, Moldova’s incumbent president, Maia Sandu, has won another term in the second round of presidential elections.

    According to preliminary results published by the country’s central electoral commission on November 3, Sandu beat her second-round challenger, Alexandr Stoianoglo, with 55% of the vote and on a higher turnout than in the first round of elections on October 20.

    There were more than 180,000 votes between the incumbent and her challenger. In a country with an electorate of just over three million people, this is a significant margin, especially when compared with the razor-thin yes vote in the EU referendum that was on the same day as the first round of the presidential election two weeks ago. In that election, Sandu came first with 42%, compared to Staionoglo’s 26%, but in the EU poll, just 10,000 votes separated the yes and the no votes.

    Sandu, who campaigned on a strongly pro-European platform, prevailed despite pro-Russian interference and fearmongering and a campaign by Stoianoglo that emphasised the importance of good relations with both Moscow and Brussels.

    Moldova’s election result will certainly have come as a relief not only to Sandu and her supporters but also to Moldova’s western partners. It is the first time that a popularly elected president has won a second term in the tiny landlocked former Soviet satellite. The country borders Romania and Ukraine and has a small but significant Russian breakaway region, Transnistria, as a constant reminder of Moscow’s influence in the region.

    Moldova’s election presents a clear difference to the Georgian parliamentary election results on October 26, which saw an openly pro-Russian Georgian Dream party win an election considered as neither particularly free nor fair, in results that the Georgia’s opposition-aligned president and western pollsters allege have been rigged.

    Sandu’s win, by contrast, demonstrates both the appeal of the idea of a European future and the limits of Russian interference. Yet the understandable enthusiasm about the result in Moldova also needs to be tempered by a more careful analysis of some of the deeply entrenched societal cleavages that the elections have all but confirmed and the difficulties that lie ahead.

    Deep divisions

    Sandu’s win overall looks impressive. But she did not win the vote in Moldova itself, where Stoianoglo beat her by some 30,000 votes. What saved Sandu, like the EU referendum, was the strong support for her among voters in the diaspora, where she captured almost five times as many votes as Stoianoglo.

    Just over 270,000 votes (83%) of the votes cast by Moldovans living abroad, predominantly in western Europe and north America, saw her comfortably across the finishing line. There may be good reasons not to distinguish between votes from inside and outside Moldova – but the optics are not good.

    Nor can the overall margin of Sandu’s victory gloss over the fact that her supporters inside the country are predominantly concentrated in the capital and the centre of the country. In the capital Chisinau, in the centre of Moldova, Sandu won with 57%, representing almost one-third of her total vote inside the country. In the north and south of the country, Stoianoglo generally took the largest vote share.

    In the country’s second-largest city, Balti in the north, he won 70% of the vote, compared to Sandu’s 30%. In the southern autonomous region of Gagauzia, a hotbed of pro-Russian, anti-European activism, Sandu obtained less than 3%. In Transnistria, Sandu came away with just 20% of the vote.

    Map of Moldova showing the breakaway regions of Transnistria and Gaugazia.
    Institute for the Study of War

    These results are not surprising, given the outcome of the first round of the elections. But they represent fall in support for Sandu compared to in 2020, when she beat the then incumbent, socialist party leader Igor Dodon. Four years ago, Sandu obtained over 250,000 votes more than Dodon, winning almost 58% of the total vote. While she took the overwhelming share of the diaspora vote then as well, she also bested Dodon in most constituencies in the south.

    Dodon campaigned for Stoianoglo in this election, but much of the challenger’s support was very probably due to a massive pro-Russian interference campaign that capitalised on many Moldovans’ fears and frustrations. Pro-Moscow messages aimed to capitalise on fears about being dragged into Russia’s war against Ukraine.

    But there was also frustration with a government that has made little progress on much needed anti-corruption reforms and presided over a serious cost-of-living crisis in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and made worse by the war on Moldova’s eastern neighbour. Sandu’s party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) won a commanding majority in the 2021 elections – so failures of the government are seen as failures of Sandu and her agenda.

    Challenges ahead

    That Sandu won the presidency again, and against these odds, demonstrates her resilience. But it can’t be taken for granted that her party will similarly prevail in parliamentary elections due by the autumn of 2025. She may well be forced into a difficult cohabitation with a potentially socialist-led government next year. In a parliamentary democracy, in which the powers of the government by far exceed those of the president, this could significantly slow down Moldova’s EU accession negotiations.

    But there are also some silver linings on the horizon. That Sandu won clearly demonstrates the limits of Russian interference. There is a core part of the Moldovan electorate that cannot be swayed by Russian misinformation or vote buying. This is a basis on which Sandu and PAS can build.

    Perhaps more importantly, Sandu and Stoianoglo both sent conciliatory signals on election eve. Stoianoglo emphasised the importance of respecting the outcome of the democratic process and expressed the hope that Moldovans would now move beyond hatred and division. Sandu acknowledged the concerns of those who had not voted for her and promised to serve as the president of all Moldovans and to work for the country’s further development.

    If they both stay true to their word, Moldova may finally break with a past of repeated political crises and economic stagnation.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. Maia Sandu’s victory in second round of Moldovan election show’s limits to Moscow’s meddling – https://theconversation.com/maia-sandus-victory-in-second-round-of-moldovan-election-shows-limits-to-moscows-meddling-242796

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Divination in early modern Britain sought signs in swine, the stars and scripture

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martha McGill, Historian of Supernatural Beliefs, University of Warwick

    The Fortune-Teller by Caravaggio (1595-8). Louvre Museum

    In the late 1740s, Samuel Meadwell arrived in London. A “raw country fellow” from Northamptonshire, he had come to work as a distiller’s apprentice and hoped to make his fortune.

    When a pair of women told him there was “something very particular in [his] face”, he was intrigued. They introduced him to a widow called Mary Smith, who allegedly practised “the art of astrology, before very great people, princes, and the like”. She persuaded Meadwell to wrap all his money in a handkerchief with two peppercorns, some salt and a little mould. After waiting three hours, she explained, he would discover a great fortune.

    Meadwell discovered only that his money had been replaced with scraps of metal. Smith was deported for fraud, while Meadwell learned a lesson about city life. He bemoaned his naivety – but he was not alone in believing in the power of astrologers, or the potential for magical methods to reveal weighty secrets.

    In early modern Britain (1500-1750), divination was widespread. People consulted diviners to find stolen goods, learn about the next harvest, or scrutinise their marriage fortunes. Sometimes they wanted to know what diseases or disasters loomed, and several nobles exhibited an unwholesome interest in the monarch’s date of demise.

    The sex of unborn children was another topic of speculation: when Anne Boleyn gave birth to the future Elizabeth I in 1533, she disappointed not only Henry VIII, but also a whole host of “astrologers, sorcerers, and sorceresses” who had assured the couple that a male heir was forthcoming.

    Diviners came from across the social spectrum. Learned astrologers could command audiences with kings and queens. Most people, however, relied on the services of a local cunning-man or woman.

    There were also so-called “Egyptian” fortunetellers who roamed the country reading palms. These travellers probably did not have African origins. A hostile 1673 work claimed that they were “great pretenders” who sought to dupe “the ignorant” by associating themselves with Egyptians, “a people heretofore very famous for astronomy, natural magic, [and] the art of divination”.

    The authorities did not approve. In 1530, an act passed by Henry VIII’s parliament sought to expel “Egyptians” from the country, complaining that they conned people using “great, subtle, and crafty means” such as fortunetelling.

    Underpinning many divinatory methods was the belief that God’s divine plan was encoded in the patterns of the natural world. Palmistry relied on interpreting the marks God had traced on the body. Astrologers, meanwhile, focused on the movements of the planets.

    Between 1658 and 1664, a woman called Sarah Jinner published almanacks containing astrological readings for the forthcoming year. She ranged from predicting “desperate and unreconciliable wars” to cautioning women that: “We find Mercury in Pisces retrograde in the 6th House, [which] denoteth that servants will generally be cross, vexatious, and intolerable, especially maidservants.”

    Meeting a Swine. From Dr Solman’s translation of Aristotle’s Golden Cabinet of Secrets (c. 1690).

    The behaviour of animals was also considered portentous. A pamphlet from circa 1690 declared that “to meet a swine the first thing in a morning, carrying straw in its mouth, denotes a maid, or widow, shall soon be married, and very fruitful in children”. On the other hand, magpies flying around you signified “much strife and brawling in marriage”.

    When a great murmuration of starlings was spied battling in the air above Cork in 1621, people whispered that it signified divine anger. Eight months later the city was devastated by a fire.

    Other divination practices relied on chance. Cheap pamphlets outlined ways of divining with dice, the idea being that God determined the outcome. Another practice was to open a Bible randomly and consult the first passage that caught the eye. Bibles could alternatively be used to catch thieves. The usual method was to insert a key into the Bible, recite the names of the suspects, and wait for the Bible or the key to move.

    A similar technique involved suspending a sieve from a pair of shears. The sieve would rotate when a thief’s name was mentioned.

    Divination and the authorities

    These practices were viewed with suspicion by the ecclesiastical and secular authorities, especially after the 16th-century Reformation.

    Divination by the sieve and shears in Cornelius Agrippa, De Occulta Philosophia (1567).
    Opera Omnia

    A Welsh scholar warned in 1711 that using the Bible as an “instrument of prognostication” was “the greatest insult that anyone can give to the scriptures”. Church courts punished people for the “devilry” of divining with a sieve and shears.

    Most dangerous of all was divination by consulting spirits. The Scottish cunning-man Andrew Man claimed to have an angelic adviser, Christsonday, who told him whether upcoming years would be good or bad. He was also in a sexual relationship with the Fairy Queen, who had promised to teach him to “know all things”. Leading local figures concluded that Man had really been cavorting with devils. He was tried for witchcraft, and executed in 1598.

    In general, however, cunning-folk enjoyed good standing within their communities. Currents of scepticism flowed faster during the 18th-century Enlightenment. A 1762 work expressed a common view when it blamed belief in divination on the “ignorance and darkness” that “covered the minds of mankind”. But divinatory practices were themselves a quest for enlightenment, and the prospect of unravelling the mysteries of the future has remained compelling up to the present day.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Martha McGill receives funding from the British Academy.

    – ref. Divination in early modern Britain sought signs in swine, the stars and scripture – https://theconversation.com/divination-in-early-modern-britain-sought-signs-in-swine-the-stars-and-scripture-241825

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cop16: the world’s largest meeting to save nature has ended with no clear path ahead

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Harriet Bulkeley, Professor of Geography, Durham University

    Increasing rights for Indigenous people and local communities was one of the few steps forward at Cop16. Philipp Montenegro, CC BY-NC-ND

    Progress at the UN’s biodiversity summit, Cop16, in Cali, Columbia, has been slow. Frustratingly so.

    There were high hopes that the Colombian hosts could coordinate action between developed and developing countries towards reaching the landmark global biodiversity agreement reached in Montreal, Canada at Cop15 two years ago. But after two weeks and one long night, negotiations ended abruptly. Many delegates had to leave to catch flights home with key issues unresolved.

    This conference started with alarming news that the latest edition of the red list – the official record of threatened species – shows that more than one third of tree species face extinction in the wild. That’s more than the number of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians combined.

    Urging negotiators to recognise the seriousness of this nature crisis, Colombia’s president Gustavo Petro warned they were facing “the battle for life”.

    There was certainly no shortage of people seeking solutions.

    In the heart of the city, Cop16’s green zone hosted vibrant music, film screenings, indigenous arts and crafts. Local people, businesses and conference delegates discussed creative and collaborative ways to address the nature crisis.

    Over in the blue zone, the official conference space, there was a notable increase in the diversity of communities participating across side events and pavilions. The links between biodiversity and human health were highlighted. So too was the importance of nature for water and food security.

    In his opening video message, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres urged countries gathered to “engage all of society” as “la Cop de la gente” (a Cop of the people).

    So protests from Indigenous people and local communities were particularly powerful. Including greater recognition for these groups in the final decisions from the meeting was a rare sign of progress. A new fund to ensure that these groups would receive a share of the profits from the commercial use of digital sequence information – genetic information from native plants and animals – was another victory.

    A new set of principles developed by the UK government to prioritise gender issues in conservation and ensure fair access to the benefits biodiversity action for all marginalised groups received widespread support.

    The focus on economic resilience was more prominent than ever, with two days dedicated to business and finance. In 2018, only 300 businesses attended Cop14 in Egypt. In Cali, this number was 3,000.

    Delegates assemble for the negotiations at Cop16​.
    Philipp Montenegro, CC BY-NC-ND

    Private investors, pension funds, the insurance industry and public banks stressed the importance of creating robust measures of biodiversity improvement. Business sectors focused on transition plans that could support fair and transparent means of reporting progress. The nature tech sector is growing too, with start-ups expected to attract up to $2 billion (£1.5 billion) in investments by the end of 2024.

    Back in the negotiating halls, delegates faced an uphill struggle. Only 44 out of 196 national plans to protect biodiversity have been updated to reflect the new targets. So, it’s no surprise that a gap is widening between current reality and the ambitious set of 23 targets which governments must reach by 2030. While countries agreed to a progress review in 2026, no consensus was reached on the indicators to be used. Progress was painfully slow.

    Negotiators debated how the global agreement on biodiversity should interact with its sister conventions on climate and desertification. Further discussions next year might identify how this could work but this probably won’t lead to drastic change. Some countries, including India and Russia, still seemed unwilling to accept the critical risks posed to nature and society of exceeding the 1.5°C global target for climate change.

    Many developing nations were concerned that greater integration between the climate crisis and biodiversity would lead to “double counting” of funding with the danger that developed countries could backtrack on their promises to support dedicated action on nature. Others, including the EU, argued that action to conserve and restore nature was an essential part of tackling all environmental and societal global challenges.

    The deadlock between these positions continued for days. In the final hours of Cop16, negotiators reached a compromise that sets out a more integrated pathway for bringing action on climate and nature together. While the effects of climate change directly exacerbate biodiversity loss, restoring nature can be a powerful tool in the fight to mitigate the climate crisis and benefit biodiversity. Nature-based solutions – measures like restoring peatlands and wetlands, planting trees and mangroves – help build that resilience.

    Heads of state and ministers joining at the midpoint of the meeting pointed out the need to ensure that nature is protected both for its own sake and for the communities that depend on healthy ecosystems for their livelihood and wellbeing.

    But at the end of a long final night, these words were not accompanied by concrete plans for action or the financial commitments about how nature protection should be paid for that many at Cop16 were hoping for.

    Whole of society, all of government?

    The global biodiversity agreement set in 2022 called for a whole of society approach to address the nature crisis. Cop16 certainly delivered. From local communities to huge businesses, there was a spirit of rolling up sleeves and putting investment and innovation to work using nature-based solutions to restore and conserve biodiversity.

    One of many packed side-events which bought the ‘whole of society’ together at Cop16.
    Philipp Montenegro, CC BY-NC-ND

    The same energy and commitment was clear from many of the local and sub-national governments assembled at Cop16. The first gathering of Mayors for Nature demonstrated significant commitment to action.

    Leaders from California and Quebec set the tone by investing in large-scale programmes, with Quebec not only committing to fund their own biodiversity action but also contributing to the global biodiversity fund – the first regional government to do so.

    But national governments struggled to move forward. The complexity of addressing biodiversity and its necessary interactions with sectors such as agriculture, transport and mining, as well as concerns over historic injustices between developing and developed countries, was perhaps too much for Cop16 to resolve.

    The risk is that, as governments navigate these challenges, the private sector could accelerate action without scrutiny. I worry that the lack of policy coordination could deter investors and slow the pace of action that local communities and regional governments want to make. Rather than waiting for global consensus, groups can catalyse change while holding each other accountable to make swift progress to save nature.


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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Harriet Bulkeley receives funding from the European Commission and currently serves as an advisor to the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    – ref. Cop16: the world’s largest meeting to save nature has ended with no clear path ahead – https://theconversation.com/cop16-the-worlds-largest-meeting-to-save-nature-has-ended-with-no-clear-path-ahead-242160

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Lebanon peace deal: Israel-Hezbollah agreement needs to be guaranteed by the Lebanese armed forces

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Vanessa Newby, Assistant Professor, Institute of Security and Global Affairs, Leiden University

    After a month of heavy bombardment, and despite continuing its military campaign and clearing border villages in south Lebanon, Israel is reportedly indirectly negotiating a peace deal with Hezbollah leaders. The terms of a ceasefire require the full implementation of UN resolution 1701, with a presence of around 10,000 Lebanese armed forces (LAF) soldiers stationed along the “blue line” which divides Israel from Lebanon and the Golan Heights. But making 1701 work has always proved a challenge.

    There can be no doubt that since its inception in 2006, resolution 1701 has never been fully implemented in south Lebanon. Adopted unanimously in 2006, the purpose of the resolution was to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, with the UN security council calling for a permanent ceasefire.

    A key objective of 1701 is to ensure the area south of the Litani River in south Lebanon is free from any weapons other than those of the Lebanese state and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil)

    It is on this issue that Unifil has received the most opprobrium. International observers and politicians have criticised Unifil’s inability to locate and remove Hezbollah’s weapons. The IDF blames Unifil for failing to prevent the rearmament of Hezbollah and for allegedly not doing enough to prevent Hezbollah attacks on Israel.

    Conversely, in Lebanon, Hezbollah supporters rebuke Unifil for failing to prevent six IDF invasions over half a century. This, they argue, makes Hezbollah’s presence on the blue line essential.

    But the question of why resolution 1701 was not fully implemented is not a simple one. Multiple actors are involved, of which one key player is the LAF. A large part of fulfilling resolution 1701 means ensuring that LAF are deployed in southern Lebanon as the only legitimate provider of force representing the Lebanese government. Understanding their role and the constraints they face is an important part of the puzzle.

    Prior to the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war in 1975, south Lebanon was sparsely populated and regarded as strategically unimportant. When civil war broke out, political and operational factors meant the LAF could not deploy to the south.

    These factors included the defection of LAF officers to sectarian militia and a lack of sufficient resources. The influence of neighbouring Syria and the heavy presence of militia groups, plus the occupation of the “zone of security” in south Lebanon by the IDF and its proxy militia the South Lebanon Army complicated matters.

    After the 2006 war, LAF became an important official party to resolution 1701 and Unifil worked closely with them to fulfil three main objectives: first, to assist with their re-introduction into the area of operations; second, to improve their operational capabilities; and third, to seek international funding for the LAF to improve their technical capabilities.

    Hunting for Hezbollah

    Unifil is mandated to assist LAF in taking steps towards the establishment of an area free from armed personnel between the blue line and the Litani River.

    Map of sourthern Lebanon showing the blue line which covers the Lebanese-Israeli border and extends to cover the Lebanese-Golan Heights border.
    Striving2767, CC BY-NC-SA

    Until recently LAF and Unifil often conducted joint patrols to search for unexploded ordinance and unauthorised weapons. If Unifil independently discovered an illegal weapons cache, it would notify the LAF, which handled the weapons’ recovery.

    This approach helped Unifil sidestep confrontations with the local population, on whose support they depend to patrol safely and execute the mandate. But while this policy was supportive of the goals of 1701, ultimately it proved ineffective.

    There were a number of reasons for this. First, the LAF faces legal restrictions on entering private property. If it suspects illegal weapons are stored on private land, the LAF needs a court order to enter the property. This takes time, which gives the owner of the property the opportunity to remove the weapons. To fully implement 1701, this legal barrier would need to be removed.

    The LAF also has to walk a political tightrope between different political factions in Beirut, and is also sensitive to the need for local support in the south. While LAF is undoubtedly popular in Lebanon, many in the south are Shia Muslims with strong loyalties to Hezbollah and the Amal movement (a Shia militia which now operates as a political party in Lebanon). These groups offer both a degree of security and material help in the form of social services.

    While conducting field research in southern Lebanon from 2012 to 2018, I discovered that civilians in the region understand that it is difficult for LAF to hunt aggressively for weapons. This is because they need to retain a working relationship with Hezbollah which – with its allies – constitutes the political majority in Beirut. Ridding south Lebanon of Hezbollah weapons will require political cover from Beirut.

    Another problem the LAF has faced is getting hold of modern weaponry due to Israeli opposition, despite the LAF enjoying strong international support. Israel’s “qualitative military edge” strategy, supported by the US, means that it campaigns internationally against any of its border states obtaining weapons deemed to pose a threat to its security. This has on occasion prevented LAF from accepting essential defensive equipment, such as armoured vehicles and air defence systems, from its European friends.

    Preventing LAF from getting defensive equipment contradicts the EU and US stated goal of strengthening LAF. It also supports Hezbollah’s claim that it can only hand over national security to LAF when it is properly equipped to defend Lebanon. A civilian I interviewed in south Lebanon in 2013 summed up the paradox: “We would prefer that the international community made a decision to allow the military to be armed properly, and then we don’t need the resistance.”

    Ultimately the political and legal tightrope the LAF walks in Lebanon is deeply implicated in why resolution 1701 has never been fully implemented. Neither a national army nor a peacekeeping force are capable of enforcing a Hezbollah withdrawal in the absence of political and legal agreement in Beirut, or local support in south Lebanon.

    Any calls for the full implementation of 1701 will require the unqualified support of all parties to 1701. This is not just those involved in the conflict – Israel, Hezbollah and the Lebanese government – but also various international stakeholders including the US, EU and all countries with UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. It will be a delicate balance.

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

    – ref. Lebanon peace deal: Israel-Hezbollah agreement needs to be guaranteed by the Lebanese armed forces – https://theconversation.com/lebanon-peace-deal-israel-hezbollah-agreement-needs-to-be-guaranteed-by-the-lebanese-armed-forces-241930

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director of Health views arrangements for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, and the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Edwin Tsui, visited Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai Hon Fan Nursery School this morning (November 4) to view the implementation of the school outreach seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) service and appealed to parents to arrange early SIV for their children with a view to having better protection in the coming influenza season in winter.     It is the first time for the school to choose to provide both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (i.e. nasal vaccines) (LAIV) as the hybrid mode. Forty-two pupils received SIV during the vaccination activity. The DH procured and delivered the vaccines in advance, while a Public-Private-Partnership Team visited the school today to provide vaccination to the schoolchildren.     “To boost the SIV coverage rate among schoolchildren, modified arrangements have been made under the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP) this year. Kindergartens and child care centres can choose to provide both IIV and LAIV at the same or different outreach vaccination activities. We are delighted with the smooth outreach vaccination service under the new arrangements. According to local experience, school outreach can double the rate of receiving SIV, effectively strengthening the immunity barrier of schoolchildren. We look forward to continuous and full support from schools and parents, as home-school co-operation has been of vital importance in enhancing vaccination coverage,” Dr Lam said.     Dr Tsui added that SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as greatly reducing hospitalisation and death. For schoolchildren, it can also reduce absenteeism and is beneficial for their personal health and learning. As the weather becomes cool, and with reference to previous surveillance data, the CHP expects that activity of COVID-19 and seasonal influenza may increase at the end of the year, and more school outbreaks will be reported. The CHP has noticed that some schools still have not arranged SIV outreach activities. We strongly urge schools that have yet to enrol in the SIV outreach programme to arrange SIV outreach activities as soon as possible to protect students and reduce the chance of influenza outbreaks in schools. For eligible children not receiving SIV through school outreach activities, parents should arrange vaccination for their children at clinics of private doctors enrolled in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme.     Dr Lam stressed that all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, are recommended to receive SIV for personal and family protection. As of October 27, the vaccination coverage rate for children aged 6 months to under 2 years was at a low level of about 8.4 per cent. To strengthen vaccination services and boost the SIV coverage rate among children aged 6 months to under 2 years, the DH’s Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) are open to all children aged 6 months to under 2 years for SIV this year. Children aged 6 months to under 2 years can receive SIV services at any MCHCs when they are attending appointments. Parents may also book an appointment for their children to receive vaccinations at designated MCHCs via the online booking system: booking.covidvaccine.gov.hk/forms/sivfhs/index.jsp. Parents are advised to arrange SIV for their children as early as possible to protect health of their children. In addition, co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza is possible, and high-risk individuals should receive booster COVID-19 vaccine at appropriate times.     Under the SIVSOP, secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens, and child care centres can arrange outreach vaccination teams to provide free SIVs to schoolchildren. The DH will provide vaccines to participating schools and subsidy of $105 per dose to doctors.           In addition, schools can also invite doctors to arrange outreach services for injectable IIV and/or nasal LAIV on their campuses under the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme School Outreach. Participating schools can select a doctor and make arrangements for the outreach activity, including the type of vaccine provided. The Government will provide a subsidy of $260 per dose to the doctor. In addition to schoolchildren, other individuals such as school staff and students’ parents can also receive SIVs during the outreach vaccination activity.     At present, around 890 kindergartens and child care centres (81 per cent), 620 primary schools (93 per cent) and 410 secondary schools (80 per cent) have joined the SIV School Outreach Programmes. As of October 27, 2024, around 640 schools have completed the first dose vaccination, and more than 145 400 students have received SIV under School Outreach Programmes.           “The DH has always maintained close liaison with our partners. Through concerted efforts from the education sector, healthcare sector, parents and other stakeholders, a total of about 204 100 doses of SIV have been administered for children aged 6 months to 18 years under various SIV programmes, accounting for 22.3 per cent of overall vaccination coverage rate. We urge early childhood educators to join hands in appealing the parents to arrange for their children to participate in SIV, and at the same time to play their part in educating parents on the importance of vaccination to encourage more young school children to get vaccinated. With increased vaccination coverage, the protection for children could be strengthened,” Dr Lam said.     As of October 27, about 331 800 doses of seasonal influenza vaccines had been administered via the Government Vaccination Programme and 496 600 doses via the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme. Together with 126 900 doses via the SIVSOP, a total of 955 300 doses of SIV have been administered through various programmes.     For the latest information, please refer to the CHP’s influenza page and Vaccination Schemes page.     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Rander People’s Co-operative Bank Ltd., Surat, Gujarat

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated October 28, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 lakh (Rupees One Lakh Fifty Thousand only) on The Rander People’s Co-operative Bank Ltd., Surat, Gujarat (the bank) for contravention of provisions of section 26A read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI, conferred under the provisions of section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provision / non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions of BR Act and RBI directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made by it during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had not:

    1. transferred eligible amounts to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund within the prescribed period;

    2. carried out risk-based updation of KYC of its customers; and

    3. put in place a system of periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts at least once in six months.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1425

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Mehmadabad Urban People’s Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mehmadabad, Dist. Kheda, Gujarat

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated October 28, 2024, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹60,000/- (Rupees Sixty Thousand only) on Mehmadabad Urban People’s Co-operative Bank Ltd., Mehmadabad, Dist. Kheda, Gujarat (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Membership of Credit Information Companies (CICs) by Co-operative Banks’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred in RBI under section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and section 25 of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to:

    1. submit data to three CICs and submitted incomplete data to one CIC; and

    2. carry out periodic review of risk categorisation of accounts at least once in six months.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/1426

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s import expo attracts record-breaking participating countries, exhibitors

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

    SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 — On Tuesday morning, the Chinese commercial hub of Shanghai will once again assume its role as the host for the newest edition of the globe’s first national-level exposition dedicated to imports.

    Now, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) stands as a telling example of China’s steadfast opening up and an unmissable opportunity for foreign enterprises to tap into the Chinese market.

    Despite challenges and uncertainties in the global economic landscape, over the past seven years, CIIE has steadily grown.

    The first six editions of CIIE have generated a total intended transaction amount exceeding 420 billion U.S. dollars. Additionally, over 1,130 foreign enterprises and investment promotion organizations have conducted targeted connections across the country.

    This year, the business exhibition will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), covering more than 360,000 square meters — equivalent to 50 standard soccer fields — and hosting 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions.

    Both the number of participating countries and exhibitors have surpassed previous records.

    Notably, 297 exhibitors from Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders will attend, marking a historic high. Among all participants, 186 enterprises and institutions have achieved full attendance across all seven editions of the expo.

    Besides, this year’s event is also commanding the attention of global journalism. More than 400 media outlets are participating in the coverage of this event, including 220 foreign media organizations.

    China’s vast market has become one of the most attractive destinations for global players, with the CIIE serving as the “golden gateway” to this opportunity.

    For the CIIE frequenter of Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido, the event serves as a second-to-none magnet.

    “Over the past years of participating in CIIE, we have seen firsthand just how influential the expo can be for our business,” said Toshinobu Umetsu, president and CEO of Shiseido China.

    According to the company, visitors will be able to see over 30 new product debuts from 12 different brands in their portfolio.

    Umetsu described the expo as a boon for their growth in China’s thriving market, noting that many new skincare technologies, brands, and products have gained substantial attention and recognition from consumers after being featured at CIIE.

    “CIIE successfully transformed our ‘exhibits’ to ‘products,’” Umetsu added.

    Seizing the opportunity, new participants are eager to try their luck. Among the trendsetters is Canadian sportswear magnate Lululemon.

    “A digital innovation here is leading the world, quite frankly, in terms of adoption and opportunities,” said Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon during an interview with Xinhua.

    Impressed by the market’s speed, agility and resilience, McDonald said the opportunity to move fast and accomplish big initiatives in the market is incredibly exciting, seeing CIIE as a precious opportunity to bring awareness to the brand.

    “In the dynamic and healthy market, we are learning not just how we drive and see success here,” he said, adding that what Lululemon learned from the Chinese mainland consumers and innovation can help their business in other markets as well.

    After years of development, the CIIE has become a symbol of China’s new development pattern, a platform for high-level opening-up, and an international public good shared by the world.

    At its third plenum, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China renewed the country’s commitment to the basic state policy of opening to the outside world and continuing to promote reform through opening up.

    Serving as another fine example, China removed all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector on Nov. 1, a landmark move made by the world’s second-largest economy as it opens its doors wider.

    “Reflecting on the past six editions of the CIIE, ‘high-level opening up’ has been a consistent theme. The expo has continually showcased an image of an ‘open China’ that shares opportunities and future with the world,” said Wu Zhengping, deputy director general of the CIIE Bureau.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN/ANGELUS – All Saints Day: “How much hidden saintliness there is in the Church!”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    VATICAN/ANGELUS – All Saints Day: “How much hidden saintliness there is in the Church!”Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Beatitudes are “the Christian’s identity card” and “the way to holiness”. This was stated by Pope Francis during the Angelus prayer on the Solemnity of All Saints Day.Referring to the Gospel of the day, the Pope recalled that holiness is both “a gift from God” and “our response to God”.“It is a gift from God because, as Saint Paul says, it is He who sanctifies. With His grace, He heals us and frees us from all that prevents us from loving as He loves us, as Blessed Carlo Acutis used to say, there may always be ‘less of me to make room for God’”, stressed the Bishop of Rome, adding that God “offers us His holiness, but He does not impose it. He leaves us the freedom to engage in his plans”.All this, Pope Francis continued, “we see all of this in the life of the saints, even in our time”. In this context, the Pope recalled Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Saint Teresa of Calcutta and Saint Oscar Romero: “We we can make a list of many saints, many of them: those we venerate on the altars and others, that I like to call the saints “next door”, the everyday ones, hidden, who go forward in their daily Christian life”.“How much hidden saintliness there is in the Church!” said the Pope. “We recognize so many brothers and sisters formed by the Beatitudes: poor, meek, merciful, hungry and thirsty for justice, workers for peace. They are people “filled with God”, incapable of remaining indifferent to the needs of their neighbour; they are witnesses of shining paths, possible for us too”.After the Angelus, the Pope’s thoughts turned to the Holy Land and he warned: “War is always a defeat, always! And it is ignoble, because it is the triumph of the lie, of falsehood.” He recalled the suffering of the innocent: “I think of the 153 women and children massacred in Gaza in recent days,” said the Pope, who described the war not only as a triumph of lies, but also of falsehood, because “they seek the greatest self-interest and the greatest damage to the enemy, trampling on human lives, the environment, the infrastructure, everything; and all of this is disguised with lies,” said the Pope. He again called for prayer: “Let us pray for tormented Ukraine, let us pray for Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and for all the peoples who are suffering because of war.” Pope Francis also expressed his “closeness to the people of Chad, in particular the families of the victims of the grave terrorist attack a few days ago, as well as those who have been affected by floods. And in the face of these environmental disasters, let us pray for the populations of the Iberian Peninsula, especially the Valencian community: for the deceased and their loved ones, and for all the damaged families. May the Lord sustain those who are suffering, and those who are bringing relief”.Finally, thinking of tomorrow, Saturday 2 November, the day on which the deceased are commemorated, Pope Francis recalled: “Those who can, go in these days to pray at the tomb of your own loved ones. Let us not forget: the Eucharist is the greatest and most effective prayer for the soul of the departed”. (FB) (Agenzia Fides, 1/11/2024)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –