NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derry secures Best City Category at Ulster in Bloom

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Derry secures Best City Category at Ulster in Bloom

    29 October 2024

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has praised the dedicated Council staff for their hard work and dedication after the city was once again recognised at the Translink Ulster in Bloom awards in Bangor this week.

    Derry City and Strabane District Council secured the 2024 title in the Best City Category at the Awards.

    Mayor Barr extended her congratulations to the Streetscape team within the Council on their success.

    She said: “Once again our city has secured this accolade in recognition of the fantastic work carried out by our teams to make our city look tidy, clean and inviting for residents and tourists. This award showcases the great work being done to bring biodiversity, plants and flowers into our public spaces. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York care leavers celebrate award nomination

    Source: City of York

    Young care leavers from York’s Care Leavers Forum ‘I Still Matter’ are celebrating being nominated for a prestigious national award this Care Leavers’ Week (28 October-3 November).

    The group, which represents care leavers across the city, and City of York Council’s Pathway Team, which supports care leavers, have been shortlisted for the National Voice Awards 2024 in The Collaboration Award category.

    The shortlisting highlights the work the team and ‘I Still Matter’ group have been doing to work together to reshape and design the new local offer for care leavers. The project included consultations with wide groups of care leavers to ensure the new offering was designed around lived experiences, and includes increase support for care leavers who are parents and improvements to financial support, leisure and travel offering and wellbeing support. The awards will be announced on 30 October.

    National Care Leavers’ Week gives young care leavers the opportunity to challenge the perceptions given to them and raise awareness of the issues those in care face, whilst also celebrating the incredible things many go on to achieve. The theme this year will be: All of us, we are one.

    Events are being organised across the city to celebrate care leavers and the family, carers, friends, and mentors who support them.

    The council is also launching its new Care Leavers’ Offer during Care Leavers’ Week. The document sets out what young people leaving care can expect from the council and how they can access help and support.

    Danielle Johnson, the council’s, Director of Safeguarding, Children’s Services said:

    We want to support our young people as they make the transition from care through to independent living and beyond, just as most parents support their children well into adulthood.

    “In York, we’re incredibly fortunate to have the support of some fabulous businesses and partners who help support our care leavers, through opportunities or Christmas gifts, work experience placements or apprenticeships. I’d like to thank all those who have helped support our care leavers over the last year. It really does take a village – or in our case, a city – to raise a child.”

    Abbie, a care leaver, said:

    We’ve spent a lot of time working with the pathway team to co-produce the new offer.

    “We wanted an offer that was tailored more to the individual rather than a blanket offer – because we all need different things at different times.”

    Find more information on helping care leavers.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SED leads Mainland study tour for students of senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development to visit Jiangxi (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SED leads Mainland study tour for students of senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development to visit Jiangxi (with photos)
    SED leads Mainland study tour for students of senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development to visit Jiangxi (with photos)
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         The Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, together with more than 100 students and teachers from Kowloon True Light School joining the first Mainland study tour of the senior secondary subject of Citizenship and Social Development (CS) to Jiangxi, today (October 29) attended the kick-off ceremony of the tour at Ganzhou Middle School and visited a number of spots in Jiangxi.     Addressing the ceremony, Dr Choi said that Mainland study tours form an integral part of the CS curriculum that enables students to understand the latest developments and achievements of the country in person. The Education Bureau (EDB) has arranged for over 90 000 students to visit different places on the Mainland since last year and received very positive comments from students and teachers. To provide students with a more diversified learning experience, the number of routes has increased to 28 in this academic year, with 10 routes outside Guangdong Province for four to five days.     Dr Choi expressed gratitude to the Fourth Bureau of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Office of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of the Ministry of Education, the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Department of Education of Jiangxi Province for their care for Hong Kong students, and the Ganzhou Municipal Education Bureau for its thoughtful arrangements, facilitating the smooth implementation of the study tour.     She said that the EDB will continue leading students to undertake study tours on themes such as history and culture, aerospace technology, rural revitalisation, economic development and environmental conservation to further enrich their learning experience. She hoped that students will treasure these precious learning opportunities to integrate reading with travelling, delve into the history, culture and national affairs of the country, and strengthen their affection for and sense of belonging to the nation.     Following the ceremony, Dr Choi signed a Memorandum of Understanding on education co-operation between Jiangxi and Hong Kong with a representative from the Department of Education of Jiangxi Province. She also witnessed the pairing up of Kowloon True Light School and Ganzhou Middle School as sister schools. Subsequently, she and the delegation visited the memorial garden for the Long March Starting Point of the Central Red Army and the departure place of the first ferry of the Long March to learn about the Long March Spirit.     The four-day study tour began yesterday (October 28). Dr Choi led members of the tour to visit Sanbai Mountain in Anyuan County, where the origin of Dongjiang is located. They attended an activity in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong to pay tribute to the country for its effort in protecting the source of drinking water. After that, the delegation visited the national education base for Hong Kong youths and the museum on the origin of Dongjiang water to learn about the history of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong.     Dr Choi will depart for Beijing tomorrow (October 30) to continue her visit. The delegation will continue to tour locations in Jiangxi to learn about the local history, culture and enterprise development.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, October 29, 2024Issued at HKT 18:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work to start on Griffith Station upgrade

    Source: New South Wales Government 2

    Headline: Work to start on Griffith Station upgrade

    Published: 29 October 2024

    Released by: Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Minister for Transport

    Work to make Griffith Station safer and more accessible will soon begin after the Minns Labor Government signed off on long awaited upgrade plans.

    Promised but never delivered by the former Liberal National Government, the upgrade will include:

    • a new boarding zone

    • tactile indicators

    • new ambulant toilets

    • upgrades to existing ramps

    • modification to the ticket counter and waiting room and

    • improvements to wayfinding and lighting.

    A new coach bay, bus shelter and accessible car space will also be constructed, along with a new accessible path from the station to the car park.

    Made possible thanks to an investment from the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program, the Griffith station upgrade will ensure local transport is made more inclusive for people with disabilities and other mobility challenges.

    Joss Group has been awarded the construction contract, with work to start in late 2024 and be completed by mid-2025, weather permitting. 

    Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

    “Public Transport should be safe and accessible places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is investing $800 million in the new Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible.

    Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

    “Regional communities like Griffith have had to wait too long for accessibility upgrades and the Minns Labor Government is acting to right this wrong and improve access.

    “The work we are doing at regional stations like Griffith won’t just improve access to public transport; it’ll mean passengers with disabilities and mobility challenges will have better access to healthcare, education and job opportunities that all enrich our regional communities.”

    Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:

    “The community has waiting a long time for these upgrades.

    “These upgrades will help make our station accessible to everyone in our community, which is incredibly important.”

    NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva said:

    “I’m pleased to see these improvements being made Griffith have been designed to support and improve accessibility for passengers, including people with disability, parents or carers with prams and the elderly.

    “Community feedback helped shape the final upgrade package and I look forward to seeing the final result next year.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Review of the Family Relationships Services Program

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

    Media Release

    The Albanese Labor Government has today released the final report of the review of the Family Relationship Services Program (FRSP) from Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO.

    The FRSP supports separated and separating families to resolve issues outside court. Since its introduction in the mid-2000s it has become a critical element of Australia’s approach to family law, and assists over 100,000 clients each year.

    The FRSP has remained largely unchanged since its introduction. Mr Metcalfe was asked to consider how the program can continue to best meet the needs of separating Australian families into the future.

    The report affirms the important contribution of the FRSP in helping families separate safely and in the best interests of any children involved, without the stress or expense of going to court. It also acknowledges the significant ongoing demand for these services.

    Key recommendations include:

    • restructuring to increase flexibility in design, delivery and administration
    • enhancing service delivery through increasing access to case management, child-inclusive practice, legally-assisted dispute resolution and online resources, and
    • establishing a dedicated stream for separating First Nations families.

    The Review will build on the Albanese Government’s significant investments to prevent family, domestic and sexual violence against women and children, and support those who experience it.

    Following National Cabinet last Friday, the Australian Government announced an $80 million package to ensure children who witness and experience family, domestic and sexual violence are appropriately supported.

    This includes funding to expand the FRSP’s Supporting Children After Separation Program (SCASP). Consistent with the Metcalfe Review’s findings that the FRSP provides important services for separating families, this funding will expand the SCASP to provide specialised, longer-term support for children of separated families who are already engaged in counselling support, to avoid needing to transfer those cases to a Specialised Family Violence Service.

    On behalf of the Australian Government I acknowledge everyone who shared their views and expertise with the review team and thank Mr Metcalfe for his work.

    I would also like to acknowledge the early work of Mr Graeme Head AO, who had initially commenced the Review of the FRSP and the Australian Institute for Family Studies for supporting the Reviewers in the conduct of the Review.

    The Government is carefully considering the report.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Second reading speech – Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Check Against Delivery

    Introduction

    The digital economy has unleashed enormous benefits for Australians. But it has also increased the privacy risks we face through the collection and storage of enormous amounts of our personal data.

    The Privacy Act 1988 represented the first time that a comprehensive, integrated set of legal rules protecting interests in privacy existed in Australia. On introducing it, Attorney-General Lionel Bowen told the Parliament that “enormous developments in technology for the processing of information are providing new and, in some respects, undesirable opportunities for the greater use of personal information.”

    In that respect, little has changed. Evolutions in technology and the way people use it continue to vex those who share information online, and those charged with regulating it. It is essential that Australians are protected by a legal framework that is flexible and agile enough to adapt to changes in the world around them.

    The Privacy Act has not kept pace with the adoption of digital technologies. The vast data flows that underpin digital ecosystems have also created the conditions for significant harms – like major data breaches that have revealed the sensitive information of millions of Australians, exposing us to the risk of identity fraud and scams.

    Strong privacy laws and protections are critical to building public trust and confidence in the digital economy, and driving the investments needed to keep people’s data safe.

    The right to privacy is a fundamental human right. As Sir Zelman Cowen said in his 1969 Boyer Lectures, a person without privacy is a person without dignity. We must be vigilant in ensuring that evolving technology does not erode our ability to protect information about who we are, what we do and what we believe from being misused.

    The Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 is a significant step forward for Australian privacy law. It begins the much-needed work of updating our privacy laws to be fit-for-purpose in the digital age.

    With this Bill, the Australian Government is taking the next step to ensure Australians’ privacy is respected and protected. It implements a first tranche of agreed recommendations of the Privacy Act Review, ahead of consultation on a second tranche of reforms.

    It also delivers on a commitment made by the Albanese Government following the National Cabinet held in May to address gender-based violence, by outlawing the practice of “doxxing”, or the malicious release of personal data online.

    Schedule 1 of the Bill will amend the Privacy Act to enhance its effectiveness, strengthen the enforcement tools available to the privacy regulator and better facilitate safe overseas data flows. It will require the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code, streamline information-sharing in emergencies and following eligible data breaches, and increase transparency when entities are automating significant decisions which use personal information.

    Schedule 2 of the Bill will introduce a new statutory tort to provide redress for serious invasions of privacy.

    Schedule 3 of the Bill will amend the Criminal Code Act 1995 to introduce new criminal offences to target the harmful practice of doxxing.

    Schedule 1 – Privacy Act amendments

    Schedule 1 begins the work of bringing Australia’s privacy protection framework into the digital age. The amendments re-affirm the Government’s view that entities have a responsibility to protect Australians’ personal information and not treat it merely as a commercial asset.

    Children’s privacy

    While all Australians face privacy risks in the online environment, children are particularly vulnerable. For many Australian children, social media has been part of their lives from the time they were born. They have never lived in a world without it.

    It has been estimated that by the time a child turns 13, around 72 million pieces of data will be collected about them.

    This Bill will require the development of a Children’s Online Privacy Code which will apply to social media and other internet services which are likely to be accessed by children. The Children’s Online Privacy Code will specify how these entities must comply with privacy obligations in relation to children. The Code will align to the extent possible with similar codes in like-minded countries, such as the United Kingdom.

    The Code will be developed by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, which will be provided with $3 million in funding over three years to do this important work.

    Information-sharing declarations after data breaches and emergencies

    Cyber incidents are growing in number, speed and sophistication. Data breaches are exposing millions of Australians to risk of fraud, identity theft and scams. This Bill will promote the importance of implementing technical and organisational controls – such as encrypting data and training staff on data protection – to address information security risks.

    It will also support more effective responses to data breaches by introducing eligible data breach declarations. A declaration will permit the sharing of personal information following a notifiable data breach for the purpose of preventing or reducing the risk of harm to individuals.

    Sharing information under these circumstances will enable entities such as banks to act quickly to prevent the misuse of compromised credentials. Safeguards are included to ensure that a declaration can only be made for a purpose that is related to preventing or reducing a risk of harm to individuals arising from a misuse of personal information from the eligible data breach.

    An eligible data breach declaration can be issued quickly and will make clear the kinds of personal information that may be shared, and with whom they may be shared, which may include state and territory agencies.

    Similarly, emergency declarations made under the Act permit personal information sharing following disasters or emergencies to support response efforts, including to assist affected individuals. The Bill will require emergency declarations to specify the kinds of personal information, types of entities permitted to share information and the purposes for which it may be shared. These changes will ensure that individuals’ privacy is protected while also addressing their broader interests, and will support enhanced coordination with states and territories in emergencies and disasters. 

    Overseas data flows

    The flow of information across national borders is critical for international trade and services in a globalised world. To support the free flow of information with appropriate protections, the Bill provides for countries with substantially similar data privacy laws to Australia to be prescribed. Businesses and individuals will be able to have greater confidence that personal information will be kept safe. This will also reduce costs for business when entering into contracts and agreements with overseas entities.

    Enforcement

    Effective enforcement of the Privacy Act is essential to protect Australians’ interests. This Bill expands the suite of regulatory powers available to the Information Commissioner to effectively enforce the Act and provides a broader range of enforcement options available to do so. This will include new civil penalties and infringement notices for less serious privacy breaches.

    To investigate potential privacy breaches in an increasingly complex digital landscape, the Information Commissioner requires modern investigative powers. This Bill provides the Information Commissioner with additional powers, including for search and seizure, which may be exercised under warrant when investigating breaches of the Act, and scalable enforcement options.

    The Bill will empower a court to make appropriate orders where it has determined that an entity has breached a civil penalty provision, which may include compensation for loss or damage suffered.

    Effective privacy protection requires proactive regulatory action. This Bill also strengthens the Information Commissioner’s capacity by expanding monitoring and assessment functions. The Bill also introduces new public inquiry powers which will enable the Information Commissioner to inquire into specified matters as directed or approved. This will enable the Information Commissioner to keep closer oversight of threats to privacy, including issues of a systemic nature, as they emerge.  

    Automated decision making

    The safe and responsible development and deployment of automated decision making presents significant opportunities. These systems have the potential to increase the efficiency, accuracy and consistency of decisions, and they present opportunities for improved outcomes in health, environment, defence and national security.

    The Bill will provide individuals with transparency about the use of their personal information in automated decisions which significantly affect their interests. Entities will need to specify the kinds of personal information used in these sorts of decisions in their privacy policies.  

    Importantly these requirements will apply to decisions that are wholly or substantially automated, ensuring that the new requirements cannot be avoided by ‘tokenistic’ human involvement in a decision-making process.

    Schedule 2 – statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy

    A statutory tort applying to breaches of privacy has been talked about in Australia for a long, long time – as early as 1969, when Sir Zelman Cowen, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England, endorsed legislation to create an actionable right to seek redress for breaches of privacy.

    There is currently no tortious right of action for invasion of privacy under the Act or any other Commonwealth, state or territory statute. The creation of a statutory tort was recommended by the Australian Law Reform Commission in its 2014 Report “Serious Invasions of Privacy in the Digital Era”, which I commissioned in 2013. It has been recommended by many other inquiries before and since.

    In its 2014 report, the Commission stated the creation of a statutory tort would “fill an increasingly conspicuous gap in Australian law, helping to protect the privacy of Australians, while respecting and reinforcing other fundamental rights and values, including freedom of expression”.

    Schedule 2 to the Bill will provide a new statutory cause of action, or tort, for individuals who have suffered a serious invasion of their privacy. This will include an intrusion on a person’s physical privacy, so the tort will complement the Privacy Act, which focusses on the narrower concept of information privacy.

    There are parts of our lives that we reasonably expect to be able to keep to ourselves. The freedom to enjoy a private and family life, and express ourselves and our beliefs in safety, is critical to our wellbeing and dignity.

    Ensuring that individuals have a clear right to seek a legal remedy against people or entities who seriously invade their privacy is a key part of ensuring that our privacy laws keep pace with community expectations and advances in technology.

    Schedule 2 to the Bill provides that an individual has a cause of action for serious privacy invasions, either by an intrusion upon the individual’s seclusion – for example by physically intruding into their private space – or by misuse of their information, in circumstances where the individual had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

    A plaintiff will have a cause of action without having to prove that any damage arose from the invasion of privacy. The damage or harm a plaintiff suffers will be a relevant factor in assessing the seriousness of the invasion, and the remedies that may be awarded.

    For a claim to succeed, the plaintiff will need to demonstrate the public interest in protecting their privacy outweighs any competing public interest raised by the defendant.

    In addition to the public interest balancing test, a range of defences will apply, including where the conduct of the defendant was required or authorised by law or was necessary because of a serious threat to life, health or safety.

    The Bill will provide specific exemptions from liability under the tort, including for journalism, enforcement bodies and intelligence agencies. These exemptions are important to protect press freedom and ensure that legitimate activities of government can be delivered effectively.

    The journalism exemption provides that invasions of privacy which occur in the course of the collection, preparation or publication of journalistic material, by a journalist, their employer, or someone assisting them, would not be liable under the tort. The Bill requires that to be considered a ‘journalist’, the person must work in that professional capacity and be subject to applicable standards of professional conduct or a code of practice.

    The journalism exemption also operates in addition to the requirement that a court balance the public interest in the plaintiff’s privacy with other public interests. This may involve consideration of the public interest in freedom of the media, or freedom of expression.

    A court will have the flexibility to choose the remedy or remedies that are most appropriate in the circumstances. This may include compensation for non-economic loss or an order requiring the defendant to apologise to the plaintiff.

    Schedule 3 – doxxing criminal offences

    Schedule 3 of the Bill will amend the Criminal Code 1995 to create new criminal offences targeting the release of personal data in a manner that is menacing or harassing—a practice known as ‘doxxing’.

    The prevalence of social media and online platforms has rapidly increased the capacity of malicious individuals to obtain personal data, and to release that online—either to the public at large on social media platforms, or to their associates on forum and messaging platforms.

    Doxxing exposes victims to significant and enduring harm, including public embarrassment, humiliation, shaming, discrimination, stalking and identify theft and financial fraud.  It can lead to threats to a victim’s life and safety, and the lives and safety of their families and friends. It can inflict significant and lasting psychological harm.

    Doxxing is a damaging form of abuse that can affect all Australians but is often used against women in the context of domestic and family violence.

    The creation of this offence also responds to a recent, shocking incident of a group who were targeted with doxxing on the basis of their religion.

    The Bill creates a new offence that applies where a person:

    • uses a carriage service to make available, publish or otherwise distribute the personal data of one or more individuals; and
    • the person does so in a way that reasonable persons would regard as being menacing or harassing towards those individuals.

    The new offence will carry a maximum penalty of 6 years’ imprisonment.

    The Bill also introduces a further offence, with a more serious maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment, where a person or group is targeted because of their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status, disability, nationality or national or ethnic origin.

    The Government recognises that there are circumstances in which people legitimately publish and distribute personal data, including individuals’ names, contact details and movements.

    The new offences will apply only where a reasonable person would consider the conduct to be, in all the circumstances, menacing or harassing, to ensure that legitimate conduct is not inappropriately criminalised.

    ‘Personal data’, in the context of these new offences, means information about an individual that enables them to be identified, contacted or located. This includes their name, photograph, telephone number, email address, online account, residential or work address, and place of education or worship. This definition recognises that doxxing can occur in a number of different ways.

    The Albanese Government is committed to the protection of Australians from online harm, and these new offences will ensure that perpetrators of doxxing are held to account.

    These new offences will complement work that is underway across government, to strengthen online safety for all Australians.  This includes the takedown powers of the eSafety Commissioner, the Cyberbullying Scheme and the Adult Cyber Abuse Scheme under the Online Safety Act 2021.

    Conclusion

    This Bill is an important first step in the Government’s privacy reform agenda, but it will not be the last. Over the coming months, the Attorney-General’s Department will develop the next tranche of privacy reform for targeted consultation, including draft provisions. The Government is approaching this important reform work carefully, to ensure increased privacy protections are balanced alongside other impacts, and that we deliver the fairest outcome for all Australians.

    After many years of inaction, this Labor Government is committed to genuine privacy reform. The Australian people expect no less – for themselves and their children.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Press conference – Bendigo

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    Attorney-General
    Cabinet Secretary
    The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

    Member for Bendigo
    Lisa Chesters MP

    Joint transcript

    E&OE

    Subjects: U 25-GO Blue Light funding; Chinese military video; AUKUS

    LISA CHESTERS, MEMBER FOR BENDIGO: I’m really proud to be standing next to my friend and colleague, the Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus, who is here today with a significant funding announcement for our local Blue Light Program. The Bendigo Blue Light chapter has been running for over a decade now, and almost for as long as I’ve been a Federal Member, and since my very first engagement with them, I was just impressed at the way they want to help young people break free, change their life, change their pathway. Many of the people involved in Bendigo Blue Light are serving officers, police officers, and their passion that they have for young people in Bendigo is extraordinary. And the young people involved in this program, their bravery to make a difference and to change their pathway is fantastic. Quite often people write them off. People in media, people in politics, will write these young people off, but they didn’t write themselves off. Neither did Anglicare, neither did the partners involved in this program, and neither did our government, and that is why I’m so proud that that the Attorney-General is here to make an announcement today for the future of this program. So welcome back to Bendigo, Mark.

    ATTORNEY-GENERAL MARK DREYFUS: Thank you very much, Lisa and I am delighted to be here with my friend and colleague Lisa Chesters as the Member for Bendigo to announce funding as part of a Federal Government program U25-GO, which is going to be $13.5 million for nine organisations across the country, police, youth, citizens clubs and Blue Light organisations right across Australia. But right here in Bendigo, we’re announcing $2 million as part of this program for Blue Light Victoria which is going to be providing programs to youth across the Bendigo region, the La Trobe region and the Melbourne region. And this is really useful programs. They’re tailored programs for young people from 10 to 17, and depending on the particular needs of the young person, it’s very often one on one counselling, but it’s also working with families, different groups of selected young people, and it’s a wonderful demonstration of the commitment that the Albanese Labor Government has to supporting young people in our country. We need to look at ways to keep people out of the criminal justice system. We need to look at ways to pick up young people who’ve been in the criminal justice system, to make sure they don’t return to the criminal justice system. We know these programs work. We’ve seen from the Blue Light organisation. We heard from Lily and Jaykob here earlier today about how good the program has been for them, and I know from previous contact with the Blue Light organisation just how useful the work that they do is. We’re aiming to keep on supporting that work, because we know how good it can be. Thanks very much.

    REPORTER: Can I just ask one quick question on today’s announcement in regional areas, obviously here Bendigo and La Trobe as well, for these young people to have an opportunity to seek out a program like this in regional areas, specifically where we know services can be few and far between, services like this. So, what was the business case that these guys put forward that we thought, yep, okay, this is something we want to fund.

    ATTORNEY-GENERAL: The business case that Blue Light Victoria put forward is, we’ve been doing this for quite some time, and we know it works. That’s a great business case. We like to work with organisations that are established. We like to work with organisations that have got connections in the community. We like to work with organisations that have got established group of volunteers. Blue Light Victoria ticks every single one of those boxes.

    REPORTER: I’ve just got two unrelated questions for you Attorney-General. Have you seen the Chinese military video of a dangerous intercept of Australian aircraft over the South China Sea, and what’s your response?

    ATTORNEY-GENERAL: We’ve seen some unverified videos this morning that came on social media. They remain unverified, but I can assure everyone that all operations of the Australian Defence Forces, all operations of the RAAF in the South China Sea and in other parts of South East Asia are conducted in accordance with international law.

    REPORTER: One more question for you on AUKUS, does including high tech countries like Japan and Korea send a clear signal to China of our strength and capabilities, and is it enough to counter Beijing’s influence?

    ATTORNEY-GENERAL: This is a partnership with the United Kingdom and the United States. Of course, as has been reported, there are some other discussions going on, but clearly, this is a very, very important arrangement. It’s going to provide submarine technology to Australia. It’s going to give access to Australia for technology in the future. We’re looking forward in coming years to AUKUS developing.

    REPORTER: First and foremost, you’re sharing millions of dollars worth of funding for the really critical programs that Blue Light runs. Tell me what’s your reaction to today’s announcement?

    ELISSA SCOTT, CEO BLUE LIGHT VICTORIA: We are so grateful and very excited about the opportunity to now deliver more services and more programs to young people across the state. This funding will allow an additional 1200 young people to benefit from our program. So it’s a great news story for us today.

    REPORTER: Can you tell us a bit about these programs, how, I guess, how they’re designed to help participants?

    SCOTT: They are early intervention and prevention programs. So, Blue Light’s aim is to really get in early and act early before issues arise. So we have three different types of programs that this funding will now allow us to roll out our one to one mentoring program, so like we’ve seen here today in Bendigo, with young people who have been really disengaged, and we look at getting mentors involved with them from across police and emergency services. And then we’ve got two other schools based programs, our Blue Edge program, and also a new program called CoRE, which will really be around connecting young people back into community and actually undertaking some community projects. So it’s around their contribution back as well.

    REPORTER: Have you seen the lives change for the better of these participants? Can you tell us a bit about how going through an early intervention or prevention program, as you just outlined can, you know, keep these kids on the right track, or put them on the right track?

    SCOTT: Often young people come to us when they’re really disengaged, they’re really disconnected. And what we know about young people is that, in terms of protective factors, they need connection, they need engagement, and they need someone to actually walk alongside them and trust in the fact that they can make some really positive and healthy and safe choices. That’s what Blue Light does. We get in there at the earliest opportunity, and we provide initiatives that will allow young people just to thrive and grow and reach their full potential.

    REPORTER: That 1200 is not just Bendigo?

    SCOTT: That’s across the state.

    REPORTER: Further to Katie’s question there, can you describe to us the backgrounds that some of these kids are coming from, that they actually end up in this funnel, they end up on Blue Light’s radar?

    SCOTT: As you would know, being a teenager, there’s lots of complexities and lots of challenges that you have to work through. Some of our young people have come from families where there has been violence, where there has been other forms of trauma. Sometimes they have just started to use substances in a really not so great way. They might have come to the attention of police and might have had their first interaction with the justice system, or they might just be a bit disengaged from school and not really sure about what life holds for them. A number of our young people have complex mental health issues. So really, for us, it’s around we want to really assist a whole lot of diverse young people coming to our programs and receive an opportunity to thrive and grow and to learn new skills so that they can make some really safe and wise decisions in the future.

    REPORTER: It was mentioned before that a lot of the people who work with Blue Light are either serving or former police officers. Do you think that it’s important that these young people see and engage with police, not just in a judicial sense, in, you know, basically getting the handcuffs slapped on them and ending up in front of court?

    SCOTT: Look definitely. Blue Light certainly has a huge volunteer base. We have volunteers from police, but also volunteers from emergency services as well. And the reason that we work with police and emergency services is because they are generally positive community role models, and that is fantastic for young people like we’ve seen today, for Lily and Jaykob to actually get to know a police officer as a person and to have that deeper understanding about why that is so important in the community, and then to learn from them. It’s really fantastic opportunity for young people to break down some of these barriers and to get someone also to invest in them and to care about what they’re doing and what they might do into the future.

    [ENDS]

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor convenes emergency rough sleeping summit, as he warns rough sleeping in the capital will get worse before it gets better

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq convenes emergency roundtable with the Minister for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, boroughs, leaders and experts in the sector to find long-term solutions to the capital’s rough sleeping crisis
    • Sadiq announces new ‘Homes off the Streets’ initiative, with £4.8m investment providing support for people previously sleeping rough in 3,500 long-term homes
    • The Mayor reiterates his mission to end rough sleeping by 2030 but warns the scale of the challenge and legacy of previous Government underinvestment means things could get worse before they get better 
    • City Hall’s rough sleeping budget has quadrupled since Sadiq has been Mayor
    • Around 17,600 people have been helped off the capital’s streets since Sadiq was first elected through the Mayor’s services alone, with 75 per cent staying off the streets for good

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today renewed his ambition to work closely with the new Government, London’s homelessness sector and experts to tackle the rising numbers of people ending up on the streets as he warned ‘the situation will get worse before it gets better.’

    Sadiq is convening an emergency roundtable with the Minister for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, Rushanara Ali MP, boroughs and leaders from the NHS, local government, homelessness charities and former rough sleepers to officially launch a call for evidence that will inform his plan of action on rough sleeping in London. 

    The Mayor’s plan of action, due to be launched next year, will establish a shared mission for ending rough sleeping, including the scale of funding required and the best mechanisms for achieving this ambition by 2030.  

    Whilst Sadiq is optimistic that rough sleeping can be ended with strong leadership, sufficient resources and the right strategy, he is warning that the scale of the challenge and the legacy of years of underinvestment from the previous Government in housing and support means that things could get worse this winter before they get better.   

    Sadiq is also today announcing a new ‘Homes off the Streets’ initiative, which builds on the Mayor’s Clearing House scheme and is being delivered by City Hall, with funding for support to help more Londoners in their recovery from homelessness.

    The £4.8m funding will ensure that former rough sleepers at 3,500 properties across the capital can support themselves and stay off the streets for good. It will provide advice and support in areas such as accessing financial advice, applying for benefits and using public services.

    The Mayor also intends to work with social landlords to increase the number of properties available in the future through his ‘Homes off the Streets’ initiative to ensure as many rough sleepers as possible can stay off the streets for good.

    London has long been at the forefront of delivering innovative long-term solutions to homelessness and rough sleeping and was one of the early adopters of a housing-led approach to tackling rough sleeping. Sadiq’s Homes off the Streets scheme builds on this legacy and is a pillar of his wider ambition to end rough sleeping for good by 2030.  

    Rough sleeping has been rising in London and across the country, with London hit hard by previous Government cuts to key services and a national slowdown in housebuilding. Latest figures collated by City Hall for 2023/23 show the total number of people sleeping rough in London has continued to rise, with a 20 per cent increase in the number of new rough sleepers compared to the same period last year. [1] 

    In response to the capital’s worsening crisis in rough sleeping, the Mayor has delivered record funding to homelessness charities and service providers and significantly increased City Hall’s rough sleeping budget. At £36.3 million, the budget in 2023/24 is now more than four times the £8.45 million a year it was when Sadiq took office in 2016. Around 17,600 people have been helped off the capital’s streets since 2016 through the Mayor’s services alone, with 75 per cent staying off the streets for good.   

    Sadiq is clear that ending rough sleeping in London for good will require every sector to step up and play their part – from health to housing, and social care to wider society – backed by greater investment.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “We know we can bring down rough sleeping – it’s exactly what was done during the pandemic, and also two decades ago.

    “However, with rough sleeping in London and across the country on the rise, the reality is that the situation will get worse before it gets better.

    “Today I am bringing together Ministers, boroughs and leaders from the NHS, local government, homelessness charities and former rough sleepers, so we can work hand-in-hand to tackle this growing emergency. Providing funding to get vulnerable people off the streets and helping them to start rebuilding their lives is at the centre of our plan. 

    “There’s so much more we need to do at all levels of Government and wider society – as we work together to build a better, fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.” 

    The Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said: “To end homelessness for good we must tackle its root causes, not just its symptoms. We can only do this by working together across government, with councils, charities, experts, and front-line services. 

    “This is why the summit is so important because not only will it bring all these stakeholders together, but we will also hear from those with first-hand experience of homelessness to help inform the Government’s long-term strategy to get us back on track to ending homelessness for good.”

    Filmmaker Lorna Tucker-McGarvey, who slept on the streets of London for 18 months as a teenager said: “I strongly believe that we can end rough sleeping with the right support, so I’m really pleased that the Mayor of London has convened today’s emergency rough sleeping summit.

    “It is powerful to have a seat at the table alongside others with lived experience of homelessness, and I hope our stories will drive forward the goal of ending rough sleeping in London by 2030.”

    Cllr Grace Williams, London Councils’ Executive Member for Housing & Regeneration, said: “Rough sleeping is the most visible form of London’s homelessness emergency.

    “Tackling rough sleeping requires a range of policy measures, as well as close partnerships between different agencies and investment in the frontline services keeping people off the streets.

    “London boroughs play a pivotal role. We are proud to be working alongside the Mayor, the voluntary sector, and other partners in tackling this crisis. Together we can make faster progress towards ending rough sleeping for good.

    Charlie Culshaw, Director of L&Q Living, said: “We’ve been a key partner in the Clearing House initiative since its inception and, with significant funding from the Mayor’s Office, we have seen it go from strength to strength. Adopting a housing-led approach to homelessness has the benefit of ensuring access to expert advice from those with unrivalled experience of helping people transition from rough sleeping to having a roof over their heads.

    “As one of the UK’s leading housing associations we’re proud to support the Homes off the Street initiative to build on this success. We’re committed to continuing our support for the Mayor’s mission of bringing an end to rough sleeping by 2030 and ensuring that more people have a home to call their own.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Power of the Platform. Polytech at the Largest Engineering Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The All-Russian forum “Power of the Platform” was held in Moscow — the main engineering event of the year from Nanosoft, the Russian developer of the nanoCAD CAD platform and a partner of SPbPU. Polytechnic was represented at the conference by the Civil Engineering Institute and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport.

    The event was attended by the ISI Director Marina Petrochenko and Senior Lecturer of the Higher School of Psychology and Social Sciences Liliya Talipova. Marina Vyacheslavovna gave a report on the “Role of the University in the Transition to Import-Substituting Software, Training and Independent Assessment of the Qualifications of Specialists”.

    It is worth noting that among the forum participants representing design institutes, construction, development and engineering companies, there were a large number of graduates and students of the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Institute of Civil Engineering.

    Nanosoft is the largest Russian developer of engineering software: computer-aided design (CAD), information modeling (BIM) and support for industrial and civil construction projects (ICC) at all stages of the life cycle, as well as end-to-end digitalization of all production processes.

    Therefore, representatives of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU also took an active part in the conference. At the session “Education and retraining of personnel. Cases of import substitution of CAD/TIM in the educational sphere” Pavel Andrienko, Deputy Director of IMMiT for educational and methodological work, and Pavel Kovalev, Deputy Director of IMMiT for educational activities, spoke about the experience of the Polytechnic University.

    Pavel Andrienko gave a presentation on “NanoCAD Mechanics PRO: experience of implementation in educational processes at SPbPU”, in which he presented the achieved results in import substitution of CAD in the educational process and retraining of IMMiT faculty.

    Also at the conference, Oleg Egorychev, Director of Programs for Development of Interaction with Educational and Scientific Organizations at Nanosoft, announced the launch of the development of a multimedia book. Work on it was carried out under the supervision of Anatoly Popovich, Director of IMMiT. The book is dedicated to solving applied problems in the field of mechanical engineering using NanoCAD Mechanics PRO.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Government is today taking a critical step to strengthen Australia’s protections against money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and tackling a key resource stream for organised crime.

    Each year billions of dollars are generated from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, tax evasion, cybercrime, human trafficking and arms trafficking. The proceeds from these crimes are used to fund further serious crimes such as terrorism and child abuse.

    In 2015, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global financial watchdog, found that Australia had failed to comply with a number of critical standards. In particular, Australia had failed to extend our anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regime to ‘tranche-two’ entities including lawyers, accountants and real estate agents.

    Despite these clear warnings that our economy was at risk of being exploited by criminal gangs and terrorists, the former government failed to do anything of substance for nearly a decade, leaving Australia dangerously vulnerable.

    The Albanese Government’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Amendment Bill 2024 introduces significant, long overdue reforms to Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime.

    The Bill will close a significant regulatory gap in Australia by expanding the regime to address vulnerabilities within ‘tranche-two’ entities, including lawyers, accountants, real estate professionals and dealers in precious stones and metals. AUSTRAC’s recent Money Laundering National Risk Assessment noted criminals are increasingly exploiting these sectors to conceal illicit wealth and launder money.

    The Bill will also help bring Australia into line with international standards set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Australia is now one of only five jurisdictions out of more than 200 that do not regulate these tranche-two entities or ‘gatekeeper’ professions. It means Australia is at serious risk of being ‘grey-listed’ by the FATF, which would not only be damaging to our international reputation but could result in significant economic harm to Australians and businesses.

    The Government is taking the opportunity to simplify, clarify and streamline the AML/CTF regime. This will reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and make it easier to understand and implement effective measures to combat financial crime. The reforms will allow businesses to take a risk-based approach, allowing industry to prioritise their resources. The reforms will also lead to better quality financial data and make it easier for businesses to protect themselves from misuse by criminals.

    The Government thanks the representatives of ‘tranche two’ entities who engaged constructively in consultations on this Bill.

    The Bill will modernise Australia’s AML/CTF system to ensure it keeps pace with our global financial system – closing the gaps that increasingly sophisticated and professional criminal organisations can exploit. This includes extending the current regulation of virtual asset service providers, that are exploited by serious and organised crime groups to launder the profits of their crimes and hide the origin of funds.

    The Albanese Government is taking up the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing in Australia. The Government looks forward to all members of the Australian Parliament joining us in supporting the passage of this Bill.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New resources for young people to tackle coercive control

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP

    Media Release

    The Albanese Government is today releasing resources to help young people recognise and combat coercive control.

    Young people have unique experiences of coercive control and these resources are designed to assist them and their loved ones to identify coercive control and seek help.

    The resources include videos and fact sheets for young people entering relationships for the first time, as well as adults in their lives, to boost understanding of what coercive control looks like.

    Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviour designed to create power and dominance over another person or persons. It can involve physical and non-physical abuse and, over time, creates fear and takes away the person’s freedom and independence.

    Coercive control almost always underpins family and domestic violence. Understanding and identifying these dynamics is fundamental to an effective response to family and domestic violence.

    These new resources build upon an existing suite of materials including fact sheets and videos, tailored resources for First Nations people, language translations and guides for healthcare practitioners to recognise and respond to coercive control.

    The resources build upon the landmark agreement by the Standing Council of Attorneys-General in September 2023 to endorse National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence which, for the first time, create a shared national understanding of coercive control.

    The resources also deliver on one of the preventative actions in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children. The National Plan is the overarching national policy framework that guides actions towards ending gender-based violence in a generation.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT, or text 0458 737 732.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Law reform in the age of AI

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    *Check against delivery*

    Acknowledgments omitted

    Welcome to my hometown.

    I grew up right here in Fremantle. My primary school is around the corner on Henry Street. My childhood home on the same road as Fremantle Prison, a building now on the World Heritage List. Back then, home to 337 of Western Australia’s prisoners.

    I enjoyed the freedom of a social media free childhood. The only technology that terrified me was the Swan Blimp, roaring in the skies above Esplanade Park, while Fremantle boomed with the America’s Cup. So technology can scare us, but also enable us to achieve greatness.

    I now live in North Perth. The Australia II still lives in Fremantle at the Maritime Museum. It was first launched in 1982, a year away from its history-making America’s Cup win. With a winged keel and the 1980s best 3D design.

    As the TELEX message that was sent amongst the designers said:

    “ABOUT TO TAKE YACHT DESIGN INTO THE SPACE AGE. 
    DARTH VADER LOOKS GOOD IN COMPUTER IN 3 DIMENSION WILL TEST ON WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE, BEN SKYWALKER”

    That was designer Ben Lexcen’s cryptic Telex message of May 1981. The Australia II team did enter the yacht race space age. And far away down in Hobart, an eccentric politician made a bold prediction.

    Barry Jones had just published a book, called ‘Sleepers, Wake!’ exploring the potential impacts of the ICT Revolution on society. The book suggested that technological innovation would be a major component of economic growth, that the increased accessibility of information would transform our lives in almost every conceivable way. The book was ridiculed by some and its claims were regarded by many as wildly exaggerated.

    Barry Jones delivered his famous prediction in a speech to a public meeting in Hobart. He predicted that by the year 2000 there would be more computers in Tasmania than cars. This prediction was considered laughable. The Mercury newspaper suggested he had lost his grip on reality. But he was right.

    Many of us start our days by turning off the alarm blaring out of our small handheld smartphone computers. We get up and dressed and put on our smart watches. We get into our car and use our GPS systems to get to work, where we log on to our work computers for a long day ahead before we can watch some TV on our smart TVs at home.

    Few in 1982 would have had the foresight to make this prediction, and few had the foresight to take it seriously.

    So, what technological advancements are we in danger of overlooking in 2024? The obvious answer is of course Artificial Intelligence.

    The age of AI

    The age of AI is now here. AI is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it is here and it is already embedding itself into our daily lives. The names are cute. Inoffensive. Co-pilot. Chat GPT. Gemini. Cyber Dynamics Model 101.

    Well, that last one is the official name of The Terminator, but I am sure the others are harmless. Australians are already using AI in the workplace. Teachers are now providing students with personalised AI chatbots to help provide additional tutoring to students needing support. AI is assisting medical doctors to scan vast data sets and gather medical insights that were previously not possible. In the public sector, the Australian Government recently conducted a six-month trial of Co-pilot for Microsoft 365. And of course, AI is also impacting the legal sector.

    Recent surveys suggest that a majority of lawyers are already using AI in their work. They are also optimistic for the potential for AI to bring significant innovation to the sector. AI tools are being developed to assist lawyers with document review, legal research and more. Most of us wish we had time to be an incredible professional, as well as an accomplished artist, writer and musician.

    Generative AI is that best version of our imagined selves. Producing music, art and video that has already won artistic competitions when submitted anonymously alongside the work of human artists.

    AI Regulation

    This is where wonder and risk collide. There are serious risks associated with the development and deployment of AI. AI has implications in copyright law, where vast amounts of data and creative work have been scraped for the training of AI models from web sources. AI generative content can also be created to mimic the works of existing Australian artists and creatives. This raises serious concerns for Australian artists and creatives, about the future of their work and livelihoods.

    As Australian Artist Ben Lee said on AI:

    “I don’t think art has ever succeeded in trying to fight technology…
    [but] we have to consider what we will lose if we put all our eggs in that basket.”

    And even if we aren’t recording artists – every Australian has eggs in this basket. We know the risks of having our sensitive data harvested and used. Your information could be training AI without your knowledge or consent.

    AI creates potential challenges in the areas of law enforcement and criminal behaviour, notably in relation to cybercrime. So we must consider the role of regulation and legislative frameworks for the development of AI.

    I am aware I am in a room of legal experts. I expect many of you may have an interest in AI. Equally, the current opportunities for law reform in the age of AI.

    It is worth noting that Barry Jones, when he made his famous prediction, was no great scientist. He studied arts and law. He had been a schoolteacher. It was deep thinking about Australian society and the road ahead of us. He couldn’t avoid the impacts of emerging technologies.

    Similarly, you all witness the iterative way in which law and society steadily adapt to each other, every day in the course of your work. Like Barry, you are in a position to see and understand the transformative impacts of new technology on how a society and its legal framework function. I hope you engage with and contribute to the current conversation about the safe and effective development and implementation of AI in Australia.

    Law reform in the age of AI

    Things are changing. Fast.

    Our regulatory approach is engaged with those changes. It is the role of law makers to balance risk with opportunity. To shield the Australian public from the dangers of AI, while not restricting the potential for AI to deliver positive and profound improvements in living standards.

    Later this month the Susan McKinnon Foundation will release new research on AI. Its report, ‘Partisanship, polarisation and social cohesion in Australia’ surveyed 3,000 Australians. It found familiar divides across many issues amongst progressives and conservatives.

    Surprisingly in one area they found agreement from left and progressive, centre and moderate, right and conservative. They all had similar results on the increased use of AI in daily life, and they all opposed the AI intrusion. Negative 15 per cent support from the left and progressives. Negative 20 per cent support from the right and conservatives.

    So Australians are looking for leadership on how best to protect themselves from potential harms. When conducting law reform we must keep front of mind the rights and needs of those who are most subject to vulnerability. To make sure those who are most disadvantaged are not put to further disadvantage.

    Some legislation is developed for specific technologies, like gene technologies or nuclear technologies. Other legislation is crafted to be technology neutral.

    The Australian Government is continually working to ensure that our robust system of existing legislative frameworks is fit-for-purpose. Capable of responding to harms, including harms enabled by AI.

    Australians know that the regulation of AI is a challenging issue. They recognise the potential dangers and benefits and the importance of getting it right. Where the community has expectations, law reform must respond to and uphold those community expectations. The laws of Australia, are ultimately, a mirror held up to our society. Our laws must reflect those expectations and beliefs of the collection of diverse individuals that make up this country.

    International developments

    The questions Australia faces are not ours alone. The United Nations has alerted the world to the growing energy demands of AI.

    Noting:

    “A request made through ChatGPT, an AI-based virtual assistant, consumes 10 times the electricity of a Google Search, reported the International Energy Agency.

    While global data is sparse, the agency estimates that in the tech hub of Ireland, the rise of AI could see data centres account for nearly 35 per cent of the country’s energy use by 2026.”

    Then there is the European Union Artificial Intelligence Act – designed to specifically address unique high-risk considerations associated with AI.

    By assigning AI systems and applications to three risk categories:

    1. unacceptable risk
    2. high-risk, and
    3. minimal risk.

    In this framework, unacceptable risk systems and applications are prohibited.

    Last year in the UK, an AI white paper was released which argues for a risk-based approach to AI regulation. The paper classifies AI systems based on the level of risk they pose. It emphasises the development of AI systems that are human-centric and trustworthy, whilst also promoting innovation through the development of AI innovation hubs to support research and development.

    In the United States, the first state-based AI legislation has been passed. Known as the Colorado AI Act, it will come into effect from February 2026. The Act requires developers of high-risk artificial intelligence systems to use reasonable care to protect consumers from foreseeable risks of algorithmic discrimination.

    Canada has proposed legislation, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, which is broadly aligned with the EU AI Act. The Bill established initial classes of high-impact AI systems and parameters for government to deem further classes of systems as high-impact systems. It would also require developers and deployers of general-purpose high-risk AI systems to establish accountability frameworks. It also provides new enforcement powers for the AI and Data Commissioner.

    These are all developments that the Australian Public Service is monitoring closely.

    AI regulation in Australia

    I began this speech talking about the 1980s here in Fremantle. The 1980s in Canberra saw computers occupy the desk real estate of the public service. Forty years ago, the Attorney-General’s Department assisted with the Copyright Amendment Act 1984, clarifying copyright protection for computer programs.

    The same year the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General “agreed on the desirability of uniform legislation to penalise the appropriation or use of computer data without lawful authority or excuse”.

    Forty years on the technology changed, but the work continues. The Minister for Industry and Science recently held consultations on proposals for introducing mandatory guardrails for AI in high-risk settings. This process is informing the Government’s consideration of how we can most effectively regulate the development and deployment of AI.

    The Senate Select Committee on Adopting AI is currently investigating opportunities and impacts for Australia arising out of the uptake of AI technologies. The Committee is scheduled to present its final report on the 26th of November.

    The Australian Public Service is also working to ensure that government serves as an exemplar for the responsible use of AI. On the 1st of September 2024, the Digital Transformation Agency introduced a policy for responsible use of AI in government, providing a framework for the safe and responsible use of AI by public servants.

    Attorney-General’s Department – AI law reform

    I would like to also talk specifically about some of the law reform being led by the Commonwealth Attorney-General relevant to AI regulation. This reform crosses a number of policy areas, including privacy, copyright, automated decision making, cybercrime, and technology facilitated abuse.

    Privacy reforms

    In the privacy space, Australians are becoming increasingly aware that the advent of AI technologies has introduced the potential for new privacy risks. While AI has the potential to provide major economic benefits, we know Australians are also cautious about the use of AI to make decisions which may affect them.

    In a survey by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, respondents made clear they want conditions in place before AI is used in this way. 
    In particular – they want to be told when this is the case. Our Government believes that entities have a responsibility to protect Australians’ personal information and ensure individuals have control and transparency over how it is used.

    On 12 September 2024, the Attorney-General introduced legislation to Parliament to reform the Privacy Act. The Bill implements a first tranche of reforms, agreed by Government in its response to the Privacy Act Review, ahead of consultation on a second tranche of reforms. The Bill will amend the Privacy Act to enhance its effectiveness, strengthening the enforcement tools available to the privacy regulator, while better facilitating safe overseas data flows.

    The Bill will also introduce a statutory tort for serious invasions of privacy, and criminal offences for the malicious release of an individual’s personal data online, otherwise known as ‘doxxing.’ Importantly, the Bill will provide individuals with transparency about the use of their personal information in automated decisions which significantly affect their interests. Entities will need to specify the kinds of personal information used in these sorts of decisions in their privacy policies.

    The Government is approaching this important reform work carefully. Ensuring increased privacy protections are balanced alongside other impacts, so that we deliver the fairest outcome for all Australians.

    Copyright and AI

    AI and copyright issues are another complex global challenge needing to be worked through in an Australian context. The Attorney-General’s Department is considering complex and contested AI and copyright issues in a careful and consultative way. This approach is consistent with advice from industry stakeholders that participated in a series of Copyright Roundtables in 2023.

    The Government is conscious of the need for balance. Between – on the one hand – the urgency with which the rapid development and adoption of AI demands a policy response.And on the other – the importance of taking the time necessary to get that response right, avoiding harmful repercussions.

    In December 2023, the Attorney-General established the Copyright and AI Reference Group as a standing mechanism for engagement with stakeholders. These stakeholders represent a wide range of sectors, including the creative, media and technology sectors. The Reference Group’s role is to consider copyright and AI issues. The Attorney-General’s Department’s ongoing consultation with the Reference Group is informing the development of policy for Government’s consideration.

    This work on copyright is part of the Government’s broader engagement on AI-related matters. It complements the work being led by the Minister for Industry and Science on the safe and responsible use of AI.

    Automated decision-making

    Automated decision making (or ‘ADM’) has long been part of administrative processes, inside and outside of government. When implemented thoughtfully and responsibly – which is the majority of cases – we can all benefit from faster, more efficient, and more accurate service delivery. From e-Gates at airports through to faster processing of claims, these benefits can meaningfully improve the services individuals receive from Government.

    However, where ADM is used to make decisions that adversely affect people’s rights or wellbeing, the community is understandably concerned. In particular, concerns centre on how these automation and artificial intelligence technologies are governed. When assurance processes fail, there can be life-altering impacts on individuals. As many of you would recall, this was this was vividly and painfully illustrated in the ‘Robodebt’ scandal and resulting Royal Commission.

    The Royal Commission made several recommendations to improve governance and safeguards around the use of ADM in administrative decision-making. The Government has fully accepted those recommendations and work is well underway in the Attorney-General’s Department to develop stronger safeguards.

    Australia learnt many lessons from the Robodebt scandal. We heard that individuals were able to successfully challenge particular decisions. However, most individuals did not feel they were in a position to challenge the assessments they received.

    Considerable harm across a large number of individuals was done before the system was brought to an end. The legal system was able to compensate individuals for what had happened.

    A key focus for better governing ADM, including systems that use AI, is therefore to ensure that systems and processes are sufficiently robust. To ensure that flaws in ADM design and implementation are identified and addressed before decisions are made that affect individuals. This could include ensuring that any use of ADM systems in administrative processes is consistent with the principles of administrative law.

    Cybercrime and technology-facilitated abuse

    Generative AI is being rapidly adopted by criminal actors in a range of contexts. For example, artificial intelligence is already being used to generate hyper realistic deepfakes. These can be used as a tool for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment online.

    It is essential that the Australian Government keeps our laws under constant review. To ensure they remain fit-for-purpose in responses to rapid changes in technology – such as the emergence of AI.

    Earlier this year, the Attorney-General led legislative reform through the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Act 2024. The Act introduces new offences and strengthens the current criminal law framework. Ensuring the non-consensual transmission of sexual material developed or altered by such technologies is criminalised and subject to significant penalties. This came into force in September 2024.

    Partnership with the states and territories is also important, to ensure a cohesive national approach. In September, the Police Ministers Council agreed to a review of Commonwealth, state and territory frameworks. The review seeks to ensure they adequately address the issue of technology-facilitated abuse, including deepfakes.

    In March 2024, the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters commenced an inquiry into civics education, engagement and participation in Australia. This came from a referral from Government. The inquiry is considering how governments and the community can prevent or limit inaccurate or false information influencing electoral outcomes. Particularly with regard to AI, foreign interference, social media, and mis- and disinformation.

    As AI technologies continue to evolve and transform, it is critical that Australia harnesses the opportunities arising from the uptake of AI technologies. To bolster Australia’s economic and social prosperity, as well as ensuring our legal frameworks remain fit for purpose. Making sure we combat the misuse and abuse of AI for criminal purposes.

    Conclusion

    I started this speech talking about the excitement of the America’s Cup. What it did to my hometown of Fremantle. The joy that win gave the nation.

    I see that excitement again in the possibility of Artificial Intelligence. To unlock the potential of our people, wherever they live. Powered by a publicly owned National Broadband Network.

    In 2024 we stand on the doorstep of the AI age and that door is opening.

    The age of AI is now here. This is a time of great excitement, where the bounds of human creativity and imagination are currently being pushed. But it is also, a time to stop, and to carefully consider the potential hazards and pitfalls, as we move forward.

    The Australian Government is working hard to ensure our legislative framework shields Australians from the potential harms of AI technologies.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global Receives First Order for BeamSpot™ Curbside EV Chargers from Fortune 500 Utility Company

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it has received the first order for its BeamSpot™ curbside chargers from a Fortune 500 company in the utility and energy solutions sector. Multiple corporate offices will each install three BeamSpot™ systems for EV charging and street lighting. This announcement comes shortly after last month’s launch of the product, which is part of Beam Global’s line up of renewably energized, grid independent, electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. The patented BeamSpot™ sustainable curbside charging system is a streetlight replacement that combines solar, wind and utility-generated electricity stored in Beam Global’s proprietary integrated batteries, to provide resiliency, lighting and curbside EV charging.

    “This first order demonstrates the marketability of the BeamSpot product,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “This product solves one of the toughest challenges facing the industry today – the need for ubiquitous, sustainable charging at the curb that can be deployed quickly and without major easements, construction or electrical work. We are excited to deliver these initial units to a long-term customer of Beam Global and are confident that our technology will provide significant value, making it an easy choice for them to place additional orders.”

    The BeamSpot™ curbside EV charging system integrates with existing streetlight electrical infrastructure and combines solar, wind and utility-generated electricity for EV charging. This off-grid-capable system, designed to operate without complex construction or utility upgrades, targets high-demand urban areas such as city centers, residential neighborhoods, parking lots, multi-unit housing and public venues. BeamSpot™ chargers aim to address the challenges of deploying EV infrastructure in dense areas, offering a scalable solution that reduces installation costs and increases resiliency. While there are existing streetlight EV charging solutions on the market, those rely entirely on the streetlight’s electrical circuit which is typically only equipped with enough capacity to power a light. The BeamSpot™ solution combines three sources of electricity in its on-board batteries allowing for a higher capacity EV charge which is largely provided by renewable energy, and which will continue to operate during blackouts and other grid failures. The BeamSpot™ product will also continue to light streets during grid failures, providing an essential disaster preparedness asset to the locations where it is deployed.

    To learn more about Beam Global’s sustainable charging solutions visit beamforall.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Chicago, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).

    Forward Looking Statements
    This Beam Global Press Release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements in this Press Release other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may,” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. These statements relate to future events or future results of operations. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause Beam Global’s actual results to be materially different from these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by law, Beam Global expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental to Acquire Profire Energy for $125 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Expands CECO’s leadership position in niche energy and industrial markets with expanded environmental solutions for mission critical applications
    • Provides cost synergies and enhances Profire’s strategic growth by utilizing CECO’s established international operations and customer relationships
    • CECO to host its Quarterly Earnings call today at 8:30 a.m. ET including further commentary regarding the transaction

    DALLAS and LINDON, Utah, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (“CECO”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment and industrial equipment, and Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE) (“Profire”), a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances, today announced a definitive agreement where CECO will acquire Profire, in an all-cash transaction.

    Profire is a leader in burner management technology and combustion control systems that provide mission-critical combustion automation and control solutions and services to improve environmental efficiency, safety and reliability for industrial thermal applications globally. Profire estimates its 2024 sales to be greater than $60 million with adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 20 percent.​

    “I am excited to announce the acquisition of Profire and we look forward to welcoming their tremendous organization to our portfolio of leading solution companies,” said Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer. “With an installed base approaching 100,000 burner management systems and a growing industrial market product offering, we look forward to accelerating their global market expansion and introducing their high-efficiency solutions to more customers in industrial air and water. We are also confident that the increased scale and combined corporate organizations will generate meaningful efficiencies and synergies. The addition of Profire is another important step in our ongoing execution of programmatic M&A and we expect it will further advance our position as the leading environmental solutions provider in industrial markets.”

    “We are extremely pleased to announce this transaction with CECO which is a testament to the value that has been created for Profire employees, customers and shareholders,” said Cameron Tidball and Ryan Oviatt, co-CEOs of Profire. “The combination of our well-established leadership in niche energy and industrial mission critical applications with CECO’s proven track record of acquiring and investing in companies to enhance their growth and create scale will unlock even more value for all constituents.”

    Transaction Details and Timing

    Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of CECO (“Merger Sub”) will commence a tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Profire common stock at a price of $2.55 per share, in cash, without interest and subject to applicable withholding tax.  The tender offer will initially remain open for 20 business days from the date of commencement of the tender offer, subject to extension under certain circumstances. The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by Profire’s Board of Directors, implies an equity value of approximately $125 million and a total enterprise value for Profire of approximately $108 million.

    The tender offer is subject to customary closing conditions, including that at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Profire’s common stock are tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer and the expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

    The price represents a 46.5% premium over Profire’s closing share price of $1.74 on October 25, 2024 and a premium of 60.3% to Profire’s 30-day volume weighted average share price on October 25, 2024. 
    Following a successful completion of the tender offer, including the satisfaction of certain customary conditions, CECO will acquire all remaining untendered shares of Profire common stock at the same price of $2.55 per share in cash through a merger of Merger Sub with Profire, with Profire continuing as the surviving corporation.

    Upon completion of the transaction, Profire will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CECO and shares of Profire’s common stock will no longer be listed on any public market. The parties anticipate that the combination will be completed in the first quarter of 2025.  

    Advisors

    Stephens Inc. is serving as financial advisor and Mayer Brown LLP is serving as legal counsel to Profire.
    CECO Environmental Corp. is being advised by Foley & Lardner LLP (Legal), and KPMG (tax).

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL
    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving a broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water, and energy transition markets across the globe through its key business segments: Engineered Systems and Industrial Process Solutions. Providing innovative technology and application expertise, CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. In regions around the world, CECO works to improve air quality, optimize the energy value chain, and provide custom solutions for applications including power generation, petrochemical processing, general industrial, refining, midstream oil and gas, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, battery recycling, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment along with a wide range of other applications. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    ABOUT PROFIRE ENERGY, INC.
    Profire Energy is a technology company providing solutions that enhance the efficiency, safety, and reliability of industrial combustion appliances while mitigating potential environmental impacts related to the operation of these devices. It is primarily focused in the upstream, midstream, and downstream transmission segments of the oil and gas industry. However, in recent years, Profire has completed many installations of burner-management solutions in other industries that will be applicable to expand the addressable market over time. Profire specializes in the engineering and design of burner and combustion management systems and solutions used on a variety of natural and forced draft applications. Its products and services are sold primarily throughout North America. It has an experienced team of sales and service professionals that are strategically positioned across the United States and Canada. Profire has offices in Lindon, Utah; Victoria, Texas; Midland-Odessa, Texas; Homer, Pennsylvania; Greeley, Colorado; Millersburg, Ohio; and Acheson, Alberta, Canada. For additional information, visit www.profireenergy.com.

    SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
    Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding CECO’s full year 2024 outlook, statements about CECO’s expectations regarding the integration of Profire Energy, Inc., into CECO; the benefits of the acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc., and the expectations regarding the transaction’s impact on CECO’s strategic growth plan. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks regarding the parties’ ability to complete the proposed transactions in the anticipated timeframe or at all, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the transaction agreement between the parties, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed transaction on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed transaction, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted related to the proposed transaction, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the proposed transaction, the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of the acquisition, the ability of Profire to achieve its 2024 earnings guidance, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, as well as a number of factors related to our business, including the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in our service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases, if any; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from strategic transactions; the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and our ability to remediate our material weakness, or any other material weakness that we may identify in the future that could result in material misstatements in our financial statements. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of CECO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Additional Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It

    The tender offer has not yet commenced. This communication is neither an offer to buy nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities of Profire Energy, Inc., nor is it a recommendation by Profire Energy, Inc., its management or board of directors that any investors sell or otherwise tender any securities of Profire Energy, Inc. in connection with the transactions described elsewhere in this communication. The solicitation and the offer to buy shares of Profire Energy, Inc.’s common stock will only be made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO, including an offer to purchase, a letter of transmittal and other related materials that a subsidiary of CECO Environmental Corp. intends to file with the SEC. In addition, Profire Energy, Inc. will file with the SEC a Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer. Once filed, investors will be able to obtain the tender statement on Schedule TO, the offer to purchase, the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. on Schedule 14D-9 and related materials filed with the SEC with respect to the tender offer and the merger, free of charge at the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov or from the information agent named in the tender offer materials. Investors are advised to read these documents when they become available, including the Recommendation Statement of Profire Energy, Inc. and any amendments thereto, as well as any other documents relating to the tender offer and the merger that are filed with the SEC, carefully and in their entirety prior to making any decisions with respect to whether to tender their shares in the tender offer because such documents contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the tender offer.

    CECO Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670

    PFIE Company Contact:
    Ryan Oviatt
    Co-CEO & CFO
    (801) 796-5127

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser
    Three Part Advisors
    214-872-2710
    Investor.Relations@OneCECO.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Blockchain Reaction Unveils FiatGate, A Non-Custodial White-Label Web3 Wallet and Exchange Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKHOLM, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockchain Reaction, a company at the forefront of Web3, announced the launch of FiatGate, a user-friendly white-label non-custodial wallet & exchange platform designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between traditional finance and the world of cryptocurrencies.

    FiatGate is the result of a strategic collaboration between Blockchain Reaction and its sister company EBANQ, renowned for its successful track record in delivering user-friendly white-label online banking software for over a decade. This partnership ensures that FiatGate is not only innovative but also built on a solid foundation of expertise and track record when it comes to performance and security.

    FiatGate enables end-users to buy, sell and swap cryptocurrencies through pre-integrated regulated onramp and offramp providers and without the need for the company operating the platform to obtain a crypto license, since wallets are non-custodial and the integrated and regulated providers handle all KYC and AML compliance.

    Key features of FiatGate include:

    • White label: Go live with your Web3 White-Label Non-Custodial Wallet & Exchange Platform under your own branding in under 72 hours.
    • Ironclad Security: Built on industry leading technologies and ISO 27001 certified cloud infrastructure powered by Magic and Vercel.
    • Out-of-the-box payment rails: Access to integrated onramp and offramp providers facilitating deposits and withdrawals using traditional payment rails such as SWIFT, SEPA, FPS, ACH, Fedwire, Apple Pay, Google Pay, VISA and Mastercard*.
    • Comprehensive Support: backed by the experienced EBANQ team, ensuring top-notch customer support and technical assistance.

    “FiatGate represents a significant step forward in our mission to make DeFi and Web3 accessible and practical for everyday use. Our white-label self-custody platform brings ownership and asset control back to the end-users, without compromising user-friendliness” said Mikael Magnusson, CEO of Blockchain Reaction.

    About Blockchain Reaction
    Blockchain Reaction is a leading innovator in White-Label Non-Custodial Wallet & Exchange Platforms, dedicated to creating solutions that drive the adoption of decentralized systems. With a focus on security, scalability, and user experience, Blockchain Reaction is at the forefront of the Web3 and DeFi revolution.

    About EBANQ
    EBANQ has been a trusted provider of white label online banking software for over a decade. Their solutions are used by financial institutions worldwide and known for their reliability, scalability, security and ease of use.

    Press Contact:
    Anastasia Andrea
    press@blockchainreaction.io

    *All trademarks and brand names mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Their use does not imply or constitute any affiliation, partnership or endorsement of any kind.

    Social Media Links:

    https://www.facebook.com/people/FiatGate/61560833716057/

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/fiatgate/

    https://x.com/FiatGate_crypto

    https://www.instagram.com/fiatgate_crypto/

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Blockchain Reaction. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/674fcfbc-4723-4740-86a1-1236271914df

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Friday afternoons in December are the most dangerous time to drive, Allstate Canada data shows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MARKHAM, Ontario, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Winter weather in Canada can present drivers with unique and challenging conditions. In fact, recent collision claims data from Allstate Insurance Company of Canada (“Allstate”) reveals December, January, and November are respectively the top three highest volume months for insurance claims due to a collision. Friday afternoons in December are particularly problematic when the company analyzed its data from the last two years.

    It’s possible the increase in collisions is the result of drivers navigating multiple factors. These can include stress from work near the end of the year, excitement to start the weekend, holiday preparations, fewer daylight hours, slippery roads, reduced visibility, or a combination of factors can create a challenging time for many Canadian drivers.

    “Anyone can get a little rusty from one year to another, and even forget to apply some basic adjustments while at the wheel as the weather becomes colder,” said Odel Laing, Agency Manager at Allstate. “Combine that with a packed holiday schedule and the risk of a collision can rise. We’re releasing this data to help drivers be aware of the increased risks on the road as we approach the end of 2024. The holiday season is busy enough without the added task of dealing with a collision.”

    While not all provinces mandate winter tires, Allstate recommends them. The performance of all-season tires can begin to drop when the temperature is below 7 degrees Celsius, which can affect stopping distances and vehicle control.

    Car Collision Data
    Allstate claims data shows that colder weather conditions contribute to a significant increase in road accidents, for instance:

    • Fridays, followed by Thursdays, are the days of the week with the highest number of incidents that result in customers submitting a claim.
    • December is the worst month for car collisions, followed by January and then November.
    • Half of all incidents (50%) occur in the afternoon, between noon and 6 pm.
    • The three most common reasons for making a collision-related claim are due to rear-end crashes, hit to a parked car, and changing lanes.

    An ‘Annual Learning Curve’ for Canadian Winter Drivers
    Regardless of skill level or how much experience one has on the road, Canadian winters require an adjustment to driving routines year after year. Here are five reminders to put into practice this winter:

    • Keep an eye on weather reports and have winter tires installed before the temperature drops to below 7 degrees Celsius.
    • Slow down and keep a reasonable distance from the vehicle in front of you.
    • Always signal turns and lane changes early so other vehicles know your intentions.
    • Understand your car’s safety systems, but avoid relying on them by practicing defensive driving.
    • Review your car insurance policy and roadside assistance coverage.

    Allstate automotive claims information referenced above is based on internal analysis of data collected from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2024.

    For more information on collision claims data, visit the Allstate blog.

    About Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
    Allstate Insurance Company of Canada is a leading home and auto insurer focused on providing its customers prevention and protection products and services for every stage of life. Serving Canadians since 1953, Allstate strives to reassure both customers and employees with its “You’re in Good Hands®” promise. Allstate is committed to making a positive difference in the communities in which it operates through partnerships with charitable organizations, employee giving and volunteerism. To learn more, visit www.allstate.ca. For safety tips and advice, visit www.goodhandsadvice.ca.

    For more information, please contact:
    Jessica Hoffeldt
    Agnostic on behalf of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
    (647) 269-7438
    jhoffeldt@thinkagnostic.com

    Maude Gauthier (Quebec only)
    Capital-Image on behalf of Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
    (514) 915-9469
    mgauthier@capital-image.com

    Chad Heard
    Manager of Public Relations
    (905) 475-4536
    cheard@allstate.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lumma/Amadey: fake CAPTCHAs want to know if you’re human

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Lumma/Amadey: fake CAPTCHAs want to know if you’re human

    Attackers are increasingly distributing malware through a rather unusual method: a fake CAPTCHA as the initial infection vector. Researchers from various companies reported this campaign in August and September. The attackers, primarily targeting gamers, initially delivered the Lumma stealer to victims through websites hosting cracked games.

    Our recent research into the adware landscape revealed that this malicious CAPTCHA is spreading through a variety of online resources that have nothing to do with games: adult sites, file-sharing services, betting platforms, anime resources, and web apps monetizing through traffic. This indicates an expansion of the distribution network to reach a broader victim pool. Moreover, we discovered that the CAPTCHA delivers not only Lumma but also the Amadey Trojan.

    Malicious CAPTCHA in ad networks

    To avoid falling for the attackers’ tricks, it’s important to understand how they and their distribution network operate. The ad network pushing pages with the malicious CAPTCHA also includes legitimate, non-malicious offers. It functions as follows: clicking anywhere on a page using the ad module redirects the user to other resources. Most redirects lead to websites promoting security software, ad blockers, and the like – standard practice for adware. However, in some cases, the victim lands on a page with the malicious CAPTCHA.

    Examples of sites redirecting the user to a CAPTCHA

    Unlike genuine CAPTCHAs designed to protect websites from bots, this imitation serves to promote shady resources. As with the previous stage, the victim doesn’t always encounter malware. For example, the CAPTCHA on one of the pages prompts the visitor to scan a QR code leading to a betting site:

    CAPTCHA with QR code

    The Trojans are distributed through CAPTCHAs with instructions. Clicking the “I’m not a robot” button copies the line powershell.exe -eC bQBzAGgAdABhAMAIgA= to the clipboard and displays so-called “verification steps”:

    • Press Win + R (this opens the Run dialog box);
    • Press CTRL + V (this pastes the line from the clipboard into the text field);
    • Press Enter (this executes the code).

    CAPTCHA with instructions

    We’ve also come across similar instructions in formats other than CAPTCHAs. For instance, the screenshot below shows an error message for a failed page load, styled like a Chrome message. The attackers attribute the problem to a “browser update error” and instruct the user to click the “Copy fix” button. Although the page design is different, the infection scenario is identical to the CAPTCHA scheme.

    Fake update error message

    The line from the clipboard contains a Base64-encoded PowerShell command that accesses the URL specified there and executes the page’s content. Inside this content is an obfuscated PowerShell script that ultimately downloads the malicious payload.

    Payload: Lumma stealer

    Initially, the malicious PowerShell script downloaded and executed an archive with the Lumma stealer. In the screenshot below, the stealer file is named 0Setup.exe:

    Contents of the malicious archive

    After launching, 0Setup.exe runs the legitimate BitLockerToGo.exe utility, normally responsible for encrypting and viewing the contents of removable drives using BitLocker. This utility allows viewing, copying, and writing files, as well as modifying registry branches – functionality that the stealer exploits.

    Armed with BitLocker To Go, the attackers manipulate the registry, primarily to create the branches and keys that the Trojan needs to operate:

    That done, Lumma, again using the utility, searches the victim’s device for files associated with various cryptocurrency wallets and steals them:

    Then, the attackers view browser extensions related to wallets and cryptocurrencies and steal data from them:

    Following this, the Trojan attempts to steal cookies and other credentials stored in various browsers:

    Finally, the malware searches for password manager archives to steal their contents as well:

    Throughout the data collection process, the Trojan tries to use the same BitLocker To Go to send the stolen data to the attackers’ server:

    Once the malware has found and exfiltrated all valuable data, it starts visiting the pages of various online stores. The purpose here is likely to generate further revenue for its operators by boosting views of these websites, similar to adware:

    Payload: Amadey Trojan

    We recently discovered that the same campaign is now spreading the Amadey Trojan as well. Known since 2018, Amadey has been the subject of numerous security reports. In brief, the Trojan downloads several modules for stealing credentials from popular browsers and various Virtual Network Computing (VNC) systems. It also detects crypto wallet addresses in the clipboard and substitutes them with those controlled by the attackers. One of the modules can also take screenshots. In some scenarios, Amadey downloads the Remcos remote access tool to the victim’s device, giving the attackers full access to it.

    Snippet of Amadey code used in this campaign

    Statistics

    From September 22 to October 14, 2024, over 140,000 users encountered ad scripts. Kaspersky’s telemetry data shows that out of these 140,000, over 20,000 users were redirected to infected sites, where some of them saw a fake update notification or a fake CAPTCHA. Users in Brazil, Spain, Italy, and Russia were most frequently affected.

    Conclusion

    Cybercriminals often infiltrate ad networks that are open to all comers. They purchase advertising slots that redirect users to malicious resources, employing various tricks to achieve infections. The above campaign is of interest because (a) it leverages trust in CAPTCHA to get users to perform unsafe actions, and (b) one of the stealers makes use of the legitimate BitLocker To Go utility. The malware works to enrich its operators both by stealing victims’ credentials and crypto wallets, and by exploiting online stores that pay money for traffic to their websites.

    Indicators of compromise

    e3274bc41f121b918ebb66e2f0cbfe29
    525abe8da7ca32f163d93268c509a4c5
    ee2ff2c8f49ca29fe18e8d18b76d4108
    824581f9f267165b7561388925f69d3av

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Displacement in Sudan Crosses 11 Million as Devastating Crisis Reaches New Heights: IOM Chief 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Port Sudan, 29 October – Good morning, I am glad to be able to speak with you this morning live from Port Sudan.  

    I arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit, into a deteriorating security situation with alarming reports of new atrocities. I have heard distressing detail from our teams on the ground of the conditions faced by ordinary Sudanese people whose lives have been thrown into turmoil by this conflict. 

    The situation here in Sudan is catastrophic. There is simply no other way to put it. Hunger, disease and sexual violence are rampant. For the people of Sudan, this is a living nightmare.  

    This is an underreported conflict situation, and we must pay it more attention. Millions are suffering, and there is now the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.  

    Yesterday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres shone the spotlight on this suffering, calling it an ‘utter humanitarian catastrophe’. 

    Eighteen months have passed since fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. Outside forces are now ‘fueling the fire’ which is intensifying the conflict. 

    The suffering is growing by the day, with the Secretary-General reporting yesterday that almost 25 million people are now requiring assistance. 

    In recent days, we have heard utterly shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Al Jazirah State in the east of the country. 

    Throughout this year, Sudan has been world’s largest displacement crisis.  

    Today I can share that we will release new figures this week showing the displacement number has hit 11 million. That’s up 200,000 just since September.  

    Another 3.1 million people have traveled across borders to flee the fighting. In total, nearly 30 per cent of Sudan’s population has been displaced.  

    More than half of those displaced are women, and more than a quarter of them are children under the age of five. Think about that for a moment, that is a huge number of extremely vulnerable women and children on the move. 

    Many have been forced to flee repeatedly, with little to no access to shelter, much less to their livelihoods and the ability to get basic necessities.   

    The scale of this displacement – and the corresponding humanitarian needs – grows every day. Half the country’s population needs help. They don’t have access to shelter, to clean drinking water, to health care. Disease is spreading fast. 

    One in every two Sudanese is struggling to get even the minimal amount of food to survive. Famine conditions have taken hold in North Darfur, and millions struggle to feed themselves every day. 

    I saw some of that suffering yesterday, in a visit to the Arbaat dam area about 40 kilometers from Port Sudan.  

    After heavy rains in August, a spillway collapsed. The resulting flood killed at least 148 people and devastated homes, livestock, and infrastructure.  

    This devastation would be bad enough if it weren’t coming on top of a conflict that continues to rage and is becoming worse by the day – and one that has dramatically impacted the delivery of humanitarian assistance.  

    The safety of aid workers is often threatened. Access restrictions and bureaucratic impediments continue to be imposed.  

    People are dying because of this.  

    The parties to this conflict must do what they have pledged to do – and what international humanitarian law requires – protect civilians, and ensure safe, swift and unimpeded access to life-saving assistance.    

    What we also need, most desperately, is the help of the international community.  

    Sudan is easily the most neglected crisis in the world today. The collective failure to act means the devastation risks spilling over into neighboring countries.  

    At a conference in Paris this past April, the international community made generous pledges. But that appeal is only 52 per cent funded. And though IOM has been able to help nearly 3 million people since the war started, our part of the response plan is only 20% funded.  

    With the proper amount of funding, there is much we can do to alleviate the suffering, to help people get shelter and proper sanitation, to feed them and protect them.  

    But our progress will always be limited as long as war continues to be waged.  

    All wars are brutal, but the toll of this one is particularly horrifying, and the recent killings and appalling human rights violations in Aj Jazirah state were yet another example. Since last year, reports of rape, torture and ethnically motivated violence have been far too common. Indiscriminate attacks are killing civilians, including young children.    

    Some of the areas of most severe need remain cut off entirely, with no access to humanitarian aid. 

    The potential long-term impact of this catastrophic crisis is simply staggering. Education will be set back decades. The health and well-being of children will be stunted. Livelihoods will be permanently ruined. A generation will live in the shadow of trauma. 

    And the immense tragedy about it all is that a peaceful Sudan has the capacity to take care of itself. Its people are resilient, and their natural resources are immense.  

    So while I’m here today to raise awareness of the needs and to highlight the cost of this displacement crisis, what IOM really wants – what every person in the world should want – is for the guns in Sudan to fall silent.  

    The humanitarian response must be scaled up, and we call on the donor community to support this effort. 

    I echo the Secretary General in calling for: 

    An end to hostilities; 

    Protection for civilians; 

    and access for humanitarian agencies so that aid can flow.  

    We will not allow Sudan to be forgotten. But its people need peace, now.  

    ***

    For more information please contact: 

    In Port Sudan: Lisa George, lgeorge@iom.int       
    In Cairo: Joe Lowry, jlowry@iom.int  
    In Geneva: Kennedy Okoth, kokoth@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple projects related to health sector worth over Rs 12,850 crore

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches, inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of multiple projects related to health sector worth over Rs 12,850 crore

    Augmenting the healthcare infrastructure is our priority, Initiatives relating to the sector launched today will make top-quality and affordable facilities available to the citizens:PM

    It is a matter of happiness for all of us that today Ayurveda Day is being celebrated in more than 150 countries: PM

    Government has set five pillars of health policy:PM

    Now every senior citizen of the country above the age of 70 years will get free treatment in the hospital,Such elderly people will be given Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:PM

    Government is running Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent deadly diseases: PM

    Our government is saving the money of the countrymen by making maximum use of technology in the health sector: PM

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:09PM by PIB Delhi

    On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today launched, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects related to the health sector worth around Rs 12,850 crore at All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.

    Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister noted the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and Dhanteras and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. He conveyed his wishes to all business owners of the country as most people tend to buy something new for their homes, and also extended advanced greetings for Diwali.

    The Prime Minister underlined that this Diwali is a historic one as Lord Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya will be lit up with thousands of diyas, making the celebrations unprecedented. “Lord Ram has once again returned to his abode in this year’s Diwali”, the Prime Minister remarked, adding that this wait is finally over not after 14 but 500 years. 

    Shri Modi said that it is no coincidence that this year’s festival of Dhanteras is an amalgamation of prosperity and health but a symbol of India’s culture and philosophy of life. Quoting sages and saints, the Prime Minister explained that health is considered supreme wealth and this ancient notion is finding acceptance across the world in the form of Yoga. Shri Modi expressed happiness that Ayurveda Diwas is being celebrated in more than 150 countries today and said that it is proof of the growing attraction towards Ayurveda, and India’s contribution to the world from its ancient past. 

    The Prime Minister underscored that in the past decade, the country had witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in the health sector with the amalgamation of knowledge of  Ayurveda with Modern medicine. He added that All India Institute of Ayurveda had been a focal point of this chapter. Shri Modi remarked that seven years ago on Ayurveda day, he was fortunate to dedicate the first phase of the institute to the country and today with the blessings of Lord Dhanvantri, he was inaugurating the second phase of the institute. He noted that it would be possible to see the  ancient techniques like Panchakarma infused with modern technology in this institute along with advanced research studies in the fields of Ayurveda and medical science. Shri Modi congratulated the citizens of India for this advancement. 

    Noting that the progress of a nation is directly proportional to the health of its citizens, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s priority to the health of its citizens and outlined the five pillars of health policy. He listed the five pillars as preventive healthcare, early detection of ailments, free and low-cost treatment and medicines, availability of doctors in small towns and lastly expansion of technology in health services. “India is looking at the health sector as holistic health”, Shri Modi said, adding that the projects of today provide a glimpse of these five pillars. Touching upon the inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth more than Rs 13,000 crore, the Prime Minister mentioned creation of 4 centers of excellence under Ayush Health scheme, expansion of health services with the use of drones, helicopter service in AIIMS, Rishikesh, new infrastructure in AIIMS, New Delhi and AIIMS, Bilaspur, expansion of services in five other AIIMS in the country, establishment of medical colleges, bhoomi pujan of nursing colleges and other projects related to the health sector.The Prime Minister expressed happiness with several hospitals being established for the treatment of shramiks and said that it would become a center of treatment for shramiks. He also touched upon the inauguration of pharma units that would play a key role in manufacturing of advanced medicine and high quality stents and implants and further India’s growth. 

    The Prime Minister noted that most of us come from a background where illness meant a lightning strike on the entire family and especially in a poor household if a person is down with serious ailment, every member of the family was deeply affected. He added that there was a time when people would sell their houses, lands, jewelry, everything for treatment and be unable to bear the huge out-of-pocket expenditure while poor people had to make a choice between healthcare and other priorities of family. Shri Modi underlined that to overcome the despair of the poor, our Government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, where the government would bear the cost of hospitalization of the poor up to Rs. 5 lakh. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that about 4 crore poor people in the country have benefited from the Ayushman Yojana by getting treated without having to pay a single rupee. Shri Modi remarked that when he meets the beneficiaries of Ayushman Yojana in different states of the country, he feels satisfied that the scheme was a blessing for every person associated with it, be it a doctor or a paramedical staff. 

    Expressing satisfaction on the expansion of Ayushman Yojana, Shri Modi said that every elderly person was looking forward to it and the poll guarantee, if elected for the third term, of bringing all the elderly above 70 years of age under the ambit of Ayushman Yojana was being fulfilled. He added that every elderly person above 70 years of age in the country will get free treatment in the hospital by a Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card. Shri Modi highlighted that the card was universal and there was no restriction on income, be it poor or middle class or upper class. Informing that the scheme would prove to be a milestone for its universal applicability, Shri Modi remarked that with a Ayushman Vaya Vandana card for an elderly in the house, the Out-of-Pocket expenditure will be reduced to a great extent. He congratulated all the countrymen for this scheme and also informed that the scheme was not implemented in Delhi and West Bengal.

    Reiterating the government’s priority to reduce the cost of treatment, be it the poor or middle class, the Prime Minister mentioned the launch of more than 14,000 PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the country where medicines are available at 80 percent discount. He informed that the poor and middle class have managed to save Rs 30,000 crore due to availability of cheap medicines. He further added that prices of devices like stents and knee implants have been reduced, therefore, preventing a loss of more than Rs 80,000 crores rupees by the common citizens. He also mentioned the free dialysis scheme and Mission Indradhanush campaign to prevent fatal diseases and saving the lives of pregnant women and newborn babies. The Prime Minister assured that he will not rest until the poor and middle class of the country are free from the burden of expensive treatment. 

    The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis in reducing the risks and inconveniences associated with illnesses. He highlighted that over two lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been established across the country to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. He said that these Arogya Mandirs enable crores of citizens to easily check for diseases like cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. He said that timely diagnosis leads to prompt treatment, ultimately saving costs for patients. The Prime Minister explained that the government is leveraging technology to enhance healthcare and save citizens’ money under the e-Sanjeevani scheme where over 30 crore people have consulted doctors online. “Free and accurate consultations from doctors have significantly reduced healthcare expenses”, he added. Shri Modi announced the launch of the U-win platform which will provide India with a technologically advanced interface in the health sector. “The world witnessed the success of our Co-win platform during the pandemic, and the success of the UPI payment system has become a global story,” he said, adding that India aims to replicate this success in the healthcare sector through Digital Public Infrastructure. 

    The Prime Minister highlighted the unprecedented progress made in India’s healthcare sector over the past decade, contrasting it with the limited achievements in the previous six to seven decades and said, “In the last 10 years, we have seen a record number of new AIIMS and medical colleges being established”. Referring to today’s occasion, the Prime Minister said that hospitals were inaugurated in Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned the foundation stone laying for new medical colleges in Narsapur and Bommasandra in Karnataka, Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh, Achitapuram in Andhra Pradesh, and Faridabad in Haryana. “Additionally, work has begun on the new ESIC Hospital in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, and a new hospital was inaugurated in Indore”, he added. The Prime Minister emphasized that the increasing number of hospitals reflects a proportional rise in medical seats. He affirmed that no poor child’s dream of becoming a doctor would be shattered, and no middle-class student would be forced to study abroad due to lack of options in India. Shri Modi informed that nearly 1 lakh new MBBS and MD seats have been added over the past 10 years and reiterated the commitment to announcing another 75,000 seats in the next five years. 

    The Prime Minister informed that 7.5 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners are already contributing to the nation’s healthcare. He stressed on increasing this number further and highlighted the growing demand for medical and wellness tourism in India. He stressed the need for the youth and AYUSH practitioners to prepare for expanding fields such as preventive cardiology, Ayurvedic orthopedics, and Ayurvedic rehabilitation centers, both in India and abroad. “Immense opportunities are being created for AYUSH practitioners. Our youth will not only progress themselves through these opportunities but will also render a great service to humanity”, he added. 

    PM Modi noted the rapid progress in medicine during the 21st century, with breakthroughs in treatments for previously incurable diseases. He said, “As the world places importance on wellness along with treatment, India has thousands of years of knowledge in this area.” The Prime Minister announced the launch of the Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan aimed at designing ideal lifestyles and risk analysis for individuals using Ayurveda principles. He emphasized that this initiative can redefine the healthcare sector globally and provide a new perspective for the entire world. 

    Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of validating traditional herbs like Ashwagandha, turmeric, and black pepper through high-impact scientific studies. “Lab validation of our traditional healthcare systems will not only increase the value of these herbs but also create a significant market”, he remarked, pointing to the rising demand for Ashwagandha, which is projected to reach $2.5 billion by the end of this decade. 

    Underlining that the success of AYUSH is transforming not only the health sector but also the economy, the Prime Minister informed that the AYUSH manufacturing sector has grown from $3 billion in 2014 to nearly $24 billion today, an 8-fold increase in just 10 years. He added that over 900 AYUSH start-ups are now operational in India, creating new opportunities for the youth. The Prime Minister highlighted the global export of AYUSH products to 150 countries, benefiting Indian farmers by turning local herbs and superfoods into global commodities. He also pointed out initiatives like the Namami Gange project, which promotes natural farming and herb cultivation along the Ganga river.

    Reflecting on India’s commitment to health and well-being, Shri Modi said that it is the soul of India’s national character and social fabric. He emphasized that the government in the last 10 years has aligned the nation’s policies with the philosophy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’ “In the next 25 years, these efforts will lay a strong foundation for a developed and healthy India”, Shri Modi concluded. 

    Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare & Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri J P Nadda, and Minister of Labour and Employment & Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya were present on the occasion among others.

    Background

    As a major addition to the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the Prime Minister launched expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. This will help provide health coverage to all senior citizens regardless of their income.

    It has been the constant endeavor of the Prime Minister to provide quality healthcare services all across the country. In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple healthcare institutions.

    The Prime Minister inaugurated Phase II of India’s First All India Institute of Ayurveda. It includes a Panchakarma hospital, an Ayurvedic pharmacy for drug manufacturing, a sports medicine unit, a central library, an IT and start-ups incubation center and a 500-seat auditorium among others. He also inaugurated three medical colleges at Mandsaur, Neemuch and Seoni in Madhya Pradesh. Further, he inaugurated facility and service extensions at various AIIMS in Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, Kalyani in West Bengal, Patna in Bihar, Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, Guwahati in Assam and in New Delhi, which will also include a Jan Aushadhi Kendra. The Prime Minister also inaugurated a Super Speciality Block in Government Medical College at Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and a Critical Care Block in Bargarh, Odisha.

    The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of five Nursing Colleges in Shivpuri, Ratlam, Khandwa, Rajgarh and Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh; 21 Critical Care Blocks at Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan under Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and several facilities and service extensions at AIIMS in New Delhi and in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.

    The Prime Minister also inaugurated an ESIC Hospital at Indore in Madhya Pradesh, and lay the foundation stone for ESIC hospitals at Faridabad in Haryana, Bommasandra and Narasapur in Karnataka, Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, and Atchutapuram in Andhra Pradesh. These projects will bring healthcare benefits to around 55 lakh ESI beneficiaries.

    The Prime Minister has been a strong proponent of expanding the usage of technology to enhance service delivery across sectors. In an innovative usage of drone technology to enhance service delivery to make healthcare more accessible, the Prime Minister launched drone services at 11 Tertiary Healthcare Institutions. These are AIIMS Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, AIIMS Bibinagar in Telangana, AIIMS Guwahati in Assam, AIIMS Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, AIIMS Jodhpur in Rajasthan, AIIMS Patna in Bihar, AIIMS Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, AIIMS Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, AIIMS Raipur in Chhattisgarh, AIIMS Mangalagiri in Andhra Pradesh and RIMS Imphal in Manipur. He will also launch Helicopter Emergency Medical Services from AIIMS Rishikesh, which will help deliver speedy medical care.

    The Prime Minister launched the U-WIN portal. It will benefit pregnant women and infants by fully digitalizing the vaccination process. It will ensure timely administration of life-saving vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases. Further, the Prime Minister also launched a portal for allied and healthcare professionals and institutes. It will act as a centralized database of existing healthcare professionals and institutes.

    The Prime Minister launched several initiatives to strengthen the R&D and testing infrastructure to improve the healthcare ecosystem in the country. The Prime Minister inaugurated a Central Drugs Testing Laboratory in Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

    He laid the foundation stone of two Central Research Institutes in Yoga and Naturopathy at Khordha in Odisha, Raipur in Chhattisgarh. He also laid the foundation stone of four Centres of Excellence at NIPER Ahmedabad in Gujarat for medical devices, NIPER Hyderabad in Telangana for bulk drugs, NIPER Guwahati in Assam for phytopharmaceuticals, and NIPER Mohali in Punjab for anti-bacterial anti-viral drug discovery and development.

    The Prime Minister launched four Ayush Centres of Excellence, namely Centre of Excellence for diabetes and metabolic disorders at Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Centre of Excellence in sustainable Ayush for advanced technological solutions, start-up support and net zero sustainable solutions for Rasaushadhies at IIT Delhi; Centre of Excellence for fundamental and translational research in Ayurveda at Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow; and Centre of Excellence on Ayurveda and Systems Medicine at JNU, New Delhi.

    In a major boost to Make in India initiative in the healthcare sector, Prime Minister inaugurated five projects under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for medical devices and bulk drugs at Vapi in Gujarat, Hyderabad in Telangana, Bengaluru in Karnataka, Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh. These units will manufacture high-end medical devices, such as body implants and critical care equipment, along with important bulk drugs.

    The Prime Minister also launched a nationwide campaign, “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” that aims to raise health awareness among the citizens. He also launched the State specific Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health for each state and UT which will lay out adaptation strategies towards developing climate resilient healthcare services.

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR/TS

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

    Loan Limit Raised to ₹20 Lakh from ₹10 Lakh

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 3:00PM by PIB Delhi

     

    “Millions of common men and women of this country, who run small business, have almost remained outside the net of formal institutional finance, in spite of their large contribution to the economy. MUDRA is our innovation of funding the unfunded.”

                             ~ Prime Minister Narendra Modi

     

    The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), launched by the Prime Minister on April 8, 2015, has played a pivotal role in empowering non-corporate, non-farm small and micro enterprises by providing loans of up to ₹10 lakh. To strengthen support for aspiring entrepreneurs, the finance minister announced an increase in the loan limit to ₹20 lakh during the Union Budget 2024-25 on July 23, 2024. This new limit took effect on October 24, 2024.

    This announcement also introduces a new loan category, Tarun Plus, designed specifically for those who have previously availed and successfully repaid loans under the Tarun category, allowing them to access funding between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh. Additionally, the Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) will now provide guarantee coverage for these enhanced loans, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.

    Mudra Yojana

     

    MUDRA,3 which stands for Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Ltd, is a financial institution set up by the Government of India under PMMY for development and refinancing micro unit enterprises. PMMY aims to provide financial inclusiveness and support to the marginalized and hitherto socio-economically neglected classes. PMMY has given wings to the dreams and aspirations of millions, along with a feeling of self-worth and independence.

    Need for the MUDRA Yojana

    India is a young country brimming with youthful enthusiasm and aspirations. In order to provide a fertile ground for sowing the seeds of India’s development it is very important to harness this innovative zeal of young India which can provide new age solutions to existing gaps in the economic ecosystem of the country. Understanding the need to harness the latent potential of entrepreneurship in India, the Union Government launched the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana.

    MUDRA Loans: Categories

    Under PMMY collateral free loans up to Rs. 20 Lakh are extended by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) viz Scheduled Commercial Banks,  Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) etc. The loans are given for income generating activities in manufacturing, trading and services sectors and for activities allied to agriculture.

    MUDRA loans now will be offered in four categories namely, ‘Shishu’, ‘Kishore’and ‘Tarun’ and newly added category ‘Tarun Plus’ which signifies the stage of growth or development and funding needs of the borrowers:-

    • Shishu: covering loans upto Rs. 50,000/-
    • Kishore: covering loans above Rs. 50,000/- and up to Rs. 5 lakhs
    • Tarun: covering loans above Rs. 5 lakh and up to Rs. 10 lakhs
    • Tarun Plus: Rs. 10 lakh and up to Rs. 20 lakhs

     

    Achievements of PMMY

     

    Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) amount sanctioned and disbursed in the financial year 2023-24 under various categories:[4]

    • Women Borrowers: A total of ₹1,08,472.51 crore was disbursed under the Shishu category, ₹1,00,370.49 crore under Kishore, and ₹13,454.27 crore under the Tarun category.
    • Minority Borrowers: The disbursements amounted to ₹15,759.66 crore under Shishu, ₹20,766.3 crore under Kishore, and ₹8562.27 crore under Tarun.
    • New Entrepreneurs / Accounts:
      • Shishu category: 88,49,101 accounts with a sanctioned amount of ₹29,445.41 crore and disbursed amount of ₹28,839.75 crore.
      • Kishore category: 34,06,239 accounts with ₹62,290.58 crore sanctioned and ₹60,407.02 crore disbursed.
      • Tarun category: 7,57,456 accounts with a sanctioned amount of ₹70,294.35 crore and ₹68,861.13 crore disbursed.
    • Unique Borrowers (from 8th April 2015 to 31st March 2024):
      • ₹44,891.82 crore was sanctioned under Shishu.
      • ₹24,575.57 crore was sanctioned under Kishore.
      • ₹19,120.58 crore was sanctioned under Tarun.

     

    Mudra Card

     

     

    MUDRA Card[5] is an innovative credit product wherein the borrower can avail of credit in a hassle free and flexible manner. It provides a facility of working capital arrangement in the form of an overdraft facility to the borrower. Since MUDRA Card is a RuPay debit card, it can be used for drawing cash from ATM or Business Correspondent or make purchase using Point of Sale (POS) machine. Facility is also there to repay the amount, as and when, surplus cash is available, thereby reducing the interest cost.

     

     

    MUDRA App- “MUDRA MITRA”

     

     MUDRA MITRA is a mobile phone application available in Google Play Store and Apple App    Store, providing information regarding ‘Micro Units Development and RefinanceAgency Ltd. (MUDRA)’ and its various products/ schemes. It will guide a loan seeker to approach a Banker in availing MUDRA loan under PMMY. Users can also access useful loan related material including sample loan application forms in this app.

     

     Steps taken to improve implementation of the Scheme:[6]

    • Handholding support for facilitating submission of loan applications
    • Provision for online applications through PSBloansin59minutes and Udyamimitra portal
    • Intensive publicity campaigns for increased visibility of the scheme amongst the stakeholders
    • Simplification of application forms
    • Nomination of MUDRA Nodal Officers in Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
    • Periodic monitoring of performance of PSBs with regard to PMMY
    • Interest Subvention of 2% on prompt repayment of Shishu loans extended under PMMY for a period of 12 months to all eligible borrowers.
    • Announced by Union Finance Minister on 14.05.2020 under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package, the scheme has been formulated as a specific response to an unprecedented situation and aims to alleviate financial stress for borrowers at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’ by reducing their cost of credit.

     

    Conclusion

    The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of entrepreneurship in India, driving significant progress in financial inclusion. By providing critical funding support, the scheme has enabled countless new entrepreneurs to turn their business ideas into reality. Over the years, it has also empowered women and minority communities, creating opportunities for economic upliftment and fostering a more inclusive growth environment. As the loan limit expands to ₹20 lakh, PMMY continues to play a vital role in nurturing small businesses and fueling the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and prosperous future.

    References:

     

    Click here to see in PDF

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Rozgar Mela

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses Rozgar Mela

    It is a matter of great joy to have handed over appointment letters for government jobs to 51 thousand youth in the Rozgar Mela, Best wishes to all the youth who are taking a step towards nation building:PM

    It is our commitment that the youth of the country should get maximum employment: PM

    Today India is moving towards becoming the third largest economy in the world: PM

    We promoted Make in India in every new technology,We worked on self-reliant India: PM

    Under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, provision has been made for paid internships in the top 500 companies of India: PM

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 11:53AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Rozgar Mela and distributed more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly appointed youth in Government departments and organizations via videoconferencing today. Rozgar Mela highlights the Prime Minister’s commitment to prioritizing employment generation. It will empower the youth by providing them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to nation-building.

    Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister noted the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras and conveyed his best wishes on the occasion. Underlining that this year’s Diwali would be a special one, the Prime Minister said that it is the first Diwali since Lord Shri Ram has been seated in his magnificent temple in Ayodhya after 500 years. He said that several generations have waited for this Diwali, while many have sacrificed their lives for it or faced adversities. The Prime Minister  emphasized that the present generation is extremely fortunate to witness and become a part of such celebrations. In the atmosphere of festivity, said the Prime Minister, 51,000 youth are being handed out recruitment letters for government jobs. He congratulated the new recruits and conveyed his best wishes to them.

    The Prime Minister highlighted that offering permanent Government jobs to lakhs of youths has been a legacy which is continuously going on. He added that lakhs of youths were handed appointment letters even in the states being governed by BJP and NDA allies. Shri Modi emphasized that in Haryana there is a festive atmosphere with 26,000 youths getting jobs by the newly formed government . Shri Modi said their Government in Haryana had a special identity of giving jobs without any expense or recommendation. He greeted the 26,000 youths of Haryana who will be handed over their appointment letters today apart from 51,000 jobs in today’s Rozgar Mela. 

    The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment that the youth of the country should get maximum employment. Noting that the policies and decisions of the government have a direct impact on job creation, the Prime Minister highlighted the development of expressways, highways, roads, rail, ports, airports, laying of fiber cables, setting up of mobile towers and expansion of new industries in all parts of the country. Referring to laying of water and gas pipelines, establishing of new schools, colleges and universities and reducing logistics cost by spending on infrastructure, Shri Modi said that it is not only benefitting the citizens but also creating new job opportunities. 

    Recalling his visit to Vadodara in Gujarat yesterday, the Prime Minister mentioned inaugurating an aircraft manufacturing facility for the defence sector. He said that thousands of citizens would get direct employment while MSME industries would hugely benefit from the manufacturing of spare parts and other equipment, creating a huge network of supply chains. Noting that a single aircraft comprises 15,000 to 25,000 parts, Shri Modi emphasized that thousands of smaller factories would play an active role in fulfilling the demands of a mega factory, thereby benefiting India’s MSMEs. 

    The Prime Minister remarked that whenever a scheme is launched, the focus is not just only on the benefits accrued to the citizens, but also develop an entire ecosystem of employment generation using it as a medium by thinking in a broader scope. Citing an example of PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, he said  in the last 6 months, around 2 crore customers had registered for the scheme, more than 9,000 vendors were associated with scheme, solar panels were already installed in more than 5 lakh houses and in the near future, there was a plan to create 800 Solar villages as model under this scheme. He also noted that 30,000 people had undergone training for roof-top solar installation as well. Therefore, he added, this one scheme of PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana has created a host of employment opportunities for manufacturers, vendors, assemblers and repairers across the country.

    Noting that the Khadi industry of India has been transformed by the policies of the government in the last 10 years and impacted the people in the villages, the Prime Minister informed that Khadi Gram Udyog’s business has surpassed 1.5 lakh crores today. Drawing parallels from 10 years ago, the Prime Minister exclaimed that the sale of Khadi has grown up to 400 percent, thereby benefiting artists, weavers and businesses and also creating new employment opportunities. Shri Modi also touched upon the Lakhpati Didi scheme where new employment and self-employment opportunities are provided to rural women. “More than 10 crore women have joined self-help groups in the last decade”, he added, noting that 10 crore women are now engaged in economic activities. He credited the support provided by the government in every step and reiterated the commitment to creating 3 crore lakhpati didis. “More than 1.25 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didis so far making their annual income above Rs 1 lakh”, he added.

    The Prime Minister stated that India is moving towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy. Reflecting on the country’s progress, he noted the inquisition by the youth of India who often ask why the country didn’t achieve this pace earlier. Underlining that the answer lies in the lack of clear policies and intent in previous governments, the Prime Minister pointed out that India had been lagging behind in several sectors, particularly technology. He recalled that India used to wait for new technologies from around the world and what was considered outdated in the West would eventually reach the nation. He pointed out the long withstanding belief that modern technology could not be developed in India not only set India back in terms of growth but also deprived the country of crucial job opportunities. 

    Highlighting the steps taken to free the country from this old thinking, the Prime Minister stated that efforts were initiated to break free from this old mindset in sectors like space, semiconductors, electronics and electric vehicles by promoting Make in India. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of technological advancement and investment, adding that the PLI scheme was launched to bring new technology and foreign direct investment to India, which has accelerated job creation when combined with the Make in India initiative. He noted that every sector is now receiving a boost providing opportunities for youth across different fields. “Today, India is witnessing massive investment, and record opportunities are being created”, he said, adding that in the last eight years, over 1.5 lakh startups have been launched, making India the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He further added that these sectors are offering our youth a chance to grow and gain employment.

    The Prime Minister reiterated that the government is very focused on skill development today to increase the capacity of the youth of India. Therefore, he added, Government started missions like Skill India and youth were being trained in many skill development centers. Shri Modi remarked that arrangements were made to ensure that India’s youth need not have to wander for experience and opportunity. Citing the Pradhan Mantri Internship Yojana, Shri Modi said provisions were made for paid internships in the top 500 companies of India, where every intern would be given Rs 5,000 per month for one year. He added the Government’s target  was to ensure one crore youth get internship opportunities in the next 5 years. This, he said, would give the youth a chance to connect with the real-life business environment in different sectors and add a beneficial experience to their career.

    The Prime Minister remarked that the Indian government was creating new opportunities to make it easier for Indian youth to get jobs abroad. Citing the recently released Germany’s  Skilled Labour Strategy for India, Shri Modi informed that Germany had increased the number of visas given to skilled Indian youth every year from 20 thousand to 90 thousand. He added that India’s youth will benefit greatly from this. Shri Modi also mentioned that India had signed agreements related to migration and employment with 21 countries in recent years, including countries like Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Mauritius, Israel, UK and Italy, apart from Gulf countries. He noted that every year 3 thousand Indians can get a 2-year visa to work and study in the UK while 3 thousand Indian students will get the opportunity to study in Australia. “India’s talent will not only give direction to India’s progress but also to the world’s progress”, exclaimed Shri Modi. He added that India was moving ahead in that direction.

    Shri Modi emphasized that the role of the government today was to create a modern system where every youth gets an opportunity and can fulfill their aspirations. Therefore, he urged the newly appointed youths in various positions that their goal should be to provide maximum facilities to the youth and citizens of India.

    The Prime Minister emphasized the crucial role of taxpayers and citizens in securing government jobs and stated that the government exists because of the citizens and is appointed to serve them. He reiterated that the primary duty is to serve the nation, be it in the position of a postman or a professor. Shri Modi underlined that the new recruits have joined the government at a time when the country has resolved to become developed. Therefore, said the Prime Minister, to achieve this goal, we must excel in every sector and contribute fully. He urged the new recruits to not only perform well but to strive for excellence. “Government employees in our country should set an example recognized worldwide”, he asserted. The Prime Minister stressed that the nation has high expectations from them and said that these expectations must be met to deliver on the commitments.

    The Prime Minister remarked on the new journey that appointees are embarking on with their positions, urging them to always remain humble and to maintain the habit of learning throughout their journey. He highlighted the availability of various courses for government employees on the iGOT Karmayogi platform and encouraged them to utilize this digital training module at their convenience. “Once again, I congratulate the candidates receiving their appointment letters today”, the Prime Minister concluded. 

    Background

    Rozgar Mela is being organized at 40 locations across the country with new recruits joining the Central Government across various Ministries and Departments such as the Department of Revenue, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare among others.

    Newly appointed recruits will have the opportunity to undertake foundational training through ‘Karmayogi Prarambh,’ an online module available on the iGOT Karmayogi portal. Over 1400 e-learning courses are available which will equip recruits with essential skills to serve in their roles effectively and work towards building a Viksit Bharat.

     

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address at the laying of foundation stone and inauguration of development works in Amreli, Gujarat

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 10:47PM by PIB Delhi

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Present on the dais are Honorable Governor of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat ji, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel ji, my colleague in the Union government, C. R. Patil ji, my brothers and sisters of Gujarat, and especially my brothers and sisters of Amreli.

    Diwali and Dhanteras are around the corner. This is a time of auspicious occasions. On one side, we have the celebration of ‘Sanskriti’ (culture); on the other, a celebration of ‘Vikas’ (progress)—this is the new mark of Bharat. The work of ‘Virasat’ (preserving heritage) and ‘Vikas’ (fostering development) goes hand in hand. Today, I had the opportunity to lay the foundation and inaugurate several development projects related to Gujarat. Before coming here, I was in Vadodara, where we inaugurated Bharat’s first factory of its kind, which will produce ‘Made in India’ aircraft for our Air Force right here in Gujarat, in Vadodara. Our Amreli belongs to the Gaekwads, and Vadodara also belongs to the Gaekwads. It’s a moment of pride! And today, here, I had the chance to inaugurate Bharat Mata Sarovar, and from this platform, we have laid the foundation stones and inaugurated multiple long-term projects related to water, roads, and railways. All these projects are intended to ease the lives of people in Saurashtra and Kutch and these projects will propel development forward. The projects that we inaugurated and laid the foundation for today are for the welfare of our farmers, for the prosperity of those in agriculture, and for job opportunities for our youth. My best wishes to all my brothers and sisters in Kutch, Saurashtra, and Gujarat for these many projects.

    Friends,

    The land of Saurashtra and Amreli has given birth to many gems. Whether historically, culturally, in literature, or politics, Amreli’s past has been glorious. This is the land that gave us Yogi ji Maharaj, the same land that gave us Bhoja Bhagat, and it is rare for a single evening to pass in Gujarat without the mention of Dula Bhaya Kag. Every folk tale and poetry remembers Kag Bapu. And today, the soil here, which holds memories of poet Kalapi and his famous line रे पंखीडा सुखथी चणजो (Fly freely, little bird), finds fulfillment with the arrival of water. This is Amreli, a magical land that has produced K. Lal, poet Rameshbhai Parekh, and our first Chief Minister of Gujarat, Jivrajbhai Mehta. The children here have faced challenges and have stood strong in the face of adversities. Those who choose the path of strength instead of bowing to natural disasters are the children of this earth. Some of them have emerged as entrepreneurs who not only made their district proud but also Gujarat and Bharat. And they have tried to do whatever they can for the society. And our Dholakia family continues to carry forward this legacy.

    With the government’s 80/20 water scheme, the BJP government in Gujarat has prioritised water from the very beginning. These efforts include 80/20 scheme and public participation, building check dams, building farm ponds, deepening lakes, building water temples, digging ponds, etc.  I remember when I would go to attend meetings in Delhi as Chief Minister and mention how a significant portion of our budget goes toward water resources, chief ministers and leaders from other states would look at me with surprise. I would tell them that Gujarat has many people who are awash with talents and if we get water once, Gujarat will flourish. This tradition belongs to our Gujarat. Many people have joined the 80/20 scheme. Everyone, including communities and villages, participated; my Dholakia family adopted it on a large scale, bringing the rivers to life. And this is the way to keep the rivers alive. We were connected to 20 rivers from the Narmada River. And the idea came to our minds to create small ponds in the rivers, so we could conserve water for miles. And once the water seeps into the ground, it will not remain without turning into nectar, brothers. The people of Gujarat, Saurashtra or Kutch don’t need books to explain the importance of water; they have experienced the hardships firsthand. They know exactly their problems; they know what types of problems there are. We have seen people from Saurashtra and Kutch migrating due to lack of water. We have seen the days when eight-eight people were forced to share a room in the cities. And now, we have created the country’s first Ministry of Jal Shakti because we know its importance. Today, we see the fruits of years of effort as the water from Narmada reaches every village.

    I remember a time when one would gain ‘punya’ from the Narmada Parikrama (circumambulation). The era has changed, and Mother Narmada herself is going from village to village, distributing ‘punya’ and water. The water conservation schemes, such as the SAUNI Yojana, which I launched, were met with disbelief and skepticism. Nobody was ready to believe that it could be possible. Some crooked people even criticised it as a publicity stunt by Modi ahead of elections. But all these schemes have breathed new life into Kutch and Saurashtra, allowing people to witness their dreams of green fields come true. This is an example of how a resolution made with sacred spirit gets fulfilled. I remember when I talked about laying pipes large enough for a Maruti car to pass through; people were astonished. Today, those pipes carry water throughout Gujarat.  This is what Gujarat has accomplished. We need to increase the depth of the river, so we have to build check dams, or at the very least, create barrages. We need to go to that extent to save water. The people of Gujarat have wholeheartedly embraced water conservation, and this has led to improvements in drinking water quality, health, and the ambitious goal of supplying water to every home and farm. This is a fact which is very satisfying. The 18-20-year-olds today may not even realize how difficult life was without water. Turning on the tap to shower is routine for them, unlike the past when mothers had to walk several kilometers with utensils to fetch water.

    The work done by Gujarat is now proving to be an example for the entire country. The campaign to bring water to every home and every field in Gujarat is still being carried out with such dedication and purity. Today, projects are being inaugurated and their foundations laid with hopes of benefiting millions. The Navda-Chavand Bulk Pipeline Project will bring water to around 1,300 villages and over 35 towns. People from Amreli, Botad, Rajkot, Junagadh, and Porbandar will benefit from an additional 30 crore liters of water every day. Today the foundation stone for the second phase of the Pasvi Augmentation Water Supply Scheme has also been laid. Mahuva, Talaja, and Palitana are the three talukas which will benefit largely from this scheme. Palitana is a significant pilgrimage and tourist site that sustains the state’s economy. Over 100 villages will directly benefit from these projects.

    Friends,

    Today, the inauguration and foundation laying of water projects symbolize the partnership between government and society. This is a remarkable example, and we emphasize public participation because water initiatives will only succeed through collective efforts. When we celebrated 75 years of independence, the government could have organized numerous events, placing boards with Modi’s name on them, but we chose not to. Instead, we launched a plan to create “Amrit Sarovars” (lakes) in villages, aiming to build 75 lakes in each district. As per the latest information, work is underway on nearly 75,000 such lakes, with over 60,000 lakes already brimming with life. Serving future generations in this way has significantly helped raise the water table in neighbouring areas. We ran the “Catch the Rain” campaign.  When I went to Delhi, this experience was very useful.  Today it has become a successful model. To encourage water conservation, be it at the family, village, or colony level, people must be inspired to save water. We are fortunate to have C.R. Patil in our cabinet now, who brings his expertise in water management from Gujarat. Now this is being followed in the entire country. He has made “Catch the Rain” one of his key initiatives, and thousands of recharge wells have already been constructed with public involvement in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, and Bihar. Recently, during a video conference program in Surat, South Gujarat, we saw people building recharge wells in their ancestral villages, that restores some family wealth to the village. This is an exciting new initiative: keeping the village’s water within the village and the border’s water within the border. These campaigns are significant steps forward.  These efforts to retain local water are part of a broader mission, as seen in other countries with minimal rainfall, where they conserve every drop of water. If you visit Mahatma Gandhi’s home in Porbandar, you’ll find a 200-year-old underground water storage tank, showing how our ancestors valued water centuries ago.

    Friends,

    The availability of water has made farming easier. Our motto is “Per Drop More Crop.” In Gujarat, we promoted micro-irrigation, especially sprinklers, which farmers of Gujarat welcomed. Today, wherever Narmada water has reached, farmers can reap three crops in areas where cultivating even one crop was once difficult. This has brought happiness and prosperity to households. Amreli district is advancing in agriculture, with crops like cotton, peanuts, sesame, millet, and bajra (pearl millet) from Jafrabad. I appreciate this initiative during my meetings in Delhi. Amreli’s Kesari mango has now received a GI tag, giving it a unique identity worldwide. Amreli is also gaining recognition for its natural farming, and our governor is working on this mission mode. Farmers in Amreli are dedicated to this experiment, committed to producing quick, viable crops. In our Halol, different universities for natural farming have been developed. The first college for natural farming under that university has been established in Amreli. The reason for this is that the farmers here are committed to this new experiment. Therefore, if they conduct experiments here, their crops will be ready immediately. Our goal is for farmers to engage more in animal husbandry, particularly cattle farming, benefiting from natural farming. In our Amreli, regarding the dairy industry, I remember that there used to be laws that considered setting up a dairy as a crime. We removed restrictive laws on dairy farming, facilitating the establishment of the dairy industry in Amreli, leading to rapid growth through cooperative efforts. I remember when Amar Dairy was founded in 2007, only 25 cooperative societies were part of it. Today, over 700 villages have joined, collecting around 1.25 lakh liters of milk daily, reflecting a true revolution and the adoption of various development pathways.

    Friends,

    I have another joy; I mentioned this many years ago, said it in front of everyone, and I called for a white revolution, a green revolution, but now we need to have a sweet revolution. We need to produce honey; honey should not just be something to talk about at home, brothers. We need to produce honey in the fields so that farmers can earn more. Our Dilip Bhai and Rupala ji raised this issue in the Amreli district, and now beekeeping has started in the fields, and people have learned about it. Now, the honey here is establishing its own identity. This is a joyful thing. Environmental efforts, like tree planting under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, have been embraced nationwide and even globally, with admiration for this unique approach. Everybody is associating with this campaign. This is a great effort as far as environment is concerned. And second important work relating to environment is that we are striving to eliminate electricity bills by implementing the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a free solar electricity scheme that can save families Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 annually. Not only that they are earning additional income by selling the electricity which they are saving. Nearly 1.5 crore families have registered for this initiative, and over 200,000 homes in Gujarat now have rooftop solar panels, producing electricity and selling the surplus electricity. Amreli district has also made significant progress in energy, with Dudhda village, led by Govindbhai, close to becoming a solar-powered village. Six months ago, Govindbhai told me that he has to make his village ‘Surya Ghar’ (solar-powered village) and this is nearing completion. This initiative is expected to save the village Rs. 75,000 per month in electricity bills, with each household saving Rs. 4,000 annually. Congratulations to Govindbhai and Amreli for making Dudhda the first solar village in the district.

    Friends,

    Water and tourism are closely linked; where there is water, tourism naturally follows. Just now, while looking at Bharat Mata Sarovar, I thought that migratory birds that usually visit Kutch may find a new address here this December. When the Flamingos start coming here, it will attract more tourists. Amreli district is blessed with several pilgrimage sites that people visit with devotion. We saw the potential in the Sardar Sarovar Dam, which was initially built for water storage. By adding the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel, we created a monument that attracted nearly five million visitors last year, not just for the dam but to pay homage to the statue. With Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary approaching on October 31, I will return to Gujarat soon to pay my respects. I will return to Delhi today, but will come back again day after tomorrow to pay my obeisance at the feet of Sardar Sahab. As usual, we celebrate his birth anniversary with a Unity Run, but this year, as Diwali falls on October 31, we have scheduled it for October 29. I hope that the Unity Run events will be held widely across Gujarat, and I will be attending the National Unity Parade in Kevadia.

    Friends,

    In the coming days, the newly established Kerly Recharge Reservoir is set to become a significant centre for eco-tourism, as I predict today. I see a great potential for adventure tourism there. Kerly Bird Sanctuary will gain international recognition, attracting birdwatchers and nature lovers from across the globe. Birdwatchers often spend days with cameras in hand, immersed in forests, creating an income source through tourism. Gujarat’s coastline, once known for its salty waters and seen as a challenge, is being transformed into a gateway to prosperity. We are prioritizing work to make Gujarat’s coastline not only a regional asset but a national hub for wealth and development. Our fishing communities will benefit greatly, as will our ports, steeped in centuries of heritage, which we are revitalizing. Lothal—an ancient city, over 5,000 years old— has not gained prominence after Modi came to power. It has always held a special place in my vision since I became Chief Minister of Gujarat, and I wanted to bring it to the world map of tourism. And now we are establishing the world’s largest maritime museum there. When we go from Amreli to Ahmedabad, it comes on the way, it is not very far, we have to go a little further.

    Our attempt is to showcase Bharat’s maritime heritage to the world, highlighting the legacy of our ancient seafarers. Our efforts are also aligned with the Blue Revolution to enhance marine resource development, and port-led development is playing a crucial role in advancing the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Infrastructure in places like Jafrabad and Shiyal Bet is being enhanced, turning Amreli into a prominent regional hub. The modernization of Pipavav port has opened new avenues for thousands of jobs and increased capacity for handling over a million containers and thousands of vehicles. We aim to connect all of Gujarat’s ports with the rest of the country, fostering a seamless network that benefits the economy nationwide.

    On the other hand, there is equal concern about the life of a common man. Our infrastructure initiatives extend to providing affordable housing, electricity, railways, roads, gas pipelines, telecommunications, optical fibers, and hospitals. In our third term, because after 60 years the country has given an opportunity to any Prime Minister to serve as Prime Minister for the third time. I cannot be thankful enough for the cooperation with Gujarat in this. We have seen this holistic approach to connectivity has already yielded tremendous results in Saurashtra, attracting large-scale industries. As the infrastructure improves, large-scale industries come in; we have seen the benefits of the RoRo ferry service. I used to hear about it in school: ‘Goga’s ferry, Goga’s ferry,’ but no one had done anything about it. We got the opportunity, and now over 700,000 people have used this RoRo ferry service. More than 100,000 vehicles and over 75,000 trucks and buses have benefited from it. It has saved countless people time and money, and so much petrol smoke has been avoided. If you calculate that, we would all be surprised why such a significant work wasn’t done earlier. I believe such good works were destined for me.

    Today, the work is underway to create the Amritsar-Bhatinda Economic Corridor from Jamnagar. The biggest benefits will be gained from it. The states from Gujarat to Punjab will also benefit from it. There are large economic zones being established along that route. Major projects are coming up, and with the inauguration of the road project, the Jamnagar-Morbi area is being developed. I have always said that the Rajkot-Morbi-Jamnagar triangle has the potential to be recognized as Bharat’s manufacturing hub. It has the power to be a mini Japan. When I mentioned this 20 years ago, everyone was mocking it. But today it is happening, and the connectivity work is now associated with it. As a result, the connectivity of the cement manufacturing area will also improve. In addition to this, the pilgrimage sites of Somnath, Dwarka, Porbandar, and the Gir Lions are set to become more accessible and magnificent as tourism destinations. Today, the rail connectivity in Kutch has expanded; this connectivity project for Saurashtra and Kutch has made Kutch a national attraction for tourism. People across the country are worried that there will be delays for tourism and industries in Kutch, and they are rushing to explore it.

    As Bharat develops, its pride in the world is increasing. The entire world is looking at Bharat with new hope, and a new perspective is emerging to view Bharat. People are beginning to recognize Bharat’s potential. Today, the whole world is listening to Bharat seriously and attentively. Everyone is discussing the possibilities within Bharat. Gujarat plays a significant role in this; Gujarat has shown the world how much potential lies in the villages of Bharat’s cities. A few days ago, I attended the BRICS summit in Russia, where I had the opportunity to engage in peaceful conversations with many prime ministers and presidents from different countries. The common sentiment among all was that they want to connect with Bharat and be partners in Bharat’s journey of development. All the countries are asking about the investment possibilities in Bharat. When I returned from Russia, the Chancellor of Germany came to Delhi with a large delegation. He brought along industrialists from Germany who invest across Asia. He told them to listen to Modi ji and decide what they want to do in Bharat. This means that Germany is also eager to invest significantly in Bharat. Not only that, he made an important announcement that will benefit our youth. Previously, Germany issued 20,000 visas; he announced that they will now issue 90,000 visas and that they need young people for their factories. The strength of Indian youth is immense, and the people of Bharat are law-abiding and live peacefully together. They stated that they need 90,000 people here and have announced the issuance of 90,000 visas every year. Now it is an opportunity for our youth to prepare according to this need. Today, the President of Spain was here, and Spain plans to invest significantly in Bharat. This will greatly benefit small industries in Gujarat, especially with the establishment of a transport aircraft manufacturing factory in Vadodara. The small factories in Rajkot that produce various tools will also contribute to this aircraft production. People working on small lathe machines from every corner of Gujarat will provide small parts, as thousands of components are needed in an aircraft, and each factory specialises in specific parts. This work will be beneficial for the entire Saurashtra region, where the structure of small industries exists. This opens up numerous employment opportunities.

    Friends,

    When I had the opportunity to serve Gujarat, my mission was to drive both Gujarat’s and Bharat’s development. My guiding principle was that Gujarat’s progress leads to Bharat’s progress. By building a ‘Viksit Gujarat’ (Prosperous Gujarat), we pave the way for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

    Friends,

    Today, after a long time, I find myself among many familiar faces, and it fills me with joy to see everyone smiling and happy. Once again, I encourage my dear friend Savjibhai to shift his focus from Surat and instead, focus on ensuring water reaches every corner of Gujarat. Let’s bring the full benefits of the 80/20 schemes to Gujarat. My best wishes to all of you.

    Join me in saying:

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Bharat Mata ki – Jai!

    Thank you, friends.

    (Disclaimer – Original speech is in Gujarati. This is the approximate translation in English language).

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marching Towards Atmanirbharta: India’s Defence Revolution

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Marching Towards Atmanirbharta: India’s Defence Revolution

    Domestic production hit ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, with exports growing 30x in a decade

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 11:21AM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    The recent inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex at the TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat, on October 28, 2024, marks a key milestone in India’s journey toward Atmanirbharta in defence. This facility, dedicated to manufacturing C-295 military transport aircraft, becomes the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing indigenous production capabilities. Under the program, 56 C-295 aircraft will be delivered, with the initial 16 arriving from Airbus in Spain and the remaining 40 produced domestically. This initiative exemplifies India’s shift toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aimed at strengthening operational readiness and reducing dependency on foreign imports.

    India’s commitment to Atmanirbharta in defence is further evidenced by its transformation from a major arms importer to an emerging centre for indigenous production. Driven by strategic government policies, this shift reached a landmark in FY 2023-24, with the Ministry of Defence reporting an unprecedented ₹1.27 lakh crore in domestic defence production. Once reliant on foreign suppliers, India now places a high priority on self-reliant manufacturing to meet its security needs, reinforcing its vision to strengthen national resilience and reduce dependency on external sources.

     

    Rise in India’s Defence Production

    India has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, driven by the successful implementation of government policies and initiatives led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, focusing on attaining
    Atmanirbharta. According to data from all Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units manufacturing defence items, and private companies, the value of defence production has surged to a record high of ₹1,27,265 crore, representing an impressive increase of approximately 174% from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.

    Historically, India relied heavily on foreign countries for its defence needs, with about 65-70% of defence equipment being imported. However, this landscape has dramatically shifted, with around 65% of defence equipment now manufactured within India. This transformation reflects the country’s commitment to self-reliance in this critical sector and underscores the strength of its defence industrial base, which comprises 16 Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs), over 430 licensed companies, and approximately 16,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Notably, 21% of this production comes from the private sector, bolstering India’s journey toward self-reliance.

    As part of the Make in India initiative, major defence platforms such as the Dhanush Artillery Gun System, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, submarines, frigates, corvettes, and the recently commissioned INS Vikrant have been developed, reflecting the growing capabilities of India’s defence sector.

    Consequently, the annual defence production has not only crossed ₹1.27 lakh crore but is also on track to reach a target of ₹1.75 lakh crore in the current fiscal year. With aspirations to achieve ₹3 lakh crore in defence production by 2029, India is solidifying its position as a global manufacturing hub for defence.

     

    India’s Defence Exports Surge

    India’s defence exports have reached an all-time high, surging from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a remarkable increase of over 30 times in export value over the past decade.

    This achievement is driven by effective policy reforms, initiatives, and improvements in the ease of doing business implemented by the government, all aimed at attaining self-reliance in defence. Notably, defence exports also experienced a substantial growth of 32.5% over the previous fiscal year, rising from ₹15,920 crore.

    India’s export portfolio boasts a diverse range of advanced defence equipment, including bulletproof jackets and helmets, Dornier (Do-228) aircraft, Chetak helicopters, fast interceptor boats, and lightweight torpedoes. A noteworthy highlight is the inclusion of ‘Made in Bihar’ boots in the Russian Army’s equipment, marking a significant milestone for Indian products in the global defence market and showcasing the country’s high manufacturing standards.

    Currently, India exports to over 100 nations, with the top three destinations for defence exports in 2023-24 being the USA, France, and Armenia. According to Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, the target is to further increase defence exports to ₹50,000 crore by 2029. This expanding international footprint underscores India’s commitment to becoming a reliable defence partner globally while bolstering its economic growth through enhanced defence production and exports.

    Key Government Initiatives

    In recent years, the Indian government has implemented a series of transformative initiatives aimed at bolstering the country’s defence production capabilities and achieving self-reliance. These measures are designed to attract investment, enhance domestic manufacturing, and streamline procurement processes. From liberalizing foreign direct investment (FDI) limits to prioritizing indigenous production, these initiatives reflect a robust commitment to strengthening India’s defence industrial base. The following points outline the key government initiatives that have been pivotal in driving growth and innovation in the defence sector.

    • Liberalized FDI Policy: The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the defence sector was raised in 2020 to 74% through the Automatic Route for companies seeking new defence industrial licenses and up to 100% through the Government Route for those likely to result in access to modern technology. As of February 9, 2024, ₹5,077 crore worth of FDI has been reported by companies operating in the defence sector.
    • Budget Allocation: The allocation for the Ministry of Defence for the financial year 2024-25 is ₹6,21,940.85 crore, as part of the “Demand for Grant” presented in Parliament during the ongoing Budget Session.
    • Priority for Domestic Procurement: Emphasis is placed on procuring capital items from domestic sources under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020.
    • Positive Indigenization Lists: Notification of five ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ totalling 509 items of services and five lists of 5,012 items from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), with an embargo on imports beyond specified timelines.
    • Simplified Licensing Process: Streamlining the industrial licensing process with a longer validity period.
    • iDEX Scheme Launch: The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme was launched to involve startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in defence innovation.

     

    • Public Procurement Preference: Implementation of the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order 2017 to support domestic manufacturers.

     

    • Indigenization Portal: Launch of the Self-Reliant Initiatives through Joint Action (SRIJAN) portal to facilitate indigenization by Indian industry, including MSMEs.

     

    • Defence Industrial Corridors: Establishment of two Defence Industrial Corridors, one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, to promote defence manufacturing.

     

    • Opening Defence R&D: Defence Research & Development (R&D) has been opened up for industry and startups to foster innovation and collaboration.

     

    • Domestic Procurement Allocation: Out of the total allocation of ₹1,40,691.24 crore under the Capital Acquisition (Modernization) Segment, ₹1,05,518.43 crore (75%) has been earmarked for domestic procurement in the Budget Estimates for 2024-25.

     

    Conclusion

    India’s journey toward Atmanirbharta in defence reflects a transformative shift from reliance on imports to becoming a self-sufficient manufacturing hub. The record achievements in domestic production and exports underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing national security and bolstering economic growth through robust defence initiatives. With strategic policies in place, a growing emphasis on indigenization, and a vibrant defence industrial base, India is poised to not only meet its own security needs but also emerge as a key player in the global arms market. The ambitious targets set for future production and exports signify a strong resolve to reinforce the country’s position as a reliable defence partner worldwide. As India continues to innovate and collaborate across sectors, it is well on its way to solidifying its status as a formidable force in global defence manufacturing.

     

    References:

    Click here to see in PDF:

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

    (Release ID: 2069090) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 82nd Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates key Infrastructure projects

    Source: Government of India

    82nd Meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates key Infrastructure projects

    NPG assesses Rail and Road projects

    Posted On: 29 OCT 2024 10:23AM by PIB Delhi

    The 82nd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG) under the PM GatiShakti initiative, chaired by Additional Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Shri Rajeev Singh Thakur was held on 24 October 2024, to evaluate key infrastructure projects across India. Representatives from project proponents, Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics(BISAG-N), and nodal officers from respective States participated, focusing on enhancing multimodal connectivity and logistics efficiency in alignment with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan (PMGS NMP).

    The NPG evaluated all seven projects based on the core principles of PM GatiShakti, including integrated development of multimodal infrastructure, last-mile connectivity to economic and social nodes, intermodal connectivity, and synchronized project implementation. These projects are anticipated to play pivotal roles in national development by boosting logistical efficiency, reducing travel times, and delivering substantial socio-economic benefits to the regions they serve.The evaluation and anticipated impacts of these projects are detailed below:

    A. Projects of the Ministry of Railways (MoR)

    1. Jharsuguda to Sason 3rd & 4th lines Rail Line, Odisha

    Spanning a total alignment of 64 km, this rail line enhancement lies within the Jharsuguda-Sambalpur section, a strategic part of Odisha’s industrial corridor that includes the Talcher coalfields and IB Valley (Sundargarh). The project supports the “Mission 3000 MT” target by aiming to double coal transport capacity by 2027, contributing to increased logistics efficiency and freight throughput. This Energy Corridor connects with key economic nodes, including industries in Jharsuguda, Rengali, and Lapanga, and provides links to Paradip and Dhamra Ports for coastal shipping. The line integrates with PM GatiShakti for multimodal infrastructure, incorporating goods sheds at Rengali, Lapanga, and Brundamal, and enhancing connections to NH-49 & SH10​.

    2. Sambalpur to Jarapada Rail Line (3rd & 4th lines), Odisha

    Spanning a total alignment of 127.2 km, this rail line expansion between Sambalpur and Jarapada is integral to the coal supply chain in Odisha’s industrial region, including the IB Valley and Talcher coalfields. The project aligns with PM GatiShakti’s objectives to double coal transport capacity by 2027 in support of the “Mission 3000 MT” initiative. Key industrial clusters benefiting from this rail line include major Aluminum production facilities in Jharsuguda, Lapanga, Rengali, and Paradip. The rail route also connects efficiently to Paradip and Dhamra ports, providing seamless multimodal logistics and supporting the regional energy sector. Integrated with PM GatiShakti’s framework, the project enhances logistical capacity by connecting to NH-55 and NH-53 for broader industrial access​.

    3. Tirupati-Katpadi Double Line, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu

    With a total alignment of 104.39 km, this project addresses the high traffic density between Tirupati and Katpadi by enhancing rail connectivity and alleviating bottlenecks in this single-line section. The corridor, which passes through key industrial clusters, includes two industrial parks near Renigunta (approx. 15 km from Tirupati) and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) (85 km from Tirupati). The SEZ is a significant industrial hub, hosting numerous export-oriented units, while Renigunta’s proximity to a granite industry near Chittoor provides opportunities for improved freight logistics. Additionally, this project aligns with PM GatiShakti by optimizing access to ports such as Krishnapatnam (104 km from Tirupati) and Chennai Port (140 km from Tirupati) and facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers to support tourism and local industries

    4. Two (02) Projects of doubling the Rail lines in the State of Jharkhand

    (i) Koderma – Arigada Rail line

    (ii) Shivpur – Kathautia Rail line

    These two projects i.e., Doubling of Koderma-Arigada and Shivpur-Kathautia Rail Lines, spanning about 133.38 km and 49.08 km respectively, both in the state of Jharkhand focuses on increasing freight capacity in key coal-transporting regions. The NPG discussed solutions to address bottlenecks and improve overall logistics performance, projecting notable improvements in freight movement and economic benefits for the region.

    B. Projects of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)

    1. Prayagraj-Jaunpur-Azamgarh-Dohrighat-Gorakhpur Road, Uttar Pradesh

    Covering an alignment of 144 km, this project spans cities such as Prayagraj, Jaunpur, Azamgarh, Dohrighat, and Gorakhpur, integrating Greenfield and Brownfield sections. Planned bypasses for key towns aim to reduce traffic congestion and enhance both freight and passenger movement. PM GatiShakti principles are applied to support multimodal logistics and ensure swift land acquisition and infrastructure alignment with regional needs.

    2. Ghazipur-Syed Raja Road Section, Uttar Pradesh

    Designed as a 41.53 km Greenfield alignment, this corridor connects Ghazipur with strategic logistics hubs to enhance freight movement and access to economic zones. Key multimodal connections include the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFCCIL), local railway stations like Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and Ghazipur City, and air links through Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport in Varanasi. Additionally, the Varanasi Inland Waterway Terminal via NH-19 provides an alternative cargo route, optimizing logistics under the PM GatiShakti framework to streamline trade and reduce logistics costs in the region.

    Upon completion, these projects will significantly contribute to India’s infrastructure landscape, ensuring that the advantages of seamless connectivity extend to every region. By strengthening multimodal transport systems and addressing critical infrastructure gaps, these initiatives align with the Government’s vision for integrated and sustainable development.

    ****

    AD/CNAN

    (Release ID: 2069070) Visitor Counter : 77

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Director General Highlights Agency’s Role in Global Non-Proliferation, Nuclear Security and Safety at Nuclear Law Workshop

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Mr Grossi also spoke about the immense promise of nuclear science and technology, ranging from small modular reactors (SMRs) to radiotherapy for cancer treatment, in addressing global challenges such as climate change, health and food and energy insecurity.

    Workshop participants attended expert lectures and panels on IAEA safeguards and non-proliferation as well as sessions on the legal frameworks for nuclear safety and civil liability for nuclear damage led by IAEA experts. From protection to prevention and minimization of radiation risks, to the mitigation of consequences in the event of a nuclear accident, nuclear safety is a prerequisite for nuclear power. Mechanisms for compensation and civil liability for nuclear damage provide the legal certainty needed by the public, industry, lenders and investors. 

    IAEA’s Legal Adviser and Assistant Director General Peri Lynne Johnson said: “This IAEA-led workshop under the umbrella of three universities, provides a unique opportunity to address the importance of nuclear law to stakeholders from academia, industry and lawfirms.”

    The final day of the workshop took as its theme “The Law of Nuclear Security in the Midst of World Challenges”. Ms Johnson gave a keynote address on the legal framework for nuclear security and how it can mitigate the risks of nuclear terrorism. A discussion followed on the role of international law in nuclear security and conflict.

    The IAEA applies safeguards in more than 190 States. Its inspectors carry out activities to verify that countries are fulfilling their international commitments not to use nuclear material and technology for nuclear-weapons purposes. The global Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and regional nuclear-weapon-free zone treaties entrust the IAEA with these verification responsibilities.

    By ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear material and technology around the world through the implementation of legally binding instruments, the IAEA contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security, including adherence to  international law.

    Question and answer sessions following both of Mr Grossi’s keynote addresses gave participants the opportunity to find out more about nuclear safety and security, safeguards, nuclear law and peaceful uses of nuclear science and technology. 

    Students and young professionals attending the workshop also had the chance to learn more about career opportunities in nuclear law and humanitarian law, including opportunities at the United Nations and the IAEA, as well as at intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Malware targeting millions of people taken down by international coalition

    Source: Eurojust

    A global operation, supported by Eurojust, has led to the takedown of servers of infostealers, a type of malware used to steal personal data and conduct cybercrimes worldwide. The infostealers, RedLine and META, taken down today targeted millions of victims worldwide, making it one of the largest malware platforms globally. An international coalition of authorities from the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Australia shut down three servers in the Netherlands, seized two domains, unsealed charges in the United States and took two people into custody in Belgium.

    RedLine and Meta were able to steal personal data from infected devices. The data included saved usernames and passwords, and automatically saved form data, such as addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, cryptocurrency wallets, and cookies. After retrieving the personal data, the infostealers sold the information to other criminals through criminal market places. The criminals who purchased the personal data used it to steal money, cryptocurrency and to carry out follow-on hacking activities.

    Investigations into RedLine and Meta started after victims came forward and a security company notified authorities about possible servers in the Netherlands linked to the software. Authorities discovered that over 1 200 servers in dozens of countries were running the malware. To take down the transnational malware, Eurojust coordinated cooperation between authorities from the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, Portugal, United Kingdom and Australia. Through Eurojust, authorities were able to quickly exchange information and coordinate actions to take down the infostealers.

    The take down of the infostealers took place on 28 October during a worldwide operation. Three servers were taken down in the Netherlands, two domains were seized, charges were unsealed in the United States and two people were taken into custody in Belgium. After the authorities obtained the data and took down the servers, a message was sent to the alleged perpetrators, including a video. The video sends a strong message to the criminals, showing that the international coalition of authorities was able to obtain crucial data on their network and will shut down their criminal activities. After the message was sent, Belgian authorities took down several Redline and Meta communication channels.

    The authorities also retrieved a database of clients from RedLine and Meta. Investigations will now continue into the criminals using the stolen data.

    For people concerned they may have fallen victim to RedLine and Meta, a private security company has launched an online tool to allow people to check if their data was stolen. The tool helps potential victims on the steps they need to take if their data has been stolen.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • The Netherlands: National Police, Team Cybercrime Limburg, Public Prosecution Service
    • United States: Federal Bureau of Investigation; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations; Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Army Criminal Investigation Division
    • Belgium: Federal Prosecutor’s Office; Federal Police
    • Portugal: Polícia Judiciária
    • United Kingdom: National Crime Agency
    • Australia: Australian Federal Police

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CECO Environmental Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Produces Record Q3 Bookings and Highest-Ever Backlog
    Q3 Revenue and Income Impacted by Customer-Driven Project Delays
    Announced the Acquisition of Profire Energy (Nasdaq: PFIE) for $125 Million
    Completed Acquisition of WK, in Early October
    Updates FY24 Guidance and Introduces 2025 Outlook

    DALLAS, Oct. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CECO Environmental Corp. (Nasdaq: CECO) (“CECO”), (the “Company”), a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company whose solutions protect people, the environment, and industrial equipment, today reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024. In addition, CECO, announces it has completed the acquisition of WK, an Industrial Air company headquartered in Germany, in early October. Additionally, the Company announced the acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE) (“Profire”), a leader in burner management technology and combustion control systems that provide mission-critical combustion automation and control solutions and services to improve environmental efficiency, safety and reliability for industrial thermal applications globally.

    Third Quarter Summary(1)

    • Orders of $162.3 million, up 12 percent
    • Backlog of $437.5 million
    • Revenue of $135.5 million, down 9 percent
    • Gross profit of $45.3 million, up 5 percent; Gross margin of 33.4 percent, up 460 basis points
    • Net income of $2.1 million, down 36 percent; non-GAAP net income of $5.2 million, down 32 percent
    • GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.06; non-GAAP EPS (diluted) of $0.14, down 36 percent
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $14.3 million, down 5 percent
    • Free cash flow of $11.1 million, down $17.4 million

    Subsequent to the Quarter

    • Completes the acquisition of WK in early October
    • Announces the acquisition of Profire; expected to close by January 2025

    (1) All comparisons are versus the comparable prior year period, unless otherwise stated.
    Reconciliations of GAAP (reported) to non-GAAP measures are in the attached financial tables.

    Todd Gleason, CECO’s Chief Executive Officer commented, “While our third quarter produced very strong orders and a new record backlog, we were disappointed that we fell short of the anticipated quarterly revenue and income outlook as a handful of customer-driven delays in larger projects could not be overcome by continued progress with margin expansion and other actions. These delayed projects are expected to begin activity over the coming months and the impact is reflected in our updated full year 2024 and newly introduced full year 2025 outlook. We are excited to have been awarded several large energy transition and general industrial orders in the quarter and we anticipate this trend to continue as we are forecasting a very strong fourth quarter bookings period.”

    Third quarter operating income was $7.2 million, down $0.7 million or 9 percent when compared to $7.9 million in the third quarter 2023. On an adjusted basis, non-GAAP operating income was $11.0 million, down $1.8 million or 14 percent when compared to $12.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. Net income was $2.1 million in the quarter, down $1.2 million or 36 percent when compared to $3.3 million in the third quarter of 2023. Non-GAAP net income was $5.2 million, down $2.4 million or 32 percent when compared to $7.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA of $14.3 million, reflecting a margin of 10.6 percent, was down 5 percent compared to $15.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. Free cash flow in the quarter was $11.1 million, down $17.4 million compared to $28.5 million in the third quarter of 2023.

    Completes Acquisition of WK

    CECO today announced that in early October it completed the acquisition of Germany-based, WK – a leading industrial air business with well-established global customers and a strong Asia-Pacific presence, based out of Singapore. WK designs, engineers and supplies a broad range of cutting-edge technical equipment and systems for process and environmental and surface technology applications, as well as innovative sustainable solutions. This acquisition strengthens CECO’s footprint and capabilities within the industrial processing solutions segment and further advances the Company’s Industrial Air and leadership positions. WK is expected to deliver full year 2024 sales of approximately $15 million with the potential for high-teen EBITDA margins.

    “I would like to welcome the WK organization to our portfolio of leading industrial air solutions businesses,” said Mr. Gleason. “Together we will advance our joint capabilities to better serve global customers while penetrating markets with solutions and services from across our diverse enterprise.”

    Announces Acquisition of Profire Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: PFIE)

    “I am excited that today we announced the acquisition of Profire in an all-cash transaction that we expect will close in January 2025. Profire expects to generate approximately $60 million in revenues with adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 20 percent in the full year 2024. With an installed base approaching 100,000 burner management systems and a growing industrial market product offering, we look forward to accelerating their global market expansion and introducing their high-efficiency solutions to more customers in the industrial air and water markets. We are confident the increased scale and combined corporate organizations will generate meaningful efficiencies and synergies. The addition of Profire is another important step in our ongoing execution of programmatic M&A and we expect it will further advance our position as the leading environmental solutions provider in industrial markets,” added Mr. Gleason.

    Updates 2024 Full Year Guidance

    The Company updated its 2024 full year revenue guidance to reflect revenue between $575 and $600 million, up approximately 10 percent year over year at the midpoint of the range, and adjusted EBITDA between $65 to $70 million, up approximately 17 percent year over year, at the midpoint of the range. The updated expected full year guidance compares to the previous outlook for revenues of between $600 to $620 million and adjusted EBITDA of between $68 to $72 million. The Company expects 2024 full year bookings guidance to reflect a book to bill rate of or in excess of 1.2x, up from a previous range of 1.05x to 1.1x. The Company maintains its full year outlook for free cash flow of 50% to 70% of adjusted EBITDA.

    “Our updated full year 2024 guidance essentially mirrors the initial outlook we provided as we entered 2024. As previously mentioned, unfortunately, the customer-driven delays associated with a handful of larger projects impacted our ability to hit the raised guidance we issued mid-year. This is the first time we have reduced guidance in company history, and although this is disappointing for our short-term results, we remain very pleased with our bookings, margin expansion progress and overall execution. Additionally, the revenue and associated income from the 2024 project delays slide into upcoming quarters, so we remain focused on execution and controlling factors we can influence,” said Mr. Gleason.

    Introduces 2025 Full Year Guidance

    The Company introduced its 2025 full year guidance to reflect revenue between $700 and $750 million, up approximately 25 percent at the midpoint of the range, and adjusted EBITDA between $90 and $100 million, up approximately 40% at the midpoint of the range. The Company expects full year free cash flow of between 50% to 70% of adjusted EBITDA.

    Mr. Gleason concluded, “Our full year 2025 outlook reflects the visibility we have with our record backlog, ongoing strong bookings, 2024 related project push outs, and the impact from already completed acquisitions and the pending transaction with Profire. We continue to drive an aggressive operating model that supports strong organic growth, coupled with steady margin expansion and additions from accretive and strategic acquisitions.”

    EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL

    A conference call is scheduled for today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the third quarter 2024 financial results. Please visit the Investor Relations portion of the website (https://investors.cecoenviro.com) to listen to the call via webcast. The conference call may also be accessed by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4ui844vi.

    A replay of the conference call will be available on the Company’s website for a period of one year. The replay may also be accessed by visiting https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4ui844vi.

    ABOUT CECO ENVIRONMENTAL

    CECO Environmental is a leading environmentally focused, diversified industrial company, serving the broad landscape of industrial air, industrial water and energy transition markets globally providing innovative solutions and application expertise. CECO helps companies grow their business with safe, clean, and more efficient solutions that help protect people, the environment and industrial equipment. CECO solutions improve air and water quality, optimize emissions management, and increase energy efficiency for highly-engineered applications in power generation, midstream and downstream hydrocarbon processing and transport, electric vehicle production, polysilicon fabrication, semiconductor and electronics, battery production and recycling, specialty metals and steel production, beverage can, and water/wastewater treatment and a wide range of other industrial end markets. CECO is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CECO.” Incorporated in 1966, CECO’s global headquarters is in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please visit www.cecoenviro.com.

    Company Contact:
    Peter Johansson
    Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
    888-990-6670
    investor.relations@onececo.com

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Steven Hooser and Jean Marie Young
    Three Part Advisors, LLC
    214-872-2710
    investor.relations@onececo.com

    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               
    (in thousands, except per share data) (unaudited)
    September 30, 2024    		     December 31, 2023  
    ASSETS          
    Current assets:          
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 38,700     $ 54,779  
    Restricted cash   226       669  
    Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $7,214 and $6,460   100,111       112,733  
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts   68,500       66,574  
    Inventories, net   37,760       34,089  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   27,143       11,769  
    Prepaid income taxes   3,826       824  
    Total current assets   276,266       281,437  
    Property, plant and equipment, net   32,306       26,237  
    Right-of-use assets from operating leases   24,690       16,256  
    Goodwill   220,026       211,326  
    Intangible assets – finite life, net   51,547       50,461  
    Intangible assets – indefinite life   9,598       9,570  
    Deferred income taxes   287       304  
    Deferred charges and other assets   6,792       4,700  
    Total assets $ 621,512     $ 600,291  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
    Current liabilities:          
    Current portion of debt $ 10,580     $ 10,488  
    Accounts payable   92,316       87,691  
    Accrued expenses   43,762       44,301  
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts   64,801       56,899  
    Notes payable   1,700       2,500  
    Income taxes payable   —       1,227  
    Total current liabilities   213,159       203,106  
    Other liabilities   10,336       12,644  
    Debt, less current portion   122,818       126,795  
    Deferred income tax liability, net   9,622       8,838  
    Operating lease liabilities   19,696       11,417  
    Total liabilities   375,631       362,800  
    Commitments and contingencies (See Note 14)          
    Shareholders’ equity:          
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, none issued   —       —  
    Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 34,979,018 and
    34,835,293 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively    		   349       348  
    Capital in excess of par value   253,590       254,956  
    Retained earnings (accumulated loss)   1,692       (6,387 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (14,374 )     (16,274 )
    Total CECO shareholders’ equity   241,257       232,643  
    Noncontrolling interest   4,624       4,848  
    Total shareholders’ equity   245,881       237,491  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 621,512     $ 600,291  
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (unaudited)
               
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in thousands, except share and per share data) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net sales $ 135,513     $ 149,390     $ 399,367     $ 391,134  
    Cost of sales   90,247       106,269       259,921       273,303  
    Gross profit   45,266       43,121       139,446       117,831  
    Selling and administrative expenses   34,262       30,439       105,636       86,082  
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2,617       1,968       7,036       5,988  
    Acquisition and integration expenses   1,210       1,386       1,876       2,210  
    Executive transition expenses   —       1,258       —       1,417  
    Restructuring expenses   (10 )     217       544       217  
    Asbestos litigation expenses   —       —       225       —  
    Income from operations   7,187       7,853       24,129       21,917  
    Other expense, net   (398 )     (216 )     (2,589 )     (670 )
    Interest expense   (2,648 )     (3,340 )     (9,315 )     (9,498 )
    Income before income taxes   4,141       4,297       12,225       11,749  
    Income tax expense   1,602       585       2,664       1,577  
    Net income   2,539       3,712       9,561       10,172  
    Noncontrolling interest   (453 )     (382 )     (1,482 )     (1,140 )
    Net income attributable to CECO Environmental Corp. $ 2,086     $ 3,330     $ 8,079     $ 9,032  
    Earnings per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.06     $ 0.10     $ 0.23     $ 0.26  
    Diluted $ 0.06     $ 0.09     $ 0.22     $ 0.26  
    Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                      
    Basic   34,966,625       34,771,742       34,910,165       34,612,163  
    Diluted   36,488,788       35,301,429       36,322,690       35,215,843  
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
         
      Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in thousands) 2024     2023  
    Cash flows from operating activities:          
    Net income $ 9,561     $ 10,172  
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
    Depreciation and amortization   10,536       8,769  
    Unrealized foreign currency gain (loss)   201       (138 )
    Fair value adjustment to earnout liabilities   400       296  
    Gain on sale of property and equipment   135       43  
    Debt discount amortization   357       271  
    Share-based compensation expense   5,790       3,096  
    Bad debt expense   404       154  
    Inventory reserve expense   850       526  
    Other   77       —  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:          
    Accounts receivable   9,653       (25,961 )
    Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings on uncompleted contracts   (1,498 )     6,006  
    Inventories   (4,305 )     (10,395 )
    Prepaid expense and other current assets   (18,059 )     (8,228 )
    Deferred charges and other assets   (2,755 )     (268 )
    Accounts payable   15,387       21,162  
    Accrued expenses   (550 )     7,868  
    Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings on uncompleted contracts   7,286       19,330  
    Income taxes payable   (1,140 )     261  
    Other liabilities   (9,330 )     (3,473 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities   23,000       29,491  
    Cash flows from investing activities:          
    Acquisitions of property and equipment   (11,237 )     (5,511 )
    Net cash paid for acquisitions   (14,954 )     (48,102 )
    Net cash used in investing activities   (26,191 )     (53,613 )
    Cash flows from financing activities:          
    Borrowings on revolving credit lines   58,400       94,200  
    Repayments on revolving credit lines   (54,800 )     (63,200 )
    Repayments of long-term debt   (7,843 )     (2,478 )
    Payments on finance leases and financing liability   (692 )     (680 )
    Deferred consideration paid for acquisitions   (2,050 )     (1,247 )
    Earnout payments   (1,672 )     (1,496 )
    Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan and exercise of stock options   846       1,435  
    Noncontrolling interest distributions   (1,707 )     (1,364 )
    Common stock repurchased   (5,000 )     —  
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities   (14,518 )     25,170  
    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   1,187       703  
    Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (16,522 )     1,751  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   55,448       46,585  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $ 38,926     $ 48,336  
    Cash paid during the period for:          
    Interest $ 9,714     $ 8,531  
    Income taxes $ 6,779     $ 8,633  
    CECO ENVIRONMENTAL CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES
               
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in millions, except ratios) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Operating income as reported in accordance with GAAP $ 7.2     $ 7.9     $ 24.1     $ 21.9  
    Operating margin in accordance with GAAP   5.3 %     5.3 %     6.0 %     5.6 %
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2.6       2.0       7.1       6.0  
    Acquisition and integration expenses   1.2       1.4       1.9       2.2  
    Restructuring expenses   —       0.2       0.5       0.2  
    Executive transition expenses   —       1.3       —       1.4  
    Asbestos litigation expenses   —       —       0.2       —  
    Non-GAAP operating income $ 11.0     $ 12.8     $ 33.8     $ 31.7  
    Non-GAAP operating margin   8.1 %     8.6 %     8.5 %     8.1 %
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in millions, except share data) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net income as reported in accordance with GAAP $ 2.1     $ 3.3     $ 8.1     $ 9.0  
    Amortization and earnout expenses   2.6       2.0       7.1       6.0  
    Acquisition and integration expenses   1.2       1.4       1.9       2.2  
    Restructuring expenses   —       0.2       0.5       0.2  
    Executive transition expense   —       1.3       —       1.4  
    Asbestos litigation expense   —       —       0.2       –  
    Foreign currency remeasurement   0.3       0.8       1.8       (0.1 )
    Tax (benefit) expense of adjustments   (1.0 )     (1.4 )     (2.8 )     (2.4 )
    Non-GAAP net income $ 5.2     $ 7.6     $ 16.8     $ 16.3  
    Depreciation   1.4       1.2       4.0       3.5  
    Non-cash stock compensation   1.9       1.1       5.8       3.1  
    Other expense, net   0.1       (0.6 )     0.8       0.8  
    Interest expense   2.6       3.3       9.3       9.5  
    Income tax expense   2.6       2.0       5.6       4.0  
    Noncontrolling interest   0.5       0.4       1.5       1.2  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 14.3     $ 15.0     $ 43.8     $ 38.4  
                           
    Earnings per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.06     $ 0.09     $ 0.23     $ 0.26  
    Diluted $ 0.06     $ 0.10     $ 0.22     $ 0.26  
                           
    Non-GAAP net income per share:                      
    Basic $ 0.15     $ 0.22     $ 0.48     $ 0.47  
    Diluted $ 0.14     $ 0.22     $ 0.46     $ 0.46  
      Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    (in millions) 2024     2023     2024     2023  
    Net cash provided by operating activities $ 15.1     $ 30.1     $ 23.0     $ 29.5  
    Acquisitions of property and equipment   (4.0 )     (1.6 )     (11.2 )     (5.5 )
    Free cash flow $ 11.1     $ 28.5     $ 11.8     $ 24.0  
                                   

    NOTE REGARDING NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

    CECO is providing certain non-GAAP historical financial measures as presented above as we believe that these figures are helpful in allowing individuals to better assess the ongoing nature of CECO’s core operations. A “non-GAAP financial measure” is a numerical measure of a company’s historical financial performance that excludes amounts that are included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

    Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, as we present them in the financial data included in this press release, have been adjusted to exclude the effects of amortization expenses for acquisition-related intangible assets, contingent retention and earnout expenses, restructuring expenses primarily relating to severance and legal expenses, acquisition and integration expenses which include retention, legal, accounting, banking, and other expenses, foreign currency remeasurement and other nonrecurring or infrequent items and the associated tax benefit of these items. Management believes that these items are not necessarily indicative of the Company’s ongoing operations and their exclusion provides individuals with additional information to better compare the Company’s results over multiple periods. Management utilizes this information to evaluate its ongoing financial performance. Our financial statements may continue to be affected by items similar to those excluded in the non-GAAP adjustments described above, and exclusion of these items from our non-GAAP financial measures should not be construed as an inference that all such costs are unusual or infrequent.

    Non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the costs associated with the operations of our business as determined in accordance with GAAP. As a result, you should not consider these measures in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of CECO’s results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, CECO cautions investors that non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

    In accordance with the requirements of Regulation G issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating margin, non-GAAP earnings per basic and diluted share, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow stated in the tables above are reconciled to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

    Non-GAAP measures presented on a forward-looking basis were not reconciled to the comparable GAAP financial measures because the reconciliation could not be performed without unreasonable efforts. The GAAP measures are not accessible on a forward-looking basis because we are currently unable to predict with a reasonable degree of certainty the type and extent of certain items that would be expected to impact GAAP measures for these periods but would not impact the non-GAAP measures. Such items may include amortization expenses for acquisition-related intangible assets, contingent retention and earnout expenses, restructuring expenses primarily relating to severance and legal expenses, acquisition and integration expenses which include retention, legal, accounting, banking, and other expenses, foreign currency remeasurement and other nonrecurring or infrequent items and the associated tax benefit of these items. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on our GAAP financial results.

    SAFE HARBOR

    Any statements contained in this Press Release, other than statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, both as amended, and should be evaluated as such. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance. We use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intends,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “will,” “plan,” “should” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Potential risks and uncertainties, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially are discussed under “Part I – Item 1A. Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and may be included in subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and include, but are not limited to: the parties’ ability to complete the proposed Profire transactions in the anticipated timeframe or at all, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Profire transaction agreement between the parties, the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed Profire transaction on business relationships, operating results, and business generally, disruption of current plans and operations and potential difficulties in employee retention as a result of the proposed Profire transaction, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations as a result of the Profire transaction, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted related to the proposed Profire transaction, the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and other charges related to the proposed Profire transaction, the risk that competing offers or acquisition proposals will be made, the achievement of the anticipated benefits of the Profire transaction, the ability of Profire to achieve its 2024 earnings guidance, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from acquisitions, the sensitivity of our business to economic and financial market conditions generally and economic conditions in our service areas; dependence on fixed price contracts and the risks associated therewith, including actual costs exceeding estimates and method of accounting for revenue; the effect of growth on our infrastructure, resources, and existing sales; the ability to expand operations in both new and existing markets; the potential for contract delay or cancellation as a result of on-going or worsening supply chain challenges; liabilities arising from faulty services or products that could result in significant professional or product liability, warranty, or other claims; changes in or developments with respect to any litigation or investigation; failure to meet timely completion or performance standards that could result in higher cost and reduced profits or, in some cases, losses on projects; the potential for fluctuations in prices for manufactured components and raw materials, including as a result of tariffs and surcharges, and rising energy costs; inflationary pressures relating to rising raw material costs and the cost of labor; the substantial amount of debt incurred in connection with our strategic transactions and our ability to repay or refinance it or incur additional debt in the future; the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock and the amounts and timing of repurchases, if any; our ability to successfully realize the expected benefits of our restructuring program; our ability to successfully identify acquisition targets, integrate acquired businesses and realize the synergies from strategic transactions; and the unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including cyber security threats, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities or public health crises, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors. Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material aspects from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements as they speak only to our views as of the date the statement is made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sudan, Middle East, Lebanon/Israel & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (28 Oct) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -Secretary-General travel /Colombia
    -Sudan
    -Sudan/humanitarian
    -Middle East
    -Deputy Secretary-General
    -Lebanon/Israel
    -Lebanon/humanitarian
    -Occupied Palestinian territory
    -Gaza
    -Ukraine
    -Philippines
    -Abyei
    -Sahel and Lake Chad region
    -Briefings today and tomorrow

    Secretary-General travel /Colombia
    The Secretary-General will travel to Cali, in Colombia, to attend the high-level segment of the16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16). And he is heading out this afternoon.
    On Tuesday, in Cali, he will deliver remarks at the opening of the plenary session of the COP. In his remarks, he is expected to highlight that nature is life, and yet we are waging a war against it – a war where there can be no winner. He is expected to stress that biodiversity is humanity’s ally, and that we must move from plundering to preserving. He will also call for the promises made at the Framework adopted two years ago in Montreal to be turned into actions.
    While attending COP16, the Secretary-General will also meet and engage in discussions with Indigenous people and local communities, as well as other representatives of society, including youth groups and women’s groups. He will also meet with President Gustavo Petro of Colombia.
    On the sidelines of the COP, the Secretary-General will speak at an event on plastic pollution organized by the UN Environment Programme.
    And we expect the Secretary-General back in New York on Wednesday evening.

    Sudan
    In an open session this morning, the Secretary-General briefed the Security Council on the situation in Sudan. As you know, Security Council resolution 2736 that was adopted in June requested that the Secretary-General make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan. He submitted that to the Security Council last week.
    In his remarks, Mr. Guterres outlined three key priorities from his recommendations: First, both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities; secondly, that civilians must be protected, and his third priority is related to the flow of humanitarian aid.
    Mr. Guterres added that at present, the conditions do not exist for the successful deployment of a UN force to protect civilians in Sudan.
    However, he said, he stands ready to engage with the Council and others on the range of operational modalities that can meaningfully contribute to the reduction in violence and the protection of civilians.
    Moreover, he urged the Council to continue supporting his Special Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra in his diplomatic efforts.
    Mr. Guterres spoke at length about the humanitarian situation and the suffering in Sudan, which is growing by the day. He also spoke of the shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the eastern part of the country.

    Sudan/Humanitarian
    The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance is expressing concerns at escalating armed violence in Aj Jazirah State.
    Joyce Msuya, our Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs says that we received horrific reports of entire villages being attacked, with civilians killed, detained and displaced in huge numbers, and those reports talk about actions between October 20th and 25th. During that time, the Rapid Support Forces reportedly launched a major assault across 30 towns and villages and towns in Aj Jazirah State.
    An estimated 47,000 people have fled the fighting, including to other parts of Aj Jazirah State. We and our partners are continuing to provide assistance to nearly 40,000 people who have sought shelter in Gedaref and Kassala states.
    Those displaced by the violence urgently need food, shelter, health care and protection support. Many of the wounded also need medical attention.
    We and our partners are concerned about civilians who remain trapped in those areas and are unable to escape due to insecurity and fear of abduction, as well as those on the move in search of safety, protection and urgent assistance.
    Also, to flag that the Director General of the International Migration agency, Amy Pope, began today a three-day visit to assess the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation and the increasing displacement crisis. The visit in Sudan will focus on rallying international support for the humanitarian response, ensuring that the ongoing crisis in Sudan remains at the forefront of global attention. The Director General will visit various displacement sites to engage directly with impacted communities.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=28%20October%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLkC0_Y0uHE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sudan & South Sudan – UN Chief’s Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on Sudan and South Sudan – Security Council, 9761st meeting

    ——————————
    “Madam President, Excellencies,
    I thank the Council for the opportunity to discuss the utter humanitarian catastrophe engulfing Sudan.

    Eighteen months have passed since brutal fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

    The suffering is growing by the day, with almost 25 million people now requiring assistance.

    The people of Sudan are living through a nightmare of violence — with thousands of civilians killed, and countless others facing unspeakable atrocities, including widespread rape and sexual assaults.

    In recent days, we have heard shocking reports of mass killings and sexual violence in villages in Aj Jazirah State in the east of the country.

    They are also enduring a nightmare of hunger — as more than 750,000 people face catastrophic food insecurity and famine conditions take hold in displacement sites in North Darfur, while millions struggle to feed themselves every day.

    They are confronting a nightmare of disease — with cholera, malaria, dengue fever, measles and rubella spreading fast.

    A nightmare of collapsed infrastructure — with vital health systems, transportation networks, water and sanitation systems, supply routes and agricultural production grinding to a halt.

    A nightmare of displacement — the largest displacement crisis in the world, with more than 11 million people fleeing since April last year, including nearly 3 million who have crossed into neighbouring countries.
    A nightmare of extreme weather — with nearly 600,000 people affected by heavy rains and floods this summer.

    And Sudan is, once again, rapidly becoming a nightmare of mass ethnic violence, in particular with the dramatic escalation of fighting in El Fasher.

    Madam President,

    We have consistently appealed to both sides to end the fighting and come to the negotiating table.

    But instead of lowering tensions, they are escalating military action.

    Meanwhile, outside powers are fuelling the fire.

    We face the serious possibility of the conflict igniting regional instability from the Sahel to the Horn of Africa to the Red Sea.

    Resolution 2736 adopted earlier this year sent a strong signal.

    But we need action on the ground.

    The resolution requested me to make recommendations to protect civilians in Sudan, which I submitted to this Council last week.

    Allow me to outline three key priorities.

    First — both sides must immediately agree to a cessation of hostilities.

    Such an agreement should be translated into local ceasefires and humanitarian pauses — creating new avenues of dialogue, and laying the ground for a comprehensive ceasefire.

    At the same time, diplomatic efforts must be intensified to finally bring an end to the conflict — including support to implement the commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    My Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra, is working around the clock with that objective.

    He convened the parties in Geneva to enhance humanitarian access and strengthen the protection of civilians in Sudan.

    And he supported the coordination of mediation initiatives, in collaboration with regional partners — in particular, the African Union’s High-Level Panel.

    I urge this Council to continue supporting his efforts, and encourage effective engagement with regional partners like the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, and other key ones.

    And I salute the efforts of the African Union and IGAD towards an inclusive Sudanese political dialogue, which would provide an important platform for civilians — including women — to speak out about the importance of ending the war and lend their voices towards a peaceful and democratic future.

    Which brings me to my second point — civilians must be protected.

    We need this Council’s support to help protect civilians in line with human rights and international humanitarian law — including the parties’ own commitments in the Jeddah Declaration.

    The parties to the conflict bear the primary responsibility to ensure the protection of civilians and come to the negotiation table.

    I am horrified by the Rapid Support Forces’ continued attacks against civilians in El Fasher and surrounding areas, which include displacement sites where famine conditions have been confirmed.

    And I am also horrified by reports of attacks against civilians perpetrated by forces affiliated with the Sudanese Armed Forces in Khartoum, and by continuing mass civilian casualties due to apparently indiscriminate airstrikes in populated areas.

    The perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law must be held accountable” [Excerpt].

    Full remarks [as delivered]: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statement/2024-10-28/secretary-generals-remarks-the-security-council-sudan-bilingual-delivered-scroll-down-for-all-english-and-all-french

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dENMe2efAQg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Meeting of the Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care, and Services | October 21, 2024

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    During the meeting on October 21, 2024, the Advisory Council will hear updates from federal agencies on activities during the last quarter and from panels organized by the clinical care and risk reduction subcommittees. Presenters will discuss dementia care from different perspectives, including those of providers, people with lived experience, and CMMI GUIDE Model participants, as well as how to bridge gaps in service delivery.

    —

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) | http://www.hhs.gov | HHS Privacy Policy | http://www.hhs.gov/Privacy.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4lZRnE1SvM

    MIL OSI Video –