NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI China: Kashgar transforms into unique tourist destination blending history, modernity

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

    Kashgar transforms into unique tourist destination blending history, modernity

    Updated: September 24, 2024 10:00 Xinhua
    Tourists select leather bags in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. The ancient city of Kashgar, located in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital transportation hub connecting China with Central Asia and South Asia in ancient times. The confluence of diverse ethnic cultures in this region has given rise to a wealth of historical and cultural treasures. Today, Kashgar has harnessed its cultural and geographical advantages, transforming into a unique tourist destination that blends history and modernity. In the first eight months of 2024, Kashgar received over 19.5 million domestic tourists, an increase of 29.46 percent year-on-year, and generated tourism revenue of nearly 15.35 billion yuan (about 2.18 billion U.S. dollars), up 38.83 percent. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist poses for a photo in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Local residents enjoy their leisure time in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist tries a headdress in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An ice cream maker gives a tourist her ice cream through magic tricks in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a local residential building with more than 300 years of history in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist buys local snacks in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit the ancient city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Copper wares are pictured in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist buys pomegranate juice in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A tourist selects wool carpets in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A local cook introduces his food to tourists in the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today
    Registration to activities at Maritime Carnival in celebration of National Day begins today
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         To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Marine Department (MD) will organise a Maritime Carnival at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM) at Central Pier No. 8 on October 6 (Sunday). Through a series of family-friendly activities and display panels, the carnival aims to enrich public’s understanding about the development of maritime industry as well as to promote patriotic education.     The carnival will be held from 10.30am to 7pm and highlights will include two demonstrations of marine refuse and oil cleansing at 11.30am and 4pm, as well as shipboard visits to the MD’s newly launched vessels, patrol launch “MARINE 1” and hydrographic survey vessel “HYDRO 2”. The vessel visits will provide members of the public with a rare opportunity to view the equipment of the operation vessels up close. In addition, ship-handling simulator will also be set up at the HKMM to provide citizens with an immersive opportunity to navigate a virtual boat journey through Hong Kong waters.     Persons interested in participating either the shipboard visits to the MD’s vessels or trying out the ship-handling simulator can register at the respective website starting from today (September 24) till 11.59pm on September 29 (Sunday). The registration form for shipboard visits can be found at the website forms.gle/GAFcfk3Sdmynbiw66, and for the ship-handling simulator at forms.gle/X6gcLwfVFFs5syDw8. Registration is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation email on or before October 4.     Other interesting activities of the carnival include demonstrations of unmanned underwater system challenge, marine movie screenings, tattoo sticker experience, maritime-themed talks, game booths and guided tours to the HKMM.      All activities of the Maritime Carnival are free of charge. For more information about the carnival, please visit the website: www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/event-details/celebrating-the-75th-anniversary-of-the-founding-of-the-peoples-republic-of-china-maritime-carnival. For enquiries, please contact the HKMM at 3713 2500 during office hours.     Should there be adverse weather, for example, the Standby Signal No.1 or Red Rainstorm Signal to be issued by the Hong Kong Observatory at 8am on the event day, or the relevant signal is still in force at 8am on the event day, the Maritime Carnival will be rescheduled to October 13 for safety reason. Visitors should regularly check the HKMM’s website www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/ for the latest information. 

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 10:18

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NMRC Leadership Provides Guidance on Marine Health to the Health Services Operational Advisory Group

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    BETHESDA, Md. – Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC) leadership and staff attended a meeting of the Health Services Operational Advisory Group (HSOAG) on September 11.

    The meeting, which occurred over four days from September 9-12, brought together subject matter experts, leadership, and stakeholders to discuss the state of Marine healthcare and the organizational structures that support it.

    NMRC staff presented ongoing research and development work to other HSOAG attendees. Capt. Franca Jones, NMRC commander, spoke to the assembled stakeholders on the role of Research and Development in Marine health.

    “The Health Services OAG is an opportunity for Navy Medicine leaders who support the Fleet Marine Force to come together and, aligning with the Commandant’s guidance, focus on shaping the future of operational health service support,” said Rear Adm. Pam Miller, The Medical Officer (TMO) of the Marine Corps. “Research and development are critical for the Marine Corps to keep pace with the rapidly changing field of military medicine.”

    In between sessions, HSOAG members engaged with NMRC researchers during a meet-and-greet session, with research posters and a display on the command’s advanced medical development program. Posters on display showed recent research projects and capabilities in the areas of blast exposure; biological defense; vaccines and therapeutics; infectious diseases and NMRC’s diagnostic laboratory; and current clinical trials, all of which support Marine health and readiness.

    “NMRC’s participation in the Health Services Operational Advisory Group is a critical conduit for bilateral communications and collaborations to align Navy Medicine research and development efforts to address the medical capability gaps and requirements of the US Marine Corps,” said Cmdr. Mark Simons, NMRC’s deputy science director.

    Marine Corps Health Services, led by TMO, advises the Commandant and Marines Headquarters staff on all healthcare matters. TMO serves as the functional expert in working with the appropriate Headquarters agencies for determining medical requirements and makes recommendations on all medical matters relevant to supporting the Marine Corps.

    In support of the Navy, Marine Corps, and joint U.S. warfighters, NMRC researchers study infectious diseases, biological warfare detection and defense, combat casualty care, environmental health concerns, aerospace and undersea medicine, medical modeling, simulation, operational mission support, epidemiology and behavioral sciences.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Tuesday, 24 September 2024 – Volume 778 – 001410

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    Question No. 2—Public Service

    2. NANCY LU (National) to the Minister for the Public Service: What recent announcements has she made on Public Service working arrangements?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister for the Public Service): Yesterday, the Prime Minister and I announced that the Government wants to see more public servants come into their place of work each day, and we are taking steps to make our expectations clear. Guidance to the Public Service will be updated to make clear that working from home is not an entitlement and must be agreed and monitored. While I acknowledge carefully defined working from home arrangements can benefit workers and employers, there are significant downsides that need to be recognised as well. Many good employers have been taking active steps to ensure their working from home policies are fit for purpose and it’s time the Government did the same.

    Nancy Lu: What are the specific expectations she announced yesterday?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Updated guidelines will reinforce the Government’s expectation that (1) working from home arrangements are not an entitlement and should be by agreement; (2) working from home arrangements should only be agreed to where they will not compromise the performance of employees and agency objectives; and (3) importantly, where arrangements are agreed to, there must be comprehensive oversight arrangements in place so that managers can be clear the arrangements are working as expected and productivity is not being compromised.

    Nancy Lu: Why did she make yesterday’s announcement about working from home?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: There are good reasons why employees have traditionally been physically brought together for work, as members in this House know. It allows for face-to-face conversation, the sharing of skills and experiences, and relationship building. I think about the new grad who is starting out in an organisation. They need to observe, learn from, and form connections with their more experienced colleagues. Zoom and Microsoft Teams have significant limitations. Getting people back into the office will support those younger employees and mean managers can monitor team dynamics, including whether people are disengaged, struggling, or at odds with their colleagues.

    Nancy Lu: What does this announcement mean for public servants?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Public servants can still work from home if arrangements are agreed and expectations around productivity and performance are met. Having some flexibility in working arrangements can be beneficial for employees and for employers; however, the Government is making its expectation clear that working from home is not an entitlement and that safeguards need to be in place.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Motions — Release from Captivity—New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens – 001408

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    MOTIONS

    Release from Captivity—New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens

    Hon TODD McCLAY (Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate on the successful release from captivity of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens.

    SPEAKER: Very good. Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.

    Hon TODD McCLAY: I move, That this House welcome the release of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens on Saturday after being held hostage for 592 days in Papua, Indonesia; convey best wishes to Mr Mehrtens and his family and friends, as they recover from this deeply difficult experience; express deep gratitude to the Indonesian Government, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, together with community leaders, for the careful and patient approach taken to secure this peaceful outcome; commend the considerable effort of the wide range of New Zealand Government agencies, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which worked in cooperation and coordination with Indonesian authorities towards securing Mr Mehrtens’ release; acknowledge the New Zealand Government staff who have worked on the case in Jakarta and Papua, led by Ambassador Kevin Burnett; and note the cooperation and restraint shown by the New Zealand media in relation to this case.

    Motion agreed to.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Plateau care center offers homely comfort to orphans, elderly

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Tsechok Dorje (1st L) and Tsering Drolma (2nd R) pose for a photo at a care center in Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Seeing Tsechok Dorje’s scar on the right side of his face, Tsering Drolma couldn’t help but feel heartbroken, with tears welling up in her eyes.
    Several days ago, the eighth grader accidentally fell onto a heater and injured his face at school. When a teacher called Tsering Drolma about the accident, she was so panicked that she immediately asked her husband to drive her to the hospital to check on Tsechok Dorje’s condition.
    “I dared not be present while he was receiving treatment,” said Tsering Drolma, 36. “Luckily, his eyes are fine. Otherwise, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life.”
    Tsering Drolma is not Tsechok Dorje’s biological mother, but a Tibetan worker at a care center in Ngari Prefecture, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. She serves as a custodian-like “mother” of 12 orphans, including Tsechok Dorje.
    Sheltering 81 children and 54 elderly people without any family members or living with disabilities, the care center combines the functions of an orphanage and a nursing home, with workers serving like family members and creating an atmosphere like a big family.
    Tsering Drolma still remembers when Tsechok Dorje first arrived there two years ago. “Back then, he was still immersed in the sorrow of losing his loved ones. He would often sit alone in the corner without uttering a word,” Tsering Drolma recalled.
    To help him embrace the new environment, the workers in the care center often took him out to play, made his favorite meals for him and helped him study. These acts of affection and care have gradually transformed him, turning his quiet and reserved persona into a sociable and outgoing one.
    In addition to helping his “mother” take care of the younger children, Tsechok Dorje also shares what happened in school as well as his observations during a museum visit with his “siblings.” Over the two years, his academic performance has also significantly improved.
    To better take care of the children, Tsering Drolma often attends various training sessions, including caring for the orphaned and children living with disabilities, performing first aid and preparing nutritious meals. “Our only wish is for these children to grow up healthy and happy,” she said.
    The care center was established in 2015 under the support of central and regional governments and the donation of an insurance company, with a total spending of more than 58 million yuan (about 8.2 million U.S. dollars). The center has facilities including a massage therapy room, a dining hall and a laundry room. It also gives allowance to elderly people and children every month.
    Compared with the traditional charity institutions that separate children and elderly people, the two-in-one care center offers space as well as an atmosphere for social interactions like a big family, said Jampel, the legal representative of the center, adding that they also organize galas during festivals such as the Tibetan New Year.
    After a cup of buttered tea in the morning, Tseten, 83, likes to go to the sunlight hall during the weekends, with children surrounding him to hear his stories about his misery in the past when he was a serf.
    “I used to be whipped hard by the master for losing a yak. I had no time to wait for my wounds to heal and had to stand on my feet the next day to herd cattle,” said Tseten, who has been living in the center since 2016.
    Tseten was in a wheelchair due to his bad knees when he first arrived there. Now, with years of meticulous care and treatment from doctors from a Tibetan medicinal hospital and nurse assistants in the care center, he is able to walk without a cane.
    Lhadro, a nursing assistant, is responsible for caring for Tseten and five other elderly people. In addition to bringing buttered tea, doing the laundry and changing sheets regularly for them, she conducts massage therapies and applies Tibetan medicine for external use on them based on doctors’ prescriptions.
    “Seeing the elderly gradually regain their health, I have a great sense of achievement,” said Lhadro.
    In recent years, a total of 80 nursing homes for elderly people with extreme financial difficulties have been built in Xizang. By the end of 2022, more than 5,800 elderly people in extreme financial difficulty had been cared for at nursing homes with government support, according to government figures.
    A soccer player at school, Tsechok Dorje likes wearing his training vest even at “home” and dreams of becoming a professional soccer player when he grows up. On a wall in his room, where four children live in bunk beds, is a poster of the Brazilian soccer player Neymar.
    “I hope I can play soccer as well as Neymar someday,” Tsechok Dorje said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to Caring Families Aotearoa National Conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today.

    I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room, and those not able to be here today, for all that you do for our children and young people. 

    Without caregivers providing safe, stable homes for children, Oranga Tamariki would not be able to do the work that it does.  

    I came to Parliament believing changes can be made that will make caregiving more purposeful – and allow caregivers to make more decisions for children in their care.

    Hearing the voices of carers – and ensuring they can access support they need – is critical to ensuring the Ministry is performing at the level New Zealanders expect.

    As Minister for Children, my first and most important priority is always to ensure Oranga Tamariki is relentlessly focused on the safety of the children and young people in its care, and the children that come to its attention.

    All children deserve to wake up in the morning and feel safe and loved.

    To ensure the Ministry remains focused on what is important – and promote greater transparency about its performance – I have asked Oranga Tamariki to report quarterly on five key performance indicators.

    These reflect the areas I know will make the biggest difference to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in the care of the state. 

    One of these areas specifically talks about caregivers, and making sure they feel supported. 

    This key performance indicator will see Oranga Tamariki now regularly report the results of a continuous rolling survey of caregivers. 

    This survey will ask carers directly whether you are feeling supported.

    It will ask if you would recommend becoming a caregiver, or are thinking about stopping being a caregiver – and why.

    This will help to ensure caregivers are getting – and continue to get – the support they need as they open their hearts and homes to children and young people.

    I am confident this new approach – centred around key performance indicators and quarterly reporting – will promote accountability and better performance across the organisation.

    Children deserve the best care they can possibly get regardless of the race, religion, colour, or ethnicity of those people who are charged with the responsibility of nurturing, mentoring, educating, protecting and loving them.

    As I’ve said previously, I intend to improve the rights and responsibilities of caregivers, giving them greater autonomy and making it easier for carers to offer safe, stable and loving homes for children.

    I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude for the support caregivers provide our children and young people when they need it the most.

    I am confident the changes I am implementing at Oranga Tamariki will keep children and young people at the centre of their work – and improve the support received by our children, young people, their families, and caregivers. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Drug and firearm arrest in western suburbs

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man was arrested late last week for drug and firearm offences.

    On Friday 20 September, members of Serious and Organised Crime Branch attended a Rosewater address where they located drugs and firearms.

    A search of the address located approximately 7kg of methamphetamine, a trafficable quantity of cocaine, MDMA and GHB.  Two firearms were also located and seized.

    A 33-year-old man from the address was arrested and charged with four counts of trafficking in a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, two counts of possessing a firearm without a licence, two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm and breach of bail.

    The man appeared in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday 23 September where he was remanded in custody to reappear in court on 5 December.

    Detective Superintendent Shane Addison, Officer in Charge of Serious and Organised Crime Branch said, “This is another significant drug seizure by organised crime detectives which has prevented supply of these harmful drugs to South Australians and illegal profits being netted by drug traffickers.  Our resolve to actively disrupt the trafficking of illicit drug is clear and will be sustained.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rock Shelter Otira Gorge, SH73 – open overnight now, work at McGrath Creek Bridge postponed a week

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) re-opened SH73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass overnight from the past weekend. An additional project at McGrath Creek bridge, which would have affected night travellers this week, has been pushed out to next week.

    Rock Shelter remediation continues for four more weeks

    SH73 has been closed overnight and with restricted hours daytimes since the end of August after rockfall began overspilling the Rock Shelter in the Otira Gorge onto the traffic lane. The daytime travel delays continue for the next four weeks, with traffic passing between Otira and Arthur’s Pass at the top of each hour 9 am to 5 pm.

    • On weekends and overnights SH73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass will be open unrestricted unless other work or weather conditions cause a change.
    • Work at McGrath Creek bridge has been rescheduled to next week at night, Sunday 29 September to Monday, 7 October.  There will be up to one-hour delays between 8pm and 6am.  The road will be open on the hour to clear traffic, with vehicles queued either side of the bridge work site.
    • This work is subject to weather and may be rescheduled.

    The Lewis Pass via Waipara and Reefton, SH7, is the alternative route adding around an hour to the journey between Canterbury and the West Coast.

    McGrath Creek Bridge, close to Arthur’s Pass village – work is now rescheduled to next week overnight:

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Caring Families Aotearoa National Conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today.

    I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room, and those not able to be here today, for all that you do for our children and young people. 

    Without caregivers providing safe, stable homes for children, Oranga Tamariki would not be able to do the work that it does.  

    I came to Parliament believing changes can be made that will make caregiving more purposeful – and allow caregivers to make more decisions for children in their care.

    Hearing the voices of carers – and ensuring they can access support they need – is critical to ensuring the Ministry is performing at the level New Zealanders expect.

    As Minister for Children, my first and most important priority is always to ensure Oranga Tamariki is relentlessly focused on the safety of the children and young people in its care, and the children that come to its attention.

    All children deserve to wake up in the morning and feel safe and loved.

    To ensure the Ministry remains focused on what is important – and promote greater transparency about its performance – I have asked Oranga Tamariki to report quarterly on five key performance indicators.

    These reflect the areas I know will make the biggest difference to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in the care of the state. 

    One of these areas specifically talks about caregivers, and making sure they feel supported. 

    This key performance indicator will see Oranga Tamariki now regularly report the results of a continuous rolling survey of caregivers. 

    This survey will ask carers directly whether you are feeling supported.

    It will ask if you would recommend becoming a caregiver, or are thinking about stopping being a caregiver – and why.

    This will help to ensure caregivers are getting – and continue to get – the support they need as they open their hearts and homes to children and young people.

    I am confident this new approach – centred around key performance indicators and quarterly reporting – will promote accountability and better performance across the organisation.

    Children deserve the best care they can possibly get regardless of the race, religion, colour, or ethnicity of those people who are charged with the responsibility of nurturing, mentoring, educating, protecting and loving them.

    As I’ve said previously, I intend to improve the rights and responsibilities of caregivers, giving them greater autonomy and making it easier for carers to offer safe, stable and loving homes for children.

    I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude for the support caregivers provide our children and young people when they need it the most.

    I am confident the changes I am implementing at Oranga Tamariki will keep children and young people at the centre of their work – and improve the support received by our children, young people, their families, and caregivers. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workforce boost in specialist mental health training welcomed

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey welcomes the significant increase in Health NZ-funded psychiatry registrar places and the increase of Health NZ-funded clinical psychology internships, as today’s plan supports this Government’s commitment to double clinical psychology intern numbers between 2023 and 2027.

    Today, Health NZ published its Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan which sets significant uplifts in training places for workers who will staff specialist, primary and community workforces.

    “This plan reinforces that we are on track to reach our workforce target of training 500 mental health and addiction professionals every year,” Mr Doocey says.

    “One of the biggest barriers to timely mental health support is workforce shortages. It’s one of my top priorities as the country’s first Minister for Mental Health and it’s pleasing to see Health NZ respond with a plan with meaningful increases in a number of key workforce areas.

    Highlights of the three-year plan include:

    •    Increasing the number of psychiatry registrar training places Health NZ offers annually by 50%, from around 33 in 2024 to 50 from 2025 onwards
    •    A new associate psychology post-graduate programme (in partnership with the tertiary education sector), to train 20 students a year from 2026 onwards
    •    Achieving an increase in Health NZ clinical psychology intern places by 100% on 2023 levels over four years (from 40 annual places in 2023 to 80 annual places by 2027)
    •    Increasing the number of Health NZ-funded New Entry to Specialist Practice (NESP) places available to train specialist nurses, social workers and occupational therapists by 30% over three years, to an annual total of 475 by 2027 (an increase of 110).
    •    Increasing the number of mental health and addiction nurse practitioners Health NZ trains each year by 83% from 2025 onwards to a total of 22 per year

    “We are also committed to investing in consumer and peer support workforces who play a vital role within the mental health and addiction workforce. Health NZ will fund training places for 90 additional Consumer, Peer Support and Lived Experience workers each year of the Plan.”

    This plan looks out over the next three years, but each year it will be reviewed to ensure Health NZ has the right mix of training places to match need.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll
    Transport Department alerts public to fraudulent SMS message purportedly from HKeToll
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         The Transport Department (TD) today (September 24) alerted members of the public to a fraudulent SMS message purportedly issued by the HKeToll. The SMS message spoofed the name “HKeToll” and provided a hyperlink with the domain name (https://t.ly/[.]QpBjt) that leads to a fake HKeToll website, which seeks to deceive recipients into making payments and obtain their credit card information.     The TD clarifies that the SMS message was not issued by the HKeToll and has referred the case to the Police for follow-up. Members of the public are reminded that the HKeToll will not send SMS messages or emails to vehicle owners with hyperlinks that direct them to websites to carry out transactions. If a vehicle owner wishes to pay an outstanding toll online, they must log in to the HKeToll website (hketoll.gov.hk) or mobile app.     Members of the public should stay alert when receiving unidentified messages. They should not visit suspicious websites and disclose any personal information. Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the website concerned should contact the Police. For enquiries about the HKeToll, please call 3853 7333.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 11:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New slow vehicle bay on SH2 in Hawke’s Bay close to completion

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work to complete the new slow vehicle bay on State Highway 2 (SH2) at Kotemaori in northern Hawke’s Bay will start next week.

    The new 260 metre slow vehicle bay on SH2, near the intersection with Kakariki Farm Road, will provide another place for road users to safely pass slow vehicles as they head north to Wairoa.

    Crews have been waiting for warmer weather to complete the work, which includes laying the final seal on the road.

    The work is expected to take 2 weeks and crews will begin on site from next Monday (30 September). During this time, temporary traffic management will be in place through this site with stop/go and a temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h.

    Delays of no more than 10 minutes are expected.

    Once crews have finished this work, the slow vehicle bay will be operational. The work is weather dependent and there could be delays if conditions are too cold or wet.

    Background

    This work is part of Connecting Tairāwhiti, which is a programme of projects providing more slow vehicle bays and more places to pull off the road safely to check messages or take a break on State Highways 2 and 35 across the Tairāwhiti and northern Hawke’s Bay regions. The programme also includes some resilience projects to strengthen and stabilise sites on State Highway 35 to help it remain open and functional during disruptions such as weather events.

    A slow vehicle bay is a widened stretch of road on an uphill incline that allows slow, heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to pull over as they slow down – allowing other vehicles to pass.

    As part of this project, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has also made safety improvements to Kotemaori School’s access on SH2, including a safe right-turn bay to access the school.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The second stage of the first phase of construction of the modern campus of NSU is being prepared for launch

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University – Earlier this summer, the complex of buildings of the first stage was successfully put into operation – it includes a new educational building of the NSU SUNC, a leisure center for students and two blocks of dormitories for NSU students and postgraduates. The total area of the first stage was 38 thousand square meters. Construction of a modern campus of NSU is carried out within the framework of the national project “Science and Universities”.

    The new dormitory building is the object of the second stage of the first stage of construction at the expense of the philanthropist with the support of the Foundation for the Development of Social Projects “Perspektiva”. It will become a significant addition to this comfortable infrastructure, connecting with the leisure center by an underground passage. The building project is developed in the uniform architectural style of the NSU campus – facade solutions made of concrete tiles will repeat the appearance of the new student dormitory buildings.

    The total area of the dormitory for students of the NSU SUNC will be about 15 thousand square meters. On 6 floors there will be 2- and 3-bed rooms with a total capacity of 562 people, storage and administrative premises, common leisure rooms and a medical block. Leisure, recreational areas, self-service laundries are provided on each floor.

    — New dormitories for students of the NSU SUNC will allow us to better solve problems related to the accommodation of schoolchildren outside their home, and will ensure the fulfillment of modern requirements for the conditions of stay of children coming to study at the SUNC. The staff of the physics and mathematics school are included in the process of planning and designing new dormitories, and will assist at all stages of the project implementation, — noted the director of the NSU SUNC Lyudmila Nekrasova.

    The construction of the new facility will be carried out on the site of the old building of the NSU SUNC. Its demolition and the start of construction work are scheduled for the end of 2024. The planned date for commissioning of the new dormitory is the second quarter of 2028. The technical customer of the construction will be OOO NDK Group.

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

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

    http://www.nsu.ru/n/media/nevs/campus-construction/preparing-for-launch-the-second-stage-of-the-first-stage-construction-of-a-modern-campus-NSU/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Major milestone reached in METRONET for WA

    Source: Australian Ministers 1

    The Prime Minister, Premier of Western Australia and the Western Australian Transport Minister have today marked the completion of the entire elevated rail structure as part of the historic METRONET Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project.

    The Level Crossing Removal Project will improve safety, reduce congestion and improve travel times in the area, while also creating more than 4,300 jobs for Western Australians.

    The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal Project represents the most significant upgrade ever undertaken on the 131-year-old Armadale Line and will ease congestion for road commuters, while creating six hectares of new public open space for the community.

    The project is already delivering positive outcomes for the community with six level crossings removed at intersections at Mint/Archer Street, Oats Street, Welshpool Road, Hamilton Street, Wharf Street and William Street.

    Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

    “We value Western Australia and want this beautiful city to have the world leading infrastructure it deserves.

    “As a heavy lifter of the nation’s economy, it is critical that we see benefits flowing back into Perth and Western Australia.

    “It’s great to be back in Perth to mark this important infrastructure milestone with the Premier that’s creating more than 4,300 jobs for Western Australians.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

    “METRONET is creating jobs, boosting safety and efficiency, and transforming Perth.

    “The Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and the completion of elevated rail is another significant milestone in this exciting project.”

    Quotes attributable to Premier of Western Australia Roger Cook:

    “Everywhere you look across Perth, METRONET is transforming our suburbs.

    “Our elevated rail along the Armadale Line is changing the face of the south-eastern suburbs, delivering new public open space and the quality modern facilities local communities deserve.

    “This is what METRONET is all about – better public transport, affordable travel, and creating local jobs across the city.”

    Quotes attributable to Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti:

    “It’s been incredible to see the speed at which this structure has been delivered, which is testament to the enormous amount of planning and preparation that has gone into delivering this project.

    “The community can see this elevated train line emerging before them, while the massive benefits are already being felt with a number of level crossings already removed along the Armadale Line.

    “People who live along the Armadale Line corridor will very soon have access to modern train stations, and new public open spaces and community facilities.

    “We know there is significant benefit on the horizon, and we thank the community for their continued patience as we complete the next critical steps for this game-changing project.”

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas:

    “The people of Swan, and Perth more broadly, will see the fruits of this massive investment in METRONET for generations.

    “The removal of these level crossings will improve commute times, while the addition of new stations will increase the take up in public transport, removing even more traffic from our roads.

    “It’s a win for everyone.”

    Quotes attributable to State Member for Cannington Bill Johnston:

    “This is a really exciting project for our community and it’s incredible to see the progress that has been made.

    “With elevated rail structure now in place, people can see how this project is going to deliver great outcomes in the years ahead with modern stations and new public open space.”

    Quotes attributable State Member for Victoria Park Hannah Beazley:

    “I am thrilled to see the entire elevated structure now in place, but more importantly, I am thrilled to see how much new space has been opened up for the community.

    “We’re planning to deliver some incredible facilities in the new public open space, which will create a more vibrant and active community for all to enjoy.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US visas for Chinese students on rise, official says

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The United States remains the top destination for Chinese students studying abroad despite concerns among students and parents over visas and public security, said an official with the US embassy in Beijing.

    Meanwhile, Chinese students who plan to study in US universities and their parents expressed concerns about unfair treatment that US border authorities imposed on Chinese students in some cases.

    Karen Gustafson, the embassy’s minister counselor for consular affairs, told China Daily on Sunday that the embassy issued 105,000 visas to students from China last year. “We are currently hosting 290,000 Chinese students in the US,” she said.

    A report released by the US Department of State showed that in the first half of 2023, a total of 44,762 students from the Chinese mainland were granted F-1 visas to study in the US, a year-on-year increase of 44 percent.

    As of the end of July, the embassy had issued more than 80,000 student visas to Chinese nationals, Gustafson said, noting the continuing increase in visas issued to Chinese students.

    According to the 2023 Open Doors report released in November, Chinese students accounted for approximately 29 percent of the 1.05 million foreign students in the US during the 2022-23 academic year, down from 33 percent in the previous academic year.

    Gustafson said that despite a decreasing trend, Chinese students remain the largest group of foreign students in the US, and are expected to “stay at the top and grow”.

    “We really wholeheartedly welcome Chinese students to come to the US, and we are always hoping to encourage more students to come,” she said, adding that the embassy is making efforts to maximize student numbers and return to the peak before the COVID-19 pandemic.

    On Sunday, hundreds of Chinese students and parents participated in an education fair in Beijing, seeking information on the prospects of studying abroad. Around 100 US universities attended the fair.

    A fair visitor, surnamed Wang, said she hopes to address her concerns over her daughter’s further education in the US by seeking advice from the universities and the organizer.

    Wang said that her daughter, a student of biological sciences in Wuhan, Hubei province, is preparing to pursue postgraduate studies in the US.

    Given recent cases of Chinese students, particularly those majoring in science and engineering at US universities, having their visas refused on arrival, receiving unfair treatment by border enforcement and even facing deportation, Wang said she is worried and hopes to get more information from the authorities.

    In recent years, dozens of Chinese students have reported that they suffered from unwarranted harassment, interrogation and repatriation because of their political or scientific research background.

    Many have posted on social media platforms their “terrifying” experiences of being taken by border officials to a “small dark room” at US airports, raising public concerns.

    “What I care about most is the safety of my child and whether she can smoothly graduate from a US university,” Wang said, adding that she had heard that Chinese students applying for certain subjects face higher risks of visa rejection.

    Gustafson called such cases isolated incidents, and said the majority of Chinese students are continuing their studies in the US.

    While the US embassy is in charge of issuing visas, entry into the country is handled by the Department of Homeland Security, she said.

    “What I can say is the vast majority of Chinese students going to the USend up studying in the US, and we really welcome them to continue to do so,” she added.

    Significant harm

    Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in April that enforcing deportation orders against Chinese students has caused significant harm to the individuals concerned and disrupted cultural and academic exchanges between China and the US.

    “Recent cases demonstrate that US law enforcement officers are engaging in deportation for the sake of deportation, exhibiting political, discriminatory and selective enforcement,” she said at a news conference.

    Zhu Chenge, an assistant researcher of US diplomacy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the excessive scrutiny of Chinese students by US authorities may seem to affect only a small group, but it is in reality demolishing one of the pillars of the complex interactions between China and the US.

    “Normal academic exchanges between two technological powerhouses are disrupted. It is certainly not a positive sign if students and scholars are more concerned about their personal safety than academic matters,” Zhu said.

    Wang Jialing, a 10th grader in the international class at RCF Experimental School in Beijing, has started to prepare his US university application.

    Aiming to enroll into the University of Southern California as a finance major, he inquired about application procedures and career prospects at the education fair. He said he wants to choose a college among the top 50 in the US in a relatively safe state, and plans to return to China after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China-ASEAN expo to promote cooperation

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

    The upcoming 21st China-ASEAN Expo is expected to advance the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 and promote high-quality regional development through a variety of economic and trade activities, the expo’s secretariat said at a news conference on Monday in Nanning, capital of Southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

    The expo will be held in Nanning from Tuesday to Saturday, with Malaysia to be the country of honor.

    Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang will attend and address the opening ceremony of the expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Nanning on Tuesday. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will deliver a video address.

    “Trade and economic activities at the event are increasingly emphasizing practicality and highlighting key areas to promote cooperation in the digital economy and green economy,” said Zeng Zhong, deputy secretary-general of the China-ASEAN Expo secretariat.

    It will also focus on cooperation, with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states holding national promotion events. For example, Indonesia is organizing promotional events focusing on environmental protection and investment. Cambodia’s national promotion events emphasize commerce, investment and tourism. Vietnam’s promotions will highlight trade and economic integration.

    Zeng said the expo has been extended from four to five days, with the additional day open to the public. The exhibition layout has been optimized, with the addition of strategic emerging themes showcasing new, high-quality productive forces, along with new areas for digital technology and cultural exchanges.

    More than 2,000 companies will be exhibiting in the main exhibition area. More than 800 ASEAN and regional foreign companies are participating, accounting for more than 41 percent of exhibitors.

    “There are more than 400 companies from the Fortune Global 500 and China’s Top 500, as well as unicorns and specialized, innovative enterprises — representing a 15 percent increase over the previous session,” Zeng said.

    Chinese exhibitors will showcase drivers of new quality production such as the digital economy, new energy vehicles and green, low-carbon technologies, including applications such as Beidou chips and high-end mechanical equipment.

    More than 1,100 Chinese and foreign leaders, ASEAN ambassadors to China, heads of international organizations, entrepreneurs, experts and scholars will be present at the opening ceremony.

    “Through such high-level dialogue activities as the opening ceremony, we hope a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future will emerge,” Zeng said.

    China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, and ASEAN became China’s top trading partner in 2020. Last year, the value of trade between China and ASEAN members reached $911.7 billion.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japan lifts tsunami advisory for Izu, Ogasawara islands

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) lifted the tsunami advisory for the Izu and Ogasawara Islands at 11:00 a.m. local time Tuesday after several areas saw wave heights milder than previous forecast.

    The agency warned that slight tidal changes could still be observed along the Pacific coast, but there is no concern about tsunami-related damage.

    A tsunami advisory that urged residents to stay away from the coastline was triggered after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japanese islands on Tuesday morning.

    The quake, which took place at 8:14 local time, was centered in adjacent sea of Torishima Islands at a depth of 10 km, but no seismic intensity of 1 or above was recorded, according to the weather agency.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tougher sentences to improve transport safety

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers as part of its plan to restore law and order, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced. 

    “In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in abuse and attacks on public transport workers. We want to send a strong message that any attacks on bus drivers, taxi drivers, and anyone working on a public transport train or ferry will not be tolerated,” Mr Goldsmith says.   

    “Building on the Government’s sentencing reforms package, this change will help ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029 and reducing serious repeat youth offending by 15 percent.” 

    “All those working on public transport deserve to feel safe while delivering an important service to their communities. These hardworking New Zealanders often work alone with little to separate them from their passengers,” Mr Brown says. 

    “Our Government is responding to these terrible incidents by introducing tougher consequences for those who engage in this cowardly behaviour.” 

    The Government is investing $15 million through Budget 2024 to deliver practical improvements to bus driver safety and working environments.  

    “Attacks on bus drivers and passengers have become far too common as New Zealand has faced an unprecedented crime wave. Industry has been calling for better, safer work environments for bus drivers, and our Government is delivering.  

    “Local authorities will soon be able to apply for funding for safety improvements, including retrofitted safety screens and real-time CCTV monitoring. Funding will also be made available to provide better restroom and break facilities for drivers.  

    “It is important we have the bus drivers required to deliver efficient and reliable public transport services so Kiwis can get to where they want to go, quickly and safely. These practical improvements are critical to improving working conditions so we can recruit and retain drivers,” Mr Brown says. 

    The Government is working with the public transport sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety.  

    “Following a horrific attack on a young student travelling on a bus in July, I asked officials to look at what can be done to ensure greater safeguards for passengers and drivers on buses while the Government continues to restore law and order. 

    “Each bus operator is currently responsible for setting its own procedures for responding to attacks or altercations onboard. As a result, inconsistent processes are plaguing the system within the same city, let alone across the country, ultimately putting passengers and hardworking bus drivers at risk.  

    “Our Government is working with the sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety and responding to incidents to ensure greater consistency and to improve bus safety,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Japan issues tsunami advisory after 5.9-magnitude quake hits

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A tsunami advisory that urged residents to stay away from the coastline was triggered after a 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck off Japanese islands on Tuesday morning, according to the weather agency.

    The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the advisory for Izu Islands and Ogasawara Islands, noting that tsunami waves of up to 1 meter are rapidly approaching and are expected to arrive around 9:00 a.m. local time.

    The quake, which took place at 8:14 local time, was centered in adjacent sea of Torishima Islands at a depth of 10 km.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Ethiopia-Djibouti railway launches livestock transportation service

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway on Monday began transporting livestock from central Ethiopia to ports in Djibouti, according to the Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR).

    Takele Uma, chief executive officer of the EDR, in a statement issued Monday, lauded the move, emphasizing that it will further diversify and maximize the 752-km railway’s transportation services between the two countries.

    He said the newly launched livestock transportation service will enhance the railway’s role in facilitating Ethiopia’s exports to the international market, in addition to its significant contribution to the shipment of imported goods to central Ethiopia through the Red Sea nation of Djibouti.

    “This approach will maximize the use of our open wagons, which were previously used only for imports. It will also boost the exported meat quality by minimizing transport stress on animals, showcasing Ethiopia’s commitment to efficient and sustainable trade,” the EDR chief said.

    Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation after Nigeria with about 120 million people, boasts the largest livestock population in Africa, with an estimated 70.3 million cattle, 95.4 million sheep and goats, and 8.1 million camels, according to recent data from the World Bank.

    In recent years, the East African country has been working to address the major constraints in the livestock sector and enhance its contribution to the country’s economy.

    In May, the Chinese management contractors of the Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway officially handed over the railway’s management and operation to Ethiopia and Djibouti after six years of successful operation.

    Official data reveal that the railway had transported 680,000 passengers and 9.5 million metric tons of cargo by May 2024, with an average annual transportation revenue increase of 39 percent over the past six years. Since 2018, the railway has developed its freight market and expanded its service offerings, including cold-chain transportation, commuter trains for villagers, and special trains for automobile transport.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Gun lobby bill removes regulation at ranges

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Gun lobbyist Nicole McKee and her conflict of interest has struck again, this time removing safety regulations from shooting clubs and ranges in New Zealand.

    “The lessons of New Zealand’s worst terror attack have been forgotten as the Government tries to wind back the gun control laws put in place after the attack on worshippers in Christchurch mosques in 2019,” Labour firearms spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill creates multiple loopholes for gang members and extremists – like the Christchurch terrorist – to exploit. Minister Nicole McKee talks about being a safety expert but is removing safety requirements from shooting clubs and ranges.  

    “Ammunition is a form of currency among criminals and this bill could increase the supply of ammunition and allow unsupervised shooting at ranges by people without licenses. The Minister needs to be clear about what checks and balances are in place to prevent this.   

    “The changes also create a frightening precedent for landowners who might find ‘pop-up’ rifle shooting ranges over their back fence. The bill risks the ability of the Police or the firearms regulator to enforce any safety oversight or even inspect the facilities. The Wild West is coming to a backyard near you.

    “The cherry on top for Nicole McKee and the gun lobby is the power grab under the section titled ‘other matters’ which removes powers currently held by Police.

    “Her justification for the bill seems to be that the previous changes went too far, and that some shooting clubs or ranges are at risk of closing. However, her Cabinet paper provides no evidence of this risk,” Ginny Andersen said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Griffin Global Asset Management Announces Closing of $400 Million Senior Unsecured Notes Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ireland, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Griffin Global Asset Management (“Griffin”) announces the successful closing by GGAM Finance Ltd. of an offering of an aggregate principal amount of $400 million senior unsecured notes. The notes were priced at par.

    The offering comprises $400 million of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2030 (the “Notes”). The Notes will be guaranteed by Griffin Global Asset Management Holdings, Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries. Proceeds from the issuance will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include financing the acquisition of new aircraft deliveries and the future repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

    John Beekman, Griffin CFO, commented: “We are delighted to announce the closing of our latest unsecured notes offering. This issuance reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the unsecured capital markets and brings our total volume of unsecured notes issued to $2.5 billion in under 18 months. With the issuance of these notes we also disclosed that our secured warehouse was previously reduced to zero, which means inclusive of this issuance we currently have a fully unsecured balance sheet. We are grateful to our expanding investor base for the support they have shown us as we continue along our path to achieving investment grade ratings.”

    The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the securities laws of any jurisdiction and may be offered or sold only in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Notes were offered and sold only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and outside the United States to non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

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

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    About Griffin Global Asset Management

    Griffin is a commercial aircraft leasing and alternative asset management business with offices in Dublin, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles, CA. Griffin’s team of professionals works closely with airlines, manufacturers, maintenance providers, and financiers to deliver innovative capital solutions globally.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Costly defamation action looms large over Australian newsrooms. It’s diminishing press freedom

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Denis Muller, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    Shutterstock

    This piece is the final of a three part series on Australia’s defamation laws. You can read the other pieces here and here.

    Defamation laws exist to strike a balance between press freedom and the protection of people’s reputations from wrongful harm. In Australia, this balance has always been loaded against press freedom.

    This is due partly to the way the defamation laws have been framed and partly by the way the courts have interpreted them.

    Courts examine matters of journalism in the same way they examine matters of law: forensically, with strict rules and high standards of evidence and proof.

    While we rightly expect ethical and honest reporting from our media, even the best can prove insufficient under the piercing gaze of defamation law. And in a time when media companies are more cash-strapped than ever, this has a chilling effect on the stories that get told and press freedom more broadly.

    Ethics vs the law

    Until 2006, each Australian jurisdiction had its own defamation laws. This created a nightmare of complexity for publishers, especially of newspapers and broadcasts that crossed state boundaries, which meant all the main media organisations.

    They had to take into account the risks posed by litigation in the jurisdiction least favourable to press freedom.

    For many decades, that was New South Wales. It was one of the states where truth alone was not a sufficient defence; there also had to be a public interest in the material. In some other jurisdictions this was called public benefit.



    Read more:
    With all these defamation lawsuits, what ever happened to free speech?

    This was a major burden on press freedom and it was removed by the introduction of uniform defamation laws in 2006.

    Since then, it has been enough for publishers to prove the substantial truth of the meanings conveyed in an article in order for the defence of truth to succeed.

    It may sound straightforward, but proving substantial truth requires producing admissible evidence strong enough to satisfy the civil standard of proof: on the balance of probabilities. That usually means having documents and witnesses who are willing to be identified.

    If, as is often the case, the article has drawn on evidence from a confidential source, the publisher is unable to put that source in the witness box because to do so would breach the media’s fundamental ethical obligation to protect the identity of confidential sources.

    So unless the source is prepared in advance to be identified should the matter come to court, a story relying significantly on that person’s testimony may not see the light of day unless some other defence is available.

    In 2021, those defences were expanded, although quite how significant that expansion turns out to be remains to be seen.

    What appears on paper to be the most significant change was the introduction of a general public interest defence. This says that if publication of a story is in the public interest, and the publisher has a reasonable belief that it is, then publication can be defended on that ground.

    There has been only one major test of that new defence, and it went against the media.

    That case showed “reasonable belief” depended on the journalism being sound. In this case, the court found that the defendant, which was the ABC, had relied on shaky testimony that had not been sufficiently verified and had not given the subject of the story a fair opportunity to respond.

    At odds with practicalities

    This brings us to the question of how the courts interpret the law.

    One of the big disappointments in this respect has been the way the courts have interpreted what, at the time, was hoped to be a significant addition to Australia’s threadbare free-speech jurisprudence.

    In a case brought against the ABC by a late prime minister of New Zealand, David Lange, the High Court established the principle that freedom of speech on matters of government and politics trumped a person’s case for protection for their reputation.

    If a person wanted to sue for defamation, they had to do so in a way that did not burden freedom of speech on matters of government and politics.



    Read more:
    Politicians know defamation laws can silence women, but they won’t do anything about it

    However, the High Court attached a test of reasonableness to this freedom. In several ways, it’s similar to the “reasonable belief” test in the new public interest defence.

    Unfortunately, successive courts have applied the Lange reasonableness test in ways that are so strict they require journalists to meet standards demanding more powers of investigation than they possess or to exceed the usual journalistic standards of verification. Journalists can’t subpoena documents or compel people to speak to them.

    The result is that this defence has become more or less a dead letter for journalistic purposes.

    Is a story worth the cost?

    Those accused of defamation can also defend it by saying it was comment or honest opinion. The first requirement of this defence is that the material be a comment and not a statement of fact.

    But courts have interpreted this in different ways.

    This uncertainty was illustrated by a famous case that became known as “Leo the Lobster”. A restaurant and restaurateur in Sydney successfully sued the Sydney Morning Herald over a review of a lobster dinner written by one Leo Schofield.

    Schofield, who was a colourful writer, said the lobster had been overcooked:

    the carbonized claws contained only a kind of white powder which might have been albino walrus.

    Despite the amusing language, the court interpreted that as a literal factual description, not a statement of opinion.

    Courts have a limited sense of humour, which makes satirical writing a chancy business, since the sharper the satire, the closer it is to literal truth.

    Cartoons, which are satirical by definition, have more leeway but are not immune to defamation suits.

    Then there’s the costs of defamation, particularly for media outlets. They’ve become exorbitant.

    It has been estimated that the costs involved in the case brought by Ben Roberts-Smith against The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times amounted to about $25 million. The newspapers won, although the matter has gone to appeal.

    But even if the verdict is upheld, experience shows it is unlikely they will recoup anything like their full costs.

    At a time when all major news media organisations are under acute financial pressure because of the inroads the internet has made on their revenue, there is a strong temptation not to risk publishing material the public has a right to know because of the financial impact an action for defamation would have.

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

    – ref. Costly defamation action looms large over Australian newsrooms. It’s diminishing press freedom – https://theconversation.com/costly-defamation-action-looms-large-over-australian-newsrooms-its-diminishing-press-freedom-238072

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tillis Discusses State Travel, Bipartisanship on Spectrum News’ In Focus with Loretta Boniti

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently appeared on Spectrum News’ In Focus with Loretta Boniti to discuss his state travel and recent bipartisan legislative achievements, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and theBipartisan Safer Communities Act, legislation that Senator Tillis helped write, negotiate, and pass into law.
    Watch the full interview HERE.

    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law:
    “We are approaching $13 billion coming to North Carolina. I was just in Wilmington yesterday, where we were celebrating a $250 million grant, about half of what it’s going to take to upfit the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and a $100 million grant for the Alligator River Bridge. Every county in the state is benefitting from this bill. This bill includes a billion dollars in connectivity for broadband, and it’s proving to have the impact that I thought it would. That’s why I was willing to take the hits to get it done.”
    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:
    “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is the single largest investment in mental health in the history of this country… I’m working very hard to make sure that everyone understands a full implementation of this bill is transformational. And I think North Carolina is on pace to be one of the most successful states to implement it. It’s coming at a perfect time. We are making progress on a challenge that still exists, and it’s the stigma of mental health.” 
    Senator Tillis on the Bipartisanship:
    “The reason why being bipartisan is so difficult today is that people can spread what I think are blatant lies in some cases about what we are trying to accomplish, and it causes people to be very careful and not take risks. I think that the American people suffer when we do that. We’re in D.C. to make changes, we’re not up there to get re-elected.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EfTEN REAL ESTATE FUND AS NOTICE CALLING THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Management Board of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS (registry code 12864036; seat Tallinn, A. Lauteri 5) calls the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders on 16 October 2024 at 15:00.

    Venue of the general meeting: Radisson Collection Hotel second floor conference centre hall “Tallinn”, address Tallinn, Rävala 3.

    The registration of participants of the general meeting starts at 14:00 on 16 October 2024 at the venue of the meeting. The registration ends at 15:00. If possible, we request that all shareholders arrive in time considering the time required to register the participants of the meeting.
    The list of shareholders who shall be entitled to participate in the extraordinary general meeting shall be fixed seven days prior to the date of the general meeting, i.e., on 09 October 2024 as at the end of the working day of the registrar of the settlement system of the fund’s securities.

    The shareholders may also participate by appointing a representative or vote prior to the meeting on the items on the agenda of the general meeting by using electronic means. There will be no video transmission of the general meeting.
    When appointing a representative, we recommend you to appoint Viljar Arakas, a member of the Management Board of the fund, whom you can give precise instructions to vote on your behalf on each agenda item. In case a shareholder wishes to use the template of power of attorney upon appointment of a representative, the respective template is available on the webpage of the fund https://eref.ee/investorile/uldkoosolekud/.  

    Electronic voting of draft resolutions
    Shareholders may vote electronically on the items on the agenda before the general meeting is held in accordance with the following procedure:

    1. The electronic vote must be sent to the address koosolek@eften.ee not later than on 15 October at 16:00 (Estonian time). The shareholder has the right to change or cancel the vote given or submit objections not later than indicated in the previous sentence.
    2. The shareholder’s vote must be given on the respective form available on the fund’s website https://eref.ee/investorile/uldkoosolekud/ and must be digitally signed. In case several correctly filled and signed voting ballots are submitted on behalf of one shareholder, only the latest received voting ballot shall be considered valid, and all previous voting ballots of that shareholder shall be considered invalid. In case the shareholder has submitted the voting ballot, but also attends the general meeting in person, all the voting ballots submitted by the shareholder before the general meeting shall be considered invalid.
    3. In case the shareholder is represented at the general meeting by a representative, a digitally signed power of attorney certifying the right of representation must be submitted to the e-mail address koosolek@eften.ee together with the electronic vote or before submitting the electronic vote.
    4. Shareholders who have voted no later than 15 October 2024 at 16.00 (Estonian time) shall be deemed to have taken part in the general meeting and the votes represented by the shareholders’ shares shall be accounted as part of the quorum of the general meeting, unless otherwise provided by law.

    Pursuant to the resolution of the Supervisory Board of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS, the extraordinary general meeting will have the following agenda together with proposals of the Supervisory Board to the shareholders:

    Item 1: Management Board’s overview of the fund’s business activities of this year
    The Management Board shall provide an overview of the fund’s business activities of this year. The item is for informational purposes only.

    Item 2: Increase of share capital and listing of new shares on the Main List of Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange
    To ensure the ongoing development and future investments of the fund, the fund plans to carry out an additional share issue in the amount of up to 30,000,000 euros. According to clause 6.11 of the fund’s Articles of Association, the general meeting has the right to delegate the increase of the share capital to the competence of the Supervisory Board.
    Proposal of the Supervisory Board:
    2.1. To delegate to the competence of the Supervisory Board, the decision on the increase of share capital for a six-month period following this general meeting, considering that the total volume of the additional capital to be raised will not exceed 30,000,0000 euros and the existing shareholders shall retain the pre-emptive right to subscribe for the new shares.
    2.2. To apply for the listing and admission to trading of all newly issued shares on the Main List of Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange, and to authorise the Supervisory Board and the Management Board of the fund to carry out all activities and conclude all agreements necessary for this purpose.

    Additional organisational information:
    Documents related to the general meeting, including the approved annual report of the previous financial year, drafts of the board’s decisions and any other information subject to the statutory disclosure requirement are available for examination on the webpage of the fund www.eref.ee and until the date (incl.) of the general meeting, at the premises of the fund (address A. Lauteri 5, 10114 Tallinn, 3rd floor) on working days from 09:00 until 16:00.
    Questions with respect to the matters on the agenda of the general meeting can be submitted via e-mail address: koosolek@eften.ee or by mail to the address of the fund (Tallinn 10114, A. Lauteri 5) or via phone by calling + 372 655 9515. Questions, answers, shareholders’ proposals with respect to the matters on the agenda and the minutes of the general meeting shall be published on the webpage of EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS www.eref.ee.

    We request to submit the following to register the participants of the general meeting:
    – in case of a shareholder who is a natural person, an identity document. A representative of a shareholder shall also present a power of attorney in written form.
    – in case of a shareholder who is a legal person, an extract from the registry where the legal person is registered, which proves the authorisation of the representative to represent the legal person (right of representation arising from law) and an identity document of the representative. In case the representative is not a legal representative of the legal person, a valid power of attorney shall also be required. Where required by applicable law, documents pertaining to a legal person registered in a foreign country are requested to be legalized or duly apostilled. Documents in foreign language are requested to be accompanied by a translation into Estonian by a sworn translator.

    At the general meeting, a shareholder is entitled to receive information from the Management Board on the activities of the fund. The Management Board may decide to withhold information if there is a reason to believe that the disclosure of information may cause significant damage to the interests of the public limited company. If the Management Board refuses to disclose information, the shareholder may demand from the general meeting to adopt a resolution regarding the lawfulness of the information request or to file, within two weeks, a petition to a court by way of proceedings on petition in order to obligate the Management Board to give information.

    The shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital may request for additional items to be included on the agenda of the general meeting, if the respective request is submitted in writing at least 15 days prior to the general meeting to the address EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS, A. Lauteri 5, 10114 Tallinn.
    The shareholders whose shares represent at least 1/20 of the share capital may present a draft resolution in respect of each item on the agenda in writing no later than three days prior to the general meeting to the address EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS, A. Lauteri 5, 10114 Tallinn.

    Prior to the general meeting, the shareholder may notify of the appointment of a representative or the revocation of the representative’s authority by sending a digitally signed notice to the e-mail address koosolek@eften.ee or by delivering the signed documents in person on working days between 09:00 to 16:00 to EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS at A. Lauteri 5, 10114 Tallinn at the latest by 15.10.2024 (Estonian time).  In case a shareholder wishes to use the template of power of attorney upon appointment of a representative, the respective template is available on the webpage of EfTEN Real Estate Fund S https://eref.ee/investorile/uldkoosolekud/.  

    Viljar Arakas
    Member of the Management Board
    Tel: 655 9515
    E-mail: viljar.arakas@eften.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health receives vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Health receives vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19
    Secretary for Health receives vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19
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         The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, received vaccinations against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 at Sai Wan Ho General Out-patient Clinic today (September 24). The Under Secretary for Health, Dr Libby Lee; the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH), Dr Edwin Tsui; the Commissioner for Primary Healthcare of the Health Bureau, Dr Pang Fei-chau; the Chairman of the Hospital Authority (HA), Mr Henry Fan; the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko; and frontline healthcare workers also echoed the move and were vaccinated.     Professor Lo said, “Seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. I strongly appeal to all members of the public to receive SIV early as it is now the best timing to get vaccinated for effective protection in the coming year against the  influenza strains predicted by the World Health Organization in preparation for the possible winter or summer influenza seasons. Separately, individuals of high-risk priority groups should also receive an additional COVID-19 booster no less than six months after the last dose or COVID-19 infection (whichever is later) to enhance protection and reduce the risks of serious complications and death.”     He continued, “To boost the SIV coverage rate among schoolchildren, special arrangements have been made under the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP) this year to offer a more flexible choice of vaccine options for kindergartens and childcare centres. They can choose both injectable inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) (i.e. nasal vaccines) for the same or different outreach vaccination activities. Moreover, the DH will roll out a pilot scheme in which LAIV will be provided to  primary and secondary schools that had indicated earlier this year their preference for arranging LAIV for their students.”     At present, around 870 kindergartens and childcare centres (80 per cent) have already arranged vaccination activities for their schoolchildren. Among them, 246 schools will offer LAIV, eight schools will offer both IIV and LAIV, and the rest will offer IIV. Separately, around 610 primary schools (93 per cent) and around 390 secondary schools (77 per cent) have arranged vaccination activities for their students. Professor Lo added, “I call on those schools that have yet to join the outreach vaccination programme to enrol as soon as possible to seize the optimum timing for vaccination and do their part to provide the best protection for schoolchildren.”     Hong Kong generally experiences two influenza seasons each year. The winter influenza season usually lies between January and March or April, whereas the summer influenza season typically runs from July to August. The overall influenza activity has remained at a low level since the end of the influenza season in late July this year. However, with reference to previous surveillance data, as the weather is expected to become cooler gradually, the CHP foresaw that the influenza activity level may rise at the end of the year. All citizens should receive SIV which can reduce the risks of serious illnesses and death.      The Government will launch the 2024/25 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes, including the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme, the Government Vaccination Programme, the SIVSOP and the Residential Care Home Vaccination Programme the day after tomorrow (September 26) to provide free or subsidised SIV for persons aged 50 or above (including the elderly living in residential care homes); adults aged 18 to 49 with underlying comorbidities; persons aged 6 months or above with immunocompromising conditions; pregnant women and healthcare workers etc.       Furthermore, individuals of the abovementioned  groups should receive an additional COVID-19 booster in a timely manner regardless of the number of doses of COVID-19 vaccines received before for dual protection. A COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with, or separated from, an SIV under informed consent. The inactivated COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Hong Kong (i.e. Sinovac CoronaVac) will expire on October 3, and the vaccine supplier has confirmed that they will no longer produce inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. Members of the public who would like to receive an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine should make a booking as early as possible. Starting from October 4, only mRNA vaccines will be available under the Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.     For more details, members of the public may call the CHP at 2125 2125 or visit the Vaccination Schemes page.

     
    Ends/Tuesday, September 24, 2024Issued at HKT 12:52

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Smart Dragon-3 rocket launches 8 satellites from sea

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China launched a Smart Dragon-3 carrier rocket from the waters near the city of Haiyang in east China’s Shandong Province on Tuesday, placing eight satellites into planned orbit.
    The commercial rocket blasted off at 10:31 a.m. (Beijing Time), carrying Tianyi-41 and other satellites.
    The Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center carried out this offshore launch.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – Greyhound dies due to ‘carnage collision’ at Addington Raceway – SAFE for Animals

    Source: SAFE For Animals

    SAFE is renewing its urgent call for a ban on greyhound racing after the first race-related death of the 2024/25 season. Rocket Queen suffered a catastrophic compound fracture to her right leg during a race at Addington Raceway, Christchurch, on 20 September 2024.
    Rocket Queen was one of four greyhounds involved in a collision during the race, with three other dogs sustaining injuries, including a suspected fracture.
    SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says this tragic incident is not an isolated event, but part of an ongoing pattern of cruelty in the greyhound racing industry.
    “Rocket Queen’s death is not an anomaly; this is a predictable outcome in an industry that consistently fails to protect the dogs in its care,” says Brodie.
    “It’s both infuriating and heartbreaking that, despite years of warnings and public outcry, greyhounds continue to suffer and die in the name of entertainment.”
    This latest death adds to the growing toll of greyhound fatalities. Last season saw nearly double the number of deaths compared to the previous season. Thirteen greyhounds died in the 2023/24 season from race-related injuries, compared to seven in 2022/23.
    Earlier this year, Addington Raceway was temporarily closed for two months for remedial work following a spate of animal welfare concerns, including the deaths of three dogs in just one month.
    “No amount of track repairs or superficial ‘safety measures’ can change the reality that greyhound racing amounts to a death sentence for these dogs,” says Brodie.
    “This industry exists solely to fuel gambling profits, and it has no place in modern Aotearoa.”
    SAFE is calling on the Government to intervene immediately and ban greyhound racing in New Zealand.
    “This is more than just a welfare failure; it’s a moral failure. Greyhound racing does not reflect the values of New Zealanders, and the continuation of this industry is a stain on our national conscience.”
    “It’s time for the Government to show true leadership and bring an end to this cruel and outdated industry before more lives are needlessly lost.” 
    SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
    We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
    Notes:
    • In May 2024, leading animal organisations Dogwatch, HUHA, SAFE and SPCA announced a commitment to assist with the rehoming of greyhounds should a ban be enacted.
    • A 2022 poll commissioned by SPCA found that 74% of New Zealanders would vote to ban greyhound racing in a referendum.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HOUSE PASSES MATSUI’S RARE ACT

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07), co-chair of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, released the following statement after the House passed the Give Kids a Chance Act, a package of rare disease legislation that included her Retaining Access and Restoring Exclusivity (RARE) Act. The RARE Act would ensure that promising options for rare disease patients with no approved therapies are able to come to market without being blocked by other pharmaceutical companies.

    “With less than five percent of rare diseases having FDA-approved therapies, we need all the help we can get to ensure rare disease patients can access the cutting-edge care they need,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “The RARE Act will prevent pharmaceutical companies from abusing their orphan drug status to keep other innovative drugs from coming to market. Every rare disease patient deserves a fighting shot. Their access to medicine shouldn’t be sacrificed for drug companies’ bottom line.”

    Specifically, the RARE Act clarifies FDA’s longstanding interpretation of the Orphan Drug Act to ensure that the scope of the orphan drug exclusivity applies only to the same approved use or indication within such rare disease or condition, instead of the same disease or condition. This will give FDA the necessary authority to approve the same drug from different manufacturers if they aim to serve different patient populations.

    Full text of the RARE Act is available HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –