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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Victoire Grux 
    Tel.: +33 6 04 52 16 55 
    Email: victoire.grux@capgemini.com 

    Organizations are ramping up efforts to meet sustainability targets, despite geopolitical challenges

    • 69% of executives say that anticipating stricter future regulations is a key driver of sustainability initiatives, up from 57% last year
    • Nearly two thirds say geopolitics is driving a slowdown in their sustainability investments
    • Six out of ten are concerned that their organization’s sustainability efforts might appear insincere to the public, up from only 11% in 2023.

    Paris, September 23, 2024 – Organizations continue to make progress in their sustainability initiatives, despite facing geopolitical challenges. Regulation and technology are proving to be a vital part of this progress, with two thirds of executives agreeing that their organization will never be able to achieve its sustainability goals without climate tech. This is according to the Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, ‘A world in balance 2024: Accelerating sustainability amidst geopolitical challenges’, which tracks advancements in organizations’ environmental and social sustainability over the last three years. The third edition of the report highlights marked improvements in circularity, sustainable design, measurement, water stewardship, biodiversity, and sustainability skilling, despite shortfalls in tackling Scope 3 emissions and consumer skepticism.

    Collectively, organizations are ramping up their efforts to meet their sustainability targets, and their maturity in adopting sustainable practices has increased steadily since 2022. 84% of executives this year say their organization is on target to meet its carbon emissions goals; less than a tenth say they are behind. As organizations look to minimize their impact on the environment, progress is particularly visible in terms of circularity, sustainable product design, measurement, and water management. For instance, nearly three quarters of executives say that recycling products is a core aspect of their manufacturing strategy, up from 53% in 2022, while over two thirds said they were redesigning products to remove fossil fuel feedstock sources, up from less than half in 2022. In addition, three-quarters of executives have implemented a water-stewardship program, up from 55% in 2022.

    In late 2023, executives were planning to increase investments in sustainability this year. However, companies have not followed through: average annual investment in sustainability initiatives and practices now stands at 0.82% of total revenue, down from 0.92% in 2023.

    “This year’s report shows sustainability projects continuing to build momentum in 2024 despite current headwinds,” said Cyril Garcia, Capgemini’s Head of Global Sustainability Services and Corporate Responsibility and Group Executive Board Member. “Business leaders have the power and the responsibility to steer us towards a more sustainable economy. Water stewardship, biodiversity preservation, and circular practices are now established as key business imperatives. Executives are being very pragmatic, and CO2reduction must now be translated into cost savings. We continue to see sustainability efforts bolstered by new climate tech innovations and regulations. The best way to build trust and credibility with consumers is by demonstrating tangible outcomes and planning for a future with sustainability at its heart.”

    Consumers unconvinced about progress
    Consumers want to see corporations going even further and demand transparency. The report finds three-quarters of consumers expecting corporations to play a larger role in reducing GHG emissions in 2024. Furthermore, even as organizations ramp up sustainability initiatives, consumers are more skeptical than ever about corporate sustainability, as more than half believe that organizations are greenwashing their sustainability initiatives, up from 33% in 2023.

    Geopolitics and regulations impacting corporate sustainability initiatives
    Executives pointed to climate-related regulations as a key driver of sustainability projects. A full three-quarters of executives believe that sustainability regulation is necessary to achieve global climate goals, and nearly two thirds even agree that without regulation, their organization would not have launched many environmental sustainability initiatives.

    Globally, 73% of executives agree that the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is honing sustainability measurement and tracking capabilities. However, organizations continue to fall short in terms of reporting on sustainability initiatives, especially on Scope 3 emissions. Among organizations required to report for CSRD in 2025, just over a third say that they are prepared to report Scope 3 downstream emissions next year, while 86% are prepared for Scope 1.

    Meanwhile, tensions such as US-China relations, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the European energy crisis, are leading to disruption to supply chains and business operations, and uncertainty around government funding. This year, nearly two thirds of executives pointed to geopolitics as an increasing consideration in sustainability investments, and 69% are concerned about the impact of the uncertain US political scene. This is felt across countries, but Swedish executives are most concerned (75%), compared with 71% of US executives and 59% of executives in India.

    To access the full report: https://www.capgemini.com/insights/research-library/sustainability-trends-2024

    Methodology
    The Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 2,152 executives employed at 727 organizations, each with more than $1 billion in annual revenue, across 13 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific and in 12 industries and sectors, in June and July 2024. Executives surveyed were director level and above and 50% were from corporate functions, such as strategy, sustainability, sales, and marketing; 50% were from value chain functions, such as product design, R&D, procurement, and logistics. The Institute also surveyed 6,500 consumers over the age of 18 across the 13 countries and conducted interviews with 12 senior sustainability executives at leading organizations globally.

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fuelled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion.

    Get the Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About the Capgemini Research Institute
    The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was recently ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts. 

    Visit us at https://www.capgemini.com/researchinstitute/ 

    Attachment

    • 09_23 Capgemini Sustainability business trends CRI report

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Expands Digital Bank FinTech Presence in Latin America

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Expanded partnership with Nubank reflects rapid growth of banking and payment services in Latin America

    Over half of Nasdaq’s Latin American banking clients have expanded their technology partnership in the last 12 months

    Nasdaq’s financial technology solutions simplify regulatory compliance and reduce time to market across multiple jurisdictions

    NEW YORK and SAO PAULO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq today announced it has expanded its digital bank financial technology presence in Latin America, having agreed to provide its AxiomSL regulatory reporting solution to Nubank, a leading digital bank with over 100 million customers across Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia.

    The agreement extends Nasdaq’s existing partnership with Nubank which includes providing the technology that underpins the bank’s treasury function – managing its fixed income and money market operations – and now the bank’s regulatory reporting obligations in Colombia. It also reflects the accelerating demand for third-party financial technology solutions in Latin America, driven by the rapid growth and development of digital banking in the region and the competitive need for technology that can support a short time to market for new products and services.

    Nasdaq has over 50 banking and payment services clients in Latin America, comprising a broad range of digital and traditional banks, local and regional players as well as tier one global banks. The technology provided includes Nasdaq AxiomSL, which supports financial and regulatory reporting requirements across 55 countries and 110 regulators, and Nasdaq Calypso, which provides the SaaS technology platform that underpins banks’ treasury, risk, and collateral management workflows.

    The comprehensive range of Nasdaq’s mission critical technology across the fabric of the Latin American financial system, alongside extensive partnerships with the region’s market infrastructure operators, helps foster deep customer relationships and insight into their most complex operational challenges. In the last 12 months, over half of Latin American clients adopting Nasdaq’s AxiomSL and Calypso technology have sought to expand their partnership, alongside strong growth in new customer numbers.

    Ed Probst, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Technology at Nasdaq said: “Digital banking services in Latin America are experiencing a period of extraordinary development, with online marketplaces, open banking and innovative technology combining to empower a new generation of consumers. Nasdaq’s technology is helping to underpin the maturation of the industry, with proven regulatory solutions substantially reducing time to market and providing a competitive advantage in such a fast-paced industry. We welcome the opportunity to expand our partnership with Nubank, alongside many other clients in the region, to support their ambitious growth trajectory.”

    Navigating regulatory complexity across Latin American banking services

    The Latin American financial system is undergoing a radical transformation with the number of fintech startups established over the last six years having grown more than 340%, according to a recent report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and Finnovista1. This trend is also reflected in a study published by McKinsey & Company which highlights the soaring popularity of noncash payments, with cash no longer representing the preferred payment method2. Latin America’s relatively young demographic is proving a catalyst for innovation and digital adoption.

    Alongside this shift, the region’s regulatory frameworks are undergoing a period of continued enhancement, which is helping to bolster the integrity of the system and unlock new areas of open finance and digital banking. Collectively these drivers are helping to unlock significant growth opportunities for financial services providers, including amongst previously unbanked people and companies.

    Nevertheless, the regulatory environment remains deeply complex for companies seeking to access multiple jurisdictions and regulatory regimes. For example, Brazilian requirements typically focus on the types of products and services offered while Mexico has a specific license for “fintechs”. In Colombia, several small and digital banks operate as a “Financing Company”, which carry different requirements to “Banks and Financial Corporations”. This pattern is replicated across Latin America where the confluence of innovation, rapid growth, and regulatory complexity is driving traditional and digital banks to seek third party technology providers to meet their regulatory needs. Nasdaq’s advanced technology allows these banks to keep pace with inherent regulatory risks as they look to scale responsibly.

    In addition to Nubank, other digital bank and payment companies Nasdaq has expanded its services with include Mercado Libre, Latin America’s leading e-commerce and digital payments company, C6 Bank, a full-service digital bank in Brazil, and Bankaool, the first bank to receive a license from the Mexican government to provide digital-only services.

    As a scaled platform partner, Nasdaq draws on deep industry experience, technology expertise, and cloud managed service experience to help 3,500+ banks, brokers, regulators, financial infrastructure operators, and buy-side firms solve their toughest operational challenges while advancing industrywide modernization.

    About Nasdaq

    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Media Contact:

    Andrew Hughes
    +44 (0)7443 100896
    Andrew.Hughes@nasdaq.com

    +++

    Camille Stafford
    +1 (234) 934 9513
    Camille.Stafford@nasdaq.com

    Disclaimers 

    ©2024 Nasdaq, Inc. The Nasdaq logo and the Nasdaq ‘ribbon’ logo are the registered and unregistered trademarks, or service marks, of Nasdaq, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All rights reserved. This communication and the content found by following any link herein are being provided to you by Nasdaq, Inc. and/or certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, “Nasdaq”), for informational purposes only. Nasdaq makes no representation or warranty with respect to this communication or such content and expressly disclaims any implied warranty under law. At the time of publication, the information herein was believed to be accurate, however, such information is subject to change without notice. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation, solicitation, invitation, inducement, promotion, or offer for the purchase or sale of any investment product, nor shall this material be construed in any way as investment, legal, or tax advice, or as a recommendation, reference, or endorsement by Nasdaq. 

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: 

    Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Nasdaq cautions readers that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and that actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “can” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the benefits of Nasdaq’s AxiomSL and Calypso technology solutions. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other factors beyond Nasdaq’s control. These risks and uncertainties are detailed in Nasdaq’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q which are available on Nasdaq’s investor relations website at http://ir.nasdaq.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Nasdaq undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 

    1 https://www.iadb.org/en/news/study-fintech-ecosystem-latin-america-and-caribbean-exceeds-3000-startups
    2 https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/financial-services/our-insights/the-rapid-evolution-of-payments-in-latin-america

    NDAQG

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council By-elections for Wards 6 & 14 – Voters urged to make sure their vote counts

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued on behalf of the Returning Officer

    Polling will take place on Thursday 26 September 2024 to fill the two vacant seats for The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth ward and the one vacant seat for the Inverness Central Ward. Voters are being reminded to be ready to make their vote count.

    The single transferable vote system will be used. Instead of using a cross, voters should number the candidates in the order of their choice, putting a number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate who is their first choice, 2 in the box next to their second choice and so on. Voters can mark as many choices as they wish.

    Postal packs have been despatched to those registered electors that submitted a form by the postal vote deadline.  Further guidance on how to complete your postal pack is available here 

    Anyone who has requested a postal vote will not be able to vote in person at a polling station. If you are unable to post it in time, it is possible to hand in your completed postal pack into any of the polling stations located within wards 6 and 14 between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 26 September 2024. There are no restrictions on the number of postal votes that can be handed in to a polling station.

    For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. Voters are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote.

    For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. People are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote. There is no requirement to bring any form of voter ID.

    The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 6 – Cromarty Firth are:

    • Ryan BARROWMAN – Scottish Greens
    • Sinclair COGHILL – Independent
    • Richard James CROSS – Independent
    • John EDMONDSON – Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • Brideen GODLEY-MACKENZIE – Independent
    • Kim HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK
    • Roland HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK
    • Odette MACDONALD – Scottish National Party (SNP)
    • Tina MCCAFFERY – Independent
    • Innes MUNRO – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • Michael PERERA – Scottish Labour Party
    • Martin RATTRAY – Independent

    The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 14 – Inverness Central are:

    • Andrew BARNETT – Scottish Greens
    • Michael GREGSON – Scottish Labour Party
    • Chris LEWCOCK – Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • Martin MACGREGOR – Scottish National Party (SNP)
    • Donald MACKENZIE – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • Iain RICHMOND – Reform UK

    The electronic election counts for both wards will take place on Friday 27 September 2024 starting at 9.00am. People will be able to follow the count and watch the declaration of the results live via the Council’s social media channels – @highlandcouncil

    All information about the by-election, including answers to frequently asked questions and short video clips to show how to vote is available by visiting the Council’s website  

    23 Sep 2024

    Share this story

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Swissmedic – Thuasne recalls Globe-Trotter walking sticks for people weighing more than 130 kg

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Consumer Affairs Office

    Bern, 23.09.2024 – Thuasne is recalling certain models of “Globe-Trotter” walking sticks for people weighing more than 130 kg. There is a risk of the walking stick becoming deformed or breaking, which could lead to a fall and serious injuries. Affected patients should stop using the walking sticks immediately and return them to their supplier.

    What danger arises from the product concerned?

    There is a risk of the cane becoming deformed or broken, which could cause the patient to fall and suffer serious injury.

    Which products are affected?

    The following rods are concerned:

    – Globe-Trotter W2016021010 (blue)

    – Globe-Trotter W2016022010 (gray)

    – Globe-Trotter W2017021006

    What should affected consumers do?

    Persons weighing more than 130 kg should stop using the canes immediately and return them to their supplier. They can obtain a replacement or refund for the canes from the supplier.

    Patients weighing less than 130 kg may continue to use canes. However, these individuals should have the safety of their cane checked by their supplier.

    In doing so, they must take careful note of the information sent to suppliers by Thuasne (affix the sticker and add the addendum to the instructions for use).

    Address for sending questions

    If you have any questions, consumers can contact Thuasne SCL Export TFR: Telephone: 33 477 81 40 01 Email: sclexport@thuasne.fr URL: https://www.thuasne.com/

    Author

    Federal Office of Consumer Affairshttp://www.konsum.admin.ch/

    Social sharing

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI China: Ancient rock painting site found in northwest China

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    An ancient rock painting site has been discovered in the Tongtian River basin in the source area of the Yangtze River in northwest China’s Qinghai Province, according to local authorities.

    The site is located on a cliff at an altitude of 4,094 meters in Chumarle County in the province’s Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The rock paintings of the site feature nomadic style of life on the grasslands in northern China, according to Jamyang Nyima, head of the Yushu research institute of history and culture.

    The new discovery will provide important evidence for studying the culture at the source of the Yangtze River, Jamyang Nyima said, adding that the date of the site has not yet been determined.

    So far, over 60 sites of nearly 10,000 rock paintings have been discovered in the Tongtian River basin, with the earliest dating back some 3,200 years.

    The rock paintings are rich in images. In addition to human figures, there are animal images such as yaks, deer, wolves, tigers, horses and camels, as well as images of two-wheeled vehicles, among other symbols. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-Evening Report: More Australians are using their superannuation for medical procedures. But that might put their financial health at risk

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Neera Bhatia, Associate Professor in Law, Deakin University

    fizkes/Shutterstock

    A record number of Australians are accessing their superannuation early on compassionate grounds, mainly to fund their own medical procedures – or those of a family member.

    Some 150,000 Australians have used the scheme in the last five years. Nearly 40,000 people had applications approved in 2022-23, compared to just under 30,000 in 2018-19 – an increase of 47%.

    Some people think this flexible use of funds is a good way to ensure people can fund their own medical needs. But more transparency and better oversight is needed.

    What are compassionate grounds?

    Since July 2018, the Australian Tax Office has administered the early release of superannuation – meaning before retirement – under certain circumstances, including compassionate grounds.

    Compassionate grounds for you or your dependant (such as child or spouse) are:

    • medical treatment or transport
    • modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate special needs for a severe disability
    • palliative care for a terminal illness
    • death, funeral or burial expenses
    • preventing foreclosure or forced sale of your home.

    The medical treatment must be for a life-threatening illness or injury, or to alleviate acute or chronic pain, or acute or chronic mental illness.

    The treatment cannot be “readily available” through the public system. Cosmetic procedures are excluded.

    You also have to prove you cannot afford to pay part or all of the expenses without accessing your super, for example, by spending your savings, selling assets or getting a loan.

    People who can access other funding for the expense, such as via the National Disability Insurance Scheme, are ineligible.

    Why are people using this scheme more?

    The ATO has not explained what is driving the surge. General cost-of-living pressures may play a role. People may have fewer savings to draw on for medical procedures.

    But the treatments most commonly being accessed using superannuation – fertility treatments, weight loss surgeries and dental care – point to other systemic issues.

    There have long been issues with IVF and dental care not being readily available or funded in the public health system.

    Weight loss surgeries (including bariatric surgery) can help combat potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart disease. Recent research suggests there has been an overall drop in the number of Australians having bariatric surgeries since 2016. But of those, 95% are performed through the private system.

    Australians are increasingly turning to their super to fund dental care, which is not covered by Medicare.
    Pixabay/Pexels

    While early access to super can provide individuals access to critical treatment, there are issues with how compassionate grounds are defined and regulated.

    Lack of clarity

    As my co-author and I have shown, the vague wording of the Superannuation Industry regulations leaves them worryingly open to interpretation.

    For example, the meaning of “mental disturbance” is not defined.

    You may not meet the criteria of having an acute or life-threatening illness, or acute or chronic pain. But if you can show a certain condition causes you acute mental disturbance, you may qualify to release your superannuation early.

    People accessing their superannuation for IVF use this criterion, for example, by arguing they need to access funds to continue treatment and alleviate the acute mental distress caused by ongoing infertility issues.

    Two registered medical practitioners are each required to submit a report demonstrating the treatment is needed, and one must be a specialist in the field in which the treatment is required. However, the regulations do not specify clearly that the specialist should have relevant qualifications.

    In the IVF example, this means the specialist opinion can be provided by a fertility doctor rather than a mental health expert – and that person may stand to profit if they later also provide treatment.

    A closed-loop system

    Conflict of interest is another major issue.

    There is nothing in the regulations to stop a medical practitioner – such as a dentist – being involved in all steps and then financially benefiting. They could encourage a patient to access superannuation for a treatment, write the specialist report and then also receive payment for the treatment.

    Some clinics promote accessing superannuation as an option to pay for expensive treatments.

    This raises important questions about the independence of the process, as well as professional ethics.

    Medical practitioners making recommendations for early release of superannuation should be doing so on genuinely compassionate grounds. But the potential for exploitation remains an ethical concern, when a practitioner can financially benefit from recommending early access to nest egg funds.

    Transparency around potential conflicts of interest are impossible to ensure without proper oversight.

    What is needed?

    1. Mandatory financial counselling

    The ATO has warned accessing super early is not “free money”, with a spokesperson urging people to get financial advice. But the law should go a step further and make this compulsory. That way people making decisions during an emotionally charged moment can understand any future implications.

    2. Tightening of the criteria

    Greater clarity in the legislation – such as defining “mental disturbance” – would help prevent loopholes being exploited.

    3. Better oversight

    Less health-care industry involvement would promote greater transparency and independence. An independent body of medical practitioners could assess applications rather than practitioners who could financially benefit if applications are approved. This would help alleviate perceived and actual conflicts of interest.

    Accessing superannuation early may be the only option for some people to start a family or access other life-changing medical care. But they should be able to make this decision in a fully informed way, safeguarded from exploitation and aware of the implications for their future.

    Neera Bhatia receives funding from The UK Arts and Humanities Research Council for an unrelated project.

    – ref. More Australians are using their superannuation for medical procedures. But that might put their financial health at risk – https://theconversation.com/more-australians-are-using-their-superannuation-for-medical-procedures-but-that-might-put-their-financial-health-at-risk-239588

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnicians to manufacture direct laser growing complex for KER-Holding

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University has signed an agreement with the Management Company “Complex Energy Development Holding” (KER-Holding) for the production of a direct laser growing complex.

    As part of long-term cooperation with KER-Holding, employees of the research laboratory “Laser and Additive Technologies” of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport (NIL “LiAT” IMMiT) SPbPU restored elements of imported and domestic gas turbine engines. Some of the repaired components have already worked for 12 thousand hours. After comprehensive studies, the parts were approved for further use.

    The laboratory staff demonstrated the ability to effectively solve the problems of restoring complex parts from superalloys. The developed technology significantly extends the service life of the equipment. The laboratory confirmed its reputation as a reliable partner in the field of restoring critical parts of power plants, – noted the director Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Anatoly Popovich.

    As a result of fruitful cooperation, the partners chose SPbPU as a supplier of the direct laser growth installation. The sealed chamber of the technological complex is equipped with systems for creating, monitoring, maintaining and recirculating an inert atmosphere with excess pressure. The supply of equipment in the field of additive laser and welding technologies is carried out with a set of spare parts, personal protective equipment, transfer of the technological process, warranty and support.

    Documentary confirmation of long-term cooperation between our laboratory and KER-Holding is very important for each employee of the department. Signing the contract for the production of a direct laser growth complex once again emphasizes the high level of trust of industrial partners in our competencies in the field of laser and additive technologies, – emphasized the head of the Scientific Research Laboratory “LiAT” of the Institute of Metallurgy and Technology of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Mikhail Kuznetsov.

    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.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/polytechnics-will-produce-a-complex-direct-laser-growing-for-ker-holding/

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Embracing life-long learning in forestry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A case study of Forestry Commission and Forestry England staff on the support they’ve received to develop their careers in forestry.

    Forestry is a highly rewarding career, as you, alongside other passionate people, are helping to look after something incredibly valuable. You can make a real difference to the environment, people’s enjoyment of the great outdoors, nature recovery and the green economy. The sector also offers a wide range of roles and encourages life-long learning.

    Meet those across forestry making a difference and learn about the support they’ve received to develop the crucial skills needed to perform at their best.

    Abi Davis, Recreation Ranger, Forestry England

    Abi Davis on her mountain bike at work, Crown copyright

    Abi started her career with the Forestry Commission in 2015 and over the years has taken on various roles including surveying, craftsperson and recreation support. Transitioning to a role in recreation introduced her to the exciting world of mountain biking, where she learnt alongside experienced colleagues.

    As part of her role, Abi underwent ‘Cycling at Work’ training (Levels 1 and 2) with British Cycling. Over the 2 days, she honed her skills and knowledge in bike maintenance as well as her mountain biking abilities and confidence both on and off the trails.

    Abi said,

    A highlight was the support from one of the coaches who got me riding down a rock garden – something I didn’t think I was capable of!

    Abi describes the training as invaluable. Inspecting cycle trails on her mountain bike allows her to experience them as visitors do. She can promptly identify issues with waymarking, vegetation management and trail flow. After stormy weather, she’s able to assess the trails quickly and safely for damage to enable faster reopening for visitors to enjoy.

    Abi added,

    Being a Recreation Ranger allows me to combine my love for the outdoors with my passion for helping others to enjoy nature, ensuring our forests are accessible and enjoyable for all.

    Seeing people enjoy our forests, especially through initiatives like our off-road mobility scooters – otherwise known as ‘trampers’, is incredibly fulfilling. These scooters provide access to those who might not otherwise be able to experience the forest, and hearing how it changes their lives is truly humbling.

    Tristan Haynes, Woodland Creation Officer, Forestry Commission

    Tristan on a site visit for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant, Crown copyright

    As a Woodland Creation Officer, Tristan provides expert advice on woodland design, site preparation and the grants available to landowners considering woodland creation.

    Tristan must keep abreast of the latest guidance and forestry best practice, which led him to complete a 2-day training programme on soils and woodland resilience. The course contributed to his continued professional development and in-depth understanding of forestry. Learning about these highly technical elements means Tristan can apply his specialist knowledge to improve the standard of woodland plans put forward for the Woodland Creation Planning Grant (WCPG).  

    The training provided an understanding of how site soil analysis can improve the results of Forest Research’s Ecological Site Classification (ESC) tool. It also gave insight into how soil analysis can inform what ground preparation and site maintenance operations are necessary ahead of planting. Tristan feels more confident in helping applicants and agents with deciding the optimal tree species to plant, to ensure the longevity and success of their tree planting scheme.

    When asked what he loves most about working in forestry, Tristan said it was his involvement in the process of developing well-considered woodland creation plans and their future management.

    Tristan added,

    Woodlands contribute in so many ways to immediately improve social well-being, the wider environment and economy.

    He feels his role is contributing towards further developments to the forestry sector and long-term sustainability of the wider rural sector in England.

    Ordel Gillson, Compliance Manager, Forestry Commission

    Ordel at her desk, Crown copyright

    As Compliance Manager, Ordel provides advice to ensure that teams adhere to legal standards, regulatory requirements and internal policies. Her role includes risk monitoring, assurance of grant processes and collaborating with grant managers.

    Ordel is currently in her third year of a CMI Chartered Managers Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Cumbria.

    Her degree is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and covers all aspects of business operations with a focus on taking responsibility for people, projects, operations and/or services to deliver long-term organisational success. The course has helped her to manage projects more efficiently and to effectively lead her team to deliver on the Forestry Commission’s objectives for woodland creation and management.

    Ordel hasn’t always worked in forestry. Prior to her career change, she served in the Royal Navy for 23 years. This is her first degree, and she says that her line manager has been very supportive of her professional development, especially as over 20% of her working week goes towards her apprenticeship.

    Her favourite part of her job is the team ethos. It was a big change for her to leave behind her military career and because of the team collaboration and support, she still feels she has that sense of community and belonging.

    Ordel said,

    It makes you feel valued by the organisation because they’re investing in you to get this qualification and ultimately, it’s going to benefit the organisation as well.

    Katarzyna Bromek, Incentives Development Project Officer, Forestry Commission

    Forestry Commission staff learning about a harvester on the ‘Forestry in a Nutshell’ course, Crown copyright

    Katarzyna, otherwise known as Kasia, is an Incentives Development Project Officer who works within the Incentives Development Team. The team is responsible for supporting the operations team to develop and improve all aspects of the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO).

    As part of Kasia’s training, she took part in ‘Forestry in a Nutshell’, a highly sought after 2-day course offered to non-operational forestry staff acting as a crash course on forestry operations in the field.

    Kasia gained valuable knowledge about different tree species and the direction that UK forestry is heading. She also learned a lot about the current forest operation policies and the ins and outs of the forester and woodland officer roles.   

    The course helped deepen her understanding of how the Forestry Commission operates and how her team contributes to the bigger picture. She says the course has inspired her to learn more about nature and the environment and is keen to take more forestry courses as a result.

    Kasia added,

    I love working for forestry and knowing that future generations will benefit from the woodland planting that I am involved in. It gives me a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. It is great to know that through my work I can contribute to addressing the climate emergency and create an environment which will be beneficial for wildlife and people.

    Discover more forestry careers resources and stories of those making a difference in forestry.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation launched, Rotorua

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A homicide investigation has been launched after a woman has died and two others have been critically injured in linked incidents in Rotorua.

    Emergency services were called about 5am this morning to a Western Heights address after a report of two people being seriously assaulted.

    They were transported to hospital in critical condition.

    A scene examination is underway, and enquiries are ongoing to determine exactly what has occurred.

    Separately, Police were called to an Utuhina address about 2.35pm to conduct a welfare check on a woman.

    Upon arriving at the property, Police located the woman deceased.

    A scene examination is also underway at that property.

    Police believe the incidents are linked, and one person is assisting us with our enquiries.

    We are currently not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who has information about either incident that might assist with our enquiries.

    If you can help, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 240923/0552.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New smartphone skin cancer app could save lives An AI-enabled smartphone app to help skin cancer patients is being developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, thanks to funding of £421,000 from Cancer Research UK.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    An AI-enabled smartphone app to help skin cancer patients is being developed by scientists at the University of Aberdeen, thanks to funding of £421,000 from Cancer Research UK.

    We believe this technology will not only be reassuring for patients, help them receive any treatment they need quickly but will also be more efficient, resulting in fewer NHS appointments, lower costs and less travel for patients.” Professor Peter Murchie

    The app will help people previously treated for melanoma examine their skin regularly to reduce anxiety and help catch any recurrence of the disease.
    A built-in AI chatbot will enable users to upload high quality images and information about worrying skin changes, so concerns can be quickly triaged and dealt with by human healthcare professionals.
    The project, led by the University of Aberdeen, has already successfully trialled a tablet app called ASICA with a group of patients who had previously been successfully treated for melanoma.
    Around 120 melanoma survivors used the app for a year to regularly check their skin and then send photos and text about any areas of concern to a specialist doctor for review.
    The app was found to be effective, leading to quicker resolution of concerns and reducing anxiety for users. However, some users struggled to maintain monthly skin checks and provide high-quality text and images for the specialists to review.
    The new funding will go towards developing an enhanced smartphone version of the ASICA app with an integrated AI chat bot which will better support users to check their skin monthly.
    Professor Peter Murchie, Chair in Primary Care and lead of the Academic Primary Care Research Group at the University of Aberdeen, said:
    “Melanoma can return, and we know the quicker recurrence is diagnosed, the more likely treatment is to be successful.
    “If melanoma survivors check their total skin once per month, they are more likely to spot recurrence or if a new melanoma has appeared. They can then get medical attention at the earliest stage.
    “We believe this technology will not only be reassuring for patients, help them receive any treatment they need quickly but will also be more efficient, resulting in fewer NHS appointments, lower costs and less travel for patients.
    “AI will never replace the need for human healthcare professionals in diagnosing cancer but can be of great support and reassurance for patients and in directing them to healthcare professionals when needed.”
    Each year around 17,500 people are diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer in the UK*. With around 2,400 people in the UK sadly losing their lives to the disease annually, finding new ways to tackle the disease is vital**.
    Primary teacher, Adele Hughes, from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, welcomed the project. The mum of two was diagnosed with melanoma just a month before her 40th birthday.
    After six surgeries and 18 cycles of immunotherapy, Adele has now been cancer free for three years, but lives with the awareness that the cancer could return and has regular surveillance scans and check-ups every six months at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen.
    Adele said: “This project represents a fantastic initiative for individuals like myself who have experienced melanoma and continually navigate the possibility of its recurrence.
    “This app not only aims to relieve anxiety by providing access to professional healthcare support when necessary, but it also holds the potential to save numerous lives. Its proactive approach could significantly enhance the well-being of those affected by this condition.”
    Dr Catherine Elliott, Director of Research at Cancer Research UK, said:
    “We are delighted to support this innovative research which aims to use emerging technologies to ensure the best possible future for those who have already experienced the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis.”
    The new app will be developed and tested with up to 50 melanoma survivors and around 20 healthcare professionals.
    The study team would like to hear from people in region who have been treated for melanoma in the last five-years and healthcare professionals interested in taking part. They can get in touch via asica@abdn.ac.uk to find out more.
    In future it’s hoped the project could be developed further to create a deep learning-based computer-assisted decision (CAD) model to support nurse triage.
     
    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Night works to carry out essential road maintenance

    Source: City of York

    Published Friday, 20 September 2024

    City of York Council is carrying out road maintenance works on the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane, and York Road, Dunnington starting next week.

    From Monday 23 September the council will be resurfacing the A1079 Hull Road and B1228 Elvington Lane. This is expected to be completed by the morning of Thursday 10 October, weather permitting. To minimise disruption teams will be working between 9.00pm and 5.00an with the road being open to vehicle traffic during the day.

    While the night work takes place during the first week of the works, from Monday 23 September to Friday 27 September, there will be a convoy system in place, with a 10mph speed limit, to safely escort vehicles through the road works. With effect from Monday 30 September to the morning of Thursday 10 October, there will be a road closure in place, between the hours of 9.00pm to 5.00pm, with signed diversions.

    From Thursday 3 October until Friday 11 October, weather permitting, patching work will take place on York Road, Dunnington. This will see the road closed to vehicles (but still accessible for pedestrians and cyclists) between 7.00pm and midnight but it will be open during the day.

    Weekend working is not expected to be necessary across both schemes.

    Diversions are in place but there will be some disruption to the following bus services:

    • while the A1079 is closed, service 10L will operate a clockwise loop within Dunnington via Eastfield Lane and Petercroft Lane, stopping only at the Reading Room, Dunnington Cross and Church Balk stops. Services X46/X47 will divert through the village via Church Balk, Church Lane and Common Lane. During the convoy working phase, these services will remain on their normal route, but minor delays are likely
    • when only York Road is closed, services 10 and 10L will divert through the village via Church Balk, Church Lane and Common Lane. The X46/X47 will stay on their normal route
    • there will be no disruption to bus services using the B1228 Elvington Lane as these buses do not run at the times that the works will be taking place

    Access through the closures will be provided for pedestrians and cyclists along the existing narrow paths. During the periods when the road closures are in place, cyclists will be asked to dismount during when using this route due to the narrowness of the path.

    The works will be carried out by the contractor Lane Rental Services Ltd, working on behalf of the council.

    Ambassadors and site staff will be on hand on site to advise and assist residents and businesses about any access restrictions once the works are ongoing.

    While we’re working to minimise disruption, delays are expected, so please plan ahead when making any journeys in the area during the works. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Residents and nearby businesses have already been alerted to the closures. Emergency services will always be permitted through the works at all times.

    To find out more, you can sign up for email alerts for roadworks and disruption in your area.

    For any general enquires regarding these works email: Highway.Maintenance@york.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strabane Business Community welcomes funding announcement

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Strabane Business Community welcomes funding announcement

    23 September 2024

    There was more good news for Strabane town in recent days as the Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, announced funding for the Strabane Public Realm scheme.

    £7 million of capital investment will be channelled into the scheme which will improve the streetscape, lighting, footpaths and traffic flow within the town, with support from the Department in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council.

    Welcoming the news on behalf of the Strabane business community, Kieran Kennedy, Chair of Strabane BID said: “Strabane BID warmly welcomes the launch of the Strabane Public Realm scheme which will result in significant improvements to the town centre. This investment will improve the aesthetics of our town centre, making it a more attractive place to visit, work and stay.

    “This project has been in the pipeline for many years and it is fantastic to see it finally approved for delivery. Strabane BID has worked closely with Derry City and Strabane District Council to drive this project forward and support the business case by communicating with our local businesses and reflecting their voice and needs throughout. “The project will attract increased footfall to the town and encourage increased dwell time in the town centre which will go a long way to boosting economic growth of our existing businesses and encouraging new investment. This, on the back of the signing of the £102 million Strabane Town Centre Regeneration Project through the City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund, will see a huge investment in Strabane and result in significant benefits to our local businesses and residents.”

    The Council is leading on the delivery of the project, which will see significant works carried out in Railway Street, Derry Road, Castle Street, Abercorn Square, Market Street and Upper Main Street. The works will include improvements to footpaths, carriageways, street lighting and street furniture, along with planting of semi-mature trees and the installation of public artwork. It will also see enhancements to the junctions at Railway Street/Abercorn Square/Derry Road/Canal Street, as well as the junctions at Market Street/Butcher Street/Church Street and Main Street/Market Street/Bridge Street, resulting in a realignment of traffic flows and the creation of new public space in Abercorn Square on the opposite side of the street to where it is currently located.

    A procurement process to identify and appoint an Integrated Supply Team to deliver the construction works will now be taken forward by DCSDC. Subject to the successful completion of this process, it is anticipated that construction works will commence in Spring 2025 and finish by late 2026.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP Receives US$33 Million from USDA for School Meals in Nepal

    Source: World Food Programme

    KATHMANDU – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes US$33 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enhance the National Mid-day Meal Programme in Nepal for more than 120,000 children annually.

    The funds have been awarded to WFP’s Nepal office through a competitive process operated by USDA’s McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (McGovern-Dole), which has a long history of supporting Nepal’s efforts to promote food security and opportunities for education.

    This award will support a comprehensive five-year initiative (2023-2028) focused on improving education, nutrition and health for children across the country, jointly implemented by WFP in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Embassy of United States of America in Nepal, cooperating partners World Education (a division of JSI), Integrated Development Society Nepal, and Mercy Corps.

    The award (in-kind and cash) will ensure that children receive nutritious meals every day at school, a vital social safety net promoting access to and equity in education, health and literacy, especially for children from food-insecure families. This essential support will annually benefit 122,000 pre-primary and primary school children from more than 1,000 schools across Bajhang, Bajura and Darchula Districts of Sudur Paschim Province. 

    “For many families in far western Nepal, food scarcity is a serious challenge that makes it difficult for parents to feed their children,” said Robert Kasca, WFP Nepal’s Representative and Country Director. “Offering school meals serves as an incentive for these parents to send their children to school, especially girls, creating opportunities for breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty.”

    The school meals will be prepared with fortified rice and fortified vegetable oil, donated by the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program. The rest of the ingredients will be sourced from local markets and smallholder farmers in the vicinity of schools, scaling up a home-grown approach to the Mid-day Meal Programme. 

    “In Nepal, the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program works through its implementing partner, the World Food Programme. Through the McGovern-Dole Program, more than 700,000 children have received a daily school meal in the most remote areas of Nepal. Building on previous success here in Nepal, the project will continue to carry out complementary activities with a strong focus on building the government’s capacity to eventually and successfully handover the project to the government of Nepal,” says Erika Beltran, Senior International Program Specialist, for USDA’s McGovern-Dole Program.

    In addition to implementing the school meals programme, WFP will continue to support the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in strengthening government capacity at federal, provincial and local levels to ensure a full transition of the programme to the government by 2028. Moreover, the Ministry will receive technical assistance and capacity strengthening support from WFP in the areas of logistics and supply chain, planning and implementing cost-efficient and nutritious school meal menus, procurement and supply of commodities, and consolidating the national policy framework.

    McGovern-Dole funds school meals and education and nutrition programs for women, infants, and children in countries with high food insecurity. By providing school meals, teacher training, and related education and nutrition support, McGovern-Dole projects help boost school enrollment, increase attendance, and improve reading outcomes and literacy results. The program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities, local and regional procurement of agricultural commodities, and financial and technical assistance to support school feeding and maternal and child nutrition projects. It started providing school feeding assistance in Nepal since 2005. For more information, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/mcgovern-dole-food-education-program

    #                    #                       # 

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

     

    Follow us on Twitter: @WFP_Nepal  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s station excavation finds are the rail thing

    Source: City of Leeds

    Historic relics from Leeds’s very first railway station have helped rediscover the city’s fascinating track record after being unearthed during an archaeological dig.

    The remains of the former Marsh Lane station, which opened exactly 190 years ago this week, were revealed during a recently completed excavation carried out in the city centre.

    Experts from CFA Archaeology Limited, working with West Yorkshire Joint Service’s Archaeology Advisory Service, uncovered long-buried ironworks and foundations from the Georgian station, which was part of the Leeds to Selby Railway that once ran between Marsh Lane and a station on the River Ouse at Selby.

    Spotting the chance to preserve an important piece of the city’s transport history, curators at Leeds Industrial Museum raced to secure some of the fascinating finds for their collection.

    Now safely in storage at the museum are the remnants of one of the station’s huge cast iron pillars, which would once have held up the roof while passengers made their way around its platforms. The impressive iron columns also doubled as rainwater down pipes.

    Also now at the museum are a pair of huge stone sleepers, used to secure tracks in the years before wooden sleepers were employed, and which still show the holes where railway spikes were driven into them.

    John McGoldrick, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of industrial history, said: “Marsh Lane station played a huge part in establishing the rail network going in and out of Leeds, transporting both passengers and important freight for industries which helped the city thrive in the 19th century.

    “It’s always exciting to have the opportunity to see such a real, tangible part of the city’s past in front of you, and even more so when it’s been buried beneath our feet for more than a century.

    “Discoveries like this are a fascinating reminder of the history that’s all around us and the foundations of industry and innovation that the city we know today is built on.”

    With a station dating from the earliest days of railway construction, the first official train to leave Marsh Lane departed at around 6.30am on September 22, 1834.

    But with no known artistic drawings or paintings of the station still existing today, there was little to indicate how it may have looked in its pioneering heyday.

    Archaeologists were surprised to discover that the station had been built on two levels, with the train tracks on a high podium above Leeds and an entrance for passengers at ground level off Marsh Lane.

    They also found the remains of a U-shaped workshop which would have stored, serviced and carried out everyday repairs on the railway’s vintage locomotives. A 15 metre deep well was also dug to supply the railway with water.

    In the 1860s, the original station was demolished to make way for a grain warehouse, before a revamped station was constructed in its place. That station remained in place until its closure in 1958.

    The only visible trace of the early station to survive today are a boundary wall and gate piers on Marsh Lane.

    It is now hoped the recovered pieces of the station can go on display at Leeds Industrial Museum.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:  “Leeds has evolved and transformed so much over the centuries, and the infrastructure of our modern city was built by those who literally laid the foundations of the urban landscape we know today.

    “That history can be seen everywhere, but it’s important that we also preserve those parts of our city’s story which are no longer visible, so future generations can learn about how Leeds was built.”

    Once the world’s largest woollen mill, Leeds Industrial Museum is home to models and machinery paying tribute to the city’s industrial heritage as well as its many inventors and engineers.

    For more information on Leeds Industrial Museum, please visit: Leeds Industrial Museum – Leeds Museums & Galleries

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Youth affairs chief joins Zhuhai event

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak attended the kick-off ceremony of an entrepreneurship event for Hong Kong and Macau youths in Hengqin, Zhuhai this morning.

    Themed “New Quality Productive Forces Strive for High-quality Development”, the event aims to help Hong Kong and Macau youths who are developing their careers in Guangdong to engage in exchanges and gain further understanding of the industry development of Guangdong Province through visits, research and discussions.

    This will enable them to deepen their knowledge of new productivity, thereby facilitating their active integration into the Greater Bay Area (GBA) development.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak said young people are an important driving force for the country’s high-quality development.

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government aims to provide more comprehensive support for Hong Kong youths through new rounds of two schemes – the Funding Scheme for Youth Entrepreneurship in the GBA and the Funding Scheme for Experiential Programmes at Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases – helping them pursue innovation and entrepreneurship in the bay area, she added.

    Miss Mak also noted that around 100 activities have been planned or held in Hong Kong and Guangdong by member organisations of the Alliance of Hong Kong Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurial Bases in the Greater Bay Area since its launch last year.

    Gathering around 60 member organisations, the alliance was jointly established by the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, and Guangdong’s Human Resources & Social Security Department.

    Miss Mak finished her visit and returned to Hong Kong today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Maile to visit Cemetery View informal settlement

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, September 23, 2024

    Gauteng’s Acting MEC for Human Settlements Lebogang Maile is this morning expected to visit Cemetery View informal settlement following a fire that destroyed shacks in Pretoria East.

    “MEC Maile will use the visit to outline government’s interventions to assist those affected. More than 2000 shacks were engulfed by the fire. MEC Maile is undertaking this important visit to ensure the safety, security and comfort of those affected by this unfortunate situation,” said the Gauteng Provincial government on Monday.

    The MEC will be joined by the City of Tshwane MMC for Human Settlements, councillor Ofentse Madzebatela.
    This as the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to multiple shacks on fire in Woodlake Street in Pretorious Park on the morning of 21 September 2024.

    “The multiple-shack fire was reported to the City of Tshwane Emergency Call Centre at about 04:07 am. The centre immediately dispatched multiple firefighting resources from Silverton Fire Station, Hazelwood Fire Station, Central Fire Station, Mamelodi Fire Station, Centurion Fire Station and Heuweloord Fire Station to the scene. These included two fire trucks, an industrial pumper, a mobile command unit, two rapid intervention units, a water carrier and a district commander’s unit,” said the city’s Emergency Services Department in a statement.

    The City said that upon arrival firefighters reported that a large area in the informal settlement was on fire with multiple shacks well alight and many people standing outside.

    Firefighters then started with firefighting operations and initiated evacuation procedures and the fire was extinguished at 5am.
    About 814 shacks burned down and about 2600 people were affected by the fire.

    “One male patient was treated on-site and transported to Steve Biko Academic Hospital for critical burn injuries. Another female patient with a critical medical condition was also treated on-site and transported to Mamelodi Hospital. A third patient sadly suffered fatal burn injuries. Gauteng Provincial Government Emergency Medical Services are managing all emergencies pertaining to patients in this regard,” said the city.

    The cause of the fire had not been determined.

    “The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the scene is a declared as a hot zone and a crime scene.” 

    The city urged residents to be cautious and to extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher and to never overload electrical plugs, among others. –SAnews.gov.za 
     

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Global: AfD: how Germany’s constitution was designed with the threat of extremism in mind

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Green, Professor of Politics, Aston University

    German chancellor Olaf Scholz’s SPD has narrowly held off the rightwing Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in regional elections in Brandenburg, nudging them into second place.

    The close call follows two other recent elections in Germany’s eastern federal states (Länder). In Thuringia, the AfD won the highest share of the votes. In Saxony, the AfD narrowly came second to the centre-right CDU. Importantly, the regional AfD organisations in both Saxony and Thuringia, along with Saxony-Anhalt, have officially been designated as extreme right. This means that the party in these states is formally considered by Germany’s domestic security service to be a threat to the country’s democratic constitutional order.

    Although the country’s proportional electoral system means that the AfD cannot form a government in any of the three states by itself, this is the first time since 1945 that an officially extremist party has won an election in Germany.

    It’s not unreasonable for those outside Germany to questions whether these election results show that the country once more stands on the cusp of a slide into fascism, as it did in the 1930s. However, quite apart from the fact that 2024 is not the same as 1933, there is one important structural difference: Germany’s constitution (the Grundgesetz or Basic Law). This was explicitly designed to prevent a recurrence of a totalitarian regime such as national socialism.

    The Basic Law dates back to 1949 – a time when the country was in the process of splitting into west and east. Coming into force during this period of transition, the document was only a provisional constitution. Yet the Basic Law has outlasted any of the previous three state forms since Germany was first unified in 1871. Today, it enjoys widespread popular support: a recent survey showed 81% of the population view it positively.

    In its content, the Basic Law is a living testimony to Germany’s desire to prevent a return to National Socialism. In articles 1-19, it enshrines a comprehensive catalogue of fundamental rights, which cannot be removed from the constitution. These include the right to dignity, freedom, privacy, free assembly, freedom of the press and to political asylum.

    The Basic Law also established one of the most powerful independent constitutional courts in the world. The court even has the right to ban political parties, or to limit the fundamental rights of individuals who are found to be undermining the constitutional order, as had been in the case in Weimar Germany. For this reason, Germany is considered to be a militant democracy. While the outright banning of parties is fraught with political difficulties (and hence rare historically), there is a live debate over whether the AfD’s policies and rhetoric are ultimately compatible with Germany’s constitution.

    More subtly, Germany’s governance structures are designed to make it practically impossible for a hostile grouping to seize power democratically. The German chancellor has much less power than, say, the British prime minister. In particular, the structures of federalism and coalition government further constrain the room for manoeuvre of any individual politician or indeed any single political party.

    The Grundrechte is inscribed on a wall in Berlin for all to see.
    Jakob-Kaiser-Haus/Wikipedia, CC BY-SA

    Major functions of policy implementation are delegated to powerful societal actors, such as professional bodies. These are geographically distributed around the country, along with the media, key corporate headquarters and the unions. The ability of Germany’s central bank, the Bundesbank, to set monetary policy independent of political control, itself a response to the hyperinflation of the early 1920s, has made it a model for both the European Central Bank and the Bank of England today.

    In short, and in the words of the German-American political scientist Peter Katzenstein, the German state is only “semisovereign”.

    In consequence, the Basic Law is not just a document setting out the political “rules of the game”, but an expression of Germany’s values. Its longevity has benefited from the willingness of political elites down the years to adapt its provisions, where necessary, to changing circumstances. And in several respects, the past remains very much the present in German politics. For instance, the right to privacy, which was originally included to prevent the reoccurrence of Nazi Germany’s pervasive surveillance, is given new meaning in an age of global digital connectivity.

    Pressures ahead

    Certainly, Germany today faces multiple challenges. As society has evolved, Germany’s party system has fragmented, with more parties securing seats in the national parliament, the Bundestag. Of these, the AfD has been by far the most successful, and could potentially become the second largest party at the next parliamentary elections in 2025. This fragementation, which is not unique to Germany, has made the formation of coalition governments harder. Fortunately, this has so far not led to out-of-cycle national elections, of the kind which plagued the latter years of the Weimar Republic.

    And there are concerns beyond politics. From the “economic miracle” in the 1950s, Germany’s growth has slowed significantly, averaging just 1.2% per year between 2012-2022; in the last two years, the economy has barely grown at all. Compared to other advanced economies, it remains disproportionately reliant on exporting high added value manufactured goods.

    The reunification of Germany in 1990 also continues to cast a long shadow. In any number of economic and social indicators, including household incomes, religion and childcare patterns, eastern Germany remains structurally different to western Germany. Across the country, the population is ageing and, without substantial net migration over time, will decline over the next 30 years. Yet immigration also remains one of the biggest political issues of the day, and a key driver of the AfD’s electoral success.

    Nonetheless, given Germany’s difficult journey to statehood in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Basic Law remains a strong guarantor of Germany’s democratic credentials. For this reason, former federal president Joachim Gauck was surely right to declare earlier this year that the Germany created by the Basic Law is “the best that ever existed”.

    Simon Green 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. AfD: how Germany’s constitution was designed with the threat of extremism in mind – https://theconversation.com/afd-how-germanys-constitution-was-designed-with-the-threat-of-extremism-in-mind-230594

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schakowsky, Carson, Jayapal Introduce UNRWA Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09),  André Carson (IN-07), and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) introduced H.R. 9649, the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2024.This bill will end the congressionally and administratively mandated pause on funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA).

    The United States has historically been one of the largest financial supporters of UNRWA, which serves nearly 6 million Palestinian refugees across the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In March of this year, the U.S. paused UNRWA funding after the Israeli government alleged that 12 agency employees had direct involvement in Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack.

    Following the UN’s investigation and proactive commitments made by UNRWA toward complete accountability and reform, all countries except the U.S. have resumed their UNRWA funding, including the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, and Sweden.  Approximately 1.9 million people – 9 in 10 Gazans – have been displaced at least once, and an estimated 43,580 are pregnant women. UNRWA has served as the primary humanitarian aid organization operating in Gaza, and without funding, hundreds of thousands of Gaza civilians are left vulnerable. It is estimated that over 1 million Gazans will not have enough food this month, and availability of basic hygiene items has dropped to 15%. In addition to a polio outbreak, Gazans are suffering from malnutrition and treatable diseases due to “systematic dismantling of healthcare”from bombardments on civilians.

    “For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for Palestinians, providing food, clean water, healthcare, shelter, education, and livelihoods. Today, UNRWA remains the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza as it endures ongoing war and a dire humanitarian crisis. UNRWA and the United Nations have taken swift and decisive actions to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government when it paused funding in January and our allies have all resumed funding for UNRWA. The U.S. must follow suit and resume funding for this critical humanitarian agency,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “I am proud to co-lead the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act to restore funding to UNRWA and help Gazans get the humanitarian assistance they need at a time of unprecedented crisis.”

    “The scale of this devastating, man-made crisis in Gaza cannot be overstated,” said Congressman André Carson. “Providing humanitarian aid to a starving nation – with funding Congress has appropriated year after year – should not be controversial. I urge my colleagues who care about basic human rights, the rights of pregnant women, and the wellbeing of innocent children to join our bill. UNRWA has taken appropriate and proactive steps towards accountability and transparency, conducting multiple independent reviews that continue to prove the organization is both in compliance and imperative to provide the region with lifesaving assistance.  It’s past time we restore funding and save lives.”

    “UNRWA has played a unique and integral role in supporting the welfare of Palestinian refugees for decades. Their on-the-ground understanding is invaluable to ensure that humanitarian aid makes it to the people who need it most — in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and critically in this moment in Gaza,” said Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. “There is no question in my mind that revoking funding for UNRWA will lead to more devastation and loss of life in Gaza. We must ensure that those acting in good faith to save civilian lives are not undermined by a lack of US funding.”

    “J Street is proud to be supporting the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024 introduced by Representatives Carson, Jayapal, and Schakowsky. We should restore funding, as all our major allies have, and stop playing politics with Palestinian welfare and Israel’s security,” said J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As UNRWA’s largest donor and Israel’s key security guarantor, the United States has a special obligation to address this crisis.”

    “Gaza isn’t starving. It’s being starved,” said Hassan El-Tayyab, legislative director for Middle East policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. “Over two million Palestinian civilians are enduring a man-made humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading due to blocked aid access. Meanwhile, the Biden administration and Congress continue to withhold all U.S. funding for the largest aid operation in Gaza—the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA is the backbone of aid delivery in Gaza, ensuring that millions receive desperately needed assistance. Blocking U.S. funding for UNRWA’s critical work is a cruel and unjustified decision that only deepens Gaza’s humanitarian suffering. Congress and the Administration must act swiftly to correct this wrong by supporting the UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act and restoring this urgently needed aid.”

    “Restoring funding to UNRWA is a humanitarian imperative,” said Sharif Aly, President of the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). “For over six decades, the United States has been one of the strongest supporters of UNRWA, which provides lifesaving aid and social services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Middle East. Those services are desperately needed in Gaza right now, and UNRWA is the only organization with the capacity and expertise necessary to provide them at scale. The United States must uphold its commitment to the human rights of the Palestinian people and pass this legislation to reinstate funding to the humanitarian agency immediately. Failing to do so would lead to further human suffering.”

    “In restoring funding for food, water, shelter, and medical care for Palestine refugees, the UNRWA Restoration Act honors this most basic and inalienable truth — that the people of Palestine are human beings, just like all of us, and all lives are sacred, not just some,” said Mara Kronenfeld, Executive Director UNRWA USA.

    “UNRWA is indispensable to providing Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria with the education, healthcare, and other critical services that are key to successful, productive livelihoods and citizenry, and a future of peace and prosperity, which should be in everyone’s interests. We support full restoration of funding to UNRWA,” said Sean Carroll, President and CEO of Anera.

    “We express our gratitude to Representatives André Carson, Pramila Jayapal, and Jan Schakowsky for introducing the UNRWA Emergency Restoration Act of 2024,” said James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute. “This lifesaving legislation aims to restore critical U.S. financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) by repealing previous funding restrictions and encouraging the Secretary of State to lift the temporary pause on federal funding. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing essential services to millions of Palestinian refugees across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The ongoing genocide in Gaza has resulted in increased displacement, starvation, and death. It is both inhumane and unconscionable to continue withholding financial support from UNRWA. We recognize that the majority of Americans are horrified by the death and destruction they witness daily in Gaza and the West Bank. UNRWA’s humanitarian aid and services often mean the difference between life and death for these vulnerable populations. Restoring U.S. funding to UNRWA is urgent, just, and the only morally responsible option. We urge lawmakers to prioritize the passage of this crucial legislation and ensure that UNRWA can continue to provide life-saving assistance to Palestinian refugees in the region.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Intergenerational housing: for whom?

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Republic of France in FrenchThe French Republic has issued the following statement:

    Intergenerational housing projects are most often initiated by public structures such as social landlords and municipalities, in partnership with associations or private investors. These collective housing projects are aimed at everyone, whether you are alone, a family, a student or retired.

    Intergenerational housing aims to improve the quality of life of residents:

    by developing solidarity between neighbours, through the mixing of generations; by fighting against the isolation of people living alone (students, elderly people, etc.).

    How is intergenerational housing composed?

    By definition, intergenerational housing is aimed at all ages.

    The accommodations are designed to meet the specific needs of different generations and family structures (adapted facilities for the elderly, several bedrooms for families, outdoor spaces for children, etc.).

    In their design, they can be intended for one third to students, one third to families and one third to seniors. Or only bi-generational, intended for students and seniors. It can also be inclusive intergenerational housing.

    These structures also have the specific feature of offering common meeting and exchange spaces that can be used by all and offer services (laundry, concierge, room for events, etc.).

    Are you looking for an intergenerational building near you? You can find out more with the local information point dedicated to the elderly.

    Please note

    Housing for the elderly is not medicalized. The organization of care is the responsibility of the occupant.

    Cost of intergenerational housing and possible assistance

    Intergenerational housing projects designed by social landlords have a social vocation. They offer moderate rents adapted for people on “low incomes”.

    People living in intergenerational housing can benefit from different types of assistance depending on their situation:

    housing assistance: personalized housing assistance (APL), social housing allowance (ALS), pension fund assistance, tax assistance); personalized autonomy allowance (APA and APA at home).

    Namely

    We should not confuse intergenerational housing with intergenerational cohabitation; the latter refers to shared solidarity housing.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Switzerland participates in G20 discussions on research and innovation

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovation

    Bern, 23.09.2024 – On 19 September 2024, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation Martina Hirayama attended the G20 Ministerial Meeting on Research and Innovation in Manaus, Brazil. Switzerland had previously been invited by Brazil, which currently holds the G20 Presidency, to join the new working group set up this year.

    The ministerial meeting was held under the slogan “Open Innovation for a Just and Sustainable Development”. International cooperation in science and innovation, with a particular focus on open innovation, was the main theme. In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals, discussions focused on the contribution of science and innovation to the decarbonization of the economy, research dedicated to the Amazon, and diversity, equity, inclusion and access to research. The ministers attending the meeting adopted the Manaus Declaration, which reflects the political consensus of the G20 countries on these issues.

    During the event, Secretary of State Martina Hirayama engaged with heads of delegation from Brazil, the G20 presidency, as well as other countries and organizations.

    Address for sending questions

    State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SEFRICommunicationmedien@sbfi.admin.ch 41 58 462 96 90

    Author

    State Secretariat for Training, Research and Innovationhttp://www.sbfi.admin.ch

    Social sharing

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Virgin Atlantic Turns to FLYR for Ancillary Revenue Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FLYR, the technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the airline industry, today announced that Virgin Atlantic, Britain’s only Five Star Global Airline, is using FLYR Ancillary Revenue Management to automate and optimize revenue for seating. Virgin Atlantic has been leveraging FLYR for the last 18 months, establishing a dynamic pricing model that responds to a range of variables including route, seat zone, and traveler demand – increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

    A leading airline with customer experience at its core, Virgin Atlantic has been an innovator since its founding in 1984. Back then, Virgin Atlantic was a tiny airline with big aspirations to shake things up – and they have done just that every step of the way. Holding the imagination of the traveling public, Virgin Atlantic is always seeking new ways to elevate and optimize the travel experience for its fleet that serves 30-plus destinations across 4 continents, and more than 5 million annual passengers.

    Realizing that the opportunities to innovate start long before check-in, Virgin Atlantic began searching for a solution to optimize ancillary revenue for seating. With limited data on variably-priced ancillary purchases and a range of aircraft and cabin configurations, Virgin Atlantic needed a flexible, data-driven solution that could optimize seat pricing and availability, while ensuring a seamless and personalized experience for every passenger.

    Virgin Atlantic turned to FLYR to automate and optimize ancillary revenue for seating using deep learning, an advanced form of artificial intelligence. Virgin Atlantic has experienced more than 10 percent uplift in seating revenue with FLYR’s dynamic, AI-based optimization for seats.

    “Providing the best experience possible for our passengers is core to everything we do at Virgin Atlantic,” said Juha Jarvinen, CCO, Virgin Atlantic. “We are ecstatic with the revenue uplift we have seen using FLYR already, in addition to the optimized offerings and experience we continue to provide for our passengers.”

    Insights from FLYR have allowed Virgin Atlantic to better understand the customer seat needs for each route, as well as the interdependencies between seats, ticket prices, and other ancillaries. With FLYR’s comprehensive Ancillary Revenue Management, Virgin Atlantic now has the flexible solution needed to optimize the passenger experience.

    “At the heart of our partnership with FLYR is a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We’ve appreciated their forward-thinking, data-driven approach to ancillary revenue management and total offer optimization over the last 18 months. Going from a static pricing system to a dynamic, near-automatic one that is powered by machine learning feels like a leap into the future, and we’re excited to explore what else is possible with FLYR,” said Dominic Kennedy, SVP, Revenue Management, Distribution and Holidays, Virgin Atlantic.

    “Our collaboration with Virgin Atlantic has been immensely rewarding and is a testament to the value that FLYR can unlock,” said Alex Mans, Founder and CEO, FLYR. “Virgin Atlantic has always been intent on innovation, and we’re excited to have helped them gain another competitive edge by offering a dynamic, AI-based pricing strategy for ancillary products and services. We’re thrilled with the results Virgin Atlantic is already experiencing with Ancillary Revenue Management and look forward to continuing to innovate together.”

    About FLYR
    FLYR is a technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry – eliminating legacy constraints to enable real-time decision making and create the experiences travelers seek. Cloud native, FLYR leverages technologies including deep learning, an advanced form of AI. FLYR is helping airlines and hospitality businesses around the globe improve revenue performance, reduce cost, and modernize their e-commerce experience. Learn more at flyr.com.

    About Virgin Atlantic
    Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. In 2023, Virgin Atlantic was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the seventh year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 8,500 people worldwide, flying customers to 30 destinations across four continents throughout the year.

    Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.

    Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years. In March 2024, Virgin Atlantic welcomed Wendy Darling, the 11th delivery of 12 A350s, and Ruby Rebel, the 5th of 16 A330-900neos to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world’s first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.

    Media contact:
    Christie Engelbrecht
    media@flyr.com

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden develops cloud-based cellar management solution for Selartag® to enable data efficiencies in wine inventory

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Eviden develops cloud-based cellar management solution for Selartag® to enable data efficiencies in wine inventory

    Innovative concept featuring app and portal hosted on AWS Cloud provides real-time data on stock quality and levels

    Paris, France – September 23, 2024 – Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in digital, cloud, big data and security, today announces it has developed and implemented a cellar management application designed by Selartag® based on a unique and innovative concept for identifying and tracking wine bottles. Hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) hybrid architecture, the solution provides reliable, real-time data for users such as winery owners, winemakers, sommeliers and restaurants, helping them to optimize their sales through simplified, more efficient inventory management. Eviden is an AWS Premier Partner.

    Drawing on its expertise in digital solutions, consulting and cloud management, Eviden worked closely with Selartag to develop their cellar management solution. The solution consists of smart labels, a smartphone application, a web portal and an inventory tracking and management system – hosted on AWS hybrid architecture.

    Each wine bottle is equipped with an intelligent, forgery-proof label automatically identified with RFID technology, either by using a hand-held mobile reader or via the physical checkpoint at the cellar entrance. The data on the label is communicated to the Selartag application (mobile app and online via PC), aiding customers in their inventory management and business decisions and outcomes.

    With this new application, Selartag can provide its customers with real-time, reliable data on their stock quality and levels, and the ability to complete inventories in less than an hour, compared to several days previously. Selartag customers include renowned sommeliers, as well as the owners of large cellars in Michelin-starred restaurants and gourmet bistros.

    Julien Giraud, Head of Cloud & Data at Eviden, Atos Group said, “The combination of Eviden’s expertise in digital solutions and cloud management coupled with Selartag’s unique concept helps accomplish next-level data efficiencies for Selartag’s customers, whose reputation is well established in some of the most elite wine and restaurant communities. What we’ve accomplished here is a key example of a turnkey, cloud-based solution that from manufacturing to consumption, generates better performance across the value chain, to the benefit of the business. The data obtained through improved product visibility and security will bring Selartag’s customers greater reliability and increased margins, unlocking possibilities for further growth and innovation.”

    Hervé Lemaire, Founder and President, Selartag said, “Working with Eviden, we have been able to create and implement an innovative, reliable application for our customers to locate, track and record wine stocks, as well as limit errors and authenticate the quality of their bottles of wine. This solution extends the excellence of customers’ table-side, white-glove service to the full value chain landscape that supports their business. Eviden’s end-to-end expertise in AWS services and product offerings and project management is what creates a differentiated solution for our customers to receive real-time data and efficiencies, enabling for them an advantage against competitors.”

    This project with Selartag is testament to over 12 years of business and technological collaboration between Eviden (Atos Group) and AWS, which was reinforced last year through a new Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) to deliver a multi-faceted program of solutions, consultancy and innovation support to help customers quickly access critical expertise for cloud and AI transformation projects and increase their time to value.

    ***

    About Eviden1

    Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 47,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. € 5 billion.

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 92,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea), and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Laura Fau | laura.fau@eviden.com | +33 (0) 6 73 64 04 18

    1 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Energy4U, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, Worldgrid, X-Perion. Eviden is a registered trademark.
    Eviden is a registered trademark. © Eviden SAS, 2024.

    Attachment

    • PR – Eviden develops cloud-based cellar management solution for Selartag® to enable data efficiencies in wine inventory

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 38

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 42 2024   Group Communications
    Bernstorffsgade 40
    DK-1577 København V
    Tel. +45 45 14 00 00

    23 September 2024

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 38

    On 2 February 2024, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5.5 billion, with a maximum of 70 million shares, in the period from 5 February 2024 to 31 January 2025, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 2 2024.

    The programme is being carried out under Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, also referred to as the Safe Harbour Rules.

    The following transactions were made under the share buy-back programme in week 38:

      Number
    of shares    		 VWAP
    DKK    		 Gross value
    DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 17,127,163 202.3235 3,465,227,502
    16/09/2024 126,890 205.4623 26,071,111
    17/09/2024 124,609 205.8027 25,644,869
    18/09/2024 143,500 204.5183 29,348,376
    19/09/2024 120,974 205.3406 24,840,874
    20/09/2024 116,893 206.1951 24,102,764
    Total accumulated over week 38 632,866 205.4274 130,007,994
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 17,760,029 202.4341 3,595,235,496

    With the transactions stated above the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 2.06% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    We enclose share buy-back transaction data in detailed form of each transaction in accordance with the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Stefan Singh Kailay, Group Press Officer, tel. +45 45 14 14 00

    Attachments

    • Company announcement no 42 2024
    • Individual Transactions-Week 38

    The MIL Network –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Asian Development Blog: Beyond Growth: How AI Can Reshape Economies for Ecological Sustainability

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Amid converging crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, the urgency of reimagining our economic systems has never been greater. Artificial Intelligence offers a unique opportunity to rethink how we manage resources and align economic activities with environmental sustainability.

    For decades, global economic policy has been driven by the relentless pursuit of GDP growth, often at the expense of environmental and social well-being. This growth-centric model has spurred overexploitation of natural resources, driven deforestation, depleted oceans, and contributed significantly to global climate change.

    These issues underscore a fundamental flaw: the assumption that economic growth can continue indefinitely without hitting ecological limits.

    Economic activities frequently externalize environmental costs, treating them as side effects rather than central concerns.

    For instance, standard agricultural practice has long prioritized short-term yield maximization, relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and monoculture cropping. While this boosts immediate output, it leads to soil degradation, water depletion, and loss of biodiversity, ultimately threatening the long-term sustainability of food production and security.

    Artificial Intelligence has the potential to disrupt these outdated models by supporting the transition to circular and regenerative economies.

    Unlike the traditional linear model of “take, make, dispose,” a circular economy seeks to minimize waste by reusing and recycling resources. AI can play a critical role in optimizing these processes—enhancing supply chains, extending product lifecycles, and reducing waste.

    Imagine AI algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data to optimize supply chain logistics, reducing waste and inefficiencies.

    In manufacturing, AI can aid in designing products that are easier to repair, reuse, or recycle, aligning with circular economy principles. This shift not only lowers the environmental footprint but also reduces costs, providing economic incentives for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

    Artificial Intelligence has the potential to disrupt outdated economic models by supporting the transition to circular and regenerative economies.

    In agriculture, AI can revolutionize practices through precision farming, which allows farmers to make data-driven decisions about how to manage their crops and resources. AI systems can provide real-time information on soil conditions, weather patterns, and crop needs, enabling farmers to use water and fertilizers more efficiently and reduce their environmental impact.

    Precision farming optimizes resource usage, directing them exactly where required, thereby bolstering food security, safeguarding natural habitats, and strengthening resilience against climate change.

    AI’s potential extends beyond industrial efficiency to direct environmental protection. An inspiring example is the use of AI-powered wind farms that can detect when migratory birds are passing through and temporarily shut down turbines to prevent collisions.

    Such innovations highlight how AI can be a force for harmonizing human activities with the natural world, advancing both renewable energy goals and biodiversity conservation.

    AI can also be a game-changer in reforestation and ecosystem restoration. Autonomous drones equipped with AI can plant trees in deforested areas, monitor their growth, and even identify and respond to threats such as wildfires or illegal logging.

    These efforts are crucial for carbon sequestration, biodiversity recovery, and the overall health of ecosystems. Using AI to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of reforestation can make significant strides in reversing some of the damage caused by decades of environmental neglect.

    AI should be deployed to support systemic changes that align economic activities with ecological limits. Take, for example, how AI can streamline the incorporation of renewable energy into national grids, balance energy demand with greater precision, and minimize waste.

    Harnessing predictive analytics, AI guarantees that renewable energy is accessible at the right moments and places, facilitating a seamless shift to a low-carbon economy.

    As we navigate the AI revolution, we are like guardians of highly intelligent toddlers—curious, rapidly growing, and absorbing information at an unprecedented rate. Just like young children, these AI systems will mature based on the values, knowledge, and principles we instill in them today.

    If we feed them the right data—balanced, ethical, and grounded in the principles of sustainability and equity—they can grow into powerful allies for a sustainable future. The choices we make now will echo for generations to come, determining if AI becomes a force for good that nurtures the delicate balance of our natural world.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor visits New York to promote London as leading destination for business, tourism and sport

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is heading to New York this week for a series of meetings and events with global leaders to bang the drum for London as a place to invest, hold sporting events and promote the capital as an unrivalled destination for tourists.

    Sadiq’s visit takes place during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, where business leaders, politicians and major organisations converge on New York to discuss global issues including delivering economic prosperity and tackling climate change.

    During his visit Sadiq will promote London as an exceptional place to work and invest in, including meetings with Accordion, CLA Global, Salesforce and Thoropass. He will also use meetings to promote London as an unparalleled destination for sporting events and tourism.

     

    The Mayor will speak at a number of high-profile events, including the Concordia Annual Summit, a global affairs forum that works to address the world’s most pressing needs, the Climate Pledge Summit and the NYC Climate Week Hub.

    London faces stiff competition but is still the leading location globally for US businesses looking to expand overseas. Last year saw New York invest $1.7 billion into London climate start-ups and climate focused companies, with the capital the top city for foreign direct investment from the United States over the last 10 years, when compared to all other cities globally.

    Around 3.5 million visits were made between the US and London in 2023, surpassing pre-Pandemic levels by 12 per cent. This week’s visit to the US follows the Mayor’s announcement last week that he plans to transform oxford street into a traffic-free pedestrianised avenue, encouraging even more tourists to come to central London, restoring the street as the leading retails destination in the world.

    While in New York the Mayor will also meet with senior sporting officials as he fulfils his pledge to explore bringing more sports from North America and around the world to our city. London, under Sadiq’s mayoralty has great pedigree in hosting the biggest international sporting events from around the globe – and Sadiq is determined to cement our city’s reputation as the undisputed sports capital of the world. 

     

    This capital has had a fantastic summer of music and sport, with Taylor Swift performing The Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium more times than any other city in the world and London hosting Major League Baseball, Diamond League Athletics, the Champions League Final and world title heavyweight boxing. In the coming months there are more major events with the 68th BFI London Film Festival, three NFL games and the League of Legends grand final at the O2 Arena, while next summer the capital will host the final of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

    Sadiq will also remind global leaders that now is the time to take firm action to tackle climate change. He will speak at New York Climate Week and at the Climate Pledge Summit emphasising how cities are at the forefront of climate action, with over half of the world’s population living in them and consuming 75per cent of global energy. The Mayor will highlight London’s bold initiatives and plans for the future including his commitment to make London rivers swimmable in ten years.

     

    Sadiq is in New York in his capacity as Mayor of London and also Chair of C40 Cities – a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to confront the climate crisis, and will call on leaders to follow London’s example, turning our current global challenges into opportunities for transformative climate action.

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am looking forward to visiting New York to bang the drum for London as the perfect location for global businesses to expand, invest and to hold sporting events.

    “With so many key business leaders and politicians in New York this week, this really is the perfect time to promote London on the global stage – whether as an exciting tourist destination or the host of the world’s best sporting events.  

    “It is also an important week for global leaders to restate their commitment to tackle climate change, to learn from other cities and nations and showcase how London remains at the forefront of global action.”

    While in New York, Sadiq will also speak at the UN’s SDG Lounge event – hosted by the UN Office for Partnerships – on the need to accelerate climate action and give the keynote address at a Clinton Global Initiative opening the session on “Leveraging Technology and Nature for Equitable Urban Resilience”.

    C40 Executive Director, Mark Watts, said: “This UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week come at a pivotal time, amidst an upcoming election in the USA and following the general election here in the UK. The world will be watching to see how global leaders are addressing—or, in many cases, delaying action on the climate crisis. That is why Mayor Khan’s role this week, representing both London and C40 Cities, is so crucial. His unwavering dedication to creating healthier and greener cities sets a powerful example for city and national leaders around the globe. His presence here highlights the leading role of mayors in building a sustainable and inclusive future for all.” 

     

    Janet Coyle, Managing Director of Business Growth, London & Partners, said: “The business ties between London & North America have always been prevalent. From the future of drug discovery with Recursion to a leading cloud provider in CoreWeave, it has already been an impactful year for US expansion to London. New York and London in particular have always enhanced one another’s ecosystem to strengthen not only each other but the collective transatlantic community.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council By-elections for Wards 6 & 14 – Voters urged to make sure their vote counts

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued on behalf of the Returning Officer

    Polling will take place on Thursday 26 September 2024 to fill the two vacant seats for The Highland Council’s Cromarty Firth ward and the one vacant seat for the Inverness Central Ward. Voters are being reminded to be ready to make their vote count.

    The single transferable vote system will be used. Instead of using a cross, voters should number the candidates in the order of their choice, putting a number 1 in the box next to the name of the candidate who is their first choice, 2 in the box next to their second choice and so on. Voters can mark as many choices as they wish.

    Postal packs have been despatched to those registered electors that submitted a form by the postal vote deadline.  Further guidance on how to complete your postal pack is available here 

    Anyone who has requested a postal vote will not be able to vote in person at a polling station. If you are unable to post it in time, it is possible to hand in your completed postal pack into any of the polling stations located within wards 6 and 14 between 7am and 10pm on Thursday 26 September 2024. There are no restrictions on the number of postal votes that can be handed in to a polling station.

    For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. Voters are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote.

    For those opting to vote in person on Thursday 26 September 2024, polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. People are reminded to check their poll cards as this will have details of where they need to go to cast their vote. There is no requirement to bring any form of voter ID.

    The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 6 – Cromarty Firth are:

    • Ryan BARROWMAN – Scottish Greens
    • Sinclair COGHILL – Independent
    • Richard James CROSS – Independent
    • John EDMONDSON – Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • Brideen GODLEY-MACKENZIE – Independent
    • Kim HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK
    • Roland HANNING JACKSON – Reform UK
    • Odette MACDONALD – Scottish National Party (SNP)
    • Tina MCCAFFERY – Independent
    • Innes MUNRO – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • Michael PERERA – Scottish Labour Party
    • Martin RATTRAY – Independent

    The confirmed candidates standing for election to Ward 14 – Inverness Central are:

    • Andrew BARNETT – Scottish Greens
    • Michael GREGSON – Scottish Labour Party
    • Chris LEWCOCK – Scottish Liberal Democrats
    • Martin MACGREGOR – Scottish National Party (SNP)
    • Donald MACKENZIE – Scottish Conservative and Unionist
    • Iain RICHMOND – Reform UK

    The electronic election counts for both wards will take place on Friday 27 September 2024 starting at 9.00am. People will be able to follow the count and watch the declaration of the results live via the Council’s social media channels – @highlandcouncil

    All information about the by-election, including answers to frequently asked questions and short video clips to show how to vote is available by visiting the Council’s website  

    23 Sep 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Arrington Supports Overturning Biden-Harris “EV Mandate”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19)

    Washington, D.C. – House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) issued the following statement after House passage of H.J.Res 136: 

    “The Biden-Harris Administration’s obsession with the Radical Left’s climate crusade and foisting electric vehicles on Americans is adding to the economic hardships of everyday working families.

    “This legislation will repeal their disastrous “EV Mandate” – that aimed to require 67% of all cars and light duty trucks be electric by 2032 – and place purchasing power back in the hands of the American consumer, while cutting down the woke government bureaucracy.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces Nearly $600,000 HHS Grant to Tri-Area Community Health

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Tri-Area Community Health, based in Laurel Fork, Virginia, a $599,996 grant for behavioral health service expansion. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Tri-Area Community Health consists of dedicated healthcare professionals that provide comprehensive health care services.

    “This grant for almost $600,000 helps Tri-Area Community Health support community healthcare needs for mental health services.”

    BACKGROUND

    According to the American Medical Association, behavioral health generally refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms.

    Behavioral health services offered by Tri-Area Community Health include professional counseling, psychological assessments, mental health prescriptions by referral and wellness classes.

    Health Center locations include the Counties of Grayson, Carroll, Floyd, Franklin and Patrick, and the city of Galax.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $600,000 HHS Grant to SWVA Community Health Systems, Inc.

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems, based in Saltville, Virginia, a $600,000 grant for behavioral health service expansion. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems provides healthcare support and services for several localities in Virginia’s Ninth District.

    “This grant for $600,000 helps Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems enhance patient access to mental health services.”

    BACKGROUND

    According to the American Medical Association, behavioral health generally refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms.

    Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems offers behavioral health services, as well as dental, pharmacy and telemedicine services.

    Health Center locations include Meadowview, Saltville, Tazewell and Bristol.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Introduces Legislation to Protect Reproductive Care and Abortion Access for Servicewomen

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) introduced two pieces of commonsense legislation that will improve access to reproductive care for servicewomen and military families. The Expanding Knowledge on Military Reproductive Health Care Act will help ensure that service members and military health care providers know their abortion rights, no matter where they are stationed. The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act, co-led by Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14),will make sure that active-duty service members can access a year’s worth of contraceptives at a time.

    “We send servicewomen overseas to risk their lives for their country. We should not be sending them to Texas or Florida to lose access to basic reproductive health care and risk their lives giving birth. That’s why I am introducing two critical bills to ensure that servicewomen and our military families know how they can access abortion care if they need it, and so our servicewomen have access to contraception regardless of where they are stationed,” said Rep. Sherrill. 

    “This issue is deeply personal to me – my daughter recently enlisted in the U.S. Navy. And I know that she and her fellow servicewomen do not have a choice where they are sent to serve. As MAGA extremists continue to implement abortion bans nationwide, we have a responsibility to ensure that women have the baseline reproductive care and rights they need,” Sherrill continued.

    “Our active-duty service members deserve the very best health care that we can provide,” Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) said. “That includes consistent and uninterrupted access to reproductive health care. The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act will make it easier for Americans in uniform to get the contraceptive care they need, bolstering our military readiness, improving health outcomes for service members, and lowering health care costs.”

    “This should not be up for debate: Service members and their families deserve access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care – including birth control and abortion. As they fight for our freedoms, they too should have the freedom to control if, when, and how they build their families. To truly support our service members and military families, we must protect and expand their access to the health care they need, when they need it, free from politically motivated interference. We applaud Reps. Sherrill and Underwood for introducing these critical pieces of legislation to ensure greater access to reproductive health care for our service members and military families,” saidAlexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

    “As a practicing OB-GYN who includes abortion care as part of my practice, I have seen firsthand the struggle some of my patients face just to get to me,” said Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, CEO of Power to Decide.  “Our service members and their families do not choose where they live, and they deserve access to the care they need for their reproductive well-being. These bills will help to ensure military health care providers and patients are empowered to provide and receive essential health services. We’re grateful to Representatives Sherrill and Underwood for their leadership.”

    “Everyone, including service members, deserves the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and futures without political interference. Yet, service members and their families face significant barriers to accessing reproductive health care, including abortion and contraception, within the military health care system,” said Jackii Wang, Senior Legislative Analyst at the National Women’s Law Center. “The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act and the Expanding Knowledge on Military Reproductive Health Care Act are crucial to breaking down these barriers. By expanding access to contraception and ensuring service members and military health care providers are fully informed of their rights, these bills help service members and their loved ones access the care they need, regardless of where they are stationed.”

    Sherrill’s legislation has earned endorsements from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Rights, Minority Veterans of America, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women’s Law Center, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, and Reproductive Freedom for All.

    The Expanding Knowledge on Military Reproductive Health Care Act would require the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide service members with information on the reproductive health care, including abortion care, they are entitled to in the military health care system; how they can find reproductive care not provided by military health providers; and how they can request leave and travel reimbursement if they need to travel to another state to receive an abortion. 

    Additionally, the DOD would be required to provide doctors with information and training on their obligation to provide reproductive care, including abortions in circumstances covered by current federal law. Information for service members and medical personnel would need to be provided annually and within two weeks of a change of station.

    The Improved Contraception Access for Service Members Act, led by Reps. Sherrill and Underwood, would require TRICARE to allow active-duty servicemembers and beneficiaries the ability to access up to 365-day supplies of contraception at military treatment facility pharmacies, certain retail pharmacies, and the TRICARE national mail-order pharmacy program. This legislation would extend Sherrill and Underwood’s  Convenient Contraception Act to active-duty military families and service women.

    Representative Sherrill continues to lead in the fight for women’s health in Congress. She  stood up for servicewomen and military families against Senator Tommy Tuberville’s efforts to overturn the  Department of Defense’s abortion travel policy. Additionally, she successfully  secured an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA to codify access to year-long supplies of contraceptives to service members. Sherrill has introduced legislation to promote education about  women’s heart health, and has co-led a bill to ensure women can access a  full year’s supply of contraceptives, rather than just three months at a time. Finally, she is leading efforts to  end “judge shopping,” a tactic used by anti-abortion advocates to gain favorable outcomes.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    September 29, 2024
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