NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding confirmed for Waikare Gorge realignment

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has confirmed funding to deliver the Waikare Gorge realignment project, ensuring a resilient and safe connection between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa District on to Tairawhiti can be restored, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
    “The Government is committed to delivering transport infrastructure that boosts economic growth and creates a safer, more resilient transport network for people, vehicles, and freight,” Mr Bishop says.
    “Currently, the state highway travels through Putorino, and down into Waikare Gorge. This section of road through the gorge has been prone to slips in the past and the gorge bridge was destroyed in Cyclone Gabrielle severing the connection between Hawke’s Bay and Wairoa for a number of months until a Bailey bridge opened across the river.
    “We know how critical this SH2 connection is for the thousands of road users and freight operators who use this corridor every day, and the local communities and businesses who have been looking forward to this keenly anticipated project going ahead.
    “Cabinet has now confirmed funding will be provided by the Crown to the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to help deliver the Waikare Gorge realignment project, with four kilometres of State Highway 2 realigned between Wairoa and Napier, including a 160-metre-long arch bridge over the top of Waikare Gorge.
    “This funding allows NZTA to get on with the project and finalise design and complete negotiations with property owners in the area. NZTA wants to work with local contractors for as much of the construction as possible, and I look forward to this beginning once pre-implementation work is completed.
    “Today marks the two-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle, and I know recovery work has been a tough grind for the East Coast. The Government is committed to the region and prioritising the delivery of roading investment across New Zealand is part of our plan to boost economic growth. That includes the Waikare Gorge realignment, alongside all the other recovery work currently underway.
    “I want to acknowledge the patience and persistence of those living, working and traveling through the East Coast. I also want to thank the local MPs Katie Nimon and Dana Kirkpatrick, Wairoa Mayor Craig Little, and other community leaders for their continued strong advocacy for this important project. I look forward to construction starting on the Waikare Gorge realignment as soon as possible.”
    Notes to Editor 

    Cabinet has confirmed funding will be provided by the Crown to the NZ Transport Agency to deliver the Waikare Gorge realignment project.
    This funding will be a drawn down from the tagged contingency set aside in Budget 2024 to enable the NZ Transport Agency to bring forward priority projects that would otherwise be phased to begin from 2027 onwards.
    Overall funding to deliver the Waikare Gorge Realignment will be confirmed publicly once a contractor is in place to deliver the project. 
    The arch bridge will be 160 metres long and will cross from one side of the gorge to the other. Other examples of an arch bridge can be seen crossing the Waikato River (130 metres span); on the Taupō Bypass (100m span) and near Ngaruawahia as part of Te Awa cycleway (130m span).
    Construction will begin as soon as NZTA completes pre-implementation work such as negotiations with landowners, detailed design and consenting.
    Once underway, the project is expected to take 4 years to complete and because it’s constructed mostly away from the existing SH2, there will be no traffic disruption, except when it comes to connecting the new road to the existing state highway.
    The existing Bailey bridge will remain in place until the realignment is built. The Bailey bridge will follow a routine maintenance schedule with regular monitoring to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nara Monkam, Associate Professor of Public Economics, Chair in Municipal Finance within the Department of Economics, and Head of the Public Policy Hub at the University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria

    The African continent finds itself in a predicament. Advanced economies in the rest of the world developed through industrialisation: their economies transformed from mainly agricultural to industrial. This involved burning fossil fuels like coal, generating greenhouse gas emissions that caused global warming.

    African economies have trailed behind industrially. They’re now industrialising at a time when the world is moving away from fossil fuels and towards solar power, wind energy and hydropower.

    Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of the world’s installed solar power systems. Despite renewable energy capacity nearly doubling in the last decade, only 2% of global investments in renewable energy went to Africa.

    Green industrialisation could be the answer: achieving long-term economic growth and industrial development that does not harm the environment. But in most African countries, renewable energy is more expensive than fossil fuels, which are readily available in many parts of the continent. Africa is also one of the world’s poorest regions and cannot easily afford green technologies.

    So a key issue in economic development is how to stimulate green industrial productivity. Green finance (funding from banks and investors specifically for environmentally friendly projects) can fund green innovations. These include renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient building designs, or electric vehicles.

    Read more: Africa doesn’t have a choice between economic growth and protecting the environment: how they can go hand in hand

    I am an economist who worked with a team of researchers to study the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa. We also wanted to find out if green innovation influenced the effect that green finance has on industrialisation. (This was measured in this study as the total industrial value added as a percentage of gross domestic product.)

    For example, switching to renewable energy like solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps mitigate climate change. But the high costs of renewable energy equipment could harm industrial growth.

    The research analysed macroeconomic and energy, green finance and industrialisation statistics from 41 African countries between 2000 and 2020.

    Our research found that green finance offers funding opportunities for clean and innovative technologies and creating new jobs in green sectors. However, the potential of green financing to drive industrialisation through green innovation (such as renewable energy projects) is not being realised.

    Read more: How green innovation could be the key to growth for the UK’s rural businesses

    This is because renewable energy comes with high costs. There also are not enough skilled people available to run green projects. There’s a lack of proper roads, connectivity or transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the main grid. The basic conditions for industrial growth through renewable energy are not in place.

    Governments in Africa should find ways to make green innovation work. This will mean that society can enjoy the benefit of new environmentally friendly projects.

    How to make green innovation work

    African governments should focus on increasing people’s access to renewable energy projects. For this to happen, they need to put more funding and effort into developing renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy technologies must be available and affordable.

    Education and capacity building is needed, particularly in rural communities. For example, community-owned solar microgrid projects provide people with the skills needed to manage and look after renewable energy systems.

    Governments will need to subsidise local manufacturing of renewable energy components. When these are produced locally, this can help harness the potential of green innovation for industrialisation and also create jobs.

    Countries must co-operate regionally on green innovation. This means sharing best practices, pooling resources, and making coordinated efforts towards green industrialisation.

    Our research found that it would be useful to set up regional centres of excellence for renewable energy research and development. Regional alliances are also needed, so that countries can work together to negotiate better terms for green finance. This could enhance Africa’s journey towards the kind of green industrialisation that is cost effective and sustainable over time.

    What needs to happen next

    These steps would boost the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa:

    • more climate finance, including finance from the private sector

    • environmental taxation – a policy tool to limit activities, goods or services that have negative environmental impacts

    • reform of multilateral development agencies to make it easier for African countries to access to climate funds

    • development bank funding tailored to the needs of African countries. Nations that invest in renewable energy manufacturing should get tax breaks and other incentives. Green bonds that only fund renewable energy projects should be issued to attract private investors

    • vocational training and higher education programmes that focus on training people in green technologies must get government funding.

    Africa has a huge problem with trying to build some resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought. Economic development is also a challenge on the continent. Both could be addressed by green industrialisation. With the right investments in green finance, innovation and infrastructure, the continent can unlock sustainable growth, reduce poverty and help curb climate change.

    – Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years
    – https://theconversation.com/has-finance-for-green-industry-had-an-impact-in-africa-whats-happened-in-41-countries-over-20-years-244567

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nara Monkam, Associate Professor of Public Economics, Chair in Municipal Finance within the Department of Economics, and Head of the Public Policy Hub at the University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria

    The African continent finds itself in a predicament. Advanced economies in the rest of the world developed through industrialisation: their economies transformed from mainly agricultural to industrial. This involved burning fossil fuels like coal, generating greenhouse gas emissions that caused global warming.

    African economies have trailed behind industrially. They’re now industrialising at a time when the world is moving away from fossil fuels and towards solar power, wind energy and hydropower.

    Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of the world’s installed solar power systems. Despite renewable energy capacity nearly doubling in the last decade, only 2% of global investments in renewable energy went to Africa.

    Green industrialisation could be the answer: achieving long-term economic growth and industrial development that does not harm the environment. But in most African countries, renewable energy is more expensive than fossil fuels, which are readily available in many parts of the continent. Africa is also one of the world’s poorest regions and cannot easily afford green technologies.

    So a key issue in economic development is how to stimulate green industrial productivity. Green finance (funding from banks and investors specifically for environmentally friendly projects) can fund green innovations. These include renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient building designs, or electric vehicles.



    Read more:
    Africa doesn’t have a choice between economic growth and protecting the environment: how they can go hand in hand

    I am an economist who worked with a team of researchers to study the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa. We also wanted to find out if green innovation influenced the effect that green finance has on industrialisation. (This was measured in this study as the total industrial value added as a percentage of gross domestic product.)

    For example, switching to renewable energy like solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps mitigate climate change. But the high costs of renewable energy equipment could harm industrial growth.

    The research analysed macroeconomic and energy, green finance and industrialisation statistics from 41 African countries between 2000 and 2020.

    Our research found that green finance offers funding opportunities for clean and innovative technologies and creating new jobs in green sectors. However, the potential of green financing to drive industrialisation through green innovation (such as renewable energy projects) is not being realised.



    Read more:
    How green innovation could be the key to growth for the UK’s rural businesses

    This is because renewable energy comes with high costs. There also are not enough skilled people available to run green projects. There’s a lack of proper roads, connectivity or transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the main grid. The basic conditions for industrial growth through renewable energy are not in place.

    Governments in Africa should find ways to make green innovation work. This will mean that society can enjoy the benefit of new environmentally friendly projects.

    How to make green innovation work

    African governments should focus on increasing people’s access to renewable energy projects. For this to happen, they need to put more funding and effort into developing renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy technologies must be available and affordable.

    Education and capacity building is needed, particularly in rural communities. For example, community-owned solar microgrid projects provide people with the skills needed to manage and look after renewable energy systems.

    Governments will need to subsidise local manufacturing of renewable energy components. When these are produced locally, this can help harness the potential of green innovation for industrialisation and also create jobs.

    Countries must co-operate regionally on green innovation. This means sharing best practices, pooling resources, and making coordinated efforts towards green industrialisation.

    Our research found that it would be useful to set up regional centres of excellence for renewable energy research and development. Regional alliances are also needed, so that countries can work together to negotiate better terms for green finance. This could enhance Africa’s journey towards the kind of green industrialisation that is cost effective and sustainable over time.

    What needs to happen next

    These steps would boost the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa:

    • more climate finance, including finance from the private sector

    • environmental taxation – a policy tool to limit activities, goods or services that have negative environmental impacts

    • reform of multilateral development agencies to make it easier for African countries to access to climate funds

    • development bank funding tailored to the needs of African countries. Nations that invest in renewable energy manufacturing should get tax breaks and other incentives. Green bonds that only fund renewable energy projects should be issued to attract private investors

    • vocational training and higher education programmes that focus on training people in green technologies must get government funding.

    Africa has a huge problem with trying to build some resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought. Economic development is also a challenge on the continent. Both could be addressed by green industrialisation. With the right investments in green finance, innovation and infrastructure, the continent can unlock sustainable growth, reduce poverty and help curb climate change.

    Nara Monkam receives funding from the University of Pretoria.

    – ref. Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years – https://theconversation.com/has-finance-for-green-industry-had-an-impact-in-africa-whats-happened-in-41-countries-over-20-years-244567

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Break-in reveals homemade explosive

    Source: South Australia Police

    A man has been arrested for firearms and weapon offences after an alleged break-in on his Port Pirie property.

    About 12.45am on Sunday 16 February, police attended a Port Pirie West home in relation to a break-in and theft.

    The victim, a 32-year-old man from the address, advised a person broke into his home and threatened him. An altercation ensued and the victim was struck in the head with a metal object.  The suspect stole his wallet containing cash and cards and the victim chased him from the property.  The suspect is described as being aged in his 20s, 170cm tall with blonde hair.

    The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.  Anyone with information about the break-in is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.  You can anonymously provide information to Crime Stoppers online at https://crimestopperssa.com.au or free call 1800 333 000.

    Port Pirie Detectives and Crime Scene officers attended the address to examine the scene.  During a search of the property police located a homemade explosive, a pen gun, ammunition, four gel blasters, two expandable batons, a homemade taser, a trafficable amount of cannabis and other drug paraphernalia.

    Police attended the hospital and arrested the homeowner, he was charged with possessing a firearm without a licence, possessing ammunition without a licence, three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon and three counts of contravening an intervention order.  He was refused police bail and will appear in Port Pirie Magistrates Court on Monday 17 February.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, European auto industries have great cooperation potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Auto industries in China and Europe have solid foundations and great potential for cooperation, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Friday.

    China welcomes European car manufacturers to increase investments and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, Wang said during a video call with Ola Kallenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

    Wang said that a proper settlement of the European Union’s anti-subsidy case against Chinese electric vehicles aligns with the interests of both China and Europe, as well as the broader expectations of the industry.

    The ACEA and Mercedes-Benz Group should continue to play an active role and urge the European Commission to make a political decision as soon as possible, Wang said, while also expressing the hope that the European side will work with China and reach a constructive solution acceptable to both sides at the earliest date possible.

    While expressing his support and expectation for the two sides to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation at an early date, Kallenius said that Mercedes-Benz Group will uphold its long-term commitment to the Chinese market and further deepen its cooperation with China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Te Aro apartment block fire extinguished

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Firefighters have extinguished a fire on the third floor of a multi-story apartment block in Willis St, Wellington, this afternoon.
    Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Matt Franklin said multiple 111 calls were received and the apartment was fully involved in fire when the first crews arrived shortly after 2.30pm.
    “We responded swiftly and in numbers, extinguished the fire and conducted a full search of the building. Fortunately, no-one was home in the apartment,” he said.
    There is smoke on all levels and firefighters have been ventilating the building.
    Six fire trucks, one aerial appliance (ladder truck), a command unit and operational support vehicles attended.
    Specialist fire investigators have begun work to establish the origin and cause of the fire.
    As at 4pm there were still road closures in place and people are asked to avoid the area so as not to delay the movement of emergency services.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, European auto industries have great cooperation potential: commerce minister

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Auto industries in China and Europe have solid foundations and great potential for cooperation, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said on Friday.

    China welcomes European car manufacturers to increase investments and deepen their presence in the Chinese market, Wang said during a video call with Ola Kallenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

    Wang said that a proper settlement of the European Union’s anti-subsidy case against Chinese electric vehicles aligns with the interests of both China and Europe, as well as the broader expectations of the industry.

    The ACEA and Mercedes-Benz Group should continue to play an active role and urge the European Commission to make a political decision as soon as possible, Wang said, while also expressing the hope that the European side will work with China and reach a constructive solution acceptable to both sides at the earliest date possible.

    While expressing his support and expectation for the two sides to resolve differences through dialogue and consultation at an early date, Kallenius said that Mercedes-Benz Group will uphold its long-term commitment to the Chinese market and further deepen its cooperation with China.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Germany to strengthen exchanges, cooperation with China: Scholz

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

    MUNICH, Germany, Feb. 15 — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged to enhance exchanges, dialogue and cooperation with China during his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Saturday.

    Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, conveyed cordial greetings from the Chinese leadership to Scholz.

    Wang said that high-level interactions between China and Germany have been frequent and bilateral pragmatic cooperation has maintained good momentum and yielded positive results, which served the fundamental and long-term interests of both peoples.

    He stressed that as strategic partners, China and Germany, as well as China and the European Union (EU), should further strengthen unity, coordination and cooperation to uphold free trade, practice multilateralism, and safeguard the authority of the United Nations.

    China is pleased to see Germany playing a significant role in a multipolar world and is willing to deepen comprehensive cooperation with Germany to advance bilateral relations in a positive direction, safeguard global peace and stability, and provide greater certainty to an increasingly turbulent world, he added.

    This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties, Wang said, adding that the two sides should enhance complementary advantages and deepen pragmatic cooperation to jointly usher in the next 50 years of even stronger China-EU relations.

    Wang said that China appreciates Germany’s rational and pragmatic stance on the EU’s tariff issue concerning Chinese electric vehicles and hopes Germany to continue to play a constructive role in promptly resolving China-EU trade frictions at an early date.

    Scholz asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to the Chinese leadership, stating that Germany highly values its relations with China. He said Germany is willing to enhance exchanges and dialogue at all levels with China and deepen bilateral and multilateral strategic cooperation with China.

    Germany opposes protectionism and does not support a tariff war, he said, calling on the EU and China to take a constructive approach to promptly and properly resolve frictions as soon as possible, including those related to electric vehicles, and jointly uphold the free trade system.

    The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis.

    During his visit to Germany, Wang also met with Friedrich Merz, chairman of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, among others.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Robbery/Aggravated Assault/Assault Police – Alice Springs

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have arrested a 27-year-old female after she assaulted a 68-year-old woman in an Alice Springs Supermarket before assaulting a Police Officer.

    About 3:00pm yesterday afternoon the woman entered the supermarket in the CBD with another female and they started opening and drinking bottles of non-alcoholic wine.

    The 27-year-old woman then allegedly attempted to steal a bottle of the wine by stashing it down her pants and walking towards the exit.

    The 68-year-old woman then confronted the offender about her actions.

    The offender then threw the bottle at the victim together with other items on the shelves.

    Broken glass from a jar struck the 68-year-old in the foot, causing a cut.

    The offender then left the store and was approached by 2 Police Officers, who had been alerted to the offending by members of the public.

    The offender then punched one of the officers in the stomach and spat in his face before she was arrested.

    Northern Territory Duty Superintendent Mark Bland said “This is abhorrent behaviour and it simply will not, and should not be tolerated by anyone.

    “The female victim did not deserve to be injured just going about her daily routines and Police officers do not deserve to be assaulted while doing their job.

    “Offenders who carry out these despicable acts need to be aware that the Northern Territory Police Force will make sure they face the consequences for the actions.”

    The woman who entered the supermarket with the offender is yet to be identified.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gun Thief and Two Others Arrested Across State

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Concord, NH – Early this morning, members of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), District of New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force, in conjunction with the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chiefs of Police from the Alexandria, Andover, and Hill Police Departments arrested a suspected weapons thief on Bunker Hill Road in Hill.  Justin Travis (43) was apprehended on a warrant from the 6th District Court – Concord, for burglary at night and theft of firearms.  These charges stem from the theft of firearms from a Canterberry home last year. 

    Travis was also arrested on a Grafton County Superior Court warrant for non-appearance in court. The original charges for Travis were failure to appear for forced entry, burglary, and felon in possession.  Travis was taken into custody without further incident and transported to Merrimack County Department of Corrections.  He will receive a bail hearing on February 18, 2025..

    Following the arrest of Justin Travis, the USMS Task Force and Rockingham County Sheriff’s Deputies developed information that two other wanted fugitives were in the Sea Coast area of the state.  Recent law enforcement reports claimed that Michael Rand (39) and Abdul Rodriguez (48) both had access to firearms and made credible claims to use them for the purpose of preventing apprehension.

    Rand was wanted for violating federal supervised release conditions stemming from a 2022 conviction for distribution of fentanyl in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.  Rand was released in October 2022 and arrested the following December for violating federal supervision requirements.  Rand served two years in prison as a result. The current warrant was issued after multiple release condition violations were noted in an October 2024 report.  Also noted, Rand made statements to federal officials that he would not go back to jail willingly.  Rand was spotted leaving a hotel in western Portsmouth and subsequently taken into custody during a motor vehicle stop on the Spaulding Turnpike.

    Immediately following the arrest of Rand, the Task Force and Rockingham County Deputies responded to a house on Mill Street in Rochester to arrest Abdul Rodriguez. Upon approach to the house, Rodriguez was seen attempting to flee out a rear window. Rodriguez retreated to the basement of the dwelling, but he eventually surrendered to officers inside the home.  Rodriguez was also taken to Strafford County Department of Corrections (DOC) to answer for a state parole warrant.  According to his violation report, Rodriguez absconded from supervision ordered by the court in relation to multiple drug conviction in 2015.  Rodriguez has a significant criminal history that includes unlicensed concealed firearms, distribution of narcotics, resisting arrest and falsifying reports.  

    The USMS New Hampshire Joint Fugitive Task Force was formed in fall of 2002 and is headquartered in the USMS office in Concord. The task force coordinates federal, state, county, and local resources to develop leads, gather intelligence, track and apprehend targeted fugitives. Rockingham, Strafford and Merrimack County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Nashua and Greenfield Police Departments provide invaluable support to USMS fugitive operations in New Hampshire.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 276 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Ukrainian firefighters have been working around the clock in freezing weather to completely extinguish small fires that still smoulder after Friday’s drone strike on the building containing the remains of the reactor destroyed in the 1986 Chornobyl accident, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    The IAEA team based at the site was granted unrestricted access to the site of the explosion and conducted an extensive walkdown to assess the damage to the New Safe Confinement (NSC), where the drone that struck early yesterday morning pierced a hole through the roof of the large arch-shaped structure built to prevent any radioactive release from the damaged reactor and protect it from external hazards.

    The IAEA experts saw smoke coming from the NSC roof and smelled burning plastic.

    The ongoing efforts to put out and prevent the spread of any remaining fires – apparently fuelled by inflammable material in the roof cladding – have delayed work to start repairing the damage to the NSC, which was completed in 2019 on top of the sarcophagus that was erected in the immediate aftermath of the accident nearly four decades ago.

    Despite significant damage caused by the drone impact, the IAEA team was informed that there had been no change in the radiation levels at the site. This was also confirmed by the team’s own measurements which showed normal dose rate values near the NSC compared to those that the IAEA has recorded since it established a continuous presence at the site just over two years ago.

    “This was clearly a very serious incident, with a drone hitting and damaging a large protective structure at a major nuclear site. As I have stated repeatedly during this devastating war, attacking a nuclear facility is an absolute no-go, it should never happen,” Director General Grossi said.

    “It is especially concerning as it comes as we are also seeing an increase in military activity in the area around the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA remains committed to doing everything we can to help prevent a nuclear accident. Judging by recent events, nuclear safety remains very much under threat,” he said.

    During today’s walkdown at the NSC, the IAEA team members observed that a large area had been affected by the impact of the drone strike and the subsequent blaze. The team confirmed that both the outer and inner cladding of the NSC arch had been breached, causing a hole measuring approximately six metres in diameter and also damaging some equipment as well as electrical cables. However, the structural support beams did not appear to have suffered major damage.

    The IAEA team was also shown some of the drone debris remaining at the site, including parts of the wings. The damaged drone had been removed by Ukrainian specialists and taken away for further analysis.

    The team was informed that the plant plans to install additional sensors for measuring dose rates and aerosol concentrations near the area impacted by the drone. However, this task cannot be carried out until the remaining fires are totally eliminated to avoid damage to the sensors.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, South Head Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a single-vehicle crash on South Head Road early this morning.

    Emergency services were called to the scene about 4.30am.

    One person died at the scene, and another was transported to hospital to be assessed.

    The road remains closed while emergency services work at the scene.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information after crash, Flaxmere

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are asking for the public’s help after a crash last night where a vehicle struck a house.

    Emergency services were called about 9.30pm to Birkenhead Crescent, Flaxmere, after a vehicle left the road and went onto a property.

    Fortunately, the occupants of the house were not injured. The driver and a passenger fled the scene.

    Police are now working to locate the driver and understand the full circumstances of what has occurred.

    We are asking to hear from anyone who may have seen a poorly painted blue Ford Falcon with no registration plates driving around the area before the crash, who could help establish its movements.

    We would also like to hear from anyone who might have CCTV footage from the area that may have captured footage of the incident or the vehicle/occupants.

    If you can help, please use our 105 service and quote reference number 250216/6819.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Niagara-Tokanui Highway, Southland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are at the scene of a serious single-vehicle crash that has closed Niagara-Tokanui Highway at Quarry Hills, Southland.

    At least two people were injured, one critically and another seriously, after the vehicle they were in rolled.

    The incident happened about 8.35pm, between McManus Road and Quarry Hills Fortification Road.

    The Serious Crash Unit is attending, and the road is likely to be closed overnight.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 105 months in Federal Prison for Attempted Possession of Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Jesse Fegurgur Belen, age 46, from Dededo, Guam was sentenced to serve 105 months imprisonment.  Belen pled guilty to Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).  The Court also ordered 5 years of supervised release following imprisonment, 50 hours of community service, and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee.  The Court also ordered the forfeiture of $1,636 in U.S. currency.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.

    During November 2022, Belen attempted to possess a postal package containing one pound of 98% pure methamphetamine.  The drugs were mailed from Colton, California, and addressed to the Yigo Post Office.  Belen and co-defendant Lorina Fejeran received the package and drove to Wusstig Road in Dededo.  When law enforcement stopped their vehicle at a commercial building, Belen grabbed the methamphetamine and fled on foot.  Belen threw the methamphetamine into the yard of a nearby residence to conceal the drugs.  Law enforcement found him hiding 15 feet from the roadway.

    “We will continue to interdict drugs trafficked through our mail system in an effort to keep Guam safe,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Belen’s significant criminal history also made him a worthy target for federal prosecution.  I applaud the work of our federal partners in bringing him to justice.”

    “One crucial aspect of HSI’s mission is to prevent deadly drugs from infiltrating our borders and endangering our communities. By leveraging our partnerships with law enforcement, we can hold individuals accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “The arrest of Mr. Belen exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the safety of our community from the threat of deadly drugs.”

    “United States Postal Inspectors are dedicated to maintaining the sanctity of trust placed in the US Mail. We will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the US Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs which impact the safety of our postal employees and customers.” said, Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) San Francisco Division. “We thank our federal and local law enforcement partners, including Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and Guam Police Department, for working with us to combat these crimes in the effort to make our communities a safer place to live and work.”

    This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations with the assistance of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services.

    The case was prosecuted by Rosetta L. San Nicolas, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Guam.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Lewis Pass Road fire update

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand is battling a large vegetation fire on Lewis Pass Road this afternoon. Crews were alerted to the fire at Island Hills, Hurunui around 2.30pm. It is currently five hectares in size.
    There are around 40 firefighters, 20 Fire and Emergency trucks, tankers and support vehicles along with nine helicopters working to get the fire contained.
    Nearby houses have been evacuated as a precaution. State Highway 7 has been closed and people are being asked to stay away while our crews fight the fire. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Unlicensed driver blows 6 times legal limit – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    A young Darwin man is lucky to be alive after crashing his small vehicle into large utility vehicle on the Stuart Highway this morning.

    At 10:15am the Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre received a report of a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Stuart Highway and Tivendale Road, Knuckey Lagoon.

    Earlier, a 47-year-old male was driving a black, Ford F-150 inbound along the Stuart Highway when a 21-year-old male, driving a silver Toyota Yaris, attempted to make a right-hand turn from the Stuart Highway onto Tivendale Road.

    The driver of the Yaris failed to see the F-150 and collided heavily into the driver’s side causing extensive damage to both vehicles and blocking the inside lane.

    Police, NTFRS and St Johns Ambulance attended the scene. The driver of the F-150 sustained a possible fractured ankle and a laceration to his arm and was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital by ambulance.

    The 21-year-old driver, who is unlicensed, was breath tested at the scene of the crash and returned an indication blood alcohol level of 0.304%.

    He was also taken to RDH for assessment of minor injuries and a blood sample was also taken for analysis.

    Darwin Watch Commander Sean Patterson said the behaviour of the 21-year-old driver was simply unacceptable.

    “The conduct of this offending driver was absolutely ludicrous. He put the community in danger and caused injuries to a person going about his daily business, Watch Commander Patterson said.

    “Sixty people lost their lives on Territory roads last year and the actions of this young man had the potential to cause another, totally unnecessary fatality.

     “This type of behaviour is completely irresponsible and Police make no apology for continuing to target drivers impaired by alcohol and drugs.”

    The Darwin Traffic Operations unit are continuing to investigate the crash.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Machinery sector to see export uptick

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s machinery industry is expected to post stable export growth in 2025 despite challenges posed by aggressive tariff policies by the United States and geopolitical tensions in other parts of the world, leaders from the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF) said on Friday.

    This resilience is backed by the robust industrial chain advantages of domestic manufacturers, commitment to green transformation, and the integration of DeepSeek’s artificial intelligence technologies into their products and service networks.

    DeepSeek is a two-year-old startup based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, that has created open-source large language models at much lower costs than its foreign peers.

    The foreign trade growth of China’s machinery industry — a key economic indicator — rose 7.5 percent on a yearly basis to $1.17 trillion in 2024, maintaining the $1 trillion mark in foreign trade value for a fourth consecutive year, according to information released by the Beijing-based federation.

    China’s exports of machinery products, including excavators, electric and fuel-powered vehicles, wind turbine generators and industrial parts, amounted to $869.36 billion last year, an increase of 11 percent year-on-year, accounting for 24.3 percent of the country’s total export value.

    Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Chen Bin, CMIF’s deputy director of the expert committee, said the United States’ primary efforts to curb China’s growth are not focused on traditional machinery manufacturing, but rather on the electronic information industry, including sectors such as semiconductors, telecommunications, AI, cloud computing, big data, and cybersecurity.

    “While we recognize that exports may face some challenges this year, we remain optimistic. Chinese companies are proactively expanding their presence in emerging markets and increasing research and development investments to enhance product competitiveness,” said Chen.

    Despite an unexpectedly harsh international trade environment in 2024, he said Chinese manufacturers still achieved a historic breakthrough and that exports of China’s machinery products will see stable growth this year, especially in emerging markets and economies participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

    The export value of China’s machinery products to countries and regions involved in the BRI grew by 14 percent year-on-year in 2024, accounting for 51.5 percent of the industry’s total exports, according to CMIF data.

    Meanwhile, Chinese companies’ machinery exports to markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Africa, and Latin America jumped by 17.7 percent, 12.9 percent and 27.1 percent, year-on-year, respectively.

    Norsepower Marine Technology (Yancheng) Co Ltd, a manufacturer of ship fittings based in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, plans to export up to 50 marine rotary sails this year, according to information from Nanjing Customs.

    These sails will be applied to various oceangoing vessels. It is estimated that they will reduce annual fuel consumption by 5,000 metric tons and lower carbon emissions by 15,000 tons, said Hai Yunyi, the company’s president.

    “The marine rotary sails are power devices that utilize aerodynamic effects to serve as an alternative to traditional fuel,” said Hai.

    As many Chinese manufacturers, particularly automakers, are keen to integrate DeepSeek’s open-source large language model into their products, Luo Junjie, CMIF’s executive vice-president, said this move will enhance the competitiveness of China’s machinery manufacturing industry.

    “Even though the entire industry is likely to actively adopt this AI solution this year, the true economic benefits will need to be proven through practice,” said Luo, stressing that cutting costs and improving efficiency are key drivers for Chinese companies.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indiana man sentenced to prison for conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant’s company took in more than $4 Million remotely deleting pollution control software on diesel trucks

    Tacoma – A 44-year-old Columbia, Indiana man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to four months in prison and a $25,000 fine for conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act for his scheme to interfere with pollution control software on diesel trucks, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Jonathan Achtemeier pleaded guilty in November 2024, admitting that between 2019 and 2022, he tampered with the monitoring devices on hundreds of vehicles nationwide so those trucks would not detect that their owners removed pollution control hardware systems. Achtemeier advertised his services on the internet and was able to tamper with the monitoring devices in diesel trucks remotely. Between 2019 and 2021 Achtemeier’s company grossed $4.3 million. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright said, “This offense is characterized as a lack of respect for the law and a flaunting of the law…. The harm that comes from this type of offense is serious.”

    “From the comfort of his home, this defendant caused environmental damage across the country, tampering with pollution controls on diesel trucks so that they spewed 30 to 1200 times the pollutants of a legally configured truck,” said Acting U. S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “His motivation was money – but the rest of us will pay the price with dirty air and contamination in our soil and waterways.”

    According to records filed in the case, Achtemeier conspired with mechanics in garages and operators of truck fleets to manipulate the monitoring software installed on diesel trucks. Coconspirators who wanted to disable their trucks’ pollution control hardware system—a process commonly known as “deleting”—sought Achtemeier’s help to trick the truck’s software into believing the emissions control systems were still functional, a process known as “tuning.” Monitoring devices on a deleted truck will detect that the pollution control hardware is not functioning and will prevent the truck from running. Achtemeier disabled the monitoring software on his client’s trucks by connecting to laptops he had provided to various coconspirators. Some of the coconspirators would pass the laptop on to others seeking to have the anti-pollution parameters disabled or modified on their trucks. Once the laptop was hooked up to the truck’s onboard computer, Achtemeier could access it from his computer and tune the computer designed to monitor the pollution control equipment.  Achtemeier could “tune” trucks remotely, which enabled him to maximize his environmental impact and personal profit.

    Removing the pollution control equipment and disabling the monitoring device results in trucks polluting at 30 to 1,200 times the level of a truck with pollution control systems.  Tampering with a monitoring device is a violation of the Clean Air Act.

    Achtemeier charged as much at $4,500 per truck for work that often took him two hours or less. Achtemeier advertised his services on social media nationwide using images of semi-trucks spewing black exhaust. His company operated under the name Voided Warranty Tuning (VWT) or Optimized Ag.

    In their request for an 18-month prison sentence and $100,000 fine, prosecutors wrote to the court, “Achtemeier spent years building a business dedicated to illegal tuning. He advertised his services on diesel-focused Facebook groups like West Coast Trucking where he had access to thousands of truck owners and enthusiasts.  He encouraged customers to pass along his name and even provided them computers so they could help friends and neighbors delete their vehicles and use Achtemeier for tuning. This enabled him to quickly grow his business into a multi-million-dollar enterprise.”

    The coconspirators in this case have service garages or truck fleets in various areas of Washington State. The trucks that were altered range from pick-ups such as a Dodge R3500 to Kenworth and Freightliner semi-trucks.

    The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID).

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Watts Staniar and Dane Westermeyer, with Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Perrin.  Ms. Perrin is an attorney with the EPA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong stocks rally on AI-spurred tech firm boom

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A stock code is seen at the trading hall of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in Hong Kong, south China, June 11, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Hong Kong’s stock market rallied on Friday with the benchmark Hang Seng Index up 3.69 percent to 22,620.33 points, capping the fifth consecutive week of gains as investors gravitate towards Hong Kong-listed mainland tech firms.

    The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index jumped 4.11 percent to 8,331.4 points on Friday, and the Hang Seng Tech Index soared 5.56 percent to 5,526.22 points.

    The Hang Seng Tech Index, comprising shares of Chinese tech heavyweights like Tencent, Alibaba and Xiaomi, hiked 7.3 percent within this week and 29.7 percent from five weeks ago.

    China’s recent breakthroughs in generative AI spearheaded by the startup DeepSeek renewed investor confidence in Chinese tech stocks, analysts say. DeepSeek-R1, a model released in January, is said to have achieved performance comparable to leading AI systems, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, but at a fraction of the development cost.

    The vast majority of Hong Kong-listed mainland tech firms saw shares rise on Friday, attesting to the across-the-board benefits AI tools are expected to generate.

    The E-commerce, consumer electronics, semiconductors and automotive industries are in line for capacity and revenue boosts when they embrace AI, wrote Ma Lei, chief investment officer of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong of Invesco, in a research note.

    Development of self-driving technologies and humanoid robots could also be supercharged, Ma added. Both are among the most-watched frontiers — Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD on Monday unveiled its advanced driver-assistance system to be installed on 21 models, while robots doing handkerchief-spinning dances at the nationally televised Spring Festival Gala are still trending unabated on social media.

    DeepSeek is likely to initiate a new cycle of innovation for Chinese firms in sectors including cloud services, computing chips and consumer Apps, according to a research note from Huatai Securities.

    A slew of firms announced this week that they incorporated DeepSeek models into their services. Zhihu rolled out a new online query platform based on the R1 model on Wednesday, and education company Xueersi introduced an R1-facilitated App on Friday to tutor K-12 students.

    Optimism prevails about Hong Kong’s stock market outlook in 2025. At the 2025 spring reception of Hong Kong’s financial services sector held on Thursday, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government Paul Chan said he consulted several AI models, all of which confirmed his notion that technology will add tailwinds for the stock market this year.

    Chan said that the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited received dozens of new listing applications in January, and he believed that more good companies will enter the stock market this year.

    Additionally, international investors in the Hong Kong market remained active and well-funded, which will further enhance the liquidity of Hong Kong stocks, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash Evandale

    Source: South Australia Police

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Evandale.

    About 10.30am on Saturday 15 February, Police were called to the intersection of Bakewell Road and Portrush Road after reports of a collision involving a truck and a car

    Diversions are in place, however please avoid the area if possible.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Phoenix Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 151 Months After Agents Seize Over 90 Pounds of Fentanyl and Over 40 Pounds of Cocaine from Stash House

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Miguel Angel Gaytan-Ramirez, 34, an undocumented Mexican National living in Phoenix, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 151 months, followed by three years supervised release. Gaytan-Ramirez pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl on November 5, 2024.

    According to court documents, on January 25, 2024, an undercover agent working for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agreed to purchase 150,000 fentanyl pills (approximately 15 kilograms) from a member of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) in Mexico. The individual in Mexico instructed the undercover agent to travel to a parking lot in Phoenix to complete the transaction.

    At the parking lot, investigators identified a Dodge Ram pickup truck as the vehicle in which a DTO member was located. A man later identified as Gaytan-Ramirez called the undercover agent and said that he was occupying the Dodge Ram pickup. Thereafter, investigators moved in and detained Gaytan-Ramirez.

    After detaining Gaytan-Ramirez, investigators identified a nearby apartment used by Gaytan-Ramirez to store narcotics. Gaytan-Ramirez provided investigators consent to search the apartment. Inside a closet in the apartment investigators seized a black American Tactical Omni Hybrid 5.56 NATO caliber rifle with an AOMEKIE Scope, approximately 34 kilograms (74.9 pounds) of blue pills stamped M30 which contained fentanyl, 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) of fentanyl powder, and 19 kilograms (41.9 pounds) of cocaine. Authorities also seized over $18,000 in drug proceeds from Gaytan-Ramirez’s vehicle and the stash house.

    Drug Enforcement Administration, Phoenix East Valley Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jospeh K. Nwoga and Stuart J. Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-24-00257-PHX-DJH
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-017_Gaytan-Ramirez

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Establishing the National Energy Dominance Council

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

         Section 1.  Policy.  America is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and is a leader in energy technologies and innovation that are critical to the economic prosperity and national security of the American people, as well as our partners and allies.  We must expand all forms of reliable and affordable energy production to drive down inflation, grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, reestablish American leadership in manufacturing, lead the world in artificial intelligence, and restore peace through strength by wielding our commercial and diplomatic levers to end wars across the world.  By utilizing our amazing national assets, including our crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals, we will preserve and protect our most beautiful places, reduce our dependency on foreign imports, and grow our economy — thereby enabling the reduction of our deficits and our debt.
    It shall be the policy of my Administration to make America energy dominant.

         Sec. 2.  Establishment.  There is hereby established within the Executive Office of the President the National Energy Dominance Council (Council).

         Sec. 3.  Membership.  (a)  The Secretary of the Interior shall serve as Chair of the Council.  The Secretary of Energy shall serve as Vice Chair of the Council.
    (b)  In addition to the Chair and the Vice Chair, the Council shall consist of the following members:
    (i)      the Secretary of State;
    (ii)     the Secretary of the Treasury;
    (iii)    the Secretary of Defense;
    (iv)     the Attorney General;
    (v)      the Secretary of Agriculture;
    (vi)     the Secretary of Commerce;
    (vii)    the Secretary of Transportation;
    (viii)   the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;
    (ix)     the Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
    (x)      the United States Trade Representative;
    (xi)     the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy;
    (xii)    the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy;
    (xiii)   the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs;
    (xiv)    the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy;
    (xv)     the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality;
    (xvi)    the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers;
    (xvii)   the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy; and
    (xviii)  the heads of such other executive departments and agencies (agencies) as the President may, from time to time, designate.

         Sec. 4.  Functions.  (a)  The Chair shall convene and preside over meetings of the Council, in consultation with the Office of the Chief of Staff, provided that in his absence the Vice Chair shall preside.
    (b)  The Council shall:
    (i)    advise the President on how best to exercise his authority to produce more energy to make America energy dominant;
    (ii)   advise the President on improving the processes for permitting, production, generation, distribution, regulation, transportation, and export of all forms of American energy, including critical minerals;
    (iii)  provide to the President a recommended National Energy Dominance Strategy to produce more energy that includes long-range goals for achieving energy dominance by cutting red tape, enhancing private sector investments across all sectors of the energy-producing economy, focusing on innovation, and seeking to eliminate longstanding, but unnecessary, regulation;
    (iv)   advise and assist the President in facilitating cooperation among the Federal Government and domestic private sector energy partners; and
    (v)    advise the President on facilitating consistency in energy production policies included in the Strategy developed under subsection (b)(iii) of this section.
    (c)  In performing the advisory functions listed under subsection (b) of this section, the Council, through the Chair, shall, when appropriate, coordinate with the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.  The functions of the Council shall report to the Office of the Chief of Staff.
    (d)  Within 100 days of the date of this order, and from time to time thereafter as deemed appropriate by the Chair, the Council shall:
    (i)    recommend to the President a plan to raise awareness on a national level of matters related to energy dominance, such as the urgency of reliable energy; the improvements in technology achieved through reliable energy sources; the national security concerns with removing reliable and affordable energy sources; the jobs supported by the energy sector; and the regulatory constraints driving up the cost of reliable energy to consumers;
    (ii)   advise the President regarding the actions each agency can take under existing authorities to prioritize the policy objective of increasing energy production, such as rapidly and significantly increasing electricity capacity; rapidly facilitating approvals for energy infrastructure; approving the construction of natural gas pipelines to, or in, New England, California, Alaska, and other areas of the country underserved by American natural gas; facilitating the reopening of closed power plants; and bringing Small Modular Nuclear Reactors online;
    (iii)  provide to the President a review of markets most critical to power American homes, cars, and factories with reliable, abundant, and affordable energy;
    (iv)   advise the President regarding incentives to attract and retain private sector energy-production investments;
    (v)    advise the President on identifying and ending practices that raise the cost of energy; and
    (vi)   consult with officials from State, local, and Tribal governments and individuals from the private sector to solicit feedback on how best to expand all forms of energy production.

         Sec. 5.  Administration.  (a)  The Council shall have such staff and other assistance as may be necessary to carry out its functions.
    (b)  Agencies shall cooperate with the Council and provide such assistance, information, and advice to the Council related to policies that affect energy dominance as the Chair or, at the Chair’s direction, the Vice Chair, shall reasonably request, to the extent permitted by law.

         Sec. 6.  Representation on the National Security Council.  The Secretary of the Interior, as Chair of the Council, shall serve as a standing member of the National Security Council.

         Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        February 14, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 13 Years in Prison for Fentanyl and Heroin Trafficking and Illegal Weapons Possession Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Alberto Gonzalez Salgado, 45, of Sacramento, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to 13 years and one month in prison and ordered to forfeit $100,000 to the government for drug trafficking and firearms crimes, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, in 2019 and 2020, Salgado trafficked fentanyl pills, heroin, marijuana, and firearms. On multiple occasions Salgado sold heroin and fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills and illegal short-barreled rifles to a confidential source. Salgado also maintained a stash house in Sacramento where he grew over 100 marijuana plants and also kept a firearm to protect his drug trafficking operation. When law enforcement attempted to stop Salgado’s vehicle to arrest him on the way to a fentanyl pill deal in October 2020, Salgado fled, leading law enforcement on a high-speed vehicle chase on public roadways that lasted over an hour and a half and endangered law enforcement officers and the public.

    This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Sacramento Area Intelligence/Narcotics Task Force, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer prosecuted the case.

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Bernard Parish Man Guilty of Federal Gun and Drug Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ABE JYLES (“JYLES”), age 44, a resident of St. Bernard Parish, pled guilty on February 4, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Wendy Vitter to Counts 1, 2, and 3 of a superseding bill of information that was filed against him.  Count 1 charged JYLES with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).  Count 2 charged him with possession, with the intent to distribute, a quantity of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and cocaine, in violation of Title 21 USC § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C).  Count 3 charged him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, in violation of Title 18 USC § 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8).  JYLES faces the following sentences as to each count:

    As to Count 1, JYLES faces a mandatory minimum sentence of not less than 5 years  up to a maximum of life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. Any jail sentence imposed in connection with Count 1 must run consecutive to any other count.  He will also face up to five years of supervised release.  He will also face up to five years of supervised release.

    As to Count 2, JYLES faces up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, and a term of supervised release of not less than three years up to life.

    As to Count 3, JYLES faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000.00 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

    Additionally, as to each charged count, JYLES faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    On February 29, 2024, JYLES was identified as the driver and sole occupant of a vehicle.   involved in a traffic stop by St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office personnel.  After law enforcement personnel noticed the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, they detained JYLES and searched the vehicle.  During the search, multiple illegal narcotics, a scale, drug paraphernalia, and four firearms were found inside the vehicle.

    At the time of his arrest, JYLES was on federal supervised release due to his 2008 federal drug trafficking conviction.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office.  The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice E. Landrieu, Jr. of the Narcotics Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Arrest Georgia Fugitive in Omaha

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Omaha, NE – The U.S. Marshals Omaha Metro Fugitive Task Force has arrested a man wanted on multiple warrants issued in Georgia.

    Patrick Lamar Edwards, 26, was wanted in Rockdale County, Georgia, on outstanding warrants for aggravated assault with a firearm, terroristic threats, and entering a stolen vehicle. These charges stem from a shooting that occurred in Conyers, Georgia, on May 15, 2024.

    Acting on information provided by the Conyers Police Department and the Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals determined that Edwards had recently relocated to the Omaha area after evading authorities for several months. Investigators traced Edwards to a residence near the intersection of North 36th Street and Crown Point Avenue.

    As Task Force members moved in to execute the arrest, Edwards attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended at a neighboring property.

    Edwards was subsequently booked into Douglas County Corrections, where he will remain pending extradition to Georgia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland recidivist sentenced to over three years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced today to three years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court documents, on May 8, 2024, at the Tysons Corner Center in Fairfax County, police stopped and searched a vehicle in which Marcus Gibbs, 28, of Capital Heights, was the front-seat passenger. Inside the vehicle, officers found a handbag containing a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine. Also inside the handbag was Gibbs’s wallet, which contained his social security card and state identification card.

    In 2015, Gibbs was convicted of robbery and sentenced to eight years in prison. In 2021, Gibbs was also convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon and sentenced to five years in prison. As a previously convicted felon, Gibbs cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, and Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Chief of Police, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Claude M. Hilton.

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

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-178.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Members of prolific fentanyl distribution conspiracy sentenced to prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Three Virginia men have been sentenced to prison for distributing copious quantities of fentanyl.

    According to court documents, from at least July 2023 through April 2024, Xavier Elijah Coltrane, aka X or Slime, 21, of Arlington; Vaughn Meachem, aka Vaughn Lockhart, 34, of Alexandria; and Cameron Harris, 24, of Gainesville, conspired to distribute fentanyl pills. Over a series of five controlled purchases conducted by the FBI, the conspirators sold approximately 65,000 fentanyl pills and a kilogram of cocaine.

    Coltrane was co-owner of Exquisite Luxury Transportation, a car service that Coltrane used to facilitate drug trafficking activity. Coltrane arranged the five drug sales, communicating through Instagram messaging, Telegram, and speaking directly on the phone. In some of the controlled purchases, the purchaser booked a reservation with Exquisite Luxury Transportation and was driven to a delivery location. Once the purchaser arrived at the deal location, Meachem arrived and distributed fentanyl pills. On one occasion, Coltrane distributed the fentanyl pills directly. On another occasion when Coltrane feared the use of cars through Exquisite Luxury Transportation was attracting law enforcement attention, Harris delivered the fentanyl pills in his personal vehicle.

    Coltrane, Meachem, and Harris each pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 400 grams or more of fentanyl. On Feb. 13, 2025, Coltrane was sentenced to 20 years in prison. On Dec.18, 2024, Harris was sentenced to 13 years in prison. Meachem was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, Virginia State Police, and the Prince William County Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation of this case.

    This investigation is part of the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking (HIDTA) Northern Virginia Gang Initiative, which seeks to identify, disrupt, and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and money laundering organizations; reduce drug-related crime and violence; and identify and respond to emerging drug trends.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Alito, Catherine Rosenberg, and Ryan Bredemeier prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-115.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Preparing for Winter Weather Across the State This Weekend

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today directed State agencies to prepare for snow and ice starting today and continuing through the weekend. Snow will start today and transition to a wintry mix by Sunday morning. Winds will be gusty up to 60 mph Friday but will be calmer over the weekend. Snow mixed with ice will cause dangerous driving conditions throughout the weekend and areas that see high accumulations of ice could experience power outages. Temperature drops expected Sunday night could also increase the potential for power outages due to flash freezing. People should monitor local forecasts and take precautions when traveling.

    “As snow, ice and gusty winds sweep across much of our state, I’m directing State agencies to take every possible measure to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “My Administration is in close contact with our local government partners as we coordinate our efforts, and I encourage everyone to keep track of their local forecasts and use caution when traveling.”

    Starting today and continuing through Sunday, much of the state will see snow starting as lake effect east of Lake Ontario and spreading statewide Saturday. Snow totals are expected to be widespread with 8-18” across the North Country, 6-8” in Western New York, 2-6” from Albany to Rochester and north of NYC, and 1-2” in NYC and Long Island. Winds will pick up again Sunday night and continue into Monday with gusts up to 50 mph possible.

    Ice accumulation could reach up to half an inch in western Hudson Valley and the Mohawk Valley, up to a quarter of an inch across much of the rest of upstate, north of New York City, and east of Rochester. Wind chills or “feels like” temperatures will be in the teens and 20s on Saturday night but drop to single digits on Sunday night and will remain low or lower for the next several days.

    The Governor signed an Executive Order in place declaring a State of Emergency, allowing the State to continue coordinating and sharing resources with local governments affected by upcoming storms. This includes the State Department of Transportation, which will provide assistance to municipalities impacted by the State of Emergency in excess of existing shared service agreements. The order also waives “hours of service” requirements for truck drivers to facilitate emergency salt deliveries ahead of these storms and includes other measures to facilitate emergency salt deliveries to State and local agencies across the State.

    For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert — a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

    Agency Preparations

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. State stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

    New York State Department of Transportation

    The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,735 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. All available response equipment is ready to deploy and all residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors, and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

    Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

    • 1,635 large plow trucks
    • 349 large loaders
    • 158 medium duty plows
    • 54 tow plows
    • 30 snow blowers
    • 20 graders

    The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event.

    For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State’s official traffic and travel information source.

    Thruway Authority

    The Thruway Authority is monitoring the forecast and ready to respond with 692 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

    • 340 large and medium duty plow trucks
    • 9 tow plows
    • 63 loaders

    Variable Message Signs and social media — X and Facebook — are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

    New this snow and ice season, all of the Thruway’s more than 250 heavy-duty plow trucks are equipped with green hazard lights, complementing the standard amber hazard lights. Green lights are intended to improve visibility and enhance safety during winter operations, particularly in low-light conditions and poor weather. Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 mph — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

    The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

    New York State Department of Public Service

    New York’s utilities have about 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    New York State Police

    State Police have instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles and snowmobiles, are staged and ready for deployment.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

    DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to snow.

    DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams, which may cause flooding. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at Division of Water Technical and Operational Guidance Series: Snow Disposal.

    Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills and other backcountry areas, can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice and the cold to ensure a safe winter experience. Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the High Peaks region and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Most lower elevation trails are frozen, including many trails in the Catskill Mountains.

    While some waterways are currently frozen, DEC advises outdoor enthusiasts to review ice safety guidelines before heading out.

    Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information.

    Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

    Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

    New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for storm response use. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority

    The MTA is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to spread salt, clear platforms and stairs where ice exists, and keep signals, switches and third rail operating, remove any downed trees that may fall across tracks, and attend to any weather-related challenges. MTA Bridges and Tunnels advises motorists to use caution when driving on icy roadways and drive at reduced speeds.

    Customers are encouraged to check https://www.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and TrainTime app.

    Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

    The Port Authority monitors weather conditions across all its facilities. In the event of severe weather, the agency issues travel alerts and updates as needed via facility email alerts and on social media. For the latest information about Port Authority facilities, please check social media, sign up for PA Alerts or download one of the PA mobile apps, including RidePATH, which provides real-time updates and alerts for PATH service.

    Safety Tips

    Dress for Cold Weather

    • Warm hat and gloves; face mask for extreme cold
    • Dress in layers and cover exposed skin
      • 2-3 layers of upper-body clothing and 1-2 layers of lower-body clothing
      • An outer layer to keep out wind and wet snow
    • Waterproof boots

    Don’t Forget Your Pets

    • Keep pets warm, dry and indoors when possible.
    • Provide plenty of food and water because dehydration is dangerous in winter.
    • Keep pets bundled up when outside, limit time outside, and clean them thoroughly, including paws, when bringing indoors.

    Travel

    Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

    • Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
    • Avoid unnecessary travel.
    • If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
    • If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
    • The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
    • It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
    • Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
    • Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
    • Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it’s operating.

    Power Outages

    • Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
    • If you lose power, turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
    • If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

    To Report an Electric Outage, call:

    • Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
    • Con Edison: 800-752-6633
    • National Grid: 800-867-5222
    • NYSEG: 800-572-1131
    • O&R: 877-434-4100
    • PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
    • RG&E: 800-743-1701

    Heating Safety

    • Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
    • When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
    • Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
    • If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
    • Follow the manufacturers’ instructions.
      • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
      • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
      • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
      • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

    For more safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit www.211nys.org/.

    About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

    The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram and X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Luokung Announces Receipt of Nasdaq Delisting Notice Subject to Hearing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Luokung Technology Corp. (NASDAQ: LKCO) (“Luokung” or the “Company”) today announced that on February 11, 2025, it has received a letter (the “Letter”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), notifying that the Company is not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b), and the Nasdaq staff has determined that the Company did not provide a definitive plan evidencing its ability to achieve near term compliance with the continued listing requirements or sustain such compliance over an extended period of time. As a result, the Nasdaq staff has determined to deny the Company’s request for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Delisting Determination”).

    As previously reported, on October 23, 2024, Nasdaq notified the Company that based on information reported in the Company’s annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 20-F”), it no longer complied with the minimum stockholders’ equity of $2.5 million for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) while stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was reported as ($63,228,280), and the Company did not meet the alternatives of market value of listed securities or net income from continuing operations. The Company had 45 calendar days, or until December 9, 2024, to submit a plan to regain compliance. If the plan is accepted, Nasdaq can grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days from October 23, 2024, or April 21, 2025, to evidence compliance. The Company submitted its compliance plan to Nasdaq staff on December 9, 2024.  The Nasdaq staff issued the Letter after reviewing such plan.

    Based on the Letter, the Company was provided until February 18, 2025 to request an appeal of the Delisting Determination to the hearing panel.

    The Company intends to request such hearing to appeal the Delisting Determination before that date, which will stay the suspension of its securities from the date of the request, during which time such securities will continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

    If the Company fails to appeal the Delisting Determination by February 18, 2025, trading of the Company’s ordinary shares will be suspended at the opening of business on February 20, 2025, and a Form 25-NSE will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which will remove the Company’s securities from listing and registration on The Nasdaq Stock Market.

    The Company is considering all potential options available to it to regain compliance with the aforementioned rules.

    ABOUT LUOKUNG TECHNOLOGY CORP.

    Luokung Technology Corp. is a leading spatial-temporal intelligent big data services company, as well as a leading provider of LBS and HD Maps for various industries in China. Backed by its proprietary technologies and expertise in HD Maps and multi-sourced intelligent spatial-temporal big data, Luokung has established city-level and industry-level holographic spatial-temporal digital twin systems and actively serves industries including smart transportation (autonomous driving, smart highway and vehicle-road collaboration), natural resource asset management (carbon neutral and environmental protection remote sensing data service), and LBS smart industry applications (mobile Internet LBS, smart travel, smart logistics, new infrastructure, smart cities, emergency rescue, among others). The Company routinely provides important updates on its website: https://www.luokung.com.

    CONTACT:

    The Company:
    Mr. Jian Zhang
    Chief Financial Officer
    Tel: +86-10-6506-5217
    Email: ir@luokung.com

    The MIL Network –