News round-up, June 30, 2023
Cyberattack knocks out satellite communications for Russian military / Was it pro-Ukrainian hackers or Wagner rebels? / Washington Post by Joseph Menn, June 30, 2023
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Cyberattack knocks out satellite communications for Russian military / Was it pro-Ukrainian hackers or Wagner rebels? / Washington Post by Joseph Menn, June 30, 2023 〰️
Community engagement…
“Santa Teresa, Venezuela's oldest and most well-known global rum brand, has always been dedicated to helping those in need. Their commitment to community engagement is remarkable through their notable initiative, Project "Alcatraz." In addition, during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020, Santa Teresa stepped up with their "Limited Edition Crafted Together Bottle" as a response to the adverse effects of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry. It's inspiring to see a brand like Santa Teresa offering hope to the most vulnerable and positively impacting their community…
Germán & CoMost read…
Cyberattack knocks out satellite communications for Russian military
Was it pro-Ukrainian hackers or Wagner rebels?
Washington Post by Joseph Menn, June 30, 2023 EU to propose exit from Energy Charter Treaty over climate concerns
The Energy Charter Treaty was established in 1998 to advance investments in the energy sector. Fifty countries, including the European Union member states, have signed it. However, lately, there have been growing concerns about the treaty. It has allowed energy companies to take legal action against governments for policies that negatively impact their investments.
REUTERS By Kate Abnett / Editing by Germán & Co, June 29, 2023Inspired by the noble soul of Saint Teresa Of Avila…
“Santa Teresa, Venezuela's oldest and most well-known global rum brand, offers hope to the most vulnerable…
The brand's commitment to community engagement is remarkable, primarily through its notable initiative, Project “Alcatraz” and during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020 whit the iniative “Limited Edition Crafted Together Bottle” as a response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry.
By Germán & Co, Karlstad, Sweden, June 30, 2023Canadian wildfire smoke spreads, 100 million Americans under air-quality alerts
Air-quality alerts lasted until midnight for several states, including Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. The alerts also extended to New York, Washington, and the East Coast.
Reuters By Brendan O'Brien, Editing by Germán & Co, June 29, 2023Exclusive: Trump says aborted mutiny 'somewhat weakened' Putin
“According to someone I heard, Putin is still in power and considered a strong leader by many, but some believe his influence has waned. The unknown alternative could either be an improvement or a step backwards if he were to step down. I can't say for sure. The president said…
Reuters By Steve Holland and Nathan Layne / Editing by Germán & Co, June 30, 2023
At the COA Spring Gala 2023, Andrés Gluski, the CEO & President of AES and Chairman of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas, presented President Lacalle Pou with the prestigious Gold Insigne. This award was given in recognition of President Lacalle Pou's outstanding leadership in successfully transforming Uruguay into a prominent technology and innovation hub, all while upholding a thriving democracy and robust economy.
A view of the Kremlin in Moscow. (Sergei Ilnitsky/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock) / editing by Germán & CoCyberattack knocks out satellite communications for Russian military
Was it pro-Ukrainian hackers or Wagner rebels?
Reuters by Joseph Menn, June 30, 2023 A satellite communications system serving the Russian military was knocked offline by a cyberattack late Wednesday and remained mostly down on Thursday, in an incident reminiscent of an attack on a similar system used by Ukraine at the start of the war between the countries.
Dozor-Teleport, the satellite system’s operator, switched some users to terrestrial networks during the outage, according to JD Work, a cyberspace professor at the National Defense University. Analyst Doug Madory of Kentik, which monitors online traffic, said one network was taken over by Dozor’s parent company, Amtel-Svyaz, while three others remained down.
The company did not release a statement on what had gone wrong. At least two groups claimed responsibility for the attack, one describing itself as a hacktivist organization and the other as part of the Wagner Group, the mercenaries who mutinied last week and marched most of the way to Moscow. The hackers claimed to have sent malicious software to the satellite terminals, setting off a scramble among security experts to obtain a terminal for testing.
Hacking Russia was off-limits. The Ukraine war made it a free-for-all.
Multiple self-proclaimed hacktivists have attacked websites and critical infrastructure in Russia and Ukraine since the war began, but many of them coordinate with or are cover for military forces, according to sources familiar with their efforts.
A connection to Wagner could be faked to promote more division in Russia. A real one would be more interesting, showing that the mutinous actions may continue in cyberspace even if they have stopped on Earth.
Though Work said local market researchers estimated that the satellite arm of the company only has $10 million in annual revenue, it serves the Russian military and other federal services. Work said reporting elsewhere showed that its customers include Russian soldiers in Ukraine.
The impact of the shutdown will depend on its duration and whether the customers had other means to communicate that are reliable and secure. For many, satellite communications are the backup, while military units on the move could find it more vital.
“It’s doubtful this is crippling, unless there happened to be customers for whom this is their only connectivity option,” said Brian Weeden, a director at Secure World Foundation, a Washington think tank focused on space issues.
War in space: U.S. officials debating rules for a conflict in orbit
Ukraine has in the past been able to intercept Russian soldiers’ communications when they did not use a satellite service.
Satellite hacks are rare and are disclosed even more rarely. The attack on Viasat service used by the Ukraine military and others in February 2022 has been seen as one of the most successful hacking attacks of the war. SpaceX’s Starlink service became a vital alternative inside the country, and it has withstood multiple hacking attempts since then.
The Viasat hack was attributed by experts to Russia’s military intelligence arm, the GRU. But Wagner mercenaries could have worked closely enough with the GRU to have picked up techniques used in that attack. If so, it would have been easier for them to turn around and use it against Russia’s Dozor.
“There are a variety of scenarios where this capability, in a confused and uncertain post-mutiny environment, could have been brought to the front,” Work said.
A U.S. military spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. A person familiar with Western operations supporting Ukraine in cyberspace said it was not clear who was behind the latest attack.
…”We proudly announce that several AES companies have been certified as Great Places to Work, including AES El Salvador, AES Dominicana, AES México, AES Panamá, and AES Puerto Rico. AES Servicios América ranked 3rd in the Great Place to Work for Women Argentina 2023. We're committed to providing an inclusive and empowering work environment for all, and our employees are our most valuable asset. Let's collaborate for a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
Ricardo Manuel Falú
Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer and President, New Energy Technologies SBU
Smoke bellow from the chimneys of Belchatow Power Station, Europe's largest biggest coal-fired power plant, in this May 7, 2009 POLAND-BELCHATOW//File Photo / Editing By Germán & CoEU to propose exit from Energy Charter Treaty over climate concerns
The Energy Charter Treaty was established in 1998 to advance investments in the energy sector. Fifty countries, including the European Union member states, have signed it. However, lately, there have been growing concerns about the treaty. It has allowed energy companies to take legal action against governments for policies that negatively impact their investments.
REUTERS By Kate Abnett / Editing by Germán & Co, June 29, 2023BRUSSELS, June 29 (Reuters) - The European Commission is readying a proposal for EU countries to jointly quit an international energy treaty, after some governments already pledged to leave over climate concerns.
The 1998 Energy Charter Treaty, which has around 50 signatories including European Union countries, lets energy companies sue governments over policies that damage their investments - a system initially designed to support investments in the sector.
But in recent years it has been used to challenge policies that require fossil fuel plants to shut, raising concerns in some European capitals that it is an obstacle to addressing climate change.
A Commission spokesperson told Reuters it will make legal proposals for a coordinated EU exit "in the coming weeks", after EU countries - some of which already plan to exit the treaty - could not agree to pass reforms to it.
"As it stands, the treaty is not in line with the EU’s investment policy and law and with the EU's energy and climate goals," the spokesperson said.
Four sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters the EU executive will make the proposal next week. Three of the sources said Brussels had considered a partial exit that would let some countries stay in the treaty, but opted against it over legal concerns.
Pressure has mounted on Brussels to lead an EU-wide exit after Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain announced they planned to quit the treaty. Italy left in 2016.
But the proposal is likely to be opposed by countries including Cyprus, Hungary and Slovakia, which have said they would prefer to stay in an updated version of the accord.
Any proposal will need backing from a reinforced majority of member states and support from the European Parliament, which has publicly backed the idea.
"A coordinated withdrawal would remove one of the main obstacles to realising the EU's binding climate targets," said Lukas Schaugg, an analyst at the International Institute for Sustainable Development think tank.
Treaty signatories last year negotiated reforms designed to address some of the climate concerns, but which received a mixed reception from EU countries and criticism from campaigners. The reforms would struggle to pass without EU support.
The unreformed treaty has a "sunset clause" that would protect existing fossil fuel investments in Europe for 20 years even after the EU quit. The reformed version would let the EU shorten that to 10 years.
Image: Germán & CoCooperate with objective and ethical thinking…
Image couetesy of Santa Teresa Editing by Germán & CoInspired by the noble soul of Saint Teresa Of Avila…
“Santa Teresa, Venezuela's oldest and most well-known global rum brand, offers hope to the most vulnerable…
The brand's commitment to community engagement is remarkable, primarily through its notable initiative, Project “Alcatraz” and during the challenging times of the pandemic in 2020 whit the iniative “Limited Edition Crafted Together Bottle” as a response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry.
By Germán & Co, Karlstad, Sweden, June 30, 2023The cruel war that we had to live through during the later phases of the initial wave of the pandemic until the present day has had a profound impact on our endeavors and has destabilized our emotional state. An unprecedented inflationary phenomenon has had a detrimental impact on the most vulnerable members of our society, exacerbating their already marginalized status. We may have inadvertently overlooked the presence of the Covid-19 virus as a result of the exceptional circumstances surrounding this time.
On June 15 and yesterday, “Nebraska Medicine” and “The New York Times” reported that more than 9,747 patients are hospitalized in the United States per week, with 16% of those being ICU patients. The test positivity rate for the week of June 2-8 was 7.2%. When test positivity is above 5%, transmission is considered uncontrolled. Still, since many are using home tests that are not reported through public health or are not testing at all, the official case counts underestimate the actual prevalence of COVID-19.
According to a study published in “Plos Pathogens” by the University of Kent (England) on Friday, 17 November 2019, the initial identification of the SARS-CoV-2 virus occurred in Wuhan, China. The composition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is relatively uncomplicated, consisting of proteins and nucleic acids. It is important to acknowledge that the replication of this virus is contingent upon its ability to exploit the metabolic processes of specific living cells.
One of the most notable consequences resulting from the global outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic is the profound transformation in human emotional behavior. This —-diminutive—- organism evoked a profound sense of fear, a stark reminder of the prevailing sense of isolation and detachment within our technologically advanced society.
In the current digital age, which is marked by the widespread use of technology and online connectivity, traditional forms of displaying affection, such as physical touch and face-to-face interactions, have been replaced by virtual representations and a constant online presence.
The absence of interpersonal interaction can have detrimental consequences on our general state of health, and in severe instances, it may even lead to our demise.
The prevailing state of health can be ascribed to an alleged human mistake that occurred in a laboratory located in the distant province of Wuhan, China, which is widely recognized for its rich historical heritage spanning thousands of years.
The implications of these unknow living conditions extend beyond the scope of human sensory perception and have profound implications for the industrial sector. The mandated restriction on individuals' mobility has impeded their capacity to travel to their workplaces, resulting in a scarcity of crucial raw materials and components. Consequently, the interruption in the production chain impedes its efficient operation, leading to a shortage of crucial commodities necessary for the sustenance of human life.
Furthermore, the insufficient accessibility of crucial goods and the exorbitant expenses linked to global maritime transportation contribute to the prevalence of inflation, a deleterious phenomenon. Additionally, it is anticipated that the inflation rate will attain a minimum of 18% during the last three years. The management of the national economy and household budgets presents significant challenges during the prevailing financial crisis.
Rapid adaptability to change has traditionally been regarded as a commendable human quality…
Why does this phenomenon manifest itself?
The answer to this inquiry is uncomplicated. Human existence does not persist in a perpetual state of either joy or sorrow, nor is it exclusively characterized by a state of stability or instability. Fortunately, life is not defined by such a simplistic nature. On the contrary, the trajectory of life is distinguished by its complex and intricate nature, encompassing a myriad of encounters and mis encounters, along with moments of affection and aversion.
In conclusion, human existence is constantly confronted with unforeseen and profound transformations. As inherently human beings, we possess an innate sense of solidarity within our essence. This sense of community and togetherness helps us navigate the challenges that life throws our way.
The teachings and spirituality of Saint Teresa of Avila, also known as Teresa de Cepeda y Ahumada, a nun who devoted her life to praying for the most vulnerable five centuries ago and was later canonized, profoundly influenced the Wollmer family, owners of Hacienda Santa Teresa, situated in the mountainous Aragua Valley, the heart of Venezuela's sugar industry, they were deeply moved by her teachings and spiritual beliefs, Long before the inception of the corporate social responsibility trend.
“Santa Teresa” represents the most ancient rum brand in Venezuela. The Hacienda Santa Teresa, the site of rum production, has a historical origin dating back to 1796. The Hacienda initially operated as a cultivator of coffee, cocoa, and sugarcane. The production of rum started in 1830 and has continued ever since, despite the company's acknowledgment of various adversities such as war, revolutions, invasions, dictators, and the current pandemic.
The company produces several rum expressions, but only one of them, namely “Santa Teresa 1796 Solera Rum”, is designated for exportation. This expression was first release in 1996 to commemorate the Hacienda's bicentennial. Bacardi Ltd oversees the international management of this one-of-a-kind.
The brand has a long history of community involvement. The organization's most renowned endeavour is the ongoing Project “Alcatraz”. In 2003, a criminal gang unlawfully entered the Hacienda premises and launched a surprise attack on a security guard. When apprehended, the perpetrators were presented with an unconventional option:
Either surrender to the authorities or engage in labour at the Hacienda to restate their transgression.
The offer was accepted, leading to the establishment of Project “Alcatraz”. Since its creation, Project “Alcatraz” has evolved into a comprehensive initiative dedicated to recruiting and rehabilitating those involved in criminal gangs. This program utilizes various strategies, including vocational training, values formation, psychological counselling, formal education, and participation in rugby, to reintegrate these individuals into society. To date, the program has witnessed the participation of numerous young people.
In the summer of 2020, during the hell of the pandemic, following its longstanding commitment to community assistance, the company introduced a “Limited Edition Crafted Together Bottle” as a response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry. “Santa Teresa” employed a group of 25 bartenders to undertake the task of designing the label for the “Special Edition” expression, starting with Liana Oster, a bartender at the “Dante Bar “ in New York, every participant in the study contributed to the development the brand and subsequently handed it over to the following participant in the sequence.
Seaboard: pioneers in power generation in the country…
…“More than 32 years ago, back in January 1990, Seaboard began operations as the first independent power producer (IPP) in the Dominican Republic. They became pioneers in the electricity market by way of the commercial operations of Estrella del Norte, a 40MW floating power generation plant and the first of three built for Seaboard by Wärtsilä.
Pittsburgh's Duquesne Incline ascends Mount Washington as smoke, from Canadian wildfires, hanging over the U.S. Midwest and parts of the East Coast create hazy skies, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. June 28, 2023. REUTERS/Quinn Glabicki / Editing by Germán & CoCanadian wildfire smoke spreads, 100 million Americans under air-quality alerts
Air-quality alerts lasted until midnight for several states, including Wisconsin, northern Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio. The alerts also extended to New York, Washington, and the East Coast.
Reuters By Brendan O'Brien, Editing by Germán & Co, June 29, 2023CHICAGO, June 29 (Reuters) - Murky, dull skies loomed over tens of millions of Americans on Thursday as smoke from prolonged Canadian wildfires drifted across the Midwest and East, causing unhealthy and, in some spots, dangerous conditions.
Air-quality alerts were in effect until midnight for a swath of the United States that extended from Wisconsin and northern Illinois stretching through Michigan and Ohio and extending into New York, Washington and the East Coast, the National Weather Service said.
More than 100 million Americans were urged to limit prolonged outdoor activities, and, if needed, wear a mask if they suffer from pulmonary or respiratory diseases. Children and the elderly were also advised to minimize or avoid strenuous activities.
People living in major U.S. cities such as New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia saw smoky skies that dulled the summer sun as the smell of burning wood lingered in the air.
"Air quality is unhealthy in every corner of the state," New York Governor Kathy Hochul said during a morning press conference, recommending that residents regularly check the air quality in their area. "This is the new normal for New Yorkers."
On Thursday morning, smoke hung over Chicago for the third day in a row. The air quality was "Unhealthy" in the third-largest city in the United States, which was joined by Detroit and Washington D.C. as having the poorest air among major cities on the planet, according to IQAir.com, which tracks pollution.
"The air quality in Chicago has been dreadful, giving me brutal migraines. Feeling better today with my trusty air purifier on full blast. Taking a chill day," said a Twitter user named Skaar.
The air-quality alerts were triggered by drifting smoke from wildfires burning in Canada, which is wrestling with its worst-ever start to wildfire season.
An area of 8 million hectares (19.8 million acres), bigger than West Virginia, has already burned. On Wednesday, there were 477 active blazes, about half which were considered out of control, spread from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts.
While poor air quality was the concern in the Midwest and East, the U.S. South was again dealing with a brutal heat wave that promised to persist throughout the day on Thursday and into the long Fourth of July holiday weekend.
The heat index - which measures how hot it feels due to the combination of humidity and temperature - was expected to climb to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) and in some spots as high as 115 degrees F (46 C). The weather service urged people to seek air-conditioned spaces and drink plenty of water.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump attend a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan June 28, 2019. Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via REUTERS/File Photo / Editing by Germán & CoExclusive: Trump says aborted mutiny 'somewhat weakened' Putin
“According to someone I heard, Putin is still in power and considered a strong leader by many, but some believe his influence has waned. The unknown alternative could either be an improvement or a step backwards if he were to step down. I can't say for sure. The president said…
Reuters By Steve Holland and Nathan Layne / Editing by Germán & Co, June 30, 2023WASHINGTON, June 29 (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a longtime admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said on Thursday Putin has been "somewhat weakened" by an aborted mutiny and that now is the time for the United States to try to broker a negotiated peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine.
"I want people to stop dying over this ridiculous war," Trump told Reuters in a telephone interview.
Speaking expansively about foreign policy, the front-runner in opinion polls for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination also said China should be given a 48-hour deadline to get out of what sources familiar with the matter say is a Chinese spy capability on the island of Cuba 90 miles (145 km) off the U.S. coast.
On Ukraine, Trump did not rule out that the Kyiv government might have to concede some territory to Russia in order to stop the war, which began with Russian forces invading Ukraine 16 months ago. He said everything would be "subject to negotiation", if he were president, but that Ukrainians who have waged a vigorous fight to defend their land have "earned a lot of credit."
"I think they would be entitled to keep much of what they've earned and I think that Russia likewise would agree to that. You need the right mediator, or negotiator, and we don't have that right now," he said.
U.S. President Joe Biden and NATO allies want Russia out of territory it has seized in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine has launched a counteroffensive that has made small gains in driving out Russian forces.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last year proposed a 10-point peace plan, which calls on Russia to withdraw all of its troops.
"I think the biggest thing that the U.S. should be doing right now is making peace - getting Russia and Ukraine together and making peace. You can do it," Trump said. "This is the time to do it, to get the two parties together to force peace."
As president, Trump developed friendly relations with Putin, who Biden said on Wednesday has "become a bit of pariah around the world" for invading Ukraine.
Trump said Putin had been damaged by an uprising by the Russian mercenary force, the Wagner Group, and its leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, last weekend.
"You could say that he's (Putin) still there, he's still strong, but he certainly has been I would say somewhat weakened at least in the minds of a lot of people," he said.
If Putin were no longer in power, however, "you don't know what the alternative is. It could be better, but it could be far worse," Trump said.
As for war crime charges levied against Putin by the International Criminal Court last March, Trump said Putin's fate should be discussed when the war is over "because right now if you bring that topic up you'll never make peace, you'll never make a settlement."
Trump was adamantly opposed to China's spy base on Cuba and said if Beijing refused to accept his 48-hour demand for shutting it down, a Trump administration would impose new tariffs on Chinese goods.
As president, Trump adopted a tougher stance on China while claiming a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping that soured over the coronavirus pandemic.
"I'd give them 48 hours to get out. And if they didn't get out, I'd charge them a 100% tariff on everything they sell to the United States, and they'd be gone within two days. They'd be gone within one hour," Trump said.
Trump was mum on whether the United States would support Taiwan militarily if China invaded the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own.
"I don't talk about that. And the reason I don't is because it would hurt my negotiating position," he said. "All I can tell you is for four years, there was no threat. And it wouldn't happen if I were president."