#manufacturing technology news

[capybaracorn]

Australia challenged on ‘moral failure’ of weapons trade with Israel

Regular protests have been taking place outside Australian firms making crucial components for the F-35 fighter jet.

Melbourne, Australia – Israel’s continued assault on Gaza has highlighted a hidden yet crucial component of the world’s weapons manufacturing industry – suburban Australia.

Tucked away in Melbourne’s industrial north, Heat Treatment Australia (HTA) is an Australian company that plays a vital role in the production of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters; the same model that Israel is using to bomb Gaza.

Weekly protests of about 200 people have been taking place for months outside the nondescript factory, where heat treatment is applied to strengthen components for the fighter jet a product of US military giant Lockheed Martin.

While protesters have sometimes brought production to a halt with their pickets, they remain concerned about what’s going on inside factories like HTA.

“We decided to hold the community picket to disrupt workers, and we were successful in stopping work for the day,” Nathalie Farah, protest organiser with local group Hume for Palestine, told Al Jazeera. “We consider this to be a win.”

“Australia is absolutely complicit in the genocide that is happening,” said 26-year-old Farah, who is of Syrian and Palestinian origin. “Which is contrary to what the government might have us believe.”

More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its war in Gaza six months ago after Hamas killed more than 1,000 people in a surprise attack on Israel. The war, being investigated as a genocide by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), has left hundreds of thousands on the brink of starvation, according to the United Nations.

Nathalie Farah has been organising regular protests outside HTA’s factory [Ali MC/Al Jazeera]

According to Lockheed Martin, “Every F-35 built contains some Australian parts and components,” with more than 70 Australian companies having export contracts valued at a total 4.13 billion Australian dollars ($2.69bn).

Protesters have also picketed Rosebank Engineering, in Melbourne’s southeast, the world’s only producer of the F-35’s “uplock actuator system”, a crucial component of the aircraft’s bomb bay doors.

Defence industry push

In recent years, the Australian government has sought to increase defence exports to boost the country’s flagging manufacturing industry.

In 2018, former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced Australia aimed to become one of the world’s top 10 defence exporters within a decade. It is currently 30th in global arms production, according to the Stockholm International Peace Institute.

It is an aspiration that appears set to continue under the government of Anthony Albanese after it concluded a more than one-billion-Australian-dollar deal with Germany to supply more than 100 Boxer Heavy Weapon Carrier vehicles in 2023 – Australia’s single biggest defence industry deal.

Since the Gaza war began, the industry and its business relationship with Israel have come increasingly under the spotlight.

Last month, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles insisted that there were “no exports of weapons from Australia to Israel and there haven’t been for many, many years”.

However, between 2016 and 2023 the Australian government approved some 322 export permits for military and dual-use equipment to Israel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s own data – available to the public online – shows that Australian exports of “arms and ammunition” to Israel totalled $15.5 million Australian dollars ($10.1m) over the same period of time.

Officials now appear to be slowing the export of military equipment to Israel.

In a recent interview with Australia’s national broadcaster ABC, the Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy insisted the country was “not exporting military equipment to Israel” and clarified this meant “military weapons, things like bombs”.

However, defence exports from Australia fall into two categories, items specifically for military use – such as Boxer Heavy Weapons vehicles for Germany – and so-called ‘dual use’ products, such as radar or communications systems, that can have both civilian and military uses.

[See the video embedded in the article]

Australia’s Department of Defence did not respond to Al Jazeera’s requests about whether the halt to defence exports to Israel also included dual-use items.

What is certain is that companies such as HTA and Rosebank Engineering are continuing to manufacture components for the F-35, despite the risk of deployment in what South Africa told the International Court of Justice in December amounted to “genocidal acts“.

In the Netherlands – where parts for the jet are also manufactured – an appeal court last month ordered the Dutch government to block such exports to Israel citing the risk of breaching international law.

The Australian government has also come under scrutiny for its lax “end-use controls” on the weapons and components it exports.

As such, while the F-35 components are exported to US parent company Lockheed Martin, their ultimate use is largely outside Australia’s legal purview.

Lauren Sanders, senior research fellow on law and the future of war at the University of Queensland, told Al Jazeera that the “on-selling of components and military equipment through third party states is a challenge to global export controls.

“Once something is out of a state’s control, it becomes more difficult to trace, and to prevent it being passed on to another country,” she said.

Sanders said Australia’s “end use controls” were deficient in comparison with other exporters such as the United States.

“The US has hundreds of dedicated staff – with appropriate legal authority to investigate – to chase down potential end-use breaches,” she said.

“Australia does not have the same kind of end-use controls in place in its legislation, nor does it have the same enforcement resources that the US does.”

The protesters say they will continue their action until manufacturing of F-35 components is stopped [Ali MC/Al Jazeera]

In fact, under legislation passed in November 2023, permits for defence goods are no longer required for exports to the United Kingdom and the US under the AUKUS security agreement.

In a statement, the government argued the exemption would “deliver 614 million [Australian dollars; $401m] in value to the Australian economy over 10 years, by reducing costs to local businesses and unlocking investment opportunities with our AUKUS partners”.

International law

This new legislation may provide more opportunities for Australian weapons manufacturers, such as NIOA, a privately owned munitions company that makes bullets at a factory in Benalla, a small rural town in Australia’s southeast.

The largest supplier of munitions to the Australian Defence Force, NIOA – which did not respond to Al Jazeera for comment – also has aspirations to break into the US weapons market.

At a recent business conference, CEO Robert Nioa said that “the goal is to establish greater production capabilities in both countries so that Australia can be an alternative source of supply of weapons in times of conflict for the Australian and US militaries”.

Greens Senator David Shoebridge told Al Jazeera that the government needed to “publicly and immediately refute the plan to become a top 10 global arms dealer and then to provide full transparency on all Australian arms exports including end users.

“While governments in the Netherlands and the UK are facing legal challenges because of their role in the global supply chain, the Australian Labor government just keeps handing over weapons parts as though no genocide was happening,” he said. “It’s an appalling moral failure, and it is almost certainly a gross breach of international law.”

The Dutch government has faced legal action over the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel [File: Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters]

Elbit has come under fire for its sale of defence equipment to the Myanmar military regime, continuing sales even after the military, which seized power in a 2021 coup, was accused of gross human rights violations – including attacks on civilians – by the United Nations and others.

Despite a recent joint announcement between the Australian and UK governments for an “immediate cessation of fighting” in Gaza, some say Australia needs to go further and cut defence ties with Israel altogether.

“The Australian government must listen to the growing public calls for peace and end Australia’s two-way arms trade with Israel,” Shoebridge said. “The Albanese government is rewarding and financing the Israeli arms industry just at the moment they are arming a genocide.”

Protests have continued both at the HTA factory in Melbourne and their premises in Brisbane, with organisers pledging to continue until the company stops manufacturing components for the F-35.

[metalmanauto]

Metalman Auto files draft papers with SEBI to raise funds via IPO

The IPO consists of a fresh issue of Rs 350 crore and an offer for sale of upto 12.64 million shares by its existing shareholders and promoters.

Metalman Auto Ltd has submitted a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise capital through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO includes a fresh issuance of shares worth Rs 350 crore and an offer for sale of up to 12.64 million shares by the company’s current shareholders and promoters.

The proceeds from the fresh issue will be allocated as follows: Rs 25 crore will be used to partially finance the capital expenditure for the procurement of plant and machinery at the Pithampur manufacturing unit 2. The company also plans to utilize Rs 240 crore to repay a portion of its existing debt. As of June 2024, Metalman Auto Ltd has a total debt of Rs 314.43 crore.

The firm operates nine manufacturing units across five states in India, strategically located near OEM customers to ensure efficient production and supply. Axis Capital, ICICI Securities, and Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors are the lead managers for this issue.

Metalman Auto Ltd is a leader in the metal fabrication, finishing, and assembly sector in India, specializing in the production of metal components for two-wheelers (including both electric and internal combustion engines), three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, agri-vehicles, and off-highway vehicles. Additionally, the company manufactures aesthetic components for white goods, such as panels for washing machines, and offers contract manufacturing services for two-wheeler electric vehicle (2W EV) OEMs.

[memenewsdotcom]

China expands covid-19 lockdowns

[uptodatehome]

Scientists Develop Eco-Friendly Microfabrication Method Using Water and Paper

Microfabrication is a critical process in manufacturing tiny structures like computer chips, medical devices, and sensors. However, traditional methods are often harmful to the environment due to the use of toxic chemicals. Scientists at the University of Chicago have pioneered an innovative approach that replaces these harmful substances with water and natural materials, creating a greener…

[uniqueeval]

Qualcomm recently approached Intel about a possible takeover

Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon speaks at the Computex forum in Taipei, Taiwan, June 3, 2024. Ann Wang | Reuters Qualcomm recently approached struggling chipmaker Intel about a takeover, CNBC has confirmed. It wasn’t clear if Intel had engaged in conversations with Qualcomm or what the terms would be, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be named because the information…

[therugfurnish]

Top Carpet Manufacturers in India: Weaving Tradition and Innovation

Rug manufacturing is surely one of the esteemed arts from the country.Today, India is among the world's largest exporters of handmade rugs, its manufacturers marrying centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary design to feed a global market.

Conventionally, rug-making has been associated with centers like Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Jaipur, and Kashmir. Each region has its typical style and weaving technique. For example, Kashmir is famous for its silk rugs of high quality, usually with flowing floral motifs, while Bhadohi is characterized by geometrical patterns in woolen rugs. These skills have been passed on from generation to generation, maintaining the heritage and authenticity of Indian rugs.

Blending in New Ideas in Rug Manufacturing

Even though Indian manufacturers give maximum importance to traditional ways of manufacturing rugs, innovation is found in order to be aligned with modern taste and global trends. This fusion of old and new is something that makes Indian rugs different in the international market. There is a rise in experiments with new materials, designs, and technologies for making rugs that are not only pleasing aesthetically but eco-friendly and durable.

Another significant innovation hitting the Indian rug industry is eco-friendly materials.handmade rugs india With people starting to become more aware of the deteriorating environment, most manufacturers have started going green either in natural dyes, organic wool, or recyclable materials for their production. This does not only reduce the environmental impact but also appeals to those consumers who want home decor that is sustainable.

From the design point of view, this has broken the mold of traditional patterns as Indian rug manufacturers include contemporary styles. Most modern Indian rugs boast an abstract design, minimalistic patterns, or a vivid color palette that appeals to the taste of a young, more design-conscious consumer. Meanwhile, there is an interesting trend that looks toward timelessness whereby traditional motifs are mixed with modern tastes. The result is timeless yet trendy rugs.

Top Indian Rug Manufacturers

A few Indian rug manufacturers have carved a niche for themselves among the top-rated names of the global market in terms of both quality and innovation. Companies such as Obeetee, Jaipur Rugs, and The Rug Republic are only a few to name that exude the blend of tradition with modernity.

Obeetee is amongst India's oldest and most reputed rug manufacturers, with its base in Mirzapur.Handmade Rugs Manufacturer Founded as early as 1920, it has had ample time to establish itself in the high-quality art of manufacturing rugs by hand. Very well known, Obeetee goes for traditional craftsmanship in weavings apart from including modern elements in its designing. The company is also at the vanguard in terms of sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and practices in production.

Innovation in Jaipur has become coupled with Jaipur Rugs, an Indian enterprise based out of Jaipur. Directly working with artisans in rural India, the company provides resources and support to skilled artisans who can create this art of beauty in handmade rugs. In addition, Jaipur Rugs is known for its contemporary designs and social impact initiatives that are undertaken to uplift and empower local communities.

Then there is the Panipat-based enterprise known as The Rug Republic, which is another major player in this field.Rugs manufacturers in india It specializes in modern, eco-friendly rugs manufactured from recycled materials. Innovative approaches to design and sustainability make The Rug Republic the favorite of consumers in search of stylish and environmentally conscious home décor options.

Conclusion

The success of rug manufacturing in India comes from the perfect balancing of tradition with innovation. While preserving ancient techniques, Indian rug manufacturers also use new materials, designs, and technologies to create products finding their place in the hearts of every consumer all over the world. As these manufacturers keep evolving, they are not only keeping the rich rug-making heritage of India alive but setting new standards for quality and creativity in the global market.

[newbusinessideas]

How to Start a Biodegradable Plastic Bags Manufacturing Business

Want to turn your passion for sustainability into a thriving business? 🌍💼 Learn how to launch a biodegradable plastic bags manufacturing business and make a positive impact on the planet! #BiodegradableBags #sustainablebusiness #ecofriendlybusiness

The biodegradable plastic bag industry aims to create eco-friendly substitutes for conventional plastic bags. Biodegradable plastic bags are made to degrade more quickly in natural environments than ordinary plastics, which can take hundreds of years to break down. Usually composed of plant-based materials like sugarcane or cornstarch, these bags have a smaller environmental impact because they…

[headspace-hotel]

USAmericans

Read the Project 2025 manifesto RIGHT NOW

It's MUCH worse than y'all have been hearing

There is so much here you'll have to look at it for yourself, but the climate policy alone is nightmare fuel.

The republican coalition wants to essentially end funding for green energy, dramatically promote and expand fossil fuel industries, and eliminate funding and regulations in all sectors promoting climate change mitigation. Task forces and offices related to clean energy and lowering carbon emissions will be eliminated and replaced with offices for promoting fossil fuels.

They want to LOG NATIONAL FORESTS TO "THIN" THE TREES TO STOP WILDFIRES.

THEY WANT TO FORCE OREGON AND CALIFORNIA TO LOG THEIR NATIONAL FORESTS AND TREAT THEM AS FOR TIMBER PRODUCTION

There are specific provisions in Project 2025 to essentially destroy the Endangered Species Act, causing it to defer to the rights of "economic development" and "private property." The plan includes delisting gray wolves, cutting the budget so that a "triage" system is used to determine which species will get protection, removing funding for research, removing experts and specialists from the decision-making process, and preventing "experimental" populations of animals from being established.

This is so much worse than I expected it to be and there's much more past that: They want to deregulate pesticides and remove much of the EPA's ability to regulate pollutants as well.

Also included in the manifesto is that we should

withdraw from nuclear weapons nonproliferation agreements, build more nuclear weapons, and resume nuclear weapons testing

The manifesto comprehensively outlines the scorched-earth elimination of abortion access, down to ensuring doctors aren't even trained to perform abortions. There are plans in here to disrupt abortion access GLOBALLY, not just domestically.

Not only that,the Republicans plan on reframing family planning programs around "fertility awareness" and "holistic family planning."

I can't even describe it all. I'm trying to give screenshots of the most important things but there's so much.

The foreign policy is a nightmare. They plan to push fossil fuels onto the Global South and promote the development of fossil fuel industry in the "developing world."

It is aggressive and antagonistic towards other nations, strongly pro-military, proposing that we INCREASE (!!!!!) defense spending, improve public opinion of the military and military recruitment, and increase the power to fund new weapons technology.

Just read the Department of Defense section. It's about greatly increasing and strengthening the military-industrial complex, collaborating more closely with weapons manufacturers, removing regulatory barriers to arming our allies and to inventing new military weapons, and recruiting more people into the military. They include provisions to develop AI technology for surveillance. And of course, continuing to support Israel is in there.

Elsewhere it proposes interfering in foreign countries with creepy pro-USA propaganda campaigns, even establishing international educational programs where faculty have to pledge to promote USA interests.

There's a line in here about getting rid of PBS because SESAME STREET is LEFTIST for God's sake.

HOW are people claiming democrats have the same policies. I feel like i'm losing my mind.

[athenese-dx]

Unlock Fast and Accurate Leptospira Detection: Rapid and ELISA Tests for Immediate Diagnostic Clarity

[techtoio]

AI-Powered Software Solutions: Revolutionizing the Tech World

Introduction

Artificial intelligence has found relevance in nearly all sectors, including technology. AI-based software solutions are revolutionizing innovation, efficiency, and growth like never before in multiple industries. In this paper, we will walk through how AI will change the face of technology, its applications, benefits, challenges, and future trends. Read to continue..

[lawtoppers]

InterDigital Patent Case Against Oppo, RealMe, and OnePlus

[uniqueeval]

Dell and Palantir to join S&P 500; shares of both jump

Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies, speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 18, 2023. Arnd Wiegmann | Reuters Dell and Palantir both jumped about 7% in extended trading Friday after S&P Global announced that the companies would join the S&P 500 index. Software maker Palantir will take the place of American Airlines, and Dell is replacing Etsy, according to a…

[myzacoza]

Textile industry remains a priority for government 

Due to their labour-absorbing character, the textile, clothing, footwear, leather and general goods sectors remain priority sectors for government. These sectors have always been supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), with an objective to sustain and grow employment, grow output, and enhance their competitiveness. This is according to the Director of Leather…

[jcmarchi]

Best option for all: Several countries are embarking on a search for Patriot systems - Technology Org

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/best-option-for-all-several-countries-are-embarking-on-a-search-for-patriot-systems-technology-org/

Best option for all: Several countries are embarking on a search for Patriot systems - Technology Org

Ukraine needs more Patriot missile systems. Its cities are being attacked by ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones. It would also be good to make Russian planes scared of coming even close to the air defence zone of Ukraine.

The MIM-104 Patriot is one of the best air defence systems in the world. Image credit: Sgt. Alexandra Shea via Wikimedia

After the NATO summit in Brussels, where Ukraine has reminded its allies that it needs more weapons and ammunition, information about intensive searches for Patriot systems appeared. The MIM-104 Patriot is considered to be pretty much the best option for air defence for Ukraine. These systems can efficiently deal with cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft. The Patriot can even shoot down ballistic missiles and has some wins against hypersonic weapons too.

According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the United Kingdom is now joining the global search for Patriot missile systems that could be transferred to Ukraine. The Patriot is an American air defence system in service since 1981, but there aren’t enough of them in Ukraine or, it seems, even its Western allies.

Russia is constantly attacking the cities of Ukraine with all sorts of weapons, so Ukraine’s allies will see what they can do to acquire more Patriot systems to close the sky over Ukraine. Manufacturing new systems would simply take too long, which means that the UK will be talking to other countries that have bought Patriot systems for their own protection.

The user list of the MIM-104 Patriot includes Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, UAE, the United States and, of course, Ukraine.

Kułeba said he had spoken with UK Foreign Minister David Cameron, who confirmed that the country would look for air defence systems for Ukraine. Germany is already involved in the Patriot search. It won’t be easy though.

Saudi Arabia could be a Patriot donor with 18-25 batteries of these systems (including PAC-2 and PAC-3 versions) in their possession, but Germany once blocked the sale of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Riyadh, and it is now uncertain whether Saudi Arabia will agree to cooperate with Germany on the Patriot issue. Perhaps Saudi Arabia will talk with the United Kingdom, with which it maintains more friendly connections in the field of military equipment.

The Patriot has been operating in Ukraine since April 2023. These air defence systems were transferred to Ukraine by Germany, the Netherlands and the US. The Patriot has proven time and time again to be one of the most effective air defence systems on Earth. It shot down several ballistic missiles, which is never easy to do. Even the downing of the hypersonic Zircon missiles is credited to the Patriot.

Depending on the version, the Patriot can hit targets at a distance of up to 160 km. PAC-3 can also destroy modern ballistic missiles at a distance of up to 35 km.

Written by Povilas M.

Source: Tech.wp.pl

[ghadafamily]

🚨 Vetted Fundraiser 🚨

My name is Ghada, I am 32 years old, and my life has always been filled with dreams and ambitions. I began my educational journey by studying Public Relations and Advertising in 2013. Then, I decided to broaden my knowledge and pursued a degree in Primary Education in 2016. As time went on, I felt that technology was the future, and now I am studying Information Technology, believing that knowledge is the strongest weapon to face life's challenges.

This was my home before it was destroyed🤍.

I live with my father and my younger brother Khaled. Khaled completed his studies in Accounting and works with my father. My father used to own a workshop for aluminum manufacturing, and our lives were relatively stable despite the challenges we faced.

This is my home after it was destroyed💔.

But the war did not spare us. In an instant, everything we owned was destroyed. Our home, my university, which I considered a refuge, and my father's workshop, which was our source of income, were all gone. We were forced to flee from northern Gaza and found ourselves living in a school in the Al-Zawayda area, trying to adapt to our new reality.

The killing of dreams and aspirations 💔.

This is my younger brother Khaled. He finished his university studies and was aspiring to continue his education and earn a master's degree 💪. But the war shattered his dream when his university was destroyed 🏫💔.

These are photos of our current place.💔

Despite everything I have been through, I have not lost hope. I know I must start over, but this time not alone. I want to help my family build a new life and achieve the dreams I have not given up on. To do this, I need your support. I aspire to launch a fundraising campaign that will help me travel, continue my education, and build a better future for myself and my family🤍💪.

I believe that life is lived with love and hope, and that despite all the pain and loss, a person can rise again if they find someone who believes in and supports them. My story is not just one of displacement and war; it is a story of strength and determination. I have not given up on my dreams, and I need your help to achieve them.

Your support through donations will be crucial in protecting my family from the brink of death. Every euro you contribute could play a vital role in saving our lives 🙏🏻🙏🏻.