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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landing obligation exemption changes in English waters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Marine Management Organisation is advising fishers of forthcoming changes to a number of exemptions to the Landing Obligation in English waters following a scientific review and public consultation.

    Fishing boat at sea.

    The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025 no.92 were laid before parliament at the end of January and will come in to force on February 28 2025.

    The changes mean that from the end of February a number of exemptions to the Landing Obligation will be removed so fishers will be legally required to land the species that these exemptions covered. All other exemptions remain in place.

    The changes have been made following a review of Landing Obligations exemptions by experts at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas) and a public consultation.

    Four exemptions are set to be disapplied, three fully and one partially.

    The details are:

    • The high survivability exemption for turbot caught in English waters of ICES subarea 4 with beam trawls with a cod-end larger than 80mm will be disapplied. This is due to insufficient evidence to support this exemption. The exemption remains in place within Scottish waters of ICES subarea 4.
    • The de minimis exemption for mackerel, horse mackerel, herring and whiting caught in the pelagic fishery carried out by pelagic trawlers up to 25 metres in length overall, using mid-water trawls, and targeting mackerel, horse mackerel and herring in ICES divisions 4b and 4c south of 54 degrees north will be disapplied. This is due to insufficient evidence to support this exemption.
    • The de minimis exemption for mackerel, horse mackerel, herring and whiting caught in the fishery carried out with pelagic trawlers up to 25 meters in length overall, using mid-water trawls, and targeting mackerel, horse mackerel and herring in ICES division 7d will be disapplied. This is due to insufficient evidence to support this exemption. 
    • The cod element of a de minimis exemption for cod and whiting below the minimum conservation reference size caught in the mixed demersal fisheries by vessels using bottom trawls or seines with a mesh size of 70-99 mm in ICES division 4c will be disapplied. This is due to concerns about the Northern shelf cod stock, in particular in the Southern North Sea, and insufficient evidence to support this exemption. It provides a consistent approach across ICES subarea 4. The whiting element of this exemption will be retained.

    Under the Landing Obligation, all fish caught must be landed and not discarded if there is no exemption in place.

    For more information, see Technical Conservation and Landing Obligation rules and regulations 2025 – GOV.UK  or read general landing obligation collection page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A joint competition for students of SPbPU and KRSU starts

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    As part of the work on scientific, methodological and resource support for the implementation of the activities of the development program of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, a visit of representatives of SPbPU to KRSU took place. Polytechnic was represented by Associate Professor of the Higher School of Design and Architecture of the Civil Engineering Institute Tatyana Diodorova and Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” Sergey Salkutsan.

    During business meetings and negotiations with the university management, issues of cooperation were discussed. In order to develop interaction between the SPbPU Institute of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Construction, the partners proposed holding a joint student competition to develop a corporate style for KRSU.

    Students from both universities will take part in the competition and will work under the guidance of experienced mentors. From SPbPU, the mentor will be Tatyana Diodorova, a member of the Union of Designers of Russia, and from KRSU, Beisen Kariev, head of the department, chairman of the Union of Architects of the Kyrgyz Republic, will help the students.

    The competition will be held in three stages, allowing participants to delve deeper into the process of creating and developing style concepts, as well as learning about the history of KRSU and the culture of Kyrgyzstan. The first stage of the competition will be exploratory. Students will meet with the management of KRSU to set the task. Applications for participation can be submitted after February 10, and the results of the competition will be announced in April. Winners will receive prizes, as well as a unique opportunity to go to a partner university to get to know the culture and features of the two countries better.

    We are confident that this competition will become an excellent platform for exchanging ideas and experiences, and will also help students develop their skills and establish professional connections. Follow the news and don’t miss the chance to participate in this exciting project! — shared Tatyana Diodorova.

    As part of cooperation with the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” (AES), we discussed issues of involving KRSU students in acceleration programs implemented by AES, as well as participation in events of the university technological entrepreneurship platform supervised by the “Startup Center” of SPbPU.

    We will be glad to share our experience in implementing events on the topic of technological entrepreneurship, as well as involve KRSU students in them. In particular, a very important issue of cooperation will be the participation of the staff of the Advanced Engineering School in the implementation of the entrepreneurial projects competition, which is planned to be launched at KRSU, – noted Sergey Salkutsan.

    The partners were also presented with the training simulator “Lean University”, developed by the staff of the PIS and is part of CML-Bench®.EDU, developed as an educational direction of the Digital Platform for the Development and Application of Digital Twins CML-Bench®. Based on this simulator, the management team of KRSU will be trained in the spring of 2025, and in the future, access will be provided to all university employees.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 30 terminal stations for buses and electric buses were built and reconstructed in two years

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Over the past two years, more than 30 terminal stations for buses and electric buses have been built and reconstructed in the capital. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “In two years, we have built 11 new comfortable buildings at the terminal stations. Security systems operate here, there are rooms where drivers can eat and rest between trips. We are increasing the efficiency of urban transport on the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    Thanks to the new terminal stations, public transport routes start immediately in the required areas, closer to passengers. This reduces waiting time at stops.

    The fenced turnaround area provides enough space to make a maneuver and get back on the line. Now bus and electric bus drivers do not have to waste extra time to get to the starting point of the route or return to the depot to park.

    Comfortable working conditions have been created for the workers, since the safety of passengers depends on their well-being. In the new buildings, the staff can have lunch and prepare for the route. There are separate rooms for drivers to rest – both women and men, rooms for eating, showers and toilets, as well as first-aid stations. For security purposes, the stations are equipped with video surveillance and access control systems.

    In accordance with the objectives of the national project “Infrastructure for life” In Moscow, much attention is paid to the modernization of social and municipal infrastructure, including increasing the number of convenient public transport routes and updating rolling stock. In addition, within the framework of the national project, Moscow has begun developing the Central Transport Hub. It will become a single circuit with predictable suburban rail transport for more than 30 million residents of 11 regions of Russia.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149642073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister McPhee on World Cancer Day

    Statement from Minister McPhee on World Cancer Day
    jlutz

    Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

    “Today on World Cancer Day, we come together to honour and support everyone affected by cancer and reaffirm our shared commitment to cancer prevention, treatment and care. This year’s theme, United by Unique, highlights the importance of placing people at the centre of care. This theme aligns with our ongoing efforts in the Yukon to deliver personalized and equitable health care services.

    “The latest Yukon Health Status Report shows that new cancer diagnosis, including site-specific cancers such as breast, colorectal and lung, have been steadily declining in the Yukon since 2018. While this progress is encouraging, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in Canada, affecting many individuals and their families and friends. The most common cancers in our territory include breast, lung, colorectal and prostate cancer. This reality highlights the urgent need for robust prevention strategies and accessible health care.

    “Over the past year, we have made significant strides in improving cancer care within the territory. More than $500,000 was allocated in the 2024–25 budget to support cancer-related initiatives. We remain committed to building on these efforts and continuing to prioritize resources and initiatives that support Yukoners facing cancer.

    “To anyone facing cancer, know that you are not alone. Comprehensive cancer care support is available through the Department of Health and Social Services and the Yukon Hospital Corporation’s Cancer Care Coordinator. Assistance is available at 867-393-8853 or by emailing cancercare@wgh.yk.ca. No referral is needed.

    “By standing together, we can make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune AB (Publ) launches two new Crypto ETPs on Nasdaq Helsinki

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Helsinki, February 5th, 2025 – Virtune, a Swedish regulated digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange-traded products, today announced the listing of Virtune Avalanche ETP and Virtune Staked Cardano ETP on Nasdaq Helsinki. 

    Virtune recently introduced the first five crypto ETPs in Finland on Nasdaq Helsinki, receiving a strong reception in the Finnish market. The previously listed products include Virtune Bitcoin ETP, Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP, Virtune Staked Solana ETP, Virtune XRP ETP, and Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP. To meet the growing demand from Finnish investors, Virtune has now expanded its offering with two additional crypto ETPs on Nasdaq Helsinki.

    About Virtune Avalanche ETP
    Virtune Avalanche ETP provides exposure to Avalanche. Like all of Virtune’s exchange-traded products, Virtune Avalanche ETP is 100% physically backed and fully collateralized, denominated in EUR for the Finnish investors, available through brokers and banks such as Nordnet.

    Key Information about Virtune Avalanche ETP and what it offers to investors :

    • 1:1 exposure to Avalanche
    • 100% physically backed by AVAX
    • 1.49% annual management fee

    Virtune Avalanche ETP

    • Full name: Virtune Avalanche ETP 
    • Short name: Virtune Avalanche
    • Nasdaq Helsinki Ticker: VIRAVAXE
    • Trading currency: EUR
    • First day of trading: Wednesday 5th of February 2025 
    • ISIN: SE0022050092
    • Stock exchange: Nasdaq Helsinki and Nasdaq Stockholm 

    About Virtune Staked Cardano ETP
    Virtune Staked Cardano ETP provides exposure to Cardano combined with the benefits of staking rewards. Like all of Virtune’s exchange-traded products, Virtune Staked Cardano ETP is 100% physically backed and fully collateralized, is denominated in EUR for the Finnish investors and is available through brokers and banks such as Nordnet.

    Key Information about Virtune Staked Cardano ETP and what it offers to investors :

    • 1:1 exposure to Cardano with 2% extra annual return through staking rewards
    • Staking rewards are added continuously and reflected in the daily price of the ETP
    • 100% physically backed by ADA
    • 1.49% annual management fee

    Virtune Staked Cardano ETP

    • Full name: Virtune Staked Cardano ETP 
    • Short name: Virtune Staked Cardano
    • Ticker: VIRADAE
    • Trading currency: EUR
    • First day of trading: Wednesday 5th of February 2025 
    • ISIN: SE0021630449 
    • Stock exchange: Nasdaq Helsinki and Nasdaq Stockholm

    Christopher Kock, CEO of Virtune:

    “After successfully introducing Finland’s first crypto ETPs on Nasdaq Helsinki two weeks ago, we are pleased to expand our local offering in Finland by announcing the listing of the first Avalanche ETP and Staked Cardano ETP on Nasdaq Helsinki. These innovative products are 100% physically backed, with AVAX and ADA securely stored in cold storage with our custodian, Coinbase. They are accessible to both institutional and retail investors through various brokers and banks.“

    If you, as an (institutional) investor, are interested in meeting with Virtune to discuss the opportunities our ETPs offer for your asset management services or to learn more about Virtune and our ETPs, please do not hesitate to contact us at hello@virtune.com. You can also read more about Virtune and our ETPs at www.virtune.com and register your email address on our website to subscribe to our newsletters, which cover updates on Virtune’s upcoming ETP launches and other news related to digital assets.

    Press contact
    Christopher Kock, CEO Virtune AB (Publ)
    christopher@virtune.com
    +46 70 073 45 64

    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    Crypto investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice; investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, there is no guarantee of getting back invested capital. Read the prospectus, KID, terms at virtune.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Result of the auction of 2.25 per cent DGB 2035

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bids, sales, cut-off price, pro rata and yield are presented in the table below:           

    ISIN Bid mill. DKK (nominal) Sale mill.DKK (nominal) Cut-off price Pro rata Yield
    99 24961 DGB 2.25% 15/11/2035 7,485 5,155 100.60 100 % 2.19 % p.a.
    Total 7,485 5,155      

    Settlement: 7 February 2025

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Webcast: Statement of the Monetary Policy Committee and publication of Monetary Bulletin 5 February 2025

    Source: Central Bank of Iceland

    A statement of the Monetary Policy Committee was published on the Central Bank of Iceland website Wednesday 5 February 2025 at 08:30 hrs. The Bank’s Monetary Bulletin was published at 08:35 hrs. At 9:30 hrs. a press conference on the statement and the contents of the Monetary Bulletin will be held.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by President Meloni to mark National STEM Week (4-11 February 2025)

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    According to the World Bank, 80% of the most advanced nations’ wealth is represented by knowledge. In this context, STEM subjects are taking on an increasingly crucial role, offering great opportunities and prospects. Unfortunately, in Italy, the indicators show a misalignment between supply and demand. According to ISTAT, only a quarter of Italian graduates aged between 25 and 34 studied STEM subjects, and Italian companies say they have difficulty in finding professionals with training in these disciplines.

    The Government is determined to reverse this trend, and has already taken the first steps in this direction. I am referring, for example, to the technical-vocational education and training reform to create a stable and structural link between technical and vocational education pathways, higher technical institutes (‘ITS’) and production chains; the establishment of the ‘Made in Italy’ high school, which encompasses both humanities and STEM subjects; the incentives for companies to hire researchers and research contract holders; the funding allocated for career guidance and the ‘scientific degree plan’. There is still a lot of work to be done, but we are convinced that the path we have taken is the right one.

    Overcoming the skills challenge is essential to building an increasingly competitive nation that is at the forefront of the great transformations of our time. We can only achieve this goal if we are able to work together as a team, involving families, schools, universities, companies, professional associations, cultural institutions and the media in this mission. Believing in Italy’s future also means working to shape the professions and the professionals of tomorrow, thus helping to reawaken that courage and daring that are innate in our people and that have allowed our nation to become what it is today.

    [Courtesy translation]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than a quarter of a million local businesses benefit from Mayor of London’s new support service

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Grow London Local is a one-stop-shop to support small businesses across the capital, launched with £8.7m of Mayoral funding and delivered by London & Partners
    • The programme has surpassed targets in its first year, reaching 250,000 entrepreneurs and supporting 16,000 businesses – with 88% of those helped coming from communities that face additional barriers
    • Friday 7 February will see special events for London’s small businesses to help them thrive

    More than 250,000 of the capital’s entrepreneurs and small businesses have accessed a dedicated support service set up by the Mayor Sadiq Khan to help them grow and thrive.

    Grow London Local provides in-person and online support for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the capital’s business growth agency London & Partners. Business Support Managers work in communities to help entrepreneurs overcome barriers through skills training, expert guidance, and connecting with other business leaders to foster peer learning.

    There are estimated to be more than a million SMEs in London (defined as employing up to 249 people), with one in four currently facing financial vulnerability  [1]. Grow London Local helps firms to access the right support at the right time, so that entrepreneurs can become financially resilient and their businesses can thrive.

    Since the Mayor invested £8.7m to launch the service in January 2024, Grow London Local has reached more than a quarter of a million entrepreneurs and helped more than 16,000 – almost double the initial targets of 132,580 and 12,484 respectively. While beneficiaries span every London borough, 88 per cent of entrepreneurs supported come from communities who face additional barriers to finding help.

    Grow London Local delivers on the Mayor’s 2021 manifesto pledge to create a ‘single front door’ for small businesses, uniting various schemes and resources under one banner, enhanced by the expertise of London & Partners. 

    The Mayor has been clear that SMEs have a vital part to play in London’s economy, and in how it can help national growth. Ensuring people and businesses across the capital have the skills they need will be a focus of his new London Growth Plan, which he will soon publish alongside London Councils and London & Partners. The Plan will outline measures to improve the lives of all Londoners, drive the capital’s green transition, boost the economy and support prosperity in London and beyond.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The capital’s one million small businesses are the backbone of our economy, delivering services and products we take for granted in our daily lives – but all too often they don’t get the help they need or are entitled to. I’m proud to see Grow London Local helping the capital’s entrepreneurs to not just survive but really thrive. As London’s most pro-business mayor, supporting our fantastic small businesses is a key component of my work to build a better and more prosperous London for everyone.”    

    Grow London Local’s Managing Director, Michelle Cuomo-Boorer, commented: “Reaching 250,000 entrepreneurs in our first year is a remarkable milestone – and it’s just the beginning. We’re incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made in supporting London’s dynamic and diverse small business community, and excited to build on this success by empowering more businesses to help them thrive.” 

    Andrea Pickard, a London-based career coach who supports people with dyslexia, said: “Grow London Local has been a game-changer, boosting my confidence and supporting my growth as a new business owner. Their coffee mornings connected me to other entrepreneurs, providing invaluable advice, and a NatWest Bank dinner was an incredible opportunity. As someone with dyslexia, it’s empowering to feel recognised and supported. Their impact has been transformative for both me and my business.” 

    Mrinal Madin, whose Kingston-based business The Entertainment Sports Agency has also benefited from Grow London Local services, added: “Learning about the digital skills needed and what to focus on was useful. There is still a long way to go to implement all the actions, but having systems and processes is going to be key to our growth.” 

    Paul Wight, Programme Manager for Allia’s Hackney Impact project – one of 374 providers who have partnered with Grow London Local to deliver support – noted: “Our partnership with Grow London Local has been pivotal in connecting us to nearly 400 Hackney businesses. As an active partner in the SME and social enterprise ecosystem, Grow London Local helps ensure we remain integrated in a broader network of support, which empowers businesses to thrive and contributes to sustainable economic growth across Hackney.” 

    To celebrate its first birthday, Grow London Local will host four free coffee mornings across the capital on Friday 7 February, where small business leaders can make connections and access support. Events will take place from 10am at Bobo Social in Ealing, Blooming Scent Café in Tottenham, SoLo Craft Fair in Southwark and Unit Six Café in Newham.

    Find out more and get involved at  www.growlondonlocal.london.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More city residents taking up their free NHS Health Check

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    NHS Health Checks are available to eligible 40 to 74 year olds – those without pre-existing conditions – once every 5 years. They assess the individual’s health and identifies relatively simple lifestyle changes they could make to lower their risk of developing serious but preventable conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and dementia.

    Latest figures show that so far in 2024 to 2025, a total of 5,762 Wolverhampton residents have received their NHS Health Check, an increase of over 500 checks compared to the same period last year.

    Additionally, over the last 5 years, almost 90% of Wolverhampton’s eligible population have been invited for their NHS Health Check, putting Wolverhampton in the top 25% performing local authorities in England.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “It’s great that so many more people in Wolverhampton are coming forward for their NHS Health Check when it is due, and I would like to thank the excellent work of our city’s GP practices in helping us achieve improved uptake.

    “The Health Check is free and will help you to take steps to maintain or improve your health. It only takes about 30 minutes and you’ll be asked some simple questions, such as family history and choices which may put your health at risk. Your height, weight and blood pressure will be recorded and there will also be a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.

    “You will be provided with your results and given advice on any steps you might need to take to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.”

    She added: “Whilst there has been an increase in those taking up the offer of a health check, we continue to encourage more people to accept the offer of a health check if invited – and if you think your NHS Health Check is overdue, please speak to your GP practice.

    “As always, if you are concerned about any aspect of your health, contact your GP practice to discuss these – don’t wait for an invitation for your NHS Health Check.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University and Severstal: Successful Cooperation for Future Engineers

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    For SPbPU students, cooperation with leading employers in Russia is an opportunity to develop in the largest Russian and international companies and build a successful career. One of such partners is PAO Severstal, with which the university is implementing several educational and scientific projects.

    The Polytechnic University has the Severstal-Polytechnic Research and Education Center, whose specialists solve key industrial problems by working on joint R&D. More than 20 students study at SPbPU under a target agreement with the company. Twice a year, Severstal representatives participate in the Youth Career Forum, offering jobs to Polytechnic students. Dozens of students annually undergo internships at Severstal and its subsidiaries.

    In the educational programs “Organization and Management of Digital Science-Intensive Production”, “Digital Technologies in Metallurgy” and “Engineering of Metallurgical and Foundry Technologies and Materials”, Severstal representatives act as experts in lectures, provide places for practical training, topics for final qualification works, and invite students to production.

    As a partner of the course “Fundamentals of Project Activity”, Severstal offers second-year students project topics.

    “Our cooperation with Severstal has been going on for several decades,” says Pavel Kovalev, Deputy Director of IMMiT for Educational Activities. “Many of our graduates successfully work for the company, such as Evgeny Nikolaevich Vinogradov, a 2002 graduate of the metallurgical faculty, who currently holds the position of General Director of the Severstal Russian Steel and Resource Assets Division. With the participation of our strategic partner, we have developed a draft of a new educational standard and a corporate educational track for bachelors in the Metallurgy field. We received software for 26 VR simulators simulating various technological operations of steelmaking and rolling processing from Severstal free of charge, which will be used this academic year. We also plan to launch a pilot educational program in 2025 to train engineers with a variable training period (4 or 5 years).”

    By the way, the recruiting platform hh.ru recently presented the results of the Russian employer rating for 2024. It included more than 1,700 companies from all over the country.

    Among them, Severstal demonstrated significant progress, rising from 24th to 11th place in the overall list of successful industrial enterprises.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Law enforcement targets online cult communities dedicated to extremely violent child abuse

    Source: Europol

    Law enforcement authorities target members of prolific online communities dedicated to the sexual abuse of children and manipulation of vulnerable minors into committing violent crimes. This coercion into committing violent crime spans multiple areas, including acts of cruelty against people and animals, murder and self-harm. These extremist communities are part of a larger online network, so called “The Com”. Through…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – Loungers Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Downing LLP
    LEI: 213800G3X76VBG9SB504
    05 February 2025
    Form 8.3 re. Loungers Plc

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Downing LLP
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): Client funds managed by Downing LLP
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Loungers Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: n/a
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken: 04 February 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? No

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: Ordinary shares 1p
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,602,571 1.54    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,602,571 1.54    

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    Ordinary share Sale
    Purchase
    Purchase    		 4,377
    1,351
    3,026    		 3.24
    3.25
    3.24

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description Nature of dealing Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 05 February 2025
    Contact name:  
    Telephone number*: 0207 416 7780

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: StarHub and Nokia upgrade fiber broadband network to deliver nationwide 10 Gbps services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    StarHub and Nokia upgrade fiber broadband network to deliver nationwide 10 Gbps services

    • Singapore’s first 10 Gbps nationwide broadband network utilizing Nokia’s XGS-PON technology.
    • Empowers StarHub to offer enhanced services such as immersive gaming and advanced security solutions to its customers.
    • The upgraded network supports the 10 Gbps Ready Nationwide Broadband Network as part of the Government’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint, a strategy to enhance the national economy and improve citizen well-being via next-generation digital infrastructure.

    5 February 2025
    Singapore – Nokia today announced that StarHub has successfully completed its nationwide rollout of its XGS-PON network, connecting hundreds of thousands of homes across Singapore to 10 Gbps internet speeds. For consumer enthusiasts, the upgraded broadband network provides immediate access to additional broadband capacity needed to support bandwidth-hungry applications such as AI, immersive gaming and advanced security. It will also enable StarHub to offer new premium services that unlock additional revenue streams.

    StarHub will use Nokia’s Altiplano Access Controller to automate and improve network utilization. Leveraging AI-driven operations (AIOps) to drive better network decisions, Nokia’s Altiplano Access Controller enables StarHub to detect network anomalies faster, anticipate service-affecting issues before they occur, and improve network utilization. Advanced analytics and trained AI agents such as the ONT Health Monitor application can help increase efficiencies and drive higher levels of automation across network and service operations.

    As the first operator to launch XGS-PON services in Singapore in February 2023, StarHub also becomes the first in the world to completely migrate to a nationwide software-defined access network using Nokia Altiplano solution, enhancing network utilization through AI and automation. The speedy rollout of the deployment and migration aligns with the vision of Singaporean Government to accelerate 10Gbps PON subscriptions in support of the Digital Connectivity Blueprint.

    Lee Yeu Ching, VP of Fixed and Media Networks at StarHub, said: “We have set ambitious goals to advance our network, aiming to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. Nokia, our longstanding partner, has played a vital role in the successful completion of this crucial initiative. Nokia products and services have helped us seamlessly and rapidly transition to XGS-PON, enabling faster uptake of 10Gbps services to support Singapore’s national digital transformation plan. This milestone also signifies a meaningful achievement in StarHub’s Cloud Infinity Strategy. We are now looking forward to providing not only faster internet access, but also enhanced user experience for advance applications such as Augmented/Virtual Reality and Metaverse, among others.”

    Ming Kin Ngiam, Head of SEA South for Network Infrastructure Sales at Nokia, said: “We are entering the Fiber for Everything era. Technological advancements such as next-gen PON and automation empower operators to maximize the potential of their fiber networks, introduce new services, and expedite monetization. StarHub is establishing a new standard in network modernization with their comprehensive XGS-PON and SDAN network solutions. We are looking forward to further strengthening our partnership with StarHub to drive AI/ML automation and service innovations.”

    Resources and additional information
    Product page: Altiplano Access Controller
    Product page: Altiplano Application Marketplace
    Product page: Lightspan FX fiber access nodes
    Whitepaper: Autonomous networks by Appledore and StarHub

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.  

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Communications, Asia Pacific
    Email: cordia.so@nokia.com

    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.5 (EPT/RI)- Alliance Pharma plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
    Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)        Name of exempt principal trader:         Investec Bank plc
    (b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Alliance Pharma plc
    (c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Investec is financial advisor to Aegros Bidco Limited (a newly incorporated company indirectly owned by DBAY Affiliates and the ERES IV Fund)
    (d)        Date dealing undertaken: 04th February 2025
    (e)        In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to this offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received Lowest price per unit paid/received

    Ordinary shares

    Purchases

    169,748

    61.21

    61.21

    Ordinary shares

    Sales

    504,739

    61.3

    61.2

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
    N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    N/A N/A N/A N/A

    3.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None
    Date of disclosure: 05thFebruary 2025
    Contact name: Abhishek Gawde
    Telephone number: +91 9923757332

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Youth Justice Board publishes knife crime insights pack

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Youth Justice Board (YJB) is sharing its Knife Crime Insights Pack to add context to the YJB’s Annual Statistics which include data on knife crime and offensive weapons.

    Evidence and insights

    The YJB Annual Statistics highlight:

    • In the year ending March 2024, there were just over 3,200 knife or offensive weapon offences committed by children resulting in a caution or sentence, which is 6% fewer than the previous year but 20% greater than 10 years ago. This is the sixth consecutive year-on-year decrease.
    • In the latest year, the vast majority (99.7%) of knife or offensive weapon offences committed by children were possession offences and the remaining 0.1% were threatening with a knife or offensive weapon offences.
    • Out-of-court disposals are a method of resolving an investigation outside of court. In the year ending March 2024, 61% of disposals given to children for a knife or offensive weapon offence were a community sentence. This proportion is broadly stable over the last 10 years.
    • The proportion of children sentenced to immediate custody was 7% in the last year, which is the same level it has been for the last three years.

    Included within the Knife Crime Insights Pack (PDF, 417 KB, 16 pages) are a number of evidence-based insights into what works and what doesn’t. There are also a number of recommendations informed by these insights, which are:

    1. The YJB supports attempts to reduce knife supply.
    2. The YJB supports individualised decisions on outcomes.
    3. The YJB supports local strategies to address the conditions that sustain violence.
    4. The YJB supports local partnerships working together to ensure that adults meet the needs of children.

    Chief Executive, Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, said:

    Any incidence of violence involving knives and weapons is one too many. This type of violence, specifically involving children, should not happen and when it does, it is an emotionally charged time for all involved, not least for the victims, their families and the communities who are so greatly impacted. My heart goes out to those affected.

    Our Annual Statistics which we published last week show a worrying number of children still involved in offences involving weapons. While the overall picture is improving, it is important to consider the broader context, which is so often missed when we speak of individual tragedies. 

    To address knife crime adequately, it is vital that we understand the context in which children live their lives – so publicly and with an increasing use of social media and technology. This is exacerbated by the pandemic which will have affected maturation and development. It is essential that children have access to early intervention and the right support at the critical stages of their lives. Evidence shows this work is crucial in preventing further harm, reducing the number of victims and creating safer communities through steering children away from carrying weapons.

    We cannot underestimate the importance of attendance in inclusive education as a protective factor in preventing children offending. Equally important is support from health services when appropriate. We will continue to do all we can to provide evidence-based advice to ministers and all partners responsible for preventing children offending, including local authorities, children’s social care, education, health, probation and police.

    The pack is a comprehensive report which informs the basis of cross-sector discussions hosted by the YJB. The pack provides context to the landscape of knife crime by summarising facts, and insights gathered from experts who work with children in the youth justice system. It also provides recommendations based on the evidence. These insights draw attention to the significant role that early intervention, targeted prevention and diversion programs play in reducing knife crime by children.

    Chair of the Youth Justice Board, Keith Fraser, commented:

    Understanding the landscape of knife crime is essential to reducing the number of victims affected by it, which is why this insights pack was developed. It is also why senior experts and decision makers are routinely invited to discuss the insights and refine the recommendations.

    We hear a lot in the press that “knife crime is an epidemic”. In actual fact, the statistics show that knife crime has been decreasing since 2019 and we want to continue this trend by highlighting what works based on the evidence.

    There is very weak evidence to support that ‘scared straight’ initiatives, weapons amnesties, increased stop and search or mandatory sentencing have any sustained impact on knife crime in communities. Initiatives that do work are social skills training, mentoring and tailored support with education, housing and employment.

    For more information access the full Knife Crime Insights Pack on the Youth Justice Resource Hub

    ENDS

    Youth Justice Board media enquiries

    Youth Justice Board for England and Wales
    Clive House
    70 Petty France
    London
    SW1H 9EX

    Email comms@yjb.gov.uk

    For out-of-hours press queries 020 3334 3536

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 4th Meeting of the Team of Specialists on Forest Products and Wood Energy Statistics

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The 4th Meeting of the Joint ECE/FAO Team of Specialists on Forest Products and Wood Energy Statistics will be held on 7 and 8 April 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.

    The meeting agenda will be shared with participants ahead of the meeting.

    For more information, please contact Mr. Daniel Griswold. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Far North Cameroon: IOM Provides Shelter And Essential Household Items For Flood Victims

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Maroua, October 10th, 2024 – “After the floods on the Dougmo site not far from Tildé, where we have been living for 3 years, my house was completely destroyed by the waters and I moved to this new site, not far from Tildé”. Such is the statement made by Alhadji Alifa, 68, a victim of the floods in Cameroon’s Far North region on the night of 09th to October 10th, 2024. Like him, some 459,000 other people in the departments of Mayo-Danay and Logone et Chari were flood victims, according to OCHA, (OCHA Cameroon Far North Situation Report #49 Oct 2024). In order to save their lives, they had to move in search of a flood-sheltered site. As a result, they settled in various neighboring localities least affected by the floods in the departments of Mayo Danay and Logone et Chari.

    As part of its response to the urgent needs of these flood victims, the Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cameroon has granted 300 emergency shelters and 330 kits of essential household items to flood-affected people and vulnerable host communities. The handover activity was carried out as part of the project “Supporting displaced and crisis-affected populations in the Far North, Northwest and SouthWest regions of Cameroon, for the restoration and strengthening of resilience within the framework of NEXUS, Humanitarian, Development and Peace”. This project is part of the “NEXUS, Humanitarian, Development and Peace” program, funded by the Japanese people through the Embassy of Japan in Cameroon, and the “Vital assistance to displaced populations in the Far North and South West regions of Cameroon in the form of shelter, non-food items

    (NFI) and rent money” project, funded by the Central Emergency Respond Fund (CERF), with operational support from the Association des “Animateurs et Encadreurs pour le Développement Communautaire (AAEDC) and the Association de Serbowel Facilitateur pour les Humanitaires (ASFH)”.

    A total of 300 households, including 2015 individuals, benefited from this assistance. A salutary action much appreciated by the beneficiaries. “When we first arrived, we were living in straw shelters that we had built ourselves. But we were still not protected from bad weather, and every time it rained, our huts were flooded with water. But thank God IOM came and built us shelters out of tarpaulin and wood. Today we have a place to sleep”, says Alhadji Alifa.

    For her part, Falmata Alifa – a 75-year-old widow also affected by the disaster – was delighted to have received

    “With which she was “able to build the shelter in which she and her family are currently staying”. Falmata Alifa is also pleased to have received “buckets, cans, mats, pots and pans, blankets, mosquito nets and soap”. “All this came at a time when I needed it most, as all the belongings I had before this situation were destroyed along with my house in the devastating flood,” she added. This activity is in line with objectives 1 and 2 of IOM’s Strategy 2024 – 2028, namely “Saving lives and protecting migrants” and “Finding solutions to displacement”.

    ****

    For further information, please contact: 

    • Pierre Aristide NKENGUE, OIM Cameroun, Tél. : +237 694 81 49 88, E-mail : pnkengue@iom.int
    • Gisèle MASSINA, OIM Cameroun, Tél. : +237 6 99 07 21 64, gmassina@iom.int

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Fuels DeFi Innovation and Liquidity Security with the Berachain (BERA) Listing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, the world’s leading cryptocurrency trading platform, announced the listing of the Berachain (BERA), scheduled for February 6, 2025, at 13:00 (UTC). The launch on MEXC will be accompanied by Airdrop+ rewards of 19,100 BERA and 50,000 USDT.

    Berachain: From Meme to EVM-Identical Layer 1
    Berachain began as a meme, inspired by bear-themed JPEGs, and has since evolved into the creation of an innovative blockchain. It is a Layer 1 network that is both EVM-compatible and powered by a unique Proof of Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism. With this mechanism, validators not only stake tokens but also provide liquidity. Through its Proof of Liquidity (PoL) model, Berachain leverages active liquidity providers to secure the network, effectively turning capital into a core security resource.

    This groundbreaking approach has attracted significant financial backing, with the project raising $142 million in its latest funding round. As of January 2, the Berachain official website reports that 234 protocols are actively participating in its bArtio Testnet. BERA is a gas token, used for transactions and staking within its ecosystem.

    Berachain, powered by the BeaconKit modular consensus layer and built on the Cosmos SDK, offers flexibility for Ethereum-based blockchains. It enables developers to create both Layer-1 and Layer-2 solutions without needing to rewrite programming languages. Recently, Berachain launched Boyco, a pre-launch liquidity platform in collaboration with Enso and LayerZero, designed to address the cold start issue for new decentralized applications. Boyco’s pre-deposit vaults have already reached $2.2 billion.

    Celebrate the BERA Launch with a prize pool of 19,100 BERA & 50,000 USDT
    In a significant show of support for Berachain and its expansive ecosystem, MEXC is set to list the new BERA token. This move not only underscores MEXC’s commitment to pioneering blockchain projects but also connects users with a dynamic network that fuels cutting-edge initiatives.

    MEXC, known for quickly listing trending tokens, expands its offerings with Berachain (BERA). The BERA/USDT trading market officially launched in the Innovation Zone on February 6, 2025, at 13:00 (UTC), followed by the introduction of the BERA USDT perpetual futures at 13:10 (UTC), offering adjustable leverage from 1x to 50x with both cross and isolated margin modes.

    To celebrate the listing of Berachain (BERA) on MEXC Spot and Futures on February 6, MEXC is launching a series of exclusive activities starting on February 5, 2025, at 05:00 (UTC). Participants will have the chance to win BERA tokens, USDT bonuses, and other exciting rewards, with opportunities available for both new and experienced users.

    These activities include:

    • Event 1: Deposit and Share 14,000 BERA (New User Exclusive)

    Deposit at least 15 BERA or 100 USDT to qualify.
    Trade BERA Spot ($100) or trade BERA Perpetual Futures ($500) to earn 2 BERA each, limited to 3,500 users per activity, on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • Event 2: Spot Challenge — Trade to Share 1,000 BERA (Open to All Users).
    • Event 3: Futures Challenge — Trade to Share 50,000 USDT in Futures Bonuses (Open to All Users).

    The top 2,000 users with trading volumes over 20,000 USDT will share the reward pool, with individual rewards of up to 5,000 USDT.

    • Event 4: Invite New Users and Share 4,000 BERA.
    • Event 5: Spread the Word and Win 1,00 BERA Rewards

    Your Easiest Way to Trending Tokens
    MEXC aims to become the go-to platform offering the widest range of valuable crypto assets. The platform has grown its user base to 30 million by providing a diverse selection of tokens, high-frequency airdrops, and simple participation processes. In 2024, MEXC launched a total of 2,376 new tokens, including 1,716 initial listings and 605 memecoins, with total airdrop rewards exceeding $136 million.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 30 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by MEXC. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7423d696-0d03-4630-a1e9-69d0a78c2b2d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Developers from 13 countries have registered to participate in the fifth stream of the “Academy of Innovators”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Registration of participants in the fifth stream of the “Academy of Innovators” has ended in the capital. Experts have selected 100 of the most promising solutions for further development. Among them are a training platform based on artificial intelligence, a monitoring system for the oil industry and dental equipment. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    “About seven thousand people applied to participate in the new stream – 2.5 times more than last time. 60 percent of them are Muscovites. Developers from St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Sochi and 185 other cities in Russia also presented their projects,” the deputy mayor said.

    The program also attracted the interest of innovators from 12 friendly countries, including Belarus, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Vietnam and Algeria.

    The most popular areas were information technology, education, e-commerce, medicine and industry. For example, a student of the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov created a portable scanner for diagnosing diseases in the oral cavity.

    A team from Nigeria has developed an interactive platform that allows learning materials to be tailored to each user. Artificial intelligence analyzes students’ preferences and progress and suggests relevant content.

    A student at the National Research University Higher School of Economics proposed a project to create applications and websites with augmented reality. The solution is aimed at parks and museums and allows visitors to be interested in interactive navigation, quests and games.

    This time, the program participants also included the creators of a digital platform for printing various patterns and prints on fabric, a handbook for pregnant women with AI recommendations, and developments in the field of ceramic 3D printing.

    The fifth stream of the “Innovators Academy” will begin on February 7. The educational program will include lectures, master classes and consultations. Together with experts, teams will finalize their product and present it to potential customers and investors.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is account to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect the Position of Mil-Sosi or Its Clients.

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149708073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Renovation program: more than 65 playgrounds were built near new buildings in the Western Administrative District

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 65 playgrounds have been equipped in nine districts of the Western Administrative District. They are located in areas next to new buildings erected under the renovation program. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Formation of the urban environment is one of the main tasks of the renovation program. The areas around the buildings are being improved: trees and bushes are being planted, playgrounds and sports grounds are being equipped, as well as recreation areas for Muscovites.

    “In the Western Administrative District, the city has built 43 residential complexes under the renovation program. For the leisure of the district’s residents, 67 playgrounds have been set up in the adjacent territory. The largest number of them is in the Mozhaisk District – 18. In the Prospekt Vernadskogo district, 13 playgrounds have been set up near new buildings, and in Fili-Davydkovo, 12 playgrounds for children have appeared in the adjacent territory,” Vladislav Ovchinsky specified.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin congratulated The 200,000th resident who has begun resettlement under the renovation program.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. At one time, Sergei Sobyanin instructed increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149714073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

    The South African government declared a national disaster towards the end of 2024 in response to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. The outbreak had led to the tragic deaths of over 20 children and hospitalisation of hundreds.

    Investigations by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases attributed the outbreak to hazardous pesticides such as Terbufos and Aldicarb. The pesticides, used in agriculture, have infiltrated the informal market as unregulated “street pesticides” for rat control, resulting in food contamination.

    In response, the government announced several measures. One was that all food handling outlets, including informal retailers known as spaza shops, had to register with their respective municipalities. It also introduced widespread inspection of these outlets for compliance with regulations and health standards.

    The measures are a step in the right direction. However, based on our research work at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) over the past decades, they fall short of what is required. In addition, certain aspects, such as mandatory registration and mass inspection of food outlets, may prove difficult to implement effectively.

    The Gauteng City Region is a cluster of cities, towns and urban nodes that make up the economic heartland of South Africa. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and Gauteng South African Local Government Association. It has been researching the development dynamics of the region since 2008, providing data-driven insights and strategic guidance to support sustainable development.

    The government response to the outbreak of food-borne illnesses addresses the immediate crisis but does not address underlying factors affecting low-income settlements.

    Research by GCRO has identified the underlying factors as poor infrastructure and services. Rat infestations stem from poor waste management. This is caused by inadequate public services, failing infrastructure and irregular waste collection.

    Dumping, littering and burning waste worsen the public health and environmental risks, including disease transmission and pest infestations.

    Based on this evidence, we conclude that the government’s response does not adequately address some of the root causes of the outbreak, due to insufficient understanding of the context. Addressing these systemic failures is not just a public health matter. It also highlights the challenges faced by these communities and emphasises the importance of supporting local economies.

    Survey findings

    The GCRO’s flagship Quality of Life Survey, conducted every two years since 2009, is one of South Africa’s largest social surveys. It measures various aspects such as Gauteng residents’ socio-economic dynamics, service delivery experiences, and satisfaction with government. It provides longitudinally comparable data to inform decision-making.

    The survey covers various topics that have a bearing on the food-borne illnesses outbreak, like basic services, income sources and food security. According to the latest survey (2023/24), access to refuse removal and satisfaction with service delivery has declined in Gauteng.

    In the 2023/24 survey, 74% of respondents reported weekly refuse removal, down from 83% in the 2020/21 period. Satisfaction with services dropped from 75% to 64% over the same period – a worrying trend since 2017/18. The survey also shows that over half (57%) of businesses in Gauteng are informal.

    Household hunger has increased across ten years of the survey. More than one in ten households experience severe food insecurity: hunger, poor access to food and insufficient spending on nutritious food.

    Measures to address the crisis

    We now turn to the three government interventions:

    Registration of spaza shops

    All food handling outlets, including spaza shops, are required to register with their municipalities between November 2024 and February 2025. This is a step in the right direction, towards regulatory compliance and monitoring of the safety of goods being sold to the public. However, it might not be achievable, especially within the specified period.

    There are minimum requirements for the registration of spaza shops. These include (re)zoning certificates or consent use, certificates of acceptability (health standards), approved building plans, registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and tax clearance. However, many of these businesses operate informally and therefore lack the required documentation.

    Any spaza shop that fails to register in time will be closed. This will affect livelihoods and food security, especially in low-income communities where these shops play a vital role.

    Spaza shops are a way for many people to make an income, and they supply essential food items to local communities. Households buy from them for a variety of reasons: they are nearby and affordable, open for long hours and offer credit.

    Inspection of food outlets

    A campaign to inspect all food handling outlets, focusing on spaza shops and informal traders, is underway. Law enforcement is important to remove contaminated food from the market and prevent future outbreaks. But municipalities have limited capacity to conduct such widespread inspections and ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

    The outbreak was partly a result of municipalities’ inability to enforce the rules. If inspections had been regular and thorough, food contamination issues would have been picked up before the current crisis.

    The focus on punitive measures, such as closing businesses and prosecuting owners, does not help them to register, reopen and comply. It might harm the informal economy, reflecting a broader trend of criminalising the poor.

    Joint fund to support township and rural businesses

    Government has set aside R500 million (US$26 million) to support township and rural enterprises, including spaza shops. The fund is intended to improve business infrastructure and build capacity.

    But in our view, its eligibility criteria require reconsideration. To qualify, a business owner must be a South African citizen, their business must be registered in the municipality and they must have have valid tax registration. The majority of businesses in these settlements are informal and would not meet the requirements, so the criteria exclude many that need support.

    Next steps

    The government’s response to the food-borne illness outbreak focuses on the immediate crisis and related symptoms. It overlooks underlying structural factors. The formalisation and compliance of informal businesses may contribute to the solution but will not tackle the root causes.

    These include essential infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation and waste management facilities.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-food-poisoning-crisis-the-governments-response-isnt-dealing-with-the-real-issues-245951

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector Signs the Country Work Program 2025 for Egypt, Unveiling $100 Million Financing Plan

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAIRO, Egypt, February 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), has signed it’s the Country Work Program 2025 for Egypt, marking a significant milestone in its strategic partnership with the country.

    The signing ceremony took place in Cairo, in the presence of key government officials, including HE Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Governor of Egypt at the Islamic Development Bank; HE Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, Minister of Industry and Transport; and HE Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade.

    The agreement was officially signed by Engineer Hani Salem Sonbol, Acting CEO of ICD, who highlighted the corporation’s ongoing commitment to Egypt’s economic development.

    The 2025 country work program focuses on strengthening the private sector and driving economic growth in Egypt. Key initiatives include direct financing, investments, and financing tools aimed at boosting key sectors such as industry, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

    Additionally, the program seeks to enhance financial inclusion by providing lines of finance to Egyptian banks, particularly to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ICD also plans to raise market awareness about the importance of Islamic finance as a tool for development and to facilitate access to capital markets by forming strategic alliances with international investors.

    One of the key components of the program is ICD’s intention to provide up to $100 million in new financing to support private sector projects in Egypt.

    Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, said: “The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector has proven, over the past years, its vital role in supporting the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) by providing innovative financial solutions and supporting developmental projects that contribute to stimulating economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the role of the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.”

    He added: “We recognize that the private sector plays a pivotal role in the economic development process, and therefore, a large part of this cooperation will focus on empowering entrepreneurs and supporting small and medium-sized industries, which are the cornerstone of any strong economy. Through this program, efforts will be made to provide the necessary financing for these industries, as well as encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. This support will contribute to creating new job opportunities, enhancing sustainable economic growth, and improving competitiveness in regional and international markets.”

    Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Egypt’s Governor at the Islamic Development Bank, praised the successful partnership with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD). She highlighted the continuation of this fruitful partnership through the ICD’s Country Work Program in the Arab Republic of Egypt for 2025, which includes supporting the private sector in various diverse aspects. The program will allocate $100 million to financial institutions to finance small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as providing funding for large private sector companies operating in strategic sectors that are crucial to economic development. This includes particularly the industrial and agricultural sectors, which are key components of the country’s structural reform plan aimed at enhancing their contribution to GDP.

    Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, Acting CEO of ICD, commented: “We are proud of our long-standing strategic partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt. In 2025, we aim to deepen this relationship further by supporting the Egyptian government’s development plans. Our focus will be on enhancing the capacity of Egypt’s private sector and financial institutions, especially in supporting SMEs. Additionally, we will leverage our expertise to provide advisory services in the sukuk sector, particularly in assisting Egypt with issuing foreign currency sukuk and attracting new international investments to bolster financial flexibility.”

    He further added, “Our efforts will also include supporting the Arab-African Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, which aims to increase investments in member states, including Egypt.”

    Since its inception, ICD has provided Egypt with a total of $315 million in financing, including support for private sector companies, financial lines for banks, and direct investments in key sectors such as energy, food, and industry. This financing has played a crucial role in boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering the development of Egypt’s private sector.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Mamokete Modiba, Researcher, Gauteng City-Region Observatory

    The South African government declared a national disaster towards the end of 2024 in response to an outbreak of food-borne illnesses. The outbreak had led to the tragic deaths of over 20 children and hospitalisation of hundreds.

    Investigations by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases attributed the outbreak to hazardous pesticides such as Terbufos and Aldicarb. The pesticides, used in agriculture, have infiltrated the informal market as unregulated “street pesticides” for rat control, resulting in food contamination.

    In response, the government announced several measures. One was that all food handling outlets, including informal retailers known as spaza shops, had to register with their respective municipalities. It also introduced widespread inspection of these outlets for compliance with regulations and health standards.

    The measures are a step in the right direction. However, based on our research work at the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) over the past decades, they fall short of what is required. In addition, certain aspects, such as mandatory registration and mass inspection of food outlets, may prove difficult to implement effectively.

    The Gauteng City Region is a cluster of cities, towns and urban nodes that make up the economic heartland of South Africa. The Gauteng City-Region Observatory is a partnership between the Gauteng provincial government, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of Johannesburg and Gauteng South African Local Government Association. It has been researching the development dynamics of the region since 2008, providing data-driven insights and strategic guidance to support sustainable development.

    The government response to the outbreak of food-borne illnesses addresses the immediate crisis but does not address underlying factors affecting low-income settlements.

    Research by GCRO has identified the underlying factors as poor infrastructure and services. Rat infestations stem from poor waste management. This is caused by inadequate public services, failing infrastructure and irregular waste collection.

    Dumping, littering and burning waste worsen the public health and environmental risks, including disease transmission and pest infestations.

    Based on this evidence, we conclude that the government’s response does not adequately address some of the root causes of the outbreak, due to insufficient understanding of the context. Addressing these systemic failures is not just a public health matter. It also highlights the challenges faced by these communities and emphasises the importance of supporting local economies.

    Survey findings

    The GCRO’s flagship Quality of Life Survey, conducted every two years since 2009, is one of South Africa’s largest social surveys. It measures various aspects such as Gauteng residents’ socio-economic dynamics, service delivery experiences, and satisfaction with government. It provides longitudinally comparable data to inform decision-making.

    The survey covers various topics that have a bearing on the food-borne illnesses outbreak, like basic services, income sources and food security. According to the latest survey (2023/24), access to refuse removal and satisfaction with service delivery has declined in Gauteng.

    In the 2023/24 survey, 74% of respondents reported weekly refuse removal, down from 83% in the 2020/21 period. Satisfaction with services dropped from 75% to 64% over the same period – a worrying trend since 2017/18. The survey also shows that over half (57%) of businesses in Gauteng are informal.

    Household hunger has increased across ten years of the survey. More than one in ten households experience severe food insecurity: hunger, poor access to food and insufficient spending on nutritious food.

    Measures to address the crisis

    We now turn to the three government interventions:

    Registration of spaza shops

    All food handling outlets, including spaza shops, are required to register with their municipalities between November 2024 and February 2025. This is a step in the right direction, towards regulatory compliance and monitoring of the safety of goods being sold to the public. However, it might not be achievable, especially within the specified period.

    There are minimum requirements for the registration of spaza shops. These include (re)zoning certificates or consent use, certificates of acceptability (health standards), approved building plans, registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, and tax clearance. However, many of these businesses operate informally and therefore lack the required documentation.

    Any spaza shop that fails to register in time will be closed. This will affect livelihoods and food security, especially in low-income communities where these shops play a vital role.

    Spaza shops are a way for many people to make an income, and they supply essential food items to local communities. Households buy from them for a variety of reasons: they are nearby and affordable, open for long hours and offer credit.

    Inspection of food outlets

    A campaign to inspect all food handling outlets, focusing on spaza shops and informal traders, is underway. Law enforcement is important to remove contaminated food from the market and prevent future outbreaks. But municipalities have limited capacity to conduct such widespread inspections and ensure compliance with health regulations and standards.

    The outbreak was partly a result of municipalities’ inability to enforce the rules. If inspections had been regular and thorough, food contamination issues would have been picked up before the current crisis.

    The focus on punitive measures, such as closing businesses and prosecuting owners, does not help them to register, reopen and comply. It might harm the informal economy, reflecting a broader trend of criminalising the poor.

    Joint fund to support township and rural businesses

    Government has set aside R500 million (US$26 million) to support township and rural enterprises, including spaza shops. The fund is intended to improve business infrastructure and build capacity.

    But in our view, its eligibility criteria require reconsideration. To qualify, a business owner must be a South African citizen, their business must be registered in the municipality and they must have have valid tax registration. The majority of businesses in these settlements are informal and would not meet the requirements, so the criteria exclude many that need support.

    Next steps

    The government’s response to the food-borne illness outbreak focuses on the immediate crisis and related symptoms. It overlooks underlying structural factors. The formalisation and compliance of informal businesses may contribute to the solution but will not tackle the root causes.

    These include essential infrastructure and services such as water, sanitation and waste management facilities.

    – South Africa’s food poisoning crisis: the government’s response isn’t dealing with the real issues
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-food-poisoning-crisis-the-governments-response-isnt-dealing-with-the-real-issues-245951

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: mcs020425-belgium-2025-article-iv-mission

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Libraries must remain the ‘beating heart’ of Scottish communities

    Source: Scottish Greens

    05 Feb 2025 Culture

    Libraries are special places and must be protected.

    More in Culture

    Public libraries are the ‘beating heart’ of our communities that must be saved from closure, say the Scottish Greens as many of these vital public spaces await a decision on their fate.

    The Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Mark Ruskell, has been active in supporting campaigns to save  7 libraries at risk of closing in Perth and Kinross. 

    Today he will bring this issue into the chamber for a Member’s Debate in which he seeks to gain cross-party support to save the services.

    Across Scotland, many councils have sealed the fates of these vital community spaces with many more at risk. There are 13 public libraries in Aberdeenshire and 7 in Moray that are also threatened with closure.

    Speaking ahead of today’s member’s debate in Holyrood, Mr Ruskell said:

    “Libraries are not only for borrowing books. They are the beating heart of our communities. They are vital, life-enhancing spaces where opportunities for learning, connection and support take place.

    “I am glad that we will finally be discussing the future of our libraries at my debate today. I hope other parties will join me in supporting them and all of the incredible work that they do.

    “We must come together to give our full support to these crucial public spaces and ensure they remain supported and open for everyone to enjoy for years to come.”

    Text of Mark Ruskell’s motion
    That the Parliament notes what it sees as the vital role that local libraries play in their communities, acting as central hubs for borrowing, learning, community engagement and sourcing advice and support; believes that the closure of libraries leaves communities without these vital services, and that this is particularly damaging for rural areas where libraries can be heavily relied on; considers that library closures have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, including children, older residents and people with limited access to digital resources; notes the reported concerns raised by communities around the proposed closure of libraries across Scotland, including the threatened closure of those in the Perth and Kinross Council area; understands that local authorities have a legal obligation to provide public library services; believes that mobile libraries are often not suitable alternatives; considers that library services require adequate public funding to remain viable and have a critical role to play in achieving the Scottish Government’s priorities, including eradicating child poverty; believes that a closed library is unlikely to reopen, permanently limiting opportunities for the communities they once served, and notes the calls on the Scottish Government to help protect the future of Scotland’s libraries.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – 5 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/ZlLlL2hQgkk

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvCleiM8tAk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 5 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlLlL2hQgkk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at shipping aerosol emissions, ocean surface temperatures and rate of global warming

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development looks at shipping aerosol emissions and the rate of global warming.

    Dr Karsten Haustein, Climate Scientist, Leipzig University, said:

    “Jim Hansen and colleagues have revisited the topic of aerosol-induced warming due to reduced shipping emissions (due to regulatory changes in 2020).  It’s a more credible attempt than their last – rather disappointing – effort, but there is still much speculation involved.  They estimate the global aerosol forcing from reduced shipping aerosols might be as high as 0.5 W/m2, which is far higher than the current estimates of 0.05-0.15 W/m2.  They argue that Earth’s radiative imbalance as well as high levels absorbed solar radiation justify such assumption.  Accordingly, they argue that Climate Sensitivity (temperature response after CO2 doubling in the atmosphere) might be as high as 4.5 W/m2.

    “Given that Earth’s radiative imbalance has considerably come down in the 2nd half of 2024 (notwithstanding the uncertainties related to measuring the global radiative imbalance), I continue to remain skeptical of their claims.  This is particularly true, as some of the extra warming could be traced to other internal factors that have not been discussed.  The so-called ‘hiatus’ discussion in the 2010s should be an example of a cautionary tale.  This is true all the more as we know with some certainty that CO2 and methane (CH4) forcing has continued to accelerate slightly, such that additional aerosol forcing increase is not necessarily required to explain what has happened in 2023 and 2024.

    “They are correct in one aspect though: 2025 will prove whether there is more to the warming story than we thought.”

    Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading, said:

    “Multiple lines of evidence are showing that human caused climate change is gathering pace.  Heat is continuing to flood into the climate system as atmospheric greenhouse gases continue to rise and the reflective haze of aerosol particle pollution diminishes in some regions following clean air policies.  This is causing the warming of the oceans to increase at ever greater rates.

    “The comprehensive, extensive and wide-ranging new report argues that masking of global warming by particle pollution has been underestimated and future climate change may be even worse than anticipated.  Cleaning up dirty air may be having a larger than expected effect on increasing how much sunlight reaches the ground, which is adding to a more potent greenhouse effect from continued fossil fuel emissions.  The arguments presented are not new and although reasonable they appear overly bleak compared to the growing body of scientific research.  However, the magnitude of increases in Earth’s heating rate and ocean surface warming, as well as record January global temperatures despite an expected cooling from La Niña, mean that scientists are carefully scrutinising and puzzling over the unfolding changes to Earth’s climate.  And the new report emphasises the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to properly account for the full economic cost of our actions on the planet and people.”

    Prof William Collins, Professor of Climate Processes, University of Reading, said:

    “This paper suggests that the cooling effects of aerosols has been underestimated and hence this has hidden more of the warming effect of greenhouse gases than has previously been assessed.  This would make the climate sensitivity to carbon dioxide larger than has been assessed.  If this is the case then cleaning up aerosol pollution (as has happened with shipping since 2020) will uncover more of the underlying warming from greenhouse gases.  Aerosol pollution peaked in the 1980s, when studies have increased the cooling effect of aerosols their calculations give cooler temperatures in the 1980s than we observed.  So this paper sits outside most previous assessments of the strength of aerosol cooling.

    “There have been several assessments of the recent decline in shipping aerosols.  These range from a negligible effect on the record-breaking 2023 temperatures to a small contribution.  It will require detailed comparisons with these previous studies to determine why the shipping contribution in this paper is so much more significant.”

    ‘Global Warming Has Accelerated: Are the United Nations and the Public Well-Informed?’ by James E. Hansen et al. was published in Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development at 14:00 UK time on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

    DOI: 10.1080/00139157.2025.2434494

    Declared interests

    Dr Karsten Haustein: “No conflict of interests.”

    Prof Richard Allan: “No competing interests.”

    Prof William Collins: “No conflicts.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study of cholesterol and glaucoma

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    An observational study published in British Journal of Ophthalmology looks at the association between cholesterol levels and glaucoma. 

    Rachel Richardson, Manager at the Methods Support Unit at Cochrane, said:

    “Although this is an well-conducted study, the usual caveats for observational research apply. The authors have controlled for several factors that may also influence lipid levels and the development of glaucoma, including age and sex. However, there are other factors, such as diet, that have not been accounted for.

    “It’s also important to consider the sample on which the study is based. The authors have used data from the UK Biobank Study, which is not fully representative of the UK population. The press release acknowledges that participants are predominantly of European ancestry, but there is also a ‘healthy volunteer’ bias. Participants in the UK Biobank Study tend to be healthier than average, so findings may not be applicable to the whole UK population. The authors were only able to use data from hospital inpatient records to ascertain who developed glaucoma, and this potentially misses people who developed glaucoma, but were not admitted to hospital. For example, records from opticians and GP practices were not used.

    “Finally, it’s important to not only consider the effect estimate, but also the margins of error (confidence intervals). The authors state that people who had the highest level of HDL cholesterol were 10% more likely to develop glaucoma than those with the lowest level. However the lower confidence level for this estimate is 2%, and this could mean that there is a much smaller difference. Likewise, the authors state that people with the highest levels of LDL cholesterol were 8% less likely to develop glaucoma, but the upper confidence level for this estimate is 1%, which could again mean that there is a much smaller difference.

    “The impact of all these limitations means that further research is needed to investigate these associations and look at the effects in more representative populations. This should be carried out before any changes are made to advice on lipid management.”

    ‘Associations between serum lipids and glaucoma: a cohort study of 400 229 UK Biobank participants’ by Yiyuan Ma et al. was published in British Journal of Ophthalmology at 23:30 UK time on 4th February.

    DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2024-326062

    Declared interests

    Rachel Richardson: I have no conflicts of interest to declare

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –