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  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation Oct 16, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation
    Oct 16, 2024

    [Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2024] At GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai, during the summit themed “Leading Infrastructure to Accelerate Electric Power Intelligence”, Huawei released the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The white paper aims to promote the digital and intelligent transformation of the electric power industry.
    At the summit, Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki, Honorary Chairman of IEEE UAE Section, and Marcio Szechtman, Ex-CIGRE Technical Council Chair, introduced the industry standards, development trends, and digital transformation progress of power distribution facilities.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of the Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivered a keynote speech where he discussed how the changing structure of the power system has shifted the focus of power companies. With the rapid development of new energy, power companies are facing challenges such as difficulty in managing multiple access points and monitoring the power supply, as well as issues with interaction and consumption. The key to addressing these challenges lies in the distribution network. Huawei’s Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) aims to help power companies build intelligent distribution network by reducing line loss, improving power supply reliability, and enhancing management of distributed photovoltaic and charging pile groups.
    In addition, security and reliability have always been a top priority for the power system. To address issues such as rapid expansion of equipment scale, exponential growth in power technology complexity, and equipment exceeding its service life in the power generation and transformation fields, Huawei has proposed Intelligent Power Station Solution and Intelligent Substation Solution to support power companies in transitioning from passive to active operation and moving towards predictive maintenance. At the same time, power companies are looking to improve OPEX efficiency through digital means, particularly by reducing communication costs through target network communication, reducing system construction costs through digital architecture reconstruction, and reducing labor costs through talent transformation.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivering a keynote speech

    Li Shenglei, Technical Director of the R&D Center of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Information and Communication Company, spoke of the latest practices of the IDS in State Grid Shaanxi. He said, “The latest version of high-speed power line communications (HPLC) is extremely helpful to us. The ability to identify the topology is crucial for measuring line loss and responding to emergencies. The HPLC and RF test outcomes are sufficient for most service scenarios.”
    Huawei and partners jointly releasing the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power

    The load side presents the biggest challenge for the future power system, and improving backbone communication network is crucial in addressing this challenge. Huawei has partnered with global power partners to release the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The release ceremony was attended by Sabu Mathew, CEO of 3W Networks, Sam Wang, Deputy Chief Engineer of Himark, Nick Liu, Vice President of Enterprise Optical Domain, Huawei, and Jason Li, President of Global Marketing & Solutions for Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei.
    Nick Liu said in his speech, “The fgOTN in the OTN architecture offers several benefits, including providing transmission channels of high reliability, low latency, and high efficiency for small-granularity services like electric power. It can also easily increase network bandwidth for future digital and intelligent development, making it an excellent solution for upgrading SDH networks and constructing digital and intelligent grid networks.”
    In the future, Huawei will continue to work with customers and partners to pave the way for intelligent electric power through scenario-driven and joint innovation.
    For more details about the white paper, please visit https://e.huawei.com/en/material/optical/8e117dd97abf4236b4f0e7b0063282ec

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Result of the auction of treasury bills on 16 October 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bids, sales, stop-rates and prices are presented in the table below:      

    ISIN Bid Mill. kr. (nominal) Sale Stop-rate (per cent) Pro-rata Price
    98 19666 DKT 02/12/24 IV 100 – – – –
    98 19740 DKT 03/03/25 I 1,200 600 2.63 100 % 99.0162
    Total 1,300 600      

    The sale will settle 18 October 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Newham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigation a fatal road traffic collision in Newham are appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward.

    Police were called at 15:44hrs on Tuesday, 15 October, to reports of a collision at Barking Road, E16.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. At the scene, a Nissan Juke had been in collision with an 18-year-old female pedestrian and another car.

    Despite the efforts of emergency services the pedestrian was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been notified.

    The driver of the Nissan Juke – a 45-year-old man – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being taken into police custody where he remains at this time.

    Cordons and closures were established while emergency services accessed the scene. These have since been lifted.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or on X @MetCC, quoting CAD 4765/15OCT.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Europol supports Serbia in arresting contract killer disguised as elderly man

    Source: Europol

    The individual was identified after Europol provided crucial intelligence, developed through its ongoing work in analysing encrypted communication platforms frequently used by organised crime groups.The plot was orchestrated by the head of an organised crime group, who played a key role in recruiting the contract killer and coordinating the logistics of the assassination. The leader of the criminal group organised…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Source: European Union 2

    “Don’t miss a single screening – not even by a month,” says Maria, vice-president of a volunteer cancer support group in her workplace in Brussels. Maria was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 38 through a routine check. “I was on sickness leave for a year and required heavy surgery. I was the youngest person in the hospital where I was treated – the age at which you can develop cancer is dropping dramatically.”

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, provide support to women with breast cancer and to highlight how early screening can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.  

    The EU plays an active part in this battle to beat breast cancer. As part of its European Health Union strategy, it has put in place a Beating Cancer Plan. Through it, it is working on meaningful change in EU countries to achieve better cancer prevention, treatment, care and quality of life for all EU citizens. In 2022, new updated screening guidelines were adopted based on the latest scientific evidence for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. The EU’s goal is to offer screening to 90% of the eligible target population across the EU.  

    Currently, breast cancer accounts for almost 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women in the EU. There are, however, marked differences in screening participation among countries and population groups. In 2022, the EU set up the first-ever European Cancer Inequalities Registry, to identify trends, disparities, and inequalities between and within EU countries and regions. The results feed into the EU’s future policies and investment in breast cancer treatment. 

     “I was on my own when I was diagnosed,” says Valentina, who is a member of Maria’s cancer support group.  “The support group became like a second family to me. Life is made easier when you share with other people. Just a nice word from a colleague can make all the difference.” The group has 200 members, who have either had or have cancer or caregivers to people with cancer. 

    “Everyone should try to organise such a group,” says Valentina. The group provides support from advice on how to navigate “the sea of procedures” surrounding getting cancer treatment to laying on yoga classes and walks in the woods. Valentina stresses the importance of physical activity in improving energy levels following cancer treatment. “I was not really sporty before cancer,” she says with a laugh, “but now I’m exercising every weekend.” 

    As part of her recovery, Valentina signed up to a local scheme in Belgium which encourages women with breast cancer to engage in group physical activity to help them heal and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Valentina walked just over 100km in Iceland with a group of 10 women. “Even with a very heavy workload, I felt so energised when I found out I could take part.” The group called themselves Les Amazones. “We discovered only afterwards that the Greeks had made up an etymology, claiming it derived from a-mazos – without a breast.  These fearsome women cut off their right breasts to remove an obstruction to the bowstring,” explains Valentina.

    A fellow cancer support group member, Alice, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer while working in Niger. “I had just finished breast feeding my 15-month-old daughter and it was the beginning of COVID. The doctor told me to go back to Europe to get a biopsy and I took the last flight before the airport was closed for several weeks. Unfortunately, the biopsy was positive and my treatment began. In Niger, women do not have the same opportunities.” How does she feel about the experience now? “I’m lucky I was born in Europe,” she says. 

    For more information 

    A cancer plan for Europe 

    European Health Union 

    #GetScreenedEU campaign, with information about cancer screening programmes in EU countries 

    Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Care

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Civil Rights Charges for Committing Sex Trafficking of Victims Addicted to Opioids and Cocaine and Other Offenses

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

    According to court documents, Marvin Pompilus, 39, of Stoughton, conspired to use force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel three adult victims to engage in commercial sex acts in the Randolph, Massachusetts, area between October 2021 and October 2022. He also conspired to compel another other adult victim to engage in commercial sex acts in September 2022. In addition, Pompilus pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute in September 2022. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in November 2023. He has remained in federal custody.

    According to court documents, Pompilus knew that the victims abused opioids and cocaine, and he specifically targeted the victims because of this vulnerability. For example, Pompilus promised the victims cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in exchange for engaging in commercial sex, with all the profits of the sex acts going directly to Pompilus. Pompilus also possessed distribution quantities of cocaine and fentanyl when Randolph Police Department conducted a car stop in September 2022 and found these drugs inside the crotch of his pants.

    Court documents also demonstrate that Pompilus was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court in February 2018 of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. Pompilus was sentenced to six years in state prison and he was released in October 2021. Within days of his release, Pompilus began the sex trafficking conspiracy to which he pleaded guilty today.

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that as soon as he got out of state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. “What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable. The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025. According to the plea agreement, Pompilus faces a minimum penalty of 12 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Boston Field Office, Massachusetts State Police and Randolph Police Department investigated the case. Massachusetts State Police Troopers Ashleigh Moore and John Hagerty are especially commended for identifying Pompilus and detecting his trafficking scheme during a routine car stop in the summer of 2021.

    Chief of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit Liz Riley-Cunniffe for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for August 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The August data shows:

    • on average, house prices have risen 1.5% since July 2024
    • there has been an annual price rise of 2.8% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £293,000

    England

    In England the August data shows, on average, house prices have risen by 1.6% since July 2024. The annual price rise of 2.3% takes the average property value to £310,000.

    • Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.7%
    • The South West saw the greatest monthly price fall, with a fall of -0.3%
    • The North West experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 4.6%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.8%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price Aug 2024 Annual change % since Aug 2023 Monthly change % since July  2024
    East Midlands £250,000 2.1 1.4
    East of England £344,000 1.4 1
    London £531,000 1.4 2.2
    North East £166,000 1.7 1.5
    North West £225,000 4.6 2.4
    South East £385,000 1.6 1.4
    South West £321,000 0.8 -0.3
    West Midlands £255,000 2.6 1.1
    Yorkshire and the Humber £219,000 4.4 2.7

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the East of England.

    The highest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales June 2024
    East Midlands 12
    East of England 0
    London 8
    North East 18
    North West 6
    South East 8
    South West 6
    West Midlands 7
    Yorkshire and the Humber 7
    England 72

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug  2023 Difference %
    Detached £466,000 £463,000 0.8
    Semi-detached £299,000 £290,000 3.3
    Terraced £258,000 £251,000 2.5
    Flat/maisonette £257,000 £251,000 2.4
    All £310,000 £303,000 2.3

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £290,000 1.7 1.5
    Mortgage £320,000 2.6 1.6
    First-time buyer £260,000 3.1 2.1
    Former owner occupier £350,000 1.5 1

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £443,000 25.9 -1.2
    Existing resold property £300,000 1.1 0.4

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.2% since July 2024. An annual price fall of 1.4% takes the average property value to £531,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £1,036,000 £1,058,000 -2.1
    Semi-detached £687,000 £677,000 1.5
    Terraced £580,000 £573,000 1.1
    Flat/maisonette £443,000 £434,000 2
    All £531,000 £524,000 1.4

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £545,000 0.6 3.2
    Mortgage £526,000 1.7 1.9
    First-time buyer £461,000 2.3 2.8
    Former owner occupier £604,000 0 1.1

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £618,000 23 0.2
    Existing resold property £525,000 0 1.1

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

    Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 2.6% since Jul 2024. An annual price increase of 3.5% takes the average property value to £223,000

    There were 9 repossession sales for Wales in Jun 2024.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £328,000 £323,000 1.7
    Semi-detached £217,000 £208,000 4.1
    Terraced £177,000 £170,000 4.2
    Flat/maisonette £147,000 £140,000 4.7
    All £223,000 £215,000 3.5

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £216,000 3.1 3.1
    Mortgage £227,000 3.8 2.4
    First-time buyer £194,000 4.4 2.8
    Former owner occupier £256,000 2.6 2.4

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £336,000 25.7 -0.9
    Existing resold property £211,000 0.9 0.6

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 2.8% in the year to Aug 2024, up from the revised estimate of 1.8% in the 12 months to July 2024. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.5% between July 2024 and Aug 2024, up 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (July and Aug 2023).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in Aug 2024, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 90,000. This is 5.4% higher than a year ago (Aug 2023). Between July 2024 and Aug 2024, UK transactions decreased by 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    House price monthly increase was highest in Yorkshire & The Humber where prices increased by 2.7% in the year to Aug 2024. The highest annual growth was in the The North West, where prices increased by 4.6% in the year to Aug 2024.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the September 2024 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 20 Novemeber 2024. See calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit http://www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator of Social Housing publishes first C4 grading for the London Borough of Newham

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today issued its first C4 grading to the London Borough of Newham, meaning there are very serious failings and fundamental changes are needed.

    During an inspection of the council, RSH found:

    • Over 9,000 overdue fire safety remedial actions, of which over 8,000 were overdue by more than 12 months and more than 4,000 categorised as high risk.
    • 40% of its 16,000 homes had not had an electrical condition test for more than 11 years.
    • Lack of evidence that it is meeting the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements for any of its homes.
    • A lack of accurate information on stock quality, with 60% of its homes without a survey within the last five years.
    • At least 20% of its homes do not meet the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard.
    • Around 5,400 open repairs, nearly half of which were overdue.
    • Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) surveys not completed on time
    • Very limited meaningful opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise the landlord’s strategies, policies and services.

    Although LB Newham has indicated a willingness to address these issues, they failed to refer themselves over key issues and RSH has not yet seen sufficient evidence to assure the regulator of their ability to put matters right.

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:

    The breadth and scale of these failings, including very serious health and safety issues, pose an unacceptable risk to tenants’ well-being.

    Taking accountability is a critical part of the co-regulatory approach and it is extremely concerning that, despite the gravity of these failings, the landlord failed to refer themselves to us over key issues.

    We are now engaging intensively with LB Newham as they work to resolve these issues. While we are not proposing to use our enforcement powers at this stage, this will be kept under review.

    RSH has awarded 35 consumer grades since its new proactive consumer began in April, including 9 C1 grades (the highest grade), 13 C2 grades, 12 C3 grades (of which 10 were self-referrals) and 1 C4 (the lowest grade).

    RSH is carrying out planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. RSH has started to publish the outcomes of these first inspections and will continue to do so over the coming months.

    Notes to editors

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of landlord inspections. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
    2. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.
    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
    4. Where we have published C3 judgements, the ten landlords who self-referred themselves were Ashford Borough Council, Bristol City Council, Guildford Borough Council, London Borough of Hackney, North Yorkshire Council, Octavia Housing, Sheffield City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, and Warwick District Council.

    For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of missing World War Two soldier identified in Italy 80 years after his death

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The grave of a soldier of the Middlesex Regiment who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified and rededicated 80 years after his death.

    Padre David Anderson leads the rededication service for Cpl Owens (Crown Copyright)

    Today’s rededication service for Corporal (Cpl) John Owens was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Anzio War Cemetery in Italy. 

    John Alfred Owens was born in Southwark, London on 16 December 1911 to Harry Owens, a milkman, and his wife Louisa. In 1912 John’s sister Amy was born, and a younger brother – Alfred – followed in 1919.  

    John joined the Territorial Army in 1929; he was 18 years old and working as a tool maker. His army records describe him as having a fresh complexion with brown eyes and dark hair.   

    In 1933 he married Violet Maud Dennis in Brentford, and they had three children – Doreen, Sidney and Barbara. He left the Territorial Army in 1935.  

    Cpl John Alfred Owens with his wife and children (supplied courtesy of his family)

    In 1938 John re-joined the army, and in 1939 following the outbreak of war he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, and then Corporal. He was on home defence duties during the early years of the war, until in May 1943 he embarked for North Africa in preparation for the invasion of Italy. His unit, Middlesex Regiment’s 2/7 Battalion were machine gunners supporting infantry troops.    

    By January 1944, John had arrived in Italy, and by the end of the month he was in the Anzio area. On the night of 3 to 4 February 1944 there was a German counterattack during which a small armoured vehicle and gun stores were left behind so the men could safely escape. Early on the morning of the 4th, Cpl Owens, along with another man, Private (Pte) Harris volunteered to recover the gun carrier and other items but went missing in the process. 

    Pte Harris was taken prisoner by the Germans during this action. An Army investigation concluded Cpl Owens had been wounded and taken prisoner, dying in enemy hands on or shortly after the 4 February.  

    Following his death, he was buried near Campoleone station at Aprilla alongside two other men. In August 1944, all three were recovered and moved to the Anzio War Cemetery. The other two men both had personal artefacts which allowed them to be identified, but John could only be identified as a Corporal of the Middlesex Regiment.  

    Recently a team of independent researchers submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Cpl Owens. This research was reviewed, and extra work was conducted by the National Army Museum and JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it was possible to clearly identify where he was buried. 

    Tracy, the granddaughter of Cpl Owens, stands behind his headstone with members of the military party and other dignitaries (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    Researching Cpl Owens and getting to know his war story has been a fascinating journey. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the conclusion of that stories and to know that his family finally have answers to what happened to him all those years ago.

    Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:  

    We give our heartfelt thanks to the team of researchers, the National Army Museum and of course the JCCC, in working with us to help identify this brave soldier’s grave. We will care for his grave and commemorate all who are buried in the beautiful grounds of Anzio War Cemetery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP must provide concessionary ferry rates for young islanders

    Source: Scottish Greens

    16 Oct 2024 Rural Affairs Transport

    Green MSP Ariane Burgess calls on SNP to fulfil promise to young islanders.

    More in Rural Affairs

    SNP ministers must fulfil their promise and provide young people across island communities reduced ferry fares, says Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess.

    Last year, Scottish Green MSPs secured a commitment to extend the age range for concessions to all those under 22 in Scottish island communities.

    Under the current scheme previously secured by the Greens, 16-18 year olds have access to ferry concessions on West Coast and Northern Isles services.  

    This scheme currently equates to four free ferry vouchers per year.

    Earlier this week, the Scottish Government announced they would be ending a “fare freeze” on CalMac services with a 10% hike on ticket prices from January 2025.

    Scottish Greens Rural Affairs spokesperson Ariane Burgess said:

    “The increase in ferry fares will further penalise the islanders who rely heavily on these services, making daily commutes expensive and for some, completely unachievable.  

    “The rising cost of living on Scottish islands has seen populations dwindling. Many young islanders are moving from their communities as they cannot afford to rent or buy in their home towns, and commuting to the mainland is becoming impossible.

    “Tourists may budget for increased ferry rates as part of their holiday to bring welcomed custom to our islands, but the locals bear the unseen load on a daily basis. Reform is urgently required to show that the government has not forsaken islanders.  

    “The Bute House Agreement ensured a commitment from the Government to work with ferry operators to create discount and concessionary schemes.  

    “Young people receive free bus travel in Scotland thanks to Scottish Greens and this model has positively impacted their lives socially and financially. Young islanders deserve this positive impact too.

    “Ferries are a vital lifeline for islanders. Provision of an affordable, reliable service will ensure young people feel they can remain living in their community and still have access to opportunity.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Five Strategic Steps to Unlock Armenia’s Data Center Potential for Economic Growth

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Armenia’s data center industry offers significant opportunities for economic growth, with strategic reforms in regulation, financing, and technological innovation playing crucial roles. Addressing infrastructure challenges and fostering public-private partnerships will help position Armenia as a regional digital hub.

    Armenia is poised for a digital transformation with the development of its data center industry. This sector holds promise for the country’s digital economy. 

    Key opportunities such as regulatory considerations, financing strategies, and the need for technological advancements must be embraced to leverage this industry for economic growth and digital innovation.

    Armenia’s strategic location, coupled with its growing tech-savvy population and vibrant ICT ecosystem, make it a candidate for becoming a regional data hub. However, the current infrastructure and regulatory environment need improvements to attract international investments and foster local innovation. Addressing these issues is important for Armenia to unlock its potential.

    The development of Armenia’s data center industry presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth.

    To overcome these challenges, five steps can be taken:

    Regulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulations to facilitate easier entry and operation for data center companies. Simplifying the process for obtaining necessary permits and licenses, as well as creating a more transparent and predictable regulatory framework, can create a more business-friendly environment that attracts both local and international investors.

    Financial Incentives: Providing financial support and incentives to attract investments in the data center sector. This could involve infrastructure support and sustainability incentives to companies that invest in building and operating data centers in Armenia. Additionally, exploring the establishment of public-private partnerships to share the financial risks and rewards of developing this critical infrastructure is essential. 

    Technological Upgrades: Investing in advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of data centers. This includes adopting energy-efficient cooling systems, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing cutting-edge data management and security solutions. Staying at the forefront of technological advancements ensures that Armenia’s data centers are competitive and reliable on a global scale.

    Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector can drive innovation and growth in Armenia’s data center industry. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors, Armenia can accelerate development and build a more resilient digital economy. Successful examples of such partnerships can be seen in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and India.

    Capacity Building: Developing a skilled workforce to support the data center industry through training and education programs. Offering specialized courses and certifications in data center management, cybersecurity, and related fields ensures that Armenia has the talent needed to sustain and grow its data center industry over the long term.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for the region. 

    Successful implementation of these recommendations could position Armenia as a digital hub in Central Asia, attracting international investments and fostering regional cooperation. The ongoing efforts to address these challenges are already showing promising results, with several key players expressing interest in the Armenian market.

    Moreover, the growth of the data center industry in Armenia could have a positive ripple effect on other sectors of the economy. For example, the increased demand for high-speed internet and reliable power supply could spur investments in telecommunications and energy infrastructure. 

    Additionally, the development of data centers could create new opportunities for local MSMEs (such as construction companies, equipment suppliers, and service providers) which are important contributors to economic welfare. 

    Armenia has the potential to become a center for data-driven innovation and research. By attracting leading technology companies and research institutions, Armenia can foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for its citizens. This could include initiatives such as smart city projects, digital health solutions, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

    Armenia has a lot of untapped captive renewables that can be harnessed to power these data centers sustainably. By leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources, Armenia can ensure that the growth of its tech sector is both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact but also positions Armenia as a leader in green technology and sustainable development. 

    While there are many positive aspects to consider, it is also important to address the potential environmental impact of data centers and the importance of sustainable practices in their development. 

    Data centers are known for their high energy consumption and carbon footprint, so it is crucial to adopt green technologies and practices to minimize their environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient cooling systems, and adopting sustainable building practices.

    Additionally, the role of cybersecurity in ensuring the safety and reliability of data centers is another critical area that needs attention. As data centers store and process vast amounts of sensitive information, they are prime targets for cyberattacks. 

    Therefore, it is essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches, hacking, and other cyber threats. This includes investing in advanced security technologies, conducting regular security audits, and providing cybersecurity training for employees.

    Continuous innovation and adaptation are crucial for Armenia’s data center industry. To stay competitive, data centers must adopt the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability.

    If Armenia successfully addresses these challenges, it could unlock significant economic benefits and position itself as a leader in the digital economy. The future of Armenia’s digital landscape depends on the actions taken today, making it imperative for stakeholders to collaborate and drive the necessary changes.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth. By addressing the key challenges and implementing the recommended solutions, Armenia can create a thriving data center industry that benefits not only the local economy but also the broader region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: The new version of the Articles of Association of UAB Urbo bankas was registered

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo bankas UAB (hereinafter – “the Bank”), company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

    We hereby inform you that on 15 October 2024, a new version of the Articles of Association of the Bank was registered in the Register of Legal Entities. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved on 30 September 2024 by the Board ot the Bank.

    In addition, we inform you that the reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was completed after the above-mentioned version of the Bank’s Articles of Association was registered. UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was merged with the Bank.

    The reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was implemented in accordance with the procedure and deadlines established by the Law on Joint-Stock Companies of the Republic of Lithuania.

    After the reorganization, the Bank took over all the rights and obligations and assets of UAB “Saugus Kreditas”, as well as rights and obligations under the transactions. They are included in the accounting records of the Bank.

    After the reorganization, the authorized capital of the Bank, which continues its activities, the value of shares, their number, the goals and object of the company’s activities, the company’s bodies and their competence have not changed.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Synaptics Launches Veros™ Seamless Intelligent Connectivity with High-Performance Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee/Thread SoCs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synaptics® Incorporated (Nasdaq: SYNA) today launched the Veros™ Seamless Intelligent Connectivity brand with high-performance systems on chip (SoCs) for Wi-Fi® 6E, Bluetooth®, and 802.15.4. Signifying leadership and innovation, Veros encapsulates decades of field-hardened technology and IoT connectivity expertise. It encompasses Synaptics’ entire wireless portfolio of proven solutions characterized by superior performance, interoperability, coexistence, power efficiency, and bill of materials integration.

    The new high-performance SoCs, the SYN4383 and SYN43756E, add to Veros by explicitly targeting devices that demand the highest Wi-Fi throughput and range with seamless network interoperability. The SYN4383 extends Synaptics’ award-winning “Triple Combo” Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/802.15.4 series with real simultaneous dual-band (RSDB) operation and greater system integration. The SYN43756E fortifies Synaptics’ widely adopted 2×2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo SoCs with a 6E Wi-Fi band and LE Audio.

    Veros features built-in support for Synaptics Astra™, the AI-native compute platform for the IoT, to streamline Edge AI product development and deliver context-aware devices for immersive user experiences across consumer, automotive, enterprise, and industrial applications.

    “The introduction of Veros marks a pivotal moment for Synaptics as we accelerate our ‘Sense, Process, Connect’ and first-to-market innovation strategy for high-performance and broad-market IoT connectivity,” said Venkat Kodavati, Sr. VP and GM of Wireless Products at Synaptics. “By tightly coupling our renowned wireless expertise with scalable AI processing, we allow customers to fully realize the promise of each to enhance the user experience. Our newest wireless SoCs allow customers to more quickly and effectively deliver on that promise.”

    Founded upon an IP base with billions of devices shipped, Veros spans Synaptics’ solutions for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DECT/ULE, IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread), GPS/GNSS, and Matter. The SYN4383 and SYN43756E strengthen Veros’ legacy of reducing the space, cost, power, complexity, and time to market for high-performance IoT devices.

    Technical highlights
    The SYN4383 and SYN43756E have features tailored to address the demanding requirements of media-rich applications.

    • The SYN4383 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/802.15.4 triple combo device is the third in the SYN438x series. It integrates tri-band 2×2 Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), Bluetooth 5.4 (6.0 compatible) with LE Audio and Channel Sounding, and Thread/Zigbee support. Ideal for high-performance multimedia hubs such as TVs, STBs, soundbars, and tablets, the SYN4383’s RSDB capability allows it to operate independent Wi-Fi streams in two bands simultaneously.
    • The SYN43756E Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo device integrates tri-band 2×2 Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) with Bluetooth 5.3 (6.0 compatible), including LE Audio. Setup and operation are seamless with the SYN43756E’s industry-leading throughput, range, and interoperability, making it an ideal and cost-effective option for security devices, STBs, speakers, and other smart home devices that don’t require RSDB or 802.15.4.

    Availability
    The SYN4383 and SYN43756E are available now.

    About Synaptics Incorporated
    Synaptics (Nasdaq: SYNA) is leading the charge in AI at the Edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming how we engage with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, at work, or on the move. As the go-to partner for the world’s most forward-thinking product innovators, Synaptics powers the future with its cutting-edge Synaptics Astra™ AI-Native embedded compute, Veros™ wireless connectivity, and multimodal sensing solutions. We’re making the digital experience smarter, faster, more intuitive, secure, and seamless. From touch, display, and biometrics to AI-driven wireless connectivity, video, vision, audio, speech, and security processing, Synaptics is the force behind the next generation of technology enhancing how we live, work, and play. Follow Synaptics on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, or visit http://www.synaptics.com.  

    Synaptics and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact
    Synaptics Incorporated
    Patrick Mannion
    Director of External PR and Technical Communications
    +1 631-678-1015
    patrick.mannion@synaptics.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On the main staircase with an orchestra! Polytech launched musical changes

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Now, in the Polytechnic University, a pop-symphony orchestra plays during breaks between classes! On October 15, the “Musical Break” project was launched at our university. The university’s creative teams will take turns turning the main staircase of the Main Building into a concert hall.

    If the music that greets you at the entrance to the main building is already a familiar thing, then the sound of the orchestra on the main staircase is a surprise even for the Polytechnicians. For all 20 minutes of the big break, the Variety and Symphony Orchestra of SPbPU riveted the students’ attention. Recognizable classics and favorite rock hits, glowing smartphone screens and wide smiles on faces – the musical break at the Polytechnic was a sensation.

    This is great! What kind of orchestra is this? Bravo! Our classmates are playing! How is this possible?! — came from everywhere.

    The musicians, led by Dmitry Misyura, symbolically placed themselves between the busts of the university’s founder S. Yu. Witte and its first director A. G. Gagarin. Witte believed that educating an engineer without humanitarian training was immoral and destructive for the country. Gagarin founded the university’s first symphony orchestra. Thanks to the support of rector Andrei Rudskoy, today our musical group not only continues traditions, but also writes new history.

    “It is great that in the year of the 125th anniversary of the Polytechnic University, the implementation of the concept of developing the university as a cultural territory has begun. “Musical Change” is an important project,” says Boris Kondin, Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity. “Only the Polytechnic University, the only technical university in Russia, implements the tasks of educating students through classical music. Only the Polytechnic University, the only university in the world, organizes “Creative Semesters” for first-year students. No university except the Polytechnic University greets students with classical music from loudspeakers, no university except the Polytechnic University has musical changes.”

    Throughout the first semester (Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 11.40 and 1.40 p.m.), the orchestra, theaters, choirs, vocal and dance studios will take turns putting on unique performances on the main staircase of the Main Building.

    “The idea of “Musical Change” could not help but be born. After all, there are so many creative student groups at the Polytechnic,” notes Dmitry Misyura, artistic director of the Student Club and conductor of the Variety and Symphony Orchestra. “The guys, of course, perform in concerts, go on tour, participate in festivals. But this format, at home, is the most interesting. It is a demonstration of the capabilities and talents among their own. Polytechnicians playing for Polytechnicians! All this is a pleasant surprise, creates a mood and makes you proud of the culture at the Polytechnic.”

    Photo archive

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/culture/on-the-main-staircase-with-orchestra-polytech-launched-musical-changes/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 16.10.2024, 11-08 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/16/2024 11:08

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 16.10.2024, 11-08 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 86.72) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 927.7 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://www.moex.com/n74025

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 16.10.2024, 11-25 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A101MG4 (RossetB1R2) security were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/16/2024 11:25

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 16.10.2024, 11-25 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 97.67) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1019.83 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A101MG4 (RossetB1R2) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74027

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting inclusive education in Africa

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding to help women and girls as well as children with disabilities.

    Scotland intends to support inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia with funding of up to £12.5 million over the next five years, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

    The funding will support two programmes, the first of which aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The second programme will support girls and women to complete secondary education and transition to tertiary or technical education.

    The First Minister met the High Commissioners of Malawi and Zambia, and the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda during a series of engagements in London yesterday (15 October), where he re-affirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to collaborative international development with its partner countries.  

    The First Minister said:

    “This funding aims to help overcome some of the persistent barriers faced by women, girls and children with disabilities, to ensure they have equal access to education, and are fully included in the social and economic life of their communities.

    “The Scottish Government has prioritised this work as part of our commitment to international development and good global citizenship, working in partnership with our counterparts in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia to meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development goals.

    “So I am very pleased to confirm this additional funding in support of those efforts. I am also grateful for the work of Oxfam, Link Education International and local partners in all three countries who are delivering these programmes to help some of the world’s most marginalised learners, who have the same right to a quality education as anyone else.”

    H.E. Macenje Mazoka, Zambia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said:

    “The Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education in Zambia is a testament to the strong bonds between our nations. Their support for programs that enhance access to quality education for all, especially for marginalised groups, aligns perfectly with Zambia’s vision for equitable development. We look forward to strengthening the positive impact this partnership will continue to have on our education system and the lives of Zambian students, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.”

    Background

    Inclusive education – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    Subject to the annual budget approval process by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government intends to provide funding of up to £12.5 million for Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia, comprising up to £7.5 million over five years to support for disabled learners and learners with additional needs and up to £5 million over five years to support Scholarships for Women and girls to complete secondary and transition to tertiary education or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). 

    1. Realising Inclusive and Safer Education (RISE)  This programme, which is being delivered by Link Education International between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The programme is worth up to £1.5m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with Link Community Development Malawi, School to School International in Zambia and Chance for Childhood in Rwanda.  
    2. Scholarships for Women and Girls in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia  

      This programme, which is being delivered by Oxfam between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to support girls and women to complete secondary education and to support their transition to tertiary education and TVET. The programme is worth up to £1m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with the Young Women’s Christian Association in Zambia and Rwanda, and Concerned Youth Organisation in Malawi.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling illegal content online and implementation of the Online Safety Act

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Letter from the Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to Ofcom.

    Documents

    Tackling illegal content online and implementation of the Online Safety Act: letter from DSIT Secretary of State

    HTML

    Details

    Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology has written to Dame Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, regarding Ofcom’s implementation of the Online Safety Act.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Creating opportunities for Canadian industry through an enabling Canada–European Space Agency partnership

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Longueuil, Quebec, October 16, 2024 — Today, while representing Canada at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell announced that Toronto-based Kepler Communications Inc. has been selected as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) HydRON-DS mission.

    Consisting of a ring of 10 satellites around Earth, HydRON-DS will use laser communications to provide high-performance Internet in space at unprecedented speeds for government and commercial users. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to Canada’s long-standing and fruitful partnership with ESA, that allows Canadian companies from the space sector to leverage their expertise and skills on the European market. Since 1979, Canada has held the privileged position of being the only non-European cooperating state of ESA.

    President Campbell also highlighted other concrete outcomes of this agreement for Canadian companies, such as:

    • Sherbrooke-based SBQuantum will assess the viability of its quantum diamond magnetometer in space. ESA will evaluate both the reliability and precision of the sensor, and explore its potential deployment on satellites for various purposes, like assisting in the monitoring of magnetic storms or mapping minerals under the surface of the Moon.
    • C-CORE, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will design and build a calibration transponder for the Biomass mission, which will deliver crucial information about the state of the world’s forests and how they are changing, and further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.
    • Québec-based ABB Analytical Business Unit in Canada will provide the Laser Unit for the interferometer of the Forum mission, ESA’s ninth Earth Explorer satellite mission. Data from the mission will be used to evaluate the role that the far-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum plays in shaping our climate.

    Quotes

    “Canada’s continued participation in European Space Agency programs will further position our space sector for significant growth, generating highly skilled employment, and providing essential opportunities to access European markets. This collaboration allows us to engage in international space missions, while ensuring Canada’s space industry remains innovative, vibrant, and competitive in the fast-evolving global landscape.”

    – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

    “For 45 years now, Canada’s collaboration with ESA has resulted in opportunities to participate in European space program projects that would otherwise be out of reach. For Canadian companies, having this unique access to the European space market means commercialization prospects and concrete sales, job creation and knowledge-sharing, and international partnership opportunities. We look forward to continuing this partnership to further strengthen the synergies between our industrial, academic and government sectors as we advance space science and technology together.”

    – Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA

    “ESA is proud of the HydRON project, which exemplifies the power of European and Canadian collaboration in advancing space technology. With its laser satellite network for lightning-fast Internet communications, HydRON has the potential to transform how we connect globally, bridging digital divides and enabling secure communications on Earth and beyond.”

    – Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General

    Quick facts

    • The Cooperation Agreement between Canada and ESA was first signed in 1979, most recently renewed in 2019.

    • Europe is the second-largest trading partner for Canada’s space sector after the U.S. ESA is among the largest space agencies in the world and undertakes a wide range of space missions and activities that the Canadian space sector is well positioned to engage in.

    • Between April 2018 and March 2022, 44 Canadian organizations received 125 contracts valued at approximately €59 million, which would otherwise not have been accessible without the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement.

    • From October 14 to 18, the CSA is attending the 75th edition of the IAC organized in Milan, Italy. The IAC is the largest space-related conference worldwide offering the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships.

    Contacts

    Canadian Space Agency
    Media Relations Office
    Telephone: 450-926-4370
    Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca
    Website: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca
    Follow us on social media

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TfL bad debt increases by almost £300m in three years

    Source: Mayor of London

    With Transport for London’s (TfL) bad debt levels climbing almost £300m in three years, the Mayor has been urged to increase collection levels for road user charging schemes.
    In 2020-21, figures showed TfL’s bad debt expenses to be c.£160m.1 At a recent Budget and Performance Committee meeting, the Committee was told that bad debts are now in the region of £450m.2
     
    The sharp increase coincides with the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to the North and South Circular in October 2021, and London-wide in August 2023. In September 2024, The London Assembly was informed that TfL was now owed £376 million in unpaid Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for the ULEZ.
     
    The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee has today published a letter to the Mayor, calling on him to consider increasing collection levels for road user charging schemes, to ensure money owed can be spent on improving London’s transport network.
     
    Key recommendations include:

    • TfL should review the causes of the increase in its bad debt charge since 2021-22 and look at appropriate measures to increase collection levels for all road user charging. TfL should seek to conclude this exercise in time for it to be reflected in the 2025-26 Budget and break it down for each type of road user charge.
    • TfL should set out in its 2025-26 budget submission and 2024-25 performance reporting the level of contingency it holds for exceptional items such as handling the recent cyber attack, recent applications of such contingencies and the actions it is taking to address any lower than anticipated operating surplus levels.
    • The 2025-26 Budget proposals should explicitly confirm whether the Mayor will continue to provide ongoing funding from GLA funds for the current fares freeze, and be clear on the source of the funds.

    Neil Garratt AM, Chairman of the Budget and Performance Committee, said:

    “The Ultra Low Emission Zone appears to have contributed to a near £300m increase in bad debt in three years, an urgent financial problem for TfL.
     
    “Such large sums of money being owed to TfL, which may not be recoverable, means that much-needed transport investment projects might be scrapped.
     
    “That is why we have today called on the Mayor to look at appropriate measures to increase collection levels for road user charging schemes, and also to provide details on the ratio of bad debt charges before and after the ULEZ expansion into outer London in 2023.

    “It is important for Londoners to know whether the ULEZ expansion is delivering as expected on the financial side, as well as the public health side.
     
    “If TfL’s finances and the Mayor’s plans are not based on reality, they cannot be delivered.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ending rough sleeping in London

    Source: Mayor of London

    How can the Mayor and Government work together to make sure nobody has to sleep on London’s streets?

    Latest figures show an increase in the number of people sleeping rough for at least one night in Autumn 2023. The Mayor’s election manifesto included a commitment to ending rough sleeping in London by 2030.

    The Housing Committee will tomorrow ask what needs to be done if the Mayor is to meet his commitment and how at-risk groups such as young people and refugees can be better supported.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – Sector experts: 10am – 11:15am

    • Molly Bishop, Head of Implementation, Centre for Homelessness Impact
    • Jasmine Basran, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Crisis;
    • Alexia Murphy, CEO, Depaul UK
    • Simone Strachan, London Hub Strategic Lead, Shelter
    • Michelle Binfield, Rough Sleeping Programme Director at London Councils

    Panel 2 – GLA – 11:30am – 12:45pm

    • Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development
    • Megan Life, Head of Specialist Housing and Services, Greater London Authority
    • David Eastwood, Lead Manager, Rough Sleeping

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 17 October from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 16 October 2024

    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, Rishi Sunak 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=45vnYwdYunk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – 16 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/45vnYwdYunk

    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, Rishi Sunak 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=LUngrvSwnE8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Federico Donelli, Assistant Professor of International Relations, University of Trieste

    Turkey has ramped up its partnership with Somalia in recent months. It is helping Somalia defend its waters, and has signed a deal to explore for oil and gas off the east African nation’s coast.

    There have also been reports of advanced discussions to have Turkey set up a missile and rocket testing site in Somalia.

    These agreements underscore Turkey’s strategic and economic aspirations in the broader Horn of Africa region.

    Over the past four years, there has been a steady increase in Turkish partnerships and agreements for the export of defence-related products to the region. This has included the use of Turkish drones in conflict zones, such as Libya and Ethiopia.

    I have studied Turkey’s historical and current involvement in Somalia to understand what’s driving Ankara’s policy in the Horn of Africa. In my view, Turkey’s involvement is driven by multiple factors. These include international status-seeking, regional balance and strategic concerns.

    The opening of a training facility in Mogadishu has increased Turkey’s strategic depth in the Horn of Africa, projecting the country towards both sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean. And the use of Turkish drones in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict has shown Turkish defence arrangements have become a factor in local dynamics.

    Somalia’s appeal

    Turkey’s interest in Somalia dates back to 2010-2011. At the time, Somalia was grappling with the devastating effects of 20 years of civil war, failed international interventions and the emergence of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab terror group. In addition, the country was devastated by a famine that claimed more than 250,000 lives.

    Somalia presented Turkey with several opportunities to establish a footprint in a region of high geostrategic value, and to enhance its image in Africa and globally.

    First, there was a lack of interest in the country from major international players. Apart from anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Aden and the US focus on the war on terror, international players watched Somalia with a certain detachment.

    Turkey saw an opportunity to benefit from taking a leading role in an international crisis scenario.



    Read more:
    Al-Shabaab is just a symptom of Somalia’s tragedy – the causes are still in place

    Second, the world’s attention focused on the Arab world. The region was facing a wave of pro-democracy protests dubbed the Arab Spring. Somalia and the suffering of the Somali people were quickly forgotten by the international community.

    Turkish policymakers saw the country’s isolation as an opportunity to gain international popularity and visibility on the continent.

    Turkey took a multifaceted approach in Somalia. This encompassed humanitarian aid, diplomatic initiatives and economic investment. Turkey also supported state-building efforts and the reconstruction of Somalia’s security apparatus.

    Internal dynamics

    The financial and political resources that Turkey has invested in Somalia are driven by regional and domestic political considerations.

    Regionally, 2016 to 2021 was a period of tension between Turkey, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Somalia and the competition for influence in its politics became one of the main areas of confrontation.

    Domestically, Turkey has been able to portray its involvement in a way that’s boosted the ruling party’s standing. In addition, engagement in the Horn of Africa meets the demands of various business groups. This includes construction and defence companies that are close to the ruling political elite.

    Intervention in Somalia plays an important role in the narrative of Turkish political elites associated with Turkey’s ruling party, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (Justice and Development Party).

    The party is a conservative but non-confessional party with Islamist roots. A significant proportion of the party’s supporters consider voluntary charity (sadaqa) to be the duty of a good Muslim. As a result, Turkey’s foreign and domestic interests converged with the government’s policy to support crisis-stricken Muslim communities. This includes those in Somalia. Here, Turkey has framed its involvement as a political and humanitarian success story. The Turkish public views it as such.



    Read more:
    Turkey’s foray into Somalia is a huge success, but there are risks

    Turkey has been able to bolster its security and defence ties at a rapid pace. The country’s Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı (Defence Industry Agency of Turkey) reports directly to the president. Established as a state body in 1985, the agency gained prominence in 2017 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had it placed under the direct authority of the presidency.

    This has made concluding defence agreements – a key factor of Ankara’s foreign policy – much faster.

    Turkey has also used the opportunity to increase its involvement in the energy sector. Ankara has long aspired to play a pivotal role as a major energy hub in the wider region. It has considered establishing exploration operations off the coast of Somalia. Like all emerging powers, Turkey has a thirst for energy. This explains its July 2024 oil and gas exploration deal with Somalia.

    Turning point

    Ankara’s February 2024 defence agreement marked a significant turning point in Turkey-Somalia cooperation.

    The agreement deepens defence ties between the two countries. Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to train and equip the Somali navy. It will also help patrol Somalia’s extensive 3,333-kilometre coastline. Turkey’s focus is on maritime activities. This is a strategic choice largely influenced by the unstable conditions in Somalia, where exerting control over territory is difficult.



    Read more:
    Red Sea politics: why Turkey is helping Somalia defend its waters

    The deal is a response to changes in the regional landscape and the ongoing reconfiguration of power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

    This has included:

    Somalia’s decision to pursue diplomatic ties and defence agreements with Turkey needs to be understood against this backdrop.

    Federico Donelli is a Senior Research Associate at the Istituto di Studi di Politica Internazionale (ISPI) in Milan and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Orion Policy Institute (OPI) in Washington D.C.

    – ref. Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy – https://theconversation.com/somalia-and-turkey-are-becoming-firm-allies-whats-behind-this-strategy-240578

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sony Acquires KinaTrax, Inc. to Expand Its Sports Data Business into Player Performance

    Source: Sony

    October 16, 2024

    Marking a new expansion into the biomechanics and player performance space

    Sony Corporation
    Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Tokyo, Japan / Basingstoke, United Kingdom – Oct. 16, 2024 – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that Sony welcomed KinaTrax, Inc. (“KinaTrax”), a leader in research-grade markerless motion capture technology for sports that collects in-game biomechanical performance data on athletes, into Sony’s sports businesses through a recent acquisition.

    Joining forces with Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited (“Hawk-Eye”), a Sony group company that forms an integral part of Sony’s sports businesses, KinaTrax will bring its trusted biomechanical and analytical expertise, as well as its markerless motion capture technology to Sony’s portfolio and is expected to further create synergy to maximize the use of sports data for athletes, teams, leagues and fans alike.

    Hawk-Eye, Beyond Sports and Pulselive form the core foundation of Sony’s sports businesses, with a shared commitment to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world around sports data technologies. Welcoming KinaTrax bolsters Sony’s capability to serve important use cases for sports data, such as analysis and biomechanics for coaching, scouting and athletes’ performance.

    Rufus Hack, CEO of Hawk-Eye, Pulselive and Beyond Sports stated: “By welcoming KinaTrax into the family, we are excited to further expand our offering, under our mission of unlocking the power and emotion of sport through data. We are incredibly privileged to partner with an overwhelming majority of the top global sports leagues, and this acquisition allows us to broaden our proposition through new biomechanical insights in the critical and growing field of player performance.”

    Steven Cadavid, President of KinaTrax also said: “We’re excited to become part of Sony and its sports businesses, and to bring our know-how to complement the powerful tech Hawk-Eye, Pulselive, and Beyond Sports have developed and are delivering today. The future of sports is in deeper data tracking and the creation of smarter insights through innovative technology. With Sony, by enhancing KinaTrax’s expertise in capturing and delivering biomechanical performance data, we aim to contribute to provide sports leagues, teams and players with the best insights to improve performance and pursue success.”

    KinaTrax, Inc.

    KinaTrax provides professional and collegiate teams with game-changing insights focusing on teams’ most valuable asset: their athletes. The company delivers research-grade markerless motion capture technology that allows teams to collect in-game biomechanical performance data. The camera systems are currently deployed in over 75 stadiums and labs across MLB, MiLB, and NCAA organizations, and are expanding into other sports leagues.

    The comprehensive sets of tools for data capture and analysis are operationalized for daily use by players, GMs, coaches, trainers, medical staff, and researchers, providing value that goes beyond traditional scouting, training, and rostering.

    About Sony Corporation

    Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world.
    For more information, visit: Sony Corporation – Home

    • *Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

    About Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Hawk-Eye has been at the forefront of sports officiating and broadcast enhancement technology since 2001. The world’s biggest sporting events trust Hawk-Eye to make the right call when it matters most.

    Hawk-Eye’s vision-processing, video replay and creative graphic technologies make sport fairer, safer, more engaging and better informed. Hawk-Eye’s innovations are constantly changing the face of sports officiating, production, content management, and fan engagement in every sport.

    Hawk-Eye forms a key part of Sony’s sports businesses with a shared mission to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives offer £20,000 reward in relation to 2004 murder of Camille Gordon in Soho

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for brutally stabbing a student to death at the club she worked at in Soho.

    Camille Gordon, 23, who was training to be a nursery assistant, was brutally murdered on the doorstep of her workplace on 1 March 2004.

    Despite extensive enquiries by the Met over the past 20 years, her killer has not yet been brought to justice.

    Today (Wednesday, 16 October), detectives appeared on the BBC’s Crimewatch Live with a re-newed appeal to catch Camille’s murderer.

    Detective Inspector Amanda Greig from the Met’s Specialist Casework Team, who is leading the investigation, said:     “It may have been more than 20 years since Camille was brutally murdered, but her family remain just as heartbroken today. They want answers and they want the person responsible for Camille’s death brought to justice – this is something we want too and we have not given up trying to get that for them. This is why we are now offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

    “A lot can happen in 20 years, allegiances can change. Maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Maybe you saw the attack or you were at the club or in the area at the time of the murder? Maybe the person responsible has since confided in you? I would urge you to share whatever information you have with us – it will be treated in the strictest confidence and could bring much needed closure to Camille’s family.”

    Camille was born in Jamaica and came to the UK in 2001 to study as a nursery assistant in Birmingham. She moved to London in August 2003 to find better career prospects and at the time of her death she was living in South Norwood.

    She started working part-time as a hostess at the Blue Bunny Club in Archer Street, Soho, to help fund her training.

    The club offered female company for a short period of time, but no sexual activity took place.

    At about 18:30hrs on 1 March 2004, Camille was working on the door of the club when a man approached her.

    He entered the club, paying an admission fee of £5, and went to a private area with Camille.

    After a short while, another member of staff presented the male customer with a bill for £375. He was unable to pay the full amount, so he paid £80 and was escorted to the exit by the other member of staff.

    The customer left the venue and walked along Archer Street towards the junction with Rupert Street. He returned to the venue shortly after, but upon seeing a different member of staff he raised both hands in a submissive manner and went off towards Rupert Street.

    At about 19:10hrs Camille returned to the door of the club when a man was seen to enter the doorway before very quickly leaving, walking at pace along Archer Street towards Great Windmill Street.

    Camille screamed and staggered down the stairs into the club where she told colleagues she had been stabbed in the chest.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she died from her injuries about an hour later.

    A post-mortem examination revealed that she had died from a single stab wound to the heart.

    Detectives are keen to speak to the unknown customer in relation to Camille’s murder

    We have today released enhanced CCTV footage and images of this unknown customer, whom officers believe to be responsible for Camille’s murder, entering Piccadilly Circus Tube station shortly after the murder. He is described as black, aged 20-25 and 5’5″-5’8″. He was wearing a dark jacket with a large ‘Cleveland Indians’ logo on the front, dark jeans, white trainers and a hat believed to be a baseball cap.

    Two days after the murder, on 3 March 2024, a man attended Kennington Police Station and asked to speak to a CID officer about a murder at the Blue Bunny Club. However, he left before CID got there and he never returned.

    Detectives are urging this man to get in touch so he can share the information he has. He is described as white, about 35 years old, about 5’8″, of skinny build with defined cheek bones and light brown hair.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8267. Information can also be submitted online here Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Policy Address: Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 16) announced his third Policy Address entitled “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, setting out a range of initiatives to create new impetus for economic development, improve people’s livelihood and enhance their quality of life.         Mr Lee said, “In this Policy Address, I will continue to follow through the ‘four proposals’ put forward by President Xi Jinping in his important speech delivered on July 1, 2022. I will also outline our vision and objectives for reforms and changes, as well as the related key measures and key performance indicators.     “Reform is a continuous process. Over the past two years, my team and I have focused on economic growth and on improving people’s livelihood through development, with the well-being of the people of Hong Kong close to our hearts. This Policy Address will deepen our reforms and explore new growth areas.”Consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre      Hong Kong has established strengths as an international centre for finance, shipping and trade, which are closely intertwined and can be developed in a synergistic and complementary manner.     On the financial front, the Policy Address sets out the strategic development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre on all fronts. It strives to reinforce Hong Kong’s status as the world’s largest offshore Renminbi business hub, enhance the asset and securities markets, and develop Hong Kong into an international gold trading market through measures such as building world-class gold storage facilities and strengthening the trading mechanism and regulatory framework. This will in turn drive demand for related services such as collateral and loan businesses, opening up new growth areas of the financial sector.     On the shipping side, the existing Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board will be reconstituted into the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board. Additional funding will be provided to enhance its research capabilities, strengthen its Mainland and overseas promotional work and step up manpower training, encouraging more Mainland and overseas maritime service enterprises to establish presence in Hong Kong, promoting the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s maritime industry. The Government will advance the development of Hong Kong into a green maritime centre, while at the same time exploring the introduction of tax concessions and facilitate international commodity exchanges to set up accredited warehouses in Hong Kong, so as to establish a commodity trading ecosystem, especially for the storage and delivery of non-ferrous metal products, further promoting the development of Hong Kong’s maritime and trading services.     In respect of the trade sector, the Government will establish a high-value-added supply chain service centre. Through measures such as enriching a high value-added supply chain services mechanism and enhancing export credit services, as well as making good use of the new opportunities brought about by the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services, the Government will seek to attract Mainland and overseas enterprises to set up their headquarters or corporate divisions in Hong Kong. The Government will continue to vigorously expand Hong Kong’s global economic and trade networks, with particular emphasis on strengthening Hong Kong’s economic and trade ties with and marketing efforts in emerging markets, so as to enable Hong Kong to exert a greater role in the country’s opening up to the world. Moreover, the Government will reduce the import duty on liquor, fostering trading of liquor and boosting development of high value-added industries.Develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions     The core element of new quality productive forces is to achieve high quality economic development through technological empowerment. The Government is striving to expedite Hong Kong’s development into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. On top of the additional investment put in over the past two years, a $10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund will be set up to guide more market capital to invest in specified emerging and future industries of strategic importance, including life and health technology and artificial intelligence. The Government will also launch the I&T Accelerator Pilot Scheme to attract professional start-up service providers to set up accelerator bases in Hong Kong, fostering the robust growth of start-ups.     The Policy Address also proposed the establishment of the Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy. Starting with projects on low-altitude applications, the working group will designate specific venues for such purposes, draw up regulations and design the institutional set-up,  study and map out plans to develop the required infrastructure and networks, and promote interface with the Mainland, pushing forward development of the low-altitude economy.    At the same time, the Government is committed to promoting new energy development, such as green maritime fuel, sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen energy. The Government will also expedite the reform of the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices, establish the Real-World Study and Application Centre, and join hands with Shenzhen to establish the GBA Clinical Trial Collaboration Platform to enhance Hong Kong’s clinical trial capability and accelerate registration of new drugs, developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub.Build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talents     To boost synergy and effectiveness of policies, the Policy Address introduced the establishment of the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents to co-ordinate and drive the integrated development of education, technology and talents. In addition to reforming various aspects of the talent admission regime to build a quality talent pool for long-term development, the Government will endeavour to create the “Study in Hong Kong” brand to attract overseas students, launch a pilot scheme to support the market to flexibly increase the supply of self-financed and private student hostels, and map out the development plan of the Northern Metropolis University Town. These measures aim to expedite the development of Hong Kong into an international hub for post-secondary education, bringing in more global high-calibre talents.Promote integrated development of culture, sports and tourism and foster economic diversification     Promoting integrated development of culture, sports and tourism is the objective of this term of Government in setting up the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau. The Government will reinforce the development of the West Kowloon Cultural District to take a leading role in establishing an industry chain for the arts and culture and creative industries of Hong Kong. The Government will also strive to develop the Kai Tak Sports Park into a sports and mega event landmark, building an international sports mega event hub. The Government will publish the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, putting emphasis on promoting areas including culture, sports, ecology and mega events, with a view to revitalising Hong Kong’s tourism industry. A Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots will be set up to strengthen cross-departmental co-ordination, and to identify and develop tourist hotspots of high popularity and with strong appeal in various districts.     Hong Kong is facing economic restructuring. To assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to cope with the prevailing challenges, the Government will put in place a range of support initiatives. Key measures include: relaunching the principal moratorium to offer SMEs flexibility in managing cash flows; injecting $1 billion into the BUD Fund (Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales) to facilitate upgrading of enterprises; expanding the scope of the Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme to cover the industries of tourism and personal services; and launching the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions 2.0. In addition, a Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy will be set up to implement measures in five areas, namely consumption, industry, quality assurance, financial and security arrangements, and productivity, meeting the growing needs of the elderly and help the industry to seize business opportunities.Take forward the Northern Metropolis as growth engine and deepen GBA collaboration     To take forward the development of the Northern Metropolis, it was announced in the Policy Address to explore the establishment of a pilot industrial park in the Northern Metropolis by granting it to a company established and led by the Government. The company will, in accordance with the Government’s industrial policies, be responsible for formulating the park’s development and operation strategies. To expedite the development, the Government will adopt, on a pilot basis, a large-scale land-disposal approach, for collective development by successful bidders. In addition, the Steering Committee on the Hong Kong Shenzhen I&T Park in the Loop, chaired by the Chief Executive, will formulate the overall strategy, planning and layout for the development of the Hong Kong Park. The Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone will be published later this year. Improve people’s livelihood in pursuit of happiness     This year, the Policy Address outlined a number of new measures on different livelihood areas, including land creation and housing construction and healthcare, making Hong Kong a better place to live and enjoy life.     On housing, a system on the renting of subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings will be devised, through legislation, to tackle the long-standing problem of SDUs at its roots in an orderly manner. The Government will also enhance the housing ladder to allow more people to realise their aspiration for home ownership.     Regarding healthcare, as noted in the Policy Address, the Government will deepen the reform of the healthcare system, strengthen public and primary healthcare services and promote the development of primary healthcare on all fronts, and boost healthy fertility. The Government also supports the plan, by local universities, to establish a third medical school. The Government will set aside sites in Ngau Tam Mei to build a new campus and an integrated medical teaching and research hospital.     To improve people’s livelihood, the Government will continue to take forward and enhance various measures for targeted poverty alleviation and focusing on different needs of the underprivileged. Meanwhile, the Government will regularise the funding provision for Care Teams and increase funding in the next term of service to strengthen support for their work. The Policy Address also proposed to reform the roles of the Employees Retraining Board to devise skills-based training programmes and strategies for the entire workforce, and lift the restriction on educational attainment of trainees.     Mr Lee concluded, “This Policy Address deepens the reforms that I have introduced since I became Chief Executive. It presents enhanced measures to boost the economy and improve people’s livelihood. It seeks to address the prevailing needs of our people, while mapping our vision and long-term goals for building a brighter future for Hong Kong. I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to go from strength to strength and attain new heights. Through our united efforts to reform and innovate, our economy will go even stronger and our people will lead a better life, making Hong Kong a shining city.”     A Supplement offering more backgrounds and details of various policy measures has been compiled with this year’s Policy Address. For related information and key initiatives of the Policy Address, please visit http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Transport infrastructure promoted

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee highlighted today that the Government is actively following through on the Major Transport Infrastructure Development Blueprint for Hong Kong, under which Hung Shui Kiu Station and the Northern Link (NOL) Main Line are to commence construction this year and next year for tentative completion in 2030 and 2034 respectively.

    Delivering his 2024 Policy Address, Mr Lee pointed out that cross-boundary railway projects are pressing ahead at full speed, including the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link (Hung Shui Kiu-Qianhai) and the NOL Spur Line, to enhance linkage between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

    Devoted to taking forward the three smart and green mass transit systems, and for compressing the time required for construction, the Government invited suppliers and operators to submit expressions of interest for the East Kowloon and Kai Tak projects this August. Expressions of interest for the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen projects will be invited later this year.

    Through innovative implementation mode and construction methods, the Government aims to complete the Kai Tak project three years ahead of the original target completion date.

    To promote a green and low-carbon lifestyle, the Government will expand the community recycling network by increasing public collection points from about 500 at present to 800.

    I · PARK 1, the first waste-to-energy facility for treating municipal solid waste, is expected to begin operation next year. The construction of I · PARK 2 will also be taken forward, working towards the goal of zero landfills.

    The Government will continue to assess public views on, and participation in, waste reduction, and report to the Legislative Council by mid-2025.

    With a view to expanding the city’s waste-to-resources capacities, the Government will establish a common legislative framework for the producer responsibility schemes applicable to different products, facilitating the future inclusion of such products as plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons progressively.

    In relation to green industry, the Environment & Ecology Bureau is assisting two local companies in setting up production lines to upcycle local waste materials into high-value products – core materials for electricity-free cooling products and acoustic metamaterial products.

    The Government will inject $100 million for a new round of the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme to expedite green transformation, renovation and the upgrading of local factories and Hong Kong-owned factories in the Guangdong Province, bringing Hong Kong closer to its carbon-neutrality targets.

    The Chief Executive also outlined his plan to expand the charging network for electric vehicles.

    Through the electric vehicle (EV) charging at Home Subsidy Scheme and the gross floor area concession arrangement, about 200,000 EV-charging parking spaces are expected to be available by mid-2027. The Government will earmark $300 million for a new scheme, providing subsidies to the private sector for installing quick-charging facilities. The target is to have a total of 3,000 quick chargers installed by 2030.

    Mr Lee added that two vacant petrol-filling station sites were granted for conversion into quick-charging stations earlier this year. Expressions of interest from the industry will be invited next year to repurpose existing petrol-filling station sites as charging stations, with topside development for other purposes under the single site, multiple use model.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HK stands to prosper: CE

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee

    Since taking up office, I have pushed ahead with many reform measures to transform government culture, strengthen the systems and improved various regimes. Our goal is to keep Hong Kong going, and make it a city in which people live in better homes, enjoy better education and cherish their lives. We strive for this goal.

    I always take time to reflect and listen to views of others to ensure that our policies are working and our measurers are effective. I take a close look into the daily needs of our people while staying abreast from a global perspective of the world trend, our nation’s strategic outlook and the societal interests. While keeping our principles and being innovative when taking forward reforms, we have to look at the flip sides that a measure may bring other than its benefits. Reform is essential, but we should always be mindful that it is a means and not an end, that it should never undermine success factors that are well established and work effectively.

    Having regard to various objective facts, I do believe that our overall policy directions are on the right course. Over the past two years or so, median monthly household income has risen by about $2,800, up over 10%, while over 100,000 jobs have been added. The waiting time for public housing has been shortened by six months, and the first batch of Light Public Housing will soon be completed for intake, filling the gap in the supply of public housing. District governance and Care Team services are firmly in place in all 18 districts across the city. Outcomes of our efforts to trawl for talent and enterprises are also well recognised.

    Thanks to the concerted efforts of all concerned, Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre has climbed up one place to restore the global third position, putting an end to the negative narratives of our city’s future. We moved up two places to rank fifth in world competitiveness, and rose seven places in talent competitiveness, to stand among the world’s top 10 once again. Hong Kong also retains the top spots in global ranking in investment environment, international trade, business legislation and air cargo throughput, etc.

    That said, past performance is no guarantee of future success. We must not be complacent, but keep up our momentum for advancement and reforms. We must remain confident in ourselves and uphold our morale, standing firm against any efforts to downplay our success story.

    This Policy Address deepens the reforms that I have introduced since I became Chief Executive. It presents enhanced measures to boost the economy and improve people’s livelihoods. It seeks to address the prevailing needs of our people, while mapping our vision and long term goals for building a brighter future for Hong Kong.

    Amid the accelerating global changes not seen in a century and complex geopolitics, the uncertainties surrounding Sino-US relations have exposed Hong Kong to frontline external political forces. But while we are facing many challenges, they are outweighed by the opportunities available to us. Global economic gravity continues to shift eastward and investment is also shifting in the same direction to balance geopolitical risks. Hong Kong boasts a secure and stable investment environment, enjoys a favourable location at the heart of Asia, and is the only city in the world where China’s advantages and international advantages converge. Blessed with our linkage with our motherland and close connection to the world, as well as the solid backing of our country, including the central government’s support and measures benefitting our city, Hong Kong stands to prosper. We must seize every opportunity to make progress and renew ourselves. Indeed, with the wisdom and experiences of Hong Kong people, coupled with the ‘dare to fight and win’ spirit in us, I am confident that Hong Kong will continue to go from strength to strength and attain new heights. Through our united efforts to reform and innovate, our economy will go even stronger and our people will lead a better life, making Hong Kong a shining city.

    This is an English translation of the closing remarks in Chief Executive John Lee’s 2024 Policy Address, which he delivered on October 16.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK bolsters support to tackle mpox and Marburg in central Africa

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has announced a package of measures to tackle the outbreaks of mpox and Marburg in central Africa

    • Support to bolster partners’ efforts to tackle mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and other affected countries.
    • UK Public Health Rapid Support Team sent to the region will also provide technical expertise on mpox to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
    • The UK is separately working with Rwanda to deliver its response plan to the Marburg virus outbreak and reduce the virus’ spread.

    The UK has announced a package of measures to tackle the outbreak of mpox in central Africa, including up to £9m in support and the deployment of UK-based experts to provide technical expertise in the region.

    The financial package, unlocked from the existing Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, will bolster the national response to mpox in DRC, the epicentre of the outbreak, and across the wider affected region. This includes additional funds to strengthen the UK’s existing partnership with UNICEF in DRC.

    Funds will assist partners to strengthen surveillance systems, reinforce health services and work with communities to raise awareness of risks and personal protective measures, in line with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Continental Preparedness and Response Plan.

    The Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds said:

    Across the DRC, dedicated healthcare workers and communities are doing all they can to prevent the spread of mpox. But the reality is they cannot do it alone.

    The UK is working in partnership with others to bolster the national and wider regional response. This vital support will help stem the spread of this deadly disease, protecting communities in DRC, the wider Africa region, and at home in the UK.

    To support the leadership and coordination of the African continent’s response to mpox, the UK has deployed experts from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), an innovative partnership between the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), to DRC to support the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who is jointly leading the continental response with the WHO.

    These two experts – a field epidemiologist and an Infection Prevention and Control specialist – will use their technical expertise to assist the joint WHO Africa-CDC continental incident management team.

    Dr Ed Newman, UK-PHRST Director said:

    The UK Public Health Rapid Support team ensures that our expertise in tackling infectious disease outbreaks is rapidly available to support countries who are responding to public health emergencies.

    Our staff will provide specialist support to colleagues at Africa-CDC and the joint continental incident management team as they work to manage the ongoing mpox epidemic, as well as using this learning to further strengthen UK preparedness.

    The UK is also supporting Rwanda to deliver its response plan to the Marburg virus outbreak, including through mobilising £1.9m from existing ODA budgets to provide UK expertise and outbreak response.

    UK experts in viral haemorrhagic fevers and researchers leading therapeutic trials have already arrived in Kigali to support the response in coordination with the WHO and Rwandan Ministry of Health.

    Through a continued close partnership, the UK and Rwanda are working together to save lives and reduce the Marburg virus’ spread.

    Africa CDC Director General, H.E Dr. Jean Kaseya said:

    Africa is facing significant public health challenges with the mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks. The UK’s vital support—through both financial assistance and technical expertise—comes at a crucial moment.

    This partnership will bolster our efforts to contain these outbreaks, enhance disease surveillance, and strengthen healthcare systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and beyond.

    Together, we are not just responding to immediate threats, but building stronger, more resilient systems to safeguard the health of millions across the continent.

    UNICEF DRC Representative, Grant Leaity said:

    Children affected by mpox in DRC are facing other serious challenges including measles, cholera and other infectious diseases, acute malnutrition, and lack of access to essential services.

    The generous UK funds will help in reducing the spread of mpox, providing comprehensive treatment to these vulnerable children and reinforcing the health system over the longer term, especially at community level.

    Background:

    • The announcement of further support to tackle mpox follows the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa-CDC and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO in August.

    • A recent report from the WHO estimated that there have been more than 30,000 suspected cases of mpox in Africa since the beginning of 2024, resulting in more than 800 deaths.

    • In August, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced £3.1m in UK funding for a new partnership with UNICEF in DRC to tackle mpox and cholera outbreaks. The UK’s partnership with UNICEF will benefit over 4.4 million people in affected communities and prevent the further spread of mpox to neighbouring countries.

    • As the largest flexible donor to the WHO globally (£340m 2020-2024), the UK supports the WHO to prepare for health emergencies and respond to them quickly, directing funding to where it’s most needed.

    • The UK is also one of the largest donors to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – providing £1.65bn over the 2021-2025 period. Gavi is critical to ensuring a sustainable and effective vaccine response to mpox. Gavi has unlocked $2.9m to support the DRC’s vaccination efforts and has secured 500,000 doses of MVA-BN vaccine for Africa.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –