NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III Attacked by a Salvadorian National with a Knife in Downtown Albany

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Saul Morales-Garcia, an Illegal Alien, Charged with Attempted Second-Degree Murder

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Tuesday June 17, after leaving his office in downtown Albany, United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III was the victim of a life-threatening incident.  Saul Morales-Garcia, an illegal alien from El Salvador, who entered the United States in 2021 after a prior deportation, lunged at Sarcone while brandishing a knife and yelling aggressively in a foreign language Sarcone could not readily identify.  Sarcone ran to the lobby of the Hilton Hotel and Morales-Garcia stopped and still shouting in a foreign language turned and started to walk away.  Sarcone immediately contacted Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr.  Sarcone went back to the street and maintained a safe distance and yelled out to Garcia-Morales to gain his attention to prevent Morales-Garcia from disappearing as Sarcone believed an innocent person would be killed by Morales-Garcia.  Before law enforcement arrived, Morales-Garcia charged at Sarcone again screaming and yelling at Sarcone in a foreign language while wielding the knife to make a slitting-the-throat gesture at Sarcone. Sarcone again ran to the lobby of the Hilton where again Morales-Garcia stopped, turned and began to walk away but was apprehended when Sheriff’s deputies arrived.  Morales-Garcia was taken into custody and the knife was recovered.

    Sarcone was physically unharmed, but emotionally rattled and stated, “I felt an obligation to the public as the chief Federal law enforcement officer in the district that includes the city of Albany.  I feared for my life but I couldn’t let this individual harm and potentially kill others.”

    Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said: “U.S. Attorney John Sarcone’s selfless actions likely saved lives.”

    Morales-Garcia was charged with attempted second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, and menacing in the second degree and remanded without bail.  He made an appearance in Albany City Court yesterday and an order of protection was issued for Sarcone. Morales-Garcia may also face federal charges; the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations are involved in the ongoing investigation. 

    Sarcone was appointed U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of New York by Attorney General Pamela Bondi in March.  “Public safety is our highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Sarcone.  “I am relieved that no one was harmed.  I appreciated the swift response by the Albany County Sheriff’s office which was within minutes although it seemed like an eternity.”  Sarcone emphasized that such brazen and violent behavior underscores the importance of public vigilance and the need for a strong collaboration between federal and local authorities. At Sarcone’s request, his office is recused from prosecuting Morales-Garcia for illegal re-entry into the country, which is a felony, and the case has been assigned to the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York for prosecution. 

    Sarcone stated, “I have spent the last three months going to 27 of the 32 counties thus far in my district conducting meetings with the District Attorneys, Sheriffs, State Police and local police Chiefs accompanied by the heads of all the Federal law enforcement agencies in the Northern District to offer assistance from federal law enforcement and my office to help combat the infiltration of gangs, drug, human traffickers, and sexual predators.  My offer of help has been well-received, and the results have been tremendous in helping these communities get rid of violent criminals. The citizens of Albany, and visitors who come to Albany, should be able to feel safe walking down our streets.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: THREE BATON ROUGE MEN FACE FEDERAL CHARGES IN CONNECTION WITH ARMED ROBBERY AND SHOOTING OF FEDERAL AGENT

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

    Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that federal criminal complaints and arrest warrants were issued charging three Baton Rouge men with multiple offenses stemming from an undercover firearm-trafficking operation that turned violent on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Torion Bobbs, age 20, and Cordell Simms, age 19, are each charged with assault on a federal officer and robbery, and Caylup Anderson, age 18, is charged robbery and aiding and abetting. 

     The criminal complaints and supporting affidavits allege that on June 17, 2025, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Task Force arranged two separate purchases of a firearm equipped with a machine-gun conversion device (sometimes called a “Glock switch”) outside the Triple S Food Mart on North Foster Drive. When agents moved to detain the suspects, an exchange of gunfire followed, injuring one ATF agent and Sims. All three suspects fled before Sims was arrested nearby, with Anderson and Bobb being apprehended thereafter.

    “Our office has zero tolerance for assaults on law enforcement officers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Travis. “When criminals raise a gun at those who protect our communities, we will answer with the full force of federal law. Yesterday’s swift federal charges reflect the seamless teamwork of the FBI, ATF, Baton Rouge Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police. Their rapid, coordinated response ensured these defendants were taken off the streets within hours of the crime.”

    “ATF’s primary focus is to support public safety and address violent crime with our federal, state, and local partners. This is particularly true when it comes to crimes perpetuated through illegal possession and use of firearms,” said ATF New Orleans SAC Joshua Jackson. “These swift charges represent another example of ATF working with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who choose to use firearms to engage in violent crime within our communities.”

    “The rapid response of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to the events on North Foster Street proves that we will not tolerate any assault on law enforcement officers nor will we tolerate violent criminals who put the community in danger,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office. “With the continued assistance of the public, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to get violent criminals off our streets.”

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli Abad. 

    A criminal complaint is merely an accusation.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury convicts Du Quoin felon of possessing a firearm

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

    BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois jury found a Du Quoin man guilty of possessing a firearm as a felon in Franklin County.

    A jury convicted Marcus T. Moore, 42, of one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

    “To help protect the public and keep guns away from dangerous individuals, convicted felons lose the right to legally possess firearms. As this case demonstrates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work to hold repeat criminal offenders accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

    According to court documents, a Sesser police officer initiated a traffic stop on Moore’s vehicle on Sept. 10, 2023. After Moore failed a field sobriety test, he fled on foot as officers attempted to take him into custody. He was apprehended after being tased, and a firearm was discovered secured to his ankle.

    Moore had a prior federal conviction from 2007, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm. Moore was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.

    Moore’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the federal courthouse in Benton. Convictions for felon in possession of a firearm are punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

    The Sesser Police Department led the investigation with support from ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Sanders and Tom Leggans are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four months of Operation Take Back America results in criminal charges against 39 defendants in Alaska

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

    Charges against defendants include serious drug trafficking, firearm and other offenses.

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman announced today the immediate success of Operation Take Back America in Alaska. In just over four months since its inception, the District of Alaska has already criminally charged 39 defendants under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, repel the invasion of illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and drug trafficking.

    “Operation Take Back America has already been a huge success in Alaska. By concentrating our efforts on national law enforcement priorities and aggressively charging individuals for perpetrating crimes that most significantly impact public safety, our communities are becoming safer,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “The road ahead will be challenging, but I want to thank our federal, state and local partners for these early successes and look forward to the continued mission.”

    “DEA’s core mission is protecting America from drug traffickers and others who seek to do harm to our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “We are proud to collaborate with our partners in Alaska as we work collectively to aggressively implement Operation Take Back America.  The amazing results so far speak to DEA’s commitment to work with our partners to make Alaska safe.”

    “Transnational criminal organizations responsible for violent crime and drug trafficking in Alaska not only endanger communities, but are also a threat to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Through Operation Take Back America, Alaskans can expect to see continued results in our mission to disrupt and dismantle criminal enterprises in furtherance of public safety.”

    “When law enforcement agencies at all levels unite, each contributing its distinct strengths, the collective effort enhances the safety of all Americans in the fight against violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division.

    Among the 28 cases charged between Jan. 21, 2025, and June 10, 2025, the following three cases highlight the impact of Operation Take Back America in Alaska:

    U.S. v. Mobley

    On Nov. 14 and 15, 2024, Sean Mobley, 45, allegedly distributed carfentanil to two people, one adult and one minor. Carfentanil is a highly potent opioid not approved for human use. It is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl. Both victims allegedly used the substance and overdosed. The adult victim was revived by Narcan, but the minor victim died. Mobley then allegedly dumped her body onto a secluded ATV trail in Wasilla in the middle of the night. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison.

    U.S. v. Clifton et al

    Between August 2024 and February 2025, Corey Clifton, 51, and Elizabeth Cruickshank, 44, allegedly conspired together, and with others, to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl in Alaska. Specifically, on one occasion, Clifton allegedly shipped a parcel from Washington to Cruickshank in Alaska. The parcel contained over 4.2 kilograms of fentanyl pills (over approximately 42,000 pills) packaged in small baggies with stickers inside drink mix containers. The indictment also alleges that between April 2024 to 2025, Clifton and Cruickshank conspired together to launder over one-half million dollars in drug proceeds. Clifton is also accused of possessing two firearms and ammunition as a felon. If convicted, they face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

    U.S. v. Kawanishi

    On Oct. 21, 2024, Alexander Kawanishi, 32, allegedly purchased illegal narcotics from an individual at an Anchorage motel. Court documents allege that Kawanishi provided the individual with $100 in cash, but later demanded the money back. When the individual refused, Kawanishi allegedly shot the individual with a pistol in the lower back/hip area before fleeing the scene. On Nov. 15, 2024, law enforcement located Kawanishi slumped over the wheel of a vehicle that was stuck on a snowbank. When Kawanishi woke up and exited the vehicle, he was wearing body armor and had two pistols on his person.  During Kawanishi’s arrest, law enforcement, discovered a third firearm, methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine. At the time of the alleged conduct, Kawanishi had two felony convictions in Alaska Superior Court, making him a felon in possession of multiple firearms. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

    Below is the full list of cases charged as part of Operation Take Back America in Alaska (in alphabetical order):

    U.S. v. Benson (DT) U.S. v. Melvin(VC) U.S. v. Santiago-Martinez (I)
    U.S. v. Carroll (VC) U.S. v. Miles et al. (DT) U.S. v. Schaefer et al. (DT)
    U.S. v. Clifton et al (DT) U.S. v. Mobley(DT) U.S. v. Cody Severance (VC)
    U.S. v. Cotton(DT) U.S. v. Owens (VC) U.S. v. Sergio Severance (VC)
    U.S. v. Facey(DT) U.S. vs. Parker (DT) U.S. v. Spann (VC)
    U.S. v. Garrett (DT) U.S. v. Ritchie (DT) U.S. v. Steffensen  (DT)
    U.S. v. Greydanus et al. (DT) U.S. v. Rodgers et al. (DT) U.S. v. Walker (VC)
    U.S. v. Katelnikoff et al. (DT) U.S. v. Ronquillo (I) U.S. v. Washington et al. (DT)
    U.S. v. Kawanishi (VC) U.S. v. Rowcroft-Ivy (VC) U.S. v. Woods (DT)
    U.S. v. Lemana (VC)    

    *Drug Trafficking (DT)
    *Violent Crime (VC)
    *Immigration (I)

    In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Heyman commends the FBI Anchorage Field Office, DEA Seattle Field Division, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Anchorage Domicile and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations for their investigations that lead to these charges. He also thanks the state and local law enforcement partners that assisted with the operations in these cases.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys with the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska are prosecuting the cases.

    A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ivis García, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University

    Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to homes in North Carolina in 2024. AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek

    Imagine that a hurricane has destroyed your home.

    The roof is gone. The floors are flooded. Your family’s belongings are ruined.

    When this happens, you can apply for federal disaster aid, hoping for a lifeline. For many low-income families and other people of modest means, funding for that aid is often channeled to the states through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program.

    Known as CDBG-DR, this program mainly provides funding to repair and rebuild homes belonging to people of low-to-moderate income who either have no insurance at all or whose coverage falls short of what is needed to making housing safe again.

    When homes are damaged beyond repair or located in areas where it’s too dangerous to rebuild because of the likelihood of future bouts of flooding in the same place, the CDBG-DR program can help pay for residents to move somewhere else that is less prone to disasters. In both cases, it covers costs that the Federal Emergency Management Agency does not pay for.

    But in 2025, with hurricane season underway, the rules for who gets help and how it’s distributed have changed significantly.

    As an urban planner who has researched disaster recovery efforts, I’m alarmed by Memorandum 2025-02, which HUD published on its website in March 2025.

    The memo changes the rules for nearly US$12 billion in disaster recovery funding approved by Congress for disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024. And HUD is implementing these changes early in the process, before any of this money has been distributed.

    This home in Puerto Rico was destroyed when Hurricane Fiona struck the island in September 2022.
    Ivis Garcia

    What has changed

    The memo does away with the civil rights certifications, fair housing assessments, environmental standards and citizen advisory groups
    that have long been mandatory for the recipients of disaster recovery funds.

    Civil rights certification means that CDBG-DR grantees must verify that disaster aid will be distributed without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, disability status, or other characteristics known as “protected classes.” Without this certification, there’s no formal process to ensure disaster aid is distributed fairly.

    Fair housing obligations are assessments of whether middle- and lower-income families, people of color or people with disabilities can find safe, affordable housing without facing any discrimination.

    In addition, HUD no longer requires detailed demographic reporting on who is applying for or receiving aid. This includes information such as gender, race, age, disability status and the language someone speaks.

    Another change is that HUD’s updated disaster recovery guidelines no longer require economic development funds to emphasize people of modest incomes or their communities. Under the new rules, any business hit by a disaster can get recovery funds. It doesn’t matter how much money the owners make, as long as they can show that the disaster affected them.

    And several important environmental protections have been rolled back. HUD previously mandated that disaster recovery projects comply with federal building standards.

    Those codes are tougher than the local housing codes. These included rules for building homes higher off the ground to avoid future flooding and using stronger construction methods to withstand extreme weather events. Without them, new construction may be less durable and less safe – especially in areas hit hard by hurricanes or other natural disasters.

    Strong energy efficiency standards help keep long-term utility costs low and reduce pressure on power grids during extreme weather events. They also make rebuilt homes more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Tina Brotherton, 88, right, gets help from 9-year-old neighbor Lainey Hamelink as she surveys the wreckage of her business, Tina’s Dockside Inn. It was completely destroyed in Hurricane Idalia, as was Brotherton’s nearby home, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., in 2023.
    AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

    Less coordination and communication

    HUD has also removed a requirement for the nonprofits, local governments and other recipients of CDBG-DR grants to create and convene citizen advisory groups. That change took effect on March 24, 2025.

    These groups, which have long made it easier for local communities to have a say regarding federally funded disaster recovery efforts, have played an important role in making sure those efforts reflect the needs and priorities of local residents – especially those most affected.

    While eliminating this step may make it easier and faster for local governments to spend the recovery funds allocated for their communities, it also means there’s less opportunity for their own communities to influence how those funds are spent. Without that input, recovery efforts fail to resolve the real challenges people are facing.

    Staffing and funding cuts

    The White House’s 2026 budget proposal retains the HUD program that distributes disaster recovery grants while eliminating the related Community Development Block Grant program, which helps people experiencing homelessness and also funds everything from child care to services for older people.

    I’m concerned about how CDBG-DR grants will be distributed, apart from the program’s changes. HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, which administers the CDBG-DR program, is slated to lose 84% of its staff, according to widespread media reports published earlier this year.

    The Trump administration is also calling for cutting HUD’s staff, and President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget would cut the agency’s entire budget in half.

    In its March 25 HUD memo, the Trump administration framed these policy changes as a way to streamline recovery efforts and provide greater flexibility in the use of federal disaster funds. The memo also asserted that the changes were needed for compliance with executive orders that banned the use of diversity, equity and inclusion criteria and hiring practices that the administration considers to be discrimintory.

    But critics of the policy rollbacks, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which advocates affordable housing, worry that removing long-standing safeguards could weaken the CDBG-DR program’s core mission of equitably distributing aid and building resilient communities. The standards and community input systems HUD has abandoned, the coalition says, have historically helped ensure that disaster recovery funds reach the people who need them most.

    Ivis García does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience – https://theconversation.com/low-income-homeowners-hit-by-disasters-may-get-less-help-from-the-government-as-trump-administration-nixes-rules-on-fairness-community-input-and-resilience-257439

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3rd China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicks off 2025-06-20 19:28:59 The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicked off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      By Wang Hui and Xing Yang

      The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicks off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.

      GUIYANG, China, June 20 — The third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange kicked off in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025. More than 160 participants including defense policy officials, relevant experts and scholars, and representatives of think tanks from China, ASEAN countries, and Timor-Leste attended the event.

      Themed on “Jointly Promote Regional Peace and Build a Safe and Secure Home”, the three-day event is hosted by the Academy of Military Sciences of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

      During the event, the representatives had in-depth discussions on the central topic of “Shared Future: Current Situation and Vision of China-ASEAN Defense Cooperation”. They reviewed the positive progress made in China-ASEAN defense cooperation, analyzed new opportunities and challenges in the current regional security situation, and shared views on how to deepen mutual trust, expand fields of cooperation, innovate in cooperation mechanisms, and effectively respond to common security threats. They will also have deeper exchanges on four key topics, namely “Roles of ASEAN in the Evolving International Landscape”, “Institutional Innovation in Regional Security Architecture”, “Cooperation in Maritime Security and Crisis Management”, and “Military Applications and Governance of Emerging Technologies”.

      The first China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange was held in October 2019.

      Participants from home and abroad attend the third China-ASEAN Defense Think Tank Exchange in Guiyang City, southwest China’s Guizhou Province on June 19, 2025.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort opens to public for trial operations

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

    LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort began public trial operations on Friday, drawing enthusiastic visitors to explore LEGO-themed attractions ahead of its official opening on July 5.

    Under the bright summer sun, visitors paused to admire miniatures of landmarks in cities like Beijing and Shanghai crafted with LEGO bricks, with many trying their hand at building structures with an array of blocks.

    Various parts of the resort, including attractions, recreational facilities, transportation and communication services, are being continuously improved to ensure smooth operations and a high-quality visitor experience.

    The resort currently has approval to host up to 28,000 visitors per day. However, daily admission numbers will be adjusted based on weather conditions, seasonal changes and holidays to safeguard the safety and comfort of visitors.

    Adjacent to the resort, a digital ecological management platform monitors both the resort and its surrounding areas, enhancing operational efficiency and improving overall visitor experience.

    Located in Shanghai’s Jinshan District, the 318,000-square-meter resort is a LEGO theme park and hotel destination for children aged 2 to 12 and their families. The resort features over 75 interactive rides, shows and attractions, as well as thousands of LEGO models across eight immersive “lands.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Singaporean PM to visit China

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

    Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will pay an official visit to China from June 22 to 26 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Friday.

    Prime Minister Lawrence Wong chooses China as his first visit destination outside ASEAN since taking office in May, and this fully demonstrates the great importance he attaches to the development of China-Singapore relations, spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press briefing.

    During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with Wong. Premier Li Qiang will hold talks with Wong, and Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, will meet with him. The two sides will engage in an in-depth exchange of views on China-Singapore relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern, Guo said.

    Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Singapore relations have maintained positive momentum, Guo said, adding that in 2023, the leaders of the two countries announced the establishment of an all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore, which provides direction for the development of bilateral relations in the new era.

    This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, Guo noted, adding that China looks forward to enhancing strategic communication with Singapore through this visit. It is also looking forward to deepening cooperation with Singapore in various fields, jointly upholding multilateralism and free trade, and promoting the greater development of China-Singapore relations at a new starting point. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Joint Media Statement of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21)

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    1. The 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) was held on 20 June 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia, chaired by H.E. Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, AMMSTI Chair and Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia. The Meeting was attended by ministers, high level representatives from all 10 ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
     
    2. The Meeting congratulated Indonesia on successful hosting of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) and the 87th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-87) and related meetings, held from 16 to 20 June 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
     
    Download the full statement here.
    The post Joint Media Statement of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Information session for people affected by Scott Street fire

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Running from 1pm to 7pm, the drop-in session will allow residents or employees of local businesses directly or indirectly impacted by the blaze and subsequent road and building closures to meet Council staff and those from partner agencies who will be able to answer questions and provide advice.

    Fifty-five families have been displaced because of the blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

    Residents should arrive at the main entrance to the Council offices at 2 High Street, Perth.

    Information will be available on a range of issues including:

    • Housing
    • Welfare Rights
    • Local taxes
    • Access to properties
    • Donations
    • Mental Health and Wellbeing support
    • Social work
    • Community Support and engagement and more

    Councillor Eric Drysdale, Deputy Leader of Perth and Kinross Council and ward member for Perth City Centre, said: “The devastating consequences of last weekend’s tragic fire will be felt for months to come.

    “Our thoughts remain with those affected, not least the friends and relatives of the man who sadly lost his life in the blaze.

    “People who lived at 41 Scott Street lost everything and now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives. Residents and nearby businesses also face being unable to access their homes and premises for weeks or months. Whatever we can do to help them, we will.

    “The response from the people of Perth and Kinross to this emergency has been humbling. The generosity people and businesses have shown has been exemplary.

    “But we know that those affected will still have many questions as they begin to move forward. We want to do everything we can to help them and Tuesday’s event will, I believe, help provide some of those answers.

    “We know it is a long road ahead but will continue doing all we can to support those in their hour of need.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2025: Integration of Education, Science and Business

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The first day of the Polytechnic University at the Expoforum site during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was eventful. Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy took part in several events organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and also signed a number of cooperation agreements.

    In the morning, experts discussed the topic of personnel training to ensure technological leadership. Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova noted that one of the key steps taken to synchronize the personnel training process with the demands of industrial customers and taking into account the challenges associated with the reset of the geopolitical situation was the creation of advanced engineering schools. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Priority 2030 program, which was reconfigured this year in the direction of technological leadership. And in all projects launched on January 1, 2025, special attention is paid to personnel training. Therefore, the key principles in the new model of higher education are fundamentality, practice-orientedness and flexibility, which allows for the formation of an optimal personnel training scheme in communication with industrial partners.

    Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy developed the topic, sharing the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing practice-oriented learning, students completing real projects and R&D for industry, for which new educational technologies are used.

    “Each university has its own forms and formats of training that are closely related to the implementation of real industrial or technological tasks. The general public should know about this,” says Andrey Rudskoy. “The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has created a media activity rating, and it shows how a particular university works with different audiences, including future engineers or industrialists. I cannot help but note that Polytechnic University has been in the top three for the second year, including holding first place. We also won a grant from the ministry for the popularization of science, and I think that at the end of the year, a large work by our teachers, scientists, and colleagues from the industrial sector will be published, which will be called “Popularization of Digital Engineering Tools in the Activities of a Modern Engineering University within the Framework of the Concept of Achieving Technological Leadership in Russia.” A serious work, serious reviewers from the Academy of Sciences. Of course, we will send this book to all engineering universities so that they can learn something useful for themselves.”

    The discussion was also attended by Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko, Vice-Rector for Science and Digital Development of Bauman Moscow State Technical University Pavel Drogovoz, Acting Rector of Tomsk Polytechnic University Leonid Sukhikh, Director of the Young Professionals Department of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexander Vaino. The session was moderated by Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Zemtsov.

    The topic of interaction between universities and businesses was developed at the afternoon session “Cooperation between universities and industries to achieve technological leadership goals,” which was held by Andrey Sharonov, CEO of the National Alliance for Social and Environmental Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Digital Platforms.

    In order for Russia to achieve technological leadership and move to a modern system of higher education, it is necessary not only to reform the work of universities from within, but also to significantly strengthen their ties with the business community. The session participants discussed which forms of interaction between universities and businesses show the best results in strengthening the country’s technological potential; how partnerships with companies affect the level of professional training of students, the relevance of curricula, and graduates’ chances of finding a job; how to organize the productive participation of business representatives in the development of educational programs, the educational process, and students’ project activities; what role the state should play in the development and dissemination of effective models of interaction between universities and industry, etc.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev named the principles of strategic reorientation. The first is focusing on state and industry priorities of technological development, the second is building a unique architecture of interaction with partners by universities. It is important to take into account that the work should be carried out for the future, including the creation of those industries and specialties that do not yet exist, but there is an understanding that they will be needed. It is necessary to reboot all key development programs, such as Priority 2030, PIS, Campus, etc. And, finally, this is a new model of higher education, which is being built in an active dialogue with employers, industrial partners and represents a single fundamental, professional and socio-ideological core with a real practice-oriented educational programs and early professionalization, immersion in real projects and tasks, while being flexible, with the ability to adjust educational programs and sets of competencies to the tasks of technological development of industries.

    SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, using the example of the Polytechnic University, showed that effective interaction with partner companies makes it possible to promptly update educational programs, making them as compliant as possible with the requirements of the modern labor market, and also contributes to the faster implementation of innovative developments.

    Ensuring technological leadership is a common task, and the university today is an active participant in this large-scale work, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

    The session was also attended by Olga Dergunova, Senior Vice President — Head of VTB-Education at VTB Bank, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University; Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank; Rostislav Kovalevsky, Director of Innovations at EFKO Management Company; Oleg Krestinin, CEO of METALLOINVEST Management Company; and Kirill Menshov, Senior Vice President, Head of the Technology Block at Sberbank.

    In addition to participating in panel discussions, the rector of SPbPU met with business partners at the St. Petersburg stand to conclude cooperation agreements. As the head of the university coordinating the activities of the consortium “Russian-African Network University” (RAFU), Andrey Rudskoy signed an agreement on the accession of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences to RAFU. The agreement was also signed by the director of the Institute of Africa Irina Abramova.

    Currently, the consortium includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 countries. The Institute of Africa’s accession to the consortium is very important, because it is focused specifically on working with African countries, studying their history, culture, and everyday life. I am confident that our new partner will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of this continent and the peoples inhabiting it, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

    “It is a great honor for me to become a member of this network university, because Africa is, first and foremost, people. In 2100, 40 percent of the world’s population will live in Africa, which means that a lot will change, and we need to prepare for this now,” added Irina Abramova. “The most important thing is, what will the people who make up 40 percent of the population be like? First of all, they must be educated, they must be self-sufficient, but at the same time, they must preserve their culture and traditions. And it is precisely the preparation of such friendly elites who protect national interests and look to the future that the network university is engaged in.”

    At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Andrey Rudskoy represents not only the Polytechnic University, but also the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which he has headed since 2023. As Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he signed several cooperation agreements.

    The subject of the agreement with the Archival Committee of St. Petersburg was the establishment of partnership relations and the development of long-term and effective cooperation, which includes educational activities and the holding of popular science events.

    Andrey Rudskoy and the Chairman of the Archive Committee of St. Petersburg Pyotr Tishchenko agreed that the goal of cooperation would be to unite the efforts of the scientific and educational community to improve the scientific, educational and cultural level of the population of the Russian Federation; dissemination of knowledge about the history of Russia and its achievements, milestones in the development of the Russian Academy of Sciences; objective coverage of historical facts and events; development of scientific, educational and educational projects; holding joint cultural and educational events; popularization of domestic science; assistance in increasing the prestige of scientific activity, etc.

    After the signing ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy shared a secret: We are currently deciding on the creation of a museum of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences on 5 University Embankment. And without the Central Archive, it will be difficult for us, because it contains a huge mass of documents that reflect the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal files, letters of outstanding people, academics, travelers. I hope that we will creatively bring this project to life together.

    Pyotr Tishchenko said that on June 9, thanks to the help of scientists from the Institute of History, a decree from the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great, on how to build in the Northern capital was discovered in the Central Archive.

    “Without a scientific basis, we will not be able to extract more benefit from the treasure that archives store,” the head of the Archives Committee believes. “But the most difficult thing is to capture our history in a world where digital has become a part of life as reliably as our predecessors preserved the memory of the past. Science should help build archives of the future and teach how to work in them using modern tools, so we are joining forces.”

    A cooperation agreement was also concluded between the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing was attended by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Katenev.

    The agreement provides for the development of a strategic partnership for the joint implementation of scientific, applied and innovative projects; assistance in bringing high-tech solutions developed on the basis of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the market; the formation of a sustainable ecosystem of interaction between science, industry, business support institutions and education; support for the export potential of science-intensive products and competencies; the development of mechanisms for certification, independent assessment and promotion of scientific results; joint training and retraining of specialists taking into account modern industrial requirements and technological trends.

    The partners hope that the cooperation will contribute to strengthening the interaction between science and business, developing innovative and technological cooperation, popularizing the results of scientific activity and supporting entrepreneurship.

    “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites all the leading enterprises of St. Petersburg, it is at the forefront of all projects that are being implemented in the industry and economy of our city,” Andrey Rudskoy noted after the signing. “And, of course, this is of utmost importance to us, because I am sure that our science in symbiosis with enterprises, in addition to the fundamental, has great practical significance. Most importantly, we are faced with a colossal task – to achieve technological leadership, and here we must jointly make every effort.”

    “Maybe I’ll say it pragmatically, but our task is to monetize the achievements that exist in our big science, so that it doesn’t turn out like in the story of Lefty, who shoed a flea, and that’s where the business ended,” Vladimir Katenyov supported. “We must bring the achievements of science to the people, to our industry, we really value this cooperation and will work with great pleasure.”

    The work at the stand ended with the signing of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, OOO Expert Analytics Center and Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District.

    The documents were signed by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, the General Director of the Expert Analytics Center Kristina Muravyova and the Director of the Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Shchelkanov.

    The ceremony participants confirmed their desire to improve the quality and depth of scientific and analytical research, expand areas and directions of cooperation, create intra-Russian scientific collaborations, and support joint projects, competitions, and awards.

    “For us, the analysis of the activities of academic institutes is very important, this will allow them to find partners from among enterprises, on the basis of which they could realize their interests,” commented Andrey Rudskoy. “The second point is that we are interested in international activities. Here we must be careful, but, on the other hand, expand contacts between organizations. And the third, of course, is the popularization of science.”

    “The TechUspekh award is already successfully operating at the federal level, and we would like to hold it in the regions as well,” Aleksandr Shchelkanov supported. “Our format is to popularize technologies, investments, what is interesting to the business audience, but we need to strengthen expertise. That is why we have had the Opinion Leader award for two years now, and I think that an entire nomination will be dedicated to science, and it will be possible to compete in a fair and competitive struggle, because both readers and the expert community vote.”

    “In addition to information support, we will be directly involved in scientific and analytical work,” Kristina Muravyova revealed the details of the cooperation. “Working with RAS academicians gives us the opportunity to apply real research in big science in practice and show businesses that innovations can be quickly applied and it is not necessary to wedge in only at the stage when you can make a profit from it, but sometimes it is profitable to stand at the origins of fundamental research in order to be ahead of the rest of the world. And given that technological progress is now moving at a rapid pace, we hope that the combination of academicians’ expertise in fundamental science and experts with deep industry knowledge will allow the academy to participate, among other things, in monitoring the formation of routing maps for project implementation at all stages, including investment and commissioning. In order to understand whether it is worth launching a project or not, such an expert association, in our opinion, will be as comfortable as possible for both business and the state. And here the academy takes on the main role in order to be a guarantor of security.”

    Read about other events of SPIEF-2025 in our next publications.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pavel Zhukov: “Musical Changes” gave the orchestra the opportunity to constantly be in good shape”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Ingenium is an engineer and a genius in one word, and it is also the new name of the Polytechnic pop-symphony orchestra, for which the 2024–2025 creative season was on the rise. On October 15 last year, it was the orchestra under the direction of Dmitry Misiura launched a new original project “Musical break”. In early April, the orchestra became a first-degree laureate of the IV International Arts Prize-Contest “Embodiment of Mastery”. And at the end of the month, the musicians took first place at the festival “Student Spring”— the most significant annual creative competition of student groups from universities in the North-West.

    And since February 2024, the orchestra has had a second conductor, Pavel Zhukov, a master’s student. Today, Pavel is already a graduate of the Polytechnic University, but continues to work in the orchestra. What is an orchestra for students, how are concerts and rehearsals held, and what is it like to find yourself at the conductor’s stand, Read in our traditional section “Person”.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Student Mikhail Pupkov took part in the event in memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    On June 19, SPbGASU student Mikhail Pupkov took part in the event as part of a delegation of St. Petersburg students

    On this day, there was a trip to the Z. G. Kolobanov Museum “Battle for Leningrad”, where we were able to delve deeper into the history of the defense of the hero city, learn about the exploits of the defenders of Leningrad and the legendary tank battle under the command of Zinovy Kolobanov himself.

    The day ended with a ceremonial laying of flowers at the “Polutorka” monument, which depicts a truck – a symbol of the Road of Life, which saved thousands of Leningraders during the blockade years.

    Mikhail emphasized: “The trip left a deep mark on my heart. I was especially moved by the story of the feat of Zinoviy Kolobanov and his crew, who destroyed 22 enemy tanks in one battle – a true example of courage and military skill. And laying flowers at the “Polutorka” reminded us of the price paid for the Victory and the salvation of the besieged city. Such moments make us appreciate the peaceful sky above our heads and the memory of those who gave it to us even more. Thank you to the organizers for the opportunity to touch history!”

    We thank the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution “Record Youth House” for organizing the trip.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Central Asia embrace new cooperation opportunities

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

    XI’AN, June 20 — The rhythmic clatter of wheels on rail tracks echoed the fading tinkle of camel bells, heralding a renaissance of the ancient and timeless Silk Road, invigorated by blossoming cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.

    With the second China-Central Asia Summit having concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this week, both sides are seizing fresh opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, vowing to uphold multilateralism, consolidate the multilateral trading system, and deepen cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and energy.

    Since the inaugural summit held two years ago in Xi’an, a historic city in northwest China, cooperation between China and Central Asia has drawn these land-linked economies closer to each other, yielding mutually beneficial outcomes across various sectors.

    ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY

    Xi’an, once a bustling gateway to the Silk Road, is witnessing the revival of this ancient trade route, with a recently launched international tourist train service making exchanges between China and Kazakhstan easier.

    As a hallmark achievement of the 2023 summit, this 3,000-kilometer journey connects Xi’an in Shaanxi Province with Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Traversing snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, what makes this train route truly special is the opportunities it provides for cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Such cultural interactions can, notably, also translate into valuable business opportunities.

    During the train’s maiden journey in 2025, Yuan Li, head of a Xi’an-based home furnishings company, immersed herself in Central Asian culture. She drew design inspiration from Kazakh embroidery to enrich her business options, saying that her company would invite artisans from both China and Kazakhstan to co-design a Silk Road-themed home collection.

    This train route is one of many vivid examples of enhanced regional connectivity between China and Central Asian countries. In December 2024, the commencement ceremony of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan. The railway is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic link between China and Central Asia.

    Once completed, the railway will become a strategic corridor benefiting all the three countries and their peoples, contributing to regional economic and social development and playing a significant role in promoting infrastructure connectivity, economic and trade exchanges, and high-quality development of the Belt and Road.

    On a broader scale, cooperation between China and Central Asia is bringing Asia and Europe closer together and at a faster pace, thanks to the China-Europe freight train service. This train service passes through cities like Almaty and Tashkent, transforming them into bustling transit hubs. It now reaches 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

    Central Asia serves as a hub connecting China with the Eurasian continent, and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has promoted connectivity in infrastructure, energy and trade, said Xu Xiaotian, a researcher with Heilongjiang University in northeast China. “Through economic integration, security collaboration and cultural exchanges, China and Central Asian nations are establishing a tighter network of cooperation,” Xu said.

    “China’s cooperation with Central Asian countries contributes to mutual development and strengthens ties in science, education, culture and socio-economic fields, which are crucial for the stability, development, well-being and prosperity of the entire region,” said Rashid Yusupov, director of the Center for Belt and Road Studies of Kyrgyz State University.

    SHARED PROSPERITY

    In March, a shipment of 16,000 apple seedlings from the city of Weinan, Shaanxi Province, entered Tajikistan through the Karasu Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang. This marked the province’s first-ever export of apple saplings to Tajikistan. Historically, Central Asia is one of the regions from which apples migrated to China.

    According to Liu Zhanyuan, an official with Xi’an customs, these saplings will be planted in an apple orchard commemorating the friendship between China and Tajikistan. The orchard is a project to implement the outcomes of the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit.

    “By sharing advanced apple cultivation techniques and management expertise with Tajikistan, the project will help local farmers improve apple yields and quality,” Liu added.

    The apple orchard project exemplifies the deepening ties between China and Central Asia, where cooperation across various sectors is translating into tangible economic benefits.

    According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking an increase of 5.4 billion year on year. In the first four months of this year, bilateral trade hit 173.05 billion yuan (about 24.13 billion U.S. dollars), a 37.3-percent surge compared to the same period last year.

    China and Central Asian countries have not only seen a significant increase in trade value but also expanded their economic cooperation into various sectors — creating a comprehensive and multifaceted mutually beneficial economic relationship, Xu said.

    Looking ahead to future cooperation between China and Central Asia, Li Ziguo, an expert with the China Institute of International Studies, said that driven by a new wave of technological revolution, digital economy and e-commerce are emerging as new growth areas for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

    Moving forward, a series of big data cooperation projects will provide a more efficient and stable network environment for information exchange and resource sharing between China and Central Asian countries, thereby further unlocking digital dividends in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and e-commerce, Li added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at HKEX 25th Anniversary Celebrations (English only)(with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the HKEX 25th Anniversary Celebrations today (June 20):
     
    Deputy Director Yin Zonghua (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR), Carlson (Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Mr Carlson Tong), Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Dr Kelvin Wong), ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good evening. I’m delighted to be here on this special anniversary occasion. Delighted, too, that I get to strike the gong, in just a few minutes, with Carlson.
     
    First and foremost, my warmest congratulations to HKEX on its 25th anniversary. The transformation of HKEX reflects the extraordinary rise of our country and Hong Kong, over the past quarter of a century, underlining our pivotal role in supporting the opening-up of the Mainland’s financial markets.
     
    It’s a testament, too, to the bold and progressive reforms that have reshaped our listing regime. The HKEX itself is part of that reform, where the demutualisation of its predecessors and the listing of HKEX had opened up vast new horizons for growth and development. Since then, landmark initiatives such as the Connect Schemes, as well as the introduction of Chapter 18A and 18C, continue to unlock value and create fresh opportunities for market participants. 
     
    As we celebrate these and many other achievements, it is also important to look ahead. With a solid foundation built over the past 25 years, what’s next?
     
    Let us bear in mind that HKEX is far more than just another listed company. It is a cornerstone of our financial system, a trusted partner of the Government and regulators, and a key participant in safeguarding Hong Kong’s financial security and enhancing market competitiveness. In this connection, allow me to share a few observations important to the continuing success of HKEX and our financial sector.
     
    First, internationalisation. Hong Kong has long been the premier listing venue for Mainland companies. Today, nearly 60 per cent of our 2 600 listed companies are from the Mainland. They account for over 80 per cent of total market capitalisation.
     
    Amid growing geopolitical challenges, Hong Kong has become a safe harbour for international investors seeking to diversify their portfolios. With stronger market liquidity and an increasingly global investor base, HKEX can also emerge as a preferred listing platform for companies from ASEAN, the Middle East and other regions — especially those that find it challenging to access capital markets in the US or Europe.
     
    I am pleased to note that HKEX has already taken critical steps in this direction, including recognising more overseas exchanges to enable dual-primary and secondary listings. These efforts can only enhance the diversity, depth and resilience of our market.
     
    Second, embracing innovation. HKEX consistently demonstrates leadership in expanding product offerings. The development of our exchange-traded products’ market is a prime example. Since the launch of the Tracker Fund in 1999, our ETP market has grown significantly — covering a wide range of asset classes, including equities, bonds, derivatives and, most recently, digital assets. ETPs now account for over 15 per cent of total stock market turnover.
     
    The opportunities in digital assets are vast. From tokenisation and smart contracts to the trading of real-world assets — it’s a new frontier for global finance, and Hong Kong must be at the forefront.
     
    Equally promising is the development of innovative financial products to support the green transition, including carbon trading and other climate-focused instruments.
     
    Third, enhancing market infrastructure and transaction efficiency. 
     
    That includes shortening the settlement cycle. While markets in the US and Europe have already adopted or are moving to the T+1 settlement cycle, much of Asia is still assessing the path forward. HKEX, I’m pleased to say, should be technically ready for T+1 settlement by year’s end. I look to Hong Kong to become a first mover in the region.
     
    And if Hong Kong is to maintain its status as a world-class financial centre, we must also continue to reduce transaction costs and enhance market efficiency.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, at this time of profound change and new challenges in global financial markets, Hong Kong must act decisively to capture the emerging opportunities.
     
    With its strong foundation, strategic vision, global connectivity and staunch government support, HKEX is doing just that. And I am confident it will continue to lead and help our markets scale new heights.
     
    Once again, congratulations HKEX on your landmark 25th listing anniversary. I wish you continuing success in the years to come. Hong Kong, and this speaker, is banking on it.
     
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Fino Payments Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated June 06, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹29.60 lakh (Rupees Twenty Nine Lakh Sixty Thousand only) on Fino Payments Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Licensing of Payments Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2024) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank breached the regulatory ceiling of end of the day balance, as applicable for a payments bank, in certain accounts on several occasions.

    The action is based on the deficiencies in the regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/574

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Steering Committee Meeting of Regional Trial Monitoring Project Shows Unified Commitment to Justice Reform in Kosovo

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Steering Committee Meeting of Regional Trial Monitoring Project Shows Unified Commitment to Justice Reform in Kosovo

    Steering Committee Meeting of Regional Trial Monitoring Project Shows Unified Commitment to Justice Reform in Kosovo | OSCE

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on Local Government Reorganisation: Take survey

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth residents are being asked if they want their city to be part of the Government’s plans to reorganise local councils.

    Portsmouth City Council has today launched a short survey to give local people a voice in central plans for a major shake-up of how local services are delivered. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete, and is only open until Sunday 29 June at midnight, because of the need to gather views at pace.

    Take the survey here

    Under its plans for Local Government Reorganisation, central Government is looking to replace existing councils with new bigger councils, covering areas of around 500,000 people.

    This would see Portsmouth City Council replaced by a new authority looking after a larger area.

    Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

    “Our priority is to get the best possible outcome for people and communities in Portsmouth.

    “We’ve said from the beginning that Portsmouth should be left out of the Local Government Reorganisation plans, because we already have one council which is financially stable. However, we are being forced to present to government plans to reorganise, so it’s really important we hear from Portsmouth people, before any options are submitted.

    “We’re working with other councils in the region and there will be some countywide engagement in the coming weeks. Ahead of that we need to gather local views at pace, which is why we need to complete this survey in a short time. It takes less than five minutes to complete and I strongly urge as many people as possible to take part so we can ensure local opinion is represented.”

    Government has said, because Portsmouth’s population is around 208,000, Portsmouth City Council will have to take part and merge with other councils. Portsmouth is working with other councils in Hampshire and the Solent to prepare region-wide options.

    The survey asks residents if they think Portsmouth should be included in local government reorganisation, and if it were forced to by the Government which councils it should consider merging with.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landlord fined again for safety breaches on Derby property

    Source: City of Derby

    A landlord has faced prosecution for the second time this year due to neglecting safety standards at a property he owns in Derby.

    Ramazan Ali of Northdown Road, Nottingham was fined £10,000 for failing to comply with an Improvement Notice.

    The Notice was issued in July 2024 after Derby City Council’s Housing Standards Team conducted an inspection of the property on Eton Street, uncovering several serious safety concerns. Among these were three category 1 hazards and six category 2 hazards, which included issues such as damp and mould, excess cold, and risks related to fire safety and falls.

    As a result of significant leaks, the kitchen ceiling had partially collapsed.  Mr Ali failed to carry out any of the remedial actions outlined in the Notice.

    At Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on 9 June, he was found guilty in his absence. He was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £2000 and costs of £2498.

    This followed a prosecution in March 2025, when Mr Ali was found guilty of failing to produce documents after tenants contacted the Council’s Housing Standards team with concerns about safety at the property.

    He was fined £2000 with costs and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £800.

    In a separate case, Ryan Jones was prosecuted by the Housing Standards Team following a referral from Derby Homes. The charges related to a property on Baker Street, where Mr Jones, 56, failed to provide official records of rental income and disclose the names of other people with a financial or legal interest in the property.

    The case was heard in Mr Jones’s absence at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court, where he did not enter a plea. The magistrates treated the matter as a single offence, finding Mr Jones guilty. He was fined £660 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £264.

    Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services said:

    Ensuring our residents live in safe, well-maintained homes continues to be a priority for us.

    These prosecutions send a clear message that we will not tolerate landlords who compromise the safety and well-being of their tenants.

    We will continue to act in the best interests of the residents who are subjected to poor housing conditions, and we will take action against those responsible.

    I would encourage anyone with concerns about their rented property or their landlord to report this to our team.

    Tenants can contact the Housing Standards team via the Derby City Council website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates local measles infection case

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates local measles infection case 
    The case involves a 28-year-old female. She sought treatment from a private doctor on June 11 for fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. She developed a skin rash on June 13 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital twice, once on the same day and again on the following day. She was admitted for treatment on June 14. Her blood sample tested positive for antibodies of measles virus upon laboratory testing. She remains hospitalised and is in stable condition.
     
    An epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient was uncertain whether she had received a measles vaccination. She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her six household contacts are currently asymptomatic. During the communicable period, the patient had visited the Kowloon City Baptist Church Kindergarten, located at 206 Argyle Street in Kowloon City. The CHP is conducting medical surveillance on approximately 170 staff members and students of the kindergarten concerned.

    As measles is highly infectious, the CHP will set up an enquiry hotline (2125 2372) for contact tracing of the case. The CHP appeals to those who visited the Kowloon City Baptist Church Kindergarten between 11.30am and 12.30pm on June 9 or 10 to call the hotline. Officers of the CHP will assess their conditions and offer health advice. The hotline will operate from 9am to 1pm tomorrow (June 21) and June 22, and from 9am to 5pm between June 23 and 27.
     
    The investigations are ongoing. 
    The number of measles cases in some overseas countries remains at a high level this year. The outbreaks in North America (including the United States and Canada), Europe and neighbouring areas (including Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines) are ongoing due to the relatively low vaccination rate. Furthermore, an increasing number of measles cases have also been recorded in Japan and Australia this year. For those who plan to travel to measles-endemic areas, they should check their vaccination records and medical history as early as possible. If they have not been diagnosed with measles through laboratory tests and have never received two doses of measles vaccine or are not sure if they have received a measles vaccine, they should consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to their trip for vaccination.
    ???
    Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:
     For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic pageIssued at HKT 19:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: Educating the Educators

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    It took only a few minutes for Lawrence Ward ’92 (BUS) and Andrea Chapdelaine ’91 MA, ’93 Ph.D. to develop a friendship over, of all things, the construction of Gampel Pavilion.

    As Huskies in the late ’80s to early ’90s, they didn’t know each other, but both lived close to the stadium and watched it being built prior to its 1990 grand opening. Chapdelaine describes watching construction workers eat lunch through the windows of her dorm. Ward vividly recalls chanting U-C-O-N-N with Big Red during the inaugural basketball game — when the UConn men beat St. John’s 72–58.

    “In those days you could walk into the games without a ticket,” Chapdelaine says, moving on to Memorial Stadium memories. “My friends and I always went to the football games — to be seen,” says Ward, laughing.

    In a fateful twist, these two higher education leaders returned to Connecticut to start new jobs last July. Ward left Babson College in Massachusetts to become president of the University of Hartford; Chapdelaine left the presidency of Hood College in Maryland to lead Connecticut College.

    Although they’d been introduced once at an event, this virtual interview is the first chance they’ve had to get to know each other, sharing their views of higher education from the top and the ways they try to balance tremendous responsibilities with some serious fun.

    Q: What drew you to Connecticut? Was it more than the job?

    Chapdelaine: I was in my ninth year as president at Hood and was committed to several more. But I had taught at Trinity in the past, and I loved the similarities at Connecticut College, and also the distinctions. I felt I could do well here, and coming to Connecticut was a bonus. I’m only about an hour from my hometown of Chicopee, Massachusetts, and my husband is from that area too. It’s really nice to be close to family again.

    Ward: There is something special about coming home. My family lived in Hartford since the 1940s. My father escaped the Klan in deep Georgia, and Hartford became his landing place. So for me, it is powerful to come back to the place that was a refuge for my father. The city provided refuge and new beginnings for both of my parents. My mother came to Hartford as a young girl after her father died. My grandmother worked for the Hartford Electric Company here as a chambermaid. I had some of my grandmother’s HELCO service pins made into cufflinks and wore them at my inauguration.

    Read on for more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Higher Education hosts youth outreach in Mpumalanga

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Higher Education and Training has successfully held a Youth Month Community Outreach Programme at Ehlanzeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, supporting students and local youth in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

    The week’s programme, held in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe’s Helpdesk, provided a vital platform for students to raise concerns and receive real-time assistance on matters including funding queries, delayed results, and the issuance of diplomas and certificates.

    “The Youth Month Community Outreach Programme aims to deliver higher education support services directly to students. It is important for us as a department to always be visible, responsive, and impactful, so our students can progress well academically,” Gondwe said during the engagement.

    The Deputy Minister said the helpdesk will continue to play a crucial role in the programme, providing support to all students and addressing queries in real time, marking a significant step in ensuring effective student engagement.

    Upon assuming office, the Deputy Minister quickly established the helpdesk, showing the government’s dedication to supporting students and stakeholders in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

    Among the most frequently managed queries are tracking of student diploma applications, NSFAS related matter including applications, appeals, issuing of allowances, student admissions, and verification of registered institutions of higher education.

    To ensure efficient and accurate support, the helpdesk works in close coordination with key units within the Department of Higher Education and Training. These include the Examinations and Diplomas section, as well as the TVET and university branches within the department, and NSFAS.

    To date, the DM’s helpdesk has handled a total of 27 658 queries, with an impressive resolution rate of 89%.

    “I am encouraged by the positive and visible impact the Helpdesk is making in the PSET sector. It provides students and stakeholders with a trusted platform to escalate their issues. I urge students to continue using this service and to contact us at DMsdesk@dhet.gov.za,” the Deputy Minister said.

    The Youth Month Community Outreach Programme will head to the Western Cape next week. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: All-India House Price Index (HPI) for Q4:2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Today, the Reserve Bank released its quarterly house price index (HPI)1 (base: 2010-11=100) for Q4:2024-25, based on transaction-level data received from the registration authorities in ten major cities2. Time series data on all-India and city-wise HPIs are available at the Bank’s database on Indian economy (DBIE) portal (https://data.rbi.org.in/DBIE/#/dbie/home> Statistics > Real Sector > Prices & Wages).

    Highlights:

    • All-India HPI increased by 3.1 per cent (y-o-y) in Q4:2024-25 as compared with 3.1 per cent growth in the previous quarter and 4.1 per cent growth a year ago; annual HPI growth varied widely across the cities – ranging from a high growth of 8.8 per cent (Kolkata) to a contraction of 2.3 per cent (Kochi).

    • On a sequential (q-o-q) basis, all-India HPI increased by 0.9 per cent in Q4:2024-25; Bengaluru, Jaipur, Kolkata and Chennai are the major cities recording a sequential rise in house prices during the latest quarter.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/573

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Nominate Next-Gen Scientists Driving AI and Biotech Innovation Singapore | 20 June 2025 APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    The search is underway for outstanding young scientists whose cross-border research in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is addressing some of the Asia-Pacific’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

    Nominations are now open for the 2025 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education, or ASPIRE, under the theme “Toward AI-Bio Convergence: AI-based Inclusive Biotechnology Solving Social Challenges.” In line with APEC 2025’s focus on digital innovation and inclusive growth, this year’s theme highlights the potential of AI-powered biotechnology to improve health equity, food security, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience across the region.

    “This year’s ASPIRE theme reflects the growing need for policy-relevant science that bridges disciplines and borders,” said Rahima Kandahari, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI).

    “By highlighting the convergence of AI and biotechnology, we aim to draw attention to innovations that can deliver practical, inclusive solutions to complex regional challenges, and also reinforces the importance of scientific cooperation and innovation in advancing shared APEC goals.”

    Each APEC economy may nominate one scientist under the age of 40 for the annual prize. Nominees will be evaluated for their excellence in scientific research, evidenced by scholarly publications, and their dedication to cross-economy collaboration, particularly on interdisciplinary projects aligned with the year’s theme.

    “Korea places great importance on empowering young researchers to develop innovative solutions to address complex global challenges. That is why we are proud to support this year’s ASPIRE, which recognizes excellence in cross-border, interdisciplinary science,” said Sunghoon Hwang, Director General of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea.

    “AI-bio convergence is a key emerging technology with the potential to transform how economies address longstanding issues such as aging populations, health inequities and sustainable agriculture,” Hwang added.

    Now in its 15th year, the prize supports APEC’s broader goals of enhancing science and technology cooperation, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Past winners have contributed to advancements in fields such as nutrition, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and public health.

    Recent awardees include Dr Zheng Liu of Singapore, who won the 2023 ASPIRE for his pioneering work on two-dimensional materials for sustainable energy and advanced electronics; and Dr Jingzheng Ren of Hong Kong, China, who received the 2022 prize for developing new models that balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Both exemplify the power of cross-border scientific collaboration to solve regional and global challenges.

    The winner of this year’s prize will receive USD 25,000, with prize funding provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, and will be recognized during the upcoming meeting in Korea on 13 August 2025.

    Nominations must be submitted by 1 July 2025 at 17:30 Singapore time. For eligibility requirements and submission guidelines, please visit the ASPIRE 2025 web page or contact your economy’s PPSTI representative.

     

    For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New supported living homes found to allow 16 disabled adults in Harpenden to live independently

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Sixteen adults supported by Harpenden Mencap have been provided with new homes in the town by St Albans City and District Council.

    Most of the adults, who have learning disabilities, were living at Harpenden Mencap’s Stairways site, in Douglas Road. 

    This residential care home and supported living facility opened in 1991 and is now in need of redevelopment.

    The charity appealed to the Council for help in finding accommodation for the adults in its care while options for the building are examined.

    The Council responded by identifying seven of its modern houses in Harpenden which could be leased to Harpenden Mencap and made suitable for their residents. 

    All the homes were specially adapted to provide flexible support for the adults, who have now moved in, and allow them considerable independence.

    Hertfordshire County Council’s Community Commissioning for Disabled Adults team (CCDA) were also involved in the project.

    They helped to ensure the homes – located in a quiet cul-de-sac –  were converted into a place where disabled people can lead healthy, purposeful and self-supporting lives.

    One of the Harpenden Mencap tenants said:

    I’m really excited to move to a new home overlooking the countryside where I can see horses from my bedroom window!

    Councillor Paul De Kort, the Council’s Leader, said:

    I am delighted that we were able to step in and find a solution to a housing problem that Harpenden Mencap made us aware of.

    This is an excellent example of what organisations can achieve while working in partnership with a shared purpose.

    Together with Harpenden Mencap and the CCDA, we’ve ensured local people can remain in their community and be empowered to live fulfilling lives.

    Providing these homes involved much careful planning and preparation, ensuring that the adults’ needs and aspirations were at the heart of this transition. The new homes will provide a safe and supportive environment but also foster independence and community connections.

    Angela Duce, Harpenden Mencap’s Chief Executive, said:

    The provision of these new homes has unblocked the housing problem faced by Harpenden Mencap for the past 15 years. It has been so refreshing to work creatively with the Council and CCDA, thinking ‘outside of the box’ to make this happen. 

    As we approach Harpenden Mencap’s 70th anniversary, we are one step closer to our aim to create sustainable, affordable accommodation for people with learning disabilities in the Harpenden area.

    Kelly Amiran, CCDA’s Commissioning Manager, said:

    The CCDA team has a clear ambition to assist care providers to create a place where disabled people lead healthy, purposeful and self-supporting lives.

    Following the key principles of adult care services’ strength-based practice model, ‘connected lives’, this has been at the forefront of working with Harpenden Mencap to achieve immediate but different outcomes whilst the future offer is considered for the site known as Stairways is reviewed. 

    Partnership working with Harpenden Mencap, Adult Disability and Brokerage teams has enabled all to share the same vision to enable people to build supportive networks in their own communities and live fulfilling lives with support they require to do this. This has allowed for people to remain living locally and being supported by local people, allowing maximum independence and maintaining relationships that are important to them.

    CCDA has seen commitment, innovation, and flexibility throughout this work. This has included effective use of technology, re modelling of outdated service models and buildings and moving forward the aim is that this is built upon and expanded.

    This programme has led to reduced number of people being support in residential care; development of a wider range of accommodation options with the current supported living offer; and an increase in the use of Direct Payments and choice as to how care needs are met.

    Photo: Harpenden Mencap tenants George, Niall and Rebecca at their new home.

    Contact for the media: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, 01727 819533, john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pride Edinburgh

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The annual Pride Edinburgh march takes place this weekend in what is Scotland’s longest running celebration of diversity.

    Ahead of the event, Council Leader Jane Meagher said:

    Once again, all the colours of the rainbow will paint our city for Pride. With the sun set to shine, this weekend’s march is set to be a fantastic celebration of inclusivity and respect and we’ll be flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers to show our solidarity. It’s likely to be busy in the city centre with some road closures in place at times, so please do plan ahead if you’re joining in the march and have a great, safe day out.

    See what’s on at Pride Edinburgh and keep an eye on traffic alerts with EdinTravel.

    Published: June 20th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council tax shake-up to deliver fairer billing and support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Council tax shake-up to deliver fairer billing and support

    Changes to the administration of council tax will make life easier for working people

    • Changes to the administration of council tax will make life easier for working people  

    • 12 monthly payments by default, fairer treatment for those struggling and clearer support for vulnerable households being considered 

    • Part of wider reforms to drive efficiency in local councils, deliver better public services and value for money, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    Working families across the country are set to benefit from these changes to the administration of council tax as government unveils plans to modernise the billing process to make it fairer, simpler and more supportive. 

    More manageable 12 monthly billing by default, action to crack down on punitive punishment for missed payments and fairer treatment for the most vulnerable households are all being considered by the government in the biggest changes to the operation of the council tax system since 1993. 

    The revamp could see better protection for those falling behind on bills by stopping debts spiralling while potentially capping the fees added to debt when going to court and changing  when a household may become liable for a full-year’s bill.  

    The government is already reviewing debt enforcement practices more widely including the conduct of bailiffs, that can be deployed when council tax bills go unpaid, to deliver a fairer system for those in need. 

    Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:  

    As part of our Plan for Change, we’re putting working people first.  

    We are listening and taking action to make council tax fairer, more transparent and easier to manage. Under our plans, local government will be there to support, and not to punish, people who fall behind.

    Today’s move follows a long running campaign by MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis and his charity the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) which have called for action on the “outdated” escalation that can happen when someone falls behind with their Council Tax payments. 

    Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com and The Money & Mental Health Policy Institute Charity, said:

    Many parts of the Council Tax system are broken, and having called for some of these fixes for nearly 20 years, I’m delighted the government has listened and rapidly launched this long-due consultation, including many of the administration areas I hear the most complaints on.  “Council Tax rapid and aggressive debt collection methods currently hurt millions and disproportionately affect those with mental health problems. Within three weeks of missing a monthly payment many councils say you must pay for the whole year… ridiculous, how can people who can’t afford to pay for a month, suddenly pay for a year? After a further three weeks councils can call bailiffs in and rack up charges on charges. No commercial lender is allowed to behave like this, meaning constituents are treated worse than consumers. Worse, it’s counter-productive, can add to council’s costs and still doesn’t mean people can pay it back. The government has listened to our evidence, and this consultation thankfully looks at slowing it down, adding-in consideration, capping added costs, and pointing people towards help to pay.

    Plus, as council tax bands haven’t been revalued since the stop-gap drive-by valuations first done back in 1991 – while looking at that isn’t in the scope of this consultation – it’s only right that if people think they’re wrongly in too high a band, as 100,000s likely are, the government is consulting on making it easier to challenge, so people can pay the right price. The consultation is also proposing help for some of the most vulnerable – we’ve long campaigned on the horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount, which is underclaimed, overcomplex and underpublicised, and this gives an opportunity to move towards a simpler, more universal, less off-putting application process.

    To help vulnerable families manage bills, the government intends to move billing to 12 monthly payments by default, rather than the current 10 monthly, this will spread the annual cost across a longer period meaning lower monthly payments for the average Band D household’s bill by £38 per month. This consultation is part of wider action being taken to support the financial resilience of families in our Child Poverty Strategy. 

    The government plans to modernise support available, including updating the definition of the Severe Mentally Impaired exemption and reviewing  whether current disregards for care workers and apprentices could be improved. Providing more information on what council tax bills are paying for and how to increase awareness of the support available is also being explored to boost transparency.   

    Council tax is essential for funding over 800 vital public services delivered by local authorities daily – but it has failed to keep pace with the changing needs of taxpayers. A renewed, more supportive, council tax billing system will enable households to better manage their bills, keep up with payments and help councils deliver improved front-line services.  

    Further information  

    • Minister McMahon Written Ministerial Statement can be read here. 

    • The consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here and will be open for 12 weeks. 

    • The Ministry of Justice is also consulting on the regulation of the debt enforcement sector (private bailiffs). Local authorities sometimes use bailiffs when council tax bills go unpaid. The consultation is open until the 21 July and can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK statement on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

    UK statement for the Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    We thank the Independent Expert for his steadfast commitment and inclusive approach to his mandate.

    We welcome the Independent Expert’s latest report. The report rightly highlights that forcibly displaced LGBT+ people face heightened risks of violence, discrimination and neglect.  

    The UK is fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, including for displaced LGBT+ persons. In recent years we have increased funding to organisations that support displaced LGBT+ persons, strengthening their organisational resilience and enabling delivery of critical services.  

    It is, however, important to recognise that many of the root causes of displacement highlighted in the report are a consequence of deep-rooted stigma and discriminatory laws and policies that criminalise LGBT+ people.  

    The UK would welcome further reflections from the Independent Expert on steps states could take to ensure that all people are protected from violence and discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.   

    Finally, we reaffirm our strong commitment to the renewal of the Independent Expert’s mandate, noting its vital importance in ending the violence and discrimination experienced by LGBT+ people around the world. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform

    An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county  

    • An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county   

    • New place-based, focussed formulas to target money to places most in need, replacing decade old data and outdated funding system 

    • Streamlined funding and multi-year settlements introduced in drive for council efficiency and improved public services as part of the Plan for Change  

     The local government funding system will be reformed to get councils back on stable footing, improve the lives for people across the country and deliver essential funding for better public services, delivering on the Plan for Change.   

     Working hand-in-hand with the sector, proposals will create a fairer system that reflects areas’ changing needs, differing delivery costs and the level of demand on front-line services that people rely on such as social care.  

    For too long, many residents have seen council tax hikes despite declining local services. This will be tackled by overhauling the decade old, outdated funding methodology currently used to fund councils, so allocations are made based on the latest and best available data and recognise the areas where demand for council services is greatest. As a result of these changes, left behind places will on balance see larger increases in available income. 

     It will also scrap existing competitive bidding processes councils often have to go through for small pots of money, simplifying the 300 grants that already exist to slash time waste in councils and Whitehall and prioritise value for taxpayer cash. This could help cut the almost 90,000 document pages historically required as part of the competitive processes.  This would be almost the equivalent of the drive from Birmingham to Wolverhampton, if laid end to end.  

     Targeting money to places in need, prioritising prevention and reforming public services as part of the government’s mission-driven agenda to deliver for working people, tackle poverty and drive growth across the country as part of a decade of renewal. These changes will deliver the Fair Funding Review launched by the previous government in 2017 but never actioned.  

    Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:

    We inherited a local government sector on its knees—councils pushed to the financial brink, facing rising demand, and working people not receiving the quality local services they rightly deserve. 

    There’s broad agreement across council leaders, experts, and parliamentarians that the current funding model is broken and unfair. This government is stepping up to deliver the fairer system promised in the 2017 Fair Funding Review but never delivered. 

    These reforms are urgently needed to put councils on a stable footing and ensure better services for residents — especially working people — right across the country. It’s a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver the outcomes people deserve.

     It follows last week’s additional funding announced in the Spending Review and the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement that saw £69 billion allocated for local authorities.  

    The eight-week consultation launched today sets out how the government will make funding allocations fairer for councils of all sizes and across all parts of England.   

    • Rural areas: proposals to recognise the remoteness of areas and account for the additional costs in delivering services in rural places;   

    • Urban areas: making sure that deprivation is properly recognised in the ‘assessment of need’ of councils, so that the vital services that support the poorest in communities are properly funded;  

    • Social care: updating the formula used to work out funding for local authorities that provide adult social care so it properly reflects the demands of our ageing population. We are also reforming children’s social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including ensuring councils are properly funded to help support and protect the most vulnerable children. While these reforms are underway, the Dedicated Schools Grant Statutory Override, which helps councils manage SEND costs, will stay in place until the end of 2027/28 and in addition we will introduce a bespoke formula to recognise Home to School transport costs;   

    • Resetting the business rates retention system: so that it incentivises local authorities to help their local economies grow by better matching the system to local need; and   

    • Consolidating billions in grant funds: so that councils no longer waste time or money bidding for small pots of funding, replacing it with a streamlined grant system that promotes prevention and public service reform, and reflects key missions in the Plan for Change. The Department estimates councils shelled out almost £70million in administrative costs and consultancy fees on bidding for the Levelling Up Fund and other bidding schemes.  

     The first multi-year settlement in a decade will also be brought forward in 2026-27 to finally provide council leaders with security and certainty over their finances, ending short-termism to deliver meaningful change to their communities.   

    These reforms, together with the additional funding announced through the spending review will ensure the vast majority of upper-tier councils will see real-terms increases in available funding over the multi-year settlement.  

    Further information  

    Minister McMahon’s Written Ministerial Statement can be read here.

    The consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here and will be open for 8 weeks  

    The response to the earlier consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here. 

    The government is proposing a transitional approach to the new funding system over a three year period, to enable local authorities to plan for changes.   

    No allocations for local authorities have been announced or confirmed yet. This will be announced in the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-27 later this year – the same approach as with previous years.    

    Building on action already taken in the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement, today’s announcement to streamline the grant system, local leaders will have more flexibility to spend on their voters’ priorities, drive efficiency in councils and deliver better value for taxpayer money.   

    Accountability and transparency over public spending will be bolstered through a greater focus on outcomes that reflect voters’ priorities.   

    Dr Ryan Swift, research fellow at IPPR North said: 

    “The last government implemented budget cuts that hammered local councils, especially in the most deprived areas, meaning fewer and poorer services for local people. 

    “But today things are looking up. Upping core funding, introducing multi-year funding settlements and ending competitive bidding processes will provide more stability so councils can plan for the future and improve. 

    “Today’s announcement is a step along the road to repairing council finances. Recognising demands on local services from factors like demographics and deprivation are crucial so that councils can deliver the services that people expect and deserve.” 

    Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, Chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) said: 

    “The significant reforms proposed by the government will deliver a fairer and more sustainable system and are a major and positive step forward.  

    “A decade of disproportionate cuts, outdated formulas and short-term settlements have left our members with shrinking resources, struggling to meet rising demand. It is therefore very welcome that there will now be a focus on delivering a funding system that supports the most deprived areas. This will build on the important work of the Recovery Grant.  

    “Simplifying the grant system and delivering a long-overdue multi-year settlement will bring about much-needed stability and certainty for councils. The government’s close engagement with the sector is testament to the reset in the relationship with local government, and we look forward to responding to the consultation and continuing to engage with the department.”  

    Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities, said: 

    “Councils are central to national renewal. They must be valued, properly funded, and adequately resourced to deliver essential services – from social care to affordable housing – which are under increasing strain. Key Cities’ inaugural survey of council leaders found that many are already turning to financial reserves and service redesigns, with asset sales, salary reductions and redundancies under active consideration.    

    “As the largest and most diverse urban network outside the capital, with 24 members, we have long championed the need for a funding reset: one that empowers local authorities and channels resources to the communities that need them most, driving inclusive national growth.      “What’s needed now is long-term funding certainty, replacing piecemeal interventions and enabling councils to focus on meeting local needs. Key Cities welcomes the launch of the Government’s second consultation on local government funding reform. We remain committed to working with the Government to shape a brighter future for our communities.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Admissions campaign launched at SPbGASU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    On June 20, SPbGASU started accepting documents for admission to the university. Applicants are awaited by six faculties and the Institute of Continuous Education of the oldest architectural and civil engineering university in Russia.

    Training will be provided in 34 bachelor’s degree programs, 8 specialist degree programs, and 25 master’s degree programs.

    1930 students will be able to enroll in the budget department. You can submit documents in one of the following ways: personally come to the admissions office; send them by Russian Post; send them through the State Services portal.

    Submitting documents on “Gosuslugi”

    To submit documents on the State Services portal, you should fill out an application, select no more than five universities and five areas in each (there may be more competition groups), send the application, sign up for entrance examinations if necessary, and submit consent to enroll in a priority university. Before the deadline for submitting documents, the application can be changed or revoked. The original school leaving certificate is not required at the university if it is confirmed in the Federal Register of Education Documents. When applying under a target quota, you should upload an application for targeted training.

    Information about individual achievements will be provided automatically on the State Services portal in the relevant section. If any documents and achievements are missing, they can be uploaded independently.

    The portal allows you to track the processing status of all applications by universities and competition groups and receive notifications. When an application is received, the status will change to “Received by the university”, and then to “Under consideration”. If everything is in order, the competition group status will change to “Participating in the competition”. University staff may ask the applicant to replace copies of documents that are difficult to read – in this case, a corresponding notification will be sent.

    All competition lists can be found directly on the State Services portal, as well as on the university website. Their publication will begin on July 27.

    Enrollment

    You can submit consent for enrollment in a priority university not only in person, but also electronically on the State Services portal. In this case, you do not need to bring the paper original to the university. Please note that the acceptance of consents for enrollment at the priority enrollment stage will end on August 1 at 12:00 Moscow time, and at the main enrollment stage – on August 5 at 12:00 Moscow time.

    It is important that in order to be enrolled in a budget-funded form of education, applicants must provide the university with consent for enrollment or put a mark on the State Services portal.

    Dormitory for the period of additional entrance examinations

    During the period of additional entrance examinations in the professional field (Architecture Department), SPbGASU provides out-of-town applicants and their parents (subject to availability) with the opportunity to live in the Interuniversity Student Campus of St. Petersburg (28 Basseynaya St., Park Pobedy metro station).

    All necessary information about admission to the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering is posted on the official website in the section “Applicants”: https: //vv.spbgasu.ru/Aplikants/

    If you have any questions, please check with the admissions committee specialists:HTTPS: //VVV.SPBGASU.ru/universiti/ surprise/ Reception-Commission

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –