NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sadiq delivers biggest ever single investment in London of £10m to tackle rough sleeping

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor announces record additional £10m investment, backing his commitment with Government to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2030
    • Additional funding package represents biggest ever single investment, more than any London Mayor, to tackle rough sleeping in the capital
    • New funding will transform and expand a network of Ending Homelessness Hubs across the capital, providing 24/7 specialist support for people new to rough sleeping and prevention services
    • Sadiq renews pledge to work with Government, boroughs and the homelessness sector to put London on a pathway to end rough sleeping via his spring 2025 Plan of Action

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced the biggest ever single investment of £10million to tackle the capital’s rough sleeping crisis – more than any London Mayor.

    With rough sleeping having risen across the country and recent City Hall data showing a 20 per cent annual increase in the number of Londoners on the streets for the first time, [1] Sadiq has committed a record extra £10m to his rough sleeping budget [2], focused on ‘prevention as well as cure’, to put the capital on a pathway to end rough sleeping for good by 2030.

    The funding will expand a network of ‘Ending Homelessness Hubs’. The hubs are safe places for people sleeping rough for the first time to be assessed by professional teams, so that plans can be made quickly to support them away from the streets in the long-term.

    The hubs build on the success of the Mayor’s four existing ‘No Second Night Out’ (NSNO) services, through which charity partner St Mungo’s deliver 24/7 specialist care and support for Londoners sleeping rough. This includes round-the-clock support in reconnecting service users with their families and friends, advice on what financial support they may be entitled to, helping to secure onward move-on accommodation, and mental health support.

    The expansion will establish an Ending Homelessness Hub for every sub-region of the capital [3], with a brand new fifth hub set to open in early 2026, helping an additional 500 people per year. For the first time ever, a new focus on prevention will be built into the service, meaning that teams will step in and provide support to high-risk Londoners before they spend a first night on the streets. These changes will be rolled out in co-ordination with London boroughs and the wider homelessness sector, and could see Ending Homelessness Hubs taking referrals from trusted partners such as day centres, even if individuals have not previously slept rough but are at immediate risk of doing so.

    The Mayor will also help more Londoners to exit rough sleeping for good through access to the long-term housing and support needed to rebuild their lives. In October last year, the Mayor announced his ‘Homes off the Streets’ drive, and today’s investment will provide the resources needed to bring more homes into this scheme, including Housing First – which gives people who are chronically homeless a home without any conditions.

    Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action, due to be published in the spring, which will establish a shared mission for ending rough sleeping – including the scale of funding required and the best mechanisms for achieving this ambition by 2030. 

    The Mayor today visited a south London NSNO Hub where he renewed his pledge to work closely with the Government, boroughs, and the homelessness sector to deliver innovative long-term solutions to the capital’s rough sleeping crisis.

    Sadiq is clear that ending rough sleeping in London for good will require every sector to step up and play their part – from health to housing, and social care to wider society – backed by greater investment.

    During his time as Mayor, Sadiq has delivered record funding to homelessness charities and service providers across the capital. He’s also quadrupled City Hall’s rough sleeping budget; at £36.3 million in 2023/24, this is now more than four times the £8.45 million a year it was when Sadiq took office in 2016. Around 18,000 people have been helped off the capital’s streets since 2016 through the Mayor’s services alone, with 75 per cent staying off the streets for good.  

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m committed to putting London on a pathway to ending rough sleeping for good by 2030, which is why today I’m delivering an additional £10m in funding – the biggest ever single investment – to help more Londoners build their lives away from the streets.

    “Tackling the capital’s rough sleeping crisis won’t be easy, but I’m confident it can be done with strong leadership and a clear vision for how to get there, backed by the Government and wider society.

    “My Plan of Action on rough sleeping, due to be published this spring, will build on the huge amount of work we’ve done over the years to tackle this vital issue. As well as taking more people of the streets now, a stronger focus on prevention will help us to end rough sleeping as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.”

    The Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, added: “Spaces like the No Second Night Out hub are absolutely vital in our efforts to end homelessness.

    “This new funding from the Mayor of London will help to expand services to support people facing homelessness here in Lewisham and across London.

    “We are facing a housing and homelessness crisis; boroughs can’t tackle this alone, and we welcome this funding to support councils and charities to help people when they need it most.”

    Emma Haddad, CEO of St Mungo’s, said: “With the capital seeing some of the highest rates of people rough sleeping, we welcome the Mayor of London’s focus on preventing homelessness. The NSNO hubs funded by the Mayor and run by St Mungo’s have already made a huge difference in helping people off the streets; the reality is that without somewhere safe and warm to stay for the night, it’s not only life chances that are reduced, but life expectancy as well. This announcement however illustrates that more can be done to address the root causes of homelessness.

    “This investment in new hubs will help us be there for people before they end up sleeping rough. Shifting the dial to prevention brings us closer to our goal of ending homelessness for good, meaning fewer people relying on emergency accommodation in an already creaking housing system.

    “We look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor to turn the tide on homelessness and rough sleeping. Over the coming year, we know that that there is a lot we can achieve together.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Verkhnechonskneftegaz expands social infrastructure at Severo-Danilovskoye field

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Verkhnechonskneftegaz (part of the Rosneft oil production complex) has commissioned a 100-bed dormitory for shift personnel at the Severo-Danilovskoye oil and gas condensate field.

    The company pays special attention to the organization of comfortable life for shift workers. The new three-story building has comfortable living rooms equipped with furniture and household appliances. Each floor has lounges for rest and rooms for meals. The hostel has a laundry room with modern washing and drying machines, an ironing room, and a room for storing personal protective equipment. Modern materials and equipment were used in the construction of the building.

    Following the principles of social responsibility of Rosneft, Verkhnechonskneftegaz systematically improves the social and living conditions of its employees. Earlier, a canteen was put into operation at the field, the modern equipment of which provides a full cycle of hot food preparation, vending coffee machines were installed.

    At the Verkhnechonskoye oil and gas condensate field, the basic production facility of the Danilovsky cluster, there are seven well-appointed dormitories for almost 900 people, and two more are being built. The shift worker residential village has all the necessary infrastructure: a modern health center, several canteens, a sports and fitness complex, a hairdresser, a sewing shop, a laundry shop, comfortable heated waiting areas for shift workers’ transport.

    Reference:

    JSC Verkhnechonskneftegaz, a subsidiary of NK Rosneft, is developing the Verkhnechonskoye oil and gas condensate field, one of the largest in Eastern Siberia, and is the operator of works at Rosneft’s licensed areas in the Irkutsk Region and Krasnoyarsk Krai. In addition to the Severo-Danilovskoye field, Rosneft’s Danilovsky cluster also includes the N.N. Lisovsky field, the Yuzhno-Danilovskoye field, and the Verkhneicherskoye field.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft January 29, 2025

    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: Polytechnic University develops artificial skin for robots

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have created a prototype of a tactile sensor for industrial robots. The development will help robots better sense objects during gripping and other manipulations. Data from the “artificial skin” sensors will allow industrial robots to sense the structure of objects and control the force of compression. The work was carried out with the support of the Priority 2030 strategic academic leadership program.

    Every year, the number of industrial robots is steadily growing. Manipulators assemble cars and weld parts, sort goods in warehouses of large marketplaces, mix compounds in chemical laboratories, and even help surgeons perform complex robot-assisted operations. Engineers are constantly improving the robot’s skills. One of the areas of such improvements is the creation of an analogue of human systems that will minimize the operator’s participation in the robot’s work.

    Polytechnic University scientists have developed a prototype tactile sensor for industrial robots. Essentially, it is an “artificial skin” that allows the machine to sense the structure of objects and the force of its impact on them, making them more versatile and accurate than their counterparts.

    The sensor consists of an elastic material that can be deformed and sensitive elements embedded in it. During the project, sensitive elements and the skin material itself were selected, the parameters of the elements were selected to obtain a stable sensor response, and a system was developed that analyzes the data received from the sensor, which can be used to form the robot’s movement, – noted Alexander Markvart, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies at SPbPU.

    The development of such sensors is currently being carried out all over the world. The peculiarity of the approach proposed at the Polytechnic University is the use of fiber-optic sensitive sensors that are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference, radiation exposure, and have increased survivability in aggressive external conditions. According to the project manager, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies of SPbPU Nikolay Ushakov, the use of fiber-optic sensors is of particular interest in such areas as medicine, the oil and gas sector, and the nuclear industry. Such sensors also simplify the manufacturing technology of the final product and reduce the cost.

    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 United Kingdom: Public invited to share their positive experiences of Life Project

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Public invited to share their positive experiences of Life Project

    29 January 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council is celebrating the success of its pioneering Life Project by inviting the public to share their positive experiences of the initiative.

    The Life Project has been running for seven years and has led to thousands of tree saplings being planted to mark every birth, death, civil partnership and marriage registered in the Council’s District Registration offices.

    The trees symbolise growth, remembrance and new beginnings during life’s most significant moments and are part of a wider regional strategy to improve air quality and the public’s mental health across the City and District.

    Registering families are encouraged to plant the tree to commemorate their loved one or life event at their own property but if they don’t have a suitable location, Council can identify alternative sites in its parks and green spaces and plant the tree for them.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has urged the public to submit their stories and images on the project website to celebrate its success and inspire other families to get involved.

    “Since the launch of the Life Tree project in 2018 over 10,000 sapling trees have been distributed and planted across our Council area,” she noted.

    “Each tree represents a meaningful life moment for a family and leaves a lasting physical legacy to mark and remember it.

    “To highlight the project’s success, we would love to hear from you if your family has been involved, what your tree has symbolised for you and how it has helped you celebrate and honour one of life’s significant moments.” 

    You can share your experience now by visiting the project website at www.lifeprojectderrystrabane.com and completing the ‘Share Your Story’ form with the option to upload pictures.

    The stories may be shared on Council’s Social Media pages and with the local media.

    A community planting day will take place at Bay Road Park on Saturday 22nd February to plant some of the left over trees from the Life Project. Members of the public are invited to come along to help and further details will be shared via the Council’s social media pages in the weeks before the event.

    Further information on the Life Tree Project is available through the Environmental Health Department of Derry City and Strabane District Council by calling 028 71 253253 or e mailing [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Museum project breathes new life into precious antique plants

    Source: City of Leeds

    Hundreds of thousands of antique plants and flowers carefully preserved for centuries will be given new life thanks to a fascinating environmental history project in Leeds.

    The city’s vast collection of precious herbarium sheets was collected by botanists and horticulturalists over the past 200 years, with many of the fragile plants gathered in parks and grassland in east Leeds.

    Stored at the Leeds Discovery Centre, the plants are now set to be studied by people living and working in the same area where they once grew, connecting their communities and ecosystems through time.

    Thanks to funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, the new Dead Plant Society project will see Leeds Museums and Galleries teaming up with arts and social change charity Space2 to search through the 250,000-strong collection.

    Together, they will find also new specimens in the field which will be added to the museum collection, discover stories about their community and chart how nature and biodiversity in Leeds have changed across the past two hundred years.

    And by comparing modern specimens with those collected in the past, experts hope they will even be able to measure changing levels of pollution and air quality in east Leeds over the centuries.

    Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of natural sciences, said: “Our herbarium collection is not only a remarkably beautiful resource, it’s also a hugely important and detailed record of how plant life and the natural world in Leeds have evolved over the past 200 years.

    “Connecting this amazing collection with people living in the places where these beautiful plants once grew will enable them to connect with their local history, including discovering the different ways people in east Leeds may have used these plants in the past for everything from food to medicine.

    “It will also help us build a better understanding of important issues like climate change and local biodiversity and how they have affected the city. We’re extremely grateful to the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund for their support in helping us bring this wonderful project to life.”

    Used as a way of preserving plants and flowers for more than 600 years, the tradition of making herbarium sheets began in Italy in the 15th century.

    Plants are collected in the field before being arranged and spread flat between sheets, known as flimsies before being dried between blotters or absorbent paper. If properly conserved, herbarium sheets can last for hundreds of years.

    An award-winning arts and social change organisation, based in Gipton, Space2 aim promote social justice and sustainable futures through an innovative community arts programme.

    Paul Barker, Space2’s co-director, said: “There is a huge amount of pride and passion in our communities for the green spaces across East Leeds, as well as concern about climate change and biodiversity loss. We’re really excited about the mix of history, environmental awareness and creativity which this project will realise.”

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The Leeds Museums and Galleries collection is filled with countless beautiful and fascinating elements of the city’s history, collected and preserved over hundreds of years.

    “It’s wonderful that we’re able to share this collection with the people and communities who have played their own part in the city’s story and bring past and present together to add a whole new chapter to the city’s story.”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trade-in program boosts China’s Spring Festival shopping season

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

    BEIJING, Jan. 29 — China’s consumer goods trade-in program remained highly popular at the start of the year, especially during the Spring Festival shopping season.

    The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) reported receiving subsidy applications for 10.79 million electronic devices over a four-day period starting Jan. 20, following the inclusion of mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches in the trade-in subsidy program, marking a significant expansion of the initiative launched in March last year.

    Moreover, automobile and home appliance trade-ins had reached 34,000 and 1.04 million units, respectively, as of Jan. 23, according to the ministry.

    The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in China and an occasion for family reunions, and it falls on Jan. 29 this year.

    The strong participation in the trade-in program boosted consumer sentiment in the holiday market. According to Sheng Qiuping, vice commerce minister, the program, along with a series of shopping promotion events, will help meet the growing demand for Spring Festival shopping.

    Since last year, “trade-in” has become a buzzword in China’s consumer market, driving steady retail sales growth and boosting consumer sentiment.

    In 2024, more than 6.8 million vehicles, including gasoline-powered and electric cars, were traded in, while over 56 million home appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and computers, were sold under the program. Additionally, the sales of electric bicycles surpassed 1.38 million units.

    The total sales value of eligible products under the program topped 1.3 trillion yuan (about 180 billion U.S. dollars) last year, highlighting strong market vitality and immense potential. Notably, purchases of smart and eco-friendly products surged, particularly new energy vehicles (NEVs) and energy-efficient appliances.

    The trade-in program has revitalized consumption momentum, promoted a more sustainable economy, and enhanced the quality of life for consumers, according to MOC official Li Gang.

    In recent years, consumer spending has become an increasingly important economic driver. In 2024, final consumption expenditure accounted for 44.5 percent of economic growth, boosting GDP by 2.2 percentage points. Consumption now plays a more pivotal role than investment or exports in shaping the economic landscape.

    New consumer trends in China have gained significant momentum, including a resurgence in tourism and rapid growth in digital entertainment, online education, and live-streaming e-commerce. Green products, such as energy-efficient appliances and NEVs, have also emerged as new growth areas.

    In 2025, supporting consumption will remain a top priority for the government.

    At the Central Economic Work Conference in December 2024, China’s policymakers, while mapping out economic work for 2025, highlighted the need to vigorously boost consumption and expand domestic demand on all fronts.

    As part of its ongoing efforts to boost consumption, China has expanded the trade-in program. In addition to including smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, the government has increased the number of eligible home appliance categories from eight to 12 and added a wider range of passenger vehicles to the program. Approximately 81 billion yuan has been allocated for the first round of funding for the program this year.

    Sheng noted that the government will ensure subsidies are delivered to consumers quickly and conveniently.

    Local authorities are actively rolling out measures for the trade-in program. For instance, Shandong has launched 10 special initiatives for vehicle and appliance trade-ins, while Jiangsu is offering subsidies for smartphones, tablets and Bluetooth headsets. In Guizhou, an online platform has been set up to streamline the process of applying for subsidies.

    Experts predict that with such supportive measures in place, consumer spending will continue to grow steadily this year, while the Chinese economy demonstrates strong resilience, underpinned by solid fundamentals and enormous potential.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Storm Éowyn – information and advice

    Source: Northern Ireland Direct

    Date published:

    There is information about public services affected by Storm Éowyn and drop-in centres for those without water or power. Also, advice on food safety, the dangers of carbon monoxide and damaged electricity equipment or power lines. Keep a close eye on neighbours and support them in whatever way you can.

    Emergency numbers

    You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:

    • emergency services – 999 or 112
    • Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
    • NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
    • Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
    • Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
    • Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Damaged electricity equipment or power lines

    Do not approach any damaged electricity equipment or broken power lines.

    Be extra careful around fallen trees, as they often take electricity poles and wires with them as they fall.

    Be aware that electricity can jump gaps. 

    Report anything that looks dangerous to NIE Networks on:

    • phone: 03457 643643

    Reporting a power cut or damaged power line

    If your power is off or you’ve found a damaged power line, you can report it or get more information – contact NIE Networks or visit their website:

    • NIE Networks Customer Helpline: 03457 643 643
    • Power cuts

    Electricity supply

    You can information about electricity supply, including an updated list of areas affected by power cuts, on the NIE Networks website.

    Local councils information and community assistance or drop-in centres

    There is information about community assistance or drop-in centres at this link – NIE Networks representatives will be at a number of these venues:

    You can find your local council area information, including about community drop-in centres, at these links:

    Water supply

    If there are difficulties with water supply and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption and what is being done on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility. 

    You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:

    • 03457 440088

    Older people, people with a serious medical condition, or people who need extra help for any other reason can join the NI Water customer care register to get a range of free extra services.

    Carbon monoxide dangers

    If you’re without electricity, using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators indoors can cause carbon monoxide levels high enough to result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.

    For any fuel-burning equipment indoors:

    • there must be good ventilation
    • it must be used with a carbon monoxide alarm

    Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

    There is further advice at this link: 

    Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness. 

    If affected, you should:

    • open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air
    • go to your GP or nearest Emergency Department
    • if it’s urgent, call 999
    • call the relevant emergency advice line
      • Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001
      • Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080

    Food safety advice

    If a power cut has affected your home and you have no electricity supply, it’s important you continue to store and prepare food safely. 

    You can find advice at this link: 

    If your water supply is cut off, it is recommended using alcohol-based hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands before touching food.

    Report a fallen tree or blocked road

    You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:

    Roads information

    Work is ongoing to remove obstructions. Road users are advised to use caution, as there is debris on some roads and roadsides. 

    You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:

    Where roads are closed, follow road signs and any diversions in place.

    Public transport

    For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the Translink website.

    School closures

    You can find information about schools affected by the bad weather at this link:

    MOT and driving tests 

    Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) testing services resumed as scheduled on Saturday 25 January.

    There is some disruption for vehicle tests anticipated at Armagh and Omagh, and driving tests at Altnagelvin.

    DVA will contact affected customers.

    Unless you receive a notification from DVA, you should arrive for your appointment as scheduled. 

    Public libraries

    All public libraries are open, with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and seating.

    Find out more about the services available at: 

    Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices 

    All Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices are open, except for the Foyle Jobs and Benefit Office due to some storm damage.

    Temporary closure of Foyle Jobs and Benefits office

    Information for benefits customers:

    • Foyle Jobs and Benefits office is currently closed due to storm damage
    • staff working remotely are providing a normal service
    • while the office is closed, benefit payments due will still be paid by the date due
    • Universal Credit customers can use the online service and journal as usual
    • telephone calls will be handled by staff working remotely
    • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) signing at Foyle Jobs and Benefits offices is excused
    • staff will contact affected customers for telephone or alternative in-person appointments
    • customers in need of urgent in-person support can contact another Jobs and Benefits office

    Forests, country parks, nature reserves and angling

    Safe public access at all sites by the storm will be reinstated as soon as possible.

    Birdkeepers

    Birdkeepers are reminded to be extra vigilant during the clean-up following the storm.

    Flooding or damage to hen houses can increase the risk of an avian influenza incursion.

    Health services

    Urgent and emergency care services are open as normal.

    Use the Phone First service for your local Health and Social Care Trust before travelling to an Emergency Department.

    However, call 999 if you or someone you care for is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

    You can find information from the Trusts at these links:

    Financial help if your house floods

    If your home is flooded due to the weather, contact the local council and ask about their emergency payments scheme.

    More useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recruitment for Application Co-ordinators

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Vacancies for Application Co-ordinator roles, working on applications received in respect of veterinary medicine marketing authorisations.

    We have three vacancies for Application Co-ordinators.

    Job Title

    Application Co-ordinator

    Grade

    EO

    Salary & Pension

    £32,220 per annum with Pension Scheme

    Annual Leave entitlement

    Commencing at 25 days

    Role

    This exciting and interesting administrative job puts you at the heart of the VMD’s work in being the regulatory and policy lead for issues concerning the authorisation, use, and manufacture of veterinary medicines in the UK.

    You will be part of a large operational delivery team that progresses applications received in respect of veterinary medicine authorisations and their associated life-cycle. You will work closely with administrative and scientific colleagues as well as external stakeholders, including the pharmaceutical industry and regulators from other countries.

    How to apply

    You must make your application via Application Co-ordinator – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK where you will find a full job description.

    Closing Date

    24 February 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Friendship and love, victories and defeats: winter animation show by HSE students

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Polina Campioni, Head of the Animation specialization in the direction “Animation, illustration, computer graphics” at the HSE School of Design, animation director, animator: “The session just ended and yielded a large harvest of excellent films. As part of the screening, you will be able to see the newest films created by students of the School of Design over the past six months. These include social videos that have gone beyond just being commissioned and have become full-fledged films, and reflections on the topic of love and breakups, and simply crazy, bold works by students who were not afraid to dive headlong into the world of animation.”

    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 United Kingdom: Antibiotic ‘Access’ list updated for the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UKHSA has published an updated antimicrobial stewardship tool

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published an updated antimicrobial stewardship tool to support healthcare professionals across the UK prescribe the most appropriate antibiotics for patients, while protecting their future effectiveness.

    The UK’s tool is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) AWaRe (Access, Watch or Reserve) classification system, which was developed to support good antibiotic stewardship at local, national and global levels. This recent review, which applies to all 4 nations in the UK, was conducted in response to the WHO updating its categories in 2023.

    Most patients should receive Access antibiotics in the first instance, which offer the most effective treatment while minimising the potential for resistance. However, in a few cases some patients may require Watch or Reserve. Watch antibiotics are first or second choice antibiotics indicated for a limited number of infections, while Reserve are “last resort” or new antibiotics. These are closely monitored and prioritised as targets of stewardship programmes to ensure continued effectiveness.

    In UKHSA’s latest review, with contribution from 60 experts across the 4 UK nations, the English Surveillance Programme for Antimicrobial Utilisation and Resistance oversight group and Department of Health Expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Prescribing, Resistance and Healthcare-associated Infection (APRHAI) has provided a UK classification for 90 antibiotics.

    The most significant change is that all first-generation cephalosporins are now classed as Access, compared to Watch in 2019. This means that patients with certain allergies, such as penicillin, will have access to a wider range of antibiotics that currently show less potential to develop resistance to bacteria than others. The change aligns with the 2023 WHO AWaRe classification but does not mandate increased use of cephalosporins. All other cephalosporins remain in the Watch or Reserve categories.

    In keeping with UKHSA’s review in 2019, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid remains in Watch in the UK, but is classified as Access in the 2023 WHO AWaRe classification. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is an important and widely used drug globally. However, in the UK setting specifically, experts judged that its use is more likely to develop resistance in bacteria compared to other antibiotics. 

    UK-AWaRe classification is an important stewardship tool to help achieve the 20-year UK vision to contain and control antimicrobial resistance. It also supports one of the national targets set in the UK National Action Plan for antimicrobial resistance 2024 to 2029. By 2029, the UK is aiming to achieve 70% of total use of antibiotics from the Access category across the human healthcare system to preserve efficacy. According to the latest assessment in 2023, this was 64.1% for England.

    Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director at UKHSA said:

    The AWaRe classification has played an important role in antibiotic stewardship in the UK and continues to do so. This review for the UK will help healthcare professionals choose the best treatment options for their patients, while preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics for future use.

    It will also support the development of guidelines for antibiotic prescribing and our UK targets to tackle antibiotic resistance set out in the National Action Plan.

    Appropriate use of antibiotics is essential in our fight against resistant bacteria.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council reponds to Chancellor of the Exchequer announcement

    Source: City of Oxford

    Following today’s announcement from Chancellor of the Exchequer, Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said:

    “Oxford has one of the best performing economies in the country.  

    “We are the UK’s leader in scientific research, innovation and university spinouts, and have vibrant manufacturing, zero carbon and tourism sectors. 

    “Oxford is a success story, but, if the conditions are right, we can do so much more. 

    “Last year, alongside the Vice Chancellors of Oxford’s two universities, I wrote to the new Chancellor asking for an independent taskforce to be created for Oxford.  

    “The Growth Commission for Oxford, announced today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will bring together key partners to tackle the barriers to economic growth, enabling us to create more new jobs and build more new homes. We’re keen to work with both universities, businesses, the County and District councils and Government to move things forward. 

    “Our work here will form a key part of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, which I’m delighted to see is being strongly backed by the Government. 

    “Working together with like-minded organisations all committed to Oxford’s success, our city can realise its full potential and we can create secure, well-paid jobs for our children and grandchildren.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green tech to turn derelict ‘Elvis House’ into council’s first net zero home

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Green tech to turn derelict ‘Elvis House’ into council’s first net zero home

    A little less conversation, a little more action kicked off this week to transform a vacant property into Canterbury City Council’s first net zero social home.

    The project is designed to trial what decarbonisation of the council’s housing stock through retrofitting could look like and will see Canterbury’s ‘Elvis House’, known for displaying the King of Rock and Roll’s image for more than 40 years, packed with green technology.

    A three-bedroom house down at the end of St Peter’s Place, the refurbishment will take its EPC rating from an E to an A, and once complete, the home will be used as temporary accommodation for people awaiting an offer of permanent council housing.

    Cllr Pip Hazelton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “I am thrilled to see this vital step taken towards reshaping our housing stock which I’m sure will offer valuable insight for developing a retrofit-at-scale approach.

    “Decarbonisation through retrofitting would not only mean properties are brought back into use to boost social housing and cut our waiting list but would also see occupied energy-inefficient homes upgraded to slash running costs for current tenants.

    “Our residents deserve affordable, high-quality social homes and this is just more evidence of our commitment to delivering that.”

    The pilot forms part of the council’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) which was developed and adopted in May 2021 to provide a roadmap for achieving net zero emissions from the council’s operations and assets by 2030.

    Some of the proposed green upgrades include:

    • high-quality external wall, cavity wall, roof and underfloor insulation
    • triple glazed windows
    • mechanical ventilation heat recovery
    • air source heat pump
    • solar panels

    Plans also include turning the property into a two-bedroom house to comply with minimum space standards alongside improvements to the garden and installation of a new kitchen and bathroom.

    The project is part-funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will take approximately six months to complete.

    Cllr Mel Dawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, added: “Not only is this important progress for giving people decent affordable housing, but it also signals a significant stride towards achieving our 2030 net zero target.

    “Even though we have already made major progress in cutting the carbon emissions produced by council-owned assets, energy-inefficient social homes remain a huge piece of the council’s decarbonisation puzzle.

    “Although this project alone won’t get us to where we need to be, our hope is that it is a catalyst for change both inside and outside the council by inspiring residents to decarbonise their own homes and encouraging the local construction industry to invest in retrofit skills for their workforce.”

    Published: 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HIV health disparities in London

    Source: Mayor of London

    In 2023, London recorded the highest new HIV diagnosis rate of any region in England, standing at 17.2 per 100,000.1 The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) latest dataset, relating to 2023, also shows that:

    • Testing in London increased by 8 per cent between 2022 and 2023 (413,755 to 445,655), exceeding 2019 levels (430,853). 
    • There was an increase in the number of diagnoses for all age groups among men exposed through sex between men and living in London, except for those aged 65 years and over. The increase was highest among those aged 15 to 24 years (24 per cent increase).
    • The number of late diagnoses declined by four per cent amongst those living in London.
    • There was an increase in deaths in London amongst men from 184 to 196 (6.5 per cent) and women from 46 to 59 (28.3 per cent) between 2022 and 2023.

    Despite progress towards zero-HIV targets, there are existing HIV health disparities amongst particular demographics in London. The National AIDS Trust has previously stated that “glaring disparities in progress on HIV between different groups demonstrate the urgent need for Government investment.”2

    In the second of a two-meeting investigation, the London Assembly Health Committee will discuss HIV prevention efforts in London, the work of HIV charities in London and international comparisons.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – HIV prevention in London (10:00 – 11:10)

    • Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner, London HIV Prevention Programme
    • Mona Hayat, Director of Sexual Health, London Sexual Health Programme
    • Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor

    Panel 2 – HIV charities in London (11:15 – 12:25)

    • Mark Santos, Executive Director, Positive East
    • Joel Robinson, CEO, Spectra London
    • Kat Smithson, CEO, British Association for Sexual Health and HIV
    • Tony Wong, Chief Executive Officer, METRO Charity
    • Juddy Otti, Head of HIV Services, Africa Advocacy Foundation

    Panel 3 – International comparisons (12:30 – 13:00) – attending remotely

    • Elske Hoornenborg, Head of the Center for Sexual Health and medical doctor specialised in internal medicine and infectious diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 30 January from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

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

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Private Placement of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) with maturity period of more than one year by HFCs – Review of guidelines

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    RBI/2024-25/107
    DOR.FIN.REC.No.58/03.10.136/2024-25

    January 29, 2025

    All Housing Finance Companies (HFCs)

    Dear Sir/ Madam,

    Private Placement of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) with maturity period of more than one year by HFCs – Review of guidelines

    Please refer to Chapter XI of Master Direction – Non-Banking Financial Company – Housing Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021 wherein guidelines on private placement of NCDs by HFCs have been prescribed.

    2. On a review, it has been decided that the Guidelines on Private Placement of NCDs (with maturity more than one year) by NBFCs, as contained in para 58 of the Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Company – Scale Based Regulation) Directions, 2023 (as amended from time to time) shall be applicable, mutatis-mutandis, to HFCs. Accordingly, the existing guidelines under Chapter XI of Master Direction – Non-Banking Financial Company – Housing Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021 stand repealed. The revised guidelines shall be applicable to all fresh private placements of NCDs (with maturity more than one year) by HFCs from the date of this circular.

    3. The Master Direction – Non-Banking Financial Company – Housing Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021 is being modified as detailed in Annex.

    Yours faithfully,

    (J.P. Sharma)
    Chief General Manager

    Annex to circular no.DOR.FIN.REC.No.58/03.10.136/2024-25 dated January 29, 2025

    Annex

    New paragraph

    56A. The instructions regarding “Raising Money through Private Placement by NBFCs” as contained in para 58 of the Master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Company – Scale Based Regulation) Directions, 2023 (as amended from time to time) shall be applicable, mutatis-mutandis, to HFCs.

    Deleted Paragraphs

    Paragraphs 57 to 68A under Chapter XI of Master Direction – Non-Banking Financial Company – Housing Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021 stand deleted.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Threat predictions for industrial enterprises 2025

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Threat predictions for industrial enterprises 2025

    Key global cyberthreat landscape development drivers

    Hunt for innovations

    Innovations are changing our lives. Today, the world is on the threshold of another technical revolution. Access to new technologies is a ticket to the future, a guarantee of economic prosperity and political sovereignty. Therefore, many countries are looking for their way into the new technological order, investing in promising research and development in a variety of areas: AI and machine learning, quantum computing, optical electronics, new materials, energy sources and types of engines, satellites and telecommunications, genetics, biotechnology and medicine.

    In terms of cybersecurity, growing interest in innovation means APTs are focusing on institutions and enterprises involved in new tech research and development. As the demand for the technical know-how grows, elite cybercriminal groups – such as top ransomware gangs and hacktivists – are also joining the game, hunting for the leading innovative enterprises’ trade secrets.

    Industrial enterprises should keep in mind that this information might be even easier to access and exfiltrate from the shop floor than from within research lab and office network perimeters. The supply chain and network of trusted partners are also very logical potential targets.

    Intentionally created barriers and sanction wars

    Increasing geopolitical turbulence, sanction wars, and the artificial restriction of access to efficient technology is boosting the drive to violate the intellectual property rights of leading enterprises. This may lead to the following security risks.

    • OT technology developers and suppliers are facing the problem that existing mechanisms built into their products may no longer be effectively safeguarding their intellectual property.
    • Сracks, third-party patches, and various other ways to bypass license restrictions, come at the price of increased cybersecurity risks right inside OT perimeter.
    • In addition to stealing documentation related to cutting-edge technological developments, attackers will continue to hunt for technical know-how – for example, collecting 3D/physical models and CAD/CAM designs as we saw in the attacks by Librarian Ghouls.
    • PLC programs, SCADA projects, and other sources of technological process information stored in OT assets may also become another target for malicious actors.

    New technologies mean new cyber risks

    When trying something completely new, one should always expect some unexpected consequences in addition to the promised benefits. Today, many industrial enterprises are keeping up with organizations in other sectors (for example, financial or retail) in the implementation of IT innovations, such as augmented reality and quantum computing. As in many other fields, the biggest boost in efficiency is expected from the widespread use of machine learning and AI systems, including their direct application in production – when tweaking and adjusting technological process control. Already today, the use of such systems at certain facilities, such as non-ferrous metallurgy, can increase final product output by an estimated billion dollars per year. Once an enterprise experiences such an increase in efficiency, there’s no going back – such a system will become an essential production asset. This may affect the industrial threat landscape in several ways:

    • The improper use of AI technologies in the IT and operational processes of industrial enterprises may lead to the unintended disclosure of confidential information (for example, by being entered into a model training dataset) and to new security threats. The seriousness and likelihood of some of these threats is currently hard to assess.
    • Both the AI systems and the unique enterprise data they use (either in its raw form – historical telemetry data – used as a training dataset, or as neural network weights incorporated into the AI model), if they become crucial assets, may now be new cyberattack targets. For example, if the systems or data get locked by the bad guys, they may be impossible to restore. Additionally, attacking these systems may not pose risks to the safety of the victim facility, unlike for traditional OT systems, meaning malicious actors may be more inclined to go for the attack.
    • Attackers also do not ignore technical progress; their use of AI at various stages of the killchain (for malicious tools development and social engineering, such as text generation for phishing emails) reduces costs, thereby accelerating the development of cyberthreats. This tendency will certainly evolve in 2025.

    Time-tested technologies mean new cyber risks

    Just because a system has not been attacked, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is well protected. It could be that attackers have simply not reached it yet – perhaps because they already had simpler, more reliable and automated ways to perform attacks, or maybe you’ve just been lucky.

    The expression “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” takes on a special meaning in OT infrastructures. Sometimes systems have been running for years or even decades without any modifications, even without installing critical security patches or changing insecure configurations, such as unnecessary network services, debug interfaces and weak passwords. Sometimes systems are still running in the exact same state as when they were put into operation.

    Things get even more complicated when you take into account the poor quality of information about OT product vulnerabilities available from the developers or public sources. Fortunately, malicious actors still very rarely attack industrial assets and industrial automation systems.

    Moreover, in addition to unprotected industrial automation systems such as PLCs and SCADA servers, which are in fact very difficult to keep cybersecure, there are many other types of devices and even entire infrastructures that are somehow connected to the technological network. The security of these systems is often unjustifiably overlooked:

    • Telecom equipment. Its security is usually considered either the responsibility of the telecom operator or thought to be unnecessary for some reason. For example, mobile base stations and technological networks of mobile operators are believed to be already sufficiently protected from cyberattacks, which is why “no one attacks them”. For some reason, this problem is largely ignored by security researchers as well: while the security of endpoints and their key components, such as modems, is thoroughly studied, there are extremely few in-depth publications on the security of base stations or core network equipment. However, the equipment can obviously be compromised, at least from the operator’s side, for example, during maintenance. After all, telecom operators themselves are far from being immune to cyberattacks, as the story of the Blackwood attacks using the NSPX30 implant shows us. Thus, the following must be kept in mind:
      • At the very least, the threat model of industrial enterprises must include “man-in-the-middle” attacks on telecom equipment and the infrastructure of telecom operators.
      • Given how rapidly all kinds of smart remote monitoring and control systems are being implemented – primarily in mining and logistics, but also in other sectors and types of facilities – the priority of securing telecom-related infrastructures will only increase correspondingly. For example, to guarantee the safety of robotized infrastructures and the use of automated transport at facilities, we’re seeing the introduction of wireless communication. Industrial enterprises should clearly invest in telecom security in order to avoid cyberincidents, perhaps as early as this year.
    • The security of smart sensors, meters, measuring and control devices, and other devices in the Industrial Internet of Things is typically neglected by both the enterprises using them and, correspondingly, the developers themselves. However, as the history of FrostyGoop shows, these devices may also become attack targets.
    • The connection points of small remote industrial infrastructure facilities typically use inexpensive network equipment, sometimes not even designed for industrial use (for example, SOHO devices). Their cybersecurity can be extremely difficult to keep in good condition, both due to architectural limitations and the complexity of centralized maintenance. At the same time, such devices can be manipulated not only to distribute general-purpose malware or host botnet agents (as in the case of Flax Typhoon/Raptor Train), but also as an entry point into the IT or OT network.
    • The Windows OS family has been the most popular platform for workstations and automation system servers for decades. However, in recent years, many industrial enterprises have been increasingly installing Linux-based systems in their OT circuits, for various reasons. One of the decisive arguments in favor of choosing Linux is often the belief that such systems are more resistant to cyberattacks. On the one hand, there is indeed less malware that can run on this OS, and the probability of accidental infection is lower than for Windows OS. On the other hand, protecting Linux systems against a targeted attack is just as difficult, and in some cases even more so. The fact is that:
      • Developers of security solutions for Linux have to catch up with solutions protecting Windows infrastructure. For a long time, many functions were not in demand by customers and, therefore, were not implemented. At the same time, implementing new functionality is more expensive because it is necessary to support multiple OS strains developing in parallel, and the integration of security solutions is not a priority for kernel developers. There are two downstream consequences of this: first, a lack of effective standard integration mechanisms, and second, updating the kernel can easily “break” compatibility – and a simple module rebuild may not be enough.
      • On the industrial enterprise side, there are clearly not enough information security specialists who are also Linux experts, so both secure device configuration and monitoring and incident detection may not be that effective.
      • Both Linux OT solutions themselves and their developers often demonstrate insufficient information security maturity and can be an easy target for attackers, as was revealed, for example, during the investigation of a series of Sandworm attacks on Ukrainian critical infrastructure facilities.

    Wrong vendor choice means big trouble

    Insufficient investment of product developers or technology providers in their own information security guarantees that their customers will experience incidents. This problem is especially relevant for providers of niche products and services. An illustrative case is the attack on CDK Global, which led to direct losses of its customers exceeding a total of one billion dollars.

    The situation for industrial enterprises is complicated by a number of factors. Key among these are:

    • Extremely long technology supply chains. Equipment, including automation systems for key production assets, is very complex. An enterprise’s industrial equipment fleet may include both all the main components typical of IT systems and many components created as a result of cooperation between multiple manufacturers of industry-specific technologies. Many of these may be relatively small developers of niche solutions without the necessary resources to satisfactorily ensure their own security and that of their products. Moreover, the installation, initial setup, and regular maintenance of equipment requires the involvement of various third-party specialists, further expanding the attack surface of the supply chain and trusted partners.
    • Almost every large industrial organization is its own vendor. The specifics of the particular industry and enterprise require significant modification of ready-made solutions, as well as the development of new automation solutions tailored for the organization. Often, these developments are carried out either within the organization itself or by subsidiaries or related companies. All of this multiplies almost all of the risk factors described above: such developments are rarely carried out with a high level of security maturity, resulting in solutions full of basic vulnerabilities that even mediocre attackers can exploit. Obviously, these security issues are already being used in cyberattacks and will continue to be.

    Security by obscurity doesn’t work anymore for OT infrastructures

    The availability of so many tools for working with industrial equipment (just count the number of libraries and utilities implementing industrial network protocols posted on GitHub) makes developing and implementing an attack on an industrial enterprise’s main production assets significantly easier than just a few years ago. In addition, industrial enterprises themselves continue to evolve – over the past few years, we’ve seen big efforts to not only automate production, but also to inventory and document systems and processes. Now, to impact an industrial facility on the cyber-physical level, attackers no longer need to carefully study textbooks on the particular type of protective systems (such as SIS or circuit/relay protection) basics and to involve external experts in the particular industry. All the necessary information is now available in convenient digital form in the organization’s administrative and technological network. We have seen cases of attackers telling journalists that after they entered the victims’ network perimeter they studied internal facility’s safety-related documentation for a long time before choosing which OT systems to attack, in order to avoid putting employee’s lives at risk or polluting the environment as a result of the attack.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Energy Summit, leaders commit to energy transformation with more than $50billion backing from global partners

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

    DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, January 29, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Thirty African Heads of State and government today committed to concrete reforms and actions to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to power economic growth, improve quality of life, and drive job creation across the continent. The leaders pledged their commitment in a declaration during the two-day Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit in the Tanzanian commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. Mission 300 partners pledged more than $50 billion in support of increasing energy access across Africa.

    The Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration represents a key milestone in addressing the energy gap in Africa, where more than 600 million people currently live without electricity. The commitments in the Declaration are a critical piece of the Mission 300 initiative, which unites governments, development banks, partners, philanthropies, and the private sector to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030. The Declaration will now be submitted to the African Union Summit in February for adoption.

    By addressing the fundamental challenge of energy access, Mission 300 serves as the cornerstone of the jobs agenda for Africa’s growing youth population and the foundation for future development.

    Twelve countries—Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia—presented detailed National Energy Compacts that set targets to scale up electricity access, increase the use of renewable energy and attract additional private capital. These country-specific plans are time-bound, rooted in data, endorsed at the highest level and focus on affordable power generation, expanding connections, and regional integration. They aim to boost utility efficiency, attract private investment, and expand clean cooking solutions. Deploying satellite and electronic mapping technologies, these compacts identify the most cost-effective solutions to bring electricity to underserved areas.

    “Tanzania is honored to have hosted such a monumental summit to discuss how, as leaders, we will be able to deliver on our promise to our citizens to provide power and clean cooking solutions that will transform lives and economies,” said H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

    Implementing the National Energy Compacts will require political will, long-term vision and the full support from Mission 300 partners. Governments are paving the way through comprehensive reforms, complemented by increased concessional financing and strategic partnerships with philanthropies and development banks to catalyze increased private sector investment.

    Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, emphasized the need for decisive action to accelerate electrification across the continent. “Critical reforms will be needed to expand the share of renewables, improve utility performance utilities, ensure transparency in licensing and power purchase agreements, and establish predictable tariff regimes that reflect production costs. Our collective effort is to support you, heads of state and government, in developing and implementing clear, country-led national energy compacts to deliver on your visions for electricity in your respective countries.”

    “Access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Without it, countries and people cannot thrive,” said Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. “Our mission to provide electricity to half of the 600 million people in Africa without access is a critical first step. To succeed, we must embrace a simple truth: no one can do it alone. Governments, businesses, philanthropies, and development banks each have a role—and only through collaboration can we achieve our goal.”

    During the summit, partners announced a series of commitments:

    • African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group plan to allocate $48 billion in financing for Mission 300 through 2030, which may evolve to fit implementation needs
    • Agence Francaise de Development (AFD): €1 billion to support energy access in Africa
    • Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): $1 billion to $1.5 billion to support Mission 300
    • Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group: $2.65 billion in support of Mission 300 and energy access in Africa from 2025-2030
    • OPEC Fund: An initial commitment of $1 billion in support of Mission 300 with additional financing to follow
    • World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group: Launched Zafiri, an investment company that supports private sector-led solutions, such as renewable mini-grids and solar home systems. Zafiri anchor partners will invest up to $300 million in the first phase and mobilize up to $1 billion to address the persistent equity gap in Africa in these markets.

    The firm commitments made by governments and partners at the summit demonstrate the unique power of the Mission 300 partnership. By combining government reforms, increased financing, and leveraging public-private partnerships, African countries are positioned to turn plans into action, delivering tangible benefits to millions of people.

    The Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit was hosted by the United Republic of Tanzania, the African Union, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), and the World Bank Group (WBG), with support from the Rockefeller Foundation, ESMAP, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester firm which targeted Germans with fake prepaid card scam is shut down

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Advantia Card Limited was subject to a winding-up order following more than 190 complaints from members of the public in Germany

    • Advantia Card Ltd, registered in the UK, scammed customers in Germany using fake prepaid cards. 
    • The company sent the cards to customers against their wishes then demanded payment through a debt collection agency.  
    • Advantia was shut down at a winding-up hearing at London’s High Court.  

    A Manchester firm which sent out fake prepaid cards to people in Germany then demanded repayments has been shut down following an investigation by the Insolvency Service. 

    Advantia Card Ltd, which was registered at an address in Moston Lane Manchester, sent prepaid cards to people in Germany against their wishes – including a 12-year-old boy. 

    The company was subject to a winding-up order following more than 190 complaints from members of the public in Germany. 

    Investigations in the UK and Germany discovered the company issued fake prepaid cards and filed false accounts. 

    Some customers were subject to cold calls and received a prepaid card without their agreement, while others agreed to receive one after being told there would be no costs involved.  

    Advantia Card Ltd then employed a debt collection agency to make high-pressure calls to customers – in some cases demanding a 400 Euro payment for the provision of the prepaid card.  

    The company was shut down on 28 January 2025 after a hearing at the High Court in London. 

    Insolvency Service Chief Investigator Mark George said:  

    This was clearly a company with no intention of operating legitimately and with the sole intention of defrauding and distressing its customers. 

    Shutting down Advantia Card Ltd is a significant step in protecting the public – both here and in Germany – from suffering as a result of their fake prepaid cards.

    The Insolvency Service collaborated with the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (FGCO) – the equivalent of Trading Standards in the UK – to investigate Advantia Card Ltd, after they received more than 190 complaints from members of the public in Germany.  

    One of the complaints included a 12-year-old boy who clicked a link for a prepaid card offer through an Instagram advert. No proof of age was taken, and he did not sign any contract. 

    It was also found that Advantia Card Ltd filed false or misleading accounts with Companies House, having declared the company dormant from April 2022 to April 2023 when the FGCO investigation showed the company was active from at least 2021 to 2023. 

    The company did not cooperate with the investigation, did not defend the winding up and was not represented at the hearing.  

    All enquiries concerning the affairs of the company should be made to the Official Receiver of the Public Interest Unit: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ. Email: piu.or@insolvency.gov.uk.   

    Further information 

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strengthening Security Cooperation: UK Defence Minister visits Nigeria

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Defence ties between the UK and Nigeria have been strengthened following a visit from Lord Vernon Coaker this week.

    Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker shaking hands with Nigerian officer.

    The UK Defence Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Abuja and Maiduguri this week to meet top defence and security leaders, reaffirm the UK’s commitment to our Security and Defence Partnership and discuss issues of mutual concern in the region.

    The UK and Nigeria share a strong defence relationship, underpinned by over three decades of collaboration between our armed forces. Through our partnership we continue to enhance security, counter violent extremism and promote regional stability.

    In Abuja, the Minister met the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, the National Security Adviser and the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). These meetings underscored Nigeria and ECOWAS’ continued leadership in promoting regional security and the UK’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s priority security objectives.

    Lord Coaker also travelled to Maiduguri, Borno State, a primary focus of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The Minister visited a Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration camp (DDR) to understand the challenges of reconciliation and reintegration, and UK-led counter-improvised explosive device (C-ED) training, funded by the UK Integrated Security Fund.

    This initiative is designed, at Nigeria’s request, to enhance capacity and improve response capabilities to address security threats and instability. Meeting with Nigerian military personnel who have benefitted from UK training programmes, the Minister gained firsthand insight into the impact of UK-Nigeria security cooperation.

    Lord Vernon Coaker reaffirmed commitment to the UK-Nigeria defence relationship:

    This visit reflects the UK’s steadfast commitment to working with Nigeria to tackle shared security challenges. Witnessing the results of our training programmes and engaging directly with those on the frontlines reaffirms the importance of our partnership in building a safer and more stable region.

    The Minister’s visit highlights the continued strength and importance of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) ahead of our third SDP dialogue in 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Monthly GDP Estimates for November

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland

    Scotland’s onshore GDP contracted by 0.5% in November 2024, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. This follows a revised contraction of 0.4% (revised from -0.2%) in October 2024.

    In the three months to November, GDP is estimated to have contracted by 0.3% compared to the previous three month period. This indicates a decrease in growth relative to the revised growth of 0.4% (revised from 0.3%) in 2024 Quarter 3 (July to September).

    In November, the largest contribution to headline GDP was made by the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services sector which contracted by 3.5%, contributing -0.3 percentage points to the overall contraction. The largest positive contribution was made by the Information & Communications sector which grew by 1.1%, contributing 0.1 percentage points towards GDP.

    Background

    The quarterly statistical publication and data are available at:

    https://www.gov.scot/publications/gdp-quarterly-national-accounts-2024-q3

    The monthly statistical publication and data are available at:

    https://www.gov.scot/publications/monthly-gdp-november-2024

    All results are seasonally adjusted and presented in real terms (adjusted to remove inflation). GDP growth relates to Scotland’s onshore economy, which means it does not include the output of offshore oil and gas extraction.

    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the output of the economy in Scotland and are designated as official statistics in development. This means that they are still in development but have been released to enable their use at an early stage. All results are provisional and subject to relatively high levels of uncertainty.

    Further information on GDP statistics is available at http://www.gov.scot/gdp

    These estimates are compiled in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics – more information on the standards of official statistics can be accessed at: https://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/code-of-practice/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Action to reduce prison population

    Source: Scottish Government

    Legislation to come into force.

    A new law to bring about an immediate and sustained reduction in the prison population will take effect from 11 February.

    The Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act – passed by the Scottish Parliament in November 2024 – will change the release point for those serving prison sentences of less than four years from 50% of their sentence to 40%.

    There will be no change to the release point for prisoners serving sentences for domestic abuse or sexual offences.

    It is expected this change will bring about a 5% reduction in the sentenced prison population compared to if no change had been made. At the point of commencement the change will apply to eligible prisoners already serving sentences of less than four years and those sentenced from then on.

    This will mean that an estimated 260-390 short-term prisoners who have served 40% of their sentence will be released by the Scottish Prison Service in three tranches over six weeks.

    The commencement regulations laid in the Scottish Parliament today, which bring the Act into force, set out this will be done on:

    Tranche 1: 18th – 20th February

    Tranche 2: 4th – 6th March

    Tranche 3: 18th – 20th March

    The Bill does not make any changes to the Victim Notification Schemes. Victims who have already signed up to the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) will be told automatically by the Scottish Prison Service if there is a change to the date of release of the prisoner in their case. Victims who are not signed up to the VNS, can also contact the Scottish Prison Service directly to receive information. Victims will also be able to nominate Victim Support Scotland, Rape Crisis Scotland, ASSIST or Children First to receive information about prisoner release on their behalf.

    Justice Secretary Angela Constance said:

    “The prison population has significantly grown in recent years and I recognise that the impact is being felt in prisons and across the justice system.

    “While not a complete solution, this Act will bring sustained reduction to prisoner numbers so the prison estate can continue to function effectively.

    “We need the prison system to focus on those who pose the greatest risk to the public and provide a range of support to help reduce reoffending and integration back into the community. That is why this Act is backed by both the Prison Officers’ Association and the Prison Governors Association.

    “I absolutely recognise that the release of prisoners can be distressing for victims of crime and that changing the release point for short-term prisoners has the potential to raise questions and cause concern. That is why we will continue to work closely with victim support organisations to ensure that accessible information is available to victims on the change to the release point for short-term prisoners.”

    Background

    In November 2024, the Scottish Parliament voted in favour of the Prisoners (Early Release) (Scotland) Act.

    The Prisoner (Early Release) (Scotland) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025.

    Support is available to those being released from prison. All prisoners are entitled to support to help reintegrate with their community and rebuild relationships, including through mentoring and one-to-one support both prior to and post release.

    Information of the number of prisoners released at each tranche will be published within two months following the initial release of prisoners including how many victims were notified of release.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council confirms commitment to improve council housing

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    The government’s social housing regulator has issued a decision on Portsmouth City Council following the council’s self-referral last year.

    The Regulator of Social Housing (the regulator) has said that the service is ‘in need of significant improvement’.

    The grading is not unexpected, and the council has had a work plan in place for some time to address areas that have been identified as in need of change.

    In April 2024, the regulator introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, which confirmed government expectations and introduced new regular inspections for local authorities.

    This means landlords need to be able to show data and evidence that proves they are compliant with the new standards and that they are delivering good services to tenants.

    The council chose to fulfil its legal duty to self-refer to the regulator in September 2024 and informed tenants and reported to the council’s September Housing decision meeting. Landlords need to inform the social housing regulator of areas where there are gaps that mean they may not meet the standards. This is called a self-referral and is seen as a positive step, with the regulator encouraging landlords to do so. The regulator noted the council had “engaged constructively” and “acted transparently” by making a detailed self-referral.

    The regulator has now issued its C3 judgement.

    The regulator says that the council has failed to meet the safety and quality standard – one of the four of its standards – in the following areas:

    • Stock condition surveys, which did not include all required information
    • Electrical safety, relating to the recency of information
    • Outstanding fire remedial actions
    • Emergency repairs clarity and oversight

    These are all areas the council is aware of. The council has a plan to tackle these which includes: increased officer visits to tenants’ homes to make sure information is up to standard and up to date, increasing the frequency of electrical testing, improving the way information is recorded and stored including around repairs, and responding to outstanding fire actions in priority order, with plans to invest significantly in this area. An update report will be going to the council’s housing decision meeting in February.

    The regulator has acknowledged that the council, which is landlord to around 17,000 homes across the south, is “taking steps to address the serious failings identified and make significant improvements”.

    Cllr Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, said: “We knew there was room for improvement to meet the new regulator standards. That’s why we referred ourselves and have publicised this to our tenants and other stakeholders. We welcome and accept the findings of the regulator and will work constructively and proactively with them and our tenants on those areas they have identified.

    “I am confident we are already addressing the issues raised. Tenants are at the heart of everything we do, and tenant feedback reassures us that they have confidence in us as a landlord. We want to be open and transparent with our tenants, leaseholders and shared-owners, and to embrace the on-going work plan. This is the start of our journey with the regulator, and we will continue to work closely with them.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Portsmouth City Council fails RSH’s consumer standards

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Portsmouth City Council issued with a C3 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing

    The Regulator of Social Housing has issued a C3 grading to Portsmouth City Council, after an investigation found they had failed to meet the outcomes of the consumer standards, in particular those relating to the Safety and Quality Standard.

    RSH’s responsive engagement with Portsmouth CC began in August 2024, after information in the council’s Fire Safety Remediation Survey return indicated potentially material issues. 

    Although RSH’s initial engagement focused on fire safety, Portsmouth CC was then asked to provide further information on wider aspects of landlord health and safety and, following a self-assessment, the council made a self-referral to RSH in September 2024.  

    An investigation into the landlord found: 

    • Over 1,000 outstanding fire remedial actions. 

    • Over 85% of its homes have not had an electrical condition test for over five years, a number of which are located in high-risk communal blocks. 

    • Less than 40% of its homes had been surveyed within the last five years, more than a third had been surveyed more than ten years ago, and nearly 10% had no record at all. Additionally, stock condition surveys undertaken prior to 2024 did not include an assessment of hazards 

    • A lack of clarity for tenants as to what they can expect in terms of the repairs service. 

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

    “The health and safety of tenants is non-negotiable. 

    “Providing safe, decent homes for tenants starts with accurate, up-to-date data. Without this, it is impossible to deliver the right services to residents. 

    “Portsmouth City Council has engaged constructively with us and we welcome their transparency in making a self-referral. This is the first step towards addressing the serious failings identified and making significant improvements.” 

    RSH also published regulatory judgements from proactive inspections for two landlords. 

    Aspire Housing received a C1 for its first consumer grading, as well as being upgraded to a G1 governance grading and retaining its V2 viability grading.  

    Sanctuary Housing Association received a C2 grading, and retained its G1 and V2 gradings.  

    RSH published a further 12 regulatory judgements through its stability check programme, with Incommunities Limited and Magenta Living both regraded from V1 to V2. The remaining 10 landlords retained their viability and governance ratings.  

    Stability checks are a yearly exercise where we look at the financial information landlords have submitted to us (including their most recent business plan and annual accounts) and consider whether their current viability grade is consistent with this 

    Provider Con Con Change Gov Gov Date Gov Change Via Via Change Engagement Process
    Aspire Housing Limited C1 First Grading G1 January 2025 Upgrade V2 Assessed and unchanged Inspection
    Durham Aged Mineworkers’ Homes Association – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V1 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Gateway Housing Association Limited – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V1 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    GreenSquareAccord Limited – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Hexagon Housing Association Limited – Not assessed yet G2 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Home Group Limited – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Incommunities Limited – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Regrade V1 – V2 Stability Check and Responsive Engagement
    Look Ahead Care and Support Limited – Not assessed yet G2 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Magenta Living – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Regrade V1 – V2 Stability Check and Responsive Engagement
    Magna Housing Limited – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V1 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Newlon Housing Trust – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Portsmouth City Council C3 First Grading – – – – – Responsive Engagement
    Regenda Limited – Not assessed yet G2 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check
    Sanctuary Housing Association C2 First Grading G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V2 Assessed and unchanged Inspection
    Soha Housing Limited – Not assessed yet G1 January 2025 Assessed and unchanged V1 Assessed and unchanged Stability Check

    Notes to Editors 

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of inspections for all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation. 

    2. RSH carries out stability checks on all housing associations, and other private registered providers, who own 1,000 homes or more. The stability checks are a yearly exercise. We look at the financial information landlords have submitted to us (including their most recent business plan and annual accounts) and consider if there are any risks which might result in a change to their financial viability or governance gradings.  The checks do not include local authorities because our governance and financial viability standard does not apply to them. 

    3. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website. 

    4. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/29/2025 will be held deposit auction Moscow Regional Guarantee Fund

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    Categoris24-7, Miles, Moscow, Moscow Stotsk Exchang, Russians savings, Russians Federal, Russians Language, Russian economy

    Post Navigation


    Archives

    Archives Police Privces Guide I would turn the WordPress

    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 01/29/2025
    Placement currency Rub
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 550,000,000.00
    Placement period, days 34
    Date of deposit 01/29/2025
    Refund date 04.03.2025
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 22.20
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 100,000,000.00
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Treaty General Agreement
     
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 15:00 to 15:15
    Applications in competition mode from 15:15 to 15:25
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 15:45
       
    Additional terms Interest payment at the end of the term

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 29.01.2025, the deposit auction of the PPC “TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND” will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    Categoris24-7, Miles, Moscow, Moscow Stotsk Exchang, Russians savings, Russians Federal, Russians Language, Russian economy

    Post Navigation


    Archives

    Archives Police Privces Guide I would turn the WordPress

    Parameters
    Date of the deposit auction 01/29/2025
    Placement currency Rub
    Maximum amount of funds placed (in placement currency) 720,000,000.00
    Placement period, days 7
    Date of deposit 01/29/2025
    Refund date 05.02.2025
    Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 21.00
    Conditions of imprisonment, urgent or special Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in placement currency) 720,000,000.00
    Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1
    Auction form, open or closed Open
    Basis of the Treaty General Agreement
     
    Schedule (Moscow time)
    Preliminary applications from 12:30 to 12:40
    Applications in competition mode from 12:40 to 12:45
    Setting a cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid until 12:55
       
    Additional terms  

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/29/2025, 10:48 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A0JWVL2 security (EuroplanB7) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    01/29/2025 10:48

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.01.2025, 10-48 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 108.37) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1196.23 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) of the security RU000A0JWVL2 (EuroplanB7) were changed

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/29/2025, 10:45 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JVD25 (RusHydro09) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    01/29/2025 10:45

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC) on 29.01.2025, 10-45 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 99.86) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1026.33 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0JVD25 (RusHydro09) were changed

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/29/2025, 10-15 (Moscow time) the values of the lower limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    01/29/2025 10:15

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 29.01.2025, 10-15 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 83.52) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 797.96 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Cash volume increased by almost 230 billion rubles in a year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The volume of cash in circulation as of January 1, 2025 increased by 1.2% and amounted to 18.7 trillion rubles – this is the minimum increase in the last 9 years. This is evidenced by Bank of Russia data.

    In 2024, demand for cash was stable with minor seasonal fluctuations. In the first quarter, cash returned to banks amid high deposit rates. In April and December, traditional pre-holiday surges in demand for cash were noticeable.

    The share of small denomination banknotes in the structure of cash money supply has increased. This is due to the fact that the Bank of Russia has resumed printing 5 and 10 ruble notes, and modernized 100-ruble notes have also begun to enter circulation.

    Preview photo: Dummy Origami / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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    HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23322

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Yukon approves new regulation for psychologists

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Government of Yukon approves new regulation for psychologists
    jlutz

    The Government of Yukon has approved a new regulation for psychologists under the Health Professions Act, improving local access to licensed, qualified psychological practitioners and supporting a transparent process for those seeking to become regulated health professionals in the territory.

    As a result, Yukoners will have access to psychological care from licensed and qualified practitioners who meet established professional standards. Yukoners seeking mental wellness or psychological services from psychologists will now be eligible to benefit from federal tax deductions.

    This new regulation aligns the profession with other Yukon regulated health professionals, national standards and practices for psychologists. This regulation also provides a formal process to register complaints if they are dissatisfied with the quality of services they receive.

    Psychologists practising in the Yukon will now need to meet qualification standards and follow standards of practice to be registered to practice in the territory. Psychologists may contact psychologists@yukon.ca to register effective February 1, 2025.

    The psychologists regulation under the Health Professions Act is a significant step forward in ensuring that Yukoners receive care from highly qualified and ethical professionals. By setting clear standards and strengthening accountability, this regulation not only improves access to registered psychologists but also fosters trust and transparency in mental health services. It creates a supportive framework for aspiring professionals while enhancing the overall quality of care available to Yukoners.

    Minister of Community Services Richard Mostyn

    This regulation ensures that Yukoners will have better access to high quality mental health care, governed by professional standards, more accountability and better support. It’s our government’s goal to have a health care system that is both accessible and culturally safe and this is the latest step in that direction. I encourage all Yukoners to participate in the ongoing review of the Health Professions Act to ensure that your voices are heard about how we can continue this important work.

    Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee

    Quick facts

    • The regulation sets out clear processes if someone has a complaint or there needs to be disciplinary action. 

    • To become a registered psychologist in the Yukon, prospective psychologists must contact psychologists@yukon.ca to register.

    Media contact

    Jordan Owens
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-0615
    jordan.owens@yukon.ca

    John Tonin
    Communications, Community Services
    867-334-5816
    john.tonin@yukon.ca 

    News release #:
    25-026
    Related information:
    How to register as a psychologist
    Lines 33099 and 33199 – Eligible medical expenses you can claim on your tax ret…
    Review of the Health Professions Act

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Statement from Premier Pillai on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
    jlutz

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “Today, I invite Yukoners to join people around the world in solemnly remembering the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust – known in Hebrew as the Shoah – along with the millions of others persecuted by the Nazi regime for their ethnicity, sexuality, disability and religious or political beliefs.

    “Today we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau during the Vistula-Oder offensive on the Eastern Front of World War II. Today, this concentration camp serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, bigotry and indifference.

    “We mourn the victims of the Holocaust. We honour the resilience of those who survived. Their courage and determination to rebuild their lives in the face of unimaginable loss serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

    “We cannot reflect on the atrocities of the Holocaust without acknowledging and confronting the rise of antisemitism and other forms of hatred occurring today. We must uphold the promise of ‘never again’ by educating ourselves and our children, challenging prejudice wherever it appears and standing united against all forms of injustice and discrimination. Here in the Yukon, we are incorporating Holocaust education into the Grade 10 curriculum and working to make the territory a place where everyone is safe, valued and appreciated and where people are not afraid to stand up for what is right.

    “The Jim Smith Building in Whitehorse will be illuminated to honour the victims of the Holocaust. Today, and every day, we renew our vow: never again.”

    Media contact

    Jordan Owens
    Cabinet Communications
    867-332-0615
    jordan.owens@yukon.ca

    News release #:
    25-023

    MIL OSI Canada News –