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Category: CTF

  • Wildfire loses intensity in southern France, firefighters continue battle

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A wildfire that reached the northwestern outskirts of France’s second city of Marseille lost intensity overnight, but firefighters were still battling the flames on Wednesday.

    Residents who had been told on Tuesday to stay in their homes for their own safety were once again allowed out.

    “With the fire in northern Marseille now clearly under control, we can announce this morning that the 16th arrondissement is no longer on lockdown,” Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan said in a post on social media platform X.

    “I call on all Marseille residents to exercise the utmost caution in the area, as emergency services are hard at work,” he said.

    Martine Vassal, head of the area council, said firefighters had worked through the night to control the fire, which she said remained a cause for concern.

    “It is not finished. Weather conditions are worrying for us,” Vassal told broadcaster BFM.

    Local officials said the airport for France’s second-largest city could close for commercial flights to prioritise air resources if the fire flared up again.

    It was too soon for the hundreds of residents who had fled from the wildfire to return, officials said.

    Hundreds of firefighters, aided by helicopters and aircraft, have been fighting the flames, which have been fanned by winds of up to 70 kph (43 mph) that brought plumes of smoke over the southern coastal city. Officials said the blaze was caused by a car that caught on fire.

    The fire had burnt through 700 hectares (2.7 square miles) but no fatalities had been reported, regional prefect Georges-Francois Leclerc said late on Tuesday.

    Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau told reporters late on Tuesday that the fire had been fast-moving, affecting 60 houses and burning down 10.

    The fire in Marseille and a separate one near Narbonne, another southern French city, were the first major fires of the summer, Sophie Primas, the government’s spokesperson, said in an interview with RTL on Wednesday, adding that wildfire season had come early this year.

    Climate change has made wildfires more destructive in Mediterranean countries in recent years.

    This week and last week, fires have also raged in northeastern Spain, on the Greek island of Crete, and in Athens.

    Philippe, a victim of the fires whose surname was not given, told BFM that he had slept poorly after evacuating and hoped to return to his home at noon on Wednesday.

    “There is nothing we can do,” he said. “It is very very, very hard.”

    (Reuters)

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Expanding care for patients at home

    Source: Scottish Government

    Improving the flow of patients through hospitals.

    A new £85 million investment will be targeted at front line NHS frailty services, helping to improve the flow of patients throughout hospitals and providing care for patients in the comfort of their own homes.

    The ‘Hospital at Home’ service is to be expanded to 2,000 beds by December 2026. It predominantly provides care for frail, older people in their own homes and who may be suffering with acute illnesses and health conditions, including respiratory and cardiac conditions, infections, or treatment after a fall.

    Keeping patients in their own homes ensures they can stay in familiar surroundings rather than be separated from family, friends and pets while also helping to reduce some of the risks associated with hospitalisations such as acquiring infections and lessening delayed discharge from hospital due to waits for appropriate care provision.

    The funding will also be used to support the introduction of frailty services in every A&E department by the end of summer 2025, aiming to cut the average length of stay for vulnerable patients.

    Speaking during a visit to Falkirk Community Hospital, where he met clinicians leading the Hospital at Home service across NHS Forth Valley, First Minister John Swinney said:

    “I am resolutely focused on taking the necessary action to reduce wait times and clear the blockages leading to delayed discharges across our NHS. This investment will ensure many patients can receive first class NHS care in the comfort of their own homes and not have to travel to a hospital where it isn’t required.

    “Expanding Hospital at Home to 2,000 beds by December 2026 will create the largest ‘hospital’ in the country, thereby improving the flow of patients throughout the NHS and generating greater capacity for staff. The staff delivering this service at Falkirk Community Hospital are testament to the success of Hospital at Home and it’s been eye opening to see the effort that goes into provide this first class care.

    “The NHS is Scotland’s greatest treasure but we know we must do better to ensure patients get the care they need, when and where they need it. The 2025-26 Budget provides record funding of £21 billion for Health and Social Care services – with NHS boards across Scotland receiving an additional £2 billion to deliver key front line services.”

    Dr Sarah Henderson, Consultant Geriatrician, NHS Forth Valley’s Hospital at Home Service, said:

    “Our local Hospital at Home team do an amazing job to help ensure that patients, who in the past would have to come into hospital, are able to remain in their own homes and access the specialist clinical care and support they require.

    “Over the last four years the service has helped thousands of local patients and the feedback we have received from them and their families has been overwhelmingly positive as they really appreciate everything the team does to help them stay out of hospital and in familiar surroundings at home, close to their family, friends and pets.

    “I am delighted that the additional funding announced today will help us expand the Hospital at Home service further as well as develop local heart failure, respiratory and Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) services to help more people remain at home and still access the specialist care they require.” 

    Marion Denholm’s husband Bill was recently supported by NHS Forth Valley’s Hospital at Home team after he developed a chest infection. Ms Denholm said:

    “There are no words to adequately describe the care and attention my husband received while under the care of Hospital at Home. We’ve had doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a dietitian and a speech and language therapist all visit our home to provide the care and treatment he required so he didn’t have to go into hospital.

    “This meant he was able to stay in familiar surroundings with his family around him at all times and still receive the same type of care he would have received in hospital. I also felt very supported as I could contact the Team direct if I had any worries or concerns. I can’t praise the Hospital at Home service enough and I am sure many other local families feel the same. It also makes so much more sense to treat people in their own homes if you can rather than occupy a bed in a busy hospital – it’s definitely a win-win for everyone involved.”

    Background

    NHS Scotland Operational Improvement Plan

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 2,600 Afghan refugee families returned home on Tuesday

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KABUL, July 9 (Xinhua) — More than 2,600 Afghan refugee families returned to their homeland on Tuesday, the state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported on Wednesday.

    According to him, 2,604 refugee families returned to Afghanistan on Tuesday. 98 of them arrived from Pakistan, and another 2,506 from Iran.

    All returnees received the necessary assistance from the interim government of Afghanistan at checkpoints, the statement said. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Youth Exchange Event “Future of the Silk Road” Kicks Off in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — A youth exchange event titled “Future of the Silk Road” kicked off in the Chinese capital recently, leading news platform chinanewes.com.cn reported Tuesday.

    It is reportedly organized by the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China. More than 80 teenagers and representatives of cooperating institutions from 12 countries, such as Russia, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Gambia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Spain and Thailand, were invited to the opening ceremony.

    From July 6 to 12, they will also go on a sightseeing tour titled “Building the Silk Road of Dreams, Moving Hand in Hand into the Future” to Beijing and Shaanxi Province, where they will conduct exchanges with their Chinese peers.

    According to Zhang Ziming, vice chairman of the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of China, the event aims to create a platform for contact and interaction among young people from different parts of the world, as well as strengthen mutual understanding and friendship among them.

    He expressed hope that through this event, young people from all over the world will gain more experience, communicate more and think more, establish deep friendships, get acquainted with the unique cultures of various civilizations, preserve and transmit the spirit of the Great Silk Road, so that with the energy of youth, hand in hand, they can promote the formation of a community with a common destiny for mankind.

    The participants of the event noted that this trip is a valuable opportunity to deeply understand Chinese culture and Chinese wisdom, and also expressed hope for strengthening mutual understanding and friendship during the event. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China has world’s largest, fastest growing renewable energy system – official

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — China has now formed the world’s largest and fastest-growing renewable energy system, Zhou Haibing, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, said Wednesday.

    “As of the end of May this year, the country’s installed capacity of power plants generating electricity from renewable energy sources was 2.09 billion kW, more than double the figure at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020),” the official said at a press conference in Beijing.

    According to him, today every third kWh of electricity consumed in the country is provided by environmentally friendly energy.

    Zhou Haibin also drew attention to the rapid growth of China’s new energy vehicle market, noting that in 2024, the total volume of this category of vehicles in China will reach 31.4 million units, a sharp increase from the 4.92 million at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • Flash floods in New Mexico resort town kills three, traps dozens in homes and vehicles

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Torrential rains triggered flash floods in New Mexico that killed at least three people on Tuesday, including two young children, and trapped dozens in homes and vehicles in the resort village of Ruidoso, a state emergency official and a village statement said.

    The children, aged four and seven years old, and a man were swept downstream and later found dead, the mountain resort village said late Tuesday on its website, adding that rescue operations were underway.

    Dramatic video footage on social media and various news outlets showed an entire house, ripped from its foundations, careening downstream through the brown, muddy waters of the flood-engorged Rio Ruidoso, side-swiping trees as it went.

    “I’ve seen the video. We don’t know if anyone was in the house,” said Danielle Silva, a spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

    Emergency teams organised by local law enforcement and the National Guard conducted at least 85 swift-water rescues in and around Ruidoso, many of them people stranded in cars and homes by elevated flood waters, Silva said.

    Silva said the river had quickly risen by a provisional record of 20.24 feet (6.2 metres) at the peak of the flood, and as waters began to recede in the evening, authorities began searching for survivors in the debris.

    The latest floods come just four days after a deadly flash flood triggered by heavy rains along the Guadalupe River killed at least 109 people and left scores missing after ravaging a swath of Texas Hill Country.

    In New Mexico, Silva said the severity of the debris flow was heightened by a flame-scarred landscape stripped of vegetation in a wildfire which was then followed by flooding that eroded the soil.

    Ruidoso, a popular summer retreat as well as ski resort nestled in the Sierra Blanca mountain range of south-central New Mexico, is located about 115 miles (185 km) south of Albuquerque, the state’s largest city.

    (Reuters)

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Participants of teacher study tour to Shaanxi on ancient civilisation of Qin and Han dynasties share experiences and achievements (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Participants of teacher study tour to Shaanxi on ancient civilisation of Qin and Han dynasties share experiences and achievements  
    The five-day study tour was co-ordinated by the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration. Most of the museums visited were newly built or expanded, allowing the teachers to learn about the latest museum resources in Shaanxi Province. The itinerary included visiting the terracotta warriors and bronze chariots at the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum to understand their craftmanship and historical significance; interpreting relics and historical sites from the archaeological perspective when visiting the Hanyangling Museum, the Shaanxi Archaeology Museum and the Qin Xianyang Palace Relic Site; appreciating highlighted exhibits such as the “Gold decoration in the shape of spiritual animal” and the “Painted Bronze Lamp in the shape of a Wild Goose Carrying a Fish” at the Qin Han Museum of the Shaanxi History Museum; and viewing stone tablet, epitaph and rock inscription collections of the Xi’an Beilin Museum.
     
    Moreover, the teachers joined a number of workshops to try their hand at creating gold leaf decorative paintings and restoring terracotta warrior models. They also experienced Han etiquette through wearing traditional Han clothing (Hanfu), immersing themselves in the ceremonial culture of the Han dynasty. In addition, they visited the newly opened Western Airport Museum, where they admired ancient cultural relics unearthed on-site, showcased through cutting-edge multimedia technology. These experiences deepened their understanding of the history of the Qin and Han dynasties and Chinese culture from various perspectives.
     
    The scholars and experts from the cultural institutions in Shaanxi specifically introduced their educational services. They also discussed with Hong Kong teachers how to utilise relevant resources to support teaching and how to incorporate storytelling with artefacts into daily lessons, making history education more engaging and interesting.
     
    Teachers are required to prepare a lesson plan with learnings from the tour and apply them in their lessons, as well as design extension programmes for extra-curricular activities.
     
    The tour is an extension activity of the second exhibition of the General History of China Series, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Great Unity – Civilisation of the Qin and Han Dynasties in Shaanxi Province” exhibition, which ended on July 7. The exhibition was widely welcomed by the local public and visitors, and received more than 250 000 visitors. The CCPO will produce a virtual exhibition featuring selected exhibition content, which will be uploaded to the websites of the CCPO and the Hong Kong Museum of History in July for online revisits. For details, please visit the website of the CCPO at www.ccpo.gov.hk/en 
    The study tour is one of the activities of the Chinese History and Culture – Train-the-Trainer Workshops, co-organised by the CCPO and the EDB, as well as the Chinese Culture Promotion Series.
    Issued at HKT 16:45

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Making good use of public housing resources

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (July 9):
     
    Question:　

         According to the latest information of the Housing Department (HD), as at the end of March this year, the average waiting time for general applicants who were housed to public rental housing (PRH) in the past 12 months maintained at 5.3 years, reflecting that PRH supply is still in severe shortage. However, the Office of The Ombudsman, Hong Kong, launched a direct investigation in 2023 into the Housing for Senior Citizens (HSC) and converted one-person (C1P) units, which were introduced by the HD in the 1980s, pointing out that these units are outdated in design due to the need to share facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens, resulting in persistently high vacancy rates and failure to make effective deployment of public housing resources. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: 
    (2) Information on the vacancy period of HSC units is listed in Annex 3.
     
    (3) The total number of PRH applicants who were allocated HSC units, and the number of refusals in the past three years are listed in Annex 4.
     
    (4) The number of HS1 and C1P units converted into ordinary PRH flats in the past five years (from 2020 to 2024) and the respective PRH estates/courts are listed in Annex 5.
     
    (5) It is the objective of the Government and the HA to provide PRH to low-income families who cannot afford private rental accommodation. Existing PRH resources (including HSC) should, as far as possible, be allocated to families or individuals on the PRH waiting list in accordance with established mechanisms to address their housing needs more directly and sustainably. Under the current policy, the purpose of existing transit centres and interim housing aim to meet temporary and transitional housing needs, and the current supply is sufficient to meet the demand. Currently, we have no plan to convert the vacant units into transit centre or interim housing.
     
         The Light Public Housing (LPH) initiative has progressed well, with about 9 500 units completed for intake this year, and around 20 300 units and the remaining 200 units expected to be completed by 2026 and early 2027 respectively, steadily moving towards the goal of completing about 30 000 LPH units by 2027. Converting the remaining small and scattered vacant units across various estates into LPH is not cost-effective. We will continue to work closely with the Social Welfare Department and social welfare organisations to encourage tenants residing in HS1 and C1P units to consider transfer by offering incentives and benefits, including joining the “Full Rent Exemption Scheme for Elderly Households” to enjoy lifetime rent exemption and domestic removal allowance, and appropriate support provided based on individual housing and welfare needs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Applications for Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme Flats 2024 to commence from July 17 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Housing Authority:

         The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) announced today (July 9) that the Sale of Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme (GSH) Flats 2024 (GSH 2024) will open for applications from eligible Green Form (GF) applicants for three weeks, starting from 8am on July 17 until 7pm on August 6.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament 2

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barley Katarina, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berg Sibylle, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Paulus Jutta, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Šarec Marjan, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ștefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verheyen Sabine, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Andersson Li, Friis Sigrid, Hazekamp Anja

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: No Credit Check Dental Financing with Bad Credit, Implant, Cherry, and Guaranteed Options 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 50KLoans, a leading platform in online loan matching, has officially launched a nationwide dental financing solution designed to make essential and cosmetic dental care more affordable across the US. The new service offers dental care financing, dental implant financing, and dental financing with bad credit, helping patients secure treatment even if they have low or no credit history.

    With procedures like implants, crowns, and root canals becoming increasingly expensive, many Americans struggle to pay out of pocket. This platform solves that gap by providing tailored dental financing options, including no credit check dental financing, through a network of trusted lenders offering flexible repayment terms, fast approvals, and funding within 24 hours.

    Check Eligibility for Dental Financing with Bad Credit Now >>

    Dental Financing with Bad Credit and No Credit Check Options Now Available

    The 50KLoans dental financing program connects users to a national network of partner lenders offering loans from $500 to $25,000, covering everything from basic cleanings to full-mouth dental implants.

    Key Benefits:

    • Loan amounts from $500 to $25,000
    • Dental financing with bad credit accepted
    • No credit check dental financing options available
    • Terms ranging from 6 months to 60 months
    • Pre-qualification in 2 minutes without affecting your credit score
    • Funding as fast as the next business day

    Why Traditional Dental Financing Falls Short — and How 50KLoans Closes the Gap

    For millions of Americans, traditional dental financing options come with barriers like credit score checks, long approval timelines, and limited flexibility. Many banks and credit unions require FICO scores above 650, leaving patients with bad credit or no credit history without access to necessary dental care financing.

    50KLoans solves this problem by offering an alternative path. Instead of focusing on credit history, the platform helps applicants find lenders that evaluate income, employment stability, and ability to repay, making dental financing with bad credit a real, accessible option.

    Get Fast Approval for Dental Financing >>

    What Types of Dental Financing Are Offered?

    • Dental implant financing – Full or partial mouth implants, sinus lifts, and bone grafts
    • Cherry dental financing – Flexible buy-now-pay-later solutions for qualified clinics
    • Dental first financing – First-time borrowers or those new to dental financing
    • Emergency dental financing – Immediate help for urgent extractions, root canals, or pain relief
    • Cosmetic dental financing – Veneers, whitening, braces, and aligners

    How to Apply for Dental Implant Financing

    • Visit 50KLoans and select the “Dental Financing” option.
    • Fill out a short 2-minute application with basic personal and financial information.
    • Get instantly matched with lenders offering dental financing near you, including no credit check dental financing options.
    • Compare loan offers with flexible repayment terms and transparent rates.
    • Choose the best offer for your needs and receive the funds, often within few hours.

    FAQs

    Can I get dental financing with bad credit?
    Yes, 50KLoans works with lenders offering dental financing with bad credit, so even those with poor or no credit history can qualify.

    Is there dental financing near me?
    Yes. The platform provides dental care financing options nationwide, including local and online lenders.

    Are no credit check dental financing plans really available?
    Some lenders may offer no credit check dental financing, based on income and employment verification rather than credit score.

    Media Contact
    Mukesh Bhardwaj
    Email: mukesh@paydayventures.com

    Disclaimer: 50KLoans is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Loan approval, APRs, and terms are set by independent lenders based on eligibility criteria.

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: AIXA Miner Launches Free-to-Start Cloud Mining Platform to Simplify Passive Crypto Income in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  As cryptocurrency adoption continues to surge, AIXA Miner is leading the next generation of simplified crypto earning with the launch of its free-to-start cloud mining platform. Designed for both beginners and seasoned investors, AIXA Miner removes the traditional barriers of crypto mining—offering users a hardware-free, eco-powered, and fully automated way to earn daily digital rewards.

    In an industry where complexity and cost have long deterred new entrants, AIXA Miner makes mining accessible by providing new users with a $20 trial bonus, no equipment required. Mining contracts start from just $100, making it one of the most cost-efficient entries into the digital asset space.

    “At AIXA, we believe mining should be for everyone—not just experts with expensive rigs,” said a company spokesperson. “Our mission is to democratize crypto income through automation, clean energy, and ease of use.”

    Built for the Modern Miner

    AIXA Miner’s cloud infrastructure is powered by renewable energy data centers located in Iceland and the U.S., optimized with AI-driven GPUs to mine the most profitable cryptocurrencies in real time. This approach minimizes environmental impact while maximizing efficiency.

    With nearly 8 million users globally, the platform delivers seamless functionality:

    • No hardware or maintenance
    • Daily earnings auto-calculated and deposited
    • Real-time tracking, secure wallets, and instant withdrawals
    • Mining support for BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT, and more

    User Growth and Real Returns

    AIXA Miner’s impact has been substantial. According to a report by Coin World, over 200,000 users have reached daily passive earnings of $10,000 in BTC. In a recent Bitcoinist article, miners using the platform reportedly generate $32,000 per day in combined passive income through contracts involving Bitcoin, XRP, and Dogecoin.

    This growth is supported by a scalable architecture and a commitment to payout transparency.

    Features That Set AIXA Miner Apart

    • ✅ $20 Signup Credit to start mining immediately
    • ✅ Flexible Plans starting at $100
    • ✅ VIP Club & Referral Rewards up to 10%
    • ✅ 24/7 Global Support & Security Monitoring
    • ✅ Fast Withdrawals in major cryptocurrencies

    How to Start in Minutes

    1. Register on aixaminer.com with just your email
    2. Claim your $20 bonus—no payment needed
    3. Choose a plan, starting from $100
    4. Activate and earn, with crypto deposited to your account daily
    5. Withdraw or reinvest—your call

    A Growing Trend Among Smart Investors

    As cryptocurrency markets become increasingly integrated into mainstream finance, more investors are turning to platforms like AIXA Miner for predictable, passive income opportunities. With rising concerns around energy consumption and market volatility, cloud mining offers a balanced approach to crypto exposure—combining automation, sustainability, and steady returns. AIXA Miner’s model reflects this shift, appealing to both retail users and long-term holders seeking smarter ways to put their crypto assets to work.

    About AIXA Miner

    Founded in 2020 and headquartered in the United States, AIXA Miner has rapidly become a trusted name in the global cloud mining landscape. With a clean energy foundation, strong infrastructure, and AI-enhanced mining technology, the platform continues to attract users looking for long-term and secure crypto earnings.

    Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or diversifying your digital portfolio, AIXA Miner offers a reliable, risk-conscious path to passive income. Backed by automation, security, and global user trust, it’s time to mine smarter—not harder.

    Media Contact
     Name: Leif Mikkelsen
    Email: like.Mikkelsen@aixaminer.com
    Website: www.aixaminer.com
     City/Country: Denver, United States

    Attachment

    • Aixa-miner

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Axi launches institutional liquidity provider AxiPrime, announces strategic partnership with Your Bourse

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Axi, a leading force in global financial services, announced the launch of AxiPrime, its institutional and next-generation B2B liquidity provider (LP) to meet the evolving needs of professional trading firms. With a focus on multi-asset liquidity and cutting-edge technology and execution infrastructure, AxiPrime offers access to a broad range of markets including forex, metals, equities, cryptocurrencies, and commodities – all designed to empower the broker’s partners and elevate their profitability potential.

    Axi also announced a strategic partnership between AxiPrime and renowned tech provider Your Bourse to support their expansion. “Our collaboration with Your Bourse reflects our shared commitment to enhancing client experience with powerful tools and technology,” says Louis Cooper, Chief Commercial Officer at Axi, before adding: “Built for scale, the infrastructure behind AxiPrime is designed for institutional-grade speed, processing up to 500,000 order events per second on a single CPU, delivering execution in just two microseconds. This ensures that we consistently meet the performance demands of high-frequency trading, algorithmic strategies, and institutional desks.”

    Institutional clients benefit, among others, from unified price feeds, a single API connection, and optional FIX/REST endpoints, creating a seamless gateway for multi-asset execution. Furthermore, AxiPrime offers a comprehensive product suite, transparent costs, top-tier execution and premier technical support. “Axi’s mission has always been to give our traders and partners a competitive edge – AxiPrime and our partnership with Your Bourse is a natural evolution of that goal,” says Louis. “And there’s more innovation on the way.”

    Further information can be found at https://yourbourse.cloud/free-account.

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    The Axi program is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available to AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. *Standard trading fees apply.  

    **Granted to the Axi Group of Companies.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d57b26a0-a2f9-472d-a0e6-102b08758a88

    The MIL Network –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister tables R509 million DPME budget

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) has been allocated a budget of R509 million for the 2025/26 financial year, which will support efforts to strengthen government capacity and deliver on South Africa’s key development priorities.

    Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, supported by Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai, presented the 2025 Budget Vote of the department in Parliament on Tuesday.

    Addressing Parliament, Minister Ramokgopa highlighted the DPME’s key mandate to coordinate and integrate government planning, monitor implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029, and evaluate government programmes to improve performance and accountability across the state.

    “Over the past few years, attempts have been made to strengthen the mandate of DPME through the Planning Bill. We are now shifting focus and considering a White Paper process which will enable us to clarify a cohort of questions that have been raised by various stakeholders within and outside of government,” said the Minister.

    The Minister reported significant progress, including Cabinet approval of the MTDP 2024–2029 in February 2025, with implementation already underway. The MTDP’s strategic priorities are:

    • Driving inclusive economic growth and job creation,
    • Reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living,
    • Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.

    “Successful implementation of the MTDP must be demonstrated through the achievement of its set targets and improved living conditions of citizens. It is not enough to plan — we must see results, and we must be held accountable for those results,” said Ramokgopa.

    The DPME is facilitating the alignment of national, provincial, and local government planning processes, including efforts to integrate the MTDP with Provincial Growth and Development Strategies, beginning with the Northern Cape.

    The Minister emphasised the department’s role in reforming State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), with the tabling of the National State Enterprises Bill (B1-2024), which proposes a centralised shareholder model to improve SOE governance, performance, and economic impact.

    In addition, the DPME is leading the implementation of a forward-looking Evidence Plan to enhance research, evaluation, and data systems. This will enable evidence-based decision-making and improve transparency and accountability, supported by modernised reporting and digital dashboards.

    “Our work must be backed by credible evidence, and that evidence must lead to impact. We are committed to building a state that listens, learns, and delivers measurable change,” said Ramokgopa. 

    The Minister noted the importance of strengthening collaboration with Parliament, oversight institutions, and other stakeholders, highlighting recent capacity-building workshops and ongoing bilateral engagements.

    South Africa’s role as Chair of the Development Working Group under the G20 Presidency was also underscored, with priorities including mobilising finance for development, advancing social protection floors, and championing global public goods. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH downgrades Sustain to V3

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    RSH downgrades Sustain to V3

    The Regulator of Social Housing has downgraded Sustain (UK) Ltd to V3 meaning that the landlord does not meet the financial viability requirements and there are issues of serious regulatory concern.

    Sustain provides supported housing in Birmingham through short term leases. It has not demonstrated it is able to manage its financial risk and that its business planning is sufficiently robust to ensure its long-term viability.   

    The regulator’s previous G3 grading remains unchanged. Its governance arrangements are not effective to ensure adequate oversight of third parties it relies on to deliver services to its tenants and to ensure that it is not inappropriately advancing third party interests.   

    The previous judgement that Sustain is not delivering the outcomes of the Rent Standard also remains unchanged.   

    Jonathan Walters, Deputy Chief Executive of RSH, said:  

    It is disappointing that Sustain has not made the necessary improvements in its governance since the last judgement.   

    Failing to meet the requirements of the rent standard in this case has given rise to serious financial risks.  

    It must now take effective action to demonstrate a financial plan that is based on appropriate and reasonable assumptions that protects its homes and delivers quality services for its tenants.” 

    Separately, RSH has placed Phoenix Community Housing Association on its gradings under review list. 

    RSH is currently investigating matters which may indicate serious failings in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and the Consumer Standards. The outcome of the investigation will be confirmed in a regulatory judgement, once completed. 

    Notes to Editors

    1. The regulatory standards page provides information about the economic and consumer standards that registered providers must meet. 

    2. 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.  

    3. If RSH is investigating a landlord due to suspected serious failings, we may place them on the gradings under review list. This is likely to be where our engagement is ongoing and we think it is appropriate to alert stakeholders to the fact that we have serious concerns about that landlord’s delivery of the standards outcomes, which we are investigating. More information about the gradings under review list and RSH’s approach is available on its website.  

    4. Phoenix Community Housing Association’s current regulatory grades are G2/V2/C1.

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

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    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Real science requires long research and careful conclusions.”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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    Regular version of the site

    Date

    July 9

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ12: Capital works expenditure

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ12: Capital works expenditure 

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    Post navigation

     About 5.1($billion)About 6.3Note 1: Subject to annual audit by the Audit Commission.
    Note 2: We do not have the estimate on the annual consultancy fees and remuneration of resident site staff. Based on past data, they generally account for about 2.7 per cent and 5.7 per cent of the total annual project expenditure respectively.

    (2) Based on the medium range forecast, the estimated capital works expenditure is about $120 billion per annum on average from the financial year 2025-2026 to 2029-2030. In the financial year 2025-26, the estimated capital works expenditure is $119.8 billion, of which the estimate on building projects and infrastructure/civil projects are about $61.9 billion and $57.9 billion respectively. The above estimates include consultancy fees accounting for about 2.7 per cent (about $3.2 billion) and remuneration of resident site staff accounting for about 5.7 per cent (about $6.8 billion). The annual estimates will be subsequently planned in the annual Budget taking into account factors including Hong Kong’s overall economic conditions, Government’s fiscal position, prioritisation of proposed capital works projects, progress of existing projects and overall resource allocation, etc. Hence, we are currently unable to specify the estimated expenditure for various project categories beyond the financial year 2025-26.Issued at HKT 16:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA consults on the revision of product oversight and governance Guidelines for retail banking products to consider products with ESG features and greenwashing risks

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched a public consultation proposing to revise the EBA Guidelines on product oversight and governance (POG) arrangements for retail banking products. The proposed revision aims to prevent greenwashing and ensure that financial institutions meet the highest standards of business conduct when offering products with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) features to consumers. The consultation runs until 9 October 2025.

    The proposed amendments aim to strike the right balance between clarifying existing POG requirements for products with ESG features to prevent consumer detriment (e.g. risks of misleading commercial practices, mis-selling of products etc.) that might occur if financial institutions fail to comply with conduct requirements when offering product with ESG features, without imposing additional regulatory burden on FIs.

    In June 2024, the EBA published a report on greenwashing, highlighting an increase in potential cases across all sectors, including among EU banks. In light of this report and recent legislative changes such as amendments to the Capital Requirement Directive (CRD) and the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) regarding ESG risks, the EBA concluded that it is necessary to give further consideration to products with ESG features and greenwashing risks in the existing POG Guidelines.

    The consultation paper proposes a targeted approach, adjusting only a limited number of existing requirements in the POG GLs related to the subject matter, manufacturer’s internal control functions, the target market, distribution channels, information for distributors and information and support for the manufacturer’s arrangements.

    The EBA expects to publish its final guidelines in Q1 2026, which will be applied as of 1 December 2026.

    Consultation process and next steps

    Comments to this consultation can be sent to the EBA by clicking on the “send your comments” button on the consultation page. Please note that the deadline for the submission of comments is 9 October 2025. All received contributions will be published at the end of the consultation, unless requested otherwise.

    The EBA will hold a virtual public hearing on the consultation paper on 11 September 2025 from 14:30 to 16:30 CET. Please register for the hearing here by 8 September 2025 by 17:00 CET. The dial-in details will be communicated to those who have registered for the meeting.

    Background

    The EBA issued its initial POG Guidelines in 2016 to address conduct failures of financial institutions. These Guidelines are addressed to manufacturers and distributors of retail banking products in EBA’s remit, namely mortgages, personal loans, deposits, payment accounts, payment services, and electronic money. Recent legislative developments necessitate a revision to incorporate ESG objectives and greenwashing risks and to ensure compliance with the highest standards of business conduct.

    The EBA developed these draft Guidelines in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 which empowers the EBA to issue guidelines to ensure the effective and consistent application of European Union law. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA consults on the revision of product oversight and governance Guidelines for retail banking products to consider products with ESG features and greenwashing risks

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched a public consultation proposing to revise the EBA Guidelines on product oversight and governance (POG) arrangements for retail banking products. The proposed revision aims to prevent greenwashing and ensure that financial institutions meet the highest standards of business conduct when offering products with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) features to consumers. The consultation runs until 9 October 2025.

    The proposed amendments aim to strike the right balance between clarifying existing POG requirements for products with ESG features to prevent consumer detriment (e.g. risks of misleading commercial practices, mis-selling of products etc.) that might occur if financial institutions fail to comply with conduct requirements when offering product with ESG features, without imposing additional regulatory burden on FIs.

    In June 2024, the EBA published a report on greenwashing, highlighting an increase in potential cases across all sectors, including among EU banks. In light of this report and recent legislative changes such as amendments to the Capital Requirement Directive (CRD) and the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) regarding ESG risks, the EBA concluded that it is necessary to give further consideration to products with ESG features and greenwashing risks in the existing POG Guidelines.

    The consultation paper proposes a targeted approach, adjusting only a limited number of existing requirements in the POG GLs related to the subject matter, manufacturer’s internal control functions, the target market, distribution channels, information for distributors and information and support for the manufacturer’s arrangements.

    The EBA expects to publish its final guidelines in Q1 2026, which will be applied as of 1 December 2026.

    Consultation process and next steps

    Comments to this consultation can be sent to the EBA by clicking on the “send your comments” button on the consultation page. Please note that the deadline for the submission of comments is 9 October 2025. All received contributions will be published at the end of the consultation, unless requested otherwise.

    The EBA will hold a virtual public hearing on the consultation paper on 11 September 2025 from 14:30 to 16:30 CET. Please register for the hearing here by 8 September 2025 by 17:00 CET. The dial-in details will be communicated to those who have registered for the meeting.

    Background

    The EBA issued its initial POG Guidelines in 2016 to address conduct failures of financial institutions. These Guidelines are addressed to manufacturers and distributors of retail banking products in EBA’s remit, namely mortgages, personal loans, deposits, payment accounts, payment services, and electronic money. Recent legislative developments necessitate a revision to incorporate ESG objectives and greenwashing risks and to ensure compliance with the highest standards of business conduct.

    The EBA developed these draft Guidelines in accordance with Article 16 of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010 which empowers the EBA to issue guidelines to ensure the effective and consistent application of European Union law. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Empowering the Frontlines: Skill Fest 2025 Celebrates Samsung India’s Commitment to Service Excellence

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung India’s relentless pursuit of customer delight isn’t just built on innovation. It thrives on the strength of its people. In a powerful display of that commitment, Skill Fest 2025, a national-level skill enhancement initiative, has emerged as a one-of-a-kind platform that empowers Samsung’s Service Engineers and Customer Care Officers to excel, evolve, and lead with purpose.
     
    With over 3,500 nominations received from across the country, Skill Fest 2025 stands as a testament to the passion, capability, and diversity of Samsung’s frontline teams. From the hands that repair our devices to the voices that assure our customers, Skill Fest is designed to celebrate and elevate the very people who make Samsung India’s service experience seamless, responsive, and human.
     
    More Than a Competition—A Journey of Growth
    At its core, Skill Fest is more than a competition. It’s a nationwide learning journey that sharpens technical acumen, deepens customer understanding, and sparks creativity. Engineers and CCOs bring their best to the table not just in diagnostics and repair, but also in real-time customer handling, creative problem-solving, and process innovation.
     
    Participants demonstrate their prowess through:

    Innovative Jig Ideas for service efficiency
    Short Reels and repair tips to share best practices
    Real-time customer interaction assessments
    Personality and grooming benchmarks that reflect professionalism
    Core knowledge of smart connectivity, system tools, and service processes

     
    These touchpoints reflect Samsung’s people-first service DNA: skill, empathy, innovation, and ownership.
     
    A Rigorous, Three-Level Platform
    Skill Fest 2025 follows a robust three-tier structure that challenges and nurtures talent at every step:
     

    Level 1: MCQ-based Online Screening Test — Assessing theoretical knowledge of products, systems, and service basics.
    Level 2: Practical & Customer Handling Assessments — Evaluating hands-on repair skills, real-time problem-solving, and soft skills such as grooming and interaction.
    Level 3: Final Round of Regional Skill Fest at Samsung’s Service Academies — A high-stakes showcase of excellence, where top performers present their abilities to a panel of expert judges.

     
    Every level is carefully weighted to ensure fairness and precision in evaluation, while bonus points are awarded for originality, creativity, and initiative, further reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to holistic talent development.
     
    Samsung’s Service Engineers and Customer Care Officers at Skill fest 2025
     
    Inspiring a Culture of Ownership and Excellence
    Skill Fest is part of Samsung’s broader culture of care, where employees are trusted, respected, and enabled to grow. It aligns with the brand’s philosophy that a great service professional not only repairs a device, but also restores trust, comfort, and satisfaction.
     
    By investing in such comprehensive platforms, Samsung India ensures that its people, from audio-visual and digital appliance experts to mobile care officers, are equipped with the tools, recognition, and motivation they need to thrive. And when they thrive, the ultimate winner is the consumer.
     
    A Celebration of Passion, Innovation and Service
    The final leg of Skill Fest 2025 will unfold at Samsung’s Regional Service Academies, where shortlisted stars will battle it out in a celebration of talent and resolve. Winners will be honored not just for their skill, but for the heart and hustle they bring to the job every day.
     
    As India’s most loved technology brand, Samsung believes every service experience is a moment of truth—and Skill Fest 2025 proves that empowered employees create unforgettable ones.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SARS gets largest chunk of Treasury Budget transfers

    Source: Government of South Africa

    SARS gets largest chunk of Treasury Budget transfers

    National Treasury has been allocated R91.835 billion over the medium-term, with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) receiving the largest component of the transfers.

    Tabling National Treasury’s Budget Vote in Parliament, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said the department’s budget (excluding direct charges) over the medium-term is R91.835 billion, which is an average growth rate of 6.2% from 2024/25 – 2027/28.

    “The largest component is for transfers to SARS, which is allocated R45.760 billion (or 49.8%) of the department’s budget for operations and capital projects over the medium-term.

    “This is an increase of R8 billion of the SARS baseline compared to the 2024 Estimate of Expenditure. Part of this increase is to improve effectiveness in revenue collection by enhancing their ability to collect debt through better systems, increasing staff capacity and modernising their processes to establish e-invoicing for VAT, instant payment systems and upgrades of customs infrastructure,” Godongwana said on Tuesday.

    Last week, National Treasury published monthly debt collection data from SARS for the first time to monitor progress and improve transparency.

    The budget allocation per economic classification over the medium-term is as follows:

    • R3.422 billion on compensation of employees;
    • R6.983 billion on goods and services;
    • R78.554 billion on transfers and subsidies;
    • R89 million on payment of capital assets, and
    • and R2.786 billion on payment for financial assets.

    Sustainable public finances

    National Treasury’s Annual Performance Plan 2025/26 sets out clear and ambitious programmes to realise its goals of job creation, lowering poverty and greater inclusion. 

    “In terms of restoring sustainability and the impact of our public finances, a review of how the government spends money has been central to our policy efforts. To achieve all of our national priorities we need to realise much greater efficiencies on the spending side,” the Minister said.

    As such there are new reviews that government plans to conduct, namely:

    • An audit of ghost workers in the public service using a data-driven approach that links administrative and financial databases to identify bogus and non-existent employees and immediately remove them from the system.
    • An infrastructure conditional grant review. This will assess why provinces and municipalities underspend, why projects are not delivered on time and within budget, and where relevant, why the quality of the deliverables is poor; and
    • A review of the remuneration of executives and board members of public entities. The aim is to develop a standardised framework for all schedule three public entities, based on their mandates, areas of influence, and the complexity of a given organisation.

    Financial Action Task Force grey list

    With South Africa completing all 22 recommended action items outlined by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Minister stressed that the country must continue to strengthen the laws to fight illicit and corrupt financing.

    “Lastly, I am happy to say that our endeavors, not just the National Treasury’s but the government’s as a whole, to remove South Africa from the Financial Action Task Force grey list, are succeeding,” he said.

    South Africa was placed on the FATF grey list due to deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) regime.

    The FATF recently confirmed that South Africa has substantially completed its action plan and warrants an on-site assessment. 

    The on-site assessment will be to verify that the implementation of AML/CFT reforms has begun and is being sustained, and that the necessary political commitment remains in place to sustain implementation in the future.

    The on-site visit will take place before the next FATF Plenary, and, if the outcome of the visit is positive, the FATF will delist South Africa from the greylist at its next Plenary in October 2025. Preparations for the on-site visit have commenced.

    “A General Laws Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Bill, to further improve our ability to combat money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing, is being finalised for another round of public comment, and tabling in Parliament in the third quarter of 2025.

    “Similarly, the National Treasury has made substantial progress implementing the State Capture Commission recommendations through multiple concrete actions. SARS investigations have recovered R4.8 billion in unpaid taxes, while professional bodies like the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) have imposed consequence management including disbarment,” the Minister said.

    The Financial Intelligence Centre launched the ‘Enablers Project’ with law enforcement to trace state capture fund flows, and a 10-year ban was imposed on Bain & Co (currently under litigation).

    “Critically, a central register now tracks dismissed officials and those who have resigned during their disciplinary processes across all government spheres,” Godongwana said. – SAnews.gov.za

    nosihle
    Wed, 07/09/2025 – 09:36

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SARS extends due date for filing EMP201

    Source: Government of South Africa

    SARS extends due date for filing EMP201

    South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, has extended the due date for EMP201 filing and payment to 14 July 2025.

    EMP201 is a tax return that is submitted by an employer to SARS on a monthly basis.

    The extension was granted following the higher than expected volumes that were experienced on Monday which caused SARS systems to take longer to respond than expected. 

    “We recognise that some employers experienced delays in submitting their monthly EMP201’s and as a result we will consider not imposing penalties and interest in relation to employers who would otherwise have been compliant.

    “This process of payment is governed by paragraphs 2(1) and 14(2) of the Fourth Schedule to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962, which provides for the payment of Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Skills Development Levy (SDL), and the submission of the EMP201 form within a period of seven days after the end of the month during which the amounts that were withheld from remuneration paid to employees,” SARS said.

    In terms of section 3 of the Income Tax Act, the Commissioner for SARS has the discretionary power to extend the respective due dates. 

    “In the exercise of that discretionary authority, SARS Commissioner has extended the due date for filing and payment be extended to Monday, 14 July 2025.

    “The practical implication of this decision is that SARS will not impose penalties and interest in relation to employers who would otherwise have been compliant. Taxpayers are encouraged to submit their EMP201 returns before 14 July to avoid late penalties,” the revenue service said. – SAnews.gov.za

    nosihle
    Wed, 07/09/2025 – 09:47

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Gauteng’s Rustervaal Clinic closes temporarily

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Gauteng’s Rustervaal Clinic closes temporarily

    The Gauteng Department of Health has announced the temporarily closure of the Rustervaal Clinic for safety reasons emanating from infrastructural challenges.

    “During the temporary closure, patients are advised to access health services from neighbouring public health facilities. Furthermore, there will be daily transportation via the Gauteng Scheduled Emergency Transport (G-SET) to and from Rustervaal Clinic to Market Avenue Clinic in Vereeniging between Monday to Friday at 8 am,” said the department.

    The clinic, which serves the community of Emfuleni, including Rochnee, Springcol and the Ramaphosa informal settlement closed on Monday.

    “The Department of Employment and Labour has issued a prohibition notice preventing the use of the Rustervaal Clinic until the identified infrastructural challenges (such as the dilapidated sections of building, collapsing ceiling in one of the rooms, poor electrical network in another section) are addressed. 

    “The Gauteng Department of Health affirms its commitment to addressing the infrastructural challenges at Rustervaal Clinic as part of the broader Infrastructure Revitalisation Plan that is underway across all five health districts in the province,” said the department in a statement on Tuesday.

    The plan includes not only rehabilitating existing infrastructure, but also constructing new facilities to meet the increasing demand. 

    “It is not yet clear how long the clinic will be closed. This will be subject to a full assessment of the facility and budget reallocation. However, as part of the commitment to expand access to healthcare services for the growing community of Emfuleni, work is already underway to convert Johan Heyns Community Health Centre (CHC) into a district hospital. 

    “This will improve access to quality health care by expanding primary health care and specialist services to both in-patients and outpatients, ultimately reducing the volume of referrals to Sebokeng Regional Hospital.”

    The provincial department assured the community of Emfuleni that the required infrastructural upgrades at the clinic is receiving urgent attention and appeals for cooperation as patients are diverted to nearby facilities. – SAnews.gov.za

    Neo
    Wed, 07/09/2025 – 10:08

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Department working on turning SA into a successful tourism nation

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Department working on turning SA into a successful tourism nation

    Tourism is a vehicle for creating jobs, destroying poverty and creating inclusive economic growth and sustainability, says Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu.

    “The nation has given this Government of National Unity a clear mandate to turn South Africa into a successful tourism nation and to unite all of us – citizens, visitors and tourists alike – in the joy of discovering our country, discovering each other, and in the shared hope of equality for all,” said the Deputy Minister.

    She was speaking at the tabling of the department’s Budget Vote in Cape Town on Tuesday.

    Sotyu said sustainable SMMEs are key drivers of inclusive growth and poverty eradication; therefore, economic growth without transformation entrenches exclusion and transformation without growth is unsustainable

    The department, together with South African Tourism, champions conditions for sustainability. 

    “To lower the many barriers that inhibit SMMEs’ entry into the hotel industry, for example, the department has a programme called the Tourism Grading Support Programme (TGSP) which continues to subsidise grading costs. 

    “In financial year 2024/25, the TGSP supported 2 970 establishments, encouraging active participation in the TGCSA’s grading system. These efforts contribute to the standardisation of service excellence, helping South Africa to remain competitive in global tourism markets.”

    To sustain profits and benefit the local economy, the department will continue to support the tourism industry towards reaching the threshold of local development.

    “Some big hotels do not appear in the list of graded establishments on the website of the Tourism Grading Council but still ‘sell’ themselves as 5-star hotels. 

    “To ensure that the grading system remains world-class and relevant to our local environment in South Africa, we have initiated the Grading Criteria Review which will be finalised this financial year. 

    “Grading of tourist establishments that host international events is a crucial factor in the sustainability of economic growth and job creation. 

    “It is for this reason the South African National Conventions Bureau (SANCB), through the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sub-sector, will focus on capitalising on previous successes to accelerate growth through the consolidation of multiple national efforts when bidding for international meetings.”

    The secured conferences will also contribute to the regional spread of business events. 

    Given that tourism is a highly labour-intensive industry, people will rightfully expect to see significant local employment within these successfully bided international conferences. 

    The Deputy Minister said the biggest international conference to be held in South Africa later this year, the G20, will be a catalyst for this yearned-for job creation. 

    “The G20 presents an opportunity to showcase the nation’s unparalleled hospitality, world-class infrastructure, quality-assured accommodations, and experiences, as well as its ability to host global events. 

    “As the department, we are very committed to ensure that no one is left behind on the knowledge, importance and benefit of this G20,” said Sotyu. – SAnews.gov.za

    Janine
    Wed, 07/09/2025 – 10:21

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 9, 2025

  • Turkey blocks X’s Grok chatbot for alleged insults to Erdogan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Turkish court has blocked access to Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by the Elon Musk-founded company xAI, after it generated responses that authorities said included insults to President Tayyip Erdogan.

    Issues of political bias, hate speech and accuracy of AI chatbots have been a concern since at least the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022, with Grok dropping content accused of antisemitic tropes and praise for Adolf Hitler.

    The office of Ankara’s chief prosecutor has launched a formal investigation into the incident, it said on Wednesday, in Turkey’s first such ban on access to an AI tool.

    Neither X nor its owner Elon Musk has commented on the decision.

    Last month, Musk promised an upgrade to Grok, suggesting there was “far too much garbage in any foundation model trained on uncorrected data”.

    Grok, which is integrated into X, reportedly generated offensive content about Erdogan when asked certain questions in Turkish, media said.

    The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) adopted the ban after a court order, citing violations of Turkey’s laws that make insults to the president a criminal offence, punishable with up to four years in jail.

    Critics say the law is frequently used to stifle dissent, while the government maintains it is necessary to protect the dignity of the office.

    (Reuters)

    July 9, 2025

  • Indian NBFCs to clock 25 pc growth in education loan assets in FY26 amid US uncertainties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    For non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) in India, education loans have been the fastest-growing asset class, clocking over 50 per cent growth in the assets under management (AUM) over the past few years, a report said on Wednesday. This fiscal (FY26), growth is seen moderating to 25 per cent with AUM reaching Rs 80,000 crore.

    The pace is likely to halve this fiscal as disbursements for pursuing educational courses in the US decelerate following a raft of policy changes in that country, according to the report by Crisil Rating.

    To mitigate the impact, NBFCs are diversifying into new geographies and product adjacencies. While non-performing assets (NPAs) have remained stable so far, asset quality will be monitorable given the global uncertainties and a large proportion of AUM (85) remaining under contractual principal moratorium, the report mentioned.

    The education loan AUM of NBFCs grew a rapid 48 per cent to Rs 64,000 crore last fiscal. That followed an even faster 77 per cent growth in fiscal 2024.

    “Policy uncertainties in the US, combined with measures including reduced visa appointments and the proposed elimination of Optional Practical Training norms have culled newer loan originations. This has led to a 30 per cent decline in total disbursements to that geography last fiscal,” said Malvika Bhotika, Director, Crisil Ratings.

    Disbursements linked to even Canada, the second-largest market, fell as student visa rules turned stricter, including increased financial requirements via proof of available funds, and cap on permits.

    “Consequently, overall education loan disbursements were up only 8 per cent in fiscal 2025, compared with 50 per cent in fiscal 2024, Bhotika mentioned.

    To offset these headwinds, NBFCs have sharpened focus on other geographies.

    Disbursements linked to courses in the UK, Germany, Ireland and smaller countries have doubled in the past fiscal as students opted for alternative destinations.

    The share of such geographies in total disbursements rose to almost 50 per cent in fiscal 2025 from 25 per cent a year ago.

    NBFCs are also looking at domestic student loans and adjacencies such as school funding, loans for skill development, certification and coaching. Given the lower ticket sizes of such loans, their share in the overall portfolio is unlikely to be material, but they may lend some stability in times of global uncertainties.

    “The ability of NBFCs to scale up and maintain asset quality in some of the newer domestic products will bear watching as well,” said Sonica Gupta, Associate Director, Crisil Ratings. Moreover, the agility of the NBFCs to navigate the complexities of the global landscape, characterised by uncertainty and change in preferences of students, will be crucial for sustained growth and success.

    (IANS)

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Schools recognised for championing emotional wellbeing

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The event, held at Fordhouses Cricket Club, marked a significant milestone in Wolverhampton’s journey to embed emotional wellbeing and trauma-informed practice at the heart of education through the Wolverhampton ATTUNE Project — a two-year City of Wolverhampton Council-led programme that supports schools in embedding sustainable, trauma-informed practices.

    Schools progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, each recognising deeper integration of the ATTUNE principles – to be attachment-aware and trauma-informed, to build trust and understanding individual needs, to use nurturing and consistent approaches, and to ensure emotional wellbeing is a whole-school priority.

    The seven schools – Loxdale Primary, Broadmeadow Special School, Khalsa Academy, St Peter’s Collegiate Academy, St Michael’s C of E Primary, Christ Church Infant and Junior School, and Low Hill Nursery – were part of the original trauma-informed pilot and have now successfully achieved an ATTUNE award.

    Their efforts have led to meaningful changes in school culture, teaching practices, and student support systems, and each school was invited to receive their award and share stories of transformation, from improved student engagement to stronger staff-pupil relationships.

    Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “We came together to recognise and celebrate the incredible efforts of several local schools in achieving the ATTUNE Charter. These schools have shown what it truly means to be attachment-aware, trauma-informed, and nurturing in their approach to education.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, added: “This has been a wonderful opportunity to hear first-hand about the positive changes these schools have made. I would encourage schools who are not already part of ATTUNE but would like to be, to register their interest for the next programme beginning in spring 2026.”

    To register an interest, schools should please visit ATTUNE. 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press Release – Connaught Extension Project Inquiry Wednesday 09 July 2025

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Press Release

    Date: 8th July 2025

    Connaught Extension Inquiry

    In line with its previously stated commitment, the General Services Committee sanctioned an independent inquiry into the perceived failings on the delivery of the recently completed Connaught Care Home Extension project.

    The report highlights that while the project governance was correctly structured, there were a number of shortcomings in the project’s administration and management. It also provides key learnings in the form of recommendations that the General Services Committee will endorse and apply to its future major capital projects.

    Iain MacFarlane, Chair of the General Services Committee said; “The report highlights issues with oversight and communication across various responsible bodies and third parties, however we can now be responsible and accountable to learn and move forward from the findings of the inquiry and create a framework that can be applied when the States of Alderney takes on major capital projects.”

    He continued; “I would also like to acknowledge the diligent and professional manner in which Martin Thornton has conducted and presented his findings.”

    General Services Committee recognises the public interest in this matter and therefore it has been agreed for the inquiry to be published in full on the States of Alderney website which can be found via the following link Connaught Extension Project or alternatively via the banner on the States of Alderney homepage.

    The Connaught is hosting an open day today, July 9th and the community is able to take a tour of the new facility. To arrange your place on the tour, please contact the Connaught on 01481 822756.

    Ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting people on their recovery journey from addiction

    Source: City of York

    City of York Council is leading by example to support more people on their journey to recovery from addiction.

    The council is actively working with a number of recovery organisations in York to bring a city centre recovery hub to life, as well as making steps towards becoming a champion for York as an Inclusive Recovery City, tackling stigma and discrimination against people with addictions and celebrating their recovery by making it visible.

    Drugs and alcohol continue to present major issues for health and wellbeing in York. They lead to early illness and death, and in fact are the two leading causes of death in York for those between the ages of 15 and 49.

    They give rise to thousands of hospital admissions a year, worsen or lead to the onset of mental health conditions, and precipitate a large range of consequent physical health issues.

    They also present a city issue, and interact considerably with significant issues around housing, criminal justice, community cohesion, employment and safety, holding people back from living thriving and empowered lives.

    Nationally, the approach to supporting people with drug and alcohol issues has developed significantly over the last decades, from a sole emphasis on treatment and clinical services, such as substitution therapy, to a much greater focus on recovery.

    The council wants to strengthen York’s community recovery model, to further these aims and improve the lives of people affected by addictions in York.

    Whilst there has been and continues to be various activities taking place around recovery in the city, they have never had a home to develop and grow.

    The hub, based on Wellington Row, will make it easier for people with substance use disorders to seek help. This is set to be endorsed by the council’s Executive when they’re asked to support a new contract at a public meeting on 15 July, to award York in Recovery CIC to lease and manage the Community Recovery Hub.

    Cllr Lucy Steels- Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said:

    The recovery hub is providing a recovery-oriented facility to those residents who need this type of specialist support, in the heart of York. Endorsement of the Inclusive Recovery Cities initiative shows a strong council commitment to making recovery accessible and sustainable for more people, while sending a strong signal that those in recovery in our city have the right support behind them on their journey.”

    These community connections have been going for many years, with pop-up cafes, meetings, activities, support and social events happening most days of the week.

    Organisations including SMART UK, Alcoholic Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, York in Recovery, Lived Insights, as well as charities such as Chocolate & Co and the treatment providers Change Grow Live and Emerging Futures, facilitate a vibrant recovery community in York involving many thousands of people.

    A pilot of how a Community Recovery Hub could work took place 18 months ago, and the opportunity has now come to The Hub, Wellington Row, which is owned by the council, as a more permanent base for this work

    Mark Green from York in Recovery said

    At York In Recovery, we know from lived experience that stigma is one of the greatest barriers preventing people from reaching out for the help they need when struggling with substance use.  Stigma isolates people, delays access to support and too often costs lives.

    “Recovery from addiction can be as lonely as when in addiction, we can all play our part in changing that narrative because recovery is real and when the right help support, and compassion are offered at the right time, people not only survive – they thrive.

    “The Recovery Hub will be a place for recovery curious individuals as much as for those who are already in the recovery community, it will be a beacon of hope to many and will support the work underway with the Inclusive Recovery Cities initiative.

    “York In Recovery are excited about the future and what will grow from the Recovery Hub.”

    Supporting the hub is one step towards supporting people’s journey in recover by the council wants to take this a step further.

    York wants to follow in the footsteps of other countries including America, Australia and New Zealand who have all championed the ‘inclusive recovery cities movement.’ Closer to home Middlesbrough – became the first official Inclusive Recovery City in 2024.

    Championed by Professor David Best, the movement makes recovery visible, giving hope to those currently experiencing substance use problems and providing ongoing support to those who are in recovery from substance use disorders.

    It challenges the stigma which can stop people coming forward for help, contributing to further harm, including as serious as death, for those with substance use disorders. It champions multiple pathways to recovery from substance use disorders and recognises that through doing this, the whole city will benefit.

    The Executive will be asked to express the council’s commitment to the Inclusive Recovery Cities approach and York’s Inclusive Recovery City Vision statement.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City businesses and start-ups in line for quadruple Council grants boost

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Fledgling and established small and medium businesses are in line for a grant funding boost thanks to four Aberdeen City Council-led schemes aimed at developing environmentally friendly growth and strengthening communities.

    The schemes, being led by the council will see over £500,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund grants made available through to February 2026 or whenever the total allocations are fully disbursed.

    The four grant streams will help provide start-up funding, slash energy costs and boost sustainability, grow business through innovation and help businesses host events to energise the city centre and increase footfall through fostering community spirit.

    Councillor Alex McLellan, Finance and Resources Convener, said “These grant schemes are to help smaller businesses, and start-ups, in Aberdeen to grow sustainably, reduce energy costs and to help them play their part in revitalising our city centre.

    “Aberdeen is home to a huge number of successful businesses which contribute to making our city a vibrant place.

    “I would encourage businesses across the city to take this opportunity and apply for funding.”
    The four grant schemes are:  
    Aberdeen Energy Efficiency Programme – Aberdeen City Council, in partnership with Scarf is offering non-repayable grants of up to £10,000 to help businesses, sole traders and third sector organisations through covering up to 50% of their energy saving project costs. Applications will be accepted up until 23 November 2025 and should be made through

     https://www.scarf.org.uk/organisation/sustainable-business/aberdeen-energy-efficiency-programme/

    Business Start-up Grant Scheme– the Council is offering start up grants of up to £1,000 for home-based or mobile businesses and £3,000 for traders in rateable businesses premises, with businesses launched since 1 October 2024 also being eligible. Applications will be accepted up until 28 February 2026 and should be made via: 
    https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/services-business/business-start-grant-scheme

    Business Growth and Innovation Grant Scheme – offering businesses match-funded grants of up to £2,500 and 50% of eligible capital costs to help with expanding premises, adopting new technology, building a more sustainable future, workforce expansion and other business ambitions. Applications should be submitted by 28 February 2026 to https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services/services-business/business-growth-and-innovation-grant-scheme

    Support for City Centre Events and Markets – offers discretionary grant funding to businesses looking to host events boosting community spirit, attracting footfall and energising the city centre. Funding is £1,000 per business per event with up to two applications allowed if multiple businesses co-organise. Applications are welcomed up until 28 February and should be submitted to  
    https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/services-business/support-city-centre-events-and-markets

    Previous recipients of grant funding have highlighted their positive impacts.

    Philip Sutherland, Director, Freeland Freight Services, said: “We’re already seeing a significant impact from the new high-efficiency boiler installed by Aberdeen Gas Services. Our gas consumption has dropped by over 60% compared to the same period last year, which not only reduces our energy bills but also supports our efforts to lower carbon emissions.

    “The entire process, from application to installation, was straightforward and efficient. This upgrade marks a major step forward in our sustainability journey, and we’re extremely grateful to Scarf and for grant funding from Aberdeen City Council for making it possible”

    Harvey Logan, Founders Associate, Ember, said: “In March this year we installed a 145kWp solar array supplying power to our electric bus depot in Bridge of Don. The grant from Aberdeen City Council and support from Scarf was instrumental in our decision to go ahead with this installation as it supported the commercial case and provided momentum to the project.

    “Since the solar system went live it’s generated over 43MWh of renewable electricity. We’re delighted with this outcome and now plan to use lessons learnt to install solar at more Ember sites across Scotland”

    Brenda Young, Head of Income and Impact, Aberdeen Foyer, said: “Applying for the grant was a straightforward process, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support. The funding enabled us to upgrade our boiler, helping us create a warm, safe space for programme participants while also reducing our running costs. This means we can focus more of our resources on supporting those who need it most across Aberdeen City.” 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 9, 2025
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