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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held an eco-run in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Rosneft volunteers held an environmental event in Moscow’s Izmailovsky Park – a plogging run, during which employees collected garbage.

    More than 100 employees of the Company and their family members took part in the event. The eco-volunteers covered a distance of more than 10 kilometers and collected almost 250 kg of garbage.

    Preserving the environment for future generations is an integral part of Rosneft’s social policy. In 2024, the Company’s “green” investments amounted to 74 billion rubles and exceeded the previous year’s level by 16%.

    Plogging is an international environmental movement, whose participants combine jogging with garbage collection. The event not only helps improve the environmental situation, but also unites people, giving them the opportunity to spend time outdoors and get a boost of energy.

    The volunteer movement is an important element of Rosneft’s corporate culture. Volunteers of the Company, its subsidiaries and design institutes actively participate in various environmental initiatives, promote the development of a culture of rational and responsible consumption of natural resources. Employees with children take part in events to green and improve urban areas and natural recreational zones, annual plogging runs, cleaning of coastlines as part of federal environmental campaigns such as Green Spring, Garden of Memory, Water of Russia, Clean Shores, etc. Rosneft volunteers also actively promote environmental education of young people and conduct environmental quests, master classes, quizzes and eco-lessons for schoolchildren.

    The successful environmental activities of Rosneft and its subsidiaries receive high public praise. Rosneft was recognized as the best company in the oil and gas sector included in the calculation base of the Moscow Exchange-RAEX ESG Balanced Index based on the results of 2024. Also in 2024, the Company’s plants in the Samara Region received the highest awards of the All-Russian competition “Leader of Environmental Activities in Russia”.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 9, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why Israel’s ‘humane’ propaganda is such a sinister facade

    COMMENTARY: By Cole Martin in Occupied Bethlehem

    Many people have been closely following the journey this week of the Madleen, a small humanitarian yacht seeking to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza with a crew of 12 on board, including humanitarian activists and journalists.

    This morning we woke to the harrowing, yet not unexpected, news that the vessel had been illegally hijacked by Israeli forces, who boarded and took the crew captive into Israeli territories, in contravention of international law.

    Yet another on the long list of war crimes Israel has committed over the last 20 months of genocide, and decades of illegal occupation.

    Communication with the crew was lost after the final moments of tense onboard footage as they donned lifejackets, threw phones and other sensitive data overboard, and raised their arms in preparation for whatever might come next.

    Israel has a detailed history of attacking all previous freedom flotillas — including the 2010 mission aboard the Mavi Marmara in which 10 crew were killed and dozens more injured when Israeli forces hijacked the humanitarian vessel.

    Another mission earlier this year was cut short when it was targeted by an airstrike in international waters, injuring crew.

    The next updates were scenes filmed by Israeli forces which appear to show them calmly handing bread rolls and water to the detained crew, painting a picture which immediately recalled my own experience last year being unlawfully arrested in the southern West Bank.

    Detained while documenting
    I was detained while documenting armed settler violence, taken illegally to a military base where myself and three other internationals were given a bathroom stop, bread and water.

    While we ate, they filmed us, saying “You are unharmed, yes? We are looking after you well?”

    We were then loaded into a police van where a Palestinian farmer sat blindfolded, in silence, with his hands zip-tied behind him.

    Eleven of the 12 crew members on board the humanitarian yacht Madleen before being arrested by Israeli forces today. Image: FFC screenshot APR

    Israel loves to put on a show of their “humane treatment” when internationals are present and cameras are rolling, but it’s a shallow and sinister facade for their abusive racism and cruelty towards Palestinians.

    It appears their response to the Madleen’s crew over the next few days will be exactly that. Don’t buy into it; this is no more than deeply sinister propaganda to cover state-backed racism, supremacy, and cruelty.

    Families in Gaza are still facing indiscriminate airstrikes, continuous displacement, forced starvation, and the phony Israel/US “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” which has led to more than 100 civilians being shot while desperately seeking food.

    Thousands of trucks still wait at the border to Gaza, barred entry by Israeli forces, while Palestinians face severe malnutrition and a man-made famine.

    The New Zealand government has still not placed a single sanction on the Israeli state.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Insolvency Service appoints first dedicated crypto specialist to help recover online assets such as Bitcoin

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Insolvency Service appoints first dedicated crypto specialist to help recover online assets such as Bitcoin

    New crypto specialist will help the agency trace rising number of digital assets held by individuals in bankruptcy and criminal cases

    • Number of insolvencies where crypto is identified as an asset has increased 420% in five years 

    • More than £500,000 in cryptoassets identified in insolvency cases last year – 364 times higher than in 2019/20 

    • New role will help the agency recover more money owed to creditors in insolvency cases 

    The Insolvency Service has appointed its first dedicated crypto intelligence specialist to help recover more money for the UK economy from bankruptcy cases.  

    Former police investigator Andrew Small will help track digital assets in criminal cases and provide the agency with detailed knowledge of the crypto market. 

    The Insolvency Service is responsible for tracing and recovering money and assets belonging to bankrupt individuals or liquidated companies in insolvency proceedings.  

    In the past five years, the number of insolvency cases involving crypto as a recoverable asset has risen by 420%, with 59 cases in 2024/25 compared to 14 in 2019/20.  

    At the same time, the estimated value of cryptoassets identified in insolvency cases has risen by 364 times – from just over £1,400 in 2019/20 to more than £520,000 in 2024/25.  

    Andrew said:

    There has been a rapid rise in crypto ownership in the UK, and alongside that, we’ve seen a similar rise in cryptoasset ownership in bankruptcy cases. 

    The Insolvency Service has a duty to trace and recover money and assets from individuals or companies in insolvency cases, and we work to return as much money owed to creditors as possible. 

    Crypto is very much a recoverable asset, and my role will help the agency by providing specialist knowledge about the types of cryptoassets available and the associated technology used to buy, sell and store them.

    Cryptoassets have soared in popularity in recent years, with 2024 research by the Financial Conduct Authority finding seven million adults in the UK – 12% of the population – held some form of crypto, up from 3.2m adults (4.4% of the population) in 2021. 

    This includes ‘cryptocurrency’ coins such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, DOGE and Ethereum, as well as online tokens and NFTs – non-fungible tokens – which offer digital ownership of online artworks.  

    The Official Receiver Service, a key part of the Insolvency Service, identified £523,580 of cryptoassets across 59 insolvency cases in 2024/25, compared to just £1,436 of crypto across 14 cases in 2019/20. 

    The new cryptoasset intelligence role is based within the Insolvency Service’s Investigation and Enforcement Services team, meaning Andrew will primarily focus on cryptoasset ownership in criminal cases.  

    Neil Freebury, head of intelligence at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Crypto is growing in popularity, and we’ve seen the number of insolvency cases involving cryptoasset ownership rise four-fold in the past five years.  

    Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge to this role, along with his previous experience as an economic crime investigator within the police, and his appointment will help our investigators dealing with cases where cryptoasset ownership is a factor.

    Further information 

    • The latest Insolvency Service statistics are published on GOV.UK: Insolvency Service Official Statistics – GOV.UK 

    • Official Receivers are appointed by the court following bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings. They have a legal duty to trace and recover assets involved in such cases to return as much money as possible to creditors.  

    • The latest FCA research on cryptoassets in the UK can be found on the FCA website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued on fake tax texts

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) today alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages purportedly issued by the department which invite recipients to claim a profits tax subsidy via a hyperlink provided.

    The IRD clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent SMS messages and has reported the case to Police for further investigation.

    It reminded the public to stay alert to suspicious SMS messages and not visit the hyperlinks provided in such messages nor disclose any personal information.

    The IRD is on the SMS Sender Registration Scheme under the Office of the Communications Authority, meaning all SMS messages issued by the department will bear “#HK IRD” in the SMS Sender ID to help people to verify the sender’s identity.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Mon Jun 9 12:02:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Mon Jun 9 12:17:02 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Mon Jun 9 12:02:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Mon Jun 9 12:17:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meet the Researcher: Natale Sciolino, CLAS

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The brain is a marvel of complexity, orchestrating every aspect of our lives. Researchers striving to decode its functions have revealed that biochemical changes in the brain correspond to a diverse range of behaviors. Natale Sciolino, an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has dedicated her career to studying neural circuits — networks of interconnected neurons that regulate various functions — and their profound influence on motivated behaviors, including anxiety and feeding. Her work focuses on the connections between the brain, behavior, and the environment.

    A Surprising Path to Science

    “I never planned to become a scientist,” Sciolino says. “Growing up, I always thought I’d be a teacher.”

    Her initial aspiration led her to SUNY Buffalo State College in New York, which was close to home and hosted a well-regarded teaching program. After taking one transformative course in biological psychology, however, Sciolino was introduced to a whole new realm: neuroscience. This discipline fused her growing interest in psychology with a desire to understand the biological underpinnings of behavior.

    “My professor’s passion for science was contagious,” Sciolino says. “It inspired me to join her lab, and I realized I wanted to pursue a career in research.”

    Sciolino became especially captivated by the question of why some individuals were more vulnerable to addiction than others. Her transition from the desire to become a teacher to a neuroscientist was driven by her perceptiveness to the environment and the people around her.

    “Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I saw firsthand how addiction and mental health disorders affected so many in my community,” she says. “I wanted to understand how some people seemed resilient while others struggled.”

    As an aspiring neuroscientist, she knew she needed to go to graduate school. She ended up far from home at the University of Georgia, where she worked with the guidance of pioneering cannabinoid researcher Andrea Hohmann.

    Exploring Cannabinoid Systems

    Sciolino delved into the role of the endogenous cannabinoids – chemical compounds produced by the body that bind with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These compounds influence critical processes such as emotion regulation, pain perception, appetite, and sleep.

    Sciolino’s research focused on how environmental stressors like social isolation could alter the activity of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoids in the brain. Her research on the biochemistry of the cannabinoid system became a cornerstone of her neuroscience career.

    Unlocking the Secrets of the Locus Coeruleus

     Sciolino’s research journey took a pivotal turn when she joined another Georgia research lab and began studying the locus coeruleus (LC), a tiny yet influential brain structure. Despite containing only about 1,200 neurons in each brain hemisphere of the mouse, the LC is the brain’s largest source of noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating states like anxiety, attention, and arousal.

    “Even though the LC is small, its neurons project to nearly every area of the brain,” Sciolino says. “It has the capacity to influence virtually all behavioral states.”

    Her Ph.D. research continued under the direction of Georgia’s Philip Holmes and Emory University’s David Weinshenker. She focused on understanding how exercise could impact the activity of the LC and reduce stress levels.

    She continued exploring the functions of the LC as a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the direction of Patricia Jensen, where she had access to cutting-edge intersectional viral and genetic tools to express molecules to map, monitor, and manipulate neural activity.

    “At the NIH, I was like a kid in a candy store,” Sciolino says. “The tools available there made it possible to tackle questions I had only dreamed of exploring.”

    In 2021, Sciolino joined UConn faculty, where she is continuing her research on the brain and behavior. Specifically, she focuses on defining noradrenaline circuits in aversion, feeding, and taste. Her work has been supported by federal and private grants, including an NIH R00 Pathway to Independence Grant and the Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant. Most recently, she received a two-year, $70,000 NARSAD Young Investigator Grant (formerly known as the NARSAD award) from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation to investigate the role of the LC in obesity-induced anxiety.

     Fostering the Next Generation of Scientists

     Bringing her incredible knowledge and passion for science with her to UConn’s PNB department, Sciolino has made a significant contribution to student success by fostering a collaborative and inclusive lab environment. Her love for teaching remains central to her role at UConn.

    “I prioritize building an internal network with our team,” she says. She adapts her mentoring approach to suit the diverse learning styles of her students, striking a careful balance between providing guidance and encouraging independence.

    By nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists, Sciolino combines her love of teaching with her commitment to advancing our understanding of the brain and behavior.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scientists Develop New Blood-Based Proteomic Score to Predict Healthspan and Disease Risk

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) presents a blood-based proteomic signature that predicts how long people are likely to live in good health—known as healthspan. The Healthspan Proteomic Score (HPS), developed by researchers at the UConn School of Medicine and collaborators at the University of Helsinki and the University of Exeter (UK), provides a powerful tool for understanding biological aging and assessing risks for a wide range of chronic diseases.

    Using proteomic data from over 53,000 UK Biobank participants, the research team identified a panel of proteins that collectively signal a person’s biological health. A lower HPS, determined based on the expression of these proteins, was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality and age-related diseases, including heart failure, diabetes, dementia, and stroke—even after adjusting for chronological age and other health indicators. The score was validated in an independent Finnish cohort and demonstrated superior performance compared to existing measures of biological aging.

    “Our findings underscore the importance of shifting the focus from lifespan to healthspan,” says Dr. Chia-Ling Kuo, lead author and associate professor of Public Health Sciences at UConn School of Medicine and The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering. “The HPS captures early biological changes in the body and may help inform interventions that promote healthier aging.”

    Dr. Breno S. Diniz, senior author and associate professor of Psychiatry at UConn School of Medicine and UConn Center on Aging, adds, “By integrating proteomic signals of biological aging, HPS offers a promising tool for identifying individuals at risk for age-related diseases and for guiding personalized prevention strategies.”

    Although aging is inevitable, this study team, as well as others, are increasingly learning that the pace of aging and how we each age are highly variable. The theme of the NIA-funded UConn Older Americans Independence Pepper Center is Precision Gerontology. This concept seeks to enhance independence in older adults by studying this heterogeneity. This research adds to growing evidence that aging biology can be measured and potentially modified, with the HPS offering a promising surrogate outcome for clinical trials of anti-aging therapies and preventive strategies aimed at extending years lived in good health; it marks an important step toward better predicting variability in aging trajectories and ultimately developing more targeted and effective interventions.

    The research team is now working to evaluate the HPS in clinical trial settings. While it is not yet available for widespread use, this work lays critical groundwork for future tools that could help individuals and healthcare providers monitor and promote healthier aging.

    This research was supported by the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC) program (P30AG067988). Access to UK Biobank data was granted under application no. 92647, “Research to Inform the Field of Precision Gerontology” (PI: Richard H. Fortinsky, Ph.D., study co-author and professor at the UConn Center on Aging). The research team gratefully acknowledges the UK Biobank for providing data access and sincerely thanks the collaborators at the University of Helsinki for their replication efforts, as well as the UK Biobank participants for their invaluable contributions of time, health information, and biological samples that made this research possible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Why You Don’t Need Permission to Get Moving: UConn Experts Call for Sweeping Changes to Exercise Participation Guidelines

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    It is well-established that exercise has tremendous health benefits in terms of preventing and managing a host of diseases. But current recommendations don’t fully reflect this.

    A group of medical professionals and experts have published a paper in Current Sports Medicine Reports urging the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the premier sports medicine professional organization, to lighten up their recommendations for medical clearance prior to exercise, including individuals considered “high-risk.”

    Authors on the paper include Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Linda Pescatello from the Department of Kinesiology (College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources) and Dr. Peter Robinson, assistant professor of cardiology at UConn Health.

    The writing group emphasizes the significant benefits of exercise for all people, including those deemed “high risk.” High-risk individuals include those with cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease such as diabetes.

    “We’re trying to loosen up potential challenges that people may have for moving,” Pescatello says.

    This recommendation differs from the current ACSM guidelines, which state all healthy adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise weekly or a combination of the two, and engage in muscle strength and endurance building activities twice a week.

    The key word here is “healthy.” The authors of the new paper advocate for a change that would encourage all adults, including those with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, to engage in appropriate levels of physical activity, which can actually help to manage disease.

    “Physical activity is the best thing for your health,” Pescatello says. “Exercise is medicine, and it has numerous health benefits.”

    There is only one cardiovascular event per every 1.5 million hours of vigorous intensity exercise, according to the paper, meaning the risks are extremely low, but the benefits are great.

    “Exercise is not risky,” Pescatello says. “The riskiest part of exercise is when you’re not a regular exerciser and you exercise rigorously suddenly.”

    Research has shown that the greatest benefits of exercise are seen when those who are sedentary begin exercising.

    “At an individual level, this transition away from sedentary behavior has been shown to have numerous benefits. In addition, if large numbers of individuals are able to make this transition, possibly by removing barriers and alleviating unfounded fears, we could see tremendous health benefits at the population level,” Robinson says.

    “If you’re sedentary, if you’re not regularly physically active, the greatest health benefits are getting off the couch and doing something instead of doing nothing,” Pescatello says.

    The authors encourage a change that would indicate that even individuals with cardiovascular disease or diabetes can begin light-level physical activity without the need for a medical evaluation.

    They emphasize the importance of switching from a model in which people must seek medical “clearance,” a term without a specific medical definition, before participating in exercise to one that assumes light-to-moderate physical activity is healthy and beneficial for all.

    However, people should still consult a physician if they begin to experience new or changes to signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, Pescatello says.

    “Our message is to get people up and moving and not stopping that unless absolutely necessary,” Pescatello says.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PMSMA marks 9 years as PM Modi completes 11 years in office: A milestone in maternal health

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 11 years in office, one of his government’s flagship health initiatives — the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) — has completed nine impactful years, delivering significant gains in maternal healthcare across the country. Launched in June 2016, the programme continues to demonstrate its role in transforming India’s approach to antenatal care (ANC) and in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

    PMSMA, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provides free, assured, and quality antenatal care to pregnant women on the 9th of every month, with special emphasis on those in their second and third trimesters. Since its inception, over 6.19 crore pregnant women have been examined under the scheme, many of them from rural and underserved areas. The programme focuses on early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies (HRPs) to ensure safe outcomes for both mother and child.

    One of the most impactful results of PMSMA has been its contribution to reducing India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). The MMR has dropped significantly from 130 per 1 lakh live births in 2014–16 to 80 in 2021–23, reflecting a 50-point decline. Health officials attribute this success to a combination of systematic antenatal services, community engagement, and increased health awareness.

    The programme also draws strength from active private sector participation. As of now, more than 6,800 private doctors have registered as volunteers and are contributing their expertise across 20,752 healthcare facilities that offer PMSMA services nationwide.

    In January 2022, the government launched the Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA) initiative, further strengthening the original programme. E-PMSMA focuses on continuous monitoring and tracking of HRPs until safe delivery. It also offers financial incentives to both pregnant women and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) for completing three additional ANC visits beyond the standard PMSMA check-ups. As of December 2024, the programme had identified over 78.27 lakh HRPs across all states and union territories.

    E-PMSMA has incorporated a strong digital component, including name-based tracking of HRPs and follow-up through automated SMS alerts to both beneficiaries and ASHAs. Each high-risk pregnancy is monitored until at least 45 days postpartum, ensuring comprehensive care.

    The PMSMA and its extended version work in alignment with several other maternal and child welfare schemes initiated or strengthened under PM Modi’s leadership. These include the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), which promotes institutional deliveries and has benefited over 11.07 crore women; the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), which ensures free maternity and neonatal services for over 16.60 crore beneficiaries since 2014; and Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN), which guarantees respectful and quality maternity care through 90,015 health facilities nationwide.

    Additionally, POSHAN Abhiyaan, targeting nutritional needs of women and children, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which offers direct cash support of ₹5,000 to pregnant and lactating women, have strengthened the foundation laid by PMSMA in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

    As the nation reflects on a decade of policy-led transformation in healthcare, the PMSMA stands out as a symbol of sustained commitment to women’s health. With continued focus on digital tracking, community outreach, and public-private collaboration, the programme has brought India closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to maternal health.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Top talent backed with master’s funding as Britain’s tech experts called into government

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Top talent backed with master’s funding as Britain’s tech experts called into government

    The Spärck AI scholarships will provide full funding for master’s degrees at nine leading UK universities specialising in AI and STEM subjects

    • Exceptional students to receive fully funded AI master’s degrees at Britain’s top 9 universities, with industry partnerships offering direct routes into UK’s tech sector.
    • New fellowship programme launched for exceptional talent to cement Britain’s reputation a global AI leader.
    • Programmes form key part of the Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth through innovation and deliver highly skilled jobs across the country.

    Young people with exceptional talent in AI will receive unprecedented support to study at Britain’s top universities through a new prestigious scholarship programme announced by the Technology Secretary today (Monday 9 June).

    The Spärck AI scholarships, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, will provide full funding for master’s degrees at nine leading UK universities specialising in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects – from Edinburgh to Manchester, and Newcastle to Bristol.

    Set to rival the likes of globally recognised Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright scholarships, at least 100 talented undergraduates level students from the UK and abroad will see unparalleled access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities, including in the UK’s AI Security Institute as well as leading tech firms like Darktrace, Faculty and Quantexa.

    This will not only drive forward AI innovation that grows the UK economy but also gives young people a direct route into highly skilled jobs in the UK’s tech sector – furthering our Plan for Change.

    By covering both tuition and living expenses, the scholarship could also be of interest to talent students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise be unable to afford university – spreading opportunity across the UK.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    “We are providing unique opportunities for talented young people to take up master’s degrees in AI, with fully funded tuition and unparalleled access to industry.

    “Students will be able to go on to highly skilled jobs, building a workforce fit for the future and boosting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    “We are also expanding our fellowship programme to bring top talent into our leading AI sector and drive forward transformational benefits to the public like new drug discoveries.”

    The government has also announced an expansion of its Turing AI Fellowships with new Pioneer fellowships, providing established professionals from any part of academia, humanities, research, or industry with resources to develop AI skills and knowledge to tackle a specific challenge in their fields. Fellows will receive funding, priority access to the AI Research Resource for compute power, and be connected with AI mentors, experts, and industry leaders.

    This comes as millions of people are set to be upskilled with digital and AI skills in a bold national skills drive announced by the Prime Minister at London Tech Week.

    The new Spärck AI scholarships and expanded Turing Pioneer Fellowship delivers on recommendations of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and helps grow our leading AI sector – a priority industry for our upcoming Digital and Tech Sector Plan under the Industrial Strategy.

    Notes to editors:

    • Spärck AI scholarships: Applications will open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning their studies in October 2026. This is backed by £17.2 million in government funding and delivers on a recommendation of the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
    • Universities participating in the Spärck AI scholarship programme include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol, who will co-design and co-fund the initiative.
    • Companies signed up to participate in the scholarship programme include PolyAI, Quantexa, CausaLens, Flok, Beamery, Darktrace and Faculty. 
    • Turing Pioneer Fellowships: Applications will open in mid-July this year, with fellows due to be in-post by Autumn 2026. This is backed by £25.2 million in government funding and delivers on a recommendation of AI Opportunities Action Plan.

    Quotes in support of Spärck AI scholarships:

    Jack Stockdale OBE, Chief Technology Officer at Darktrace:

    “Building AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to defend against next generation threats depends on world-class R&D talent, and we are thrilled to partner with DSIT on this transformative programme. The Spärck AI scholarship will be an important gateway for exceptional global minds to join the frontlines of British innovation, and we’re excited to help develop the next generation of Britain’s world-class AI ecosystem.”

    Co-founder and CEO of Flok Health Finn Stevenson:

    “AI is already generating economic value at unprecedented pace. To put the UK at the forefront of this transformation, its vital that we can attract world’s best talent – not just to study here, but to stay and build future-defining companies of global importance. We’re delighted to be partnering with DSIT on this initiative to do exactly that.”

    PolyAI CEO Nikola Mrkšić:

    “PolyAI was founded in the dialog systems group at the University of Cambridge. Since then, we’ve drawn on our academic backgrounds to bring cutting-edge technology out of the lab and into the real world. I am delighted to join the Spärck AI scholarship programme and work with the next generation of AI pioneers who will help create AI applications that drive real value for real people.”

    Faculty CEO Mark Warner:

    “AI is an epoch-defining technology – yet the UK won’t reap its benefits without having the skills to build and deploy it. 

    “Technical training, education and work placements open the door to highly skilled, well-paid jobs. 

    “Faculty has a decade of experience developing exceptional AI practitioners, and we are delighted to partner with DSIT to further strengthen the UK’s AI talent pipeline.”

    Darko Matovski, Co-founder & CEO of causaLens

    “causaLens is thrilled to collaborate with DSIT on the Spärck AI Scholarships program. We’re proud to champion this vital initiative, which empowers the UK’s brightest AI talent with world-class opportunities at leading AI companies like causaLens, ensuring our nation remains a global leader in the AI race.”

    Beamery CEO Sultan Saidov, CEO

    “Beamery is very proud to support this AI scholarship initiative. The Spärck AI programme is deeply aligned with our mission of creating equal access to work, and to our belief that connecting talent to opportunity — especially in such a pivotal field — is how we build a more innovative, inclusive future. By supporting emerging AI talent, we’re investing in the skills that will shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”

    Edinburgh University Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Peter Mathieson:

    “As one of the UK’s original and consistently leading AI universities, we are pleased to be part of the proposed Spärck Scholarships Scheme.  We look forward to working with the UK Government on the precise details and we fully support the potential of the UK to become an AI superpower.”

    Southampton University Vice-President (Research & Enterprise) Mark Spearing:

    “The University of Southampton is excited to be a founding partner in the Spärck AI Scholarship programme.  We view this as a nationally significant opportunity to attract talented students to the UK to take advantage of our world leading expertise and education in artificial intelligence”.

    Bristol University Vice Chancellor Evelyn Welch:

    “As AI University of the Year and the proud host of the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, Isambard-AI, the University of Bristol is thrilled to support this prestigious new scholarship as an anchor partner. 

    “We relish the opportunity to shape the next generation of global AI pioneers – collaborating with our partners to explore bold new ideas, nurture exceptional talent, and advance the future of this transformative technology together.”

    Professor Deborah Prentice, University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor:

    “Cambridge combines academic excellence with a dynamic, interdisciplinary AI community, from foundational research to real-world impact. We are delighted to be a founding partner in this ambitious initiative, which reflects a shared commitment to attracting exceptional talent and reinforcing the UK’s position as a home for world-class AI. We are especially proud that these scholarships are named after Karen Spärck Jones, a brilliant Cambridge computer scientist.”

    Imperial College London Vice Provost for Research and Enterprise Mary Ryan:

    As one of the world’s most international universities, where diverse minds and disciplines are leveraging AI for science and innovation, Imperial is delighted to be an anchor partner in the prestigious new Spärck AI Scholarships. Our global science and technology hubs in Bengaluru, San Francisco, Accra, and Singapore will be well-placed to support outreach efforts to help attract the best and brightest students to the UK, irrespective of their background. Together, we are building a network of future AI leaders who will shape the world through responsible innovation and convergence science.

    Professor Duncan Ivison, Manchester University President and Vice-Chancellor:

    “The University of Manchester welcomes this important scheme to attract and retain leading talent to the UK and AI sector. We look forward to providing Spärck Scholars with the opportunity to excel within our internationally leading environment for AI related learning, research and innovation, and supporting them to flourish as future leaders in this critical technology area”

    Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost:

    “London Tech Week 2025 is a vital forum for shaping the trajectory of global technology, which depends on highly talented people as much as the technology itself. It is critically important that the UK can continue to attract the brightest and best future academics, entrepreneurs and business leaders in AI to study and work here. UCL is proud to be working with DSIT and other leading universities to make this a reality through a bold new AI Scholarships programme.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Changes made to higher education grants for distance learning09 June 2025 Changes have been made to higher education grants for distance learning students. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Rob Ward, has signed an Amendment order allowing students studying… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    09 June 2025

    Changes have been made to higher education grants for distance learning students. 

    The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Rob Ward, has signed an Amendment order allowing students studying through distance learning to be eligible for maintenance grants and a higher tuition grant from September 2025, equal to what campus-based students receive. 

    This follows the Ministerial Decisions signed in October 2024 and April 2025 to increase distance learning grant thresholds and remove long-term care and hypothec benefits from students’ income assessment. These changes have now taken effect following the signing of the Amendment order. 

    The key changes are: 

    • Distance learning students can get up to £9,138 to help with living costs 
    • The maximum tuition grant will increase from £7,400 to £9,535 
    • Grants remain means-tested and depend on household income – the same income thresholds apply to both distance and campus students 
    • For distance learners, grants will be adjusted based on how many credits they study (study intensity) 
    • Grants for distance learning are only available for degree courses that are regulated in the British Islands. 

    Deputy Ward said: “These changes will ensure young people studying for their degrees off-campus are entitled to the same maintenance and tuition grants as their campus-based peers. 

    “This will level the playing field and further open higher education as a viable path for more young people in Jersey to pursue. This further contributes towards our strategic priority to increase the provision of lifelong learning and skills development.” 

    For more information on the changes, please see gov.je/studentfin​ance​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Strength and Balance Classes for Older Adults 9 June 2025 Strength and Balance Classes developed by experts to support older adults in staying strong, mobile, and independent

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council Public Health team is excited to announce the launch of new Strength and Balance Classes, developed by experts to support older adults in staying strong, mobile, and independent. These classes are delivered by a network of independent and leisure centre-based instructors across the Isle of Wight, as part of the Live Longer Better Isle of Wight initiative.

    Staying active is vital for maintaining independence, preventing falls, and improving overall wellbeing. These specially designed classes form an evidence-based programme that has been shown in scientific studies to help prevent falls. The tailored exercises are for older adults who may be feeling unsteady, worried about falling, or less mobile than they’d like to be. It’s all about supporting our residents to stay stronger for longer to keep doing the things they love.

    How the Classes Can Help You: Strength and Balance Classes provide a safe and supportive environment to:

    • Stay independent and keep doing the activities you enjoy.
    • Improve confidence and reduce the risk of falling.
    • Boost mobility and overall health.
    • Keep active and have fun in a social setting.

    What the Classes Involve: Led by trained instructors, these one-hour classes feature exercises that can be adapted to suit individual needs. Whether seated or standing, everyone can exercise safely and with expert guidance. At the end of each class, participants will receive information about simple exercises to continue at home.

    How to Join: The new Strength and Balance Classes will begin from 4th July 2025 at West Wight Sports Centre and 1Leisure The Heights,  from £7.90 per session. You can try your first class for FREE!

    More info and booking details:  Health advice for older people

    Take the first step toward staying stronger for longer and living life to the full.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International medical technology company praises council support

    Source: City of York

    An international medical technology company which has made York its UK base has praised the business support available in the city.

    Icentia, which was founded in Quebec City, Canada, in 2012, provides wearable ECG (electrocardiogram) devices which monitor the wearer’s heartbeat and can help diagnose irregular cardiac rhythms, in turn helping medical professionals detect and treat cardiac disease early and effectively.

    After being worn for between 24 hours and 14 days, patients return the monitor by post to the Icentia’s offices, in Monks Cross, where a team of Cardiac Physiologists analyse the readings and provide summary reports directly to clinicians.

    Through providing easy to use, discreet devices, the company aims to improve patient experience by reducing the number of hospital appointments required, facilitating faster clinical decisions and reducing waiting times for treatment.

    According to the firm’s UK Managing Director, Darren Macfarlane, the decision over the whereabouts of Icentia’s British HQ was an easy one:

    “In many ways the question for us wasn’t so much ‘Why York?’ as ‘Why not York?’

    “Why wouldn’t we want to situate our business in a city with a fantastic quality of life, a highly skilled workforce and great transport links to the rest of the country?”

    The city’s highly skilled workforce has been of particular benefit to the company, as Darren explained:

    “It’s been wonderful to be able to tap into the talent pool offered by the University of York and York St John University. We’ve had several members of staff come to work for us after graduating, and others who have worked part-time with us while studying in relevant fields, who then progressed to working with us full-time on graduation.”

    Darren and his team have been supported by the council’s Economic Growth Team from the very start of the company’s UK venture, being helped to get established in York and then supported to grow from then on.

    Christine Hogan, an Inward Investment Manager, helped connect Darren to essential regional and local business networks and helping them to identify potential office premises, with the business finally settling in, first at York Science Park in Heslington, then more recently making the move to Monk’s Cross as the business grew.

    Once established in York, Darren worked with Louise Saw, one of the council’s Business Growth Managers, who has provided ongoing advice and guidance, including making introductions to key contacts, signposting to funding sources and programmes like Green Economy, which has helped Icentia develop a bespoke Carbon Reduction Plan to reduce their emissions and make cost savings.

    Darren said:

    “The really great thing about the business support offered by City of York Council is that it’s totally flexible and tailor-made for your specific needs as a business.

    “We’ve received different support at different times across our seven years’ operating so far from York and that’s been really valuable to us as we’ve faced evolving business challenges, from finding office space, navigating the complexities of Brexit, to expanding the business and starting to export our products to Europe.”

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:

    “The work Icentia are doing is vital and making a real difference to thousands of patients across the world every year, including here in the UK, and it’s fantastic that this life-changing work is taking place right here in York.

    “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to support Icentia at every step along the way, from ensuring that they could set up their York HQ with ease, to connecting them to the funding, talent and networks that they need to thrive and expand.

    “Because no two businesses are the same, the support we offer is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of your business, and changes as your business grows.”

    The council’s Economic Growth team have a wealth of local knowledge, and can help you identify premises and advise on funding, workforce development and much more.

    For free, impartial business support, get in touch at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk to start a conversation with our team.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra boost for affordable housing as Council eyes Dreghorn homes

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The City of Edinburgh Council has negotiated the purchase of 78 homes in Colinton in an ongoing drive to urgently tackle the capital’s housing emergency

    Councillors have today (Monday 9 June) agreed to progress the purchase of a further 38 homes from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for £6.65 million, as part of the council’s phased purchase of homes on the Dreghorn Estate.

    The proposal has been warmly welcomed by the families, who had previously been told by the MOD that they might have to vacate their homes after the summer.

    Finance and Resources Convener Mandy Watt said: 

    We’re doing everything we can to make sure these residents will remain in their homes and to increase the amount of affordable and social housing we have in the city – and I know the residents are very grateful that this proposal has had so much support from councillors.

    Purchasing these homes is a sensible way to boost the housing we have, and Dreghorn is a community that provides a great place for council tenants to have a suitable, safe and affordable place to call home.

    Council colleagues have worked over many months to negotiate this purchase from the Ministry of Defence, listening to the concerns of Dreghorn residents at every turn and ensuring good value for the council. This is a huge step towards a positive outcome – a fantastic example of doing things differently to make sure we address our housing emergency.

    It is proposed that the purchase of these homes will be made using £3.289 million from the Scottish Government’s National Acquisition Fund, delivered through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with the remaining balance funded through rental income and prudential borrowing over 30 years. A final decision on financing will be made at a future full council meeting.

    Published: June 9th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Volunteers’ Week Round Up  

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    To mark Volunteer’s Week 2025 last week (2-8 June) the council has been celebrating and highlighting some of the work our volunteers do throughout the city. 

    You can find all the information shared last week to find out about our incredible volunteers and the great work that they do.  

    After joining weekly health walks offered by the Dundee City Council’s Community Health Team and the MAXwell Centre Jackie because a volunteer walk leader. Here about what she gets out of volunteering – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV652SurPYs 

    Youth Volunteers at Rowantree 

    Our evening drop-ins at Rowantree attract many young people with young volunteers helping to run these sessions. Each young volunteer has their own unique journey and in this case study three of them tell us about their experience. https://prezi.com/i/view/H7jn4xMcwKczMcF61HDi/ 

    Margaret 

    Margaret Hogg has been an integral part of Douglas Community Centre for many years. This short film is about her experience volunteering in her community. https://youtu.be/lpCs5H5UFGY 

    DISC Target Project 

    Find out what our young volunteers get from helping at the DISC Target project, a well-attended evening youth group that runs on Thursday and Friday evenings and offers young people a safe place to meet and socialise in the evenings. https://youtu.be/rgYcb4tvOjo 

    Angela  

    Angela volunteers in several groups and activities in the North East of Dundee. She is a community activist in its true sense and her passion is clear to see, read her volunteer profile https://prezi.com/i/view/1CxeklTRPnmPIZcmtsvQ/ 

    Council Leader Visit  

    Council Leader Mark Flynn joined volunteers at Hilltown Community Centre to celebrate and recognise their contribution to community. Read on our website. https://bit.ly/43Sx6Jj 

    As Volunteers’ Week comes to an end, a huge thanks to all our volunteers for getting involved and making a difference in their communities.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU has prepared a record number of winners and prize winners of the All-Russian competition of social advertising “Exit”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The results of the 18th All-Russian (with international participation) competition of social advertising “Exit” have been summed up. The competition has been held since 2007 on the basis of Lipetsk State Technical University. This year the festival was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the year of the Defender of the Fatherland.

    The competition received over 300 entries. Projects by students majoring in Advertising and Public Relations at the State University of Management won a record number of prizes in various competition nominations.

    Winning and prize-winning projects completed by student teams within the framework of the SUM project activities:

    Nomination “PR-project”: Subject – Healthy lifestyle 1st place – “Mental Help – for your health” Project team: Victoria Vlasova, Victoria Dudetskaya, Valeria Solodkova, Sofia Zhigalkina (RISSO in business 2-3), manager – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Valeriya Solodkova: “Our development is dedicated to the current topic of youth mental health. The target audience of our project is young people suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, stress disorders and other psychological problems. It is important for such people to monitor their health and condition. We have developed a concept and design solutions for a mobile application that is designed to support people with mental problems and improve their well-being.”

    Theme: Strong family – strong state 1st place – “Babylon – the door to the diversity of the world” Project team: Chaleleshvili Mariami, Basencyan Meri (RISSO in business 2-3), leader – Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    Basentsyan Meri: “In a modern multicultural society, people are not sufficiently informed about the culture and traditions of different nations and nationalities. The lack of a single platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between representatives of different cultures makes it difficult to preserve and pass on cultural heritage to future generations. As part of the completed project solutions, we offer the audience not only to get acquainted with the culture of other peoples by providing information about traditions, languages, art, history, but also to exchange cultural samples, unite in communities of interest.”

    2nd place – “VUZ Directions – your chance!” Project team: Anna Antipa, Olga Lazarenko, Ekaterina Zamordueva, Veronika Kviring, Maria Rasskazova (RISSO in business 2-3), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Olga Lazarenko: “In connection with the opening up of new technological opportunities, the structure of the labor market is changing. The problem of professional self-determination is becoming relevant. Teenagers often face the problem of choosing a future profession, since it is quite rare that young people in their youth are able to accurately determine in which professional field they would like to develop. Our project developments allow schoolchildren and their parents, as well as adults who want to change their profession, to choose a direction for study at a university or in additional professional education courses, and to decide on a future profession.”

    2nd place – “Profor” Project team: Veronika Aparina, Kira Bogatkina, Anna Vaslyaeva, Ksenia Ignatyeva, Sofia Mazeina, Anna Shorohova (RISSO in business 3-1), leader – Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Shorokhova Anna: “We thought for a long time about how to help schoolchildren with the choice of a university and profession, since we also faced this problem when entering. That’s why the idea arose to create a career guidance mobile application – “Profor”. We want the children to be able to understand their interests and find their favorite thing with the help of our mobile application.”

    Subject: We are against crime and corruption 2nd place – “Connectify – there is a solution!” Project team: Angelina Igoshina, Victoria Zobnina, Ruslana Bulakh, Polina Savina, Lolita Krasotina (RISSO in business 2-3), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Bulakh Ruslana: “In the conditions of globalization of the labor market, the key factor of success is the ability to quickly find reliable business partners. We have developed a concept and solutions for a digital product that allows not only to quickly find the necessary professional contacts for business, but can be used as a network of professional connections necessary for career growth and professional self-realization.”

    Nomination “PR-project”: Subject – Doing good 1st place – “Helping the tails” Authors: Ulyana Eremina, Elizaveta Patorova, Alexandra Podganina (RISSO in business 2-2), manager – Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Topic — Live soberly! 3rd place — “Gambling is an irreversible choice” Authors: Violetta Vdovitsa, Alina Karpova, Shonia Sofiko (RISSO in business 3-1), leader — Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Subject: We are against crime and corruption 3rd place: “Don’t tolerate! Don’t be afraid! Don’t be silent!” Authors: Bulakh Ruslana, Dudetskaya Victoria, Peldiakova Darya (RISSO in business 2-3), leader: Dianina Elena Vadimovna.

    Topic — Social networks, or Where are you, our children? 2nd place — “Virtual shackles” Authors: Anastasia Lazinkova, Polina Pukhova, Maria Sineok (RISSO in business 2-3), leader — Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    3rd place – “Leaving Online 2.0” Authors: Marina Zotkina (PRK 1-1), Svetlana Akimova (RISSO in Business 4-2), supervisor – Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Nomination “Audio Advertising”: Subject – Road Wars 1st place – “Faster Speed – Shorter Life” Authors: Daria Klyuzhina, Anastasia Morozova, Lyubov Savostyanova (Digital Marketing Communications 3-2), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Safe Path” Authors: Veronika Aparina, Sofia Mazeina (RISSO in business 3-1), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Topic: You need to live soberly 2nd place – “Every fifth” Authors: Egor Meshcheryakov, Violetta Evteeva, Artem Vozyakov (Digital Marketing Communications 3-2), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Make a conscious choice” Authors: Valeria Gusarova, Dmitry Dzhafarov, Ekaterina Kalchenko (RISSO in business 3-2), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Subject — Healthy lifestyle 1st place — “Beautiful jars are not for you” Authors: Ulyana Sorokina, Sofia Alekseeva (RISSO in business 3-3), leader — Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich

    2nd place – “The Key to a Happy Childhood” Authors: Elizaveta Chabanova, Sofia Petrova, Diana Shakurova (Promotion of New Business 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Topic: A strong family means a strong country 2nd place: “Take a step towards happiness” Authors: Daria Barinova, Kristina Kazakova, Linara Valeeva (RISSO in business 3-2), leader: Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Subject: Family and children’s problems 1st place – “It’s time to act” Authors: Elizaveta Ilyinichna Fedoseeva, Daria Aleksandrovna Yezhova (RISSO in business 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    2nd place – “Don’t forget your elders” Authors: Dmitry Denisov, Pavel Polyakov, Riad Faig oglu Gubatov, Viktor Lozovsky (Promotion of new business 3-1), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Topic — Social networks, or Where are you, our children? 1st place — “Take a break” Authors: Anisimova Ioanna, Petrosyan Diana (Promotion of new business 3-1), supervisor — Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    2nd place – “Protect yourself on the Internet” Authors: Salnikova Sabina, Karpova Alina, Korotkaya Daria (RISSO in business 3-1), supervisor – Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    Subject: Ecoworld 1st place – “Take a pet from a shelter” Authors: Anna Badayeva, Ksenia Stavtseva (RISSO in business 3-1), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    2nd place – “Don’t betray them” Authors: Elizaveta Zhazhina (Promotion of new business 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    2nd place – “Let’s help together” Authors: Ksenia Kalichkova, Maria Vanyakina (Digital Marketing Communications 3-2), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Recycle for the sake of life” Authors: Ruslan Dasaev (RISSO in business 3-3), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Find a friend today” Authors: Maria Sitnikova, Nikita Anufriev (Digital Marketing Communications 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Nomination: “Outdoor and Print Advertising” Subject: Healthy Lifestyle 3rd place: “Live Here and Now” Authors: Stephanie Maria, Widow Violetta (RISSO in Business 3-1), manager: Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    Congratulations to the winning teams and scientific supervisors!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training

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

    Headline: Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training

    Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training | OSCE

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    Home Newsroom News and press releases Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tourist flight to connect Datong and Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 9 (Xinhua) — Russian airline NordStar will launch a direct flight linking Moscow and Datong in northern China’s Shanxi Province on July 6 this year, becoming the second tourist air route between the Russian capital and China’s Shanxi Province.

    As the newspaper “Shanxi Wanbao” /“Evening Shanxi”/ writes, in April of this year a charter flight Taiyuan-Moscow was opened.

    Flights Y7535/Y7536 on the new route will operate once a week.

    The airliner will leave Moscow on Saturday at 18:45 Moscow time and arrive in Datong at 08:50 the next day Beijing time, on the return flight it will depart at 10:30 Sunday Beijing time and land at Moscow airport at 15:35 Moscow time.

    Flights from Datong to Moscow and back are already on sale. Tickets can be purchased at a discount on the platforms of tour operators.

    From the 17th to the early 20th century, the famous Great Tea Road connected modern Shanxi Province and Russia. Today, the opening of Taiyuan-Moscow and Datong-Moscow flights will allow the two sides to deepen their friendship and intensify cooperation.

    According to Li Zhiwei, CEO of Baohua Travel, Moscow and St. Petersburg are very attractive to Chinese travelers. Shanxi Province, where many attractions have been preserved, is also an interesting destination for Russian tourists.

    Baohua Travel has developed various tourism products for Russian clients, including 8-day tours of Taiyuan and Datong cities and 8-day tours of intangible cultural heritage sites. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SCO Film Festival to be held in Chongqing in July

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    CHONGQING, June 9 (Xinhua) — The 2025 SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Film Festival will be held from July 3 to 7 in Yongchuan District of southwest China’s Chongqing City, focusing on new achievements in cinema from member countries, the city government said Monday.

    The upcoming film festival is intended to promote humanitarian exchanges and cooperation among SCO member countries, the Chongqing government said at a press conference to mark the event.

    The film festival will feature 11 events, including film screenings, cooperation forums, a film technology exhibition, a gala concert, etc. According to Qin Zhengui, Deputy Director of the State Film Administration of the People’s Republic of China, awards will be presented in 10 categories, including “Best Film” and “Best Director”.

    According to the organizing committee, 27 films from SCO member states have been submitted to the film festival to date, some of which will be shown in local cinemas.

    In recent years, Yongchuan, located in the western part of Chongqing, has become a vibrant center for innovation in film technology. There are currently more than 100 film and television enterprises operating in Yongchuan. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sabotage at Moscow Region Defense Enterprise Prevented — Russian FSB

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, June 9 /Xinhua/ — The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has thwarted an attempt to commit sabotage at a defense enterprise in the Moscow region, the FSB’s Public Relations Center (PRC) reported.

    “The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation has stopped the illegal activity of two Russian citizens, born in 1987 and 1999, who intended to commit sabotage at one of the enterprises of the military-industrial complex (MIC) in the Moscow region,” the FSB Public Relations Center said in a statement.

    The detainees acted on instructions from a Ukrainian organization recognized by the Russian Supreme Court as terrorist, the FSB Public Relations Center reported, without specifying its name. They established contact with representatives of the organization via Telegram, “acting independently of each other.”

    In preparation for the sabotage, the detainees conducted reconnaissance and photography of key facilities of the enterprise, sending the resulting footage to their curators, the FSB Public Relations Center added. They removed the components for the homemade explosive device from pre-prepared hiding places.

    Both men have been arrested. They confessed to carrying out tasks for a terrorist organization aimed at stopping the operation of a defense industry facility, the FSB Public Relations Center said.

    “The Russian FSB draws attention to the fact that Ukrainian special services are increasingly using the Telegram and WhatsApp messengers to involve citizens in sabotage and intelligence activities,” the statement says. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Centre notifies SEZ reforms to boost semiconductor and electronics manufacturing

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government on Monday notified key amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules, 2006, to ease the establishment of semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing units. The reforms, which were notified by the Department of Commerce on June 3, are expected to address the sector’s capital-intensive nature and long gestation periods, while reducing import dependency and enabling domestic value addition.
     
    One of the major changes includes the reduction in the minimum land requirement for SEZs dedicated exclusively to semiconductor or electronics component manufacturing. The threshold has been brought down from 50 hectares to 10 hectares through an amendment to Rule 5, significantly lowering the entry barrier for firms in this strategic sector. The Centre has also amended Rule 7 to permit the Board of Approval to relax the requirement of encumbrance-free land in cases where the land is mortgaged or leased to Central or State governments or their authorised agencies.
     
    Further easing compliance norms, the government has amended Rule 53 to allow goods received or supplied on a free-of-cost basis to be included in the Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) calculations. The valuation of such goods will follow the existing customs valuation rules. Additionally, a crucial change to Rule 18 enables SEZ units in the semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing sectors to sell products in the domestic tariff area (DTA) after paying the applicable duties. This is expected to enhance the flexibility and commercial viability of operations for SEZ units.
     
    Following the notification, the Board of Approval has cleared two significant proposals under the new regime. Micron Semiconductor Technology India Pvt. Ltd. (MSTI) has received the green light to set up a dedicated SEZ in Sanand, Gujarat, over 37.64 hectares. The facility is expected to attract investments to the tune of ₹13,000 crore and will focus on semiconductor manufacturing.
     
    Similarly, Hubballi Durable Goods Cluster Pvt. Ltd., part of the Aequs Group, has secured approval for setting up an SEZ for electronics components manufacturing in Dharwad, Karnataka. The proposed unit will span 11.55 hectares and entail an investment of ₹100 crore.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation on new measures to protect sensitive habitats and species in 30,000 km² of our seas

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Consultation on new measures to protect sensitive habitats and species in 30,000 km² of our seas

    The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is consulting on proposed fisheries management measures to protect some of England’s most sensitive marine ecosystems, habitats and species.

    On 9 June 2025, the government announced plans to extend bans on the use of bottom towed gear and other damaging fishing activities in more Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).  

    As England’s marine manager, MMO is responsible for managing fishing in offshore MPAs. It is now asking marine stakeholders to view its draft management measures for 42 English MPAs, complete an online survey and have their say.   

    Proposals would be implemented through the creation of four region byelaws. They include: 

    • prohibitions of fishing using bottom towed gear in specified areas in 31 MPAs; 

    • prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gears and prohibitions on fishing using static gears (traps and/or bottom set nets and lines) in specified areas in four MPAs; 

    • prohibition of fishing using traps in a specified area of one MPA; 

    • prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gear and prohibition of the removal of spiny lobster, also known as crawfish (Palinurus elephas) in a specified area of one MPA; 

    • minor changes to existing bottom towed gear prohibitions in five MPAs to reflect the most up to date approach, habitat location and depth information. 

    The total area of seabed that would be protected by MMOs proposed measures is approximately 30,000 km².  

    The measures are based on detailed assessments into the impacts of fishing on sensitive seabed habitats and species within these sites. This includes circalittoral rock (animal dominated rocky reef habitats), fan mussels, ocean quahogs, as well as sea-pen and burrowing megafauna communities.  

    These habitats and species are at risk from damaging fishing activity. Their protection and recovery will contribute to healthier marine ecosystems and support the long-term sustainability of commercial fish stocks. 

    Michelle Willis, MMOs Acting CEO, said: 

    Marine protected areas play a critical role in the future health and vitality of our seas and sustainability of our fisheries. Our latest proposals are based on draft fisheries assessments which have concluded that management measures are necessary to ensure, beyond reasonable scientific doubt, that the conservation objectives of the MPAs included in the stage can be achieved.

    This consultation runs for 12 weeks and will close on 1 September 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to view proposals by region and comment on areas relevant to them. 

    The consultation follows a call for evidence which ran from 17 January to 28 March 2023.  

    To take part and view the draft byelaws, impact assessments, de minimis assessment, maps and coordinates of the areas included in this consultation, please visit: www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-protected-areas-stage-3-consultation  

    To find out more about MPAs, please visit: www.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Focus on industry and innovation during Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General’s Sheffield factory visit

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Focus on industry and innovation during Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General’s Sheffield factory visit

    Government delivering on Strategic Defence Review to turbocharge UK defence industry and drive ‘NATO-first’ approach

    Innovation and growth through the UK’s world-leading defence industry was the focus of a visit to a Sheffield factory today by the Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte toured Sheffield Forgemasters, which manufactures specialist steel parts used in critical defence programmes, including nuclear-grade steel components for the Royal Navy’s attack submarines. 

    The factory, which employs 725 skilled staff, is symbolic of the government’s plan to harness defence as an engine for growth and deliver on the Plan for Change, and how investment in the UK’s defence industry not only boosts British jobs but strengthens the defence and deterrence of the NATO alliance.  

    Sheffield Forgemasters has been manufacturing components for nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines with more than £200m worth of contracts in place under the AUKUS programme. The Government confirmed plans last week to deliver up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines, which will further strengthen the UK’s contribution to NATO in addition to creating thousands of jobs across the UK.

    It comes the week after the publication of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which saw the government commit billions of pounds in investment for British defence companies, driving innovation and supporting thousands of jobs around the country – delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.  

    The NATO Secretary General has welcomed the industry focus of the SDR and highlighted how it will be key to supporting the deterrent effect of the alliance while boosting collective security. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said: 

    Sheffield Forgemasters sits in one of Britain’s proudest industrial heartlands, and it is at the heart of our drive to shift our sovereign defence industry to warfighting readiness, supporting hundreds of skilled jobs in the process. The work is ensuring this government’s commitment to the defence dividend is met, delivering on the Plan for Change.

    It was a pleasure to tour its factory with the NATO Secretary General, where we discussed this government’s plan to put NATO first as we deliver on our landmark Strategic Defence Review.

    NATO is critical to UK security and global security, which is why we are stepping up to lead in Europe, investing in powerful new technologies to support growth and boost our national security.

    NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte: 

    The renewal of the UK’s defence industry will not only enhance Allied security but boost national prosperity as well. It is a vital component in ensuring warfighting readiness.

    The United Kingdom has a rich heritage in manufacturing and innovation, and Sheffield Forgemasters is an excellent example of this. Harnessing this legacy will be critical to enabling NATO to effectively deter and defend against future threats.

    Sheffield Forgemasters will be crucial to delivering the plans set out in the SDR, as they restart manufacturing for artillery gun barrels, the first time they have been produced by the UK in decades underlining the defence dividend delivered by this government’s spending uplift. This follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and ambition for 3% in the next Parliament.

    Their work also supports vital equipment supplied to Ukraine, such as L119 Light Guns and the AS90 self-propelled gun. 

    It comes after major announcements following the SDR, including: the building of up to a dozen new attack submarines for the Royal Navy; £5bn of confirmed investment in drone and laser weapon technology, up to 7,000 new UK-built long-range weapons to be procured; at least six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK; more than £1.5 billion to improve the state of military housing; and more than £1 billion for pioneering technology to spearhead battlefield engagements. 

    Sheffield Forgemasters plays a vital role in this National Endeavour as part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew, and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent.  

    The nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of the UK’s national security, helping to guarantee the safety of the UK and our NATO allies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Department of Urban Development presented projects for the Belarusian city of Nesvizh

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Fourth-year students of the Urban Planning Department of Mikhail Vilensky’s workshop, in the context of interaction with the architectural community of the Republic of Belarus and Russian architectural bureaus, completed projects for the comprehensive spatial and architectural-compositional development of the city of Nesvizh in the Minsk region.

    On behalf of the architectural community of the Republic of Belarus, the first deputy chairman of the Public Association of the Belarusian Union of Architects, head of the design company VIASET, PhD in architecture Vadim Drazhin took part in the procedure of protection and expert evaluation of the works; on behalf of the Russian architectural community, the head of projects of the MLA bureau, PhD in architecture Mikhail Stepura took part.

    Nesvizh is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Belarus, with a rich historical and cultural heritage. One of the four sites of the republic included in the UNESCO World Heritage List is located here – the Radziwill Palace and Park Complex. In addition to it, the city has preserved many unique architectural and urban planning monuments, including the city hall, shopping arcades, temples, monasteries, remains of city fortifications and historical stone buildings. Currently, Nesvizh continues to actively develop as an administrative and tourist center.

    The work on rethinking and reorganizing the spatial development of Nesvizh was carried out under the supervision of teachers from the Department of Urban Development of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering: candidate of architecture Mikhail Vilensky, candidate of architecture Ksenia Veretennikova and Elena Karpenko.

    As part of the team research, students studied the history, culture, evolutionary spatial-territorial development, transport system and functional features of the city and its architectural-stylistic and compositional parameters of development. As a result, five teams of students presented their own views on the development of Nesvizh, focusing in the projects on its various aspects:

    “Reorganization of the center of the small historical town of Nesvizh” (Arina Akatova, Elena Belousova and Diana Nurgalieva); “Three centers of the small historical town of Nesvizh” (Elizaveta Murygina and Ekaterina Shishova); “Nesvizh. Point of education” (Anastasia Zapolskikh and Anzhelika Ivanikhina); “Five squares of Nesvizh: the concept of development of public spaces of the historical center of the city” (Sofya Artyukhova); “Research of the centers of small historical towns and three functional-spatial strategies for the development of the city of Nesvizh” (Ivan Bondar, Gleb Grebennikov, Mussa Laipanov, Anastasia Leontyeva and Egor Korenkov).

    Invited representatives of the Russian and Belarusian architectural community highly appreciated the students’ works. In the future, the projects will be presented for consideration by interested parties in the Republic of Belarus.

    As Vadim Drazhin noted, “five teams of student architects proposed strategic development of tourism as a key function of the historical center of the city of Nesvizh. The design solutions, based on the research, are of interest for consideration by the city administration with subsequent application in adjusting the detailed city plan.”

    The Department of Urban Planning plans to further develop close cooperation with representatives of the architectural community, administration and architectural and urban planning educational institutions of the Republic of Belarus.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo to consider Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LegCo to consider Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025 
         The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (June 11) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025 will resume. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.

         The Second Reading debates on the Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2025 will also resume. If the Bills are supported by Members and receive their Second Reading, they will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bills and their reports are adopted by the Council, the Bills will be set down for the Third Reading. 
         Mr Sunny Tan will move a motion on “Stimulating the vigorous development of Hong Kong’s small and medium enterprises with new quality productive forces and actively dovetailing with the country’s high-quality ‘going global’ strategy”. The motion is set out in Appendix 2. Mr Erik Yim will move an amendment to Mr Tan’s motion.
     
         Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, six of which require oral replies.
     
         The agenda of the above meeting can be obtained via the LegCo Website (www.legco.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: US safety reminder issued

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    In view of the ongoing protests and riots across the US recently, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today reminded Hong Kong residents who are already there or intend to visit the US to attend to their personal safety.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government said residents who intend to visit the US or are already there should monitor the local situation, exercise caution, avoid large gatherings of people and pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation.

    The Security Bureau has updated the outbound travel alerts webpage for the US and will continue to closely monitor the situation there. Any update will be issued through the media, the bureau’s mobile app, and the webpage.

    Hong Kong residents in the US who need assistance can call the Immigration Department’s 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the department’s mobile app.

    They can also send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, or submit an online assistance request form.

    Alternatively, they may contact the Chinese Embassy or Consulate-General in the US by calling the Embassy at (1) 2024952216, the Consulate-General in New York at (1) 2126953125, the Consulate-General in San Francisco at (1) 4159296998, the Consulate-General in Los Angeles at (1) 2138078052, or the Consulate-General in Chicago at (1) 3123973015.

    Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong.

    The information provided allows the Immigration Department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means on a timely basis when necessary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Canadian Wildfire Smoke to Impact Maine’s Air Quality on June 7 & 8

    Source: US State of Maine

    June 7, 2025

    CONTACT:

    Ground-level particle pollution concentrations are expected to continue in the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ (USG) level according to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

    Smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to move into the Northern Maine region with hourly monitored values of particle pollution in the USG range for the remainder of Saturday. With light winds forecasted, these higher values are expected to linger throughout the day. The remainder of Maine is projected to remain in the Moderate range. Meanwhile, ozone is expected to reach the Moderate range for the Southwest and Mid-Coastal regions and Good for the remainder of the state.

    On Sunday, weather conditions are expected to remain consistent, and currently, air quality forecasters are not expecting wildfire smoke to move out of the Maine area. The Northern & Western Mountains regions are expected to be in the USG range. While the remainder of the state is expected to remain in the Moderate range for particle pollution since smoke can be slow to clean out. Ozone is expected to be in the Good range statewide.

    On Monday easterly winds may push smoke westward and out of Maine. However, another plume may move down from Labrador and could impact Maine. Currently the forecast is Moderate statewide for particle pollution. The public is urged to check the DEP website later in the day as the forecast is expected to be revised late Sunday afternoon.

    At elevated levels of particle pollution, children, the elderly, and individuals suffering from respiratory or heart diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD can experience reduced lung function and irritation. In addition, healthy adults who exert themselves outdoors may also notice these health effects. Affected individuals may notice symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, and/or experience mild chest pain.

    Some actions you can take to protect your health during periods of elevated particle pollution levels include:

    • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity
    • Close windows and circulate indoor air with a fan or air conditioner
    • If you have asthma, keep your quick-relief medications and action plan handy

    Additional health information may be found on the following websites:

    In addition to those in a sensitive group, others who are responsible for the welfare of people impacted by poor air quality are urged to use one of the listed tools to follow the Air Quality Forecast:

    For more information go to Maine DEPs air quality web site.

    For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: #iubilaeum2025 – Notice of Press Conference

    Source: The Holy See

    On Wednesday 11 June 2025, at 12.00, at the Holy See Press Office, Via della Conciliazione, 54, a press conference will be held to present the Jubilee of Sport, to take place from 14 to 15 June 2025.
    The speakers will be:
    – His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education;
    – Novella Calligaris, former swimmer and journalist;
    – Amelio Castro Grueso, paralympic athlete;
    – Giampaolo Mattei, president of Athletica Vaticana.
    The press conference will be livestreamed in the original language on the Vatican News YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/c/VaticanNews
    Remote participation
    Journalists and media operators who wish to participate remotely in the press conference must apply, no later than two hours before the event, via the Holy See online accreditation system, at https://press.vatican.va/accreditamenti, selecting the event CS Giubileo dello Sport.
    In the application phase, please select the option “Sì” in the box “Partecipazione da remoto”.
    Journalists and media workers who are admitted will receive confirmation of participation via the online accreditation system and, at the same time, the link to access the virtual platform and to participate actively in the press conference, with the possibility to ask questions.
    Participation in person
    Journalists and media operators who wish to participate in the press conference in person must apply, no later than 24 hours before the event, via the Holy See online accreditation system, at https://press.vatican.va/accreditamenti, selecting the event CS Giubileo dello Sport.
    Journalists and media operators who are admitted will receive confirmation of participation via the online accreditation system.
    *.*.*
    Journalists and media operators accredited for the press conference are invited to be present 30 minutes before the start time.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • 11 years of Modi govt: PMMY empowers over 52.5 crore entrepreneurs with Mudra Loans

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a remarkable push towards inclusive financial empowerment, the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) has sanctioned over ₹33.65 lakh crore in loans to more than 52.5 crore small and micro-entrepreneurs over the last eleven years — more than the combined population of the USA, Russia, and Australia.

    Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the vision of “Funding the Unfunded,” PMMY has become a game-changer for first-time entrepreneurs, especially from marginalized communities. Of the total sanctioned loans, ₹11.58 lakh crore has been extended to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and OBCs, underscoring the government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas.”

    Women have emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, receiving 68% of the total MUDRA loans—over 35.38 crore loans worth ₹14.72 lakh crore—boosting their participation in the national economy and fostering a new generation of female entrepreneurs.

    PMMY offers collateral-free loans under four categories:

    Shishu (up to ₹50,000),

    Kishor (₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh),

    Tarun (₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh), and the newly introduced

    Tarun Plus (₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh), supporting businesses at various growth stages.

    As India continues to strengthen its MSME sector, PMMY remains a key pillar in promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship across every strata of society.