NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Children’s commission meets

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today chaired the 25th meeting of the Commission on Children.

    During the meeting, members were briefed by the Government on preparations for rolling out a mandatory reporting regime for child abuse cases.

    The Government said it is making preparations with relevant professions with a view to implementing the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance next January.

    It added that a Child Protection Campaign comprising publicity, promotion, education and training activities has been launched to enhance understanding of the mandatory reporting regime by professionals and the general public, and to raise awareness about child protection.

    Mr Chan said that child protection is a long-term commitment that must be sustained to ensure that professionals remain vigilant at all times, whilst awareness of child protection is rooted in the hearts of the general public.

    Separately, the Education Bureau, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau and the Social Welfare Department briefed members on parent education efforts by the Government and various measures aimed at supporting children’s growth and well-being.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong’s COVID-19 activity shows signs of decline from its peak but is expected to remain high in near term

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong’s COVID-19 activity shows signs of decline from its peak but is expected to remain high in near term 
    According to the latest surveillance data (as of the week ending May 24), both the viral load of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from sewage surveillance and the test positivity rate of respiratory samples have begun to decline in the past week. Among them, the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus decreased from 13.80 per cent in the previous week (May 11 to 17) to 11.12 per cent. For sewage surveillance, the per capita viral load of SARS-CoV-2 virus decreased from around 770 000 copy/litre to 500 000 copy/litre during the same period. Besides, the consultation rate of COVID-19 cases at general out-patient clinics and sentinel private medical practitioner clinics also dropped.
     
         “COVID-19 has become an endemic disease with cyclical patterns. Epidemiological data from local and other regions around the world show that there are generally periodic upsurges in the COVID-19 activity level approximately every six to nine months. Hong Kong has experienced an upsurge in COVID-19 cases since April this year, more than half a year after the last increase in July and August of last year. The current active period is expected. Although the activity of COVID-19 has started to decline, with reference to previous data, we expect that it will remain at a relatively high level in the short term, and will take a month or two to gradually decline to a lower level,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
     
         “Genetic analysis showed that XDV and its descendent lineages (mainly NB.1.8.1) have become the dominating variant strains in Hong Kong. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently assigned NB.1.8.1 as one of the “Variants under Monitoring”. The WHO suggested that the global public health risk posed by NB.1.8.1 was low. There is currently no evidence that NB.1.8.1 will cause more severe diseases than previously dominating variant strains (such as JN.1 and XBB as well as their descendent lineages). As XDV (including NB.1.8.1) is a JN.1-related variant, the COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Hong Kong can effectively prevent infection and severe disease,” Dr Tsui said.
     
    The CHP has recorded six severe paediatric cases (no fatal cases) related to COVID-19 so far this year. Among which, two have underlying illnesses and four have not received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. These cases showed that even children who have been in good past health may experience severe complications from COVID-19 infection.
     
         “Severe COVID-19 cases primarily affect the elderly and children, and those with underlying illnesses. Existing local and overseas scientific data has fully proved that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective in minimising the risk of severe disease or death after infection. Therefore, I remind members of the public who have not received the initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (including infants and children) to get vaccinated at appropriate times. Moreover, pregnant women getting the COVID-19 vaccine not only can reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death, the antibodies in their bodies can also be passed to the foetus and the breastfed babies through the umbilical cord or breast milk respectively, providing protection to infants aged below six months who cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those at high risk (particularly the elderly and persons with underlying illnesses), should receive a booster dose as soon as possible,” Dr Tsui added. 
     
    Apart from vaccination, the public should maintain stringent personal, environmental and hand hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases. When respiratory symptoms appear, one should wear a surgical mask, consider avoiding going to work or school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly.
     
    For the latest surveillance data, members of the public can refer to the CHP’s weekly COVID-19 & Flu ExpressIssued at HKT 19:38

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and Robert Koch Institute (RKI) expand unique partnership to strengthen collaborative surveillance in Africa

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

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    The World Health Organization (WHO),  Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced today the expansion of the successful Health Security Partnership to Strengthen Disease Surveillance in Africa (HSPA) to seven countries on the continent. 

    The Health Security Partnership strengthens disease surveillance and epidemic intelligence across the African Continent, enabling countries to better detect and respond to public health threats – whether they are natural, accidental, or deliberate.

    Launched in 2023 in six countries, The Gambia, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa, and Tunisia, the partnership will expand to other countries, including Rwanda, in its second phase which runs from 2025-2028.

    “HSPA represents an important step forward in building stronger partnerships for health security in Africa. By bringing together global, regional and national actors, this initiative supports countries in strengthening Collaborative Surveillance through mutual exchange and practical action. WHO remains committed to working alongside Member States to ensure that these collective efforts are well-coordinated, responsive, and rooted in national priorities,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa; Deputy Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

    Africa experiences more disease outbreaks than any other part of the world. While significant progress has been made in strengthening disease surveillance over the past decade, no country can tackle today’s complex health threats alone.

    “Within the framework of this project, Africa CDC will work with the Member States in mobilizing political will for biosecurity and surveillance, establishing regional frameworks for bio-surveillance of high-consequence biological agents and toxins, and coordinating event-based surveillance. The collaboration with other partners and coordination with Member States is crucial especially in the current context of limited resources to strengthen the continent’s capacity for early detection, response, and management of biological threats,”said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa CDC.

    At the heart of the initiative is a Collaborative Surveillance approach that connects health and security sectors to reduce biological risks and strengthen surveillance systems nationally and internationally.

    The partnership is supporting countries to strengthen capacities in biorisk management, event and indicator-based surveillance, genomic surveillance and epidemic intelligence. This is achieved through training, guidance development, co-creation of implementation roadmaps, and hands-on technical assistance to ensure that implementation is aligned with country priorities, embedded within broader national systems, and built for long-term sustainability.

    “We are proud of what this partnership has achieved so far. It has strengthened health system coordination and resilience in the African Continent, delivering tangible gains in biosecurity, disease surveillance, genomic surveillance, and epidemic intelligence. This has only been possible because of the trusted partnership between Africa CDC, RKI and WHO with countries in the driver’s seat,” said Dr Merawi Aragaw, Head of Surveillance and Disease at Africa CDC.

    The HSPA initiative has been supported from the start by the Government of Canada through its Weapons Threat Reduction Program, with additional funding in phase two from the Government of the United Kingdom.

    Building on the achievements in phase one, the participating countries, with support from WHO and partners, will accelerate implementation to build a healthier, safer and more resilient Africa. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The anatomy of a smile: how to spot a fake from the real thing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

    Axel Bueckert / Alamy Stock Photo

    You’ve probably heard the claim that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. It’s usually framed as a feel-good reason to turn your frown upside down – less effort, more joy. But anatomically, the numbers don’t quite add up.

    We’ve all seen it – the smile that doesn’t quite reach the eyes. From awkward family photos to strained workplace pleasantries, our brains often detect that something is off long before we consciously realise why.

    But what is it about a smile that makes it feel sincere — or fake? The answer lies in a surprising blend of facial anatomy, neurology and emotional authenticity.

    Not all smiles are created equal, and anatomically speaking, there are at least two distinct kinds: the Duchenne smile, which reflects genuine happiness, and the non-Duchenne smile, which tends to be more social or strategic.

    Named after 19th-century French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne, the Duchenne smile activates two key muscle groups. The first group is associated with the corners of the mouth – where, for example, the risorius (from the Latin to smile) draws the corners outward and the zygomaticus major muscle lifts them.

    The second, and most telling, muscle is the orbicularis oculi, which tightens the muscles around the eyes, producing the familiar “crow’s feet” and the gentle narrowing we associate with warmth and delight.

    Fake or polite smiles, on the other hand, usually involve only the mouth muscles. The eyes remain wide or indifferent, and the smile appears more mechanical than meaningful – a kind of emotional camouflage.

    Both real and fake smiles depend on cranial nerve VII, also known as the facial nerve, which sends signals from the brain to the muscles of facial expression. However, there’s a key neurological difference: Duchenne smiles tend to be generated by the limbic system, the brain’s emotional core – particularly the amygdala, an almond-shaped group of neurons that processes emotional salience.

    Non-Duchenne smiles, by contrast, are often under more conscious cortical control, originating in the motor cortex. This divide means that authentic, emotionally driven smiles are involuntary.

    You can’t easily will your orbicularis oculi to contract convincingly unless you’re genuinely feeling the emotion behind the expression. Even professional actors must tap into real memories or method techniques to produce them convincingly.

    Why our brains notice the difference

    Humans are remarkably good at detecting emotional authenticity. Studies show that even infants as young as ten months can distinguish between real and fake smiles.

    Evolutionarily, this ability may have helped us assess trustworthiness, recognise true allies and avoid deception. The fusiform gyrus, a part of the brain involved in facial recognition, works closely with the superior temporal sulcus to decode expressions — helping us gauge intention as much as emotion.

    In modern life, our sensitivity to facial nuance continues to matter. Politicians, customer service workers and public figures frequently rely on the social smile to navigate complex interpersonal expectations. But observers – consciously or not – often pick up on these micro-discrepancies.

    Fake smiles aren’t necessarily malicious. In fact, they serve important social functions: smoothing awkward interactions, signalling politeness, defusing conflict and showing deference. They are a vital part of what sociologists call “emotional labour” – managing one’s expressions to meet societal or professional expectations.

    But this kind of smiling, when sustained for long periods, can be emotionally exhausting. Studies of emotional labour suggest that being required to smile without genuine feeling – especially in service roles – is associated with increased stress, burnout and even cardiovascular strain.

    As we move further into the age of AI, synthetic faces – from chatbots to virtual assistants – are being programmed to replicate human expressions. Yet the challenge remains: how do you fake authenticity? Engineers can program a smile, but without the micro-contractions around the eyes, many of these expressions still seem disingenuous. Our own anatomy sets the gold standard.

    So next time you’re trying to decode someone’s expression, don’t just look at the mouth. Watch the eyes. The orbicularis oculi rarely lies.

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

    – ref. The anatomy of a smile: how to spot a fake from the real thing – https://theconversation.com/the-anatomy-of-a-smile-how-to-spot-a-fake-from-the-real-thing-256481

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Israel announces new West Bank settlements despite sanctions threat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s government has approved 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied-West Bank, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Thursday, a move that could deepen divisions with some allies, who have threatened sanctions over further expansion.

    Far-right Smotrich, an advocate for Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, wrote on X that the new settlements would be located in the northern area of the West Bank, without specifying where.

    Israeli media cited the Defense Ministry as saying that among the new Jewish settlements, existing “outposts” would be legalised and new settlements would also be built.

    Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 war. Israel later annexed East Jerusalem, a move not recognized by most countries, but has not formally extended sovereignty over the West Bank.

    Palestinians see expansion of the settlements as a hindrance to their aspirations to establish an independent Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem.

    There is a growing list of European countries demanding that Israel end the war in Gaza, while Britain, France and Canada this month warned Israel it could impose targeted sanctions if Israel continued to expand settlements in the West Bank.

    Most of the international community considers the Jewish settlements illegal. The Israeli government deems settlements legal under its own laws, while some so-called “outposts” are illegal but often tolerated and sometimes later legalised.

    Settlement activity in the West Bank has accelerated sharply since the war in Gaza, now in its 20th month, adding to escalating Israeli military operations against Palestinian militants and increasing numbers of settler attacks targeting Palestinian residents.

    Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, called Israel’s decision a “dangerous escalation”, accusing the government of continuing to drag the region into a “cycle of violence and instability”.

    “This extremist Israeli government is trying by all means to prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” he told Reuters, urging U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to intervene.

    Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the announcement and called on the United States and the European Union to take action.

    “The announcement of the building of 22 new settlements in the West Bank is part of the war led by Netanyahu against the Palestinian people,” Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

    (Reuters)

  • US cancels more than $700 million funding for Moderna bird flu vaccine

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Trump administration has canceled a contract awarded to Moderna for the late-stage development of its bird flu vaccine for humans, as well as the right to purchase shots, the drugmaker announced on Wednesday.

    Shares of Moderna were flat in after-market trading.

    Moderna in January was awarded $590 million by the Biden administration to advance the development of its bird flu vaccine, and support the expansion of clinical studies for up to five additional subtypes of pandemic influenza

    This was in addition to $176 million awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last year to complete the late-stage development and testing of a pre-pandemic mRNA-based vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza.

    HHS told Reuters earlier this year that it was reviewing agreements made by the Biden administration for vaccine production.

    “The cancellation means that the government is discarding what could be one of the most effective and rapid tools to combat an avian influenza outbreak,” said Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, adding that it is the opposite approach Trump took with Operation Warp Speed to combat COVID-19.

    An HHS spokesperson said that after a comprehensive internal review, the agency had determined that the project did not meet the scientific standards or safety expectations required for continued federal investment.

    Bird flu has infected 70 people, most of them farm workers, over the past year as it has spread aggressively among cattle herds and poultry flocks.

    Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned the use of vaccines and earlier this year drew censure from some in the U.S. Congress after he suggested in a television interview that poultry farmers should let the bird flu spread unchecked through their flocks to study chickens who did not contract it.

    Moderna said it plans to explore alternatives for late-stage development and manufacturing of the vaccine.

    The company has been banking on revenue from newer mRNA shots, including its bird flu vaccine and experimental COVID-flu combination vaccine, to make up for waning post-pandemic demand for its COVID vaccine.

    Moderna also said on Wednesday that it had received positive interim data from a mid-stage trial set up to test the safety and immunogenicity of its bird flu vaccine targeting the H5 avian influenza virus subtype.

    -REUTERS

  • MIL-OSI China: US should stop conjuring up a powerful enemy for itself: Defense Spokesperson 2025-05-29 “The US should stop conjuring up a powerful enemy for itself whether intentionally or unintentionally. Such imagination is not rational and extremely dangerous,” said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense.

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

      BEIJING, May 29 — “The US should stop conjuring up a powerful enemy for itself whether intentionally or unintentionally. Such imagination is not rational and extremely dangerous,” said Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a regular press conference on Thursday when being asked to comment on recent statements by the US military officials.

      It’s reported that US Defense Secretary recently said that the US side would build up its military to meet China’s “threat” at every turn, and counter China in the “Indo-Pacific”. In addition, Commander of the US Army Pacific said that the US army is building agile new units in response to potential conflicts with China.

      In response to that, Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang said that conflict and confrontation should not be the choice of either side. Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation are the right ways for China and the US to deal with each other.

      “The US side should stop conjuring up a powerful enemy for itself whether intentionally or unintentionally. Such imagination is not rational and extremely dangerous,” said the spokesperson, adding that the Chinese military will make all-out efforts to enhance its combat readiness and firmly safeguard China’s national sovereignty, security and development interests.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sustainable scallop harvesting, safety and supply chain improvements

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Sustainable scallop harvesting, safety and supply chain improvements

    Thanks to the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) a small scale coastal fishing business has been able to invest in safety upgrades, eco-friendly vessel maintenance and infrastructure to maintain catch quality and market value.

    Key Facts

    • Applicant name: Greenstraight Scallops Ltd

    • Location: Dartmouth, South West, England
    • Type of project: Improving safety, promoting sustainability, enhancing supply chain infrastructure.
    • Project value: £23,508
    • Grant value: £18,806
    • Date awarded: February 2024 – May 2024

    Project details

    Greenstraight Scallops Ltd is operated by James Kirkaldy, an expert free diver and environmentally conscious small-scale coastal fisherman. Harvesting scallops year-round within six miles of the coast from his 6.3m vessel Terry David, James supplies high-quality shellfish to local restaurants in Dartmouth.

    With support from the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), James secured funding for three projects to improve diver and vessel safety, invest in eco-friendly maintenance, and enhance the shoreside infrastructure needed to preserve product quality and expand market access.

    These investments include the purchase of a refrigerated vehicle, a new chest freezer, cool boxes, safety equipment, and the application of an eco-friendly copper coating to the vessel hull. They address critical safety needs and enable James to increase resilience in the business by expanding where and how he sells his catch.

    James, Owner, Greenstraight Scallops Ltd:

    Thanks to the FaSS I have been able to successfully deliver significant improvements which give me peace of mind – not just about safety at sea, but about the future of my business and the traceability and quality of my catch.

    Project outcomes

    • Improved safety and working conditions through upgraded PPE
    • Safer vessel operations via a rebuilt deck and engine box, non-slip paint, and a new lifting davit which improves ability to bring catch on board and also doubles as the means to do an emergency recovery of a diver in the water if required
    • Sustainable vessel maintenance with the application of an ocean-friendly copper coat and support for vessel lift-outs, pressure washing and storage
    • New cold chain infrastructure including a refrigerated vehicle, chest freezer, cool boxes and ice packs to maintain product freshness and extend market reach
    • Resilience in supply chain by enabling storage and supply of scallops out of season, helping to maintain consistent availability for premium markets
    • Business growth projected turnover increase of 5% through enhanced quality control and expanded sales channels
    • Sector benefits through demonstration of best practice in diver safety and environmentally responsible harvesting

    Learn more

    This case study demonstrates the legacy of the FaSS in supporting England’s catching, aquaculture and processing sectors, as well as enabling projects that are improving the marine environment. It also supports MMOs commitment to ensuring a prosperous, innovative and sustainable future for the fishing industry.

    Read more Fisheries and Seafood Scheme: Selected case studies

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Small rise in serious yeast infections

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Small rise in serious yeast infections

    Bloodstream infections caused by yeast rose by 4% in 2024, compared to 2023.

    Latest data from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that bloodstream infections caused by yeast rose by 4% in 2024, compared to 2023 (from 2,170 to 2,247 reports).

    In 2024 the rate of bloodstream infections due to yeast across England was 3.9 per 100,000 population, compared to 3.8 in 2023. 

    Bloodstream infections caused by yeast are typically acquired in a hospital setting from the patient’s own flora (yeasts found naturally on our skin or in our intestinal tracts). The prolonged use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in hospital settings can also play a role because they suppress the patients’ natural bacterial flora allowing yeasts to overgrow in the intestinal tract and potentially enter the bloodstream through the gut wall. Patients with weakened immune systems are also more vulnerable to fungal infections, particularly those being treated for cancers, and people whose treatment involves devices inside their body.

    The most common species of yeast causing infection was Candida albicans (C. albicans), followed by Nakaseomyces glabratus (previously known as Candida glabrata) and Candida parapsilosis (C. parapsilosis) respectively. Rates of bloodstream infection due to N. glabratus were highest in eldest age groups, while rates due to C. albicans and C. parapsilosis were highest in the youngest age groups.

    Data for 2024 also show rates are higher in more deprived populations of the country than the least deprived (5.0 and 3.2 per 100,000 population respectively). UKHSA is working with partners to understand the reasons for these differences.

    Overall, resistance to antifungal drugs has remained relatively stable and treatments remain largely effective. However, an increase in Candidozyma auris (previously known as Candida.auris), an emerging pathogen of global clinical concern which can develop resistance to many available treatments, highlights the importance of remaining vigilant to increasing rates of yeast infections.

    Data from UKHSA’s Health Protection Report show that 637 C. auris cases (including infections and colonisations) were reported across England between January 2013 and December 2024, of which 178 were reported in 2024. Previously rarely detected in England, C. auris has been emerging over the last decade, with a notable resurgence following the lifting of travel restrictions after the COVID-19 pandemic period.

    To support healthcare professionals with outbreaks of C. auris, UKHSA recently published revised guidance on managing outbreaks. To strengthen surveillance and help inform the public health response, C. auris is now a notifiable disease, meaning laboratories that test human samples in England will be required to report C. auris cases to UKHSA.

    Professor Andy Borman, Head of the Mycology Reference Laboratory, UKHSA, said:

    Our surveillance shows that serious fungal infections are having an increasing impact on public health. UKHSA is working with the NHS to explore the reasons behind the rise in serious yeast infections, but factors such as an increase in people who are immunocompromised and the number of people receiving complex surgeries may be playing a part.

    Thankfully, the antifungal drugs we use are still effective against these infections. However, this could change and these infections could become harder to treat in the future. The rise of drug-resistant C. auris in hospitals in England means we must remain vigilant and continue our work to enhance infection prevention and control efforts and to maintain patient safety.

    Unlike bacterial infections, fungal infections did not decline during the pandemic, likely due to pressures on NHS services and the fact that severe COVID infections predisposed hospitalised patients to several types of invasive fungal infections. The rate of bloodstream infections has continued to rise since 2020.

    Existing guidelines emphasise the importance of rapid fungal diagnostics to manage these types of infections, and the development of new tools to improve surveillance and patient outcomes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In 2025, more than 2,100 budget places will be available at NSU at all levels of training

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Today, TASS hosted a press conference dedicated to the specifics of the upcoming admissions campaign to universities in the Siberian Federal District. The event was attended by representatives of leading universities in Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Krasnoyarsk and Gorno-Altaisk. NSU was represented by Alexander Trusevich, Head of the Department for Work with Applicants.

    — Last year, more than 8,000 applicants showed interest in entering the university, in terms of the number of applications, this is, of course, several times more. We hope that this year the number will be even greater. As a rule, 2/3 of the total number of those enrolled are those who were enrolled in budget places, and the rest are paid admission. The interest and popularity of NSU is increasing among applicants based on the results of prestigious Olympiads — this is the All-Russian School Olympiad, these are the list Olympiads. Last year, the number of enrolled applicants with such results increased by almost 20%, — noted Alexander.

    In 2025, 2108 budget and 1363 fee-paying places will be available at NSU at all levels of training. In general, the number of places remains at the level of previous years.

    — This year, NSU will have a new category of places for the first time — places financed by industrial partners. Education in these places will be completely free for applicants, with the possibility of receiving a scholarship at the expense of industrial partners, — added Alexander.

    Among the main innovations that await applicants this year:

    — the most noticeable change compared to last year is the abolition of the requirement to provide the original educational document as a prerequisite for enrollment; instead of the original educational document, applicants must submit an application for consent to enrollment;

    — for the first time this year, applicants for master’s and postgraduate programs will be able to use the super service “Online University Admission” and submit documents using the “Gosuslugi” portal; this will expand the geography of applicants;

    — starting with this admissions campaign, universities must designate the maximum number of fee-paying places, which cannot be increased during the admissions campaign;

    — amendments were recently made to the Federal Law on Education, which will allow children of participants in military operations on the territory of the Russian Federation to enroll in places under a separate quota;

    — starting this year, a new type of individual achievements has been introduced for applicants to target quota places — targeted individual achievements; the maximum score that an applicant can receive is 5 points.

    This year, the university will introduce a number of new educational programs that train interdisciplinary specialists and cover promising areas. Among them are the specialty “Medical Cybernetics” and the master’s program “Industrial Pharmacy”. New educational programs are being implemented jointly with the MSU Engineering School, and large companies “Pharmstandard” and “Generium” are industrial partners. New educational programs will be developed on the basis of the infrastructure of the educational and scientific center of the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies, which is part of the modern NSU campus, built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    Also starting this year, NSU is opening admission to the bachelor’s degree program “Applied Artificial Intelligence”. This program won the federal grant competition for training top specialists in the field of artificial intelligence. The pilot recruitment will consist of 150 students. The program will be implemented with the active participation of industrial partners – Rostelecom and Innotech (T1). Grant support will allow students to study for free and receive scholarships from industrial partners.

    On Faculty of Physics a new Master’s program “Applied Mathematics and Physics” will be implemented. Within its framework, training will be conducted in three profiles – “Space and Special Instrumentation”, “Medical Physics” and “Information Processes and Systems”.

    If we talk about the most popular areas, then the biggest competition is for those with a small number of budget places, for example: linguistics; business informatics; jurisprudence. The competition for them reaches 50 people per place.

    According to the results of the 2024 admissions campaign, the following can be distinguished among the most popular areas of natural science and engineering:

    — Applied Mathematics and Physics — 33.6 people per place (14 people enrolled on a budgetary basis);

    — Computer science and engineering — 27.3 people per place (185 people enrolled on a budgetary basis);

    — Physics. Physical informatics — 14.6 people per place (28 people enrolled on a budgetary basis);

    — Mechatronics and robotics — 13.8 people per place (70 people enrolled on a budgetary basis);

    — Chemistry — 9.9 people per place (65 people enrolled on a budget basis).

    — The interest in NSU from applicants coming from other regions is growing. Thus, last year, out of 2,000 people admitted to bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs, almost 50% were not from the Novosibirsk Region. Moreover, applicants come not only from neighboring regions, but also from the central part of Russia: from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ufa, Kaliningrad, Samara and other cities, — Alexander emphasized.

    The university is increasing the number of foreign students, primarily interested in medical, natural science and engineering research areas. Many applicants are from the CIS – Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Among the far abroad countries, the top countries include China, Turkey, Iran and Iraq. This year, a joint educational program for a bachelor’s degree in physics will open with Chongqing University, 60 Chinese students will be accepted.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: AI Can Predict Students’ Academic Performance Based on Social Media Subscriptions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A team of Russian researchers, including scientists from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, used artificial intelligence to analyze 4.5 thousand student subscriptions to VK communities. It turned out that the algorithms can predict with high accuracy who is an excellent student and who has difficulties with their studies. The work was published in the journal IEEE Access.

    A person leaves behind a digital trace – likes, photos, information about listening to music and clicking on links. Even the most careful people can learn a lot from their Internet activity. Some believe that you can not monitor your digital trace and that information on social networks does not affect your professional and personal life. For scientists, open data on the Internet is a subject of research.

    A group of scientists from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Skoltech, and Tomsk State University collected data on subscriptions of 4,445 students with open profiles to various VKontakte communities. Then, using NLP analyzers (natural language analysis methods), they classified the topics of the communities, assessed the complexity of the texts that students read, and the emotional tone of the content. For each student, the researchers created a digital profile, including preferences and interests. After that, the scientists used machine learning to find a relationship between online activity and academic success.

    The researchers created an algorithm that predicts academic performance based on subscription analysis. In particular, students with high grades are more likely to be subscribed to communities related to science and education topics, where new technologies are discussed and analytical articles are published. Excellent students read more complex texts and show greater interest in discussions and deep analysis of information.

    Low-performing students were more likely to subscribe to entertainment communities that focused on humor, memes, music, and video games. The content of these communities was more likely to display negative emotions and was also less informative than that of higher-performing students.

    “Some of the results surprised us. For example, that students who are interested in art or traveling show excellent academic performance. These hobbies do not interfere with their studies. On the contrary, they seem to help them study better. And active interaction with communities related to part-time work is a marker of low academic performance, which is understandable,” comments Sergey Gorshkov, a postgraduate student. Department of Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence Faculty of Computer Science National Research University Higher School of Economics.

    Educational organizations can use this approach to identify talented applicants and tailor curricula to specific groups. In addition, subscription analysis can help employers in recruiting, allowing them to find candidates with a high expected level of analytical skills.

    “This study once again reminds us of the need for digital hygiene. For example, in agreements on opening an account at a bank or with a mobile operator, you can see that you give permission to use some information from a social network account linked to your phone number. This can then be used to create a digital profile. Whether you want this is up to you,” says Dmitry Ignatov, head of the Scientific and Educational Laboratory of Models and Methods of Computational Pragmatics at the Faculty of Computer Science at the National Research University Higher School of Economics.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement on incident at WFP warehouse in Gaza

    Source: World Food Programme

    Hordes of hungry people broke into WFP’s Al-Ghafari warehouse in Deir Al-Balah, Central Gaza, in search of food supplies that were pre-positioned for distribution.

    Initial reports indicate two people died and several were injured in the tragic incident. WFP is still confirming details.

    Humanitarian needs have spiralled out of control after 80 days of complete blockade of all food assistance and other aid into Gaza.

    WFP has consistently warned of alarming and deteriorating conditions on the ground, and the risks imposed by limiting humanitarian aid to hungry people in desperate need of assistance.

    Gaza needs an immediate scale-up of food assistance. This is the only way to reassure people that they will not starve.

    WFP urgently calls for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to enable orderly food distributions across Gaza immediately.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: EU Parliamentary Delegation calls for sustained investments and international attention to tackle rising needs in Mauritania

    Source: World Food Programme

    NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania – A high level joint mission of the European Parliament Committee on Development (DEVE) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) concluded today, reaffirming their shared commitment to scale up investments in resilience and development efforts to respond to the rising humanitarian needs in Mauritania.

    On 27 and 28 May, senior representatives from DEVE, WFP, UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR and other NGO partners, visited the EU funded project sites in the Hodh Ech Chargui region, southeastern Mauritania. They saw first-hand the impact of ongoing humanitarian support to Malian refugees and resilience building initiatives targeting the vulnerable.

    The visit comes as Mauritania faces high levels of food insecurity, recurring climate shocks, and continued influx of refugees from Mali. Some 594,000 people or 12 percent of the population are projected to face acute food insecurity between June and August 2025, according to the latest Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis. The country is also hosting over 288,000 refugees, including 118,000 in Mbera camp, who rely heavily on humanitarian assistance for survival. 

    “This visit highlights the importance of sustained partnerships in addressing the root causes of vulnerability while investing in hope, dignity, and resilience through durable solutions.” said Aliou Diongue, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in Mauritania. “We are delighted to support the Government of Mauritania and work with the European Union, one of our largest donors to build long-term food security and enhance stability in Mauritania”. 

    During the mission, delegates listened to refugees and local farmers benefitting from land rehabilitation projects, income-generating initiatives, school meals and malnutrition prevention.  The EU delegation emphasized the urgent need for a more integrated and efficient approach linking humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding efforts to ensure long term resilience and stability in Mauritania and along its borders.

    “We are here to observe and to listen so that we can understand better what is needed for an effective response in a context of pressure from refugee arrivals, climate crisis and insecurity. The EU is working on an integrated and more efficient approach to better link humanitarian and development efforts, and it is important for us to cross-check this on the ground,” said Ms. Hildegard BENTELE, chair of the DEVE delegation. “The testimonies we heard—from refugee women managing small businesses to farmers reclaiming degraded land—and information we received speak to the power of partnership and the tangible impact of EU solidarity. We leave with a renewed sense of responsibility to advocate for continued support.”

    The delegation reiterated the need for urgent and sustained investments and increased international attention to Mauritania and its bordering regions as humanitarian needs soar.

    “The EU is committed to supporting Mauritania as a key partner for peace and development in the Sahel,” said Joaquin Tasso Vilallonga, Ambassador of the European Union to Mauritania. “Our collaboration with the Government and other actors, including WFP, ensures that assistance is not just efficiently delivered, but also strengthens social cohesion, as we run our interventions through a territorial integrated approach.”

    So far in 2025, WFP has reached 252,000 people in Mauritania with lifesaving and lifechanging assistance including refugees, and vulnerable communities. WFP rehabilitated 1,700 hectares of land, promoted water harvesting initiatives, provided school meals to 51,000 children and targeted nutrition support for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five. 

    WFP’s is supporting communities to recover from shocks and building a more food-secure and self-reliant future.

    #                 #                   #

    About WFP

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media; @WFP_WAfrica and @WFP_FR; Facebook and YouTube. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 29 May 2025 Departmental update Initiative to mainstream behavioural insights concludes in four African pilot countries

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Transforming approaches to public health challenges in Africa, the project Mainstreaming Behavioural Insights into Public Health in the African Region has marked a milestone in integrating behavioural sciences into health systems. Spearheaded by the WHO Behavioural Insights (BI) Unit at headquarters, alongside the Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health Unit at the WHO Regional Office for Africa and several country offices, this initiative has empowered four pilot countries – Burkina Faso, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia – to adopt innovative strategies that bridge the gap between human behaviours and health outcomes.

    The adoption of behavioural insights into public health is key to understanding the factors that influence human decision-making and behaviours. These insights can, in turn, inform the design of targeted interventions, policies and strategies to overcome barriers to healthy behaviours.

    Project overview

    Funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, the project ran from January 2023 to December 2024. It aimed to integrate behavioural science into health and enhance collaboration between the public health and academic institutions for the adoption behavioural evidence-informed policies and practices.

    Elena Altieri, Unit Head of the Behavioural Insights Unit at WHO HQ, highlighted the necessity of the project, noting:

    “Over the past decade, we’ve seen a growing interest in integrating behavioural sciences into public health among governments and institutions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant practical and technical challenges in adopting these approaches. We face limitations in capacity, funding and time, and there’s also a lack of confidence among policymakers about the impact, sustainability and replicability of behavioural interventions. This project was designed to tackle these issues by offering robust, evidence-based strategies to practitioners to test and develop people-centred policies and interventions.”

    Key achievements

    • Academic integration: Universities in Burkina Faso, Namibia and Zambia launched behavioural science for public health courses as part of health promotion courses, with Namibia initiating a postgraduate diploma. The University of Pretoria integrated behavioural science capacity building and evidence-generation into its terms of reference as a WHO Collaborating Centre.
    • Institutional capacity building: Ministries of health in all participating countries received support to pilot test behavioural approaches and considerations into selected initiatives, strategies and work plans.
    • Health information systems innovation: Zambia’s Ministry of Health piloted behavioural insights and data collection within its routine antenatal care data collection system.

    The project achieved mainstreaming outcomes called for in the Behavioural sciences for better health resolution adopted by WHA76 in May 2023. Documented outcomes include strengthened cross-country networks, established behavioural insights pathways in academic institutions and health systems, and creation of new behavioural insights-based initiatives in the region.

    Positive spillover effects

    Doris Kirigia, Team Lead for Health Promotion and Social Determinants of Health Unit at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, reflected on the project:

    “The connections we’ve created between universities, ministries of health, WHO country offices, the Regional Office for Africa, and headquarters are already bearing fruit and will be highly beneficial moving forward. There’s growing interest in behavioural science in the region, and as an organization, we’ll focus on supporting other countries in establishing behavioural insights functions, providing technical support to initiate projects, and leveraging our pool of experts and trainers at the country level to sustain capacity-building efforts.”

    The project integrated behavioural insights into strategic plans, guidance, and new initiatives, including the Strengthening community protection and resilience: regional strategy for community engagement, 2023–2030. Several countries are using behavioural evidence to inform their risk communication and community engagement strategies in response to outbreaks. Countries like Mauritius have incorporated behavioural interventions into health promotion activities to reduce noncommunicable disease risk factors. Burkina Faso, Tanzania and Zambia use behavioural insights to promote people-centred sexual and reproductive health. New research projects include promoting healthy eating in Zambian schools, understanding the use of harmful skin lightening product in Gabon, and increasing uptake in parenting programmes in Tanzania.

    Reflections: strategies for success and pitfalls to avoid

    The project highlighted strategies for success and pitfalls to avoid when integrating behavioural sciences perspectives into public health.  

    • foster active collaboration between universities and ministries through the delivery of joint projects and training programmes to help discover synergies and facilitate the exchange of ideas;
    • encourage cross-country collaboration to support knowledge exchange and document lessons learned;
    • prioritize capacity building through diverse training approaches such as national and sub-national face to face trainings and online courses, to help mainstream behavioural sciences within universities and ministries of health;
    • showcase examples of practical applications of behavioural insights, including success stories, real-world case studies and pilot projects to demonstrate the potential benefits of the approach and to enhance visibility and credibility of behavioural insights champions; and
    • avoid overly ambitious timelines or overly complex pilots as rushing the process may compromise quality and lead to stakeholder disengagement and resistance.

    WHO calls on countries to deepen their understanding of integrating behavioural science into public health strategies. By replicating successful approaches and sharing experiences, we can leverage behavioural insights for better public health outcomes.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Travels to Malaysia

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, visited Malaysia on May 28-
    29, 2025, where he met with senior military and government officials, underscoring Malaysia’s importance to the U.S. as a
    partner and the U.S. commitment to Malaysia and the region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: “The African Development Bank has one of the most democratic processes in electing the President of The Bank.”

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    This year’s Annual Meetings have the extra dynamic of the election of a new President to take over the helm of the institution after ten years under Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. Can you walk us through the key electoral processes and steps until the new President takes office?

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: AI-Powered and Asia-Made: Leading the Way with Chip Design and Supply Chain Resilience

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Asia’s dominance in semiconductor manufacturing is fueling a surge in AI-related exports, underpinned by growing investments in infrastructure and design. While risks from global trade tensions loom, strategic action on domestic innovation and regional cooperation offers a pathway to sustained growth.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Radical legal step towards ending impunity for Israel over killing Gaza journalists

    Pacific Media Watch

    Journalists have been targeted, detained and tortured by the Israeli military in Gaza — and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has now taken a new approach towards bringing justice these crimes.

    The Paris-based global media freedom NGO has submitted multiple formal requests to the International Criminal Court (ICC) asking that Palestinian journalists who are victims of Israeli war crimes in Gaza be allowed to participate as such in international judicial proceedings.

    If granted this status, these journalists would be able to present the ICC with the direct and personal harm they have suffered at the hands of Israeli forces, reports RSF.

    RSF has filed four complaints with the ICC concerning war crimes committed against journalists in Gaza and recently joined director Sepideh Farsi at the Cannes Film Festival to pay tribute to Fatma Hassoun, a photojournalist killed by the Israeli army after it was revealed she was featured in the documentary film Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk.

    After filing the four complaints with the ICC concerning war crimes committed against journalists in Gaza since October 2023, RSF is resolutely continuing its efforts to bring the issue before international justice.

    The NGO has submitted several victim participation forms to the ICC so that Gazan journalists can participate in the legal process as recognised victims, not just as witnesses.

    Being officially recognised as victims is a first step toward justice, truth, and reparations — and it is an essential step toward protecting press freedom and journalistic integrity in conflict zones.

    Nearly 200 journalists killed
    Since October 2023, Israeli armed forces have killed nearly 200 journalists in Gaza — the Gaza Media Office says more than 215 journalists have been killed — at least 44 of whom were targeted because of their work, according to RSF data.

    Not only are foreign journalists barred from entering the blockaded Palestinian territory, but local reporters have watched their homes and newsrooms be destroyed by Israeli airstrikes and have been constantly displaced amid a devastating humanitarian crisis.

    “The right of victims to participate in the ICC investigation is a crucial mechanism that will finally allow for the recognition of the immense harm suffered by Palestinian journalists working in Gaza, who are the target of an unprecedented and systematic crackdown,” said Clémence Witt, a lawyer at the Paris and Barcelona Bars, and Jeanne Sulzer, a lawyer at the Paris Bar and member of the ICC’s list of counsel.

    Jonathan Dagher, head of the RSF Middle East desk, said: “It is time for justice for Gaza’s journalists to be served. The Israeli army’s ongoing crimes against them must end.

    “RSF will tirelessly continue demanding justice and reparations. This new process in the ICC investigation is an integral part of this combat, and allowing journalists to participate as victims is essential to moving forward.

    “They should be able to testify to the extreme violence targeting Gaza’s press. This is a new step toward holding the Israeli military and its leaders accountable for the crimes committed with impunity on Palestinian territory.”

    Pacific Media Watch collaborates with RSF.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Trump, tariffs and the Middle East are looming challenges for Albanese

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Australia these days receives invitations to big-league international conferences. And so Anthony Albanese will be off soon to the G7 meeting in Alberta, Canada, on June 15-17.

    For the prime minister, what’s most important about this trip is not so much the conference itself, but his expected first meeting with US President Donald Trump, either on the sidelines of the G7 or in a visit to Washington while he’s in North America.

    Nothing is locked in. But it’s impossible to think such a meeting won’t take place. The Australian PM certainly needs to have his first face-to-face talks with the US president sooner rather than later.

    During the election, there was much argument over whether Albanese or Peter Dutton would be better at dealing with the difficult and unpredictable Trump, in particular, in trying to extract some concessions on his tariffs

    Australia has been hit by Trump’s 25% tariff on aluminium and steel, as well as by his general 10% tariff.

    The Trump tariff regime has been a chaotic story of decisions, pauses and changes of mind. In the latest drama, the United States Court of International Trade on Wednesday blocked Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs (as far as Australia goes, this relates to the 10% general tariff but not that on aluminium and steel). The court found the president had exceeded his powers. The administration immediately appealed the decision.

    We can’t know how this imbroglio will play out. But assuming Australia will still be confronting some tariffs, Albanese’s pitch for special treatment will be made around what we can do for the Americans with our large deposits of critical minerals and rare earths. These are vital for the production of a huge range of items, including for defence purposes.

    Australia’s ambassador to the US, Kevin Rudd, speaking at a conference in Detroit this week, pointed out that the two countries already had a draft accord on these minerals.

    “What we need to work out […] is how do we collaborate both on the mining, the extraction, the transportation and the processing and the stockpiling to make our economies resilient, including what you’ll need for future battery manufacture,” Rudd said.

    When Albanese does get together with Trump, he will have the advantage of meeting him as the big winner of the recent election. Trump said of him post-election, “He’s been very, very nice to me, very respectful to me”.

    But that’s no iron-clad guarantee of success. With the US president, there are always multiple “known unknowns”.

    For Albanese, success on the tariff front would be important, but not, of course, as important politically as it would have been pre-election.

    A range of other issues will also be on the agenda when the two meet: including progress on AUKUS.

    The president would no doubt be pleased the government is in the process of booting the Chinese lessee out of the Port of Darwin (with American investment firm Cerberus expressing an interest in taking over, although the government’s preference is for the port to be in Australian hands).

    Trump might not think, however, that the government’s commitment to defence spending, due to reach 2.3% of gross domestic product by 2033-34, is enough. The Americans would prefer a level of 3% of GDP.

    No doubt the Middle East would also be canvassed in such talks. While Middle East policy is not a frontline issue in the Australian-American relationship, the Albanese government struggles at home to strike the right stance.

    Since the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Australia has seen a deterioration in local social cohesion. Antisemitism spiked to a degree not anticipated; pro-Palestinian demonstrations became a regular and controversial feature. The government found itself under political fire from the Jewish community and pro-Palestinian critics alike.

    With the Israeli government disregarding international criticism, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza growing more dire, Albanese this week toughened his rhetoric.

    On Monday he said: “It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza. We have made that very clear by signing up to international statements”. He described Israel’s actions as “completely unacceptable”.

    Within Labor, the pressure to go further has been mounting. It is on two fronts. Some want sanctions against Israel (beyond the existing sanctions in relation to settlers on the West Bank). There is also the issue of whether Australia should recognise a Palestinian state ahead of a two-state solution.

    Ed Husic, a Muslim, was relatively outspoken even while he was in cabinet. Since being dumped from the ministry, he is much freer to put forth his view.

    This week, he was calling for imposing sanctions if other nations were to do so. “I think we should be actively considering […] drawing up a list of targeted sanctions where we can join with others”.

    Significantly, former Labor Foreign Minister Gareth Evans was another advocate, saying sanctions “would send a powerful message”.



    Read more:
    Gareth Evans: the case for recognising Palestine

    But when the question of sanctions was put to Albanese, he was dismissive, raising the issue of substantive outcomes.

    At the Labor party’s grassroots level, there is strong pressure for a more pro-Palestinian approach.

    It is not unreasonable to think that would strike a sympathetic chord with both Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, but they are very cognisant of the politics – both international and local.

    Wong a year ago raised the possibility of recognising Palestine statehood as a step along a peace process, ahead of a two-state solution.

    Australia’s ambassador to the United Nations, James Larson, last week delivered an Australian statement to a preparatory meeting for a June conference in New York on “the question of Palestine and the implementation of the two-state solution”.

    Echoing Wong’s earlier position, he said: “A two-state solution – a Palestinian state alongside the state of Israel – is the only hope of breaking the endless cycle of violence, and the only hope of a just and enduring peace, for Israelis and Palestinians alike.”

    “Like other partners, Australia no longer sees recognition of a Palestinian state as only occurring at the end of negotiations, but rather as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution.”

    Evans, in an article for Pearls and Irritations this week, says the “strongest and most constructive contribution” Australia could make on the issue would be to announce at the conference “that we are immediately recognising Palestinian statehood: not just as the final outcome of a political settlement but as a way of kickstarting it”.

    The government is tight-lipped about what stand it will take for the June 17-20 conference, saying it doesn’t have details yet and is unable to say who will attend for Australia. It says it is not being framed as a conference where countries are expected to make pledges.

    Nevertheless, many within Labor will be watching closely whether the coming weeks will see any change in Australia’s Middle East policy. But that, in turn, would depend on whether others make any moves, because Australia wants to have company from like-minded countries.

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

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: Trump, tariffs and the Middle East are looming challenges for Albanese – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-trump-tariffs-and-the-middle-east-are-looming-challenges-for-albanese-257333

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Committee visits SaxaVord Spaceport 🚀 | Scottish Affairs Committee

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Scottish Affairs Committee visited @saxavordspaceportuk7912 to learn more about their mission to launch the first rocket into orbit from the UK – and the opportunities the spaceport is creating for the local community and the rest of Scotland.
    Find out more about the Committee’s inquiry into Scotland’s space launch sector by visiting www.parliament.uk/scotaffcom

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTVTiWhbugk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • Indian stock market ends in green over positive global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market closed in green on Thursday amid positive global cues. Sensex closed 320.70 points or 0.39 per cent up at 81,633.02 while Nifty ended up 81.15 points or 0.33 per cent at 24,833.60.

    Buying was seen in midcap and smallcap along with largecap. Nifty Midcap 100 index was up 315.85 points or 0.55 per cent at 57,457.25 and Nifty Smallcap 100 index was up 105.40 points or 0.59 per cent at 17,889.

    On a sectoral basis, metal, IT, financial services, realty, media and energy indices were in the green, while, PSU Bank, FMCG and PSE sectors were in the red.

    “Global sentiment improved after a US court struck down Donald Trump’s reciprocal tax policy. However, the domestic market remained mostly rangebound during the day due to rising oil prices and higher US 10-year bond yields,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.

    Some recovery was seen toward the end of the session, driven by F&O expiry led covering.

    “Export-focused sectors like IT and Pharma performed well, supported by hopes of easing trade tensions. Lack of positive domestic triggers and a drop in industrial output to an eight-month low could lead to short-term market consolidation,” he mentioned.

    Nifty witnessed a volatile session on the day of monthly expiry. The momentum continues to remain weak, with the RSI still pointing downward.

    “The next crucial support is at 24,670. If the index falls below this level, a sharp correction may occur, potentially dragging the index down to 24,400/ 24,300. On the other hand, if Nifty holds above 24,670, it could witness a smart recovery towards 25,000 or 25,150 in the short term,” said Rupak De from LKP Securities.

    Gold prices traded weak in the first half of the session after the FOMC meeting minutes indicated that the U.S. Federal Reserve is unlikely to ease interest rates in the near term, maintaining a data-dependent stance. In the domestic market, MCX gold holds support near Rs 94,000, with resistance around Rs 96,500, said experts.

    –IANS

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £85 million to support arts and cultural organisations across the country

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £85 million to support arts and cultural organisations across the country

    Local people’s access to arts venues across the country set to be protected with cash to support vital repairs and upgrades

    • Investment supports the Government’s Plan for Change by helping to boost local economies and increase opportunities to gain creative skills
    • Expressions Of Interest to open at the end of June

    Arts and cultural organisations will soon be able to apply for a share of £85 million from the government for vital repairs and upgrades, ensuring everyone has access to high quality institutions in the places they call home. 

    The new Creative Foundations Fund will help arts venues across England to address a range of issues, such as repairing building infrastructure, outdated or failing systems, inefficient energy systems and inaccessible spaces. It will ensure beloved local venues like theatres, performing arts venues, galleries, grassroots music venues and contemporary arts centres can continue to offer opportunities, boost skills and attract more visitors from across the country.

    Arts and cultural organisations across England are encouraged to apply for a share of up to £10 million each from the fund, which recognises the huge contribution they make towards boosting growth and breaking down barriers to opportunities for young people by helping them to learn vital creative skills. 

    This £85 million investment into arts and cultural organisations is part of the £270 million Arts Everywhere Fund announced by the Culture Secretary in February, which delivers on the government’s Plan for Change to support economic growth and increase opportunities for people across the country.

    Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: 

    Everyone, everywhere, deserves to enjoy arts and culture in the places they call home. This funding will be vital in ensuring that our much loved venues are fit for the future, so they can continue to boost growth and provide young people with the space to learn vital creative skills.

    Our Plan for Change is boosting opportunities everywhere and it will support these vital institutions to flourish.

    Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: 

    Our cultural buildings are home to thrilling performances and amazing exhibitions in towns and cities across England. This new investment helps to secure the future of those buildings at the heart of their communities, ensuring that artists, performers, curators and creators can continue to share their brilliant work with audiences for years to come.

    The fund will open for Expressions Of Interest on Monday 30 June 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply, can be found on Arts Council England’s website. 

    Notes to editors:

    •  In February, Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy announced more than £270 million in funding for arts venues, museums, libraries and the heritage sector in a major boost for growth. 
    • Arts Council England will deliver this fund on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), including administering, awarding and monitoring the grants.Guidance has been published today by Arts Council England to provide further information for arts and cultural organisations considering making an application to these schemes. 
    • The online portal to register Expressions of Interest for the Creative Foundations Fund opens on Monday 30 June 2025. Full guidance, including eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found on Arts Council England’s website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tithebarn Pub Update

    Source: City of Preston

    Preston City Council can confirm that while the former Tithebarn Pub remains secure, the building has been deemed to be in a dangerous condition following a detailed structural survey.

    A dedicated Task Force, established by the Council to address the growing concerns around empty buildings in the city centre, has closely monitored the situation.

    The latest inspection has revealed significant structural issues, including bowing elevations fronting both Tithebarn and Lord Street caused by increased pressure on the walls as a result of a deteriorating roof structure, along with extensive deterioration to the internal floor areas, many of which are rotten.

    Section 77 of the Building Act 1984 requires action to be taken where a building presents a danger.

    The act further requires the danger be removed by repair work or demolition. It has been determined that the former Tithebarn Pub is beyond viable repair and has been proposed to be demolished.

    Public safety remains the Council’s primary concern, particularly with the opening of The Vault, Preston’s new Youth Zone, in Autumn 2025, which is directly adjacent to the building. As such, the Council is moving forward with plans to carefully demolish the unsafe structure whilst preserving the historic, Grade II listed mill building, formerly known as Aladdin’s Cove warehouse next door.

    A planning permission application is being made pending a formal decision on the future of the building at a Cabinet meeting on the 18 June.

    Cllr Martyn Rawlinson, Cabinet Member for Resources, said:

    This is a difficult but necessary decision. Public safety must come first, especially with young people soon set to enjoy The Vault next door. The former Tithebarn building has sadly deteriorated beyond repair, but this gives us an opportunity to create a new, attractive green space that complements the Harris Quarter.

    If approved demolition works would be scheduled to begin this summer.

    The proposal is for the sites to transform into an open public greenspace featuring a mix of soft and hard landscaping, including new trees, shrubs, grassed areas, and seating, providing a welcoming and safe space in the heart of the city centre.

    The Council remains committed to tackling empty and unsafe buildings in Preston and continues to work closely with building owners across the city to prioritise public safety and encourage regeneration.

    Additional Information

    Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wagamama to come to Preston’s Animate

    Source: City of Preston

    29 May 2025

    Preston City Council has announced Asian inspired Japanese restaurant, Wagamama is to open at its newly launched £45million Animate leisure scheme, which has been delivered by Maple Grove Developments. 

    Positioned between Taco Bell and Mad Giant Food Hall, Wagamama has taken a 4,125 sq ft unit on a 15-year lease. The fit out is due to commence imminently and will be open to customers early this summer.

    Open seven days a week, the new restaurant will create 55 new jobs and marks Wagamama’s 167th restaurant in the UK and Ireland and its 59th in the North. The deal means that just one final unit (10,270 sq ft) offering social space on the upper level is now available.

    Animate was officially opened in February by Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park, with many of the tenants including Ask Italian, Argento Lounge, Taco Bell Hollywood Bowl and ARC Cinemas now trading.

    Sita Wood, head of brand activation (restaurants) at Wagamama said: 

    “We’re incredibly excited to be opening our doors in preston, to meet local demand. our team are hard at work training for our opening, and we can’t wait to welcome our locals to enjoy their fresh favourites on our benches.”

    Cllr Wise at Preston City Council said: 

    “Animate has proven to be an in-demand venue for leisure operators and Wagamama deciding to open a restaurant here is a significant vote of confidence in the destination. It will prove to be a popular restaurant, stimulating additional footfall in the Harris Quarter, catalysing further investment, and boosting our local economy, central to our Community Wealth Building model.”

    Speaking about the arrival of Wagamama John Brady, at Bradys, joint agents for the scheme with Smith Young, commented:

    “Securing Wagamama is a strong endorsement of Preston’s growing appeal as a vibrant retail and leisure destination. The brand brings with it a loyal following and a reputation for quality, which will not only further enhance the visitor experience but also support the wider regeneration of the area by driving increased footfall.”

    The flagship scheme is one of six major projects in Preston’s Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme, a £200m programme, including £20.9m of funding by the government to support several regeneration projects.

    About Maple Grove Developments

    Maple Grove Developments is part of the Eric Wright Group. Founded in 1923, the Eric Wright Group is a leading property and construction company that develops, builds and maintains the UK’s infrastructure.

    Wholly owned by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, the Group is committed to delivering employment and regeneration opportunities in the communities in which it operates in. All company profits are either invested back into the Eric Wright Group or awarded to charities and projects, predominately throughout the North West, which support young persons’ wellbeing, elderly services, education and training, health or carers’ support. 

    The Eric Wright Charitable Trust owns and operates Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre in Cumbria and is an employer partner and sponsor of the Eric Wright Learning Foundation at Preston’s College, which supports young people aged 14+ studying Level 1 – 3 vocational courses and Apprenticeships.

    Based at Bamber Bridge, near Preston, the Eric Wright Group comprises seven specialist divisions that regularly collaborate to deliver joined-up approaches with outstanding results and maintain strong relationships with private and public sector clients and partners. The Group’s seven divisions are Maple Grove Developments, Construction, Civil Engineering, Water, Health & Care, Facilities Management (FM) and Applethwaite Homes. 

    About Animate

    The construction and development phase will help to generate up to 200 full time equivalent construction jobs for the local workforce, and provide opportunities for apprenticeship, work placements, training and upskilling through Eric Wright Group’s corporate and social responsibility programme.   

    A dedicated Animate Community Benefit Framework has been agreed between Preston City Council and Maple Grove Developments, which will deliver 15 community benefits, in line with Preston’s Community Wealth Building programme, to assist the delivery of the project and to provide the maximum impact for Preston’s residents and businesses.  

    The Community Benefit Framework seeks to use local labour, provide training, employment, volunteering opportunities and placements within local colleges, to promote environmental sustainability, and to ensure that all workers are treated equally and fairly. 

    Animate will also provide more than 140 long term jobs when it opens to the public following the two year construction phase.  

    About Towns Fund – Town Deals

    • On 27 July 2019, the Prime Minister announced that the Towns Fund would support an initial 101 places across England to develop Town Deal proposals, to drive economic regeneration and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. 
    • A Town Deal is an agreement in principle between Government, the Lead Council and the Town Deal Board. It will set out a vision and strategy for the town, and what each party agrees to do to achieve this vision.  
    • Each of the 101 towns selected to work towards a Town Deal also received accelerated funding last year for investment in capital projects that would have an immediate impact and help places “build back better” in the wake of Covid-19. See the 101 places being supported to develop Town Deals.
    • Preston’s City Investment Plan is a 15 year vision for Preston setting out Preston’s long-term objectives and strategy to transform the city, targeting resources and aligning public and private sector investments to respond to needs and capitalise on opportunities for positive change. For details visit Invest – Preston’s City Investment Plan.
    • Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone. 
    • Lancashire County Council’s £800,000 Economic Recovery grant is from its £12.8m  Economic Recovery & Growth programme to fund projects across the 12 Lancashire districts to tackle some of the economic impacts of Covid-19 and support recovery and growth. 

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: From DJ box to civic chair: Cllr Ian Dore spins into the spotlight 29 May 2025 From DJ box to civic chair: Councillor Ian Dore spins into the spotlight

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    He’s no stranger to a spotlight — and now Councillor Ian Dore is spinning into the Chairman’s role, ready to represent the Isle of Wight with purpose, professionalism, and a touch of flair.

    Elected as the new Chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Dore brings with him a background as varied as a festival line-up — from military service to music decks, and now to the ceremonial chain of office.

    Reflecting on the moment the votes were counted last Wednesday, he admitted the result came as something of a surprise.

    “My first words were, ‘I didn’t expect that,’” he said, still sounding slightly dazed. “There’s always a chance, but it was never a given. On the night, it went my way by two votes — and here we are. The boy from Binstead, now wearing the chain. It’s still sinking in.”

    The nomination came from Councillor Geoff Brodie, seconded by Cllr Karen Lucioni, with Councillor Jonathan Bacon also voicing his support. MP Richard Quigley added warm words, highlighting Councillor’s Dore’s dedication to public service, particularly his role as the council’s Armed Forces Champion.

    Councillor Vanessa Churchman was elected vice-chairman.

    In his opening remarks, Councillor Dore also took a moment to acknowledge the contribution of his predecessor, Councillor Karl Love.

    “Karl brought real energy to the role,” he said. “He served with enthusiasm and a commitment that left a mark on this chamber and the wider community. It’s only right to recognise that service as we look ahead to the year to come.”

    With a full chamber and a packed agenda, Councillor Dore wasted no time in setting the tone for his tenure as civic figurehead. 

    “I’ve always believed in duty, discipline, and service. This role is a continuation of that. It’s a privilege to represent the council and the Island, and I’ll do my utmost to ensure this chamber remains a place where all voices are respected and heard.”

    But who exactly is the man now holding the gavel?

    Councillor Dore’s journey is anything but ordinary. A former soldier who served in the Gulf War and Northern Ireland, he later swapped boots for beats, becoming a well-known DJ and radio presenter.

    From Isle of Wight Radio to Power FM and eventually Bath FM, he’s entertained thousands — and even launched a youth radio project, Youth Radio Rocks.

    Beyond the airwaves, he’s worked as an event manager and fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support and mental health charity Mind.

    He’s also currently the driving force behind the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day — an event that blends his love of community, service, and a well-organised timetable.

    “I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my fellow councillors and the residents of Binstead and Fishbourne,” he said.

    “Without their trust in 2021, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. I take the responsibility seriously — and I’m stepping into it with humility, purpose, and, of course, my best boots forward.”

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island libraries celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen 29 May 2025 Island Libraries Celebrate 250 Years of Jane Austen

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    This year marks a remarkable literary milestone — the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, one of England’s most cherished novelists.

    To celebrate, the Isle of Wight Library Service is inviting residents to join in a series of events that pay tribute to Austen’s enduring legacy.

    From the drawing rooms of Pride and Prejudice to the seaside scenes of Persuasion, Austen’s works continue to captivate readers of all ages. Now, Islanders have the chance to enjoy her world through film, talks, tea parties, and even a touch of Regency dancing.

    Austen on the Big Screen

    The celebrations begin at Sandown Library with a series of free monthly film screenings of Austen adaptations. The next showing takes place on Saturday, 28 June at 1.45pm, featuring Sense and Sensibility.

    Tickets are free and available from the library. Screenings will continue monthly through to October, offering a wonderful opportunity to revisit Austen’s stories in cinematic form.

    A Literary Life by the Sea

    On Wednesday 25 June, Lord Louis Library will welcome Helen Howe from the Hampshire branch of the Jane Austen Society.

    Her talk, Jane Austen in Hampshire: Naval Connections and Holidays by the Sea, will explore the author’s ties to the region and her fondness for coastal retreats.

    Tickets are £3 and available from the library. Helen will return later in the year with a festive talk on Jane Austen at Christmas, this time at Ryde Library.

    Tea, Trivia, and Timeless Tales

    Ryde Library will host its own celebration in July with an “All Things Jane” day. Visitors can enjoy a Regency-style tea party and take part in a quiz designed to test their Austen knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a curious newcomer, all are welcome to join in the fun.

    Dance Through the Ages

    Later in the year, Lord Louis Library in Newport will host the Hampshire Regency Dancers for a special demonstration and workshop. Attendees will have the chance to learn traditional dances from the period — no experience required, just a willingness to step back in time.

    Photo: Jane Austen (1775-1817) on engraving from 1873. English novelist. Engraved by unknown artist and published in ”Portrait Gallery of Eminent Men and Women with Biographies”,USA,1873.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Retailers reminded about upcoming June 1 ban on disposable vapes

    Source: City of Leeds

    Shopkeepers across Leeds have been advised to act now in preparation for the disposable vapes ban which comes into force on June 1.

    The new legislation, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), will make it illegal for businesses, including those online, to sell or supply all single-use vapes.

    The ban will apply to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and covers both nicotine and non-nicotine containing vaping products, which are not refillable or rechargeable. 

    In line with national policy, Leeds City Council has been writing to retailers across the city ahead of the ban, advising them to stop buying new stock of single-use vapes and sell all existing stock before June 1.

    Businesses are also being reminded of their legal duty to provide collection points for waste vapes to their customers.

    Anyone caught selling or supplying single-use vapes on or after June 1 could face fines or other sanctions.

    The ban has been brought into place to help curb the rise in youth vaping, with national figures from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) estimating over half of children who use vapes report using disposable models, which often have colourful packaging and sweet flavours.

    Councillor Fiona Venner, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said:

    “The incoming ban on disposable vapes is a vital measure towards improving the health of Leeds residents, particularly for our young people, as well as tackling the environmental damage that they cause. I would urge all our retailers to take action now to prepare for the new legislation coming into force.”

    The ban also aims to reduce the damage caused to the environment and wildlife from vapes disposed of in domestic waste and littered across the city, causing the release of harmful substances such as lead and mercury into soil, rivers and streams.

    Used e-cigarettes and disposable vapes should be returned to the shops they were bought from for recycling or taken to the nearest electrical recycling point, which can be found at www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk. They can also be deposited in the special vape bins at one of the eight waste recycling points in Leeds.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:

    “Please do not throw vapes in household green recycling or black wheelie bins due to the risk of fire from the lithium-ion batteries. Recycling your old vapes also helps protect the environment, as they contain valuable materials like metal, plastic and lithium batteries that can be made into new items.”

    Further information for retailers can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban

     

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Relief for residents as court action helps turn the tide on anti-social behaviour

    Source: City of Leeds

    Partial closure orders covering five blocks of flats near Hunslet Moor Park were granted to Leeds City Council by magistrates earlier this year following an investigation by West Yorkshire Police into local drug dealing activity.

    The terms of the three-month orders meant it temporarily became an arrestable offence for unauthorised visitors to the flats to be present in communal spaces such as foyers, landings, stairwells and lifts.

    This, it was hoped, would act as a deterrent to people who – by gaining entry to the buildings for the purpose of buying or selling drugs – had left many residents feeling distressed and intimidated.

    It was also hoped that the threat of arrest would put a stop to youths hanging around the flats – despite living elsewhere – and making a general nuisance of themselves.

    The restrictions covered the Crescent Grange and Crescent Towers high-rises as well as three low-rise blocks on nearby Moor Crescent Chase, off Dewsbury Road.

    And their introduction had the desired effect, with residents saying the flats subsequently became safer and more pleasant places to live.

    Should the situation there begin to worsen again, the council has the option of going back to court to seek a new set of partial closure orders.

    The impact of the investigation – carried out by the police’s Team Leodis unit – was not limited to the flats alone.

    Full closure orders were secured for six residential addresses in the wider Dewsbury Road area that were identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour.

    A number of cases were also found where criminals had attempted to exploit vulnerable members of the community, including people who had recently overcome addiction issues or had been rehoused after a period of homelessness.

    Some of these cases involved a practice known as ‘cuckooing’, where a person’s home is taken over – often by force, coercion or deceit – and used as a base for storing, supplying or producing drugs as well as other unlawful activity.

    Referrals were made – both within the council and to appropriate external agencies – to ensure that the victims identified during the investigation have the support they need to get their lives back on track.

    And, in cases where people had been targeted in their own homes, partial closure restrictions – like the ones put in place at Crescent Grange, Crescent Towers and Moor Crescent Chase – were used as a way of deterring unwanted visitors.

    In addition, criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) were imposed on three individuals following an application to the courts by Team Leodis.

    The exact conditions of the CBOs vary from person to person, but for one of the three they included a five-year ban on entering any part of Beeston.

    A breach of a CBO is a criminal offence that can lead to a custodial sentence of up to five years for adults or up to two years for those aged under 18.

    Team Leodis’s work covered the stretch of Dewsbury Road that runs from the M621 flyover down to Beeston’s Cross Flatts Park, although its primary focus was the area around Crescent Grange, Crescent Towers and Moor Crescent Chase.

    An overwhelming majority of the residents in the flats who were contacted during a recent police survey said there had been a reduction in anti-social behaviour following the introduction of the partial closure restrictions.

    Responding to the survey, one person living in Crescent Towers said: “I haven’t seen anyone hanging around at all and haven’t seen people following anyone in.”

    Another resident in Crescent Towers said: “Things seem to be better. Thank you for doing what you are doing and trying to make it better for us all.”

    One resident on Moor Crescent Chase, meanwhile, said: “Things have calmed down a lot, there are very few people hanging round.”

    Part-funded by the council’s housing service, Team Leodis primarily comprises police officers with expert knowledge of how court orders and injunctions can be used to stop crime and anti-social behaviour.

    They focus on one part of the city at a time while tackling problems that are causing concern for council tenants, with support from housing, legal and other council staff as well as officers from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

    Their work has previously achieved successful results in areas such as Holbeck, Holt Park, Seacroft and Little London.

    Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said:

    “We want every single part of Leeds to be a place where people feel safe and secure, both at home and while they are going about their daily business.

    “It’s really pleasing, therefore, to see the positive impact that Team Leodis’s latest deployment has had on these flats as well as the surrounding areas.

    “The results show what can be achieved by a refusal to tolerate any sort of crime or anti-social behaviour and also underline the value of partnership working, in this case between the council and West Yorkshire Police.

    “My thanks go to everyone involved with Team Leodis for their expertise, their tenacity and, above all, the difference they continue to make to communities across the city.”

    Sergeant Edel Fox, from West Yorkshire Police’s Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team, said:

    “This operation saw multiple police departments working closely with the council and other partners in the community, and has delivered significant results in the ongoing fight against crime.  

    “This marks a strong step forward in our collective mission to bring offenders to justice and restore safety and confidence in the local area. But I want to stress that the work doesn’t end here. We remain in the area continuing this vital work in the Dewsbury Road area. 

    “I would urge people to continue to report any issues so action can be taken. You can also sign up to West Yorkshire Police Community Alert to receive updates about what’s going on in your area as well as crime prevention advice.”  

    Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in their community can make a report via the council’s website or by calling 0113 222 4402.

    ENDS

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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: More than blue helmets: What you might not know about UN peacekeepers

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

     

     

    Written by Lesley Myers, Digital Editor for UN Peacekeeping’s Strategic Communications Section. She specializes in political analysis, strategic planning and peacekeeping impact.

     

     

    They work in some of the world’s toughest environments to protect people and prevent conflict. But how much do you really know about UN “Blue Helmets”? As we celebrate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, discover seven surprising facts about the people working for peace.

     

    1. UN Peacekeepers have won a Nobel Peace Prize.

    UN peacekeepers were awarded the prize in 1988 for peacekeepers’ role in promoting global peace and security. During the ceremony, the Nobel Committee honoured peacekeepers that have given their lives for peace: “They volunteered to the service, knowing that it could involve risk. It became their lot to pay the highest price a human being can pay.”

    2. UN Peacekeeping does not have its own army or police force.

    Instead, UN Member States voluntarily contribute their own troops and police officers to peacekeeping missions. To date, over 2 million peacekeepers have served from over 120 countries, making us a truly global force for peace. The top contributors of these personnel include Nepal, Rwanda, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan as of February 2025, as well as Security Council members like China and France. Countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Timor-Leste and Liberia — where peacekeeping missions used to be deployed — are now sending peacekeepers of their own to help others.

    3. Peacekeepers are not only soldiers.

    Peacekeepers include military, police and civilian staff taking on a wide range of roles to help us advance peace. Peacekeepers include a wide range of experts including in logistics, engineering, mediation, politics, civics, human rights, gender, strategic communications and rule of law. They provide advice and support on important issues from how build strong justice institutions to protecting civilians to holding free and fair elections. This cross-disciplinary mix is what lets us navigate the complex socioeconomic, political, environmental and security dynamics that drive conflict.

    4. Peacekeepers do more than patrol.

    We protect civilians, monitor ceasefires, support peace negotiations and help prevent relapses into civil war. We also assist in long-term peacebuilding by building trust between communities, strengthening national institutions, promoting justice, and supporting free and fair elections, laying the critical foundations that help peace take root. Our work is tailored to the conflict environments we work in so we can best meet the needs of the communities we serve.

    chinese_peacekeepers_build_up_infrastructure_in_south_sudan.jpg

    5. Peacekeepers are cost-effective.

    Missions cost significantly less than comparable operations led by individual countries. Peacekeeping’s current budget represents less than 0.5% of global military spending but supports 11 peacekeeping operations in places like South Sudan, Cyprus, and south Lebanon. It delivers value for money, reducing violence, preventing the escalation of conflicts that can destabilize countries and regions, and advancing the global community’s peace and security goals at a fraction of the cost of what military activities cost worldwide.

    6. Peacekeepers serve impartially on behalf of UN Member States.

    UN peacekeeping missions are established, tasked, and ended by the UN Security Council. We serve on behalf of all UN Member States and remain impartial, giving us credibility that can be difficult to achieve when a Member State acts alone.

    7. Peacekeepers are effective at advancing peace.

    Peacekeeping remains one of the global community’s most effective tools for advancing peace. The majority of missions succeed, stabilizing societies, ending war, and saving millions of lives. We are proven to help stop violence before it starts, reduce its impact during conflict, and prevent its return once peace is restored. We increase the likelihood that peace agreements will last once established and have helped countries like Cambodia, El Salvador and Sierra Leone transition from conflict to peace. UN Member States play a critical role in these efforts: we are most successful when we are backed by their are backed by the political will of UN Member States.

    Today, an increasingly divided global community is facing the highest number of conflicts since the second world war, and peacekeeping itself is becoming an increasingly dangerous endeavour. Peacekeeping continues to evolve in the face of these growing challenges, but our commitment remains constant: each day, peacekeepers step up to give peace a fighting chance.

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Resilience Maturity Assessment (ReMA) tool

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    What is the ReMA Tool?

    Developed by UNDRR and the Corporate Chief Resilience Officers (CCRO) network, the Resilience Maturity Assessment (ReMA) tool provides a comprehensive self-assessment framework designed to evaluate and enhance your organization’s capacity to withstand disruptions and adapt to change.

    Whether you are a micro enterprise, a small business, or a global corporation, ReMA tool equips you with the insights needed to measure, improve, and disclose your resilience.

    Start your assessment and build a stronger, more resilient future.

    Why is enterprise resilience important?   

    In an age of increasing uncertainty, organizations across all sectors face new and unforeseen challenges that are becoming business as usual. These challenges can stem from climate change, cyber-crime, fraud, AI advancements, or other sources of disruption that could be transformational or reputational.

    Resilience is vital for any enterprise to survive and thrive in a complex and volatile environment. This ability to adapt and grow amid challenges is not only beneficial for the enterprises themselves, but also extends to impact all their stakeholders and surrounding communities.

    The 4 resilience maturity levels

    The four levels represent stages of resilience maturity, serving as convenient boundaries to categorize progress.

    However, it’s important to recognize that resilience maturity is fundamentally subjective. You may find your organization performing well in some areas while needing improvement in others. The maturity level you aim for may also vary depending on your organization’s size, complexity, and priorities. Although Levels 1 to 4 are distinct categories, it’s more accurate to view resilience as a continuous spectrum.

    The model allows you to benchmark your own maturity against certain criteria. This generates a benchmark band which you should strive to achieve.

    The ReMA tool uses six operational pillars that are recurrent in resilience practices to assess enterprise maturity.

    “Business, professional associations and private sector financial institutions, including financial regulators and accounting bodies, as well as philanthropic foundations, to integrate disaster risk management, including business continuity, into business models and practices through disaster-risk-informed investments, especially in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (p. 23).” 

    – Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 

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