NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin visited the Republican Hospital in Gorno-Altaisk

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Prime Minister got acquainted with the new admissions department of the hospital and a presentation on the progress of the development of the healthcare system of the Altai Republic.

    Mikhail Mishustin got acquainted with the new admission department of the Republican Hospital. With the head of the Altai Republic Andrei Turchak and chief physician Anton Khazov

    July 22, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin got acquainted with the new admission department of the Republican Hospital. With the head of the Altai Republic Andrei Turchak, the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko and the chief physician Anton Khazov

    July 22, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin got acquainted with the new admission department of the Republican Hospital. With the head of the Altai Republic Andrei Turchak, the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko and the chief physician Anton Khazov

    July 22, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin got acquainted with the new admission department of the Republican Hospital. With the head of the Altai Republic Andrei Turchak, the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko and the chief physician Anton Khazov

    July 22, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin was given a presentation of the healthcare system of the Altai Republic. With the head of the Altai Republic Andrey Turchak and the Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko

    July 22, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Mikhail Mishustin got acquainted with the new admission department of the Republican Hospital. With the head of the Altai Republic Andrei Turchak and chief physician Anton Khazov

    In Gorno-Altaisk, the construction of a modular emergency department for the Republican Hospital is nearing completion. This is the first modular emergency department within the new national project “Long and Active Life” out of 21 planned for commissioning in 2025. The department covers the full cycle of emergency patient admission and treatment and will be equipped with everything necessary for prompt diagnostic and emergency treatment, including in the event of a mass admission of patients.

    The new department includes a diagnostic unit (CT, X-ray, ultrasound, ECG, endoscopy, express laboratory), a resuscitation and operating unit, a unit for emergency medical care patients, and an administrative and economic unit. It is integrated with the main hospital complex through a heated passage for unimpeded patient transportation. The opening of the new admission department will relieve the main hospital buildings and improve emergency care.

    From the transcript:

    M. Mishustin: Friends, I want to thank you all. Two and a half months – and the building, they call it the emergency department, is ready. But this is practically a full-fledged hospital, a field hospital, with modern equipment, which can be converted into an operating room. And all this for reasonable funds. This project costs approximately 643 million rubles. The region invested 100 million, the rest of the funds are from the federal budget.

    But the most important thing is the people, the doctors. I am very happy to see such a team here. Andrey Anatolyevich (Turchak) attracts the best. Anton Viktorovich (Khazov) recently returned from a special military operation, he was in charge of the hospital and saved people. I want to thank him for such prompt and professional organization of this work. Everything here is at the highest level. I am sure that the professionals who came here will provide high-quality medical care, and this is very important for the republic, where more and more people are now going.

    The presidential program to support doctors and nurses, mid-level medical personnel is also very important – doctors who work in small, remote settlements, villages, as well as nurses, mid-level personnel are paid an additional 50 thousand rubles. All this also helps to attract qualified personnel.

    And it is very important – I remember, Vyacheslav Viktorovich Volodin, colleagues in the Duma are always concerned about the quality of medical personnel and education being high enough. And of course, so that people want to come here. We also need to carefully collect feedback. Andrey Anatolyevich is a professional, he knows his stuff. We need to very carefully monitor together what else can be done.

    I would like to congratulate you all and wish both those who come here and those who work here health.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: The Zabaikalsky Krai exposition on the “Far East Street” within the framework of the EEF will link technological innovations and the cultural heritage of the region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Zabaikalsky Krai pavilion at the Far East Street exhibition, which will be held in Vladivostok from September 3 to 9 as part of the tenth anniversary Eastern Economic Forum, will present cutting-edge technologies, and its design will reflect a deep connection with the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The exhibition is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Far Eastern Federal District.

    “Zabaikalsky Krai is actively developing and is among the leaders in terms of investment growth rates. In order to create favorable conditions for investors, the territory of advanced development “Zabaikalsky Krai” has been formed, and financial and infrastructural support measures are in place. It is equally important that the social sphere develops and urban spaces are transformed. Social infrastructure is being developed with the help of a single presidential subsidy allocated through the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East. Special tools have been introduced – “Far Eastern mortgage” and “Far Eastern hectare”. Construction of large facilities has begun according to the master plans of the cities of Chita and Krasnokamensk. But the most important thing is that wages are growing in Zabaikalsky Krai, a large number of jobs are being created. The pavilion exposition will tell visitors about this and much more,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Eastern Economic Forum Yuri Trutnev.

    The Zabaikalsky Krai pavilion is a synthesis of natural grandeur, cultural heritage and high technology. The architectural appearance of the stand was created using modern forms and materials. Interactive zones, spectacular media facades and art objects give the guest the opportunity to take part in an immersive journey into the world of possibilities of the region.

    “We strive to show not only the economic potential of the region, but also its cultural wealth, historical values, and natural beauty. Our pavilion will combine advanced technologies, cultural heritage, and the rich history and nature of Zabaikalsky Krai. Traditionally, we will present the works of our fellow countrymen, whose names are known throughout the world. I am confident that the Zabaikalsky Pavilion will become a source of inspiration and new ideas for all visitors, and will awaken the desire to come to our sunny region,” emphasized the Governor of Zabaikalsky Krai, Alexander Osipov.

    The entrance to the Zabaikalsky pavilion will be decorated with a monumental 9.5-meter composition “Solar Myth” by the artist and sculptor Dashi Namdakov. The avant-garde art object depicts a mighty Siberian elk made of bronze, whose antlers form a solar halo – a symbol of the cultural heritage and natural energy of the region.

    In the “Investment Projects of Zabaikalsky Krai” zone, the leading enterprises of the region will be presented using modern technologies. Visitors can expect multimedia holographic and panoramic projections, as well as interactive panels that will demonstrate the achievements of the region in industry and culture. Particular attention will be paid to the largest investors – “Udokan Copper” and Bystrinsky Mining and Processing Plant. Panoramic screens and controllers will allow users to control the virtual space, creating the effect of full immersion and emphasizing the importance of these enterprises for the economy of Zabaikalsky Krai.

    The “Achievements of the Zabaikalsky Krai in 10 Years” platform will show how the development plans of Chita and Krasnokamensk are being implemented. The main feature of the zone is an interactive wall: by touching special tags, guests will see interesting images and will have the opportunity to take bright photos for social networks.

    In the “Tourism Potential” zone, visitors will be able to find out where to go and where to stay in Zabaikalsky Krai. The region’s tourism opportunities will be presented through a projection table and an interactive “mandala”.

    A separate zone “80 Years of Victory” will be dedicated to the exploits and achievements during the Great Patriotic War, as well as the heroes and events of the special military operation. The exhibition will use augmented reality technologies, allowing you to see biographical materials about the participants of the Great Patriotic War and the SVO.

    In addition, the pavilion will house a museum area, where works of art and historical artifacts will be displayed. Special design will create an atmosphere of comfort and respect, allowing visitors to better feel the value of the cultural heritage of Transbaikalia. The exhibition will become a kind of bridge between the past and the present, demonstrating the richness of the history and art of the region.

    On the street near the pavilion, products from the Transbaikal producers “Vkusy Zabaikalya” and “Sdelano v Zabaikalye” will be presented. On the large stage of “Ulitsa Dalnego Vostok”, the municipal theater of song and dance “Zabaikalye” will present the musical performance “Song of the Family”.

    Live music performed by the orchestra of the national song and dance theater “Amar Sain” will be heard near the Zabaikalsky stand, soloists of the vocal group “Forte” and the youth dance group “Klyukva” will perform. Also, guests of the pavilion will be able to participate in making dolls in national costumes, an art master class “Drawing together” and painting a memorable souvenir.

    The 10th Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3–6 at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. During these days, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7, 8, and 9, it will be open to everyone. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Emergency food assistance grinds to a halt in Nigeria amid surging insecurity and record hunger

    Source: World Food Programme

    ABUJA, Nigeria – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will be forced to suspend all emergency food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeast Nigeria at the end of July. This is due to critical funding shortfalls which come at a time of escalating violence and record levels of hunger.

    WFP’s food and nutrition stocks have been completely exhausted. The organization’s last supplies left warehouses in early July and life-saving assistance will end after the current round of distributions is completed.

    Without immediate funding, millions of vulnerable people will face impossible choices: endure increasingly severe hunger, migrate, or possibly risk exploitation by extremist groups in the region.  

    “Nearly 31 million people in Nigeria are now facing acute hunger, a record number,” said David Stevenson, WFP Country Director for Nigeria. “At the same time, WFP’s operations in northeast Nigeria will collapse without immediate, sustained funding. This is no longer just a humanitarian crisis, it’s a growing threat to regional stability, as families pushed beyond their limits are left with nowhere to turn.” 

    Children will be among the worst affected if vital aid ends. More than 150 WFP-supported nutrition clinics in Borno and Yobe states will close, ending potentially life-saving treatment for more than 300,000 children under two and placing them at increased risk of wasting. 

    In conflict-affected northern areas, escalating violence from extremist groups is driving mass displacement. Some 2.3 million people across the Lake Chad Basin have been forced to flee their homes, straining already limited resources and pushing communities to the brink.  

    “When emergency assistance ends, many will migrate in search of food and shelter. Others will adopt negative coping mechanisms – including potentially joining insurgent groups – to survive,” added Stevenson. “Food assistance can often prevent these outcomes. It allows us to feed families, help rebuild economies and support long-term recovery.”

    In the first half of 2025, WFP has been able to hold hunger at bay across northern Nigeria, reaching 1.3 million people with life-saving food and nutrition assistance. Support for an additional 720,000 people was planned for the second half of the year before funding shortfalls put life-saving programmes in jeopardy.  

    WFP has the capacity and expertise to deliver and scale-up its humanitarian response, but the critical funding gap is paralyzing operations. WFP urgently requires US$130 million to prevent an imminent pipeline break and sustain food and nutrition operations through the end of 2025. 

    Note to editors:

    Broadcast quality footage of operations in northeast Nigeria can be accessed here.

    Nigeria Emergency Page here.

    #                 #                   #

    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 X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender results of 10-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

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

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced that a tender for 10-year HKD institutional Government Bonds (issue number 10GB3507001) under the Infrastructure Bond Programme was held today (July 23).
     
    A total of HK$2.0 billion 10-year Government Bonds were offered today. A total of HK$10.545 billion tender applications were received. The bid-to-cover ratio, i.e. the ratio of bonds applied for to bonds issued, is 5.27. The average price accepted is 100.43, implying an annualised yield of 3.144 per cent.
     
    HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Results
     
    Tender results of 10-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
     

    Tender Date : July 23, 2025
    Issue Number : 10GB3507001
    Stock Code : 4294 (HKGB 3.17 3507)
    Issue and Settlement Date : July 24, 2025
    Tenor : 10 years
    Maturity Date : 24 July 2035
    Coupon Rate : 3.17 per cent
    Amount Applied : HK$10.545 billion
    Amount Allotted : HK$2.0 billion
    Bid-to-Cover Ratio* : 5.27
    Average Price Accepted (Yield) : 100.43 (3.144 per cent)
    Lowest Price Accepted (Yield) : 100.21 (3.170 per cent)
    Pro-rata Ratio : About 95 per cent
    Average Tender Price (Yield) : 99.13 (3.299 per cent)

    * Calculated as the amount of bonds applied for over the amount of bonds issued.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Manpower of doctors and consultation efficiency

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (July 23):

    Question:

         According to the data of the Hospital Authority (HA), the number of full-time doctors increased from 5 695 in 2013-2014 to 7 350 in 2023-2024, representing an increase of 29 per cent. During the same period, the number of HA’s specialist outpatient attendances increased by only 18.9 per cent while the relevant increase rate in the number of its general outpatient attendances was 3.34 per cent, and the number of accident and emergency (A&E) attendances even recorded a drop of 4.4 per cent. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it knows the respective numbers of HA doctors providing general outpatient clinic (GOPC) services and specialist outpatient clinic (SOPC) services in 2013-2014 and 2023-2024, as well as the respective percentages of such numbers in the total number of HA doctors (set out in a table);

    (2) whether it knows the respective average waiting time for HA’s SOPC new cases, GOPC services and A&E services, the average consultation time per patient, as well as the average number of consultations per doctor in 2013-2014 and 2023-2024 (set out in a table);

    (3) whether it knows if the HA has compared the average number of consultations per doctor between the HA and medical institutions in other places; if the HA has not, how the HA assesses the efficiency in the use of doctor manpower and the consultation efficiency; and

    (4) as there are views that the aforesaid data show a significant increase in the number of HA doctors from 2013-2014 to 2023-2024, but there is no significant rise in the number of attendances for various outpatient services, whether the Government knows if the HA has examined the reasons for that, and whether the HA will consider providing additional evening consultation services, so as to enhance the efficiency in the use of manpower and the service coverage while alleviating the pressure on the daytime services?

    Reply:

    President,

         In consultation with the Hospital Authority (HA), the consolidated reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon Chan Han-pan, is as follows:

         With the ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the demand for various types of services provided by the HA has continued to rise over the past decade. While coping with the ever-rising service demand, the HA is also committed to enhancing the quality and efficiency of public healthcare services, while adopting an integrated and multi-disciplinary team approach in the delivery of various healthcare services, with a view to providing optimal treatment and care to patients. 

         Apart from providing general out-patient (GOP), specialist out-patient (SOP) and Accident and Emergency (A&E) services as mentioned in the question, doctors of the HA are also tasked with providing a comprehensive range of services including in-patient, out-patient, and day services, as part of the overall healthcare team. The table below sets out the number of hospital beds and the number of attendances for each of the major service categories of the HA in 2013-14 and 2023-24, which show an increase in the utilisation of each of the services over the 11-year period mentioned in the question. In particular, the HA has been gradually promoting ambulatory care and community-based care in recent years to replace the traditional hospital-centric service model, with a particularly significant rise in the demand for day in-patient services. 
     

      2013-14 2023-24 Increase
    Number of hospital beds
    (as at year-end)    		 27 440 30 671 11.8%
    Number of in-patient discharges and deaths 1 026 998 1 146 494 11.6%
    Number of patient days 7 479 088 8 750 456 17.0%
    Number of day in-patient discharges and deaths 542 333 809 505 49.3%
    Number of day hospital attendances (Note 1) 477 553  508 961 6.6%
    Number of SOP (Clinical) attendances 7 040 883 8 368 107 18.9%
    Number of Family Medicine out-patient (including Family Medicine Specialist Clinic and GOP clinic) attendances 6 100 888 6 359 781 4.2%

         As far as day in-patient services are concerned, day surgery brings significant benefits to patients, the public and the HA. For patients, day surgery has the benefits of causing less disruption to daily lives, reducing the risk of cross-infection and relieving psychological stress. In addition, day surgery is less costly and more efficient as it reduces the need for patients to stay in the hospital overnight, thereby releasing beds for more critical cases. Studies have also shown that the efficacy of day surgery is similar to that of in-patient surgery. For ambulatory palliative care services, the HA provides medical, nursing, rehabilitation, psychosocial and bereavement services through a one-stop multi-disciplinary team to alleviate patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life, as well as reducing unnecessary hospitalisation. Day rehabilitation services include geriatric day hospitals, day rehabilitation services and allied health rehabilitation services. The HA provides specialty-oriented rehabilitation programmes, such as thoracic rehabilitation, orthopaedic rehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation, in its ambulatory care facilities to cater for the needs of individual types of patients. This development strategy can effectively shorten unnecessary hospitalisation time, help patients return to the community and enhance their ability to take care of their own health.

         Moreover, the HA has actively increased the number of endoscopic sessions to meet the public demand for endoscopic examination. The table below sets out the number of common endoscopic procedures performed in 2014-15 and 2023-24.
     

      2014-15 2023-24
    Common endoscopic procedures (Note 2 and 3) 9 608 10 591

         The HA will review and plan the role and positioning of its hospitals in each cluster to reflect the changes in healthcare needs brought about by changes in population in various districts over time, and will review from time to time and ensure that hospitals in the clusters can complement each other in the continual provision of A&E and in-patient, ambulatory care, extended care as well as community care services, so as to ensure that patients will continue to receive optimal treatment and services at appropriate locations.

         Please refer to Annex 1 for the number of doctors in each major specialty providing GOP or SOP services and their respective proportions in the total number of doctors in the HA in 2013-14 and 2023-24 as mentioned in the question. However, as mentioned above, since the HA adopts an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach in service provision, and flexibly deploys its staff to meet service and operational needs from time to time, the number of doctors in the above table only reflects the number of doctors providing GOP and SOP services, and the doctors concerned may also be tasked with providing other services including in-patient, A&E and ambulatory services, etc.

         The HA has also been implementing various measures over the years to enhance consultation efficiency and improve waiting time.

         In respect of SOP services, the HA has implemented a triage system to determine the priority of patients attending SOP clinics (SOPCs) based on their clinical condition. In addition, the HA has also adopted the strategy of “narrowing upstream, collaborating downstream, diverting midstream”. The HA has introduced doctor-led multi-disciplinary integrated clinics, and allocated more resources for new cases, rationalised referral arrangements for cross-specialty cases, set up more integrated clinics to provide multi-disciplinary support, and enhanced primary healthcare to follow up on patients in stable conditions. With the implementation of various measures, the waiting time for SOPCs has improved notably in the past few years. The data shows that the number of new SOP cases in 2023-24 has increased by 18 per cent compared to a decade ago, with the number of stable new cases (i.e. routine cases) increasing from 448 545 in 2013-14 to 577 191 in 2023-24, an increase of 28 per cent. Please refer to the Annex 2 for the number of new cases and waiting time for SOP services in 2013-14 and 2023-24.

         In addition, the HA has also rationalised the waiting procedures for SOP services to reduce the waiting time for patients to see doctors, with more than 75 per cent of SOP patients completing the process from registration to doctor consultation within 60 minutes in 2022-23 to 2023-24. The table below shows the percentage of the HA SOP patients who have completed the process from registration to doctor consultation within 60 minutes in 2022-23 and 2023-24:
     

    Year
    2022-23
    (Since November 2022)    		 Year
    2023-24
    76.5%  83.6%

         Regarding A&E services, to ensure that citizens with urgent needs can receive timely services, A&E departments implement a patient triage system under which patients are classified into five triages, namely critical, emergency, urgent, semi-urgent and non-urgent based on their clinical condition, and will receive treatment as prioritised by their urgency category. The HA’s performance targets specify that all critical patients (i.e. 100 per cent) will receive immediate treatment, and emergency and urgent patients will be prioritised for treatment upon arrival at A&E departments, with the targets being that most emergency patients (95 per cent) and urgent patients (90 per cent) will be treated within 15 and 30 minutes. The table below sets out the number of attendances and average waiting time for each triage category of A&E services in the HA in 2013-14 and 2023-24 respectively:
     

      No. of A&E attendances
    Triage 1(Critical) Triage 2  (Emergency) Triage 3 (Urgent) Triage 4 (Semi-
    urgent)    		 Triage 5 (Non-
    urgent) 
    Year
    2013-14    		 19 358 41 136 674 841 1 288 359 145 406
    Year
    2023-24    		 28 138  56 566 820 353 1 126 207 58 965

         The above attendances for A&E services under various triage categories in various hospitals under the HA exclude (i) first-time visits without triage categories, and (ii) follow-up visits to the A&E departments.
     

      Average waiting time (in minutes) for A&E services
    Triage 1 (Critical) Triage 2 (Emergency) Triage 3 (Urgent) Triage 4 (Semi-
    urgent)    		 Triage 5 (Non-
    urgent) 
    Year
    2013-14    		 0 7 27 106 124
    Year
    2023-24    		 0 8 29 180 205

     
         The data show that, over the past decade, the number of A&E attendances for patients in Triage 1 to Triage 3 has increased by 23 per cent from more than 730 000 to more than 900 000. In particular, attendances for patients in Triage 1 and Triage 2, who are the primary service targets of the A&E departments, have increased by 45 per cent and 38 per cent respectively. That said, patients in these two categories are treated promptly and the relevant average waiting times continue to meet the service targets specified by the HA.
     
         Regarding GOP services, the HA provides public primary healthcare services through its 74 GOP clinics (GOPCs) (including community health centres), providing more than five million out-patient attendances annually. Of these, a total of 23 GOPCs in all districts of Hong Kong provide evening out-patient services until 10pm. Patients under the care of the GOPCs comprise two major categories: patients with chronic diseases in stable medical condition, such as patients with diabetes mellitus or hypertension; and episodic disease patients with relatively mild symptoms, such as those suffering from cold or gastroenteritis. As for patients with chronic diseases requiring follow-up consultations, they will be assigned a time slot for follow-up by the GOPCs after each consultation and do not need to make separate appointments by phone. Episodic disease patients can make appointments for the next 24 hours through the HA GOPC telephone appointment system and “Book GOPC” function in the HA’s one-stop mobile app “HA Go”. There is no waiting time for GOP services. 
     
         The HA has been closely monitoring the operation and utilisation of different services with a view to deploying manpower and service resources flexibly. Since 2008, the HA has adopted a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure its service performance, covering clinical services, human resources and finance, with a view to establishing a mechanism for monitoring service performance and identifying service areas for continuous improvement. The HA conducts regular reviews of the KPIs annually and will enhance and refine them in accordance with its service strategies. Progress reports on KPIs are submitted to the HA Board and the Health Bureau on a regular basis, through quarterly progress review reports for the latter, to keep track of the HA’s performance in key service areas. Trend analyses within and across hospital clusters can be conducted to help identify areas for deliberation and formulation of enhancement measures, and to provide reference on service planning and resource allocation.
     
         Moreover, the HA has set up the Governance and Structure Reform Committee to provide strategic guidance, oversight, and reform advice on implementing governance and structure reforms. The work of the Committee includes examining the introduction of KPIs to measure the service performance of the HA.
     
         In recent years, the HA has also endeavoured to enhance public healthcare services through various measures, including enhancing primary healthcare services, shortening the waiting time for cataract surgery, making good use of the Central Government-Aided Emergency Hospital to alleviate the pressure on the radiology services in public hospitals, and establishing centres for major illnesses, with a view to improving the quality and efficiency of treatment. Regarding evening out-patient services, the HA and the Primary Healthcare Commission will also review the demand and supply of evening out-patient services in different districts as well as the utilisation of such services by members of the public in various districts, with emphasis on districts where private evening out-patient services are scanty, with a view to further increasing the number of quotas of evening out-patient services through flexible deployment of manpower and resources, as well as exploring the feasibility of setting up additional evening out-patient clinics.
     
    Note 1: The above figure includes attendances at Geriatric Day Hospitals, Psychiatric Day Hospitals, Day Rehabilitation Services, and Ambulatory Palliative Care Services. Of these, the number of attendances at Geriatric Day Hospitals includes those participating in the Integrated Discharge Support Programme for Elderly Patients.
    Note 2: The HA has maintained the relevant statistics since 2014-15.
    Note 3: The above endoscopic procedures include bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, colposcopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, flexible cystoscopy, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography. Of these, endoscopic ultrasonography covers upper gastrointestinal tract, lower gastrointestinal tract, as well as bronchus and mediastinum.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Latest situation of Big Wave Bay Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Attention TV/radio announcers:

    Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

         Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (July 23) that the shark prevention net at Big Wave Bay Beach in Southern District, Hong Kong Island, has been repaired, and the beach is reopened. The beach was temporarily closed earlier for shark prevention net maintenance work.
     
         However, according to the Beach Water Quality Forecast System of the Environmental Protection Department (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/water/beach_quality/forecast_system.html), the Beach Water Quality Forecast Index for Big Wave Bay Beach is 4, which means the predicted water quality at this beach is “Very Poor” due to potential transient water quality fluctuations caused by heavy rain. The red flag has been hoisted, and beachgoers are advised not to enter the water to safeguard their health.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man sentenced for the murder of Abdul-Latif Pouget

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for life with a minimum of 24 years at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 22 July after stabbing a man to death and leaving him to die in the middle of a side street in Islington.

    Oguzcan Dereli, 26 (08.04.98) of Alexander Road, Islington, was found guilty at the same court of the murder of 20-year-old Abdul-Latif Pouget following a two-week trial that concluded on Friday, 18 July.

    The court heard that on Friday, 18 October 2024, Abdul had turned into a side street off Clerkenwell Road and parked his moped. Less than a minute later a blue Ford Focus estate pulled up alongside Abdul’s moped.

    Dereli calmly left the vehicle, inadvertently dropping his phone on the road, before approaching Abdul and launching a vicious assault, fatally stabbing him in the thigh, causing significant blood loss. Abdul collapsed on the pavement and Dereli walked back to his vehicle before driving away and leaving him to die.

    Kawsaw Pouget, Abdul’s mother, said:

    “Our beloved Abdul-Latif Pouget — known to us simply as Abs — had just turned 20, two months before the attack. His life was taken from us too early. He was young, intelligent and full of promise.

    “Though he cannot speak for himself at this hearing, we are here to honour him and speak in his name.

    “We want to express our heartfelt thanks to the emergency services, police, the hospital staff, the public who assisted him on that night and the local community who stood with us. You have been a ray of hope and support, and there are no words that can truly express our gratitude.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who led the Met’s investigation, said:

    “My thoughts and that of my team remain with Abdul’s family, a much loved brother, friend and neighbour.

    “A young man has tragically died in a senseless and brutal way. I can only hope that this sentence can go some way in providing a sense of justice to Abdul’s family.”

    On the day of Abdul’s death, police were called by the London Ambulance Service to Back Hill, Islington, at 21:36hrs, following reports of a moped colliding with a wall.

    Officers attended and while paramedics were treating Abdul they discovered a series of stab injuries. He was rushed to an east London hospital but despite the best efforts of the medical team he died three days later.

    An investigation was launched and detectives from the Met specialist crime team began gathering evidence.

    They reviewed hours of CCTV that captured the defendant drive the Ford Focus estate down Back Hill road, then approach and assault Abdul. In the footage it is clear that he was armed with a large machete.

    Details from the CCTV footage of the vehicle used in the incident proved that the car was registered to Dereli. However, when officers went to arrest him he was not at his home address.

    On the evening of Saturday, 19 October 2024, Dereli and his partner were spotted checking into a hotel on Old Street, Shoreditch.

    On Sunday, 20 October officers approached the hotel, arresting Dereli and later charging him with murder the following day.

    During the trial, Dereli said that he had the machete with him because it had been left in his car by a friend, and that he was planning to throw it in the canal when he saw Abdul.

    However, the jury did not believe this account, and he was found guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Arab Emirates (UAE) leaders congratulate Egyptian President on July 23 Revolution anniversary

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a congratulatory message to President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt on July 23rd Revolution anniversary.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, sent similar congratulatory messages to President El Sisi and to Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

    – on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) to hold its 20th Plenary Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM) (https://SECAM.org) will convene for its 20th Plenary Assembly from July 30 to August 4, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda, under the theme: “Christ, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.”

    The plenary will bring together over 250 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, as well as partners from other continents.

    The Kigali Assembly will assess the progress made since the 19th Assembly, held in 2022 in Accra, Ghana, and chart a visionary course for the Church in Africa. Key agenda items include:

    • Presentation of SECAM’s long-term vision document for 2025–2050, built around 12 foundational pillars such as evangelization, family leadership, youth engagement, care for creation, digital mission, and political responsibility.
    • A pastoral reflection on accompanying Catholics in complex cultural realities, including polygamous unions.
    • Discussions on governance, justice, peace, interfaith dialogue, climate change, and safeguarding.

    The Assembly will also unveil the Triennial Strategic Plan (2025–2028) and initiate the renewal of SECAM’s leadership in line with its constitution.

    Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior                      
    Secretary General of SECAM                                                                                         

    Accra, Ghana

    – on behalf of Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM).

    For more information, please get in touch with the Secretary General of SECAM at the following contact:
    secamsg@yahoo.com
    Communications Coordinators on the following contacts:
    communications.secam@gmail.com
    +233541717984
    mutabazifide@gmail.com
    +250783 462125

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful Dispute Resolution

    Source: Government of Qatar

    New York, July 23

    The State of Qatar foreign policy gives the highest priority to the peaceful settlement of disputes, particularly through mediation. This commitment is reflected in a track record of successful mediation efforts that have contributed to enhancing security and stability across various regions of the world, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani stated.

    Delivering Qatar statement before the Security Council s high-level open debate on Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes at the UN Headquarters in New York, Her Excellency highlighted the tripartite summit held last March in Doha, during which HH the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani hosted HE the President of the Republic of Rwanda and HE the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The summit contributed to creating favorable conditions for de-escalation, which led to the signing of the Declaration of Principles between representatives of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and representatives of the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement, last Saturday in Doha. This declaration complements the peace agreement signed last month in Washington, D.C., between the governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda under the auspices of HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump, and supports the path toward a comprehensive peace agreement facilitated by the State of Qatar.

    On the situation in Afghanistan, Her Excellency reaffirmed that the State of Qatar will continue its mediation efforts to support the country in facing major challenges to achieving peace and stability. This includes hosting the UN-led Doha Process on Afghanistan, which aims to fully reintegrate Afghanistan into the international community.

    Addressing the situation in the Gaza Strip, Her Excellency stated that the outbreak of war in Gaza in 2023 posed a serious challenge to the international community. In line with its unwavering commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the State of Qatar initiated intensive mediation efforts in cooperation with the sisterly Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America. Despite the complexities, these efforts led to tangible outcomes, including a ceasefire agreement that improved humanitarian conditions and increased access to aid for civilians in the Gaza Strip, as well as the exchange of hundreds of prisoners and detainees. Mediation efforts are still ongoing to achieve a final ceasefire agreement that would bring an end to the war and its resulting humanitarian catastrophe.

    Her Excellency emphasized that Qatar has spared no effort in working with regional and international partners to prevent the further escalation and regional spread of the conflict, while consistently warning of the grave consequences of regional destabilization. Nevertheless, despite repeated international warnings, the Israeli military escalation has persisted, not only in Gaza but also targeting Lebanese, Syrian, and other territories in the region, leading to heightened tensions and threatening the stability of the entire region, culminating in a peak last June.

    She noted that the escalation on June 23 resulted in a direct missile attack on Qatari territory. However, Qatari air defenses successfully intercepted the missile, preserving the country s territorial integrity.

    Her Excellency further stated that Qatar was among the first countries to warn of the dangers of regional conflict escalation and the consequences of continued Israeli military actions. She reiterated Qatar s call for prioritizing diplomatic solutions, upholding the principles of good neighborliness, and exercising restraint over escalation. She also welcomed the ceasefire reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Israel, expressing hope that both parties would adhere to it and that it would serve as a foundation for meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, paving the way toward sustainable peace and stability.

    In conclusion, Her Excellency reiterated Qatar’s emphasis on the need for the Security Council to maintain its commitment to advancing peaceful processes and political solutions to avoid further human suffering and promote global stability. She called on the Council to assume its responsibilities in preventing conflicts and addressing violations of international law by enforcing its resolutions, ensuring respect for international norms, and ending impunity. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA hosts key TB vaccine workshop

    Source: Government of South Africa

    South Africa is making a significant move in its global response to Tuberculosis (TB) by hosting a pivotal TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop. 

    This event is part of ongoing efforts to decrease the incidence and mortality of TB, under the ‘End TB Strategy,’ a global initiative established by the World Health Organisation (WHO) aimed at ending the TB epidemic by 2035.

    TB is a leading cause of death as an infectious disease and a major contributor to ill-health in South Africa and globally. 

    The Health Department said vaccination has proven to be one of the main effective and feasible ways to contain the spread of infectious diseases.

    “With several new TB vaccine candidates in the late stages of clinical trials, and the most promising expected to be available in the next few years, this workshop will position the country as one of the first to deliver a new generation of TB vaccines to the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and adults.”

    According to the department, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine remains the only licensed TB vaccine available, and it has been used to effectively prevent severe TB in infants and young children for over 100 years.

    The two-day meeting, starting today, 23 July 2025, brings together scientists, policymakers, academic experts, donor funders, health regulators, TB survivor advocates, and civil society leaders. 

    This gathering signals a new era of proactive planning and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to expedite access to life-saving innovations that could significantly reduce TB deaths and infections.

    South Africa has one of the world’s highest TB burdens and has played a leading role in global TB vaccine development. 

    The workshop is being convened by the Department of Health and WHO, in collaboration with various stakeholders in the health sector. 

    The department said delegates will work toward developing a country-specific roadmap for TB vaccine introduction, including how to strengthen readiness across supply chains, financing, community engagement, health worker training, and policy frameworks.

    “This is the first national meeting of its kind focused exclusively on TB vaccine rollout preparedness. 

    “It signals South Africa’s intent to lead from the front in accelerating access to new health technologies,” the Health Department said. 

    Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will deliver the keynote address at the workshop on Thursday, 24 July. 

    He will be joined by the WHO Representative to South Africa, Shenaaz El-Halabi, and other senior health officials. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Well done Banyana Banyana!  

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Wednesday, July 23, 2025

    The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated Banyana Banyana on their performance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

    “Well done Banyana Banyana! Mzansi is very proud of how far you’ve come,” said the department in a social media post on X.
    The team was beaten 1-2 by Nigeria in their semi-final match on Tuesday night.

    Played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, the match according to the South African Football Association (SAFA) was marred by a serious injury to Gabriela Salgado in the 83rd minute.

    SAFA said the incident “visibly traumatised the Banyana Banyana players and the entire South African bench” and the “defending WAFCON champions never recovered after the incident.”

    SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan, wished Salgado a speedy recovery.

    “First of all, we would like to wish a speedy recovery to Gabriela Salgado. Banyana Banyana fought very well, and it was a brave performance from the WAFCON defending champions. You have established yourselves as one of the best teams on the continent. 

    “We fought bravely, and we are proud of your performance. Well done to the whole team, the team’s Head of Delegation Thabile Msomi, the coach Dr Desiree Ellis, the captain Refiloe Jane and all players. We are proud of your efforts,” said Dr Jordaan in the statement.

    The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations which began on 5 July is scheduled to conclude on 26 July 2025. –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eskom clarifies dispute with Koeberg contractor

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Eskom has confirmed that the two contractual disputes with Koeberg Nuclear Power Station contractor, Framatome, are being addressed through an agreed resolution process.

    This after media reports that the French energy company had won a high court order instructing the power utility to pay some R1 billion to the company, following contractual issues.

    Framatome was contracted for the Steam Generator Replacement Project at the nuclear power station located in the Western Cape.

    “In accordance with the contract, disputes are first referred to adjudication and, if not resolved, to arbitration. 

    “Two disputes were adjudicated between December 2022 and February 2023. As Eskom was not satisfied with the adjudicator’s decisions, the two matters were escalated to arbitration as per the agreed process. The arbitration was held from June to July 2025, and a decision is expected in the last quarter of Eskom’s financial year.  

    “Recent media reports appear to have mixed separate legal processes. To clarify, no new payments are currently due, and all actions taken by Eskom have been in line with the applicable legal and contractual procedures,” the power utility said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Furthermore, Eskom said although it “disagreed with the adjudicator’s decisions” – it complied with the outcomes and made payments.

    “All payments had been made by March 2024 as part of standard contract processes – not as penalties or fines,” the electricity supplier said.

    Simultaneously, the power utility approached the courts.

    “Eskom approached the Cape High Court to have the adjudicator’s decisions set aside due to procedural irregularities (independent of the merits of the decisions). The court only delivered its judgment on 17 July 2025, over a year late. Eskom is currently reviewing the judgment to determine the appropriate next steps.

    “We encourage the public and media to trust the integrity of this process. Eskom is following the proper legal channels to resolve these matters responsibly, and we remain committed to transparency and accountability throughout.

    “Most importantly, despite these disputes, the core technical work, replacing the steam generators on Koeberg Unit 2, has been completed. This is a major milestone that contributes to the safe and extended operation of the power station, helping to ensure energy security for the country,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: eThekwini council approves strategy to improve solid waste management

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The eThekwini Municipality has approved the Cleansing and Solid Waste Turnaround Strategy during a special council meeting held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.

    The strategic plan has been developed in line with National Treasury’s Metro Trading Services Reform Framework.

    The new strategy, which was adopted on Monday, will see the transformation of the Waste Management Unit to a Cleansing and Solid Waste Business Directorate, establishing a single point of accountability.

    This change will enable the Executive Director of the Waste Management Directorate to have the necessary responsibility and authority to improve its services and ensure accountability.

    As per the requirements by National Treasury, the strategy is supported by two key documents, including Cleansing and Solid Waste Directorate’s Institutional and Governance Roadmap (A1) and Business and Investments Plan (A2), also forming part of the Metro Trading Services Reform to improve all aspects of the solid waste business.

    According to the report, the institutional reforms focus on improved management and governance, while the Business and Investment Plan focuses on the Waste Business Development Plan.

    The Directorate is also required to develop a Performance Improvement Action Plan (A3) which is due in April 2026.

    “The report states that this will be submitted in due course, as it is a pre-requisite for the Urban Settlements Development Grant, an incentive grant that will be provided during the 2026/27 financial year,” the council said.

    This marks the third major turnaround strategy adopted by the Council under the National Treasury’s Trading Services Reform to improve the performance of trading services, following similar approvals in the Water and Sanitation and Energy sectors.

    “Metros, including eThekwini Municipality, had to first develop a turnaround strategy outlining plans to address structural and investment gaps affecting trading services,” the council said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NS&I Chair to step down

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    NS&I Chair to step down

    HM Treasury has confirmed today (23 July) that Lord Gerard Lemos CMG CBE will be stepping down from his role as Chair of the Board for National Savings and Investments (NS&I) with immediate effect.

    Lord Lemos has been a member of the House of Lords since January 2025. Prior to this, he was appointed to the NS&I Advisory Board as Chair from 1 April 2024 on a three-year term but will be stepping down with immediate effect to take up an appointment in the Whip’s Office within the House of Lords.  

    Non-Executive appointments to NS&I’s Board, including the Chair, are regulated by the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The process to identify an Interim Chair will follow the Governance Code for Public Appointments and HM Treasury will seek to confirm the Interim Chair as soon as possible.

    Further information  

    NS&I is an arm’s length body of HM Treasury, responsible for raising cost-effective finance for the government through the retail savings market.  

    The role of NS&I’s Non-Executive Directors, including the Chair, is set out in the Framework Document agreed between HM Treasury and NS&I. The Chief Executive Officer remains responsible for the day-to-day operations of NS&I and ensuring that NS&I is run on the basis of the standards set out in Managing Public Money, including terms of governance, decision-making and financial management.  

    As the Minister responsible for NS&I, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury is responsible for determining the overall policy and performance framework within which NS&I operates. Further information can be found in the Framework Document.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Targets Prolific Fly-Tipper in Major Enforcement Operation

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Wednesday, 23rd July 2025

    Birmingham City Council successfully carried out a major enforcement operation to arrest a prolific fly-tipper who had been under investigation for the past six months.

    The individual was believed to be responsible for a significant number of illegal waste dumping incidents in the south of the city, causing environmental damage and blighting local communities.

    As part of the investigation, the Council seized one vehicle that had been used to transport and dump waste illegally and West Midlands Police seized three vehicles for road traffic offences. In connection with the case, one person has been arrested.

    Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and a serious criminal offence. We will not tolerate individuals who think they can profit by dumping waste illegally and leaving the clean-up costs to taxpayers. This joint operation between the council’s waste enforcement team and WM Police sends a clear message – if you fly-tip in Birmingham, we will investigate, we will find you, and we will take action.

    “We are committed to protecting our neighbourhoods and the environment. Illegal dumping not only scars our streets and green spaces, but it also poses health risks and undermines the hard work of residents who take pride in their communities.

    “I want to thank our enforcement teams for their tireless efforts in tracking down offenders and bringing them to justice. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal — from receiving intelligence from the public to surveillance, vehicle seizures and prosecutions — to crack down on this behaviour. I am sure everyone is really pleased when we catch these criminals.”

    The Council urges residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting any suspected fly-tipping or unlicensed waste carriers. Anyone with any information on cases of fly-tipping is urged to contact www.birmingham.gov.uk/flytipping.

    The Council continues to work closely with West Midlands Police and other partners to investigate and prosecute fly-tipping offences wherever possible.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Assembly wants blue light decision reversed

    Source: Mayor of London

    Permitting Transport for London (TfL) Emergency Response Unit (ERU) vehicles to use blue lights when responding to emergencies was one of the key recommendations of the London Assembly 7/7 Review Committee’s 2006 report on the response to the tube and bus bombings. The report highlighted the ERU’s vital role in the response, and the benefits of blue lights for their rapid deployment in emergencies.1

    A recent media report revealed that the blue light capability, introduced in 2012, was revoked last year following a review.2

    Today, the London Assembly Transport Committee has urged TfL and BTP to allow ERU vehicles to continue using blue lights.

    Chair of the London Assembly Transport Committee, Elly Baker AM, said:

    “TfL’s ERU has an important role in London’s emergency preparedness, and its vehicles need blue light status to support the safety and resilience of our transport network.

    “Londoners have been left in the dark about why this decision was taken and what evidence there is to support it.

    “The Committee wants this decision reversed – and urges those behind it to provide the evidence that led to them revoking a vital part of the ERU’s emergency response capability.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A new strategy for GIAA

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    A new strategy for GIAA

    Outlining GIAA’s strategic direction for the next 4 years, with a renewed focus on quality delivery, high performing people and financially sustainability.

    GIAA strategy cover

    Having celebrated our tenth anniversary earlier this year, we are pleased to publish the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) Strategy 2025 – 2029, setting our direction for the next four years as a mature organisation ready to build on its success.

    Our new strategy brings a renewed focus on delivering consistent QUALITY; enabled by motivated and high performing PEOPLE; and supported by a FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE business model that uses agile and productive ways of working.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Response to Supreme Court judgment

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Response to Supreme Court judgment

    A statement by the Serious Fraud Office on R v Hayes and R v Palombo.

    The Serious Fraud Office investigates and prosecutes the most complex fraud, bribery and corruption cases affecting the UK and the safety of our economy. 

    Today’s Supreme Court decision comes thirteen years after we first investigated the practice used by some traders and submitters at selected banks to influence key benchmark rates of interest in financial markets.

    These rates were called the London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the Euro Inter-bank Offered Rate (“EURIBOR”) and they affected the value of hundreds of trillions of dollars’ worth of financial products around the world, including ordinary people’s pensions, mortgages and savings.

    Our investigation led to nine convictions of senior bankers for fraud offences, with two of these individuals pleading guilty and seven found guilty by juries. 

    This judgment has determined that the legal directions given to the jury at the conclusion of trial were incorrect in Hayes’ and Palombo’s trials and for that reason their convictions have today been found unsafe.

    We have considered this judgment and the full circumstances carefully and determined it would not be in the public interest for us to seek a retrial.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Samaraneftegaz has updated its pipeline fleet

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Samaraneftegaz (part of Rosneft’s oil production unit) repaired 107 km of field pipelines in the first half of 2025. Scheduled repairs ensure high industrial and environmental safety of pipeline park facilities.

    The longest section of the replaced section is on the pressure oil pipeline UPSV “Severo-Kamenskaya” – UPN “Krasnoyarskaya” – 22 km, and 8.5 km of the low-pressure gas pipeline GKS “Alakaevskaya” – Otradnensky GPP were also replaced. The equipment replacement work is being carried out within the framework of the target program for improving the reliability of pipelines, which includes the construction of new and replacement of existing pipelines, their inhibition, diagnostics and cleaning.

    Accident-free operation of industrial facilities is one of the priorities of the Rosneft-2030 strategy. Samaraneftegaz carries out comprehensive and systematic work to ensure the reliability of pipeline transport. Industrial safety expertise and in-pipe diagnostics are carried out to determine the technical condition of field pipelines. The best engineering solutions are used and methods that have proven their effectiveness are applied. In particular, a robotic television inspection complex is used to identify defects before putting a pipeline into operation.

    Reference:

    JSC Samaraneftegaz, a subsidiary of NK Rosneft, carries out production activities in the Samara and Orenburg regions. Cumulative production since the beginning of development in 1936 exceeds 1.3 billion tons of oil.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 23, 2025

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Announcement on Open Market Operations No.140 [2025]

    Source: Peoples Bank of China

    Announcement on Open Market Operations No.140 [2025]

    (Open Market Operations Office, July 23, 2025)

    The People’s Bank of China conducted reverse repo operations in the amount of RMB150.5 billion through quantity bidding at a fixed interest rate on July 23, 2025.

    Details of the Reverse Repo Operations

    Maturity

    Rate

    Bidding Volume

    Winning Bid Volume

    7 days

    1.40%

    RMB150.5 billion

    RMB150.5 billion

    Date of last update Nov. 29 2018

    2025年07月23日

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s economic planner holds symposium on state-owned, private enterprise development

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

    China’s economic planner holds symposium on state-owned, private enterprise development

    BEIJING, July 23 — China’s top economic planner on Wednesday held a symposium with business representatives to solicit opinions and suggestions on the collaborative development of state-owned and private enterprises for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

    Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, chaired the symposium and engaged in in-depth discussions with participating business leaders.

    He pledged to take practical measures to improve systems and mechanisms for the collaborative development of state-owned and private enterprises, address the rat race competition, expand industrial and supply chain cooperation, promote technological innovation, and optimize corporate governance and international business services.

    Zheng also promised to maintain and improve regular communication channels with businesses and provide full support to private enterprises in resolving practical difficulties, promoting their healthy and high-quality development.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Mystical Pagoda’ exhibition displays gold microcarvings by artist Mei Hua

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

    Editor’s Note: “Mystical Pagoda,” currently underway at NUO Hotel Art Space in Beijing until Sept. 26, represents an important exhibition by Mei Hua, a pioneer of gold Buddhist microcarving. Tracing 18 years of artistic evolution, the exhibition presents works that fuse Tibetan iconography, traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary material design. In an interview conducted on-site, the artist discusses her artistic origins, philosophical beliefs and resistance to stereotypes that claimed Chinese artists could not achieve such microscopic precision. Her journey — deeply spiritual and culturally defiant — demonstrates how faith and finesse can reshape the global language of miniature art.

    Artist Mei Hua poses for a photo at her exhibition “Mystical Pagoda” at NUO Hotel Art Space, Beijing, July 14, 2025. [Photo by Liu Ziying/China.org.cn]

    1   2   3   4   5   6   7   >  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hainan deepens opening up with robust growth in foreign investment, trade

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

    Since China unveiled its master plan five years ago to transform Hainan Island into a global free trade port, the province has made remarkable strides in expanding its openness to the world, with rapid growth in foreign investment, cross-border trade, and international business presence, said Feng Fei, secretary of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, on Wednesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Türkiye agree big step towards multi-billion-pound export of Typhoon fighter jets

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK and Türkiye agree big step towards multi-billion-pound export of Typhoon fighter jets

    A multi-billion-pound export deal of Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye – which could secure thousands of skilled UK jobs – is a significant step closer today, following the signing of an agreement that will also strengthen the UK-Türkiye partnership.

    • Defence Ministers of UK and Türkiye sign agreement in Istanbul, a major step towards the export of Typhoon fighter jets to Türkiye.

    • Agreement strengthens NATO’s collective deterrence and builds on years of defence cooperation and growing industrial ties between UK and Türkiye.

    • 20,000 UK jobs are supported by Typhoon programme, with exports set to secure thousands of UK production line jobs, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.  

    Defence Secretary John Healey and Defence Minister Yaşar Güler signed the Memorandum of Understanding at the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul. Building on years of defence cooperation, they agreed that a future Typhoon exports deal would strengthen Türkiye’s advanced combat capabilities and help sustain the 20,000 UK jobs involved in the Typhoon programme here at home.

    Negotiations on the potential deal with Türkiye will now continue over the coming weeks. It would be the first export order the UK has secured for Typhoon since 2017.

    By securing thousands of jobs on UK production lines, the Government will be delivering on our Plan for Change by driving defence as an engine for economic growth.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The UK’s production of Typhoon fighter jets is an engine for economic growth – supporting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of British people right across the UK. 

    Signing a multi-billion export deal with Türkiye will sustain and protect 20,000 UK jobs for future years to come – which is why my government is so dedicated to securing it. It will bolster our vital defence industry, deliver on our Plan for Change and keep us and our allies safer during these uncertain times.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Today’s agreement is a big step towards Türkiye buying UK Typhoon fighter jets. It shows this government’s determination to secure new defence deals, building on our relationships abroad to deliver for British working people.

    Equipping Türkiye with Typhoons would strengthen NATO’s collective defence, and boost both our countries’ industrial bases by securing thousands of skilled jobs across the UK for years to come.

    Last month’s Strategic Defence Review stressed the importance of exports, and now with our new defence exports office, we are developing defence’s role as an engine for economic growth as a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.” 

    It comes as the Defence Secretary John Healey makes the drive for new defence export deals a high priority.

    The Ministry of Defence is preparing to take on responsibility for defence exports from 31st July, in a significant step of delivery for the Strategic Defence Review. The defence exports team will back British businesses on the global stage, drive potential exports and seek to enhance economic growth.

    The latest statistics show UK defence exports were valued at £14.5 billion in just a 12-month period. Following the SDR’s direction, it moves responsibility for defence exports from the Department for Business and Trade, making the MOD the lead for securing deals for military equipment with our allies.

    The Typhoon workshare agreement would see more than a third (37%) of each aircraft manufactured in the UK; the rest of each aircraft would be produced by the Eurofighter Partner Nations. Final production at BAE Systems’ Warton site would include radars from Edinburgh and engines from Bristol, helping secure thousands of UK jobs.

    Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said:

    This Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Türkiye and the UK underscores the importance of their long-standing defence co-operation through NATO and the critical role Typhoon plays in security and defence in Europe and the Middle East.

    The UK also continues to invest in its own world-class Typhoon fleet, which will remain the backbone of the UK’s air defence until at least the 2040s. The RAF’s existing Typhoons are being upgraded over the next 15 years, supporting skilled jobs across the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on the meeting of the Defence Ministers of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Türkiye

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Statement on the meeting of the Defence Ministers of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Türkiye

    The Defence Ministers of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Türkiye today reaffirmed the strength of the UK-Türkiye partnership.

    The Defence Ministers of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Türkiye welcomed the opportunity to meet at the 17th International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul today and reaffirmed the strength of the UK-Türkiye partnership. They underscored the importance of the two countries’ longstanding defence cooperation, including collaboration through NATO and growing ties in defence industry and security. Both Ministers committed to deepening this strategic partnership in support of the Alliance’s collective deterrence.

    The two nations continue to make excellent progress on the export of Eurofighter Typhoon. Welcoming Türkiye as a Typhoon operator would build on the bonds of friendship developed over many decades between key NATO Allies and would be a significant step towards enhancing Türkiye’s advanced combat air capabilities. This will mark the start of a new chapter in the UK-Türkiye partnership, working together to strengthen capability collaboration and supporting both countries’ defence industries through the reciprocal purchase of word-leading equipment.

    The Defence Ministers have today jointly signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This document codifies the relationship between the countries, taking them one step closer to a full agreement on Typhoon. Both Ministers welcome signature as a positive step towards bringing Türkiye into the Typhoon club and share a mutual ambition to conclude the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World sprint champion sentenced after using Covid loans to help buy £1.3 million home

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    World sprint champion sentenced after using Covid loans to help buy £1.3 million home

    Athlete sentenced for Bounce Back Loan fraud

    • British Masters athlete Rick Beardsell obtained two maximum-value Bounce Back Loans for his sportswear manufacturing business and used most of the funds to help buy a £1.3 million home in a Cheshire village
    • Money spent on purchasing the five-bedroom house should have been used to benefit his Sports Creative Limited business
    • Beardsell also broke the rules of the scheme by substantially inflating his company’s turnover and securing two loans when businesses should only have received one
    • The 46-year-old has now repaid the £100,000 he fraudulently applied for in full

    A world sprint champion has been sentenced after he spent Covid loan funds to help buy a £1.3 million house.

    Rick Beardsell secured two £50,000 Bounce Back Loans for his Sports Creative Limited company in 2020 and 2021 when businesses were only allowed a single loan.

    The 46-year-old then moved the Bounce Back Loan funds into his personal bank account, using part of the money to help buy a five-bedroom property on Macclesfield Road in Prestbury, while also transferring cash to family members and making mortgage payments.

    Beardsell, who has won multiple sprint titles and holds world records representing Great Britain as a masters athlete, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, when he appeared at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 22 July.

    He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and pay costs of £11,152.

    Beardsell repaid the £100,000 in full earlier this year after his guilty plea but before sentencing.

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Rick Beardsell exploited a Covid support scheme designed for struggling businesses, fraudulently obtaining loans he was not entitled to.

    While legitimate business owners fought to stay afloat during the pandemic, Beardsell bought a £1.3 million home with the help of money that should have been supporting his company through difficult times.

    This case sends a clear message that we will not tolerate those who viewed government support schemes as an opportunity for personal enrichment during a national emergency.

    Sports Creative Limited was set up in January 2009 with Beardsell as its sole director. The company described itself on social media as “a bespoke sportswear manufacturer”.

    Beardsell applied to the bank for his first £50,000 Bounce Back Loan just before Christmas 2020.

    In the application, he claimed that Sports Creative Limited had a turnover of £485,000.

    Just two weeks later, in early January 2021, Beardsell applied to a second bank for another £50,000 Bounce Back Loan, this time stating that his company had an estimated turnover of £320,000.

    Insolvency Service analysis of Sports Creative Limited’s bank account revealed that its turnover was just over £90,000, meaning he exaggerated his company’s revenue on both occasions.

    Beardsell claimed that he had received a purchase order of $600,000 (approximately £440,000) for personal protective equipment during the pandemic which ultimately failed to materialise.

    Even if this were the case, businesses were required to provide their turnover for 2019, prior to the start of Covid.

    Investigations also found Beardsell transferred £83,900 of the £100,000 loan money to his personal bank account in three separate transactions at the start of March 2021.

    A total of £431,160 from that account was paid to solicitors for the purchase of a house on Macclesfield Road in September 2021.

    Beardsell also made fraudulent transfers of £5,000 to his wife, £10,000 to another family member, and two mortgage payments for his previous house in Manchester which put the funds beyond the reach of creditors.

    In a prepared statement, Beardsell claimed that he had sought “professional advice” that Bounce Back Loan funds could be used for “any purpose” that resulted in a direct benefit to the company. He added that he was advised that this could include investments in company assets or property.

    Beardsell also said that HMRC told him that he was eligible to receive the funds from the second loan, advice which would not have been given had he been honest about his successful application for an earlier Bounce Back Loan.

    Sports Creative Limited entered liquidation in December 2021.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over the past five years, the Russpass service has been used more than 63 million times

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In six months totourist service Russpass was accessed about 26 million times – almost three times more than in the same period of 2024. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow. The project has been running since July 20, 2020 and was created on the initiative of the Moscow Government. Today, it has collected about 57 thousand offers for travel around Russia, over a third of which relate to the capital.

    On the platform you can find themed excursions and signature routes, buy tickets for a plane or other types of transport, as well as for major events or museums, book accommodation, and create a cultural and educational program for your trip.

    “Over the past five years, Russpass has been used more than 63 million times. Since its launch, it has combined dozens of useful services — from a convenient travel planner to personalized selections based on artificial intelligence,” noted Natalia Sergunina.

    About 22 thousand people have already received individual recommendations from the neural network on choosing hotels, museums, attractions and cultural venues.

    The project presents over one thousand ready-made routes. They are dedicated to architecture, history, literature and other areas. For those who want to create their own route, there is a special service that will create a trip scenario for each day and tell you how to book tickets.

    For entrepreneurs, there is a portal called “Russpass. Business”, where over 3.4 thousand tourism companies have already registered. For them, the platform has published a list of federal and city support measures, as well as a job exchange, a list of industry events, and a “Knowledge Base” section with materials about the capital’s hospitality industry.

    You can find travel ideas, thematic selections and interviews with industry experts in the online publication “Russpass-magazine”. It already contains about four thousand articles.

    Ruspass oversees the capital Tourism Committee together with the city Department of Information TechnologyThe service’s digital infrastructure formed the basis of the national portal “Travel.RF”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to spend time at the dacha safely and usefully

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Summer and dacha are inseparable concepts. In warm weather, Muscovites try to go out of town more often: some immerse themselves in caring for their garden and vegetable garden, others prefer relaxing on the beach, picnics and barbecues. On Dacha Resident Day, which is celebrated on July 23, inMoscow city economy complex reminded the basic rules of fire safety in private homes and shared recommendations for caring for plants in the heat.

    Caring for garden beds in hot weather

    All living creatures suffer from the scorching sun, including plants. Yulia Strazhnikova, an agronomist at the Izmailovsky Production Department of the State Budgetary Institution “Greening”, told us how to protect beds from the heat. According to her, in order to cool down, plants evaporate more moisture, so watering requires special attention. The main rule is not to water the beds during the day, when the sun is active and can burn the leaves. It is better to do this in the morning, before 08:00, or in the evening, after 20:00.

    “The water should not be cold. The most optimal temperature is 18-20 degrees. Otherwise, the roots in the warm soil will experience severe stress, which will negatively affect the development of plants,” the agronomist explains.

    It is useful to create artificial shade for the beds using light fabric or cardboard, securing them to a rope or wire stretched over pegs.

    In hot weather, the soil can heat up to 80 degrees, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture. To retain it, the beds can be covered with a protective layer, that is, mulched. Sawdust or straw are best suited for this – they are light, so they will not only reduce evaporation, but also reflect the sun’s rays, which means the soil will not heat up as much. You can also use agrospan or slightly dried freshly mown grass. The mulch is laid in a layer of up to five centimeters, but it should not fit tightly to the plants so as not to provoke their rotting.

    Flower beds require special attention. In sunny areas it is better to plant light-loving asters, daisies, yarrows, phloxes, petunias, marigolds, and in the shade – hostas, astilbes and heucheras.

    “In extreme heat, flowers need to be watered generously in the morning and evening. It is advisable to water the roots of the plant so that the moisture is evenly distributed throughout the root system. On sunny days, water should not fall on the leaves, shoots and inflorescences. You need to be especially careful with plants with a dense crown and pubescent leaves,” the specialist advises.

    Countryside eco-habits for the benefit of nature

    Moscow’s regional waste management operator, JSC Ecotechprom, recommends using your dacha vacation to develop eco-habits. For example, you should forget about the rule “All unnecessary things – to the dacha.” You need to sort out your closets: turn unnecessary clothes into cleaning rags or recycle them.

    Another piece of advice is to develop conscious consumption skills. Cook in moderation, and treat your neighbors with the surplus. It is suggested to turn food waste into compost by organizing a compost pit for it. This is the most environmentally friendly way to utilize organic matter.

    A useful habit is separate waste collection. It is enough to allocate a separate trash can or bag for plastic, metal, glass and paper, and then throw this waste into special containers for recyclable materials.

    Fire safety

    During the summer cottage season, the risk of fires increases due to improper use of stoves, careless handling of fire, uncontrolled grass burning and improper use of electrical equipment.

    For safety, you can use a fire extinguisher, an autonomous smoke detector and a powder fire extinguishing module that reacts to an increase in temperature and automatically sprays an extinguishing mixture.

    To avoid fire, specialists Department of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Fire Safety of the City of Moscow recommend following simple rules:

    – regularly remove garbage from the area;

    — do not leave glassware in the sun;

    – ensure that the electrical wiring is in good working order and do not forget to turn off the power to the house before leaving;

    — store flammable liquids in tightly closed metal containers (no more than 10 liters) away from sources of light and heat;

    — monitor the serviceability of gas appliances; they must be installed at a distance of at least 20 centimeters from furniture and wooden walls;

    — gas cylinders with a capacity of more than 10 liters must be kept outside in a special cabinet.

    If a fire cannot be avoided, first of all you need to call 101 or 112, provide the address, what is burning, and whether there is a threat to people.

    Before the firefighters arrive, it is necessary to evacuate people from the burning building and warn neighbors.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An exhibition dedicated to the winners of the Moscow Masters competition opened at VDNKh

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A new photo exhibition has opened at VDNKh near the northern rose garden. On the stands, residents and guests of the capital can see the faces of the winners of the Moscow Masters competition: the best builder, paramedic, metro train driver, pastry chef, museum worker-tour guide, veterinarian and many other specialists. The exhibition will be open to everyone until the end of the summer.

    “The city competition of professional skills “Moscow Masters” traditionally unites the best representatives of various professions, demonstrating the highest level of their competence. The photo exhibition highlights the professional achievements of each of them. Many participants in the competition represent entire labor dynasties, where love for the profession is passed down through generations,” said

    Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.

    Viewers will see the craftsmen at their workplace: at a construction site or a subway station, in an ambulance, a hospital operating room, or in the driver’s cabin of an electric train.

    One of the heroines of the photo exhibition, nurse Alena Sokolova, is captured in the corridors of the city clinical hospital named after V. M. Buyanov. But this year she had the opportunity to work in different places, including one of the hospitals in Kursk, where she helped her colleagues.

    Alena Sokolova said that she made her choice of profession consciously. The work of a nurse has always been valued. According to her, standing in a surgical suit and holding instruments in her hands, she clearly understands that her profession is not just a job.

    The winner in the nomination “Civil Engineering Work Manager” this year was a woman for the first time. Yulia Fedina has been in the profession for 20 years. When choosing her professional path, she followed the example of her father, a civil engineer, and never doubted her decision, although the profession is traditionally perceived as male.

    Yulia Fedina shared that she loves her job for its creativity. She likes to build new facilities, especially social ones that children visit. Moscow is developing thanks to the efforts of many specialists, including builders. They make a professional contribution to the creation of a comfortable urban environment.

    With the help of construction industry specialists, the city is growing, and its decoration and maintenance are carried out by green workers.

    Landscaper Irina Khandak said that, walking in the parks of her beloved city, even when she was very young, she always paid attention to the natural beauty of the place, to those man-made tools that made this beauty even more expressive. This predetermined her choice of profession.

    “Moscow Masters”: the best specialists in the tourism sector were named in the capitalThe winner of the Moscow Masters competition in the Youth Work Specialist category has been announced

    “Moscow Masters” is an annual city competition for those who make the capital better every day. Rescuers and engineers, city public transport drivers, medical workers, specialists from socially oriented non-profit organizations and other representatives of in-demand specialties compete for the title of the best in their profession.

    The competition is being held for the 28th time within the framework of the social partnership system between the Moscow Government, the Moscow Federation of Trade Unions and the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (Employers) with the support of the capital Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy.

    Detailed information about the competition is published on the website “Moscow Masters” and in telegram channel.

    The photo exhibition was organized by the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

     

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –