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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kyrgyzstan’s GDP grew by 11.7 percent in the first half of the year.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BISHKEK, July 15 (Xinhua) — Kyrgyzstan’s gross domestic product (GDP) in January-June 2025, according to preliminary estimates, amounted to about 711.2 billion soms (more than 8.1 billion US dollars), and increased by 11.7 percent compared to the same period in 2024, the country’s National Statistical Committee reported on Tuesday.

    The GDP growth was provided by the commodity production sectors, the service sector and net taxes on products. At the same time, the growth rate of the commodity production sectors increased by 15% compared to January-June of last year, the growth rate of the service sectors – by 10%, and net taxes on products – by 11.4%.

    According to the agency, the volume of industrial production for the above-mentioned period increased by 10.2 percent, growth in the mining sector amounted to 10.8 percent, and production volumes in the manufacturing industry increased by 9.8 percent. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: No more card surcharges: what the Reserve Bank’s proposed changes mean for your wallet

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angel Zhong, Professor of Finance, RMIT University

    That extra 10c on your morning coffee. That $2 surcharge on your taxi ride. The sneaky 1.5% fee when you pay by card at your local restaurant. These could all soon be history.

    The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has proposed a sweeping reform: abolishing card payment surcharges. The central bank says it’s in the public interest to scrap the system and estimates consumers could collectively save $1.2 billion annually.

    But like all major financial reforms, the devil is in the detail.

    The 20-year experiment is over

    Surcharging was introduced more than two decades ago to expose the true cost of different payment methods. In the early 2000s, card fees were high, cash was king, and surcharges helped nudge consumers toward lower-cost options.

    But fast-forward to 2025, and the payments ecosystem has changed dramatically. Cash now accounts for just 13% of in-person transactions, and the shift to contactless payments, accelerated by the pandemic, has made cards the default for most Australians.

    When there’s no real alternative, a surcharge becomes less a useful price signal and more a penalty for convenience.

    After an eight month review, the bank’s Payments System Board has concluded the surcharge model no longer works in a predominantly cashless economy. The proposal now on the table is to phase out surcharges and instead push for simplified, all-inclusive pricing.

    Who saves – and who pays?

    At first glance, removing surcharges looks like a win for consumers. Every household could save about $60 per year, based on the RBA’s estimates. But payment costs don’t vanish – they shift.

    This is where the Reserve Bank’s proposal is more sophisticated than it may appear. Alongside banning surcharges, it plans to lower interchange fees (the fees merchants pay to card networks like Visa and Mastercard) and introduce caps on international card transactions.

    These changes aim to reduce the burden on merchants, which in turn limits the pressure to raise prices.

    Could prices still rise?

    Some worry that without surcharges, businesses will simply embed the costs into product prices. That’s possible. However, the bank estimates this would result in only a 0.1 percentage point increase in consumer prices overall.

    There are three reasons for that:

    1. most merchants already don’t surcharge, especially small businesses. Of them, 90% may have included card costs in their pricing

    2. competition keeps pricing in check. Retailers in competitive markets can’t raise prices without risking customers

    3. transparency is coming. The reforms will require payment providers to disclose fees more clearly, allowing merchants to compare and switch – fostering more competition and lower costs.

    That said, the effects won’t be felt evenly. Merchants in sectors that do currently surcharge, like hospitality, transport, and tourism, will need to rethink their pricing strategies. Some may absorb costs; others may pass them on.

    The winners

    Consumers stand to benefit most. They’ll avoid surprise fees at checkout, won’t need to switch payment methods to dodge surcharges, and won’t have to report excessive fees to the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission. Combined with lower interchange fees, this means consumers should face less friction and more predictable pricing.

    About 90% of small businesses don’t currently surcharge and would gain around $185 million in net benefits. These businesses often pay higher interchange fees, so the reform will reduce their costs. New transparency requirements will also make it easier to find better deals from payment service providers (PSPs).

    Large businesses already receive lower domestic interchange rates, but they’ll benefit from new caps on foreign-issued card transactions, which is a win for those in e-commerce and tourism.

    The losers

    Banks that issue cards stand to lose about $900 million in interchange revenue under the preferred reform package. Some may respond by raising cardholder fees or cutting rewards, especially on premium credit cards. But they may also gain from increased credit card use as surcharges disappear.

    The 10% of small and 12% of large merchants who currently surcharge will have to adjust. They may face retraining costs and need to revise their pricing strategies.
    Most will be able to adapt, but the transition won’t be cost-free.

    Payment service providers will face about $25 million in compliance costs to remove surcharges and provide clearer fee breakdowns. For some, this may involve significant system changes, though one-off in nature.

    Will it work?

    The Reserve Bank’s proposal tackles real problems: an outdated surcharge model, opaque pricing by payment service providers, and bundling of unrelated services into payment fees. Its success depends on how well these reforms are implemented and whether they deliver real price transparency and lower costs.

    Removing visible price signals may create cross-subsidisation, where users of low-cost debit cards subsidise those who use high-cost rewards credit cards. Some economists argue this could reduce overall efficiency in the system.

    International experience offers mixed lessons. While the European Union and United Kingdom banned most surcharges years ago, outcomes have varied depending on market conditions. Efficiency gains haven’t always followed, and small business concerns persist.

    The road ahead

    The Reserve Bank is seeking feedback until August 26, with a final decision due by year-end. If adopted, the reform will be phased in, allowing time for businesses to adapt.

    For consumers, this may mark the end of hidden payment fees. But for the broader system, success will depend on more than just eliminating surcharges. It will require meaningful competition, transparency, and vigilance during the transition.

    While not a major omission, mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay) and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services represent a missing component in the broader payments ecosystem that the current reforms do not yet address.

    These platforms operate outside the traditional regulatory framework, often imposing higher merchant fees and lacking the transparency applied to card networks.

    Their growing popularity, especially among younger consumers, means they increasingly shape payment behaviour and merchant cost structures. To build a truly future-ready and equitable payments system, these emerging models may need to be brought into the regulatory fold.

    Angel Zhong 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. No more card surcharges: what the Reserve Bank’s proposed changes mean for your wallet – https://theconversation.com/no-more-card-surcharges-what-the-reserve-banks-proposed-changes-mean-for-your-wallet-261165

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Federal Court rules Australian government doesn’t have a duty of care to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Hicks, Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne

    Australian Climate Case

    The Federal Court has handed down its long-awaited judgement in a four-year climate case
    brought by Torres Strait Islanders.

    Elders Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai took the Australian government to court on behalf of their community, arguing the government has a duty of care to protect them from climate change. They also asked the court to legally recognise the cultural loss and harm they are experiencing from sea-level rise and climate-induced flooding.

    But the court declined to recognise either duty or to legally recognise cultural harm.

    Many climate justice advocates hoped today’s decision would be the climate equivalent of the famous Mabo decision, which recognised native title. There are many parallels. At stake was the legal recognition of the harms and loss of connection to Country that Australia’s First Peoples are experiencing through government inaction on climate change.

    Vulnerability and leadership

    Torres Strait Islanders are well placed to bring this kind of legal claim.

    To sue a government for climate inaction, plaintiffs often have to show they are particularly impacted by climate harms over and above the rest of the population.

    Claims across the world have been brought by Indigenous peoples, farmers, young people who will experience catastrophic climate impacts in the future, and people with heat-sensitive illnesses.

    The islands on which Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul live, Sabai and Boigu, are extremely low-lying. Climate-related flooding is already affecting whether people can live there.

    Importantly, small differences in future emissions scenarios will significantly impact their habitability. Every fraction of a degree of warming will matter.

    During the case, climate scientists gave evidence that on the current emissions scenario, the islands are highly likely to be uninhabitable less than 25 years from now.

    This will force Torres Strait Islanders to leave, severing them from thousands of years of tradition, fulfilment of their traditional practices (called Ailan Kastom), and connection to country and identity.

    The legal claim against the Commonwealth

    Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul argued the Commonwealth government has a duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change when setting national emissions-reduction targets. They argued the government breached that duty by not setting targets in line with the best available science. This would involve calculating reduction targets by reference to Australia’s share to keep global warming to as close to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels as possible.

    Second, they argued the government has a duty to protect property, the fulfilment of their traditional customs, and the health and life of Torres Strait Islanders from climate impacts. They argued the government breached that duty by failing to properly fund the construction of sea walls.

    What the Federal Court said

    Justice Wigney’s judgement emphasised the existential threat of climate change. It noted Torres Strait Islanders are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts and face a “bleak future” unless urgent action is taken.

    But it accepted the government’s argument that setting emissions reductions targets, and allocating funding for protective infrastructure, involves “policy” considerations a court can’t review.

    When do governments owe a duty of care to climate vulnerable groups?

    Plaintiffs elsewhere in the world have successfully argued that their government owed them a duty of care to protect them from climate harms by lowering emissions. But the argument has had mixed success in Australia.

    To establish a legal duty of care, plaintiffs need to show they have some kind of special relationship with the defendant. This relationship arises through factors such as the plaintiff’s vulnerability to a certain harm, and the defendant’s knowledge of, and control over, that harm.

    As First Peoples, Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul argued they have this kind of relationship with the government. They pointed to a range of factors such as the particular vulnerability of the Torres Strait Islanders, and the government’s control over climate harms to them.

    Novel duties of care can be imposed on government and public authorities. But Australian courts have sometimes declined to do this where they would have to judge how governments have weighed different policy considerations.

    This is partly because it would be too difficult for the court to decide whether the government had met the legal standard of behaviour.

    Courts are more willing to find a government owes a duty of care where the government is merely applying a policy, or where it can measure the government’s behaviour against clear standards. But courts have also acknowledged that the distinction between making policy and applying policy is blurry.

    Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul argued the Australian government has committed to the Paris Agreement, and this sets out a clear legal standard of the “best available science”.

    The Australian government argued its decisions about climate policy involve complex political priorities that a court shouldn’t review. It argued it shouldn’t be bound by the best available science as a legal standard.

    Paul Kabai and Pabai Pabai at Boigu Island, the most northerly inhabited island of Queensland. It is part of the top-western group of the Torres Strait Islands.
    Talei Elu

    The role of courts in protecting people from climate harm

    Today’s decision is a setback for both the climate and Indigenous justice movements. But the situation isn’t as bleak as it may seem.

    Across the world, plaintiffs in courts are gaining legal ground on climate accountability. It’s becoming easier to attribute harms to emitters, and to develop standards against which governments can be measured. And courts frequently reject government arguments that their contribution to climate change is minimal. They emphasise that each country must do its share for global collective action to work.

    It is a question of when, rather than if, law will adapt to deal with climate impacts. Much like a rising tide breaking against a seawall, the future impact of climate change on things that law already protects is too extreme for the law to resist.

    Liz Hicks has previously received a Commonwealth Research Training Program stipend and currently receives funding from the Manchester-Melbourne-Toronto Research Fund for a project on constitutional accountability and the environment. She is also a member of the Australian Greens Victoria.

    – ref. Federal Court rules Australian government doesn’t have a duty of care to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change – https://theconversation.com/federal-court-rules-australian-government-doesnt-have-a-duty-of-care-to-protect-torres-strait-islanders-from-climate-change-259999

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Federal Court rules Australian government doesn’t have a duty of care to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Hicks, Lecturer in Law, The University of Melbourne

    Australian Climate Case

    The Federal Court has handed down its long-awaited judgement in a four-year climate case
    brought by Torres Strait Islanders.

    Elders Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai took the Australian government to court on behalf of their community, arguing the government has a duty of care to protect them from climate change. They also asked the court to legally recognise the cultural loss and harm they are experiencing from sea-level rise and climate-induced flooding.

    But the court declined to recognise either duty or to legally recognise cultural harm.

    Many climate justice advocates hoped today’s decision would be the climate equivalent of the famous Mabo decision, which recognised native title. There are many parallels. At stake was the legal recognition of the harms and loss of connection to Country that Australia’s First Peoples are experiencing through government inaction on climate change.

    Vulnerability and leadership

    Torres Strait Islanders are well placed to bring this kind of legal claim.

    To sue a government for climate inaction, plaintiffs often have to show they are particularly impacted by climate harms over and above the rest of the population.

    Claims across the world have been brought by Indigenous peoples, farmers, young people who will experience catastrophic climate impacts in the future, and people with heat-sensitive illnesses.

    The islands on which Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul live, Sabai and Boigu, are extremely low-lying. Climate-related flooding is already affecting whether people can live there.

    Importantly, small differences in future emissions scenarios will significantly impact their habitability. Every fraction of a degree of warming will matter.

    During the case, climate scientists gave evidence that on the current emissions scenario, the islands are highly likely to be uninhabitable less than 25 years from now.

    This will force Torres Strait Islanders to leave, severing them from thousands of years of tradition, fulfilment of their traditional practices (called Ailan Kastom), and connection to country and identity.

    The legal claim against the Commonwealth

    Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul argued the Commonwealth government has a duty to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change when setting national emissions-reduction targets. They argued the government breached that duty by not setting targets in line with the best available science. This would involve calculating reduction targets by reference to Australia’s share to keep global warming to as close to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels as possible.

    Second, they argued the government has a duty to protect property, the fulfilment of their traditional customs, and the health and life of Torres Strait Islanders from climate impacts. They argued the government breached that duty by failing to properly fund the construction of sea walls.

    What the Federal Court said

    Justice Wigney’s judgement emphasised the existential threat of climate change. It noted Torres Strait Islanders are particularly vulnerable to climate impacts and face a “bleak future” unless urgent action is taken.

    But it accepted the government’s argument that setting emissions reductions targets, and allocating funding for protective infrastructure, involves “policy” considerations a court can’t review.

    When do governments owe a duty of care to climate vulnerable groups?

    Plaintiffs elsewhere in the world have successfully argued that their government owed them a duty of care to protect them from climate harms by lowering emissions. But the argument has had mixed success in Australia.

    To establish a legal duty of care, plaintiffs need to show they have some kind of special relationship with the defendant. This relationship arises through factors such as the plaintiff’s vulnerability to a certain harm, and the defendant’s knowledge of, and control over, that harm.

    As First Peoples, Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul argued they have this kind of relationship with the government. They pointed to a range of factors such as the particular vulnerability of the Torres Strait Islanders, and the government’s control over climate harms to them.

    Novel duties of care can be imposed on government and public authorities. But Australian courts have sometimes declined to do this where they would have to judge how governments have weighed different policy considerations.

    This is partly because it would be too difficult for the court to decide whether the government had met the legal standard of behaviour.

    Courts are more willing to find a government owes a duty of care where the government is merely applying a policy, or where it can measure the government’s behaviour against clear standards. But courts have also acknowledged that the distinction between making policy and applying policy is blurry.

    Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul argued the Australian government has committed to the Paris Agreement, and this sets out a clear legal standard of the “best available science”.

    The Australian government argued its decisions about climate policy involve complex political priorities that a court shouldn’t review. It argued it shouldn’t be bound by the best available science as a legal standard.

    Paul Kabai and Pabai Pabai at Boigu Island, the most northerly inhabited island of Queensland. It is part of the top-western group of the Torres Strait Islands.
    Talei Elu

    The role of courts in protecting people from climate harm

    Today’s decision is a setback for both the climate and Indigenous justice movements. But the situation isn’t as bleak as it may seem.

    Across the world, plaintiffs in courts are gaining legal ground on climate accountability. It’s becoming easier to attribute harms to emitters, and to develop standards against which governments can be measured. And courts frequently reject government arguments that their contribution to climate change is minimal. They emphasise that each country must do its share for global collective action to work.

    It is a question of when, rather than if, law will adapt to deal with climate impacts. Much like a rising tide breaking against a seawall, the future impact of climate change on things that law already protects is too extreme for the law to resist.

    Liz Hicks has previously received a Commonwealth Research Training Program stipend and currently receives funding from the Manchester-Melbourne-Toronto Research Fund for a project on constitutional accountability and the environment. She is also a member of the Australian Greens Victoria.

    – ref. Federal Court rules Australian government doesn’t have a duty of care to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change – https://theconversation.com/federal-court-rules-australian-government-doesnt-have-a-duty-of-care-to-protect-torres-strait-islanders-from-climate-change-259999

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hlabisa to participate in 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Hlabisa to participate in 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue

    The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is set to take part in a high-level panel discussion during the 2025 Nedbank Chairperson’s Dialogue. 

    Scheduled for Thursday, 17 July, the event which will be held under the theme: “One Year into the Government of National Unity: Quo Vadis?” will be held at Nedbank’s head office in Sandton.

    According to the department, the dialogue convenes in the context of a rapidly evolving political and economic landscape, shaped by the first year of the Government of National Unity (GNU). 

    “The panel aims to explore the implications of the GNU for political stability, governance, structural reform, and long-term economic prospects,” the statement read.

    Hlabisa will join a distinguished panel of thought leaders to provide insights into how the GNU is enhancing cooperative governance, stabilising the local government sector, and strengthening intergovernmental collaboration for improved service delivery and developmental outcomes. – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Connections Fund open for applications

    Source: Scottish Government

    Fund to support Scotland’s diaspora increased by 50%.

    Applications are now open for the Scottish Connections Fund 2025-26, which helps strengthen Scotland’s international diaspora.   

    Grants of up to £5,000 are available for new projects that help to promote Scotland and bring together our diaspora around the world. This year’s total funding has increased by 50% to £75,000 – supporting a minimum of 15 projects in 2025-26.  

    The Fund aims to promote increased visibility and connectivity with and between Scottish diaspora communities. It offers funding to deliver new and innovative projects outwith Scotland that promote the nation’s reputation and interests around the globe. 

    External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said:

    “The Scottish Connections Fund has increased by 50% to £75,000 for this year – meaning that even more new and innovative projects will be able to benefit and engage Scotland’s diaspora community.

    “The Fund is open to bids from any individual or organisation with a Scottish connection, whether that link is through heritage, education, business, culture, or a broader affinity.

    “We see Scotland diaspora as an extension of Scotland itself – and we want to support this thriving community around the world.”

    One of the Fund’s beneficiaries last year was the Africa Scotland Business Network which received funding to set up a new Future Leaders business network for under 30s.

    Director Claire Alexander said:

    “The Scottish Connections Fund has played a pivotal role in launching a powerful legacy initiative that’s making a real difference in the lives of young people. Africa Scotland Business Network (ASBN) was honoured to receive a grant from the fund, which enabled the creation of ASBN Future Leaders – a dynamic, new, international and intercultural business network tailored specifically for the needs of young people.

    “Today, ASBN Future Leaders is home to young people from Scotland, England, Namibia, South Africa, and Kenya – and the community continues to grow every month.”

    Background

    Applications for this year’s Fund will close on Tuesday 9 September 2025. Projects must be completed by the end of March 2026.

    The Scottish Connections Fund has supported 15 successful projects across two previous funding rounds.

    The launch of the Scottish Connections Fund was a commitment included in the Scottish Connections Framework, published April 2023.

    ASBN Future Leaders, from the Africa Scotland Business Network gives young people access to a trusted, international network of diverse individuals in Scotland and beyond, to nurture intercultural and knowledge exchange. Young members also receive personal brand-building opportunities, marketing exposure, mentorship, and a 12-month educational programme led by experienced CEOs from our founding business network.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boosting broadband in the North East

    Source: Scottish Government

    More than 60,000 homes and businesses to benefit from Project Gigabit rollout.

    Around 63,000 more premises in the North East of Scotland will be able to access gigabit-capable broadband following the award of a contract to deliver the Project Gigabit rollout in the area.   

    The £105 million contract, funded by the UK Government and procured and delivered by the Scottish Government, has been awarded to GoFibre.

    The roll-out will benefit some of the most rural areas in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Angus, Dundee, Moray, Highland and parts of Perth and Kinross. It will reach locations including Forfar, Glamis and Brechin, to Cullen, Forres and as far west as Castle Stuart near Inverness Airport.  

    The first connections are due to be delivered by Summer 2026.

    The contract is the third to be awarded as part of the Project Gigabit programme in Scotland. It follows a £25 million contract being awarded to GoFibre to benefit around 11,000 premises in the Scottish Borders and East Lothian and a £157 million contract awarded to Openreach to provide access to more than 65,000 premises in the Highlands and Outer Hebrides, together with some of the most hard-to-reach areas across the country. 

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:   

    “Fast, reliable broadband is a fundamental building block for Scotland’s economy – and for our society. It’s why we are committed to ensuring connections across the country meet the needs of people and businesses, delivering faster connections to more than a million premises over the last decade.   

    “Project Gigabit will build on and complement the transformational work already being delivered through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% programme and I look forward to working with the UK Government, as broadband remains a reserved matter, to ensure we deliver more gigabit-capable connections to rural communities.”   

    UK Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said:

    “Our investment in North East Scotland will overhaul broadband networks in hard-to-reach areas with slower internet speeds, putting an end to annoying buffering, and creating exciting new opportunities for local businesses and communities.

    “Now the contract is signed, work can begin to deliver internet upgrades that many towns and villages sorely need. It shows how the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change is delivering for people across Scotland, helping to drive economic growth and tear down the UK’s digital divide.”

    GoFibre CEO Neil Conaghan said:

    “This Project Gigabit contract award is a hugely exciting development for the north east of Scotland, and for GoFibre, transforming broadband connectivity across a substantial region of Scotland.

    “As a fast-growing Scottish independent broadband company, GoFibre is committed to improving connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas and we cannot wait to get started on this major infrastructure project. Building on the back of our Project Gigabit contract award for the Borders and East Lothian earlier this year, it shows GoFibre is at the heart of rural broadband development in Scotland.”

    Background 

    Project Gigabit was launched by the UK Government to enable hard-to-reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ commercial plans, reaching parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on upgrades to next-generation speeds.

    The programme is targeted at premises which fall out with the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme contracts and commercial activity.   

    Further Project Gigabit contracts will see gigabit-capable broadband delivered to tens of thousands more premises across Scotland.  

    Over £600m is being invested in the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, comprising £591m by the Scottish Government, £52m by the UK Government and £53m by BT. This is one of the most ambitious and complex digital infrastructure programmes in Europe which is rolling out connections in some of the country’s most challenging rural locations.     

    Originally conceived as a superfast broadband programme, R100 is now providing a gigabit-capable connection – a speed more than 30 times faster than superfast broadband – in around 99% of cases. Building to some of the hardest-to-reach parts of Scotland, a total of over 85,000 connections have enabled access to faster broadband as a result of R100.       

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivery of council plans is ‘making a real difference to real people’

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 15th July 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent has made major progress in helping to improve the lives of residents in the city as part of its commitment to tackle inequality, share wealth and support a better standard of living.

    The city council launched its Our City, Our Wellbeing Corporate Strategy early in 2024 which outlined a set of key priorities and themes focused on improving the quality of life of local residents and supporting businesses and communities.

    Last week, city councillors were given an update on the progress which the authority – and its dedicated partners – has made over the last two years since the change in administration.

    Councillors heard how: 

    • 18 local community lounges have welcomed and supported 5,556 people in the last eight months alone.
    • 5,350 people have been supported with Money MOTs, leading to £2.7 million in unclaimed benefits being identified and more than £890,000 of problem debts being written off.
    • A development pipeline of 4,800 affordable, new homes over 22 sites across the city is being delivered.
    • A range of regeneration projects are being delivered in the city, including public realm improvements, a new green construction skills centre and a sports campus.
    • 208 empty homes have been brought back into use, providing essential affordable homes and tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
    • Over 6,000 highways defects have been repaired in the first six months – improving road safety and resulting in fewer complaints.

    In addition, the council has handled 2,505 cases of anti-social behaviour – leading to six evictions and 10 injunctions – and collected more 1,000 tonnes of fly-tipped waste and 2,307 fines as part of its IDIOT campaign.

    Other successes include the DAMP campaign which saw 11,955 properties receive some form of intervention to help deal with – and prevent – any future issues around damp, mould and condensation while the Family Matters programme has helped to deliver support to more than 800 local families who have been struggling to cope in different ways.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see how much progress has already been made. This work is making a real difference to real people in our community – it’s putting extra money in their pockets and enabling them to live healthier, wealthier lives.

    “Our efforts are enabling us to support family life, helping to restore pride in our streets, tackle anti-social behaviour, address hardship and poverty, support residents to live in decent homes and helping people to live independently.

    “There is still a long way to go, and we cannot do it alone, but we are committed to continuing this work to ensure our city – and its residents – can grow and thrive.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £350m landmark deal to turbo charge growth in Norwich

    Source: City of Norwich

    Up to 1,100 new homes to be built on site of 1960s shopping centre just outside Norwich city centre.

    Aviva Capital Partners (ACP), Aviva’s in-house capital unit that invests in urban regeneration, housing and infrastructure across the UK, and Norwich City Council (NCC) have agreed a landmark investment partnership for a £350m redevelopment just outside Norwich city centre.
     
    The partnership will take on the redevelopment of the 11 acre site of a 1960s former shopping centre, Anglia Square, delivering 1,100 new homes, with a mixture of affordable homes and homes to buy. A £34m grant from Homes England has kick-started the redevelopment by enabling NCC to purchase the site in December 2024 with demolition and remediation to commence imminently. 
     
    The investment could create over 3,500 jobs in one of the country’s 10% most deprived areas, just 15 minutes’ walk from Norwich city centre. 

    The site, which has been partially empty since Her Majesty’s Stationery Office left Sovereign House in 1996, will also become home to leisure and retail spaces and community facilities.
     
    Councillor Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, hailed the partnership as a monumental moment in the city’s history, saying: “I believe our partnership with Aviva, which has called Norwich home since 1792, will come to be seen as an historical partnership in one of England’s most historic cities. The partnership will turbo charge the city’s economy and support our ambition to make Norwich one of England’s finest and fairest cities.”
     
    Ben Luckett, Chair of Aviva Capital Partners and Norwich Community Ambassador, said: “Aviva is proud to be making such a major investment in Norwich, a city which has been our home for over 200 years. This vital regeneration project will bring significant economic and social benefits, helping Norwich get ready for the future. By working with Norwich City Council and Homes England, this will be a development the city can be proud of.

    “We’re already proudly taking action to help build financial resilience and employment prospects across Norwich, as well as supporting communities and sustainability projects. Our role in the regeneration of Anglia Square is the next step in our historic partnership with the Fine City.”

    Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive Officer of Homes England said: “This is a key milestone for the regeneration of Anglia Square, enabling Norwich City Council to move forward in revitalising the city centre, and transforming brownfield land into high-quality homes for local people. As the government’s housing and regeneration agency, we are committed to working in partnership with organisations in both the public and private sector, to achieve their ambitions to build much needed new homes across the country.”
     
    A planning application to create a ‘box style’ shopping park with temporary shops and food stalls at the site has been submitted, giving existing traders spaces, but also becoming a catalyst for bringing new businesses into the area, whilst the redevelopment takes place. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Your story matters: Andy Smith urges care-experienced people to share their views

    Source: City of Derby

    Andy Smith, Derby City Council’s Strategic Director for People’s Services, knows the care system firsthand – a journey that profoundly shaped his career and his commitment to vulnerable children.

    As well as his role at the Council, Andy was the 2024/2025 president of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services for 2024/25, and was recently appointed a CBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours, for his services to disadvantaged and vulnerable children. 

    Andy’s urging anyone with care experience to take part in the Care Experienced Survey on Let’s Talk Derby, to directly shape a better future for young people in the city.

    Here, Andy shares his own experiences…

    As Derby City Council’s Strategic Director for People’s Services and a proud social worker for 30 years, I want to take a moment to reflect on my own journey into social work. 

    My route into this profession felt natural and deeply personal. I was once a child in care myself, adopted by my foster carers just before my 11th birthday. My parents were foster carers for well over 30 years and I was used to social workers visiting the house throughout my life. The relationship I had with my social worker was hugely influential in my decision to join the profession.  

    I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact social workers have on children’s lives, and I believe this work is truly about people and relationships. Too often, the care system is viewed through a deficit lens, but in Derby, our social workers, family help practitioners, children, and families tell a different story — one of hope, resilience, and positive change.

    That’s why I’m encouraging everyone with care experience to take part in the current Care Experienced Survey, running until 31 July. Your voice matters. Sharing your experience helps us understand what’s working and where we need to improve, so we can continue to make a real difference across Derby.

    Derby City’s Council’s extensive support for children in care and care leavers was highlighted by Ofsted following an inspection of the authority’s Children’s Services. Inspectors praised the services as ‘responsive and effective,’ and rated them outstanding across all the areas assessed.

    In September 2024 the full Council voted unanimously to award care experienced people in Derby ‘protected characteristic’ status, a motion that represents a positive step towards supporting them in overcoming these barriers. The Care Experienced Survey will collect feedback from people with experience of growing up in the care system.

    The results of the survey on Let’s Talk Derby will help develop and implement the Care Experienced Protected Characteristic, which means those who are in care, who are care leavers, or who have had a past experience of care, will have the same protection from discrimination as other characteristics under the Equality Act in Derby.

    The survey is available online at Let’s Talk Derby and is open until Thursday 31 July. Anyone who would like to receive the survey in paper form, another language or different format like large print or easy read, contact the team on 01332 64000 or email letstalkderby@derby.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Soldier of the Highland Light Infantry rededicated in France

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Soldier of the Highland Light Infantry rededicated in France

    Family members and military representatives gathered in France to honour Second Lieutenant John Taylor Macintyre of the Highland Light Infantry over a century after he fell in battle during the World War One.

    Headshot of 2Lt John Taylor Macintyre (courtesy of his family).

    The moving service, organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC’s) Canadian Cemetery No.2, where a new headstone bearing his name was unveiled.

    The family of 2Lt Macintyre with the military party at his graveside. Crown Copyright.

    JCCC Caseworker Alexia Clark said: 

    I am so pleased to have been involved in the final chapter of the story of John Taylor Macintyre. Being able to rededicate his grave, with a new headstone bearing his name, and in the presence of his family is a very special occasion to be a part of. I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted the case which has brought us to this point.

    Second Lieutenant Macintyre shipped out to France in November 1914, coincidentally on the same vessel as his brother Duncan, who served with the Cameronians. John spent the duration of the war on the Western Front, returning home only for brief periods of leave and to recuperate following a gas attack in the summer of 1917. 

    During that summer, the 18th Battalion Highland Light Infantry were rotating in and out of the front line near Lempire, on the edge of the Somme sector. The battalion was tasked with capturing and holding Guillemont Farm, and it was during one of many actions linked to this objective that John died on 25 August 1917. He was listed as wounded and missing following the engagement. 

    In November 1931, the body of an unknown officer was recovered close to Guillemont Farm. His badges and buttons identified him as an officer of the 9th Highland Light Infantry, but he carried nothing that could identify him by name. He was reburied at Canadian Cemetery No.2 at Neuville St Vaast as an unknown officer. Recent research has conclusively identified this unknown soldier as John Taylor Macintyre. 

    The CWGC has placed a new headstone on the grave and will continue to care for it in perpetuity. 

    Katie Palmer, Records Officer at CWGC, said:

    It is an honour to have been involved in Second Lieutenant Macintyre’s story, who now has a headstone bearing his name. As part of the process, we help the family choose a personal inscription, something which future generations of visitors can discover and connect with. It is our privilege to care for 2nd Lt Macintyre’s grave, in perpetuity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two World War One Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Commemorated in France

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Two World War One Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Commemorated in France

    Military representatives and others gathered this week to honour two First World War soldiers from the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders at special commemoration ceremonies in France.

    Bugler Cpl Paul McEntee and Piper L/Cpl Donald Stewart (Crown Copyright)

    The services, organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), paid tribute to Company Quarter Master Serjeant Charles Monro and Corporal Francis Flynn at Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemeteries. 

    Human remains discovered during de-mining work near Le Maisnil were identified as CQMS Monro through DNA testing. He received a burial with full military honours at Aubers Ridge British Cemetery – a dignified farewell denied for over a century. 

    Monro, born in County Wicklow in 1875, was an experienced soldier who had joined the army in 1894. Serving with the 2nd Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, he lost his life during the Battle of Armentières on 21 October 1914. 

    The military party at CQMS Monro’s graveside (Crown Copyright)

    In a separate ceremony, Corporal Francis Flynn’s grave was rededicated at Roclincourt Valley Cemetery. Flynn, who served with the 1/7 Battalion Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, died on 9 April 1917 during the first day of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. 

    Though initially buried as an unknown Corporal, recent research by the JCCC, the National Army Museum and others revealed Flynn was the only missing Corporal from his battalion matching the burial details, finally reuniting his name with his resting place. 

    The military party at the graveside of Cpl Francis Flynn (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker Alexia Clark said:  

    I am so pleased to have been involved in the final chapters of the stories of these two men. Returning them to their families, and reuniting their names with their mortal remains, we have ensured that their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

    The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has placed new headstones on both graves.

    Dr Daniel Seaton, Commemorations Case Officer at the CWGC, said:

    It was an honour to have been involved in the cases of CQMS Monro and Corporal Flynn. It is always moving when casualties are formally identified – their families having chosen poignant personal inscriptions for their new headstones being a fitting tribute. The Commission will care for the graves of these casualties in perpetuity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Madhya Pradesh CM wraps up Dubai visit with strong investment pitch and strategic partnerships

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav wrapped up his three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates today, delivering a compelling investment pitch that’s already generating significant interest from global investors. The Chief Minister’s packed Dubai schedule included high-level meetings with UAE government officials, business leaders, and Indian diaspora members,  all focused on positioning Madhya Pradesh as India’s next major investment destination.

    At the ‘Madhya Pradesh Business Investment Forum‘ hosted alongside the Indian Business and Professional Council, Dr. Yadav made his case directly to potential investors. “Madhya Pradesh invites you to invest, with endless possibilities in all sectors,” he declared, highlighting the state’s new business-friendly policies and commitment to adapting to entrepreneur needs. The Chief Minister’s promise? Businesses can launch operations within just thirty days, thanks to a dedicated Investment Facilitation Cell, reduced red tape, and a transparent land allotment system.

    The numbers tell the story. Senior officials outlined the Industrial Policy 2025 and MSME Policy 2025, offering up to fifty percent support on capital expenses, complete stamp duty exemptions, and targeted subsidies across green infrastructure, research and development, exports, and industrial housing. Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Dubey made a striking claim about the state’s high-tech push into semiconductors, space technology, and deeptech sectors. “On day one, investors in our data center sector can be cash-positive. That’s the kind of policy backing we offer,” he announced, revealing plans for new Centres of Excellence and innovative funding models.

    Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, placed the visit in broader context, calling the India-UAE relationship “one of the most consequential bilateral partnerships in the world today.” He pointed to the dramatic surge in trade since the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, emphasizing Madhya Pradesh’s competitive advantages in agriculture, renewables, tourism, and digital economy. New opportunities are emerging too… including Bharat Mart, a logistics platform for Indian small businesses launching in Jebel Ali, and the integration of India’s UPI payment system with the UAE’s AANI network.

    The Chief Minister’s diplomatic offensive included a crucial meeting with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, plus corporate discussions with heavyweights like Emirates, Lulu Group, DP World, Texmas, G42, Sharaf DG, Tata Group, and Gulf Islamic Investments. Dr. Yadav also toured key facilities including the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Dubai Textile City, culminating in a significant MoU signing with Texmas to strengthen textile and industrial collaboration.

    The visit balanced business with community engagement. A cultural and networking event at JW Marriott brought together the Indian diaspora, while a tourism investment roundtable and business forum featured detailed presentations from state officials. “Madhya Pradesh, with its strength in food processing, textiles, green energy, wellness, and startups, is ready to become a hub for global business,” Dr. Yadav concluded, expressing confidence that this visit marks the beginning of a new chapter in UAE-MP economic cooperation.

    The Chief Minister’s Dubai mission appears to have struck the right chord with investors and officials alike, setting the stage for what could be a significant expansion of economic ties between the UAE and one of India’s fastest-growing states.

  • Heavy rainfall continues across India; light showers likely in Delhi-NCR

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A depression over central parts of northern Rajasthan and a well-marked low-pressure area over northern Jharkhand and adjoining southern Bihar have intensified rainfall activity across several regions of India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rains over Rajasthan, Eastern, and Central India over the next 2–3 days.

    In the past 24 hours, isolated regions in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Konkan, central Maharashtra, and Assam recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall (between 7 and 20 cm). Several other states, including Tamil Nadu, Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Punjab, saw heavy rainfall (between 7 and 11 cm).

    The IMD has issued fresh alerts for very heavy rainfall in Jammu & Kashmir, eastern Rajasthan, Bihar, and Jharkhand on July 15 and 16. Uttarakhand is likely to receive intense showers on July 17, 20, and 21, while parts of western and eastern Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are also likely to see sustained rainfall in the coming days.

    Delhi-NCR weather outlook

    For Delhi-NCR, the IMD forecasts cloudy skies and intermittent showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning throughout the week:

    July 15: Light rain with strong winds up to 40 kmph; maximum temperature to range between 32°C–34°C, slightly below normal.

    July 16: Light to moderate rain expected; temperatures will remain between 31°C–33°C (max) and 23°C–25°C (min), both below normal.

    July 17–18: Partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms; temperatures will hover around 32°C–35°C, with cooler-than-average mornings.

    Winds in the region will generally blow from the southeast, with varying speeds throughout the day.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of Missing Soldier Identified in Belgium

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Grave of Missing Soldier Identified in Belgium

    The grave of a missing soldier from the First World War has been identified more than 100 years after he fell in battle near Ypres, Belgium.

    The service at Dadizele New British Cemetery (Crown Copyright)

    Private John Lamond’s previously unmarked grave has finally been identified and marked following extensive research by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’ and others.

    A rededication service was held today (10 July) at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Dadizeele New British Cemetery in Belgium to honour the Aberdeen-born soldier.

    The Military Party and the Family of Pte Lamond (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker Alexia Clark said:

    I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of the graves of Private Lamond. In rededicating his grave, we have reunited his mortal remains with his name, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten.

    By October 1918, John Lamond and the 1st/8th Battalion Scottish Rifles were stationed in Belgium, near Gheluwe on the Ypres-Menin Road. It was during the advance towards Menin that John disappeared on or around 14-15 October 1918.

    On 23 October 1919, an unknown British soldier from the 1st/8th Scottish Rifles was recovered from a marked but seemingly solitary grave just off the main Gheluwe-Menin Road, a little over a kilometre from Menin town centre. The grave marker bore the date 15 October 1918. At the time, the body could not be identified and the soldier was reburied at Dadizeele New British Cemetery in an unnamed grave. Recent research has revealed that this grave is in fact that of Private John Lamond, and today his grave has been rededicated accordingly.

    Fergus Read, Commemorations Case Officer at CWGC, said:

    It was remarkable to review this case, which came in from two members of the public, and to uncover supporting evidence which led to the identification of Pte Lamond. It has been very moving to help to identify another casualty of the Great War, and to know that his grave is now commemorated by name.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The open data portal is resuming its work.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 15, 2025, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia launches an updated state Open Data Portal. It is a comprehensive system that ensures transparency in the work of government bodies and provides centralized access to open information for all citizens and organizations in the country. In the future, the functionality of the portal will be further developed and expanded, including at the suggestions of businesses.

    According to Vladimir Voloshin, Director of the Department of Digital Development and Data Economy of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, openness of data today is not just access to information, but a working tool for business, public administration, development and training of artificial intelligence technologies.

    “The launch of the new portal will be an important step in the development of the state’s digital ecosystem, providing citizens and businesses with relevant and easy-to-use information. The updated version of the Portal has received more than 10 new functional solutions aimed at increasing user convenience, improving data visualization and compliance with modern security requirements,” Vladimir Voloshin emphasized.

    The key changes affected the updated interface design, expanded functionality for monitoring the maintenance of data set passports, personal accounts for users and information providers. The interactive map of the subjects of the Russian Federation provides a list of legitimate data providers. Users can now visualize data sets in graphic form, analyze statistics through BI tools, and receive prompt assistance through a chat bot based on artificial intelligence.

    “When developing the updated Portal, we proceeded from the need to create a convenient space that will allow you to work effectively with open data, including having clear navigation. For this purpose, a full-text search is provided, which covers all sections of the system. Information providers are available in the registry with filters by name, type of organization, region and other parameters. Data sets are accompanied by statistics on views and downloads, the ability to filter and unload in machine-readable formats. In addition, we tried to make the Portal useful in terms of filling it with high-quality data sets, including the functionality of sending a request for the preparation and publication of in-demand data that is currently not presented on the portal,” commented Vladimir Voloshin, adding that about five thousand data sets have been uploaded so far, and that in the future, it is planned to refine the functionality of the portal, taking into account the wishes of users and businesses.

    The portal fully complies with the requirements of the Methodological Recommendations for the Publication of Open Data version 4.0, including the automation of the formation of data set passports, verification of format-logical control and integration with the Unified Identification and Authentication System.

    The updated Open Data Portal is available at Date.gov.ru.

    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: The government has identified an organization to ensure the operation and development of the national information exchange service

    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.

    Document

    Order dated July 12, 2025 No. 1880-r

    The Communication Platform company, a subsidiary of the VK holding, will be responsible for the operation and development of the multifunctional information exchange service. An order to this effect has been signed.

    The multifunctional information exchange service is being created on the basis of the recently launched Max platform. The said company is also developing it. The platform provides secure communication in the messenger and access to convenient digital services from the state and business.

    The order was approved as part of the implementation of the provisions of the federal law “On the creation of a multifunctional information exchange service and on amendments to certain legislative acts of the Russian Federation”, which was signed by the President at the end of June 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 Russia: Yuri Trutnev: “Primorye is a bridge to the future”: the region is preparing for the exhibition “Far East Street” as part of the VEF

    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.

    Primorsky Krai will present current and new investment projects, tourist attractions and transport and logistics opportunities at the Far East Street exhibition, which will be held from September 3 to 9 as part of the tenth anniversary Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The concept of the pavilion this year is Primorye – the Bridge of the Future. 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.

    “Vladivostok, the capital of the Far Eastern Federal District, will once again welcome participants and guests of the Eastern Economic Forum. The Primorsky Territory exposition is one of the brightest and key ones at the Far East Street exhibition. Primorye is the leader in the district in terms of the number of investment projects being implemented. The key instrument for the strategic development of Primorye is the implementation of master plan activities for six cities. They will allow for a qualitative change in urban infrastructure and improve people’s lives. The development of social infrastructure is being carried out through the presidential single subsidy. The regional pavilion will tell about all of this. The region will also present a vision of the future, what this region will do to remain attractive to investors, so that as many Russians and residents of other countries as possible can visit and fall in love with the Far Eastern lands,” 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 Primorsky Krai exposition positions the region as a link between countries, continents and cultures. It is a territory of opportunities where large-scale projects in the field of tourism, logistics, industry and technology are implemented.

    “Primorye is actively preparing for the anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum – the main international event of the Asia-Pacific region. And of course, it is important for us to once again present our region from an interesting side. The EEF is, first of all, attracting investors for the development of Primorye and the entire Russian Far East. This time, we will tell potential partners about the areas in which it is profitable to cooperate with us, where to apply their efforts for the stable development of business in Primorsky Krai – one of the most dynamically developing regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. Our region has enormous potential in industry and logistics, agriculture and science, tourism and culture. We invite Russian and foreign guests to the Primorye pavilion, where our most striking projects will be presented,” said Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of Primorsky Krai.

    The general concept of the pavilion “Primorye – a bridge to the future” symbolizes the connection between the past and the future, East and West, openness to partnership, investment and innovation. The pavilion tells how the unique geographical location, natural resources and human potential make Primorsky Krai attractive for business, tourism and life over several historical eras.

    The main exhibition embodies an open space of possibilities, where each zone is self-sufficient and autonomous in meaning, but at the same time supports the overall concept of the pavilion and tells about the key industries and projects of Primorsky Krai. The exterior design is inspired by the nature of the region, the wave line and seascapes. Inside, the pavilion is decorated with modern materials and many interactive multimedia tools.

    Thematic zones of the region’s stand at EEF-2025 demonstrate the evolution of key industries and social transformations of Primorye with an emphasis on the region’s main achievements over the past 13 years. In honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, each site will contain references and evidence of the contribution of Vladivostok and Primorye to achieving the Great Victory.

    The pavilion will feature a stand dedicated to sports projects and achievements of Primorsky Krai. Information will be posted about the curling center, the center for artistic and rhythmic gymnastics in Vladivostok, the federal-level ski resort in Arsenyev, and the development of water sports in the region. Special attention will be paid to how measures were taken to physically prepare the population in Primorsky Krai during the Great Patriotic War: sports events and competitions in football, skiing, including military ski training and multi-day ski trips, cross-country running, and obstacle course running were actively held. Primorye preserves and develops these traditions, consistently expanding its sports infrastructure and implementing physical education and sports programs.

    A separate part of the exhibition will tell about key investment projects, special programs and government support measures in Primorye. The immersive zone “Transport, logistics, turn to the East” is equipped with panoramic screens and ceiling projectors that create a realistic audiovisual space. In this zone, visitors will be told about the unique geographical location of Primorsky Krai, whose Vladivostok port played a key role in ensuring supplies under the Lend-Lease program from the United States of America in 1941-1945.

    In the Culture and Tourism zone, visitors will find a table with physical volumetric models of key cultural, educational and tourist sites in Primorsky Krai. A virtual tour guide will tell visitors about the projects and related programs. The key objects and initiatives on the model are the museum and theater complex on the Eagle’s Nest hill, the preservation of the Vladivostok Fortress Museum-Reserve, and the third season of the All-Russian competition for the best trip.

    The Industry, Bolshoy Kamen Industrial Park zone will introduce the pavilion’s guests to the key enterprises of Primorsky Krai. An interactive hologram will allow you to choose an industrial project, after which robotic manipulators will be set in motion, demonstrating a 3D model of the object with its technical characteristics. The information will be presented in historical perspective – from the period of the Great Patriotic War to modern projects and production.

    A “Science” zone will also be created. The space will demonstrate leading scientific areas, institutes and achievements of Primorye, including promising startups and innovative developments that are important for the technological development and security of the country.

    The “SVO, GO and Emergencies” space will tell about the contribution of Primorsky Krai to the military-industrial complex of Russia, ensuring information and security of the population, as well as participation in a special military operation. The section will show animated videos telling about Primorye residents – heroes of the Great Patriotic War, as well as about modern soldiers participating in the SVO. The format of the materials – from documentary biographies to artistic sketches reflecting the strength of spirit, courage and dedication of the people.

    The Primorsky Krai pavilion will traditionally feature daytime and evening programs. The theme of the events on the first day of the EEF-2025 will be the end of World War II. The patriotic program will feature creative groups, performers, and brass bands from the region.

    In addition, the stand is planned to illustrate the theme of beekeeping development in the region. The site will be decorated with an animated interactive composition emphasizing the popularity and healing qualities of Primorsky linden honey.

    Various master classes in decorative and applied arts will be organized and offered to guests. The evening program will feature performances by popular regional cover and rock bands, as well as a performance by the instrumental rhythm group of the Variety Orchestra of the Primorsky Regional Philharmonic.

    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 Russia: Yuri Trutnev: “Primorye is a bridge to the future”: the region is preparing for the exhibition “Far East Street” as part of the VEF

    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.

    Primorsky Krai will present current and new investment projects, tourist attractions and transport and logistics opportunities at the Far East Street exhibition, which will be held from September 3 to 9 as part of the tenth anniversary Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The concept of the pavilion this year is Primorye – the Bridge of the Future. 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.

    “Vladivostok, the capital of the Far Eastern Federal District, will once again welcome participants and guests of the Eastern Economic Forum. The Primorsky Territory exposition is one of the brightest and key ones at the Far East Street exhibition. Primorye is the leader in the district in terms of the number of investment projects being implemented. The key instrument for the strategic development of Primorye is the implementation of master plan activities for six cities. They will allow for a qualitative change in urban infrastructure and improve people’s lives. The development of social infrastructure is being carried out through the presidential single subsidy. The regional pavilion will tell about all of this. The region will also present a vision of the future, what this region will do to remain attractive to investors, so that as many Russians and residents of other countries as possible can visit and fall in love with the Far Eastern lands,” 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 Primorsky Krai exposition positions the region as a link between countries, continents and cultures. It is a territory of opportunities where large-scale projects in the field of tourism, logistics, industry and technology are implemented.

    “Primorye is actively preparing for the anniversary, tenth Eastern Economic Forum – the main international event of the Asia-Pacific region. And of course, it is important for us to once again present our region from an interesting side. The EEF is, first of all, attracting investors for the development of Primorye and the entire Russian Far East. This time, we will tell potential partners about the areas in which it is profitable to cooperate with us, where to apply their efforts for the stable development of business in Primorsky Krai – one of the most dynamically developing regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. Our region has enormous potential in industry and logistics, agriculture and science, tourism and culture. We invite Russian and foreign guests to the Primorye pavilion, where our most striking projects will be presented,” said Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of Primorsky Krai.

    The general concept of the pavilion “Primorye – a bridge to the future” symbolizes the connection between the past and the future, East and West, openness to partnership, investment and innovation. The pavilion tells how the unique geographical location, natural resources and human potential make Primorsky Krai attractive for business, tourism and life over several historical eras.

    The main exhibition embodies an open space of possibilities, where each zone is self-sufficient and autonomous in meaning, but at the same time supports the overall concept of the pavilion and tells about the key industries and projects of Primorsky Krai. The exterior design is inspired by the nature of the region, the wave line and seascapes. Inside, the pavilion is decorated with modern materials and many interactive multimedia tools.

    Thematic zones of the region’s stand at EEF-2025 demonstrate the evolution of key industries and social transformations of Primorye with an emphasis on the region’s main achievements over the past 13 years. In honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, each site will contain references and evidence of the contribution of Vladivostok and Primorye to achieving the Great Victory.

    The pavilion will feature a stand dedicated to sports projects and achievements of Primorsky Krai. Information will be posted about the curling center, the center for artistic and rhythmic gymnastics in Vladivostok, the federal-level ski resort in Arsenyev, and the development of water sports in the region. Special attention will be paid to how measures were taken to physically prepare the population in Primorsky Krai during the Great Patriotic War: sports events and competitions in football, skiing, including military ski training and multi-day ski trips, cross-country running, and obstacle course running were actively held. Primorye preserves and develops these traditions, consistently expanding its sports infrastructure and implementing physical education and sports programs.

    A separate part of the exhibition will tell about key investment projects, special programs and government support measures in Primorye. The immersive zone “Transport, logistics, turn to the East” is equipped with panoramic screens and ceiling projectors that create a realistic audiovisual space. In this zone, visitors will be told about the unique geographical location of Primorsky Krai, whose Vladivostok port played a key role in ensuring supplies under the Lend-Lease program from the United States of America in 1941-1945.

    In the Culture and Tourism zone, visitors will find a table with physical volumetric models of key cultural, educational and tourist sites in Primorsky Krai. A virtual tour guide will tell visitors about the projects and related programs. The key objects and initiatives on the model are the museum and theater complex on the Eagle’s Nest hill, the preservation of the Vladivostok Fortress Museum-Reserve, and the third season of the All-Russian competition for the best trip.

    The Industry, Bolshoy Kamen Industrial Park zone will introduce the pavilion’s guests to the key enterprises of Primorsky Krai. An interactive hologram will allow you to choose an industrial project, after which robotic manipulators will be set in motion, demonstrating a 3D model of the object with its technical characteristics. The information will be presented in historical perspective – from the period of the Great Patriotic War to modern projects and production.

    A “Science” zone will also be created. The space will demonstrate leading scientific areas, institutes and achievements of Primorye, including promising startups and innovative developments that are important for the technological development and security of the country.

    The “SVO, GO and Emergencies” space will tell about the contribution of Primorsky Krai to the military-industrial complex of Russia, ensuring information and security of the population, as well as participation in a special military operation. The section will show animated videos telling about Primorye residents – heroes of the Great Patriotic War, as well as about modern soldiers participating in the SVO. The format of the materials – from documentary biographies to artistic sketches reflecting the strength of spirit, courage and dedication of the people.

    The Primorsky Krai pavilion will traditionally feature daytime and evening programs. The theme of the events on the first day of the EEF-2025 will be the end of World War II. The patriotic program will feature creative groups, performers, and brass bands from the region.

    In addition, the stand is planned to illustrate the theme of beekeeping development in the region. The site will be decorated with an animated interactive composition emphasizing the popularity and healing qualities of Primorsky linden honey.

    Various master classes in decorative and applied arts will be organized and offered to guests. The evening program will feature performances by popular regional cover and rock bands, as well as a performance by the instrumental rhythm group of the Variety Orchestra of the Primorsky Regional Philharmonic.

    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 Russia: Condolences to colleagues, family and friends of Alexander Mitta.

    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.

    Mikhail Mishustin expressed his condolences in connection with the death of director, screenwriter, and People’s Artist of Russia Alexander Mitta.

    Alexander Naumovich Mitta, an outstanding director, screenwriter and actor, has passed away. This is an irreparable loss for Russian culture, for his family and friends, for all of us.

    Aleksandr Naumovich made a significant contribution to the development of Russian cinematography. Thanks to him, wonderful films and TV series appeared on the screen, which invariably became an event and today are timeless classics. Aleksandr Naumovich had a rare gift – the ability to speak to the viewer in a language understandable to everyone, the ability to touch the most delicate strings of the human soul. The cinematic masterpieces created by him rightfully won the love of millions, were awarded well-deserved prizes and high awards. He became a master and as a talented teacher, he trained more than one generation of filmmakers.

    Alexander Naumovich is no longer with us, but his unique creative legacy, his grateful students, and the good memory of this bright, cheerful person remain.

    Please convey my deepest condolences, sincere words of sympathy and support to the family, friends and colleagues of Alexander Naumovich Mitta.

    M. Mishustin

    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: Condolences to colleagues, family and friends of Alexander Mitta.

    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.

    Mikhail Mishustin expressed his condolences in connection with the death of director, screenwriter, and People’s Artist of Russia Alexander Mitta.

    Alexander Naumovich Mitta, an outstanding director, screenwriter and actor, has passed away. This is an irreparable loss for Russian culture, for his family and friends, for all of us.

    Aleksandr Naumovich made a significant contribution to the development of Russian cinematography. Thanks to him, wonderful films and TV series appeared on the screen, which invariably became an event and today are timeless classics. Aleksandr Naumovich had a rare gift – the ability to speak to the viewer in a language understandable to everyone, the ability to touch the most delicate strings of the human soul. The cinematic masterpieces created by him rightfully won the love of millions, were awarded well-deserved prizes and high awards. He became a master and as a talented teacher, he trained more than one generation of filmmakers.

    Alexander Naumovich is no longer with us, but his unique creative legacy, his grateful students, and the good memory of this bright, cheerful person remain.

    Please convey my deepest condolences, sincere words of sympathy and support to the family, friends and colleagues of Alexander Naumovich Mitta.

    M. Mishustin

    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: IOM Launches Supply Chain Hub in Greece to Boost Global Humanitarian Response

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Athens, 15 July 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Greece to establish a new supply chain centre in Thessaloniki, Greece. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance IOM’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid swiftly and efficiently, reinforcing its commitment to timely, effective, and sustainable responses to crises around the world.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Launches Supply Chain Hub in Greece to Boost Global Humanitarian Response

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Athens, 15 July 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Greece to establish a new supply chain centre in Thessaloniki, Greece. This state-of-the-art facility will enhance IOM’s ability to deliver humanitarian aid swiftly and efficiently, reinforcing its commitment to timely, effective, and sustainable responses to crises around the world.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 11 lease modifications recorded in Q2

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Lands Department announced today that it registered 11 lease modifications and three land exchanges in the Land Registry during the quarter ending June 2025, and that five were technical changes involving no premium.

    Of the land transactions, two are located on Hong Kong Island, eight are in Kowloon and four are in the New Territories.

    There were no private treaty grants and lot extensions registered during the quarter.

    The land transactions realised a total land premium of about $102.652 million.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Ambassador of Bulgaria

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, July 15, 2025

    HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Tuesday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the State of Qatar Plamen Stankov Delev.

    During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: No risk of load shedding as Koeberg Unit 1 return delayed

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Eskom has announced that Koeberg Unit 1 will return to service by the end of August, instead of the end of this month, due to additional steam generator maintenance.

    The unit was initially pencilled in for a return by July.

    “This revised timeline underscores Eskom’s commitment to conducting thorough inspections and maintaining the highest quality standards to ensure the ongoing safe and reliable performance of South Africa’s only nuclear power station.

    “During scheduled detailed eddy current inspections – a non-destructive testing method used to detect cracks, corrosion or wear in the metal tubes of steam generators – defects were identified on four tubes, among several thousand tubes inspected, across two of the newly installed generators,” Eskom explained.

    Upon discovery of the defects, the power utility, along with specialised international and local teams, “immediately carried out an advanced automated process to address the four tube defects”.

    “These critical repairs have now been successfully completed to uphold the highest safety and quality standards.

    “Importantly, the major maintenance activities, which included the legally required 10-year Integrated Leak Rate Test [ILRT], where the reactor building was pressurised over 72 hours and its leak rate and structural integrity were monitored – were successfully completed. The ILRT confirmed the robustness and leak-tightness of Unit 1’s containment structure, further reinforcing its safety, in line with international standards,” Eskom said.

    Eskom Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, emphasised that the safety of employees, the public and the environment remains top priority at the power utility.

    “Carrying out these additional inspections and repairs to world-class standards, we are investing in the long-term reliability of Koeberg and South Africa’s energy future.

    “The planned maintenance underway on Unit 1 will help deliver decades of affordable, low-carbon baseload power, demonstrating how nuclear energy can support both economic growth and environmental sustainability. 

    “Through our commitment to high-quality maintenance and the expertise of the Koeberg team demonstrating exceptional skills, we are ensuring nuclear power remains a vital part of the country’s energy mix,” Nxumalo said.

    The power utility reassured that the delayed return to service will not increase the risk of load shedding.

    Since mid-May, there has been no load shedding implemented, with the planned rolling power outages only reaching 26 hours between 1 April and 10 July 2025.

    “The winter outlook released on 5 May 2025, which covers the period until 31 August 2025, remains valid. Importantly, the planned return of 2 500MW this winter does not rely on Unit 1.

    “The outlook shows that load shedding will not be required if unplanned outages remain below 13 000MW. Even if outages rise to 15 000MW, load shedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days over the 153-day winter period, capped at Stage 2,” the power utility assured.

    Once the work on Koeberg’s Unit 1 is completed, its “reactor core will be refuelled, tested and synchronised back to the national grid” – further boosting the power system.

    “To protect supply, planned outages at Koeberg are carefully staggered every 16 to 18 months so that both units are never offline at the same time. Together, Koeberg Units 1 and 2 provide around 1 860MW – approximately 5% of the country’s electricity needs. 

    “Unit 2 remains fully operational, generating up to 946MW, with a year-to-date Energy Availability Factor [EAF] of 99.38% as of the end of June 2025.

    “The national power system remains stable, with a month-to-date EAF of 62%. As the winter season continues, Eskom encourages all customers to adopt energy-efficient practices,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Implats’ Emma Townshend to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) Amidst Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) Market Sustainability Drive

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Emma Townshend, Executive: Corporate Affairs at South African mining company Implats, has confirmed her participation as a speaker at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025, Africa’s premier event for mining stakeholders.

    Townshend will contribute to a high-level panel discussion titled South Africa’s Strategic Influence in the Global Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) Market, showcasing Implats’ role in maintaining South Africa’s dominance in PGMs.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Townshend’s AMW participation comes at a time when Implats is strengthening its operations to support long-term growth. In July 2025, the company announced the consolidation of its Impala Platinum and Impala Bafokeng Resources (http://apo-opa.co/3IseQy8) operations in South Africa. This strategic realignment is aimed at mitigating the effects of PGM price volatility, improving operational efficiency and securing sustainable revenue for both Implats and the broader South African economy, which accounts for approximately 80% of global PGM output.

    The company also has an ongoing capital investment program (http://apo-opa.co/4lRpI70) designed to increase production capacity, extend life-of-mines and enhance local beneficiation. Key projects include a R460 million initiative at Impala Bafokeng to counter declining production. The firm is undertaking over $387 million in upgrades to tailings and smelting infrastructure at Zimplats in Zimbabwe. The development of the Mupani Mine in Zimbabwe is expected to increase the company’s annual platinum ore output by 2.2 million tons in 2026 and 3.6 million tons by 2029. Additionally, a R500 million expansion at the Springs Base-Metal Refinery in South Africa aims to strengthen the company’s processing capabilities and operational resilience.

    At AMW, sustainability will also be a major focus of Townshend’s remarks. Implats has set an ambitious target to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. As part of this effort, the company signed a five-year power purchase agreement (PPA) (http://apo-opa.co/4ePzKTV) with Discovery Green in January 2025 for the provision of 130,000 MWh of renewable electricity annually to its Springs refinery. The agreement is expected to meet 90% of the refinery’s power needs from 2026, cutting approximately 170,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. The company is also expanding its renewable footprint with an additional 45 MW solar power plant at Zimplats, complementing the 35 MW facility commissioned at its Selous metallurgical complex in 2024.

    In addition to showcasing operational and environmental initiatives, AMW represents an ideal platform for Townsend to spotlight Implats’ leadership in promoting gender inclusivity in the mining sector. The company has already achieved its 2026 goal of 29% female representation in management and continues to integrate gender equality into its broader growth strategy.

    – on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government frees up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for increased support to Ukraine and humanitarian initiatives

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Swedish Government is currently creating the conditions to expand development assistance to Ukraine this year and be able to respond even better to global humanitarian needs. This is being done by reprioritising both geographic and thematic assistance, freeing up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for 2025. The Government has also decided to begin phasing out the Strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with Afghanistan and the Strategy for Sweden’s regional development cooperation with Asia and the Pacific region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Government frees up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for increased support to Ukraine and humanitarian initiatives

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Swedish Government is currently creating the conditions to expand development assistance to Ukraine this year and be able to respond even better to global humanitarian needs. This is being done by reprioritising both geographic and thematic assistance, freeing up nearly SEK 1.7 billion for 2025. The Government has also decided to begin phasing out the Strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation with Afghanistan and the Strategy for Sweden’s regional development cooperation with Asia and the Pacific region.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New purchases of defence materiel to Ukraine

    Source: Government of Sweden

    The Swedish Government has taken a supplementary decision on procurement of approximately SEK 1.5 billion in defence materiel to support Ukraine. This includes at least 10 new gun barrels for the previously donated Archer artillery system, long-range strike capability, underwater systems and logistics equipment.

    MIL OSI Europe News –