Source: Government of Sweden
Sweden is providing a new contribution of SEK 135 million to Ukraine’s civil cybersecurity. Cyberattacks on civilian infrastructure are an increasing threat in many countries, especially Ukraine. The attacks originate primarily from Russia and are directed at targets such as central government functions and basic civil services for citizens. In 2024, Ukraine was subjected to more than 4 315 cyber incidents – an average of 12 a day.
Source: Government of Sweden
The Government has decided to provide SEK 20 million to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) nuclear safety and security missions in Ukraine in 2025. Support to the IAEA’s work aligns with the Government’s overarching goal of supporting Ukraine in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Source: Party of Wales
Today, Plaid Cymru has committed to commission an independent review into the bureaucratic burden on the farming sector within the first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru Government.
Plaid Cymru’s Rural Affairs spokesperson, Llyr Gruffydd called for the review when speaking ahead of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show.
The last major assessment was the ‘Working Smarter Review’ which published its results in 2012. It laid out 76 recommendations on how to reduce red tape on the sector. Since then, Brexit, new trade deals, increased regulations on bovine Tb, water quality (NVZs), bluetongue movement restrictions, and the new proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS), means it’s timely to revisit the cumulative burden of the increased regulation placed upon the sector.
The Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Rural Affairs went on to explain Plaid Cymru’s expectations for the upcoming Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).
This comes as the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, is expected to publish the latest developments on Tuesday (15th July).
Mr Gruffydd says the SFS must be ‘workable for farmers’ or risk the scheme not delivering for ‘farming or the environment’. This includes providing longer-term funding certainty through a multi-annual funding commitment, which Plaid Cymru has pledged to deliver if it forms the next Welsh Government in 2026.
Plaid Cymru Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, Llyr Gruffydd MS, said:
“The increased burden of bureaucracy and red tape on farming businesses has not been reviewed for over a decade. Much has changed since then with increased burdens introduced on bTB, NVZ regulations, new proposals on the Sustainable Farming Scheme and bluetongue movement restrictions to name but a few. Whilst much focus has been on individual schemes and regulations, the cumulative impact has not been properly considered.
“That is why, in the first 100 days of a Plaid Cymru Government, we will commission an independent review of the cumulative bureaucratic burden on the agriculture sector in Wales.
On the long anticipated new Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals Mr Gruffydd said:
“Any scheme that is introduced by the Welsh Government must be workable for farmers – otherwise it will not deliver both for farming or the environment. Plaid Cymru has previously called for a reduction in the number of Universal Actions within the scheme, greater flexibility on tree planting including scrapping the 10% target, and more emphasis on the social value of farming as a public good.
“We also previously secured a longer transitional period between the BPS and the SFS and we would urge the Government to avoid any kind of funding cliff edge as we move from one system to the other.
“We also hope that the Cabinet Secretary will commit to long-term funding for the scheme. The sector cannot operate on a 12 month funding cycle. Longer-term certainty is needed in order to plan, invest and grow. Funding stability is essential to support productivity and efficiency gains both for food production and for nature.
“I can therefore announce that a Plaid Cymru Government would provide a multi-annual funding commitment if we form the next Government. We will also match the current Government’s budget on the SFS as an absolute minimum.
“I’m also keen to see an updated economic impact assessment on the scheme as part of the wider suite of information provided. It’s only right that everyone understands what the impact of these changes will be on the wider rural economy.
“Plaid Cymru understands and supports our farming communities, and that’s why a Plaid Cymru Government in 2026 would pull out all the stops to help the sector thrive and grow.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Red tape cut and savers supported to invest as Chancellor rewires financial system to boost growth
Leeds Reforms will make the UK the number one destination for financial services businesses by 2035, attracting inward investment and creating good skilled jobs across the UK through the Plan for Change.
Rachel Reeves promises to “double down on the UK’s global strengths” as she unveils first-ever Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness sector plan, a key plank of the modern Industrial Strategy.
Working people will be equipped with the support they need to invest and grow their savings, under plans to rewire the financial system to attract investment, create good skilled jobs across the country and put more money into people’s pockets.
Banks will send investment opportunities to savers with cash sitting in low-interest accounts for the first time, and major financial institutions – including high street banks – are backing an advertising campaign that will highlight the opportunities of investing for consumers who are able to do so.
Under current trends, moving £2,000 from these accounts to stocks and shares could make millions of people over £9,000 better off in 20 years’ time.
The plans to boost people’s savings and the economy were unveiled by the Chancellor at a summit of top finance executives in Leeds today as she set out the widest ranging reforms to financial regulation in over a decade – backing one of the key eight growth driving sectors of the future identified in the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy published last month.
The Chancellor told executives that, having delivered stability and a sustainable strategy for investment, it was time for the UK to “double down on its global strengths” through reform to make sure it stays ahead in the global race for business investment and the good skilled jobs they bring.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:
We fixed the public finances and stabilised the economy. Now we need to double down on our global strengths to put the UK ahead in the global race for financial businesses – creating good skilled jobs in every part of the country and helping savers’ money go further through our Plan for Change.
Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said:
Financial Services are a UK success story, and one of the eight sectors we identified with the biggest potential for growth in our modern Industrial Strategy.
This sector plan will help make the UK the number one destination for financial services by 2035 and is all about delivering on our Plan for Change to boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds said:
Helping people take advantage of better returns from investing is key to better financial health, giving them a stake in a growing economy and connecting promising businesses with capital. These reforms will make the UK the best location for financial services firms and tear down barriers to investment to growing our economy and making families better off.
The Leeds Reforms tear down the barriers to attracting investment in the finance sector by reintroducing informed risk-taking into the system, cutting unnecessary red tape, driving more finance into public markets and actively helping international companies to set up in the UK.
This will position the UK as the number one destination for financial services companies by 2035, attracting business from around the world to harness the knowledge, talent and expertise in financial services hot spots from Glasgow to Leeds, and help the UK achieve an ambitious target to double the growth rate in UK net exports in these services over the next decade.
The UK has the lowest level of retail investment among G7 countries, meaning savers are not getting the best bang for their buck and UK businesses are starved of an important source of capital.
Stocks and shares have performed significantly better than cash savings accounts in recent decades. According to some industry estimates, more than 29 million adults across the UK have cash sitting in a low-interest rate account offering around 1% – while the average return for stocks and shares over the last 10 years is around 9%. If those savers invested £2000 today, they could have £12,000 in 20 years’ time. This compares to £2,700 if they held this money in a cash account offering 1.5% at the current interest rate, making them over £9,000 better off.
The industry-led ad campaign will help to explain the benefits of investing, and from April 2026 the Financial Conduct Authority will roll out Targeted Support – allowing banks to alert customers about specific investment opportunities to consider shifting money from a low-return current accounts to higher-performing stocks and shares investments.
Alongside a review of risk warnings on investment products to make sure they help people to accurately judge risk levels, this will guide people through a key barrier to investing – getting lost between large number of investment products on offer.
The Government will continue to consider reforms to ISAs and savings to achieve the right balance between cash savings and investment.
As a first step, the Government will allow Long Term Asset Funds to be held in Stocks & Shares ISAs next year, allowing more individuals to invest in assets that will support the UK’s future success, like innovative businesses and infrastructure – which can also deliver better returns.
Businesses will be welcomed to the UK with open arms and unnecessary financial red tape that stalls inward investment and slows growth will be drastically cut under the plans.
A new concierge service within the Office for Investment will harness UK networks globally to actively court international financial services companies, creating a one-stop-shop to promote the UK and provide tailored support to help businesses plan where to invest based on their needs – better harnessing specialist clusters across the country from asset management in Edinburgh, to Fintech in Leeds and Cardiff, and insurance in Norwich and Norfolk.
First-time buyers will be supported to get on the housing ladder, with the Bank of England allowing more lending at over 4.5 times a buyer’s income – which could help 36,000 more people buy a home over its first year and are helping Nationwide support an additional 10,000 first-time buyers by lowering income thresholds for its popular ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage from tomorrow. Simplified mortgage lending rules being considered by the Financial Conduct Authority will also make it easier for existing borrowers to remortgage, while the introduction of a permanent government-backed Mortgage Guarantee Scheme will secure the availability of high loan-to-value mortgage products in times of economic uncertainty.
The Financial Ombudsman Service will be returned to its original purpose as a simple, impartial dispute resolution service which quickly and effectively deals with complaints against financial services firms under today’s reforms instead of acting as a quasi-regulator, with its decisions more closely aligned to the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules. This takes action on a key business complaint about the unpredictable and inconsistent nature of redress action, boosting firms’ confidence to invest and innovate.
The Senior Managers and Certification Regime – which was originally intended to address failures in individual accountability and culture that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis – has been implemented in a way that creates unnecessary costs for business. Today’s reforms will help deliver a commitment to radically streamline the regime, cutting the burden on firms in half.
The Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty rules were also intended to raise standards in how finance companies treat retail consumers, but today affect the way businesses interact with other businesses – such as investment banks and asset managers. The Financial Conduct Authority will therefore review how the Consumer Duty applies to these wholesale firms.
Capital will be freed up for banks to invest in the UK.
International banks and investors will benefit from greater certainty as the UK backs Bank of England reforms to raise the MREL threshold – the minimum amount of money and certain types of debt that a bank must have – to £25–40 billion, freeing up billions for lending and investment.
New Basel 3.1 banking rules will be introduced from January 2027 in a way that supports UK competitiveness, with UK-focused lenders given the clarity they need to plan and invest, while the requirements are delayed for the largest firms’ investment banking activities to ensure the UK is aligned with how other jurisdictions implement the rules.
The ring-fencing regime – which separates banks’ retail and investment banking activities – will be reformed. The Economic Secretary will lead a review looking at how changes can strike the right balance between growth and stability, including protecting consumer deposits.
This comes alongside a major review by the Financial Policy Committee of bank capital requirements. The review will inform work by the Government and Bank of England to ensure UK banks can compete internationally and provide vital investment in the economy whilst maintaining the international regulatory standards which are crucial to securing financial stability.
Bespoke support will be provided to firms as they start, scale and list, and a pipeline of skills will support financial services firms to seize tomorrow’s opportunities for growth.
Financial business will receive intensive support through the start-up phase, helping them create a proven concept and attract growth funding.
A single regulator point of contact will also help these businesses through the scale-up phase, providing technical support to help understand requirements and speeding up regulator responsiveness.
Businesses will also benefit from better access to finance, with the Government recently uplifting the British Business Bank’s financial capacity to £25.6 billion.
The sector will also be supported by a better pipeline of skills, with a new Global Talent Taskforce helping attract top international talent to the UK, funding for 50 PhD students through the £187 million TechFirst programme to align their research with the needs of key players in the sector and a new financial services skills compact led by the Financial Services Skills Commission to ensure skills needs are met.
The Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy sector plan can be found on the Treasury’s website.
Major financial services firms have agreed to support the campaign on retail investment: Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group, AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown, Vanguard, Freetrade, Octopus Money, Robinhood UK, Trading 212, St James’s Place, Interactive Investor, Schroders and the London Stock Exchange. The Investment Association will provide the secretariat to the campaign. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and HM Treasury will support the campaign in an advisory capacity.
Figures for how much a saver could benefit from investing in stocks and shares are illustrative. They are not a guarantee of future returns.
The UK will aim to double the real growth rate in net exports of financial services between 2025 and 2035 compared to the last decade (2014-2024). This would mean financial services net exports going from a compound annual growth rate of 1.37% to 2.7%, a cumulative increase in annual financial services net exports of 30% between 2025 and 2035.
Mike Reigner, Chief Executive Officer, Santander UK said:
We welcome the announcement of the Leeds Reforms today, which set out a positive vision for UK financial services. The changes outlined within the package are important steps to modernising the UK’s regulatory architecture, and will enable banks like ours to support our customers better and drive growth within the wider economy.
Sir Charles Roxburgh KCB, Chair, Lloyd’s said:
Today’s announcements by the Chancellor — focused on streamlining regulation, reducing burdens on firms, and enabling innovation and growth — are a real boost for the London insurance market. The Government’s clear support for our sector, and its recognition of specialty insurance and reinsurance as a Frontier Industry in its Modern Industrial Strategy, strengthen my confidence in Lloyd’s continued success at the heart of the market.
Hannah Gurga, Director General, ABI said:
The Leeds Reforms set a constructive and positive path to accelerating investment and growth in the UK economy. Closer alignment between the FOS and FCA, alongside a streamlined Senior Managers and Certification Regime, are critical steps towards delivering the clarity and regulatory environment our industry needs to thrive. It’s encouraging to see the vision set out in the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness plan, and we look forward to working with the government, regulators and wider industry to help cement the UK’s status as the world’s leading financial centre.
António Simões, Group CEO, L&G said:
Driving long-term economic growth and prosperity requires action today and this package is another step in the right direction. Connecting investment capital to the most compelling opportunities, streamlining regulation whilst maintaining standards and protection, and support for consumers to save in ways that will better benefit them in the future is the kind of intervention we need. Now we must keep up the pace and ambition to turn these plans into tangible action that makes a difference on the ground and in people’s pockets.
Chris Cummings, Chief Executive, the Investment Association said:
The Leeds Reforms bring together an ambitious programme for financial services reform, which aims to modernise capital markets, cut regulatory red tape and broaden the benefits of investing to more people across the UK – in turn delivering investment-led growth and improved financial resilience for UK households. We called on the government to undertake bold reforms to strengthen the UK’s retail investment culture and they have done so. Better communication of the returns investing brings is key if we’re to empower more people to invest, and we’re proud to take part in the industry-led campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of investing and the review of risk warnings. We’re also extremely pleased that Long-Term Asset Funds will now be incorporated into the Stocks and Shares ISA – a reform we have long called for to broaden access to private markets.
Drazen Jaksic, Chief Executive Officer, Zurich UK said:
We welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient UK economy. The focus on sustainable growth, investment in innovation, and fostering long-term confidence is closely aligned with Zurich’s own priorities. As one of the UK’s leading insurers, we stand ready to work together with policymakers, customers, and partners to help deliver on these goals. We look forward to further engagement with the government to ensure the insurance sector remains robust, innovative, and able to meet the evolving needs of people and businesses across the UK.
David Postings, Chief Executive, UK Finance said:
Financial services are vital to the UK economy and I strongly welcome the Chancellor’s support for our sector as one of the UK’s global strengths.
We submitted a range of ideas to government to help support growth and the UK’s position as a global financial centre. Across many of these key areas the Chancellor has listened and delivered significant positive change.
Reforming the Financial Ombudsman Service, streamlining regulation in areas such as the Senior Managers and Certification Regime and the Consumer Duty, and supporting work by regulators to unlock capital for lending, will all help to drive investment and create a more pro-growth operating environment.
Having a regulatory system that allows for appropriate risk-taking is vital to ensuring the sector can better support UK businesses, consumers and the government’s growth mission.
Charlie Nunn, CEO, Lloyds Banking Group said:
We welcome the ambition shown in the Leeds Reforms to unlock investment, boost financial resilience, and support long-term economic growth. As a sector, we have a vital role to play in helping customers make the most of their money and in facilitating investment and innovation that benefits communities and businesses across the UK.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Exchange of letters between the Financial Services Skills Commission and the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on the development of a financial services skills compact.
The Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds MP, exchanged letters with the Financial Services Skills Commission to support the development of a financial services skills compact to accelerate progress towards a financial services sector that has the skills it needs to thrive into the future. The Financial Services Skills Commission will work with TheCityUK and City of London Corporation.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Letter from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Governor of the Bank of England providing recommendations for the Financial Market Infrastructure Committee.
The Financial Market Infrastructure Committee (FMIC) has responsibility within the Bank for exercising the Bank’s FMI functions as set out in the Bank of England Act 1998.
The BoE Act 1998 requires the Treasury, at least once in each Parliament, to make recommendations to the FMIC about aspects of the government’s economic policy to which the Bank should have regard when considering how to advance its objectives and the application of its regulatory principles. This letter provides such recommendations and outlines the important role that the Bank plays in protecting financial stability, facilitating innovation, and supporting the government’s growth mission.
The FMIC is required to respond to the recommendations from the Treasury within a year of receiving the recommendations, and each subsequent year after that. These responses set out action that the FMIC has taken, or intends to take, in accordance with the recommendations, or why it has not acted.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Red tape swept away in biggest financial regulation reforms in a decade to boost homeownership and put more money into people’s pockets through the government’s Plan for Change.
Nationwide set to widen access to its ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage from Wednesday, supporting 10,000 extra first-time buyers thanks to Chancellor’s Leeds Reforms.
Reeves: Benefits of a thriving finance sector will be felt all over Britain
The Chancellor is expected to announce the biggest set of reforms to financial regulation in a decade at a summit of top finance executives in Leeds today, as part of the government’s mission to kick start economic growth and support more first-time buyers.
Red tape holding back the competitiveness of the UK financial sector will be swept away under the Leeds Reforms, addressing long-standing industry complaints.
The changes will see Britain become the top destination for finance firms over the next decade, attracting inward investment from across the globe to create good, skilled jobs around the country.
Prospective homeowners will be given a leg up onto the housing ladder under the plans, with regulators acting on the Chancellor’s push to regulate for growth.
More mortgages will be available at over 4.5 times a buyer’s income following Bank of England recommendations that some banks and building societies offer more high loan-to-income mortgages – creating up to 36,000 additional mortgages for first-time buyers over the first year.
This change means that Nationwide will be able to make its popular ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage available to people with lower incomes. From Wednesday, eligible first-time buyers can apply for the mortgage with a £30,000 salary, down from £35,000, and joint applicants with a £50,000 combined salary – down from £55,000. This will support an additional 10,000 first-time buyers each year.
This comes alongside the creation of a permanent mortgage guarantee scheme, delivering on a Manifesto commitment and ensuring high loan-to-value mortgages continue to be available in times of uncertainty, as well as a review of Financial Conduct Authority lending rules that could allow a prospective buyers’ record of paying rent on time to show they can afford mortgage repayments.
The reforms will be unveiled in Leeds ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech this evening.
Speaking in the City of London, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is expected to say:
This is the foundation of an economy, and a country, that is more active and more confident.
Where people and businesses look to the future and talk about hope about opportunity.
Assured of their own capability, and of the ability of our country to boldly face the challenges that lie ahead.
And certain of the prize if they succeed.
Of higher wages and higher living standards.
The renewal of Britain in every home and every high street.
To put it simply: a Britain that is better off.
She will add on homeownership:
I welcome the recent changes the Financial Policy Committee has announced to the loan-to-income limit on mortgage lending, which the PRA and FCA are implementing immediately.
With an instant impact for consumers, such as Nationwide offering its ‘Helping Hand’ mortgage to more first time-buyers – supporting an additional 10,000 each year.
She will conclude:
Today, I have placed financial services at the heart of the government’s growth mission.
Recognising that Britain cannot succeed and meet its growth ambitions without a financial services sector that is fighting fit and thriving.
And I have been clear on the benefits that that will drive.
With a ripple effect that will drive investment in all sectors of our economy and put pounds in the pockets of working people.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
More than a century after his death, the previously unmarked grave of Serjeant (Sjt) Robert Sutherland has finally been identified and marked.
Captain Finn MacPherson reads the Regimental Collect at Serjeant (Sjt) Robert Sutherland’s rededication service. Crown Copyright.
The rededication service organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC’s) Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt on 9 July 2025.
The military party and Sjt Sutherland’s family at his graveside. Crown Copyright.
Born in Brora, Scotland, Robert joined the territorial army in December 1908 and was mobilised immediately when World War One began in August 1914. As part of the Seaforth Highlanders’ 152nd Brigade, he fought in several major battles including Festubert, Givenchy, High Wood and the Ancre.
He died on the first day of the Battle of Arras (9 April 1917) and was buried in Highland Cemetery at Roclincourt. Though unidentified at burial, recent research confirms he is the only missing Serjeant of the 6th Bn Seaforth Highlanders lost in this area at that time, identifying him as the unknown Serjeant buried there.
His Commanding Officer later praised him in the Northern Times as ‘an excellent soldier who died gallantly’, and ‘one of the best Non-Commissioned Officers in the Battalion’.
Alexia Clark, JCCC Caseworker, said:
I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of the grave of Sjt Sutherland. In rededicating his grave we have reunited his mortal remains with his names, in the presence of his family, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
The headstone was replaced by CWGC and will be cared for in perpetuity.
Dr James Wallis, Head of Commemorations Casework at the CWGC, said:
The identification case for Serjeant Robert Sutherland, submitted by one of our regular researchers, was a privilege to investigate. With his name now engraved on a headstone that features a poignant tribute from his family, our gathering today allows for the rededication of his grave, and for us to remember the sacrifice he made alongside his comrades who lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of Arras.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
More than a century after his death, the previously unmarked grave of Serjeant (Sjt) Robert Sutherland has finally been identified and marked.
Captain Finn MacPherson reads the Regimental Collect at Serjeant (Sjt) Robert Sutherland’s rededication service. Crown Copyright.
The rededication service organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC’s) Highland Cemetery, Roclincourt on 9 July 2025.
The military party and Sjt Sutherland’s family at his graveside. Crown Copyright.
Born in Brora, Scotland, Robert joined the territorial army in December 1908 and was mobilised immediately when World War One began in August 1914. As part of the Seaforth Highlanders’ 152nd Brigade, he fought in several major battles including Festubert, Givenchy, High Wood and the Ancre.
He died on the first day of the Battle of Arras (9 April 1917) and was buried in Highland Cemetery at Roclincourt. Though unidentified at burial, recent research confirms he is the only missing Serjeant of the 6th Bn Seaforth Highlanders lost in this area at that time, identifying him as the unknown Serjeant buried there.
His Commanding Officer later praised him in the Northern Times as ‘an excellent soldier who died gallantly’, and ‘one of the best Non-Commissioned Officers in the Battalion’.
Alexia Clark, JCCC Caseworker, said:
I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of the grave of Sjt Sutherland. In rededicating his grave we have reunited his mortal remains with his names, in the presence of his family, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten.
The headstone was replaced by CWGC and will be cared for in perpetuity.
Dr James Wallis, Head of Commemorations Casework at the CWGC, said:
The identification case for Serjeant Robert Sutherland, submitted by one of our regular researchers, was a privilege to investigate. With his name now engraved on a headstone that features a poignant tribute from his family, our gathering today allows for the rededication of his grave, and for us to remember the sacrifice he made alongside his comrades who lost their lives on the first day of the Battle of Arras.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission will play a crucial role in India’s first manned spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Monday. Shukla became the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space where he undertook scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
“This has been an unforgettable experience for him (Shubhanshu Shukla). He carried out multiple experiments aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. After experiencing space and microgravity, he conducted several scientific tests. This mission has been a major learning opportunity for us. ISRO took up this mission to gather experience that will help us in our Gaganyaan programme,” said Nilesh M Desai, Director, Space Applications Centre, ISRO.
He added that the Gaganyaan mission will begin with an unmanned flight later this year.
“As part of our programme, we will launch an unmanned mission this year, followed by two more unmanned flights. After that, an Indian astronaut will be sent into space onboard the Gaganyaan spacecraft. The astronaut will stay in space for two to seven days and return to Earth. The experience gained by Shubhanshu Shukla during his time on the ISS will be extremely valuable for the Gaganyaan programme planned over the next two years,” he said.
According to ISRO, about Rs 600 crore were spent on the Axiom-4 mission, including astronauts training and related costs.
“Around Rs 600 crore were spent on this mission, covering training for two astronauts and other space journey preparations. The insights gained in space will help us enhance the success of the Gaganyaan mission,” Desai mentioned.
He also emphasized the importance of the India-US space cooperation and pact signed between ISRO and NASA during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit.
“With the new information we have gathered, we can plan the Gaganyaan mission more effectively. This mission was done in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. During the Indian Prime Minister’s recent visit to the US, an agreement was signed between ISRO and NASA allowing one Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS under a US mission,” said Desai.
ISRO said that although two astronauts were trained, only one went to space while the other served as a backup. “This was a planned mission by ISRO. Two Indian astronauts were given comprehensive training in the US over five to six months for space travel. Both completed their full training, but only one was chosen to go to the ISS. The other served as a backup,” he further added.
“Shubhanshu Shukla was accompanied by another astronaut, Prashant Nair, who was fully prepared to step in if needed. However, there was no requirement for that. Shukla was launched aboard the Dragonfly spacecraft using the Falcon launch vehicle from SpaceX on June 25. It docked with the International Space Station on June 26. He conducted various scientific experiments during his space mission, and today the spacecraft was undocked. We are hopeful it will return safely to Earth at 3 PM IST on July 15,” Desai said.
The undocking of AX-4 mission took place at around 4:35 AM IST on Monday with assistance from the ISS. After travelling for over 22 and a half hours, the Dragonfly spacecraft is expected to land on the California coast at 3 PM IST. Following recovery, the astronauts will undergo medical check-ups and rehabilitation.
(ANI)
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On July 19, Moscow will host the first sports and music festival, the Big Run Fest. The event will begin at 19:00 and end after sunset. It will bring together fans of running, healthy lifestyles, and music.
There are three distances in total: five, 10 or 15 kilometers along the Garden Ring. Both children and adults can join. Participants aged 14 and over are allowed to participate in the five-kilometer race, 16 and over for the 10-kilometer race, and 18 and over for the 15-kilometer race. Everyone interested must register atwebsite and pay the fee. Starter packs will be available the day before and on the day of the event.
The top three runners at each distance will be awarded, and all finishers will receive commemorative medals. Spectators will be cheering on the participants along the route.
A large entertainment program has been prepared for the festival guests. Artists of various musical genres will appear on the main stage. The audience will also enjoy a live orchestra performance and a dance show. The headliners will be the Zventa Sventana project, the Farsh Band group, the Imperialis Orchestra and the Marta dance studio.
Small stages will also open on the Garden Ring: “Obshchaisya” (the square in front of the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation), “Veselis” (Kudrinskaya Square), “Uznavai” (Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, Building 3a), “Zazhigai” (Sadovaya-Samotechnaya Street, Building 3) and “Style” (Krymsky Val Street, Building 9, entrance to Gorky Park). Master classes, training sessions, musical performances, meetings with bloggers and lectures will be held here.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Serp i Molot city railway station is being built on the border of the Tagansky and Lefortovo districts. Monolithic work on the construction of passenger platforms has now been completed, said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.
“Currently, at the future city station Serp i Molot, granite cladding of two passenger platforms is underway, as well as assembly of metal structures of the stairwells. Finishing of the canopies, installation of external networks and internal engineering systems is ongoing. At the moment, its readiness exceeds 40 percent. In the future, a full-fledged city station built according to the capital’s standards will appear here,” said Vladimir Efimov.
The project includes the construction of an overground vestibule with ramps to the platforms, reconstruction of the existing underground passage under the railway tracks and construction of new platforms with canopies. The future city station will be equipped with elevators and escalators, passengers will be protected from rain, snow and wind. In addition, together with the capital Department of Transport and Development of Road Transport Infrastructure A single canopy will be installed. It will allow you to transfer between the metro, the fourth Moscow Central Diameter (MCD-4) and ground transportation stops without getting your feet wet.
“As a result, a new transport hub will be created on the basis of the Serp i Molot stop. In the future, the city station will become a common one for MCD-4, MCD-2 and two metro stations – “Ploshchad Ilyicha” of the Kalininskaya Line and “Rimskaya” of the Lyublinsko-Dmitrovskaya Line. Thanks to this, residents of the Lefortovo and Tagansky districts will have updated convenient transport infrastructure within walking distance,” emphasized the head of the Department for the Construction of Transport and Engineering Infrastructure of the City of Moscow
Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that a new station would be built near the Kornilovskaya station of the Troitskaya metro line. new transport interchange, which will reduce the load on the Kommunarka area and Kaluga Highway.
The first stage of improvement of the territory near the Serp i Molot station of the MCD-4 has been completedConvenient transfers and time savings on the road: what the new city railway stations will be like
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
A greenhouse with tropical and subtropical plants with an area of about 330 square meters will open at VDNKh, which will be part of the first biocluster in Russia. Tours, master classes, lectures and other events will be held there. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.
The new space will be arranged in the southern part of the park at the intersection of Khovanskaya Street and the ring road. Pavilions No. 516 “Books” of the museum and exhibition center “Rosiso” and No. 312 are located nearby.
“The greenhouse will combine exhibition and scientific and educational functions. Dozens of plant species, including unique ones, will be planted under the glass dome,” noted Natalia Sergunina.
The greenhouse is planned to open in 2026. Specialists will create a climate zone in which the temperature, humidity and other parameters will be independently regulated. A laboratory will be equipped separately for classes on studying plants and their cultivation. An open-air lecture hall will appear next door. Birch trees, bird cherry, rowan, spruce, pine, willow and juniper will be planted around.
Now, on the territory of VDNKh, you can visit another greenhouse – it has been operating since 1959 in pavilion No. 14 “Computer Engineering and Information Science” (former “Azerbaijan SSR”). There, guests will see olives, pomegranates, persimmons and other crops.
Recently opened at VDNKh biocluster — a project of the State Biological Museum named after K.A. Timiryazev. Its first point is pavilion No. 29 “Floriculture and landscaping”. By the summer of 2026, four more thematic areas will appear there.
Get the latest news quickly official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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Since June 2021, when resettlement began under the renovation program in the Butyrsky District, more than 1.3 thousand city residents have received comfortable housing in new buildings. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property.
“Four years ago, the first to receive notifications about the start of resettlement under the renovation program in the Butyrsky District were about 430 Muscovites from house 28, blocks 1 and 2 on Yablochkova Street. Today, more than 1.3 thousand city residents from seven buildings of the old housing stock already have new apartments in the district. In total, about 4.5 thousand people from 27 houses are to be resettled here under the renovation program. The city provides housing with ready-made improved finishing so that Muscovites do not have to postpone moving because of repairs,” said Ekaterina Solovyova.
This year, residents of the Butyrsky District began inspecting apartments in two new buildings – house 28 on Yablochkova Street and house 7, block 2 on Milashenkova Street. The residential complexes were built taking into account the principles of a barrier-free environment. The same criteria were observed in the improvement of the adjacent territories, which is especially important for city residents with disabilities, older people and families with small children.
“Since the beginning of the program, the city has handed over three residential complexes in the Butyrsky District of the capital for settlement. In total, 694 apartments with finished improved finishes have been designed in them. Nine of them have been adapted for people with limited mobility – the width of corridors and doorways has been increased, and special handrails have been provided in the bathrooms. Elevators have also been installed in the entrances of the new buildings, rooms for concierges and storage rooms for strollers and bicycles have been equipped. The areas around the buildings have been improved: comprehensive landscaping has been carried out, outdoor lighting and video surveillance cameras have been installed. In addition, areas for active recreation and sports have been equipped in the courtyards,” clarified the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy
Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin spoke about resettlement under the renovation program in Khoroshevo-Mnevniki.
The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program in twice.
Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.
Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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A house will appear in Dmitrovsky district under the renovation program. The building permit was issued by the capital State Construction Supervision CommitteeThis was reported by its chairman Anton Slobodchikov.
Work will begin at the address: Dolgoprudnaya Street, land plot No. 6.
“The committee has issued permits, and now the developer can begin work on the allocated land plot. The area of the housing will be 11.3 thousand square meters. In accordance with the standards of the renovation program, the apartments will be fully finished and the necessary equipment will be installed, including lighting fixtures and plumbing,” he noted.
The house will consist of three sections. Each of them will have one through entrance with rooms for a concierge and storage of strollers. The first floor will be allocated for commercial premises for shops and social and household facilities.
“Each building under the renovation program is being built according to a unique architectural design using high-quality and durable materials. On the ground floors of sections of different heights, there are rooms for public needs with separate street entrances. Between them, there will be entrance groups for the residential part with vestibules, elevator halls, rooms for strollers and concierges’ rooms,” said the chief architect of the capital, first deputy chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development (Moskomarkhitektura)
On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the city is paying special attention to residential properties under the renovation program.
As Anton Slobodchikov noted, the construction of the building on Dolgoprudnaya Street will be supervised by inspectors at each stage. The inspection schedule will be drawn up after the developer submits a notice to the Committee on the commencement of construction and installation work. Specialists from the subordinate Expertise Center will be involved in the on-site activities to perform a set of laboratory and instrumental studies of building materials and structures for compliance with design documentation.
The building and the area around it will be made barrier-free. The courtyard will have rest areas with benches, a children’s playground and a sports ground, and will be landscaped. In addition, a lighting system and CCTV cameras will be installed.
The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the program intwice.
Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
At the urban project seminar “Call me back yourself” will tell about new types of fraud. These may be messages about supposedly profitable investments of savings in company shares under the guidance of an experienced investor, about capitalization at high interest rates, about participation in non-existent innovative projects, as well as fake investments in startups and other financial schemes for deceiving residents.
“Investments and savings deposits with interest are an opportunity to receive passive income and accumulate funds. However, it is important to remember that no financial institution will work at a loss to itself and offer interest rates higher than the market average or guaranteed profitability conditions for a project that is just starting up. Fraudsters use various tricks and techniques to convince residents to transfer money to accounts: they create websites with advantageous offers similar to well-known companies, offer deposits on extremely favorable terms, and promise a several-fold increase in profits. At the new seminar of the “Call Me Back” project, experts will tell you what to pay attention to when receiving advantageous financial offers so as not to fall for the tricks of intruders, and will also remind you of the importance of cyber hygiene,” said Valentina Shilina, head of the “Call Me Back” project of the capital’s Department of Information Technology.
The event will take place on July 17 at 11:00. It can be visited in person or join the broadcast on a social network “VKontakte”.
Representatives of the capital’s Department of Information Technology, Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the city of Moscow, experts from the Financial Literacy Center of the city of Moscow and the National Association of Bond Market Participants.
Using real-life examples, they will explain popular techniques of fraudsters in the field of financial pyramids and investments, share tips on how to protect your savings and funds, and answer questions from participants.
For example, scammers deceive city dwellers using duplicate websites, job interviews in companies where they promise high income after purchasing products, investing in startups and even multiplayer games. They use similar techniques for different audiences: an offer, convincing of reliability through false guarantees and fake documents, pressure on emotions and pushing to make a quick decision, pressure with authority or persuasion.
Following the seminar, the project website will be updated in the section “Webinar Archive” A recording and useful materials based on expert recommendations will be available.
The online information project “Call Back Yourself” was created in 2022 by the Moscow Government together with the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow. It helps city residents protect themselves and their loved ones from telephone and online fraud. The project’s website contains information about upcoming in-person and online events, as well as memos and recommendations from experts, recordings of past webinars and other useful materials.
In 2023, the Call Me Back project won the Golden Site award in the Best Social Project Website category. It was also awarded the Runet Prize in the Information Security category.
The creation and support of information security tools, as well as counteracting cyber fraud, corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Mosprom Center for Export, Industry and Investment Support has launched a chatbot Mosprom Export Support. The instrument was created within the framework of the city’s systemic program for the development of non-raw materials, non-energy exports of manufacturing companies. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy Anatoly Garbuzov.
“On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the city is consistently developing the capital’s export potential. The Mosprom Export Support chatbot has become another convenient tool that will help entrepreneurs enter foreign markets faster and with lower costs. The chatbot contains up-to-date information on federal and regional support measures – from preferential loans and subsidies to fresh analytics and certification – and automatically selects them depending on the size of the company, industry and specific needs of the exporter,” noted Anatoly Garbuzov.
The service structures data on the export of goods and access to foreign markets: quotas and licenses, duties on 212 countries and territories, non-tariff barriers, sanctions and protection tools. Based on the results of the request, the bot generates reports in a text editor, helping companies choose areas of support and learn about export conditions.
“The focus of our work is on providing systemic assistance to the capital’s exporters: we listen carefully to their requests and implement digital innovations to make services as convenient and understandable as possible. It is important for us that enterprises can focus on developing their products, while the city team takes on administrative and information issues,” emphasized Olga Starikova, General Director of ANO Mosprom.
The state actively helps Moscow exporters. National project “International cooperation and export”— is a set of measures of information, financial, insurance and logistics support. Within its framework, the digital platform “My Export” operates. There you can get free expert advice, analytics, help in promoting goods on international marketplaces, as well as take online training and much more.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Moscow entrepreneurs are strengthening their positions in the global market of healthy food products. With the support of the Moscow Export Center (MEC), protein and fruit bars, muesli, cereals, breads and other capital products are supplied to more than 20 countries, including China, the UAE, India, Brazil and the CIS countries.
In 2024 and the first half of 2025, the volume of healthy food exports from Moscow supported by the MEC exceeded 1.3 billion rubles.
“There is a growing demand among consumers for healthy food products. In a highly competitive market, not only the natural composition is important, but also the overall compliance of the product with the expectations of the target audience. The wide geography of Moscow healthy food products exports speaks of the trust of foreign consumers in goods produced in Moscow,” she noted.
Kristina Kostroma, Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of Moscow.
As part of the implementation of export support programs, the Moscow company Snaksi received the opportunity to enter the international online trading platform 1688.com. As a result of the placement, a contract was concluded for the supply of protein bars and healthy chocolate to China.
The Melas company took advantage of the support service of a representative of the Moscow Export Center in China, ultimately concluding a contract for the supply of Dr. Körner crispbreads, already well known to Russian consumers, to China.
SVD-Group successfully presented its products at the Gulfood 2024 international exhibition. The result was a contract for the supply of muesli, crispbread, bran and freeze-dried berries to the UAE.
As part of the promotion of products of capital exporters with the support of the MEC, Moscow producers of healthy food take part in international festivals and fairs “Made in Russia” in friendly countries. These events are held jointly with the Russian Export Center. Products of Moscow companies were presented at four major fairs in China and the UAE, which were held from November 2024 to May 2025.
The Moscow Export Center was established by the Moscow Government in 2017 to provide financial and non-financial support measures to Moscow entrepreneurs in order to promote Moscow goods and services on foreign markets. The Moscow Export Center is a subordinate organization Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative DevelopmentOne of its key tasks is to increase the number of Moscow exporters and grow their export revenue.
Today, the MEC provides the capital’s business with comprehensive support at all stages of the export route – from preparation and training in foreign economic activity (FEA) to promotion abroad, assistance in increasing sales of financial incentives for FEA after concluding export contracts. Currently, the MEC’s toolkit includes more than 30 support measures.
Sergei Sobyanin told how Moscow helps the capital’s business develop
Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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In the Aeroport area, the Golovanovskiy Park area will be landscaped, and in Khovrin, the public park will be put in order. This was reported by the city economy complex. Playgrounds, swings, carousels and other infrastructure will appear there.
The playground in Golovanovsky Park will have its surface replaced and two play complexes with a slide, ladder and other elements will be installed. There will also be a sandbox, carousels, swings, a trampoline and spring swings. A developmental tactile panel will be installed for the little ones.
The sports area will have its table tennis tables replaced, and park swings and benches will be installed for a quiet rest. Specialists will tidy up the lawn, plant trees, and renew the pavement of the pedestrian paths.
In addition, in the Aeroport district, eight courtyard areas will be put in order this year on 1st Ambulatory Drive, Leningradsky Prospekt, Krasnoarmeyskaya Street, and Chernyakhovsky Street.
A large play area for children of different ages will appear in the central part of the Khovrino public park. It will house multi-level complexes in the form of houses and a steam locomotive with slides, trampolines, balance beams, swings and carousels. Parents will be able to relax or read a book on semi-circular benches and comfortable round benches.
In the play area near the entrance to the park from Festivalnaya Street, large swings, a labyrinth complex and multi-coloured trampolines will be installed. Nearby, a multi-level amphitheater and recreation islands with umbrella awnings, round benches under them and park swings will be set up. Nearby, a fenced modern area for walking dogs will be built. Barriers, a slide, a tunnel and a balance beam will be installed for the animals.
The sports area on the side of Lyapidevskogo Street will be put in order, a universal playground for playing football and basketball will be set up there. Visitors will be able to work out on weight training machines, do workout training and play ping-pong. Cubes with climbing holds will be installed for children and teenagers.
A jogging track will be laid across the park. It will be located next to the sports and children’s playgrounds. In addition, bicycle parking will be installed.
Trees will be planted in the park, several rockeries (landscape compositions of stones and plants) will be created, and modern lighting fixtures will be installed.
In 2023, the area near the Church of the Sign of the Icon of the Mother of God on Festivalnaya Street was tidied up. Modern playgrounds and sports grounds, recreation areas, picnic spots and new lights appeared here.
Earlier about plans forimprovement Sergei Sobyanin reported in the Northern Administrative District.
The park improvement works correspond to the goals and objectives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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Source: European Banking Authority
The European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA, ESMA – the ESAs) today published a guide on oversight activities under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The aim of this guide is to provide an overview of the processes used by the ESAs through the Joint Examination Teams (JET) to oversee critical Information and communication technology (ICT) third party service providers (CTPPs).
This guide provides high-level explanations to external stakeholders regarding the CTPP Oversight framework. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the governance structure, the oversight processes, the founding principles and the tools available to the overseers.
However, the guide is not a legally binding document and does not replace the legal requirements laid down in the relevant applicable EU law.
The ESAs invite the public, financial entities and, crucially, third-party providers to use this document to prepare for the oversight implementation.
For more information on the implementation of the DORA Oversight framework, please refer to this presentation.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The application process for the second Moscow Art Platform Performing Arts Award has begun. It is organized by the Agency for Creative Industries (AKI) of the capital Department of CultureArtistic director – Dmitry Bikbaev.
“The Art Platform Award is designed to support private theatre companies that make a significant contribution to the city’s culture: they create performances, jobs, and attract audiences. The competition is aimed at identifying and supporting strong theatre projects,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Culture
In total, 13 main and two special nominations are planned for this year, including:
— “Private Theatre Project” — awards private theatres in Moscow;
— “Event” — celebrates festivals and other major events of the year that took place in the capital;
— “Collaboration” — awarded for a joint creative project of private theaters, cultural figures and/or organizations;
— “Startup” — awards private theaters or projects that opened this year;
— “Promotion” — recognizes the most spectacular and effective marketing strategies in the performing arts;
— “Backstage” — awards to teams of theatre projects;
— “Multimedia” — awarded for outstanding shows using multimedia technologies;
— “Producer” — rewards the best producers in the world of art;
— “Ensemble” — is what the capital’s acting ensembles celebrate.
In addition, four new nominations have been established:
— “Workshops” — awards private companies that produce stage design, props, stage props, and also develop innovative solutions;
— “Soldout” — awarded to ticket services for effective solutions in ticket sales;
— “Kulturtreger” — awarded to cultural figures for educational initiatives;
— “Region” — marks cultural phenomena or projects created and implemented outside of Moscow.
A special nomination is provided by the Agency for Creative Industries. Another award will be presented to private projects in the field of performing arts by the award partners.
The winners will be awarded at the open theatre space “Art Platform” in the New Manezh in October of this year. Individuals and legal entities working in the field of performing arts in Moscow, as well as independent theatre companies from other cities of Russia (in the nomination “Region”) can apply for the award.
In 2024, the shortlist for the award included more than 30 nominees in 12 nominations. Among the winners are the Moscow Musical Theatre under the direction of Mikhail Shvydkoy, the musical “Don’t be afraid of anything, I’m with you”, the show “Antigravity”, Konstantin Bogomolov’s private educational project “Voices of the Country” and the company Yellow, Black and White. In total, more than 200 applications were submitted in 2024.
With the help of the Agency for Creative Industries, favorable conditions are created in the capital for the development of representatives of various fields, including cinema, fashion, design, contemporary art, video games, music and publishing. In addition, the ACI promotes products on international markets and forms a positive image of the capital as an international center of creative industries.
Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.
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Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –
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INInstitute of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Sciences FKN HSE University has proposed a new approach based on modern machine learning methods to determine a person’s genetic origin. Graph neural networks make it possible to distinguish even very close populations with high accuracy.
Genetic analysis is a service that has become popular in the last 10-15 years not only as a medical diagnostic tool, but also as an opportunity to learn more about one’s origins. DNA analysis allows one to assess ethnic composition, determine where ancestors lived and moved, and find the number of Neanderthal mutations in the genome.
This has become possible thanks to the development of modern technologies – genotyping, data storage and processing systems, machine learning – and a significant reduction in their cost. But at the same time, existing testing methods do not allow us to separate genetically close, related populations that have lived in adjacent territories for a long time.
Researchers at the HSE Institute of AI and Digital Sciences have developed a method that allows one to distinguish the origins of people from closely related populations. The technology is based on graph neural networks. The algorithm relies not on the DNA sequence itself, but on graphs that indicate genetic connections between people with common sections of the genome. Such sections reflect the degree of kinship between people and indicate how many generations ago they had common ancestors. The more matches, the closer the people are in origin. The vertices in the model correspond to a person, and the edges reflect the degree of kinship.
The method was tested on data from different regions. The results for the population of the East European Plain, for which a large database has already been collected, were especially interesting. The graph neural network was able to accurately determine the population affiliation of representatives of genetically very close peoples.
“Existing methods of genetic analysis solve a different problem: they determine belonging to large isolated populations, for example, they determine who had French, who had Germans, who had English in their ancestry. Our method allows us to work with closely related populations, which is especially relevant for Russia, a historically multinational country,” says Alexey Shmelev, one of the authors of the work, a research intern.International Laboratory of Statistical and Computational GenomicsInstitute of AI and Digital Sciences, Faculty of Computer Science, National Research University Higher School of Economics.
In the future, the researchers plan to teach the neural network to predict the percentage of different populations in the genome.
The researchers registered theirdevelopmentcalled AncestryGNN — “Neural Network Prediction of Population Belonging from Common Genome Segments.”
As Vladimir Shchur, head of the International Laboratory of Statistical and Computational Genomics at the Institute of AI and Digital Sciences of the Faculty of Computer Science at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, noted, the proposed method opens up new prospects for more accurately determining the population history of people and can be used in genealogical research and anthropology.
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.
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Source: World Health Organisation
Building pandemic response capacities through seasonal vaccination
Strong national influenza vaccination programmes are the foundation for the vaccination component of the pandemic response. With support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework’s Partnership Contribution (PC), Turkmenistan is enhancing its national seasonal influenza vaccination programme and through this, is strengthening its preparedness for future pandemics. This collaboration is part of a broader effort to build resilient health systems capable of responding to influenza epidemics and pandemics.
Over the past eight years, the Ministry of Health has expanded access to influenza vaccines for WHO-recommended priority groups, including health workers, older adults, people with chronic conditions, and pregnant women. The annual influenza vaccination programme not only protects vulnerable populations but also serves as a foundation for pandemic response.
Reviewing the influenza vaccination programme
In May 2025, Turkmenistan became the first country in the WHO European Region to use the Facilitated Assessment of Influenza Vaccination Programme Review (FAIR) tool. During the review and an interactive workshop, WHO technical experts collaborated with the Ministry of Health to evaluate best practices and identify priority actions to strengthen the national vaccination programme.
Using the FAIR tool, WHO experts conducted informational interviews with national stakeholders responsible for policy development, evidence generation, cold chain and supply management, risk communication, community engagement, integrated service delivery, and data management. In addition, WHO experts and national counterparts visited Turkmenistan’s main vaccine storage facilities and a local polyclinic administering influenza vaccines.
From assessment to action
During the workshop, WHO experts presented FAIR findings and facilitated group discussions with national focal points. Together, they developed a list of priority actions, including:
The workshop also emphasized the role of seasonal influenza vaccination as a platform for broader pandemic preparedness. In this context, WHO and national focal points conducted a simulation exercise focused on planning and deploying pandemic vaccines, drawing on lessons from the COVID-19 response. Participants from emergency vaccination, logistics, regulatory affairs, and communications identified areas for improvement in the national deployment and vaccination plan (NDVP).
Commitment to resilience
Turkmenistan is committed to advancing its national influenza preparedness and strengthening its health system’s resilience. By addressing both seasonal and pandemic influenza, the country is taking important steps to protect its population and enhance its capacity to respond to emergencies.
Source: World Health Organisation
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Senegal as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Senegal becomes the ninth country in WHO’s African Region to have achieved this feat.
“I commend Senegal for freeing its population from this disease”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This milestone is yet another sign of the remarkable progress being made against neglected tropical diseases globally, and offers hope to other countries still working to eliminate trachoma.”
Trachoma has been known in Senegal since the early 1900s and was confirmed as a major cause of blindness through surveys in the 1980s and 1990s. Senegal joined the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma in 1998, conducted its first national survey in 2000, and completed full disease mapping by 2017 with support from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and Tropical Data. Trachoma control was consistently integrated into national eye health programmed, first under the National Program for Blindness Prevention (PNLC) and later through the National Program for the Promotion of Eye Health (PNPSO) – maintaining its commitment to trachoma elimination.
“Today we celebrate our victory against trachoma, 21 years after the one against dracunculiasis” said Dr Ibrahima Sy, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action. “This new milestone reminds us that our overarching goal remains a Senegal free from neglected tropical diseases. We are fully committed to this, and we are making good progress, notably against human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and onchocerciasis”.
Senegal implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma with the support of partners, reaching 2.8 million people who needed them across 24 districts. These activities included provision of surgery to treat the late blinding stage of the disease, conducting antibiotic mass drug administration of azithromycin donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative, carrying out public awareness campaigns to promote facial cleanliness, and improvement in access to water supply and sanitation.
Trachoma is the second neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in Senegal. In 2004, the country was certified free of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) transmission. Globally, Senegal joins 24 other countries that have been validated by WHO for having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. These are Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ghana, India, Iraq, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam. These countries are part of a wider of group of 57 countries that have eliminated one or more neglected tropical diseases.
WHO is supporting Senegal’s health authorities to closely monitor communities in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence of the disease.
“Trachoma has cast a shadow over communities in Senegal for more than a century. This long-awaited validation is not only a milestone for public health but a powerful tribute to the tireless dedication of frontline health workers, communities, government leaders, and partners who never gave up,” said Dr Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal. “Today, we close a chapter that began over a hundred years ago, united with pride, gratitude and resolve. WHO remains committed to supporting Senegal as the country continues to lead in sustaining this hard-earned achievement.”
Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries, with an estimated 103 million people living in areas requiring interventions against the disease. Trachoma is found mainly in the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East. WHO’s African Region is disproportionately affected by trachoma, with 93 million people living in at-risk areas in April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden.
Significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma over the past few years and the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma in the African Region fell by 96 million from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction.
There are currently 20 countries (Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) in WHO’s African Region that are known to require intervention for trachoma elimination. A further 3 countries in the Region (Botswana, Guinea-Bissau and Namibia) claim to have achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.
Editor’s note
Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which spreads from person to person through contaminated surfaces , fomites and flies that have come into contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.
Environmental risk factors for trachoma transmission include poor hygiene, overcrowded households, and inadequate access to water and sanitation.
To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy: a comprehensive approach to reduce transmission of the causative organism, clear existing infections and deal with their effects. The SAFE strategy consists of surgery to treat the blinding complication (trachomatous trichiasis); antibiotics to clear the infection, particularly mass drug administration of the antibiotic azithromycin (which has been donated by the manufacturer, Pfizer, to elimination programmes through the International Trachoma Initiative); facial cleanliness; and environmental improvement, particularly improving access to water and sanitation.
The road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 targets the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030. Progress against trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases alleviates the human and economic burden that they impose on the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Source: World Health Organisation
A new digital adaptation kit for self-monitoring blood pressure during pregnancy was released today by WHO and the United Nations’ Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP) to enable countries to better help pregnant women manage hypertensive disorders. These disorders, if not properly treated, can lead to serious health consequences for women and their babies. The release of the kit has been timed to coincide with Self-Care Month, which runs from 24 June to 24 July.
Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy such as pre-eclampsia account for an estimated 16% of all maternal deaths worldwide. Potential complications include eclampsia, stroke, kidney failure, and placental abruption, as well as preterm birth and even stillbirth. Prevention, early detection and timely treatment of hypertensive disorders are key to improving the immediate and long-term health of mothers and their babies.
Self-monitoring blood pressure is an important self-care option to help those affected reduce risks. It can be done at home – either to complement the antenatal care being received via a health facility or in instances where travel is not feasible, alongside community-based care.
Written WHO guidance on self-monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy already exists in the WHO Guideline for self-care interventions for health and well-being, and the Digital adaptation kit translates that guidance into a digital format that can then be used within the health sector. The kit is the first for self-care during pregnancy.
I am delighted to announce the release of this digital adaptation kit, the first in a person-centred self-care series.
Pascale Allotey / Director of HRP and SRHR at WHO
The kit provides a common language and understanding of the health information content and standards required to enable self-monitoring of blood pressure, alongside the necessary digital information to develop personal health tracking systems that enable any needed follow-up care.
“I am delighted to announce the release of this digital adaptation kit, the first in a person-centred self-care series,” said Pascale Allotey, Director of HRP and the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (SRHR) at WHO.
“The kit will help Ministries of Health adopt the WHO recommendation on self-monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy, and in turn help more women stay healthy through the antenatal period and beyond, while promoting the quality assurance of emerging digital tools”.
The kit sits alongside the health and care worker-facing Digital adaptation kit for antenatal care.
WHO defines self-care as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health and to cope with illness with or without the support of a health or care worker. WHO recommends evidence-based self-care interventions for all to advance autonomy, health and well-being. Digital health platforms and tools can facilitate access to self-care interventions and support informed decision-making by individuals and health systems.
This digital adaptation kit is the first in a series that aims at giving people wider access to self-care interventions through digital systems, in line with WHO SMART (Standards-based, Machine-readable, Adaptive, Requirements-based, and Testable) Guidelines. Digital adaptation kits translate WHO guidance into an accessible digital format to assist countries integrate evidence-based clinical recommendations into health systems helping them, and in turn, individuals, benefit from evidence-based clinical and data practices.
Funding for the kit was received from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, The Gates Foundation and HRP.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Chinese President Xi Jinping has told Anthony Albanese China stands ready to work with Australia “to push the bilateral relationship further”, in their meeting in Beijing on Tuesday.
During the meeting, Albanese raised Australia’s concern about China’s lack of proper notice about its warships’ live fire exercise early this year.
The prime minister later told journalists Xi had responded that “China engaged in exercises, just as Australia engages in exercises”.
The government’s proposed sale of the lease of the Port of Darwin, now in the hands of a Chinese company, was not raised in the discussion.
On Taiwan, Albanese said he had “reaffirmed […] the position of Australia in support for the status quo”.
This was the fourth meeting between Xi and Albanese. The prime minister is on a six-day trip to China, accompanied by a business delegation. He is emphasising expanding trade opportunities with our biggest trading partner and attracting more Chinese tourists, whose numbers are not back to pre-pandemic levels.
Albanese has come under some domestic criticism because this trip comes before he has been able to secure a meeting with United States President Donald Trump.
In his opening remarks, while the media were present, Xi said the China-Australia relationship had risen “from the setback and turned around, bringing tangible benefits to the Chinese and Australian peoples”.
“The most important thing we can learn from this is that a commitment to equal treatment, to seeking common ground while sharing differences, pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation, serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples.
“No matter how the international landscape may evolve, we should uphold this overall direction unswervingly,” he said.
“The Chinese side is ready to work with the Australian side to push the bilateral relationship further and make greater progress so as to bring better benefits to our two peoples.”
Responding, Albanese noted Xi’s comments “about seeking common ground while sharing differences. That approach has indeed produced very positive benefits for both Australia and for China.
“The Australian government welcomes progress on cooperation under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which has its 10th anniversary year. As a direct result, trade is now flowing freely to the benefit of both countries and to people and businesses on both sides, and Australia will remain a strong supporter of free and fair trade.”
Albanese told the media after the meeting his government’s approach to the relationship was “patient, calibrated and deliberate”.
“Given that one out of four Australian jobs depends on trade and given that China is overwhelmingly by far the largest trading partner that Australia has, it is very much in the interest of Australian jobs, and the Australian economy, to have a positive and constructive relationship with China.
“Dialogue is how we advance our interests, how we manage our differences, and we guard against misunderstanding.
“President Xi Jinping and I agreed dialogue must be at the centre of our relationship. We also discussed our economic relationship, which is critical to Australia. We spoke about the potential for new engagement in areas such as decarbonisation”.
Xi did not bring up China’s complaints about Australia’s foreign investment regime.
Albanese said he raised the issue of Australian writer Yang Jun, who is incarcerated on allegations of espionage, which are denied.
Premier Li Qiang was hosting a banquet for Albanese on Tuesday night.
An editorial in the state-owned China Daily praised the Albanese visit, saying it showed “the Australian side has a clearer judgement and understanding of China than it had under previous Scott Morrison government”.
“The current momentum in the development of bilateral relations between China and Australia shows that if differences are well managed, the steady development of ties can be guaranteed , even at a time when the political landscape of the world is becoming increasingly uncertain and volatile,” the editorial said.
Australian journalists had a brush with Chinese security, when they were taking shots of local sights in Beijing. Security guards surrounded them and told them to hand over their footage. The incident was resolved by Australian officials.
Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. President Xi Jinping tells Albanese China ready to ‘push the bilateral relationship further’ – https://theconversation.com/president-xi-jinping-tells-albanese-china-ready-to-push-the-bilateral-relationship-further-261094
Source: Bank of Botswana
The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 23 July 2025. The summarised results of the auction held on 15 July 2025, are attached below:
BOBC Auction Results – 15 July 2025.pdf
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and AIIMS Bibinagar on Monday jointly unveiled India’s first indigenously designed and developed cost-effective advanced carbon fibre foot prosthesis.
The prosthetic device, named AIIMS Bibinagar – DRDL, DRDO Indigenously Developed Optimised Carbon Foot Prosthesis (ADIDOC), was officially launched at a ceremony held at AIIMS Bibinagar. The unveiling was led by Dr. GA Srinivasa Murthy, Scientist and Director of DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), along with Dr. Ahanthem Santa Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bibinagar.
Developed under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, ADIDOC represents a major technological and humanitarian breakthrough. The prosthesis has been biomechanically tested to endure loads of up to 125 kg, with a strong factor of safety. It comes in three variants tailored for patients of different body weights, making it versatile and inclusive.
What makes ADIDOC particularly significant is its cost-efficiency. While similar international carbon fibre foot prosthetics currently cost around ₹2 lakh, the production cost of ADIDOC is projected to be under ₹20,000. This dramatic reduction in cost is expected to revolutionize access to high-performance prosthetics for low-income amputees across India.
“The development of ADIDOC is not just a technological achievement but also a meaningful step toward greater social inclusion for people with disabilities,” said Dr. Srinivasa Murthy at the launch. “It will reduce India’s dependency on expensive imported prosthetics and make high-quality mobility solutions more accessible.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The British High Commission Nairobi is inviting bids for the provision of water testing services.
On behalf of the Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the British High Commission (BHC) in Nairobi is seeking the services of a supplier that has the relevant professional skills, experience, technical resources and financial capability to provide water testing services at the British High Commission Nairobi.
Full details on the requirements, including instructions for interested bidders and registration are available via the FCDO’s e-Procurement portal, which requires registration. Registering is quick, easy, free and is the only way to review the tender documents.
Competent and financially stable suppliers are invited to access the invitation to tender documents by following these steps:
Contact the Regional Procurement Manager; Thabang.Mokoena@fcdo.gov.uk for any queries. Kindly note that the responses are required to be in English.
Please note that the invitation to tender documents should be completed and uploaded on the BRAVOSolution e-Procurement Portal by 15:00 EAT on 08 August 2025.
The BHC reserves the right not to select any service provider and will only reply to the best-suited organisation.
The BHC will not meet any expenses incurred in preparing your invitation to tender documents.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Russian Science Foundation has summed up the results of three competitions for 2025, including one for the extension of ongoing projects.
Following the results of the Russian Science Foundation’s competition for grant support for fundamental and exploratory scientific research in 2025–2028, 211 projects were supported. They are being carried out by research groups led by young candidates and doctors of science under the age of 35. Including three developments of the Polytechnic University, support was provided.
According to the results of the examination, the following Polytechnic projects will receive from 3 to 6 million rubles annually:
“Synaptic dysfunction in hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer’s disease and methods of their correction: the influence of the endoplasmic reticulum structure and ryanodine receptors” under the supervision of Ekaterina Pchitskaya, Institute of Coronary Heart Diseases and Bone Health; “Molecular mechanisms of the influence of recombinant interferon-lambda on the course and outcome of secondary bacterial pneumonia developing against the background of influenza infection” under the supervision of Alexey Lozhkov, Institute of Coronary Heart Diseases and Bone Health; “Modeling and optimization of thermochemical technology for hydrogen production based on the sulfur-iodine cycle” under the supervision of Ekaterina Sokolova, Institute of Economics.
Following the results of the RSF competition for conducting initiative fundamental and exploratory scientific research by young scientists and candidates of science under the age of 33 in 2025–2027, 327 projects were supported. Including five SPbPU projects:
“Innovative Alkaline Electrolytes Based on Nanofluids for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Production by Water Electrolysis”, Supervised by Sadeghi Khashayar, Institute of Economics; “Development of a Lingvodidactic Model of Sustainable Learning Using Artificial Intelligence”, Supervised by Ekaterina Shostak, Institute of Economics; “Development of Scientific and Technological Foundations for the Formation of Biomedical Materials with a Given Gradient of Properties by Selective Laser Melting for Personalized Implantology”, Supervised by Igor Polozov, Institute of Mathematics and Electronics; “Development of a System for Predicting the Failure of the Strength of Load-Bearing Metal Structures at Sub-zero Temperatures Using Digital Twin Technology”, Supervised by Ivan Vasiliev, Institute of Mathematics and Electronics; “Multimode Fiber Bragg Gratings with Optimal Spectral Response”, Supervised by Alexander Markvart, Institute of Economics and Electronics.
The grant amount will be up to 1.5 million rubles annually.
Based on the results of the competition for the extension of the deadlines for projects implemented under the supervision of young scientists in 2025–2027, the SPbPU project “Study of the antiviral activity of small interfering RNAs against rotavirus infection when administered orally in complexes with hybrid microcarriers” was supported, led by Alexandra Brodskaya, IBSiB.
The annual grant amount will be from 3 to 6 million rubles.
“I congratulate our young scientists who generate ideas and demonstrate scientific achievements. Eight applications is a good result, higher than last year. To make it even better, we will set more global tasks. We, for our part, intend to help this within the framework of the Grant Readings seminar series,” said Yuri Fomin, Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU.
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.
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