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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Academic Freedom Monitor 2024: Overview of de jure academic freedom protection – 07-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    Academic freedom is widely recognised as a fundamental value of contemporary higher education and research, and is often presented as a prerequisite for well-functioning democratic societies. However, in recent years, major concerns have been expressed by various stakeholders about the state of academic freedom in the European Union. The European Parliament launched an annual EP Academic Freedom Monitor in 2022, to help improve the promotion and protection of academic freedom in the European Union. This report presents one of the two studies conducted in the 2024 edition. This study firstly provides an overview of the constitutional legal provisions of academic freedom across all EU Member States. Secondly, it provides an in-depth analysis of the legal protection of academic freedom in four EU Member Stats. Thirdly, it explores the Union’s scope of action on academic freedom protection at EU level. On the basis of both studies, this report proposes EU-level policy options for possible legislative and non-legislative initiatives to support academic freedom in the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hundreds of quangos to be examined for potential closure as Government takes back control

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Hundreds of quangos to be examined for potential closure as Government takes back control

    Every quango across government will be reviewed, with a view to close, merge or bring functions back into departments if its continued existence cannot be justified

    • The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has written to departments to justify every quango otherwise they’ll be closed, merged, or have powers brought back into the department.
    • Changes will drive efficiency and reduce bureaucracy as part of Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, delivering security and renewal for working people.
    • New era of global instability means Government must go further and faster in reform.
    • Government will consider what legislation may be required to deliver these reforms.

    Every quango across government will be reviewed, with a view to close, merge or bring functions back into departments if its continued existence cannot be justified.

    The review, commissioned by the Cabinet Office at the request of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, is the latest move to re-wire Whitehall and produce a more productive and agile state. It is part of our Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and national renewal.

    This follows news last month that NHS England will be brought back into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to put an end to the duplication resulting from two organisations doing the same job in a system currently holding staff back from delivering for patients. 

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden MP said:

    We are taking action to ensure decisions of national importance that affect everyone in this country are made by those who have been elected to do so. 

    Only by fundamentally re-wiring the state, can we deliver our Plan for Change to secure Britain’s future and serve working people; kick-starting economic growth, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders.

    The review will aim to drive out waste and inefficiency across Whitehall, reducing duplication and bureaucracy – saving the taxpayer money and cutting the cost of ‘doing government’. 

    It is expected that quangos with large policy functions could be brought back into departments, bringing ministerial, elected, scrutiny back to major decisions that affect the public. This would also retain the expertise and experience of staff working in these areas. 

    All departments must demonstrate the necessity of each one, operating under the presumption that these bodies will be affected unless there is compelling justification for their separate existence. 

    Where independence from Ministerial decision making is essential, such as quangos which scrutinise government or protect the rule of law, then these will remain unaffected. 

    The Cabinet Secretary and departmental Secretaries of State and Permanent Secretaries will be held directly accountable for the Arms Length Body (ALBs) that continue to exist following the review. 

    The review will consider four key principles:

    • Ministerial policy oversight – if a policy is of national importance then Ministers should have appropriate oversight and control of its development. Major decisions that affect the country and the public should be taken by those elected by the country to do so.
    • Duplication and Efficiency – government should drive out duplication and inefficiency wherever possible, this includes if there is duplication of policy or delivery work between ALBs and Ministerial departments.
    • Stakeholder Management – the fact that government needs to engage stakeholders should not be a reason for an ALB to exist, government itself should be working hard to engage with a variety of partners at every stage.
    • Independent Advice – where there is a clear justification for independent advice, then this should be conducted at arms length.

    Many ALBs are set up in legislation, and previous work to deliver these changes has been hampered by the difficulty in updating and changing individual pieces of ALB legislation. As part of this work, the Government will consider what legislation may be required to ensure the reviews announced today can be implemented and delivered upon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will allocate over 11.4 billion rubles to the regions for the modernization of emergency departments of medical institutions

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    More than 20 regions will receive funds in 2025 to upgrade emergency departments of medical institutions. The order to distribute over 11.4 billion rubles for these purposes was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    Federal funding will be directed to 21 regions that have expressed such a need. Among them are the Altai Republic, Dagestan, the Donetsk People’s Republic, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Crimea, Stavropol Krai, as well as Belgorod, Kursk, Orenburg, Rostov, Smolensk, Tambov and Tula regions.

    The allocated funds will be used to install modular structures in the emergency departments of some hospitals to provide emergency medical care to patients whose lives are in danger. In addition, funds from the federal budget are planned to be used to equip and re-equip emergency departments of medical institutions with various medical equipment.

    The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal project “Improving emergency medical care”, which is part of the national project “Long and active life”.

    The document will be published.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnics’ reports recognized as the best at the conference of young scientists

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The XXVII Conference of Young Scientists “Navigation and Traffic Control” with international participation was held in Saint Petersburg. At the conference, Polytechnic University was successfully represented by 4th-year students Nikolay Kiz and Georgy Makarov from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU, studying in the field of “Mechatronics and Robotics”.

    The conference was held at the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation JSC Concern TsNII Elektropribor and brought together students and postgraduates from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, China, Vietnam and Syria. The program featured more than 120 reports, divided into nine sections.

    Students of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics Nikolay Kiz and Georgy Makarov spoke in the sections “Integrated inertial and satellite systems” and “Artificial intelligence technologies in navigation and traffic control problems”. Nikolay presented a report on the topic “Research and development of a calibration algorithm for a four-diode sensor for the orientation of a small spacecraft”, and Georgy – “Detection of road obstacles on a digital terrain model”. Following the conference, their work was recognized as the best in the sections.

    For Georgy and me, this conference was the first such experience, so the result surprised us both. It is very nice that the experts appreciated our reports. This experience will certainly help in the upcoming defense of the diploma work, so the presentation at the conference can be considered excellent training, – Nikolay noted.

    The conference of young scientists marked the beginning of my scientific career. Nikolay and I really liked the level of organization on the part of the Central Research Institute “Elektropribor”, the involvement of the participants. All the reports were informative and interesting. Winning in the nomination will serve as a good incentive to conduct further research in satellite systems and artificial intelligence, – said Georgy.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On April 7, Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On April 7, in Moscow, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin will hold talks with Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Turchin.

    The heads of government will discuss current issues of Russian-Belarusian trade and economic cooperation, as well as integration interaction in the Union State.

    Particular attention will be paid to the implementation of joint projects in the fields of industry, energy, including peaceful nuclear energy, transport infrastructure and the digital economy.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Put Your Change to Work: Coin Week Begins

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The event will run from April 7 to 19 throughout the country.

    You can exchange your accumulated change for paper money at banks and chain stores. In addition, bank branches offer the option of crediting the amount to your account.

    This year, the number of participants has increased fivefold. Now, more than 34 thousand retail outlets and about 4 thousand bank branches are ready to accept small change from citizens without commission. Detailed information about the conditions and addresses of participants is on the website coinweek.rf.

    In 2024, the campaign was held twice. As a result, people returned 75 million coins worth 320 million rubles into circulation. The weight of the collected change was 336 tons, which is more than five railway cars.

    Preview photo: Bioraven / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23516

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Climate Choices Business Award winners announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Businesses from across the Canberra region have been recognised for their sustainability achievements.

    Today, businesses from across the Canberra region were recognised for their sustainability achievements at the annual Climate Choices Business Awards.

    The awards recognise some of Canberra’s most innovative businesses as the city works towards net-zero emissions.

    The awards received high-quality nominations from a diverse range of organisations.

    This demonstrates a strong commitment to climate action and emissions reduction from the Canberra business community.

    Sustainable choices can sometimes come with an upfront cost, such as those associated with appliance upgrades or installation of EV chargers. The success of businesses such as the award recipients shows that such investments will pay off – for businesses and the community.

    Many of the award-winning businesses benefitted from financial assistance and expert advice from the ACT Government’s Sustainable Business Program.

    Through the program, businesses can receive support to improve sustainability and demonstrate climate leadership in their operations.

    2024 Climate Choices Business Award winners

    Category Business/event
    Zero Emissions Early Movers Goodwin Aged Care Services
    Energy Star Canberra Services Club
    Waste Minimisation Les Bistronomes
    Sustainable Event National Folk Festival
    Sustainable Small Business of the Year Embassy of Belgium
    Corporate Climate Leader Waves Carwash
    Innovation Excellence GREN
    Minister’s Award for Leadership Steven Blakemore
    The Canberra Tradesmen’s Union Club (Dickson Tradies)

    Find out more about the Sustainable Business Program.

    For more information visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation launched to cut red tape for asset managers and boost growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Consultation launched to cut red tape for asset managers and boost growth

    Red tape will be cut for asset managers, as the Chancellor goes further and faster to drive growth through the Plan for Change.

    • Consultation launched to simplify regulation for Alternative Investment Fund Managers.

    • Changes are expected to save asset managers time and money, while enhancing the UK’s appeal as a premier destination for capital management.

    • Continues action to cut red tape and reduce the burden of regulation on businesses, to go further and faster to drive growth and put more money into people’s pockets through Plan for Change.

    Following the Prime Minister’s commitment to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter last month, the Treasury will consult on changes to rules governing Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFMs). 

    It will be focused on removing unnecessary barriers to investment by making rules less onerous for AIFMs. This will save asset managers millions in time, money and resource – while freeing them to help the UK’s most exciting businesses scale up, grow and create jobs. 

    Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, said: 

    We want to bring security to working people by going further and faster to drive growth through our Plan for Change. 

    That means making Britain the number one place to do business and tearing down unnecessary barriers to investment, such as costly regulation that prevents asset management firms from growing and provide capital for businesses across the country to grow. 

    Simon Walls, Interim Executive Director of Markets at the FCA, said:

    We want rules, better tailored to UK investment managers. These could allow them to operate more efficiently, further supporting competition, competitiveness and economic growth.  

    It’s part of our wider work to streamline the regulatory regime for asset managers, to support the continued competitiveness of our world-leading financial services as outlined in our new strategy. 

    Michael Moore, Chief Executive of the British Venture Capital Association, said: 

    We welcome the government’s consultation on developing a simpler and more competitive system for alternative investment fund managers (AIFMs). More effective, less burdensome regulation will make the UK private capital industry more globally competitive and help it to boost investment from the UK and international investors into growing British businesses.   

    This consultation is an important step in securing the UK’s status as one of the world’s leading private capital hubs. We look forward to engaging on the principles and the detail of the changes, but this provides the opportunity to create a real boost for the Government’s growth mission by developing the UK’s private capital fund ecosystem and increasing inward investment in UK SMEs. 

    Together with the FCA we plan to refresh outdated regulatory thresholds. The consultation will take place over the next 9 weeks, providing hedge funds, private equity firms, and investment trusts the opportunity to contribute to the development of a more streamlined regulatory environment.  

    Currently, firms face a suite of new regulatory burdens once they hold 100 million euros in assets, which can discourage some firms from growing and financing more investment across the country.

    This inadvertent cliff edge means that smaller asset management firms immediately have to sign up to the same rules as the biggest firms once they reach this threshold, bringing about large costs.  

    The consultation aims to create a more graduated regime, where only the largest firms – with the value of over £5 billion are subject to the full scope of requirements, with the majority of firms subject to much less prescriptive rules, helping to reduce admin costs for those businesses. 

    Once the consultation has concluded, feedback from the asset management sector will be used to design draft legislation which will then be shared with asset management businesses next year. 

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: More than £13 billion generated by public procurement

    Source: Scottish Government

    Procurement contributing to economic growth.

    Scotland’s known public sector procurement spend in 2022-23 delivered an estimated 120,000 full-time equivalent jobs and £7.5 billion to Scottish GDP.

    The sixth annual report on procurement activity in Scotland shows that known procurement spend generated an estimated £13.7 billion in economic activity.

    Small or medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland benefited from more recorded procurement spend compared to the previous year. 61 pence in every pound spent in Scotland was with SMEs, up from 55 pence in every pound the year before.

    Public Finance Minister, Ivan McKee said:

    “Public procurement contributes billions to Scotland’s economy and supports thousands of jobs.

    “The increase in contracts awarded to SMEs is particularly welcome. SMEs are critical to the economic lifeblood of Scotland and can often bring an agility and flexibility that allows them to introduce innovative solutions faster than larger organisations. 

    “Public procurement has a pivotal role to play in delivering a sustainable future for Scotland and with a spend that is now in excess of £16 billion a year, we have an opportunity to make a real difference through using this in even more productive and innovative ways.”

    Background

    Under the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, public bodies must consider and act on opportunities to achieve economic, social and environmental benefits through spending on goods and services.

    Public bodies include local authorities, universities, NHS health boards and housing associations.

    The report also shows:

    • Known Scottish public sector procurement spend totalled £16.6 billion in 2022-23, of which £8.9 billion was spent in Scotland alone.
    • Suppliers based in the 60% most deprived areas received approximately £500 million more known procurement spend on the previous year, totaling £4.8 billion.
    • Third sector organisations received an estimated £1.2 billion (or 13.3%) of known public procurement spend in Scotland during the reporting year.
    • 107 public bodies reported examples of the ways in which environmental wellbeing and climate change were addressed through procurement.
    • Some 18,079 suppliers were awarded contracts through the Public Contracts Scotland platform. Of these suppliers, 77% were SMEs.

    Annual report on procurement activity in Scotland: An overview of procurement activity 2022 to 2023 – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10 million pledged

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    UK assistance reaches 15,000 people after Myanmar earthquake, with further £10 million pledged

    The UK is now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance in Myanmar.

    Minister for the Indo-Pacific Catherine West visiting the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) offices in London.

    • the UK has bolstered its support to Myanmar earthquake, allocating a further £10 million to the ongoing humanitarian response 
    • this brings the UK total to up to £25 million of support, including up to £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal and £10 million announced on 29 March
    • UK-funded supplies are already reaching areas devastated by the quake, helping over 15,000 people so far

    Lifesaving support for those directly affected by the severe earthquake in Myanmar will now go even further, with the UK now providing up to £25 million for vital humanitarian assistance. 

    The increase is the result of an additional £10 million of UK funding directed towards the humanitarian response. 

    It comes as UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, this afternoon (4 April) visited the offices of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) in London, to hear about the realities of delivering aid to the most vulnerable across Myanmar. 

    The UK has already pledged to aid match every pound donated by the British public to the DEC appeal, up to £5 million. 

    UK funds, delivered through partners on the ground, are already helping to provide immediate support to the most vulnerable areas and people, including first aid, emergency and trauma care and primary healthcare, food, water, shelter and hygiene kits.

    The additional £10 million directed to the response will provide a further boost to these efforts, saving lives and supporting livelihoods across Myanmar. No UK support goes to the Myanmar regime.

    Catherine West, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, said:

    Even before this earthquake struck, Myanmar was already facing one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises after four years of conflict.

    It is right that we step up to help. The rapid UK response means lifesaving supplies are already reaching those worst-affected by the quake – and new funding will enable partners on the ground to reach even more people in need.

    We thank the British public who continue to generously support the Myanmar people through the DEC appeal.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) works with a network of specialist partner organisations to deliver targeted support on the ground. This means UK support is able to reach those most in need, despite the challenges of operating in Myanmar.

    The UK government has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, with total UK support since the 2021 military coup standing at over £170 million. Our modern approach to aid not only supports some of the world’s most vulnerable people but also helps address global challenges from health to migration, ultimately contributing to the UK’s security and prosperity.

    In addition to humanitarian assistance, the FCDO continues to provide consular assistance to British nationals in both Myanmar and Thailand, which was also affected by last week’s earthquake.

    Background

    Funding the UK has committed to the Myanmar earthquake response includes:

    • an initial package of up to £10m to support the emergency response
    • £5 million to match donations to the Disasters Emergency Committee public appeal for Myanmar, launched Thursday 3 April
    • a further £10 million funding directed for humanitarian assistance, announced today 

    UK humanitarian support for Myanmar’s citizens will not support Myanmar’s military regime.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Everything about admission to GUU: answers to the most important questions

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The 2025 admissions campaign will begin in June. Information for applicants is available on the official website of the GUU Admissions Committee and in the Telegram channel “Applicant’s Assistant”.

    However, we decided to get answers to the most frequently asked questions directly from the head of the department for organizing admissions of applicants at our university, Vadim Dikikh.

    What applicants need to do now

    At the moment, applicants do not have much time left before the start of the admissions campaign, so it is important to start preparing a portfolio for admission now.

    Applicants to bachelor’s degree programs can pass the GTO, participate in tournaments held by universities and various organizations, and receive volunteer hours.

    Applicants to Master’s programs can take part in SUM tournaments and also publish articles in the Russian Science Citation Index and Higher Attestation Commission.

    Applicants to postgraduate programs can participate in all-Russian and/or international student Olympiads and competitions, publish articles in journals included in the core of the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI), in the list of the Higher Attestation Commission (HAC) categories K1, K2, K3, monographs indexed in the RSCI database, and also undergo professional retraining.

    In addition to the above, it is necessary to choose the direction and university in which the potential will be best revealed.

    What areas are recruited at the State University of Management?

    In 2025, recruitment is underway in 16 bachelor’s degree programs, 13 master’s degree programs, and 14 postgraduate research specialties.

    How many budget and contract places are provided in 2025

    I would like to note that this year the innovations affected places for training under a contract: now their specific number is set at the beginning of the campaign and does not change anymore, so the competition here may become stricter and you should not postpone the conclusion of the contract until the last days of the campaign.

    In 2025, the State University of Management has allocated 188 budget places and 2029 contract places for undergraduate studies, and 37 and 1206 places for graduate studies, respectively.

    In 2025, 15 budget places and 98 contract places are provided for in scientific specialties of postgraduate studies at the State University of Management.

    Who can apply using the Unified State Exam, and who will have to take entrance examinations

    For applicants to bachelor’s degree programs who graduated from Russian schools and do not have benefits, admission will be based solely on the results of the Unified State Exam; no additional entrance examinations need to be taken.

    For graduates with secondary vocational education (colleges, technical schools, etc.), there is the possibility of admission based on the results of the Unified State Exam and/or based on the results of entrance examinations in a specialized field, conducted by the State University of Management independently.

    Other categories that have the right to take general education entrance examinations (in subjects and assignments of the Unified State Exam), conducted by the State University of Management independently:

    disabled persons; applicants entitled to a separate quota (participants, children of participants of the Secondary Military School); foreign citizens who have not passed the Unified State Exam; graduates of schools located in the territory of foreign states and who do not have the Unified State Exam results.

    Applicants to master’s and postgraduate programs, regardless of category, take entrance examinations.

    What entrance examinations will you have to take and in what form?

    In 2025, entrance examinations at the State University of Management will be held online using neural networks and a proctoring system.

    The full list of entrance examinations required for applicants to bachelor’s degree programs is set out in Appendix No. 1 to the Admission Rules and is available at the link. For convenience, we have prepared visual cards with the names of subjects and the minimum acceptable scores.

    To enroll in a Master’s program, you must pass 1 entrance exam for each area of study, for example, to enroll in the Management area, you must pass the comprehensive entrance exam “Management”. Entrance exams for the corresponding areas of study are taken in a similar manner.

    The minimum score for admission in all areas of study is 40.

    Applicants to postgraduate studies must pass 3 entrance examinations

    Entrance examinations

    Number of points

    Philosophy

    30

    Foreign language

    35

    Special discipline

    45

    A special discipline is a comprehensive entrance examination in the chosen specialty. For example, for applicants to the specialty “Regional and Sectoral Economics”, the entrance examination is “Special Discipline (Regional and Sectoral Economics)”

    What individual achievements are taken into account and for what period

    Infographics with ranking of achievements have been prepared for applicants to the bachelor’s degree. In addition, applicants to targeted training can receive 5 points for participating in career guidance events of customers of targeted training.

    It is important to note that the All-Russian and list Olympiads of the Ministry of Education and Science are taken into account exclusively for the 11th grade, and all other things being equal, the average grade point average will play an important role.

    You can also find out what individual achievements are taken into account on the website of the Admissions Committee of the State University of Management.

    What individual achievements provide the greatest advantages when applying

    The most obvious individual achievement that gives the highest score at all levels of education is an educational document with honors.

    In addition, scientific activity and participation in tournaments and olympiads provide a great advantage in both undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate studies.

    “Today is exactly the time when applicants can get additional points and increase their chances of admission.”

    What documents must be provided to confirm achievements

    The document confirming an individual achievement may vary, depending on the type of achievement.

    Since 2025, most individual achievements will be verified and confirmed through the public services portal when submitting documents.

    For example, to receive additional points for graduating from an educational institution with honors, you must provide a scanned copy or receive confirmation on government services when submitting documents.

    For reliability, we recommend that you attach all documents that confirm individual achievements (diplomas, certificates, etc.).

    Minimum passing scores for budget/contract courses last year

    How to apply for targeted training: step-by-step instructions

    Start filling out an application for admission to a university on public services. Indicate that you are ready to consider targeted training. You will see a list of offers from customers of targeted training. The offer includes the university and the competitive group, the future employer, the conditions of study and work, and support measures. Select the ones you like — at this stage, you can indicate several offers. Finish filling out the application to the university. Make sure that you have selected the competitive groups specified in the application for targeted training. After sending the application, the customer of targeted training will receive your application automatically. If you are under 18, your legal representative must give consent to conclude an agreement on targeted training. He will receive a notification in his personal account. The submitted application will be available in your personal account. Edit it if you find an error. For example, you can check whether the competitive groups from the application for targeted training have been added to it. Pass the competitive selection and wait for enrollment in the university. An agreement on targeted training will be sent to your personal account, sign it in the Gosklyuch application. The terms of the contract can be changed by agreement with the customer. If the terms of the contract are not met, you will have to pay a fine – the details will be specified in the contract

    What documents are needed for admission?

    How to submit documents

    Documents can be submitted in any convenient way:

    in person; online through the unified portal of public services; online through the university’s personal account; via a postal operator.

    Is it possible to submit documents online: pros and cons

    Submitting documents online has many advantages:

    Submission of documents without being tied to a specific location; step-by-step and convenient procedure for submitting documents; the ability to track the status of document processing; a convenient procedure for concluding an agreement on the provision of paid educational services.

    One of the disadvantages is the lack of live communication with university representatives.

    What to do if an applicant is in another city or country and cannot submit documents in person

    In 2025, applicants located in other cities and countries have an excellent opportunity to submit documents for admission to the State University of Management remotely in two ways:

    online through the unified portal of public services; online through the university’s personal account.

    It is important to know that if an applicant does not have a SNILS, application can only be submitted through the university’s personal account.

    The most common mistakes of applicants

    Critical

    changing a passport right before the day of the entrance exam; submitting documents through State Services without having a full account in your personal account; typos in certificates that no one checked when they were received at school.

    Simple but inconvenient

    travel time to the university (if you live in the Moscow region, the university will not be able to provide a dormitory right away, since applicants from distant regions will be given priority); loss of SNILS, passport or even a volunteer book; refusal to take the Unified State Exam in specialized mathematics.

    Frequent changes in statuses on the State Services portal, which can lead to a technical error in the service and universities simply will not see changes in priorities or documents that have changed more than 5-8 times in an hour.

    Advice for applicants for successful admission this year

    Do not miss the admissions campaign checklist dates and get into the desired university. Do not be afraid to participate in the budget competition, use any opportunity to get a higher education. While there is an opportunity, try to participate in Olympiads and competitions, and even if you have not yet tried to engage in volunteer activities, do not waste a minute, you can still manage to gain the necessary 100 hours to qualify for individual points in most universities in the country. Upload all the achievements that you have, and the admissions committee staff will check the entire set of documents and select those achievements that give additional points. Do not make emotional and ill-considered decisions that can only be changed during the next admissions campaign, and thereby lose an entire year of study.

    The most important thing is to make a conscious choice of higher education institution and the field of study. Try to understand the profession now, and if you have any questions, come to the Open Days, we will definitely help you make the right choice.

    Key dates of the admission campaign

    For applicants to bachelor’s degree programs

    June 20 – start of accepting documents; July 15 – end of accepting documents from applicants to the budget based on entrance examinations; July 25 – end of accepting documents from applicants to the budget based on the Unified State Exam results; July 27 – publication of competitive lists of applicants to the budget; August 1, 12:00 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants under quotas; August 3 – publication of the order on enrolling applicants to places within quotas; August 5 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the budget; August 7 – publication of the order on enrolling applicants to budget places; August 15 – end of accepting documents from applicants to a contract based on entrance examinations; August 23 – end of accepting documents from applicants to a contract based on the Unified State Exam results; August 24 – end of concluding contracts; August 25 – publication of an order on the enrollment of applicants to contractual places.

    For applicants to Master’s programs

    June 20 – start of accepting documents; August 20 – end of accepting documents from applicants to the budget; August 24 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the budget; August 29 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to budget places; September 10 – end of accepting documents from applicants to a contract; September 18 – end of concluding contracts; September 20 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to contract places.

    For applicants to postgraduate specialties

    June 20 – start of accepting documents; September 7 – end of accepting documents; September 23 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the target quota; September 24 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to the target quota; September 25 – end of submitting consent for enrollment from applicants to the budget; September 26 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to the budget; September 27 – end of concluding an agreement; September 28 – issuing an order on enrolling applicants to an agreement.

    How can I get advice and answers to questions from the admissions committee if the applicant cannot come to the university in person?

    We are always available not only in person, but also remotely on social networks VKontakte and Telegram, and during working hours we answer phone calls at 8 (495) 371-00-55.

    If the question includes the need to check a certificate or other copy of a document, it is better to contact via e-mail prkom@guu.ru

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/07/2025

    официальном сайте Приёмной комиссии ГУУ и в телеграм-канале «Помощник абитуриента»….” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/ГУУ-2024.1.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b2%d1%81%d1%91-%d0%be-%d0%bf%d0%be%d1%81%d1%82%d1%83%d0%bf%d0%bb%d0%b5%d0%bd%d0%b8%d0%b8-%d0%b2-%d0%b3%d1%83%d1%83-%d0%be%d1%82%d0%b2%d0%b5%d1%82%d1%8b-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d1%81%d0%b0%d0%bc%d1%8b%d0%b5/”>

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the deteriorating rule of law situation in Romania – B10-0173/2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    Friedrich Pürner, Milan Uhrík, Hans Neuhoff, Fernand Kartheiser, Petar Volgin, Claudiu‑Richard Târziu, Filip Turek, Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, Ľuboš Blaha

    B10‑0173/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the deteriorating rule of law situation in Romania

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Treaty on European Union,

    – having regard to the decision made by Romania’s Constitutional Court in December 2024,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the EU is founded on values that include the rule of law;

    B. whereas, in an unprecedented move, Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the results of the first round of the presidential election in December 2024; whereas Romania is experiencing a deep political crisis;

    C. whereas this shows how quickly undesirable election results can be annulled following baseless accusations;

    D. whereas on 26 February 2025, Călin Georgescu, winner of the first round and leading candidate in the May rerun, was arrested and investigated by the Romanian Prosecutor’s Office;

    1. Expresses concern about the deteriorating rule of law situation in Romania, an EU Member State;

    2. Considers that annulling the election results violates the rule of law and disrespects voters’ wishes;

    3. Considers the investigation of Mr Georgescu to be politically motivated, as there is no solid evidence underpinning the accusations against him;

    4. Calls on the Romanian authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure a fair and equal presidential election in May 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on political repression and fundamental rights in Bulgaria – B10-0198/2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    pursuant to Rule 149 of the Rules of Procedure

    Stanislav Stoyanov, Rada Laykova, René Aust, Stanisław Tyszka, Christine Anderson, Markus Buchheit, Petr Bystron, Alexander Sell, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, Tomasz Froelich, Marcin Sypniewski, Mary Khan, Milan Mazurek, Arno Bausemer, Anja Arndt, Petras Gražulis, Irmhild Boßdorf, Maximilian Krah, Roman Haider, Gerald Hauser, Ondřej Dostál, Alexander Jungbluth, Petra Steger, Luis‑Vicențiu Lazarus, Ivan David, Marc Jongen

    B10‑0198/2025

    Motion for a European Parliament resolution on political repression and fundamental rights in Bulgaria

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the Bulgarian Parliament rejected a petition for a referendum on postponing Bulgaria’s euro area accession, signed by over 604 000 citizens (10 % of the active population), exceeding the legal threshold;

    B. whereas the Bulgarian President refused to schedule the referendum and the Bulgarian Parliament refused to adopt a resolution calling for a referendum;

    C. whereas this led to widespread protests in Bulgaria, which were met with political repression, undermining democracy and public trust;

    1. Calls on the Bulgarian Parliament to comply with the law and initiate a referendum on postponing Bulgaria’s accession to the euro area until at least 2043;

    2. Condemns the request of the Prosecutor’s Office to arrest and lift the immunity of parliamentarians due to their participation in public protests; notes, with grave concern, that four protesters remain in permanent detention, effectively making them political prisoners in the EU;

    3. Expresses concern over disproportionate inspections by institutions, acting under the influence of the ruling majority, targeting individuals and private enterprises supporting the protests;

    4. Calls on the Bulgarian authorities to refrain from any politically motivated prosecutions aimed at silencing dissenting voices.   

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA launches campaign to tackle misconceptions on antibiotics

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKHSA launches campaign to tackle misconceptions on antibiotics

    The digital campaign will be headed by a new mascot, ‘Andi Biotic’, who is on a ‘one-pill’ mission to help young adults keep antibiotics working

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has launched a new digital campaign to help keep antibiotics working and tackle the threat of antibiotic resistance.

    Antibiotic resistance is a major public health threat. New attitudinal research by UKHSA highlights that almost half of the UK population (42%) are concerned about how the issue affects them. Yet, over half (54%) are either unsure there’s anything they can individually do to prevent antibiotics becoming less effective at treating infections (28%) or incorrectly believe there’s nothing they can personally do (26%).

    Aiming to bust these misconceptions among young adults aged 18-34, the digital campaign will be led by a new comedic mascot character, ‘Andi Biotic’. ‘Andi’ was developed by UKHSA to take the success of the Keep Antibiotics Working Campaign from 2018 to a new generation. This first stage is a pilot which will test the potential to capture people’s attention and imagination through digital channels.

    Over the course of the 6-week long campaign, ‘Andi Biotic’ will embark on a mission to answer people’s uncertainties about when and how to take antibiotics to help preserve their effectiveness today and for future generations. ‘Andi’ will come to the rescue in a variety of scenarios to make sure people are taking antibiotics in the right way, including:

    • not taking antibiotics for colds and flu, which they don’t work for, and this remains one of the biggest misconceptions about taking antibiotics
    • only taking antibiotics when you have been prescribed them and taking them as directed by a healthcare professional
    • not saving antibiotics for future use

    In this self-reported attitudinal survey, a higher proportion of young adults reported taking antibiotics in the previous 12 months compared to those in the general population (45% compared to 33%).

    The survey also shows that nearly half (41%) of those in these age groups obtain antibiotics incorrectly, compared to 23% in the general population. Incorrect methods include purchasing antibiotics in a shop that was not a pharmacy, obtaining them while abroad without a prescription from a healthcare professional, over the internet, or using medicines originally prescribed for someone else.

    The campaign will launch on UKHSA’s social media channels and at participating GP surgeries and pharmacies throughout April and May.

    Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, said:

    Antibiotic resistance is impacting people every day in this country and is one of the biggest threats to our future health.

    But we can all help tackle the problem. Everyone, especially young people, has the power to help change this by following simple steps to take antibiotics correctly and only when they have been prescribed by a healthcare professional.

    This isn’t just for our own health – it’s about helping protect everyone in our communities and future generations.

    One young adult patient who suffers from recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) has spoken about the impact on their life when the UTIs became resistant to antibiotics.They said:

    The UTI was deeply ingrained trapping me in an endless cycle of recurring infections, resisting one antibiotic after another. It destroyed me and my bladder. Any physical enjoyment in my life, such as dancing and intimacy, was drastically impacted. To keep the UTI under control, I have a strict daily regime, drinking gallons of water, and taking a supplement for days after intimacy. I’m a shell of the person I used to be. I didn’t even know what antibiotic resistance was before this. I live in hope for the day a solution that works can be found, so I can dance and live life freely again.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Ashley Dalton, said:

    Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health threat which demands action. By empowering the public with knowledge about when and how to take antibiotics, together we can help preserve their effectiveness.

    Through our National Action Plan, we are taking the necessary action now to ensure antibiotics keep working for us all in the future.

    Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, said:

    Antimicrobial resistance is one of the UK’s biggest health threats, with tens of thousands of people developing antibiotic resistance each year.

    This makes it harder to treat conditions that were once easily managed and could even send us back to a pre-antibiotic era where routine surgeries like C-sections, hip replacements, and cancer treatments would become risky.

    That’s why it’s crucial young people understand the proper use of antibiotics to help prevent drug-resistant ‘superbugs’ now and in the future.

    Antibiotic-resistant bacteria of any kind are less likely to respond to some treatments, which can cause serious complications, including bloodstream infections, sepsis and hospitalisation. People who get a bacterial infection that is resistant to one or more antibiotics are more likely to die from their infection compared to those who have an antibiotic sensitive infection.

    Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but misuse, including underuse, overuse, and inappropriate use, of antimicrobial medicines is one of the major drivers of drug-resistant infections.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents asked what they’d like to see at potential new watersports centre

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    A watersports centre would create a hub for sports like kiteboarding, kitesurfing, rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. It could include changing facilities, lockers, and showers. Anything built would need to blend in and help enhance the unique surrounding environment.

    This ambition was set out in the Seafront Masterplan in 2013 and 2021. The eastern part of the seafront has since become a hotspot for kiteboarding and kitesurfing over the past decade, leading to the city hosting the Formula Kite European Championships in 2023.

    The consultation seeks to discover what sports the public would like to see catered for at the site, along with what else the Council should try to incorporate. For example, would they like to see a café, a restaurant, creative studios, or even retail space for relevant businesses?

    The importance of the unique natural environment is explored, with opinions sought on improving the ecology in the area, and what green features should be incorporated into any new building.

    Residents will be asked about their attitudes towards historic features on the site. For example, it could enable access to the listed World War II pillbox currently hidden on the site and sensitively incorporate the World War II anti-tank defences. There is also an opportunity to provide ideas that would enhance the accessibility of the facility.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “It has been an ambition of the Council to provide a facility like this for many years, so it’s great news that we can start to move forward on this project.

    “We have a real opportunity to create something that enhances this very unique environment, so we need to make sure we get this right. This is why we are consulting early, so we can get a clear understanding of what sports should be provided for and what other facilities should be provided in any new centre. “

    The forthcoming demolition of Eastney Swimming Pool, closed permanently since 2020, frees up a site that could enable this potential new centre to be built. Brand-new swimming facilities will be available 800 metres away in Bransbury Park, when the new health and wellbeing hub opens in 2027.

    This is all part of Portsmouth City Council’s commitment to investment in sport. £20 million has been invested into sports facilities across the city since 2017, with a further £27 million committed in the coming years to help residents live happy and healthy lives.

    The survey can be accessed here: https://www.research.net/r/Eastneywatersports_g

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gut health links to frailty in old age explored The role gut health plays in contributing to frailty in our old age is the subject of a new study which has been awarded a share of £7.6 million.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Dr Candice QuinThe role gut health plays in contributing to frailty in our old age is the subject of a new study which has been awarded a share of £7.6 million.
    Researchers at the University of Aberdeen will try to pinpoint what change occurs in gut microbiota as we get older which may lead to us suffering more illnesses.
    Frailty can increase the risk of vulnerability to infections and inflammatory diseases including cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
    Older people with frailty are significantly more likely to die or experience disability, yet the factors which contribute to some people becoming frail while others do not are poorly understood.
    The microbiota – bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. – that live in our intestine play a critical role in regulating our immune systems and as we age, the composition of this microbiota changes.
    The Aberdeen researchers will attempt to zero-in on the specific changes which occur in later life.
    The research project is one of 62 across 41 UK universities receiving a share of £7.6 million through the Academy for Medical Science’s Springboard programme, in its largest ever funding initiative. The funding for early-career researchers aims to tackle urgent health challenges.
    Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Aberdeen Dr Candice Quin, who will lead the project, received £125,000 to further her research on frailty in older adults.
    “There is an urgent need to reduce the economic, societal and individual costs of frailty in our ageing population, yet we currently do not have any effective therapeutic strategies,” said Dr Quin. We have shown that age-related changes in the intestinal microbiome contribute to the development of frailty, providing an exciting new avenue for therapeutic intervention.

    There is an urgent need to reduce the economic, societal and individual costs of frailty in our ageing population, yet we currently do not have any effective therapeutic strategies.” Dr Candice Quin

    “The proposed experiments in this Springboard application will identify novel microbial targets that contribute to frailty with age, which we can selectively deplete in future intervention studies and clinical trials. Vaccination with the microbiota has already been shown to improve metabolism and reduce diet-induced obesity.
    “This research will pave the way for similar cutting-edge interventions against frailty and ultimately provide older people with more years of healthy, independent living.”
    Dr Quin will conduct the research in collaboration with Dr Marius Wenzel from the School of Biological Sciences and Dr Huan Cao from the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition.
    Professor James Naismith FRS FRSE FMedSci, Vice-President (Non-Clinical) at the Academy of Medical Sciences, said: “This record investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting the next generation of research leaders. By backing these talented early-career researchers, we’re not only addressing today’s urgent health challenges but also strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in medical research.
    The breadth and ambition of projects funded by the Academy’s Springboard programme is remarkable–from understanding teenage drinking behaviours to investigating why women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Each Springboard awardee brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that will ultimately translate to improved health outcomes for patients and the public.
    “The Academy is proud to provide the financial resources and career development support needed to help these outstanding scientists establish their independent research careers.”
    UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “Research supported by the Springboard programme can help to address some of the most pressing health challenges, like antimicrobial resistance and cancer, by giving early-career researchers across the UK the opportunity to test their ideas. “Through this programme we are supporting the next generation of researchers to lead their own groundbreaking research so that the UK can continue to be a pioneer in medical science.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New hydrogen power projects to boost growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New hydrogen power projects to boost growth

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

    • 27 hydrogen projects advance to next stage of government’s flagship hydrogen programme
    • innovative projects support hydrogen use in new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production
    • paves way for thousands of clean energy jobs in manufacturing communities, delivering on the Plan for Change by unlocking growth

    A new wave of hydrogen powered projects have been shortlisted today (Monday 7 April) to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands – driving growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Twenty-seven hydrogen projects have been selected for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) – supporting low-carbon hydrogen production in the UK. The industry has the potential to attract over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK by 2029, supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    Hydrogen will help deliver a new era of clean energy across the UK and decarbonise emission-intensive industries. It has already attracted £400 million of private sector investment in towns and cities such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire, and is creating over 700 direct jobs in construction and operations.  

    Government support for hydrogen will help create thousands more jobs in the sector and reindustrialising the UK’s proud manufacturing regions. This includes roles for apprentices, graduates and technically trained professionals, such as engineers, welders, skilled construction workers, pipefitters and operations specialists.  

    Today’s shortlist includes projects that could use hydrogen to help tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising their manufacturing and industrial practices, including ammonia production, new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production.

    Industry Minister Sarah Jones, said: 

     We are deploying hydrogen at a commercial scale for the first time – not just investing in a technology – but investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.  

    From distilleries and sustainable aviation fuel to public transport and clean energy  generation, hydrogen can power our everyday life and unlock clean energy growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.

    Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for power generation, transport  and industrial processes.  

    This builds on the success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round which saw 11 projects being allocated over £2 billion in government funding. One recipient, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, will produce hydrogen for the Inchdairnie Whiskey distillery which intends to sustainably distil whisky by 2027.  

    Stretching across England, Scotland, and Wales, this latest wave of shortlisted HAR2 projects showcases the government’s commitment to create skilled jobs and establish clean energy hubs across Great Britain. The HAR2 shortlist could lead to projects that help support strong supply chains and the delivery of the clean energy superpower mission.

    Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said:  

    This much-anticipated announcement brings vital clarity to the UK’s hydrogen sector, providing a crucial boost for projects that will drive forward the country’s low-carbon transition. 

    The funding support offered through HAR2 gives our members and the wider industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. 

    This is great news – not just for the hydrogen sector but for the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.

    Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said: 

    We’re thrilled to see many Hydrogen UK members succeed in the second Hydrogen Allocation Round, marking a crucial step for scaling electrolytic hydrogen.  

    This progress builds on valuable lessons from past rounds and strengthens UK leadership in clean energy – reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in economic growth and energy security.

    Case studies

    In December 2023, the government announced an initial 11 projects from the First Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR1), totalling 124 MW of production capacity. 

    Five of these projects have signed their contracts, including the Bradford Low Carbon project in Yorkshire and the Cromarty Hydrogen Project in northeast Scotland. 

    The Bradford Low Carbon project, in the heart of the city centre, will use renewable electricity to power a 10.6 MW alkaline electrolyser. Being developed by Hygen and Ryze, it will supply the mobility sector, including JCB diggers and Wrightbus – which developed the world’s first hydrogen powered bus. 

    The Cromarty Hydrogen Project is being developed by Scottish Power and Storegga. It will use electricity from nearby wind farms to power an 11 MW electrolyser, supplying hydrogen to local industries, including distilleries. 

    Notes to editors

    The full list of shortlisted projects can be found here: Hydrogen Allocation Round 2 (HAR2): shortlisted projects.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two teenagers charged with murder following fatal stabbing in Shepherd’s Bush

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two teenage boys have been charged following the murder of 17-year-old Keiron Charles

    Two 16-year-old boys – who cannot be named for legal reasons – have been charged with murder.

    The pair were charged on Monday, 7 April following an investigation by Met detectives.

    They have been remanded and are due to appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court on Monday, 7 April from 9:45hrs.

    Around 13:10hrs on Saturday, 5 April, police were called to reports of a stabbing in Erconwald Street, Shepherd’s Bush. Officers and paramedics attended, but very sadly and despite their best efforts, 17-year-old Keiron Charles, from East Acton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Keiron’s family continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Invitation to bid for the new 10-year 2.50 % Green Federal bond of 2025 (2035) | Increase of the conventional 2.50 % Federal bond of 2025 (2035)

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Invitation to bid for the new 10-year 2.50 % Green Federal bond of 2025 (2035) | Increase of the conventional 2.50 % Federal bond of 2025 (2035) | Deutsche Bundesbank

    Invitation to bid for the new 10-year 2.50 % Green Federal bond of 2025 (2035) | Increase of the conventional 2.50 % Federal bond of 2025 (2035)

    To the top

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Panama: Greg Houston

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Panama: Greg Houston

    Mr Greg Houston has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama

    Mr Greg Houston has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama in succession to Mr James Dauris.  Mr Houston will take up his appointment during July 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Greg Houston

    Year Role
    2022 to present Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Deputy Director and Head of Migration Department
    2020 to 2022 FCDO, Deputy Head North America Department
    2017 to 2020 Bogotá, Deputy Head of Mission
    2013 to 2017 Rome, Political Counsellor
    2011 to 2013 Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), Head of EU Strategy
    2007 to 2011 UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, First Secretary, EU Budget
    2006 to 2007 UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, Second Secretary, EU Customs
    2005 to 2006 Brussels, European Commission, Intern
    2005 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two teenagers charged with murder following fatal stabbing in Shepard’s Bush

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two teenage boys have been charged following the murder of 17-year-old Keiron Charles

    Two 16-year-old boys – who cannot be named for legal reasons – have been charged with murder.

    The pair were charged on Monday, 7 April following an investigation by Met detectives.

    They have been remanded and are due to appear at Highbury Corner Youth Court on Monday, 7 April from 9:45hrs.

    Around 13:10hrs on Saturday, 5 April, police were called to reports of a stabbing in Erconwald Street, Shepherd’s Bush. Officers and paramedics attended, but very sadly and despite their best efforts, 17-year-old Keiron Charles, from East Acton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Keiron’s family continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 14

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 14/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

    Tel +45 74 37 37 37
    Fax +45 74 37 35 36

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    7 April 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 14
    On 26 February 2025 Sydbank announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

    The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

    The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement    		 251,000   110,614,650.00
    31 March 2025
    01 April 2025
    02 April 2025
    03 April 2025
    04 April 2025    		 19,000
    20,000
    20,000
    22,000
    28,000    		 433.49
    433.51
    430.99
    424.99
    389.97    		 8,236,310.00
    8,670,200.00
    8,619,800.00
    9,349,780.00
    10,919,160.00
    Total over week 14 109,000   45,795,250.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme    		 360,000   156,409,900.00

    All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

    Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank holds a total of 3,754,446 own shares, equal to 6.87% of the Bank’s share capital.

    Yours sincerely
            
    Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
    CEO        Deputy Group Chief Executive

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Passenger experience put first in multimillion pound competition driving rail innovation

    The First of a Kind competition boosts innovation on the railways, improving passenger experience through cutting-edge technology.

    • £5 million government funding drives pioneering technology to improve passenger experience, encouraging more people to choose rail and supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change
    • First of a Kind competition will support projects that can offer level boarding, greener transport, passenger safety and AI solutions
    • previous winners’ projects are already being used on the railways improving efficiency, safety and reliability

    Delivering on its promise to put passengers first, the Department for Transport (DfT) has made £5 million funding available to winning projects as part of the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition.

    Opening today (7 April 2025), in partnership with Innovate UK, the First of a Kind competition offers grant funding for innovative projects to be tested on the railway, to give them a better chance at being bought by train operators, freight companies and Network Rail. This will help to deliver better services for passengers, encouraging more people to take the train and supporting growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    For the first time since starting the competition, Innovate UK consulted closely with industry to identify the top challenges it faces. Given the clear direction of the Transport Secretary to put passengers at the heart of every journey, this year’s competition will be funding projects that focus on:

    • passenger experience, particularly improving safety through reporting tools that could help reduce violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour
    • accessibility, including level boarding
    • artificial intelligence (AI) and data collection, for example, prevention and recovery of rail bridge crash incidents
    • greener railways, using AI to drive sustainability and reduce waste

    Level boarding – meaning passengers who need assistance can board unaided – is one of the key issues that mean disabled people need assistance to get from street to seat. Accessibility is a core priority for this government and will be a central mission for Great British Railways and FOAK funding will help make these improvements happen.

    Everyone should feel confident they will be safe when travelling by train. The government’s Plan for Change commits to cracking down on anti-social behaviour, raising standards and driving up confidence in the police. DfT is driving this forward by funding projects that will address safety on the railways, for example, tools to report anti-social behaviour, or addressing challenges that influence travel choices for example violence against women and girls stopping women from taking trains late at night.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

    This competition addresses the biggest challenges facing the rail industry, taking cutting-edge technology and bringing it onto the railways by turning ideas into reality.

    This funding builds a platform for boosting innovation on the railway, giving new technologies a chance to succeed, supporting economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

    We are creating a railway that works better for the people who use it and making lasting progress for passengers and freight by improving accessibility, safety and reliability to prevent disruption before it happens.

    This £5 million of government funding will help to address one of the key challenges organisations with new innovative ideas face, which is securing funding and being able to demonstrate that their projects work. The First of a Kind competition, over the 8 years it has been running, has provided £58 million of funding to 179 successful projects.

    For example, one successful project that’s already been widely taken up on the railways is Trains with Brains, an AI sensor onboard trains that monitors where maintenance on the tracks is needed and reports on infrastructure defects that need fixing, making the network safer, more efficient and more reliable.

    Another project, One Big Circle, using AI allowing users to monitor things like track conditions and electrical faults online, won the King’s Award for Innovation.

    The Secretary of State has also made strategic innovation one of the 5 areas of focus for Shadow Great British Railways, bringing together leaders of DfT, Department for Transport Operator and Network Rail. Work has already started with GBRX, an innovation body sitting under Network Rail challenging and changing the historically slow adoption of new innovations. GBRX is already convening industry and academia to collaborate more effectively and embrace new technology.

    Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said

    The innovations sought through this competition will help create a more accessible, safer and efficient railway system throughout the UK.

    The competition highlights the importance of collaboration with industry partners to deliver high-maturity demonstration to ensure seamless integration into the existing railway infrastructure.

    Delivered by Innovate UK on behalf of the Department for Transport, the competition aims to identify and support outstanding, innovative solutions. In previous rounds, companies from across the UK have demonstrated the creativity and impact of their ideas through live demonstrations.

    The competition opens today and organisations will have until 28 May to submit their projects.

    Innovate UK will be hosting an online briefing event for potential participants tomorrow (8 April 2025) to explain how the competition works and how to apply.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA to boost consumer and business confidence as new consumer protection regime comes into force

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    CMA to boost consumer and business confidence as new consumer protection regime comes into force

    CMA now able to act more swiftly and directly to protect UK consumers and foster a level playing field for businesses to invest and grow.

    • New regime will help the CMA tackle poor corporate practices, protecting consumers and boosting trust and confidence to support economic growth
    • CMA will support businesses to do the right thing by their customers, by helping them understand how to comply
    • CMA commits to focusing early action on more egregious practices, including aggressive sales tactics, hidden fees and unfair contract terms

    Landmark new consumer protection provisions are now in force under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA), giving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) the ability to deliver more effective consumer protection.

    The CMA will now be able to decide whether consumer protection laws have been infringed (rather than litigating through the courts) and to tackle any breaches directly and proportionately, including through consumer redress and fines. 

    The new regime will help the CMA to safeguard consumer interests while also enhancing trust – which supports spending and the adoption of new products and services across the economy. The CMA also emphasised the importance of fostering a level playing field for fair-dealing businesses – so they can grow and invest, confident that competitors cannot gain an advantage by breaking the law. Both of these ambitions reflect the contribution consumer protection can make to economic growth, as laid out in the government’s strategic steer to the CMA.  

    The CMA is clear that it intends to take a proportionate approach, supporting businesses to do the right thing by their customers while minimising compliance burdens – because when businesses get it right, customers benefit. To ensure businesses – large and small – have clarity and predictability around implementation of the new regime, the CMA has today published an ‘Approach to Consumer Protection’.

    The document sets out:

    • likely priority areas of enforcement and compliance activity
    • how the CMA will reflect the government’s strategic steer and its own planned improvements to key aspects of the way it works (pace, predictability, proportionality and process – the ‘4Ps’ framework)
    • what stakeholders can expect from the CMA

    The CMA and the UK government also published a joint statement today, reinforcing the CMA’s intended approach and the role of robust consumer protection in helping to grow the economy by promoting trust and confidence, while deterring poor corporate practices.

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

    Consumers deserve to know that the CMA has their back; and fair-dealing businesses looking to grow and invest deserve to know that their competitors are playing by the same rules. We will use the new regime to strengthen the trust and confidence of consumers and businesses – supporting economic growth and incentivising good corporate practice.

    Most businesses work hard to serve their customers and do the right thing. We recognise the importance, particularly for small businesses, of any new rules being clear and proportionate to comply with – and that this is a period of change when they may need help to understand their legal obligations. We’re working hard to support them with that and keep burdens to a minimum – through accessible guidance and communications, as well as direct engagement – alongside listening and responding to feedback.

    Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets, said:  

    These measures mean consumers can confidently make purchases knowing they are protected against fake reviews and dripped pricing.  

    These changes will give consumers more power and control over their hard-earned cash, as well as help to establish a level playing field by deterring bad actors that undercut compliant businesses, helping to deliver economic stability as part of our Plan for Change.

    The DMCCA includes an explicit ban on the posting and commissioning of fake reviews – which has been added to the banned practices list [link]. The CMA has previously taken action in this area and will be focused on ensuring compliance with the new provisions.

    The DMCCA also updates the law on pricing information businesses must show to customers. This includes a ban on ‘drip pricing’ – where shoppers are shown an initial price for a product, but more fees are added (‘dripped’) as they proceed with their purchase.

    The CMA has now issued guidance to ensure businesses understand how to comply with those aspects of the law which are already well established and largely unchanged. Before enforcing new provisions, and following clear feedback, the CMA has said it will consult further on newer aspects which have created some uncertainty – such as fixed-term periodic contracts – with the aim of publishing final guidance in the autumn.

    Action: The first 12 months

    The CMA will target behaviour that is particularly harmful to consumers and represents clear infringements of the law, such as:

    • aggressive sales practices that prey on consumers in vulnerable positions
    • fees that are hidden until late in the buying process
    • information being given to consumers that is objectively false
    • unfair and unbalanced contract terms
    • behaviour where the CMA has already put down a clear marker through its previous enforcement work, such as on drip pricing and fake reviews

    The 4Ps: Proportionality, predictability, process and pace

    In November 2024, the CMA committed to meaningful changes across four key aspects of how it works – proportionality, predictability, process and pace. The changes are designed to ensure that the CMA contributes to a regulatory environment which supports growth, whilst continuing to fulfil its statutory mandate to promote competition and protect consumers.

    The CMA’s Approach document sets out how this framework will be embedded into the CMA’s consumer protection work. This includes commitments to streamline cases, minimise uncertainty, engage regularly with business, resolve cases as early as possible and ensure fines are proportionate (reflecting the seriousness of the behaviour).

    Next steps

    The CMA has outlined its immediate next steps. They include:

    • opening its first enforcement cases under the new regime, focusing on more egregious breaches of the law
    • working with stakeholders to understand what areas or issues most require consumer law advice to remove barriers to growth
    • setting out how businesses can bring forward evidence of competitors that are potentially infringing the law
    • exploring new opportunities for businesses to get advice from the CMA where a lack of legal precedent could be impacting innovation

    Businesses who are concerned about a company’s behaviour can report directly to the CMA online: Report a competition or market problem.

    Notes to editors

    1. All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA Press Office by email on press@cma.gov.uk or by phone on 020 3738 6460.
    2. Under the new consumer regime, if a company infringes consumer protection law, the CMA can fine them up to 10% of their global turnover. If a company breaches undertakings it has given the CMA, it could face fines of up to 5% of its global turnover – with additional daily penalties for continued non-compliance. Failure to provide information when requested (without a legitimate reason), concealing evidence, or providing false information can likewise result in a fine, with penalties of up to 1% of a business’ global turnover and additional daily penalties.
    3. Given the CMA’s powers cannot be applied retrospectively, it is likely that any fines for breaches of the law in the first 12 months will be lower than in the years to follow.
    4. Fixed-term periodic contracts are contracts that lock consumers in for a minimum period of time, such as a 6-month gym membership.
    5. To help businesses comply with the changes introduced by the new consumer regime, the CMA issued 3 pieces of guidance last week:
      • Direct consumer enforcement guidance CMA200: which sets out how the CMA will use its direct enforcement powers under the DMCCA.
      • Consumer protection: enforcement guidance CMA58: which provides an updated summary of the CMA’s consumer investigatory and enforcement powers and functions.
      • Unfair commercial practices guidance CMA207: The unfair commercial practices (UCP) provisions in Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the DMCC Act prohibit unfair commercial practices, replacing and updating the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. This draft guidance illustrates how the UCP provisions may apply in practice and is intended to help traders to comply with them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: #iubilaeum2025 – Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare

    Source: The Holy See

    #iubilaeum2025 – Holy Mass on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare, 06.04.2025
    At 10.30 this morning, fifth Sunday of Lent, on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Healthcare, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World, presided over Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Square.
    Poep Francis joined in the Jubilee pilgrimage of the sick and the world of healthcare. Before the greeting to the pilgrims and faithful in the square, whom he thanked, he received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Saint Peter’s Basilica, paused in prayer and crossed the Holy Door.
    The following is the text of the homily prepared by the Holy Father, read aloud by Archbishop Rino Fisichella:

    Homily of the Holy Father
    “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19). God addressed these words to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah while they were in exile in Babylon. For the Israelites, it was a difficult time: it seemed that all was lost. Jerusalem had been conquered and destroyed by the soldiers of King Nebuchadnezzar II, and the people, now deported, had nothing left. The future was bleak and every hope seemed thwarted. Everything could have tempted the people in exile to give up, to grow bitter and to feel that they were no longer blessed by God.
    Yet, in this very situation, the Lord invited them to embrace something new that was unfolding. Not something that would happen in the future, but something already happening, something springing up like a shoot. What is it? What could possibly come into being, or even have already sprouted, in such a desolate and forlorn landscape?
    A new people was being born. A people that, having experienced the failure of past false securities, now discovered what is essential: to remain united and walk together in the light of the Lord (cf. Is 2:5). A people that would be able to rebuild Jerusalem because, far from the Holy City where the temple lay in ruins and where solemn liturgies could no longer be celebrated, it has learned to encounter the Lord in another way: through conversion of heart (cf. Jer 4:4), through the practice of the law and justice, through caring for the poor and needy (cf. Jer 22:3), through works of mercy.
    It is the same message that we find, in a different way, in today’s Gospel (cf. Jn 8:1-11). Here too there is a person — a woman— whose life has been destroyed, not by physical exile, but by moral condemnation.  She is a sinner, and thus far from the law and condemned to ostracism and death. There seems to be no hope for her either. Yet God does not abandon her.  In fact, at the very moment when her accusers are ready to stone her — precisely then — Jesus enters her life, defends her and saves her from their violence, thus giving her the opportunity to begin a new life. “Go your way,” he says to her, “you are free,” “you are saved” (cf. v. 11).
    Through these dramatic and moving stories, the liturgy invites us today, amid our Lenten journey, to renew our trust in God, who is ever near to us and ready to save us. No situation of exile, no violence, no sin, no fact of life can prevent him from standing at our door and knocking, ready to enter as soon as we open to him (cf. Rev 3:20). Indeed, it is precisely when the trials become more difficult that his grace and love embrace us all the more in order to raise us up.
    Sisters and brothers, we read these texts as we celebrate the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers. Illness is certainly one of the harshest and most difficult of life’s trials, when we experience in our own flesh our common human frailty. It can make us feel like the people in exile, or like the woman in the Gospel: deprived of hope for the future. Yet that is not the case. Even in these times, God does not leave us alone, and if we surrender our lives to him, precisely when our strength fails, we will be able to experience the consolation of his presence. By becoming man, he wanted to share our weakness in everything (cf. Phil 2:6-8). He knows what it is to suffer (cf. Is 53:3).  Therefore, we can turn to him and entrust our pain to him, certain that we will encounter compassion, closeness and tenderness.
    But not only that. In his faithful love, the Lord invites us in turn to become “angels” for one another, messengers of his presence, to the point where the sickbed can become a “holy place” of salvation and redemption, both for the sick and for those who care for them.
    Dear doctors, nurses and health care workers, in caring for your patients, especially the most vulnerable among them, the Lord constantly affords you an opportunity to renew your lives through gratitude, mercy, and hope (cf. Spes Non Confundit, 11). He calls you to realize with humility that nothing in life is to be taken for granted and that everything is a gift from God; to enrich your lives with the sense of humanity we experience when, beyond appearances, only the things that matter remain: the small and great signs of love. Allow the presence of the sick to enter your lives as a gift, to heal your hearts, to purify them of all that is not charity, and to warm them with the ardent and gentle fire of compassion.
    I have much in common with you at this time of my life, dear brothers and sisters who are sick: the experience of illness, of weakness, of having to depend on others in so many things, and of needing their support. This is not always easy, but it is a school in which we learn each day to love and to let ourselves be loved, without being demanding or pushing back, without regrets and without despair, but rather with gratitude to God and to our brothers and sisters for the kindness we receive, looking towards the future with acceptance and trust. The hospital room and the sickbed can also be places where we hear the voice of the Lord speak to us: “Behold, I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Is 43:19). In this way, we renew and strengthen our faith.
    Benedict XVI — who gave us a beautiful testimony of serenity in the time of his illness — wrote that, “the true measure of humanity is essentially determined in relationship to suffering” and that “a society unable to accept its suffering members… is a cruel and inhuman society” (Spe Salvi, 38). It is true: facing suffering together makes us more human, and the ability to share the pain of others is an important step forward in any journey of holiness.
    Dear friends, let us not exclude from our lives those who are frail, as at times, sadly, a certain mentality does today. Let us not banish suffering from our surroundings. On the contrary, let us turn it into an opportunity to grow together and to cultivate hope, thanks to the love that God first poured into our hearts (cf. Rom 5:5), the love that, above all things, remains forever (cf. 1 Cor13:8-10, 13).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Capgemini to establish AI Center of Excellence in Egypt to accelerate AI-driven innovation for global clients

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Mollie Mellows
    Tel.: + 44 (0)7342 709384
    E-mail: mollie.mellows@capgemini.com

    Capgemini to establish AI Center of Excellence in Egypt to accelerate AI-driven innovation for global clients

    Cairo, April 7, 2025 – Capgemini today announced it will establish an AI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Egypt focused on accelerating the generative and agentic AI transformation journeys of clients worldwide. Through this new cutting-edge AI hub, Capgemini will invest in research and development, collaborate with local academic institutions, and leverage technology partnerships to help accelerate client adoption of AI at scale. This initiative bolsters Capgemini’s strong ties with Egypt as a strategic innovation hub for global organizations. It also further cements Capgemini’s leadership in AI, reinforcing its commitment to developing talent, leveraging strategic industry partnerships, and accelerating AI-driven innovation to unlock significant value for clients.

    Capgemini is committed to driving continued growth and innovation in Egypt. By the end of 2025, it plans to double the number of employees in the country, reaching approximately 1200 highly talented professionals in the fields of digital transformation and innovation.

    The new AI hub will house a diverse team of architects, data scientists, product engineers, and project managers, expert in delivering transformative projects from business operations and design to engineering. Clients will benefit from the advantages of time zone alignment, multi-lingual skills, and ease of travel to this conveniently located Global Delivery Center.

    “The AI Center of Excellence in this strategic location allows us to support our clients in scaling AI within their own businesses, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation,” said Aiman Ezzat, CEO of Capgemini, on the occasion of the France-Egypt Investment Forum. “By investing in the region’s impressive talent and establishing this dedicated AI hub, we are not only fostering significant technological advancements but also creating a robust ecosystem for AI development. Our clients will benefit from enhanced service delivery, industry-specific solutions, and the unique advantages of being supported from Egypt.”

    With implementation starting in May 2025, the new AI hub will apply Capgemini’s deep industry-specific expertise to develop intelligent agents that are bespoke to highly regulated industries, such as energy, life sciences and aerospace. It is designed for clients to explore, design and implement cutting-edge technologies that can optimize operations and strategically transform their business, including supply chain and product innovation. By applying advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, Capgemini will help clients across Europe, America, the Middle East, and Asia elevate customer experience to a strategic value driver.

    Hossam Seifeldin, CEO of Capgemini in Egypt, said “Egypt is experiencing an impressive growth trajectory, fueled by digitalization and exceptional talent in AI. I am excited to build on the strong foundation we have established in the region. Doubling our workforce and establishing this new AI Center of Excellence will not only drive cutting-edge innovation but also create valuable opportunities for local talent to thrive in a global arena.”

    About Capgemini

    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.

    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former NFU President and farmer Baroness Minette Batters appointed by Defra to lead Farm Profitability Review

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Former NFU President and farmer Baroness Minette Batters appointed by Defra to lead Farm Profitability Review

    Crossbench peer, Baroness Batters appointed by the Secretary of State to provide recommendations on farm profitability.

    Baroness Minette Batters and Secretary of State Steve Reed

    Former NFU President and farmer, Baroness Minette Batters has been appointed to lead a review of farm profitability.  

    The new appointment by Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed will see Baroness Batters providing recommendations on farm profitability both to him and the Farming Minister.  

    Listening to farmers and growers will be at the heart of Baroness Batters’ work, covering all land areas and sectors of the industry, as well as engaging with other government departments whose work impacts farmers. 

    She will provide short, medium and long term recommendations and propose actions for government and industry that will support farming profitability as part of this government’s New Deal for Farmers.  

    This work will be supported by the newly formed Profitability Unit within Defra.  

    Baroness Batters’ review will also help the development of the food strategy, farming roadmap and the Land Use Framework, and build on other work such as the review of Defra’s regulatory landscape led by Dan Corry. 

    Her aim is to help ensure our farming sector is more viable, self-sustaining and competitive in the long-term.

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed, said:   

    Backing British farmers is the backbone of all work to support rural economic growth and boost Britain’s food security.  

    We have taken strong action to protect the future of the sector with the New Deal for Farmers. But we must go further and faster as part of our Plan for Change to put money into the pockets of farmers and drive growth. 

    That is why I am delighted to appoint Baroness Batters, and her years of experience as a leader during a time of great change in British agriculture make her uniquely placed to provide recommendations on tackling the deep-rooted problems holding the sector back and support farmers’ long-term profits.

    Baroness Minette Batters said:  

    I will leave no stone unturned in trying to find solutions to boost farm profitability. But we should be under no illusions how difficult this work will be. There will not be one ‘silver bullet’ to fire but I’m hopeful this review can make a difference to a sector that produces the nation’s food, underpins the rural economy and delivers so much for the environment.   

    I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this review and look forward to working with farmers and growers to provide recommendations to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.

    The appointment is one of a number of actions that the government is taking to improve the profitability of farmers, including through fair competition in the supply chain, ensuring planning reforms make it quicker for farmers to build the buildings they need on their farms, and helping farmer diversify income streams and make additional money from selling surplus energy from solar panels and wind turbines by accelerating connections to the grid. 

    As set out in the Plan for Change, the government is focused on supporting our farmers, rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security and are going further to develop a 25-year farming roadmap to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come.

    Notes to editors

    • Baroness Batters will begin her role on 7 April 2025. 
    • The appointment will be for a period of six months with recommendations provided to the Secretary of State within that timeline.

    About Baroness Minette Batters

    Baroness Batters joined the NFU when she started farming, and rose to be county chair and a member of several NFU committees.  As the first woman president of NFU, Minette has been a positive force within the agricultural industry. She served as President of the National Farmers Union from 2018 to 2024, having previously served as Deputy President from 2014 to 2018.  

    In her role as deputy president and then president, Batters has represented the farming community at a time of great change, during the agricultural transition. Batters has supported orderly change and maintenance of high standards in UK agriculture. 

    She was appointed as a crossbench member of the House of Lords in 2024 and was made a Deputy Lieutenant to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 2021.

    She was brought up on a tenanted farm in Wiltshire and now runs the tenanted family farm in Wiltshire, a mixed farming business including a 100-cow continental cross suckler herd, as well as sheep and arable. Diversification on the farm includes the conversion of a 17th Century barn into a wedding and events venue, and horse liveries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defence Secretary meets family of the late Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Defence Secretary meets family of the late Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya

    The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, met family members of the late Agnes Wanjiru,to express his condolences.

    The Defence Secretary meets the family of the late Agnes Wanjiru in Kenya.

    The UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, today met family members of the late Agnes Wanjiru, who was killed in Nanyuki, Kenya in 2012 to express his condolences. Fulfilling the commitment he made soon after entering office. 

    This is the first time a UK Government Minister has met with Agnes Wanjiru’s family.  

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: 

    It was deeply humbling to meet the family of Agnes Wanjiru today. In the 13 years since her death, they have shown such strength in their long fight for justice. I reiterated my determination to see a resolution to the still unresolved case.  

    We will continue to offer our full support to the Kenyan investigatory authorities, which has included visits by Kenyan investigators to the UK to interview witnesses and of the Provost Marshal (Serious Crime) to Kenya. In my meeting with President Ruto later today, I will emphasise the need to accelerate progress in this case. Our Government will continue to do everything we can to help the family secure the justice they deserve.

    The family of Agnes Wanjiru also made a statement after the meeting with the Defence Secretary. They said: 

    The death of our beloved Agnes has had a profound and devastating impact on our family. It was not only the shock of losing Agnes at such a young age, but also the horrific circumstances in which her body was found and all the trauma and struggle our family has been put through in trying to seek justice and accountability for her death that has taken a very heavy toll on all of us. 

    It is now more than 13 years since Agnes was killed and almost 6 years since a Kenyan inquest found that she had been murdered by British soldiers, yet so little progress appears to have been made since then. 

    We are grateful to the Secretary of State for Defence agreeing to meet with us, but we have waited for too many years and been offered too many empty promises. We hope that our meeting with the Secretary of State marks the beginning of the UK government and Ministry of Defence taking decision action to ensure that what happened to Agnes is properly investigated in Kenya and in the UK and to make sure that what happened to Agnes never happens again. We expect the UK and Kenyan governments to act and bring closure to this matter.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 7 April 2025 Russian-Chinese Construction Forum to be held as part of AmurExpo The 2nd Russian-Chinese Construction Forum and Exhibition of Construction Achievements will take place on 24–25 May 2025 at the AmurExpo Russian-Chinese Economic Forum in Blagoveshchensk, Russia. The AmurExpo is an offsite venue for the Eastern Economic Forum, which will be held on 3–6 September in Vladivostok. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    Source: Eastern Economic Forum

    7 April 2025

    Russian-Chinese Construction Forum to be held as part of AmurExpo

    The 2nd Russian-Chinese Construction Forum and Exhibition of Construction Achievements will take place on 24–25 May 2025 at the AmurExpo Russian-Chinese Economic Forum in Blagoveshchensk, Russia. The AmurExpo is an offsite venue for the Eastern Economic Forum, which will be held on 3–6 September in Vladivostok. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    “Holding such events provides professionals from the Amur Region with an opportunity to exchange experience with representatives of public associations and business communities from the regions and participating countries, as well as discuss business integration issues and how to build new logistics chains in the industry with their colleagues. The Forum participants will address issues concerning state construction policy and discuss the measures needed for the high-quality and rapid development of the Far East, including interaction mechanisms and methods to create attractive territories for integrated development,” Deputy Chairman of the Amur Region Government Pavel Matyukhin said.

    The Forum participants will attend the official opening of AmurExpo 2025 and the strategic session ‘Integrated Development of Territories: Infrastructure and Construction of the Future’, where experts and speakers will discuss the digitalization of the industry, the development of smart cities, best international practices in construction, and the integrated development of territories. In addition, the regional agenda will include the seminar ‘Establishment of Urban Development Systems of Russia and China’. Cadets from the Muravyov-Amursky programme plan to hold a roundtable titled ‘Modern Challenges and Prospects for Cooperation in Training Personnel in the Construction Industry’.

    The Forum guests will also have a chance to view the exhibition of achievements in construction and industry, where construction companies from Russia and China will present their successes.

    “The integrated development of territories is one of the priorities for the Far East. To this end, interregional cooperation and exchanging experience at the forum platforms of the Far Eastern Federal District are of paramount importance. Key approaches to solving issues that affect all regions of the federal district are traditionally hammered out there. The Eastern Economic Forum is a gathering point for the most successful practices, ideas, and proposals, where practical tools for the development of the macro-region are created and improved. I am confident that the results of the discussions at AmurExpo could be reflected in the programme of the EEF 2025, which will be held in Vladivostok on 3–6 September,” First Deputy CEO of the Roscongress Foundation and Director of the Eastern Economic Forum Igor Pavlov said.

    The Russian Centre for National Construction Policy, the organizer of the Russian-Chinese Construction Forum, signed a cooperation agreement at the AmurExpo 2024 in Blagoveshchensk. The first Forum was held in April 2024 in Harbin, China (Heilongjiang Province). The Forum brought together more than 10,000 participants, including representatives of business, science, and government from both countries, and primarily focused on the introduction of digital technologies in construction, smart design systems, as well as construction technologies for work in emergency situations.

    “The second Russian-Chinese Construction Forum is a logical continuation of the policy of strengthening cooperation that began last year. The first Forum clearly demonstrated the vast potential of and mutual interest in developing a partnership in the construction industry. We saw there is demand for such platforms for a direct dialogue, exchange of experience, and discussion of key issues. The interest of business entities from both countries confirms the prospects for implementing joint projects. I firmly believe that the second Forum will be an important step in strengthening long-term and mutually beneficial relations between Russia and China in the construction sector. We are counting on the active participation of all interested parties and invite them to engage in a constructive dialogue at the Forum,” Russian Centre for National Construction Policy Director Alexander Moor said.

    AmurExpo will take place on 22–25 May. The first day, 22 May, will be devoted to the regional agenda. The business programme architecture has been posted on the event’s website.

    The Forum is being held with the support of the Russian Ministry for the Development of the Far East and Arctic, the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, and other federal institutions.

    AmurExpo is being organized by the Amur Region government, the Amur Region Investment Promotion Agency, and the Roscongress Foundation.

    The Forum operators are the Roscongress Foundation and the Amur Region Territory Development Centre.

     

    Read more

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Be tick aware and stay safe this spring

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Ticks are small, spiderlike creatures that feed on the blood of animals, including people.

    They can be found in many different outdoor environments, but they are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas. People are more likely to be bitten if they take part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping, but ticks can also sometimes be found in urban gardens and bought into homes by pets who may pick them up while out or on a walk.

    Ticks can carry infections including Lyme disease and, very rarely, tick borne encephalitis. Tick bites can occur at any time of the year but are more prevalent from April to June.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Ticks are a nuisance and can also cause serious illness, so we’re asking everyone to be tick aware this spring.

    “You can reduce the chance of getting a tick bite by regularly checking your clothing and exposed skin for ticks that might be crawling on you and brushing them off immediately.

    “Walking on clearly defined paths will help you avoid brushing against vegetation where ticks may be present, while wearing light coloured clothing will help you spot them more easily.

    “You can also use insect repellent to ward off ticks, while wearing long trousers and long sleeved tops will reduce the direct exposure of ticks to your skin, making it more difficult for them to find a suitable area to attach.

    “If you spot a tick, you must remove is as soon as possible using a tick removal tool or fine tipped tweezers which are available from pharmacies. You need to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and firmly.”

    If you are concerned about a tick bite, please seek medical advice. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you become unwell within a few weeks of being bitten by a tick.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –