NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces new £6 million fund to support survivors of domestic abuse

    Source: Mayor of London

    • New £6 million investment from Mayor will help ensure thousands of victims and survivors of domestic abuse get the help and support they need to reach safe accommodation, and rebuild their lives for the long term
    • Since its launch in 2021, the Mayor’s Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (DASA) programme has ensured more than 23,500 victims and survivors have received support
    • Additional funding builds on Sadiq’s record £233 million funding to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms
    • Mayor visits voluntary organisations Refuge, Solace and Asha in Lambeth to see first-hand how his Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (DASA) programme is supporting the most vulnerable in London’s diverse communities

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a new £6 million package of funding to support grassroots community organisations delivering life-changing support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence across the capital.

    The funding will be used to fund keyworkers, helplines, advocates who can help support victims find new housing, legal advice, counselling and specialist play therapy for children alongside a range of other initiatives.

    It is part of Sadiq’s £54 million investment in his Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (DASA) programme1 which funds vital support and services for survivors and their children in safe accommodation. 

    The additional £6 million announced today builds on the record support the Mayor has already provided for domestic abuse services in London, which includes the delivery of 81 vital services for domestic abuse survivors between 2022 and 2024.2

    Since it launched in 2021, the Mayor’s DASA programme has helped more than 23,500 survivors of domestic abuse, including vulnerable men, women, and children from across London’s communities rebuild their lives. Thanks to new City Hall investment, it is expected that thousands of more victims and survivors will benefit over the course of the Mayor’s DASA programme.

    The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) found that an estimated 2.3 million people aged 16 or over in the UK had experienced domestic abuse in the last year ending March 2024.3 In London there were 86,863 police recorded domestic abuse offences in the 12-month period to February 2025.4

    Sadiq is continuing to work in partnership with community organisations, government, charities, the police and other partners to support victims of domestic abuse access safe housing and one-to-one support to cope and recover from trauma and abuse.

    However, victims and survivors are still facing barriers in receiving the help they need and the situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis which is forcing many people who have been impacted to stay with abusers or face financial hardship.

    The Mayor is determined to ensure that all Londoners in need are able to access the domestic abuse support they need, in a way that benefits them. To help achieve that, Sadiq has today set out a new refreshed approach to Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation which will create more safe spaces for victims and survivors from minority backgrounds – included faith-based communities and those with more complex needs. The new approach will help communities from London’s diverse communities feel more comfortable reaching out for support. 5

    Today, the Mayor visited voluntary organisations Refuge, Solace and Asha in Lambeth to see first-hand how his funding will continue to help dedicated staff deliver high-quality care and support for survivors of domestic abuse and their families.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Domestic abuse refuges and community organisations are a lifeline for so many Londoners in need. Despite caseloads growing, grassroot support groups are struggling to survive due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and years of underfunding from the previous government.

    “So I’m pleased to be working with partners to fund vital support services for thousands of survivors of domestic abuse and violence who need safe accommodation across our city.

    “The investment I have announced today will build on my record £233 million funding to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms and help community organisations continue their life-changing work with some of the most vulnerable people experiencing domestic abuse so we can build a safer and fairer London for everyone.”

    Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “The Mayor’s funding for domestic abuse victims and survivors is changing lives. Since 2021, the DASA programme has ensured more than 23,500 victims and survivors have received the support they need to move forward.

    “This latest investment and refreshed strategy will help us do even more and ensure Londoners of all backgrounds can access the vital one-to-one care they need to rebuild their lives. All of this is happening alongside record funding for the police to go after the worst domestic abuse offenders and better education and public campaigns to tackle the root causes of misogyny and domestic violence.”

    Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, said: “This vital new investment from the Mayor will ensure thousands of victims and survivors of domestic abuse in safe accommodation receive the help they need to rebuild their lives.

    “This will enable grassroots community organisations to continue delivering life-changing services for victims, including helplines and therapy, as we build a safer London for all.”

    London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, said: “It’s absolutely critical that victims and survivors affected by domestic abuse and violence receive the support and help they need to access safety and rebuild their lives.

    “I know first-hand from my work with victims across the capital just how important these specialist services are; safe accommodation offers survivors a lifeline and ensures they can escape their abusers. Whilst there is a still a lot more work to do to tackle the root causes of domestic abuse, I hope this new funding from City Hall will support the most vulnerable victims and survivors in our diverse communities.”

    Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council, said: “We are proud of Lambeth’s leading work to support women and girls who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse and to work with the Mayor of London on our shared ambitions to keep women and girls safe.

    “This visit recognises Lambeth’s long history of strong local funding, partnerships and expertise. We are committed to tackling gender based violence in all its forms in our borough and have protected these services from the deep funding cuts our sector has faced over many years. Lambeth Council’s strategy for tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has been in place since 2021 and sets out how the council works with its partners on the issue over the following five years. It builds on previous strategies and a decade of work to establish effective services, partnerships and processes that support victims and survivors and their children and hold perpetrators to account.

    “Lambeth council funds 52 refuge bed spaces, which is the highest number of commissioned domestic abuse safe accommodation beds in any London borough, and twice as many as the London average. The majority offer culturally specific support in recognition of the evidenced benefit of tailored support for women and their children fleeing abuse. There is also specialist community-based support for victims and survivors of all genders and ages who are at risk of gender based violence through our free, confidential and independent service, the Gaia Centre. We look forward to working with the Mayor and his team on a fair and sustainable offer for those fleeing domestic abuse across London.”

    Martina Palmer, Head of Services at Refuge, said: “Refuge is delighted to welcome a new strategy for domestic abuse safe accommodation from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). Violence against women and girls (VAWG) in London remains at ‘endemic’ levels, and funding for safe accommodation for survivors is an integral part of what’s needed to make good on the Government’s pledge to halve VAWG within the next decade.

    “Refuges play a lifesaving role for survivors by giving them the space, safety and support required to rebuild their lives free from abuse. We are proud to be continuing our work with Lambeth and other expert partners to deliver a co-ordinated approach to domestic abuse that is inclusive, accessible and tailored to each survivor’s individual needs.”

    Nahar Choudhury, Chief Executive of Solace, said: “Safe and accessible accommodation is a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse, and we welcome the Mayor’s commitment to improving provision across London. Solace has been proud to contribute to the consultation on this strategy, which takes important steps to expand safe accommodation, strengthen specialist support, and remove barriers for those most in need.

    “We are particularly pleased to see a focus on grant funding for ‘by and for’ services, improving sanctuary schemes, expanding move on housing, and investing in psychologically informed environments. We look forward to continuing our work with the Mayor’s Office and partners to ensure every survivor in London has a secure place to rebuild their life.”

    Ila Patel, Director of Asha, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s new strategy for Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation, which is an important step in ensuring survivors have the support they need.

    Specialist by and for organisations like Asha play a crucial role in supporting women who are often the most vulnerable and least visible.

    “Working together with our Lambeth partners, we have delivered quality support to survivors, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and empowered to rebuild their lives. As a small organisation, this achievement was made possible through the DASA funding, which has been vital in enabling us to provide this essential support.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NWS appoints Seth Kybird as Interim CEO

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    NWS appoints Seth Kybird as Interim CEO

    Seth joins NWS from Nuclear Transport Solutions

    Seth Kybird

    Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has announced that Seth Kybird has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NWS. He succeeds Corhyn Parr who has led NWS as CEO since its formation in 2022.

    Read the full story on the NWS website: NWS appoints Seth Kybird as Interim CEO

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University is among the leaders of the Priority 2030 program

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Polytechnic University was included in the first group of universities to receive grants from the Priority 2030 program.

    Following the meeting of the expert council of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, 119 universities out of 142 that submitted their updated development programs will receive grants from the Priority-2030 program for a total of 30.5 billion rubles. The largest funding of 1 billion rubles will be received by each first group universities, which included Polytechnic University.

    Since 2025, the Priority 2030 university support program has been relaunched with a focus on achieving technological leadership in Russia by combining the efforts of the state, business, and universities to create joint projects. The updated Priority 2030 program includes 10 performance targets, including a new indicator — the integrated technological leadership index (ITL). ITL is calculated based on the volume of extra-budgetary R&D and scientific and technical services, commercialization of intellectual property, and the work of small innovative enterprises.

    Each university included a section on “Strategic Technology Leadership” in its comprehensive development program, identifying three strategic technology projects.

    The main emphasis in the Polytechnic University Development Program is on the systemic development of a qualified partnership model in all basic processes of the university. The SPbPU team will solve the task of ensuring technological leadership by focusing on three key scientific and technological areas (KST):

    KNTN-1 “System Digital Engineering” – development of technologies and products superior to foreign analogues, based on digital twin technology andCML-Bench® Digital Platform; KNTN-2 “New Materials, Technologies, Production” – creation of science-intensive production for repair and manufacture of products for various purposes; KNTN-3 “Artificial Intelligence for Solving Cross-Industry Problems” – development of digital platform solutions for analyzing multimodal data.

    “I congratulate the entire Polytechnic staff onsuccessful defense of our Development Program and inclusion in the first group of leading universities. This is the result of our coordinated work on the successful implementation of the projects of the Priority 2030 program, the programs of the World-Class Scientific Center, the NTI Competence Center and the Advanced Engineering School, then on the development of the SPbPU Development Strategy, which has undergone a comprehensive examination, including obtaining an expert opinion from the Russian Academy of Sciences, – commented the rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy. – The approved Development Strategy forms the basis of the Development Program of our university until 2030 and in the long term until 2036. Formed teams with competencies and experience in solving breakthrough scientific and technological problems, created scientific and scientific-technological groundwork and established effective qualified partnership with industry both in solving frontier engineering problems and in training engineering personnel for high-tech industry will help us achieve all the indicators of the updated Priority-2030 program and make a breakthrough in the scientific and technological sphere aimed at ensuring technological leadership.”

    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: Sobyanin: Three new methods of cardiovascular surgery are available to city residents

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Three new high-tech methods of performing cardiovascular surgeries have become available to Muscovites free of charge. Additional funding has been allocated for their implementation. This is about in his telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin reported.

    If there are medical indications, surgeons can perform operations using different methods. Among them is endovascular removal of blood clots from the main veins.

    “Previously, patients with venous thrombosis were treated mainly with anticoagulants, the effectiveness of which was limited. Now doctors perform minimally invasive interventions through a small puncture, delivering instruments to the site of thrombosis through the vascular network. This reduces the risk of complications and speeds up recovery,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    New methods also include repeated arterial prosthetics using homografts. Patients who have previously undergone vascular surgery can undergo repeated minimally invasive interventions using bioprostheses. This increases the chances of successful treatment and saves the lives of seriously ill patients.

    Another new technology is ultrasound transcatheter thrombolysis. This method combines the administration of thrombolytic drugs with ultrasound to dissolve blood clots inside the vessels. It is especially effective in the treatment of pulmonary embolism – the safety of therapy increases.

    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.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12514050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fatal collision close to The Strand

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police are on scene and dealing with a collision close to The Strand, WC2.

    Officers were called at 11:41hrs on Tuesday, 18 March following a collision involving a van and pedestrians.

    Three pedestrians suffered injuries, with a woman in her twenties sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital, one has potentially life-threatening injuries, and the other has minor injuries.

    The driver of the van, a 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion causing death by careless driving and driving with concentration of specified controlled drug above specified limit.

    He remains in custody.

    Enquiries are ongoing and a crime scene is in place.

    This collision is not being treated as terrorism-related.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Transnational Criminal Organization That Dispatched Thousands of Kilograms of Cocaine From the Venezuela/Colombia Border Dismantled

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the dismantlement of a transnational criminal organization (TCO) that operated out of La Guajira, a peninsula on the Venezuelan/Colombian border. From there, the organization dispatched thousands of kilograms of cocaine intended for the United States and Europe.

    Socrates Barros-Fince Transnational Criminal Organization

    Name

    Age

    Sentence Imposed
    Socrates Gabriel Barros-Fince, a/k/a “Chunchun,” “Chun,” “Indio,” “El Loco,” “Tawara,” “Chupo”

    45

    		 17 years, 6 months
    Cristian Camilo Cordoba-Cuesta, a/k/a “Cris,” “El Primo”

    37

    		 14 years
    Jorge Leonardo Diaz-Ramos, a/k/a “40,” “Numerito”

    35

    		 7 years, 3 months
    Santander Barros-Pulido, a/k/a “Pollo,” “Tio,” “Divino”

    57

    		 15 years, 8 months
    Nefer Alfonso Hinojosa-Larrada, a/k/a “El Negrito,” “Divino”

    45

    15 years, 8 months

     

    According to the plea agreements, the above-named individuals were part of a transnational criminal organization that dispatched cocaine-laden vessels to the Dominican Republic and Spain. From the Venezuela/Colombia border, the organization planned smuggling trips and recruited crewmembers for that purpose. It was foreseeable to the conspirators that some of the cocaine was intended for the United States.

    The investigation resulted in several seizures totaling over 6,700 kilograms associated with the organization that were prosecuted in the United States and abroad, to include:

    • Seizure of about 932 kilograms of cocaine near the Dominican Republic on August 15, 2016;
    • Interdiction of a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea on November 9-10, 2016, smuggling about 700 kilograms of cocaine and prosecuted in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico;
    • Interdiction of a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea on October 4, 2018, smuggling over 450 kilograms of cocaine and prosecuted in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida;
    • Interdiction of the M/V KARAR carrying about 4,000 kilograms of cocaine off the coast of Galicia, Spain on April 25, 2020, resulting in the arrests of 15 crewmembers and a dozen Spanish organized crime members.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    This prosecution is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Panama Express Strike Force Initiative, whose mission is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Colombian National Police, Spanish National Police, and Spanish Coast Guard provided critical investigative support. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá assisted in the extradition of these defendants. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ZOOZ Power Enhances Global Strategy with New Energy Storage Solutions, Advanced Energy Management System and Expended Sales Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tel-Aviv, Israel, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZOOZ Power (Nasdaq and TASE: ZOOZ), a leading provider of flywheel-based power boosters and energy management systems for enabling ultra-fast EV charging solutions, announced today the enhancement of its strategic focus with the introduction of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and an enhanced Energy Management System (EMS) designed to lead to maximizing EV charging performance and cost efficiency, along with the expansion of its sales team.

    The newly introduced Energy Storage System (ESS), in addition to ZOOZ Power’s intelligent* boosting offering, allows charging operators to significantly reduce electricity costs by storing energy during off-peak periods and deploying it during peak demand hours. This new addition to ZOOZ Power’s offering of systems to manage and improve overall power delivery to clusters of ultra-fast EV chargers substantially lowers operational expenses and enhances overall cost efficiency of EV charging infrastructure.

    Additionally, ZOOZ Power has upgraded its Energy Management System (EMS), improving the benefits of both the Intelligent Power Booster solution (ZOOSTER) and the new ESS offerings. The advanced EMS operates locally on-site, providing real-time management and rapid response capabilities to efficiently control energy flow, reduce power peaks, and extend battery lifecycles.

    The ZOOZTER Intelligent Power Booster continues to play a vital role in ZOOZ Power’s comprehensive solution, offering ultra-fast EV charging even in locations with limited grid capacity. By providing high-power bursts during charging sessions, the ZOOZTER effectively mitigates grid constraints, allowing consistent and reliable ultra-fast charging without costly infrastructure upgrades.

    In conjunction with its technological advancements, ZOOZ Power is expanding its global sales team. The Company is excited to announce the appointment of Mr. Ilan Tevet as the new Vice President of Global Sales. With over 25 years of experience in global B2B sales, business development and marketing, Ilan has a proven track record of driving growth. His deep expertise will be instrumental in accelerating ZOOZ Power’s planned global expansion.

    Furthermore, ZOOZ Power is strengthening its worldwide sales presence by appointing new sales managers in strategic markets, including the UK, Germany, and France. Further expansions are planned in other regions to align with the growing adoption of electric vehicles.

    “Our new ESS solutions, the enhanced EMS, and the strategic expansion of our sales team are pivotal steps toward providing comprehensive, efficient, and cost-optimized EV charging infrastructure,” said Erez Zimerman, CEO of ZOOZ Power. “With Ilan’s leadership and our expanded sales force in key markets, we are uniquely positioned to support and drive the global shift toward EV adoption.”

    *As used in this Press Release, intelligent boosting and Intelligent Power Booster refer to the ZOOZ Power Energy Management Software, which dynamically manages and optimizes energy consumption at the charging site

    About ZOOZ Power
    ZOOZ Power is a leading provider of flywheel-based power boosting and energy management solutions, enabling the widespread deployment of ultra-fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) while overcoming existing grid limitations.

    ZOOZ Power pioneers its unique flywheel-based power-boosting technology, enabling efficient utilization and power management of a power-limited grid at an EV charging site. Its flywheel technology allows high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective ultra-fast charging infrastructure.

    ZOOZ Power’s sustainable, power-boosting solutions are built with longevity and the environment in mind, helping its customers and partners accelerate the deployment of fast-charging infrastructure, thus facilitating improved utilization rates, better efficiency, greater flexibility, and faster revenues and profitability growth. ZOOZ Power is publicly traded on NASDAQ and TASE under the ticker ZOOZ

    For more information, please visit: www.zoozpower.com/

    Investor Contact:
    Miri Segal – CEO
    MS-IR LLC
    msegal@ms-ir.com

    Media enquiries:
    Media@zoozpower.com

    Forward-Looking Statement
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of ZOOZ Power. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding ZOOZ Power, and any of ZOOZ Power’s strategy, future operations and statements related to the collaboration between ZOOZ Power and “ON” charging network (including any plans to implement ZOOZ Power’s solution and upgrade an additional site of “ON” on Route 6) are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause ZOOZ Power’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and other risks and uncertainties are more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of ZOOZ Power’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as well as other documents that may be subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the limited operating history and evolving business model of ZOOZ Power, ZOOZ Power’s future prospects, ZOOZ Power’s planned global expansion, including the timing and the results thereof, statements regarding ZOOZ Power’s newly introduced Energy Storage System (ESS), intelligent boosting offering and Energy Management System (EMS), their adoption by the market and any benefits that they may have to ZOOZ Power, its operations, financial position and its current and potential customers, statements regarding the expansion of ZOOZ Power’s sales team and the effect of that expansion on ZOOZ Power’s planned global expansion, financial condition, market position and results of operations, statements relating to ZOOZ Power’s market position, statements regarding the demand for ZOOZ Power’s products, and the potential outcome of ZOOZ Power’s collaborations with third parties for installation of its flywheel-based power boosting solution. These forward-looking statements are only estimations, and ZOOZ Power may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in any forward-looking statements, so you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements made in this Press Release. Management of ZOOZ Power has based these forward-looking statements largely on current expectations and projections about future events and trends that such persons believe may affect ZOOZ Power’s business, financial condition and operating results. Forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are made as of the date hereof, and none of ZOOZ Power or any of its representatives or any other person undertakes any duty to update such information except as may be expressly required under applicable law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Participation in Singapore Defence Technology Summit 2025

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    From 18 to 20 March 2025, a delegation from the Federal Office for Defence Procurement armasuisse led by Deputy National Armaments Director Thomas Rothacher will attend the “Singapore Defence Technology Summit 2025”. The conference will raise the topic of how modern defence technologies and partnerships can contribute to overcoming the challenges of an uncertain future. In addition, Ng Chad-Son, Director of the Singaporean Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), will sign the Memorandum of Understanding on the increased defence technology cooperation between Switzerland and Singapore, which the Federal Council approved on 14 March.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: LyondellBasell and Covestro announce permanent closure of PO11 unit at Maasvlakte

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAASSVLAKTE, Netherlands, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LyondellBasell (LYB) and Covestro have jointly decided to permanently close the Propylene Oxide Styrene and Monomer (POSM) production unit (PO11) at the Maasvlakte site in the Netherlands. This decision comes after thorough and careful consideration and is driven by the continued pressure on Maasvlakte’s profitability due to global overcapacities, a strong increase of imports from Asia and high costs of European production. Unfortunately, this situation is expected to continue, so longer-term profitable production is not anticipated.

    “While the decision to shut down the PO11 unit is difficult, we must ensure all assets within our portfolio are a long-term strategic fit,” said Aaron Ledet, executive vice-president, I&D and Supply Chain. “We are prioritizing our core assets which play a key role in our technology differentiation and circularity or provide attractive returns over the cost of capital. We take our obligations toward our employees, European employee reps, councils and unions seriously. We have engaged with them in line with these obligations and will continue to do so. We would like to thank them for the constructive dialogue. We are also in communication with customers, suppliers and other parties across the value chain and will continue to do business as usual. There is no change to our working relationship, and we continue to focus on providing an exceptional customer and supplier experience.”

    “As part of our Sustainable Future Strategy, we’re continuously working to optimally position Covestro to be a reliable partner for our customers and to operate competitively in a challenging market environment,” said Hermann-Josef Dörholt, head of the Performance Materials Business Entity at Covestro. “Due to global overcapacities, persistently weak demand, and high costs in Europe, we have jointly decided with LYB to close the PO11 plant. We will support LYB in implementing this change as socially responsibly as possible. At the same time, we remain committed to the European market and will continue to supply customers with our renowned polyether polyols portfolio.”

    The Maasvlakte site, a joint venture between LYB and Covestro, has been operational in the Rotterdam region since 2003. Between now and the end of 2026, LYB will carry out a process to safely shut down and prepare for the demolition of the asset.

    In 2024, LYB announced a strategic review of European assets of its Olefins & Polyolefins (O&P) and Intermediates & Derivatives (I&D) business units. LYB has taken the next step in evaluating the option to seek alternative ownership for the O&P sites in the strategic assessment. At this time no decisions have been made and various outcomes remain possible.

    About LyondellBasell
    We are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) ― a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors, and society. As one of the world’s largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.

    About Covestro
    Covestro is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components. With its innovative products, processes and methods, the company helps enhance sustainability and the quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the world in key industries such as mobility, building and living, as well as the electrical and electronics sector. In addition, polymers from Covestro are also used in sectors such as sports and leisure, telecommunications and health, as well as in the chemical industry itself.

    The company is geared completely to the circular economy. In addition, Covestro aims to achieve climate neutrality for its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035, and the Group’s Scope 3 emissions are also set to be climate neutral by 2050. Covestro generated sales of EUR 14.2 billion in fiscal year 2024. At the end of 2024, the company had 46 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 17,500 people (calculated as full-time equivalents).

    Media Inquiries LYB Global
    LyondellBasell Media Relations
    Phone: +1-713-309-7575
    Email: mediarelations@lyondellbasell.com

    Or:

    Media Inquiries LYB Europe
    Robert Kleissen, External Affairs Europe
    Phone: +31-6-273-573-98
    Email: robert.kleissen@lyondellbasell.com

    Media Inquiries Covestro
    Markus Kleine-Beck, Corporate Trade Media Relations
    Phone: +49-173-2320-686
    Email: markus.kleine-beck@covestro.com

    Svenja Paul, Corporate Media Relations
    Phone: +49-214-6009-2814
    Email: svenja.paul@covestro.com

    Forward-Looking Statements LYB
    The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, our ability to align our asset base with our strategic goals; and our ability to safely shut the asset described down and conduct demolition. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the “Risk Factors” section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which can be found at www.LyondellBasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change, except as required by law.

    Forward-Looking Statements Covestro
    This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Covestro AG. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Covestro’s public reports, which are available at www.covestro.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab7935cb-361b-4c8f-82f7-81f1b6bcd387

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CMBlu Energy, Inc. Announces Rubicon Professional Services as a Desert Blume Project Partner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PETALUMA, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CMBlu Energy, a leading battery technology company focused on developing and manufacturing a safe, sustainable, and secure long-duration energy storage system, announced today that it has selected Rubicon Professional Services (RPS) as a project partner for the design and engineering of Desert Blume. Announced in August 2023, Desert Blume is a 5-megawatt (MW), 10-hour-duration project developed in collaboration with Salt River Project (SRP), a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility serving the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Located at SRP’s Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center in Florence, Ariz., Desert Blume is the largest organic, non-lithium energy storage project under active development in the United States, positioning SRP as the first U.S. electric utility to deploy CMBlu’s energy storage solution at this scale.

    CMBlu’s Organic SolidFlow battery technology combines a non-flammable, proprietary carbon-based solid energy storage material with water-based electrolytes, resulting in high energy density and improved performance. This technology delivers up to 5 to 10 times the energy density of conventional flow batteries, enabling a smaller footprint to operate and maintain for easy-to-deploy long-duration energy storage. Made from earth-abundant, readily available and recyclable materials, the Organic SolidFlow battery reduces reliance on rare metals and minimizes supply chain risks. CMBlu expects its battery system to cost-effectively store and deliver energy for two to three times longer per cycle than traditional lithium-ion batteries, which are typically designed for short-duration applications of up to four hours.

    For Desert Blume, battery modules are stacked three modules high on industrial racks within a building – a novel design requiring close coordination with our partners. RPS expertise is playing an integral role in the project’s realization.

    “With such an innovative design for the CMBlu Organic SolidFlow battery energy storage system, we needed a project partner that could work hand in hand with us to build the next generation of energy storage. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome RPS as our partner in this great endeavor,” said Giovanni Damato, President of CMBlu Energy, Inc. “Desert Blume represents a significant milestone and major step forward for developing non-lithium energy storage projects at scale and we look forward to building a safer, more sustainable battery project that can provide cost-effective energy reliability and resiliency to Arizonans.”

    “RPS is thrilled to partner with CMBlu on moving Desert Blume from design to approaching ‘boots on the ground,’” said Abbot Moffat, Director of Business Development with Rubicon Professional Services. “RPS has focused on critical infrastructure and BESS projects for years, so the development of non-lithium-ion long-duration storage solutions is something we’ve wanted to actively facilitate. CMBlu is at the forefront of this technology and is exactly the kind of company RPS values collaborating with. We’re confident that our extensive experience with lithium-ion BESS Projects, Data Centers, and Microgrids will translate to a smooth and successful project here with Desert Blume. In addition, SRP’s support of emerging technologies like CMBlu’s is something to celebrate.”

    Desert Blume is designed to store excess energy during the day and return that energy to SRP customers at night or when solar energy is not available. The project will store enough energy to power about 1,125 average homes for 10 hours.

    “We’re excited to see the Desert Blume pilot continuing to progress and have RPS join the project team,” said Chico Hunter, SRP Manager of Innovation and Development. “This project represents an important step in advancing long duration energy storage technology, which SRP will need to meet the significant customer growth in the Phoenix area, in the reliable, affordable and sustainable manner our customers expect.”

    A groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of Desert Blume will be held in 2025, with the project expected to come online in 2026.

    About CMBlu Energy

    CMBlu Energy empowers the world with unlimited energy storage inspired by nature. CMBlu’s first-of-a-kind Organic SolidFlow battery is a safe, sustainable, and secure long-duration energy storage system made from abundant and easily sourced raw materials, eliminating many concerns often associated with lithium-ion batteries. CMBlu Energy combines the best of solid-state batteries with the architecture of flow batteries, redefining flow battery performance. CMBlu Energy supports a localized supply chain, reducing dependence on imports and ensuring energy security. CMBlu has a team of over 250 employees, including 150 scientists in Germany, Greece, and across the U.S. For more information, visit www.cmblu.com.

    About RPS

    At RPS, our mission is to make our customers successful. We accomplish this by always focusing on their goals and objectives, regardless of the ‘issue of the day’. We sincerely value our clients and the relationships we have developed with them, and understand that the effective management of critical facility planning, engineering, and construction is essential to achieving our clients’ success.

    RPS provides an innovative approach to building or upgrading critical facilities. Whether an alternative energy projects, data center, R&D lab, or telecommunications hub, RPS focuses on the owner’s interests, develops strategy, assembles a top team of technical experts, subcontractors, and equipment vendors, and then expertly manages the entire process. Find out more at www.rubiconps.com.

    About SRP

    SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving about 1.1 million customers. SRP provides water to about 2.5 million Valley residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water (750,000 acre-feet) each year, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed that includes an extensive system of reservoirs, wells, irrigation laterals, and 131 miles of canals.

    Media Contact
    Nic Savo
    Silverline
    (203) 456-0843
    nic@teamsilverline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CURRENC Group and ARC Group Jointly Launch $100 Million AI-Focused Infrastructure & Investment Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) (“CURRENC” or the “Company”), a fintech pioneer empowering financial institutions worldwide with artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, today announced its plan to form an AI-focused investment fund in collaboration with ARC Group, a leading global investment bank (“CURR-ARC AI Fund 1” or the “Fund”). As the first of a series of initiatives in CURRENC’s strategic AI investment blueprint, CURR-ARC AI Fund 1 aims to raise up to $100 million and will invest in AI data center (AIDC), green energy, and computing power development, driving AI innovation and digital transformation globally.

    The Fund’s general partner is CURR-ARC GP Limited, a joint venture company owned 80% by CURRENC and 20% by ARC Group.

    The investment focus of the Fund will be as follows:
    1. Approximately 80% of the Fund will be dedicated to global investments in AI computing power and green energy infrastructure projects, including the first phase of CURRENC’s planned 500MW hyperscale AIDC in Malaysia.
    2. Approximately 20% of the Fund will target emerging enterprises in the fields of AI ecosystems, fintech, and AI-driven solutions.

    The Fund will benefit from the leadership of a seasoned team of technology and finance experts, as well as experienced asset managers and AIDC operators. Together, they will execute the Fund’s investment strategy.

    “The CURR-ARC AI Fund 1 is a transformative initiative in our strategy to create a robust, sustainable ecosystem that spans AIDCs, green energy, fintech, and AI-driven solutions,” said Alex Kong, Founder and Executive Chairman of CURRENC. “It will allow us to support both established leaders and emerging disruptors across industries, simultaneously fueling innovation in AI and sustainable technology. We’re confident that this investment will enable us to harness AI’s full potential and propel the digital transformation globally, creating substantial value for our stakeholders and society as a whole.”

    Abraham Cinta, CEO of ARC Group, added, “We are thrilled to partner with CURRENC Group to advance our shared vision for the future of global industries. With our combined expertise in technology and finance, we are well-positioned to shape the next generation of AI innovations, green energy infrastructure, and scalable computing solutions that will drive sustainable global development.”

    About CURRENC Group Inc.
    CURRENC Group Inc. (Nasdaq: CURR) is a fintech pioneer dedicated to transforming global financial services through artificial intelligence (AI). The Company empowers financial institutions worldwide with comprehensive AI solutions, including SEAMLESS AI Call Centre and other AI-powered tools designed to reduce costs, increase efficiency and boost customer satisfaction for banks, insurance, telecommunications companies, government agencies, cryptocurrency exchanges and other financial institutions. The Company’s digital remittance platform also enables e-wallets, remittance companies, and corporations to provide real-time, 24/7 global payment services, advancing financial access across underserved communities.

    About ARC Group
    ARC Group is a globally based investment bank and management consultancy firm, specializing in bridging Asia and the West. Our services encompass a full spectrum of financial solutions, including IPOs, M&A, financing, venture capital, and SPACs. ARC Group also includes an independent consulting division dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by companies operating across both Asian and Western markets. Headquartered in Hong Kong, with offices across Mainland China, the USA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Sweden, and the UAE, we are well-positioned to provide cross-border financial and advisory services.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties, or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    Investor & Media Contact
    CURRENC Group Investor Relations
    Email: investors@currencgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NRS seeks up to 40 apprentices

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    NRS seeks up to 40 apprentices

    Applications are now open for the 2025 apprenticeship scheme at Nuclear Restoration Services sites across the UK.

    Stan Smith, apprentice maintenance and operations engineering technician at Oldbury site

    Apprenticeships are available to anyone aged 18 or over as level 2 health physics monitors, level 3 mechanical and electrical engineering technicians or level 6 nuclear engineering degrees.

    These opportunities provide hands-on learning with some of the most experienced nuclear professionals in the world, alongside first-class training providers to support college-based study.

    NRS is committed to supporting the nuclear skills agenda and helping its apprentices to grow and succeed in a diverse and inclusive workplace, while taking forward its nationally important mission to reduce hazards and decommission nuclear sites in all parts of the UK.

    Britney Nembaware, project management apprentice at Harwell site

    Aged 18, Britney Nembaware is one of the youngest currently on the NRS apprentice programme and was particularly drawn to the scheme for the chance to gain real-world project management experience while pursuing her degree. She said:

    I was particularly attracted by the opportunity to make a tangible impact on sustainability, which is something that resonates with me personally.

    The support from my team at Harwell site has been incredible. They’ve helped me grow so quickly, giving me the chance to collaborate on project deliverables, which has been invaluable to my development.

    Every day brings an opportunity to develop. Project management isn’t something you master overnight. It takes time and experience, and this apprenticeship is giving me the tools to keep improving.

    Britney’s journey is only just beginning, with NRS supporting her to see where the apprenticeship opportunity can take her career.

    John Vickerman, Chief People Officer, said:

    We are delighted to offer up to 40 nuclear skills opportunities to help support the UK’s clean energy mission and widen our talent pool even further.

    I am very proud of the success of the NRS apprentice programme. Continued investment in our early careers skills pipeline supports the national nuclear skills goal to double the number of apprentices and graduates every year.

    These opportunities are in addition to 23 apprenticeship positions already advertised in Caithness and North Sutherland supporting NRS Dounreay.

    NDA group graduates and apprentices on a tour of Parliament

    The full list of vacancies and information about how to apply is available on the Energus website here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU takes care of the little ones: a mother and child room has been opened at the university

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    In accordance with the initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, a mother and child room has been opened at the State University of Management. This step is part of a federal program, within the framework of which about a thousand such important rooms should be created in Russian universities by 2030.

    The mother and child room at the State University of Management is designed to create comfortable conditions for students and university employees raising children. All conditions for comfortable time spending by mothers with children are met here: a cozy interior, necessary furniture, as well as the possibility of holding events aimed at early career guidance for children.

    “Caring for children and families of students is an important aspect of the formation of the future economy of our country. Supporting young parents and creating favorable conditions for raising children contribute to the development of human capital,” said Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management.

    In 2024, about 40 mother and child rooms were opened in the country, and this process will continue.

    At the State University of Management, the mother and child room is located in the right wing of the 1st floor of the Main Academic Building. Absolutely anyone can take the key at the security post at the entrance. Working hours: according to the GUU schedule.

    The State University of Management actively supports initiatives aimed at creating a family and ensuring a harmonious combination of study and motherhood, which contributes not only to improving the living conditions of students, but also to improving the quality of the educational environment.

    SUM continues to strive to develop an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all participants in the educational process, which is an important step towards improving higher education in Russia.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/18/2025

    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: Swiss Re to sell 10.05% stake in Definity Financial for CAD 655 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Swiss Re announced an agreement to sell 11,647,217 common shares (“Common Shares”) of Definity Financial Corp. (TSX: DFY) (“Definity”) representing approximately 10.05% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of March 17, 2025 (the “Offering”).

    The Common Shares are being sold by Swiss Re Investment Holdings Company Ltd on an underwritten block trade basis at a price of CAD 56.20 per Common Share for aggregate cash proceeds of approximately CAD 655 million. The Offering has been underwritten by CIBC Capital Markets and National Bank Financial Inc. (the “Underwriters”) and is expected to close on March 19, 2025.

    Immediately before the Offering, Swiss Re owned 11,647,217 Common Shares, representing approximately 10.05% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares. After giving effect to the Offering, Swiss Re will no longer hold any Common Shares.

    “We are very impressed with the significant progress Definity has made since its IPO in November 2021 and continue to value the ongoing business relationship with the Company. Swiss Re continues to be a strong believer in Definity’s path towards becoming a leading P&C insurer in Canada,” said Andreas Berger, Swiss Re’s Group Chief Executive Officer. “The sale was done in the context of a regular review and rebalancing of Swiss Re’s investment portfolio and is consistent with the Group’s overall investment strategy across equity and alternative investments.”

    Swiss Re’s head office is located at Mythenquai 50/60 8002 Zurich, Switzerland. Swiss Re will file an early warning report with the securities regulators in each of the provinces and territories of Canada with respect to the foregoing matters pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, in connection with the Common Shares sold, a copy of which will be available under Definity’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information and/or a copy of the related early warning report to be filed, please contact James Raphael at +1 212 317 5428. Definity’s head office is located at 111 Westmount Road South, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 2L6.

    About Swiss Re
    The Swiss Re Group is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. It anticipates and manages risk – from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cyber crime. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1863, the Swiss Re Group operates through a network of around 70 offices globally.

    Media Relations
    Zurich
    Telephone +41 43285 7171

    New York
    Telephone +1 914 828 6511

    Investor Relations
    Telephone +41 43 285 4444

    Swiss Re Ltd
    Mythenquai 50/60
    CH-8022 Zurich
    Telephone +41 43 285 2121

    www.swissre.com
    @SwissRe

    Contact person
    Mark Bonthrone
    Mark_Bonthrone@swissre.com
    +1 646 662 0212

    Additional information
    For press releases, logos and photography
    of Swiss Re executives,
    directors or offices go to
    www.swissre.com/media

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Gaza airstrikes must be “wake-up call” for genocide complicity

    Source: Scottish Greens

    18 Mar 2025 External Affairs

    UK arms sales are causing death and destruction in Gaza.

    More in External Affairs

    The UK government must end its complicity in genocide and finally halt arms sales to Israel, says Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie following news that over 330 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes on Gaza last night.

    With warnings from the United Nations that the majority of people killed in the war in Gaza are women and children, the Scottish Greens have renewed calls for the UK government to terminate arms sales to Israel.

    Mr Harvie said:

    “Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, Israel should have been withdrawing from Gaza by now, but instead they have violated the ceasefire by carrying out nothing less than a massacre.

    “The scale of horror that Israel is inflicting must serve as a wake-up call to our governments to end their role in genocide, and hold the Israeli Government to account for its war crimes.

    “Continuing to arm and support Israel can only lead to further destruction and even more lost lives. It is civilians who are paying the devastating cost of collective punishment, mass displacement and the destruction of schools, hospitals and homes.

    “With a Trump administration that doesn’t even pretend to care about Palestinian rights, the Israeli Government is clearly feeling empowered and knows that they will face no consequences.

    “We cannot allow this to continue any longer. There is a moral obligation on all governments to stop arming Israel and instead hold them accountable for their actions.”

    Mr Harvie also called for the Scottish Government to stop all financial support for companies who are profiting from the war, after reports that Scottish Enterprise has given over £1 million to organizations that arm Israel since the start of the war.

    Mr Harvie added:

    “The Scottish Government has rightly condemned UK complicity, but time and again it has refused to end support for the companies who are enabling and profiting from the killing. It is time for them to put their money where their mouth is and end their hypocrisy.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Choose loose fruit and veg to reduce food waste

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    ABC Borough Council is thrilled to support Food Waste Action Week, running from March 17- 23 which will focus on buying loose fruit and vegetables.

    The campaign, which is the flagship annual event delivered by WRAP’s (Waste and Resources Action Programme) Love Food Hate Waste, helps households develop the tools they need to cut food waste at home.

    This year, Food Waste Action Week will continue to raise awareness of the benefits of buying loose fruit and veg. With food waste costing on average £1,000 for a household of four every year, Food Waste Action Week will help shoppers to save money and waste less food by shopping for loose produce.

    WRAP’s research has identified the potential to reduce household food waste by removing the packaging on uncut fresh fruit and veg, enabling us to buy closer to our needs as well as the ‘bonus’ benefit of eliminating a significant amount of unnecessary packaging.

    Recently, WRAP has called for a packaging ban on 21 fruit and veg items, to be developed via a formal consultation process. This recommendation has been created in consultation with industry stakeholders from across the supply chain. Selling these 21 items loose has the potential to save in the region of 100,000 tonnes of edible fruit and vegetables from being wasted annually in people’s homes as well as saving 13,000 tonnes of plastic film.

    Jackie Bailey, Senior Campaign Manager Love Food Hate Waste, said: “We know buying loose fruit and veg has the potential to significantly cut the amount of food ending up in the bin – now is the time for retailers and shoppers to make that a reality. Increasing loose fruit and veg offerings in store will not only reduce hard to recycle plastics, it will also enable shoppers to buy closer to their needs, slashing waste and stopping tens of thousands of tonnes of CO2 emissions.”

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Cllr Sarah Duffy said simple choices can make big impacts.

    She said: “As a council, we want to support this campaign by encouraging local shops and residents to switch to loose fruit and vegetables as this can make a huge impact on reducing food waste and plastic as well as reducing costs.”

    To find out how you can play your part please visit – www.wrap.ngo/take-action/love-food-hate-waste

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council cash boost welcomed for Health and Social Care partnership

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen City Council’s budget approval of an additional £9.536 million in funding for the city’s Health and Social Care partnership was welcomed at today’s (Tuesday 18 March) meeting of the Integration Joint Board (IJB),

    The additional funding agreed at the Council’s Budget meeting on 5 March brings the local authority’s investment in the IJB to £140m for the coming 12 months and helps the Partnership balance its 2025/26 budget, deliver frontline services and transform its operations.  

    Councillor Alex McLellan, the Council’s Finance and Resources Convener, said: “Aberdeen City Council’s 2025/26 budget allocated a record £140 million, including an additional £9.5 million to protect services, to the Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership to deliver health and social care services on behalf of the Council.”

    “These additional funds have ensured vital services, which are provided to some of the most vulnerable people in Aberdeen, by the Aberdeen City Health and Social Partnership are protected.   

    “There is clearly a need for the Integration Joint Board to go through a period of transformation, to reduce spend, embrace digital technology and find efficiencies but this approach needs to be a compassionate one and through a period of transition.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Market Hall unveils first wave of traders, setting stage for grand reopening

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council is excited to announce the first lineup of traders set to move into the revitalised Derby Market Hall, marking another milestone in the transformation of the historic Grade II-listed building. 

    Following a £35.1m restoration, the Market Hall will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday 24 May, marking a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. 

    A curated mix of traditional and contemporary traders will be in place when the Market Hall reopens its doors, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of the city and blending the Market Hall’s rich history with a modern experience. 

    A legacy continues:

    • Amongst the first confirmed traders is one that has traded throughout the refurbishment works – Bailey’s Fishmongers. Derby’s last remaining fishmonger has been a trader in the Market Hall for 65 years and will continue to operate in their current location in the lock-up yard area. As a family-run business with over 100 years of experience, Bailey’s Fishmongers was originally founded by Stuart Bailey’s father, with Stuart working in the trade for more than 64 years. Fresh fish and seafood products will be on offer for customers and businesses alike.

    A world of local and international flavours:

    • Bringing a taste of Italy to Derby Market Hall, Caffé Prosecco is set to offer an elegant and modern take on Italian hospitality. Born out of a collection of award-winning bars, including venues that have claimed the Derby Food & Drink Award three years in a row, Caffé Prosecco is renowned for its service and premium selection of drinks. Offering a wide range of Proseccos and fine wines, the independent café promises a refined yet relaxed experience where customers can enjoy freshly brewed coffee, freshly baked croissants, indulgent cakes, and a selection of Pinchos and Cicchettis (traditionally enjoyed in Spanish and Italian bars). Gluten-free and alcohol-free options will also be available. 
    • Locally sourced produce will be at the heart of the revitalised Market Hall, with Derbyshire’s Own, run by Derby Uncovered CIC, set to champion the best of Derby and Derbyshire’s history and heritage. With a sole mission to provide residents and visitors with a wide and varied selection of groceries sourced exclusively from suppliers in Derby and Derbyshire, Derbyshire’s Own will support the local economy whilst promoting sustainability. Customers will also enjoy a wide range of locally produced food and drink.
    • Bold international flavours will be offered by Colombo Street, a multi-award-winning street food vendor offering visitors an authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine. Holding prestigious awards such as Sri Lankan Restaurant of the Year at the Nation’s Curry Awards 2024, the National Asian Food Awards 2023, and more, they are set to offer their signature Kottu dishes alongside a selection of flavourful Sri Lankan specialities.
    • Nico’s Gelato & Coffee is set to bring a taste of Italy to Derby. The Derby-based business will offer artisan gelato, hot drinks, and Italian pastries to residents and visitors. The business was founded by Nico, who began making gelato after moving from Italy to Derby, inspired by his memories of Italian summers. After over a decade of creating the perfect gelato recipes, Nico now sells gelato across the city. 

    Sustainably fashion forward:

    • With over 10 years of experience, vintage fashion trader Mardy Ducks will offer a selection of handpicked, on-trend, and affordable vintage clothing, including brands such as Carhartt, Ralph Lauren, Patagonia, and The North Face. At the heart of the brand’s mission is to extend the life cycle of clothing, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.
    • Also joining the fashion offer will be The Oddities Store (TOS), an award-winning luxury fashion brand. TOS specialise in made-to-order collections and deconstructed fashion pieces, transforming second-hand luxury materials into one-of-a-kind designs. As a Black-owned business, TOS uses its Afrocentric influences to blend timeless elegance with contemporary design, carefully handcrafting each individual garment. 

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said:

    I am incredibly excited to announce the first traders who will be moving into Derby Market Hall when it reopens its doors on Saturday 24 May. From international street food to sustainable fashion, the new –and old- traders each have something truly special to offer to every resident and visitor.

    I am particularly excited to welcome the public into the revitalised Market Hall at a time when we are entering a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. I am certain that the carefully curated set of traders will be met with much anticipation and will be a massive success for the Market Hall’s incredible offer.

    Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year. 

    More traders are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

    Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram, or visit the website, to find out more. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry food business sentenced for filthy conditions

    Source: City of Coventry

    A Coventry food business operator has been given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to food hygiene offences.

    Mrs Liang Zheng, the former Food Business Operator of Chef Wang, 4 Torrington Avenue, Coventry pleaded guilty to 3 hygiene offences at Coventry Magistrates Court on 12 March 2025.  

    Mrs Zheng was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs of £3,377.58 as well as a victim surcharge of £26.

    Food & Safety Officers visited the business to undertake an unannounced food hygiene inspection on 7 June 2023. During this visit, filthy conditions were found throughout the kitchen. The standard of cleaning was well below standard – both day to day cleaning such as touch points, as well as deeper cleaning.

    Officers found:

    • Wash hand basins were not in use, either being obstructed or not provided with soap and hygienic hand drying facilities.
    • Dirty and deteriorated cloths were in use for cleaning.
    • Staff not wearing clean protective clothing.
    • Flies throughout the food preparation and handling areas.

    Officers worked with the food business to ensure conditions were improved and it was safe to operate.

    On 27 July 2023 following a paid for request for a re-rating revisit, a rating of 3 (hygiene standards are generally satisfactory) was achieved.

    When questioned about the poor conditions found in June 2023, Mrs Zheng did not appear to understand the gravity of the situation and did not think the conditions found by officers were poor, thus demonstrating that Mrs Zheng’s baseline cleaning standards do not match those of food hygiene law.

    Mrs Zheng pleaded guilty to three offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations in respect of the following identified issues:

    •         Failure to keep the premises clean.

    •         Failure to protect food from contamination.

    •         Failure to implement and maintain a permanent procedure or procedures based on the HACCP (Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points) principles.

    The business has been subject to several inspections since the poor conditions were found in 2023.

    In June 2024, an unannounced food hygiene inspection led to a rating of 1 (major improvement is necessary) being issued and following payment for a rating revisit, a further unannounced inspection was carried out in August 2024 which resulted in a food hygiene rating of 4 (hygiene standards are good).

    Councillor Khan, Cabinet Member for Policing and Equalities said:

    “It is vital that people running food businesses in Coventry are running clean and safe establishments all of the time to ensure the safety of the food they sell to customers.”

    “This is a reminder to all Food Business Operators to ensure they have a clean kitchen with suitably trained staff undertaking regular and thorough cleaning every day to prevent a problem like this occurring and putting customers at a risk to their health”

    Davina Blackburn, Strategic Lead for Regulation and Communities in the city, said:

    “We take a staged approach to enforcement and prosecution is a matter of last resort. Wherever possible officers will always try to work with businesses offering advice and guidance but will take the necessary actions if they feel there is a risk to health.”

    We would encourage all residents to report unsatisfactory food hygiene conditions found in food businesses in Coventry to ehcommercial@coventry.gov.uk or call 08085834333.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rostekhnadzor representatives told students of the Department of Construction Physics, Electric Power Engineering and Electrical Engineering how to become a state inspector

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Alexander Kolpakov

    Representatives of the North-West Office of the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological and Nuclear Supervision (Rostekhnadzor) met with students to tell them about their activities and employment opportunities for young professionals.

    “The demand for specialists capable of ensuring reliable, uninterrupted operation of energy facilities and safety of technological processes is growing. State inspectors who carry out control and supervisory activities play a key role in this. Practice shows that some of those who receive higher education today will not work in their chosen specialty and in the industry as a whole. Today’s meeting is educational in nature for future specialists in the energy sector who can link their professional activities with the field closest to their specialty,” said Alexander Kolpakov, Deputy Head of the Department for State Energy Supervision of Consumer Electrical Installations of the North-West Department of the Federal Service for Environmental, Technological and Nuclear Supervision (in the sphere of state energy supervision).

    He explained that the North-West Department of Rostekhnadzor carries out state control and supervision in industrial safety, safety of hydraulic structures, electric power industry, construction in St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Novgorod, Pskov regions and the Republic of Karelia. In the sphere of state energy supervision, inspectors conduct inspections of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs for their compliance with reliability and safety requirements, regulatory legal acts within their competence. They are among the first to go to the largest and most significant facilities in order to subsequently issue a permit for the commissioning of electrical installations. Among such facilities are the most technologically advanced stadium in the country, Gazprom Arena, the new multifunctional sports complex SKA Arena, the northernmost skyscraper in the world, Lakhta Center, and the metro.

    “Everything is developing rapidly today: new technologies are being introduced, modern materials are being used, unique facilities are being built, and it is very interesting to work in our field. Public service differs from civil work due to requirements and restrictions. The main requirements are: Russian citizenship, reaching the age of eighteen, and proficiency in the state language. You can become a specialist expert, senior or chief inspector, department head or deputy only if you have a higher education. Support specialists only need to have a secondary vocational education. There are no requirements for experience: inspectors can be recruited directly from their studies, and students can undergo industrial training,” concluded Alexander Kolpakov. The conversation about work, including at large, well-known facilities, interested the students not only in terms of employment, but also in terms of organizing energy supply to them.

    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: Developing new approaches and sharing experiences: NSU PISH held an interregional conference for teachers of additional education in the field of engineering

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    March 17 NSU Advanced Engineering School “Cognitive Engineering” held an interregional conference “Engineering education in school: real cases and best practices”. The event was attended by more than 40 teachers of additional education from the Novosibirsk, Omsk and Irkutsk regions.

    The opening of the conference was addressed by the Director of the Advanced Engineering School of NSU, Sergei Golovin:

    — It is no secret that filling engineering activities with projects involving the real sector of the economy is what our state and region encourage, so that children, having entered universities and studied, become engineers who will create technological independence for Russia. The goal of today’s conference is to discuss how to properly build an engineering methodology in schools, how to involve local industry in projects, and decompose enterprise tasks for school projects. Today, NSU PISH presents the final of the additional professional education program for teachers and mentors who have already prepared their real cases, which they will implement in their territory.

    Leading experts in the field of additional secondary vocational education presented reports on best practices and modern approaches to the implementation of school engineering projects and the interaction of educational institutions with industrial partners. The main goal of the conference was to exchange knowledge and skills in the field of involving schoolchildren in engineering activities, as well as discuss strategies that contribute to the successful implementation of school projects and the establishment of strong partnerships with industrial companies.

    Among the leading speakers are Svetlana Yakovleva, Head of the Department of Educational Policy in the Sphere of General Education of the Ministry of Education of the Novosibirsk Region. The conference also featured Natalia Gornostaeva, Head of the Altair Regional Center, Maya Gichgeldieva, Director of the Education Foundation, and co-founder of the Garage Tesla project Sergey Salnikov.

    The representative of the Ministry presented general information on the development of engineering activities in the Novosibirsk Region. At present, there are 81 general education organizations in the region, where there are engineering classes. There are also 119 institutions of additional education in the Novosibirsk Region, where children can engage in technical creativity. Among them are children’s technology parks.

    Within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”, 382 centers of education in natural sciences and technology were implemented, which covered more than 2,600 children. In 2024, on the basis of ten organizations of additional education, engineering and technical circles were created for joint educational and industrial activities of children and adults.

    Concluding her speech, Svetlana Yakovleva emphasized:

    — Technical education is certainly a priority in the education system of the Novosibirsk Region. I am confident that the support measures implemented by the Ministry of Education of the Region will improve the quality of training of graduates and engineering personnel for the industry of the Novosibirsk Region.

    An important part of the conference was the presentations by graduates of the program “Methodological and technical support for additional education programs for children in engineering, technology and natural sciences” from the Advanced Engineering School of NSU – these are teachers of additional education from the Novosibirsk and Omsk regions.

    The program graduates presented roadmaps for the comprehensive implementation of additional education programs in technical areas: microelectronics and unmanned systems. The teachers presented projects for the implementation of programs that will stimulate schoolchildren’s interest in engineering, and also shared plans for interaction with high-tech enterprises to set engineering tasks and adapt them for schoolchildren.

    Following the conference, proposals were formulated for further coordination of actions between representatives of additional education on the issue of developing engineering in the school environment.

    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 USA: Bessie Margolin, Labor Lawyer

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Bessie Margolin was not born to privilege; she was left at the Jewish Orphans Home of New Orleans at four. She was fortunate to have a foundational education at the Newman School. She was admitted to Tulane Law School, the only woman in her class, and graduated with a liberal arts degree and a law degree, with honors, in 1930. The strong recommendations that she had from Tulane got her admitted to Yale Law School, where she worked as a research assistant and earned the Sterling Fellowship, the first woman to be awarded that honor. She graduated from Yale with a J.S.D. in May 1933. She immediately began working as a researcher for the Inter-American Commission of Women, mainly writing and conducting her research at the Library of Congress during that summer. (Trestman, 38.)

    Her first permanent post-degree position was at the new agency, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), at a time when women formed only 2% of the legal profession. (Trestman, 41.) While at the TVA, where again she was the first female lawyer, she worked on several key cases, including a few that challenged the TVA’s existence, such as Ashwander v. Tennessee Valley

    KF26 .L3 1963e United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Labor and Public Welfare. Equal Pay Act of 1963.
  • Earl Warren papers, box 832, Remarks, Dinner Marking Retirement of Bessie Margolin, Washington Hilton Hotel, January 28, 1972.
  • JK671.C52  Civil Service Journal.
  • KF3306 2016 The Employment Law Sourcebook / Eleanor L. Grossman, J.D., and Robert B. McKinney, J.D., of the staff of the National Legal Research Group, Inc., editors.

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: RTI at Aerospace TechWeek 2025: Advancing Next-Generation Aviation and Defense Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Real-Time Innovations (RTI), the infrastructure software company for smart-world systems, will exhibit at Aerospace TechWeek 2025, held April 2-3 in Munich, Germany. At booth #K24, RTI will showcase Connext®, the proven software framework that powers secure, high-performance data exchange across avionics systems, unmanned platforms, and multi-domain defense networks. Schedule a meeting with the RTI team here.

    As military aircraft and defense platforms advance, seamless connectivity, interoperability, and mission-critical reliability are more essential than ever. Designed with open architecture principles, Connext supports FACE™, MOSA, SOSA, and Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) requirements—enabling real-time situational awareness, AI-driven decision-making, and scalable connectivity for airborne operations.

    In addition to the booth, RTI experts will present at the following speaking sessions:

    Session 1:

    • Panel Discussion: “Advancing Military Air Traffic Management through Enhanced Connectivity” with EUROCAE
    • When: 11:55 AM, April 2 | Connectivity Track
    • Speaker: Thijs Brouwer, Senior Field Application Engineer, RTI

    Session 2:

    • Presentation: Real-Time Mission Systems and Advanced Communications in Avionics
    • When: 2:00 PM, April 2 | Avionics Track
    • Speaker: Andre Odermatt, Principal Application Engineer, A&D, RTI

    Event Details
    What: RTI at Aerospace TechWeek Europe 2025, Booth #K24
    When: April 2-3, 2025
    Where: MOC – Event Center Messe München, Munich, Germany

    About RTI

    Real-Time Innovations (RTI) is the infrastructure software company for smart-world systems. RTI Connext® is the world’s leading software framework for intelligent distributed systems. Uniquely, Connext users can build systems that combine advanced sensing, fast control, and AI algorithms.

    With 2,000 customer designs, RTI excels at getting customers to production. RTI software runs over 300 autonomous vehicle programs, supports dozens of automotive ADAS and software-defined architectures, controls the largest power plants in North America, integrates over 500 major defense programs, drives a new generation of MedTech systems and robotics, and underlies Canada’s air traffic control and NASA’s launch control systems.

    RTI runs a smarter world.

    RTI is the market leader in products compliant with the Data Distribution Service (DDS™) standard. RTI is privately held and headquartered in Silicon Valley with regional offices in Colorado, Spain, and Singapore.

    Download a free trial of the latest, fully-functional Connext software today: www.rti.com/downloads

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kremlin confirms preparation for phone talk between Putin, Trump

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced on Monday that preparations are underway for a telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

    “A conversation is being prepared for Tuesday,” Peskov said, although he declined to disclose the topics that would be discussed.

    Kremlin’s comment came after Trump confirmed on Sunday evening that he would talk with Putin on Tuesday. “A lot of work’s been done over the weekend,” he told reporters on board Air Force One during a flight from Florida to Washington.

    “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants,” Trump told reporters. “I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia.”

    “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: White House rejects demand for Statue of Liberty’s return to France

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The White House on Monday rejected a French politician’s demand for the return of the Statue of Liberty to France.

    “Absolutely not,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told a televised press briefing, in response to the demand by French member of the European Parliament Raphael Glucksmann.

    “My advice to that unnamed low-level French politician would be to remind them that it’s only because of the United States of America that the French are not speaking German right now,” Leavitt said, seemingly referencing the American-French alliance during World War II against Nazi Germany.

    Glucksmann on Sunday said he does not think that the United States represents the values of the Statue of Liberty anymore and called for its return to France.

    The statue was officially unveiled on Oct. 28, 1886, in New York, gifted to America as “a symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope,” according to the monument’s official website.

    The statue, situated at the New York Harbor, was later seen as a symbol of welcome by immigrants arriving by sea. Today, it is a top tourist site in New York City. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump to speak with Putin on Russia-Ukraine ceasefire

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday about settling the conflict in Ukraine, U.S. media reported.

    “We’re doing pretty well, I think, with Russia…I’ll be speaking to President Putin on Tuesday. A lot of work’s been done over the weekend,” Trump told reporters on board Air Force One during a flight from Florida to Washington on Sunday evening.

    Trump, who is working to finalize a 30-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine, said that land and power plants will be part of his conversation with the Russian leader.

    “We will be talking about land. We will be talking about power plants,” Trump told reporters. “I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia.”

    “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe we can, maybe we can’t, but I think we have a very good chance,” he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sellafield Ltd and AtkinsRéalis reach new robotics milestone

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Sellafield Ltd and AtkinsRéalis reach new robotics milestone

    A team of remote technology specialists have achieved an industry first at Sellafield by successfully operating a robot remotely from an off-site location.

    SPOT the quadrupedal robot dog was controlled remotely at a safe location at Sellafield

    Operators working from an immersive room at the Westlakes Science Park in Whitehaven, West Cumbria have proven they can remotely operate a robot on the Sellafield site safely and securely, with huge potential for the future of our clean-up mission.

    The immersive room at Westlakes enables remote operations via secure virtual access

    Sellafield Ltd is part of the NDA group, which is responsible for decommissioning 17 of the earliest nuclear sites across the UK. For the last 2 years we’ve embraced the use of quadrupedal robots through the RAICo programme and our supply chain. 

    More recently we’ve worked with AtkinsRéalis on the integrated remote monitoring project to deploy a customised Boston Dynamics Spot Quadrupedal Robotic ‘dog’ for a range of tasks including remote inspections, data gathering and clean-up work.

    The latest trial takes remote operations a step further by removing the operator from the nuclear site all together, thanks to a highly secure virtual access network and live-streamed footage.

    Deon Bulman, ROV equipment programme lead at Sellafield Ltd said:

    This successful trial marks a significant milestone in our journey towards integrating advanced robotics into our operations at Sellafield.

    The ability to remotely operate robotic systems like Spot demonstrates how digital innovation can enhance safety, efficiency, and decision-making on nuclear-licensed sites.

    By collaborating with AtkinsRéalis, we are exploring cutting-edge solutions that not only support our decommissioning mission but also pave the way for future advancements in remote operations.

    This kind of virtual site access is already deployed by AtkinsRéalis for major construction projects around the world, but it’s the first time it’s been trialled on a nuclear licensed site.

    Richard Brook, technology solutions lead for decommissioning at AtkinsRéalis, said:

    Sellafield Ltd has pioneered the adoption of technology across its operations, and this latest milestone is another step forward for the role of robotics in decommissioning.

    Virtual site access is already being used in the delivery of major infrastructure programmes: this trial is a big step towards unlocking its benefits for nuclear licensed sites without compromising safety or security.

    The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Group are utilising technology and innovation to transform how nuclear decommissioning is delivered and this approach could be applied across other nuclear licensed sites to deliver benefits across the wider NDA group.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor to slash ‘duplicative and burdensome rules’

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Chancellor to slash ‘duplicative and burdensome rules’

    Chancellor hosts Fintech CEOs in No. 11 as the Treasury streamlines regulation to boost growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    • Chancellor and CEOs discussed the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, following the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter.

    • The Chancellor also delivers on her Mansion House commitment to reform capital markets regulations and boost the attractiveness of the UK’s capital markets.

    This morning (18 March), the Chancellor hosted senior representatives from the Fintech sector in No. 11 Downing Street to discuss the biggest growth opportunities for Fintechs and new draft legislation to streamline regulation and boost the attractiveness of our capital markets.

    This new legislation will deliver reforms to the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) rules, which were inherited from the European Union, and will enable the FCA to scrap any rules which are duplicative and unnecessarily hold UK firms back by designing a new regulatory framework that supports economic growth, this government’s number one mission.

    The Chancellor committed to reforming these rules at her Mansion House speech in November to ensure that they work better for UK companies and they deliver for investors, firms, and support growth across the UK.

    This will mark the next milestone in delivering the government’s wholesale market reforms and will boost the attractiveness of the UK’s capital markets.

    This forms part of the Chancellor’s radical action plan to cut red tape, boost growth, and create a more effective regulatory system, delivering on the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business by a quarter.

    The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    We are taking action to make our rulebook more competitive to support growth, the number one mission for our Plan for Change, and have asked the FCA to reform the regulatory structure around capital markets to make it work better for UK firms. This will ensure they can grow and invest across the economy, kickstarting growth and getting more money in people’s pockets.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Registration for the qualifying round of the International Financial Security Olympiad is open

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Olympiad is organized by Rosfinmonitoring jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Education of Russia, as well as universities of the International Network Institute in the field of AML/CFT, including the Higher School of Economics. This year, HSE experts took methodological part in developing the tasks of the invitational round. Schoolchildren and students who registered for the selection round before March 30 are allowed to participate.

    International Financial Security Olympiad — is an intellectual competition that is held annually on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. Its main objectives include popularizing financial security as a norm of life, minimizing the risks of involving young people in illegal activities and forming a new type of thinking: from the financial security of an individual to the financial security of the state and the commonwealth of states. Over the four years of its existence, the Olympiad has already united over 6 million people from 36 countries!

    The Olympiad is held for students in grades 8–10 in the unified profile “financial security” based on such school subjects as mathematics, computer science and social studies, and for students (1–3 years of bachelor’s degree, 1–4 years of specialist degree and 1st year of master’s degree) — in separate areas of training:

    jurisprudence;

    Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Fundamental Computer Science and Information Technology, Computer Science and Computer Engineering, Applied Computer Science, Information Security, Business Computer Science;

    economics, finance and credit, economic security;

    international relations, foreign regional studies.

    The International Financial Security Olympiad is held in several stages. The first of them is an invitational one, which allows you to get acquainted with the format of the tasks, study additional materials and prepare for the new cycle. The second stage is a qualifying one. It is organized in the form of two rounds – from March 31 to April 4 and from April 9 to 15 – in an online format using the Sodruzhestvo platform. You can start completing the tasks only after registration, which must be completed before March 30.

    The third important stage is the qualification stage, which is scheduled for the period from August 1 to September 3.

    The final will take place from September 28 to October 3 at the Siberian Federal University (Russia, Krasnoyarsk).

    Winners and prize winners of the Olympiad will receive advantages when entering a university and offers for practical training and internships with the possibility of further employment from Rosfinmonitoring, the Bank of Russia, PAO Promsvyazbank, MUMCFM, leading financial organizations and partners. Schoolchildren who show high results will be able to enroll in a bachelor’s/specialist’s degree at the Higher School of Economics without entrance examinations or get 100 points for the entrance examination. The benefits apply to the programs of the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow.Information security“, “Computer security” And “Jurisprudence: Digital Lawyer“, as well as to the relevant programs in Nizhny Novgorod And Perm.

    “We invite students not only to test themselves by participating in the Olympiad, but also to delve into the issues of financial security in more detail! For this purpose, in 2025 we are launching a minor”Financial Security and Computer Investigations”. You will be able to obtain the necessary knowledge base and form a framework of important legal, financial and digital competencies, and upon completion – an official document confirming the additional qualification received. Thanks to this, new career opportunities in this field will open up for you,” comments Alexander Chepovsky, Director of Strategic Work with Applicants.

    The micro-qualification obtained by the minor is “specialist (expert) in the field of financial and information security”. It will allow you to be a sought-after employee in the corporate sector, government agencies, budgetary organizations and non-profit organizations.

    Minor Selection Campaign will take place in the near future: March 20 and 21 – the first wave, March 25 – the second.

    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 China: China has provided four batches of humanitarian aid to Ukraine: spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China has provided four batches of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, said Li Ming, spokesperson for China International Development Cooperation Agency, on Monday.

    Li made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his expectations for China’s help in restoring peace and reconstruction at a press conference in February.

    China will continue to be a positive force for world peace and stability and a progressive force for global fairness and justice, Li said.

    “We are ready to continue to provide assistance within our capacity according to the wishes of parties involved, which of course includes post-war reconstruction,” Li said.

    MIL OSI China News –