NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 031-033 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria – RC-B10-0157/2025(031-033)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 031-033
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0157/2025 (S&D)
    B10-0160/2025 (PPE)
    B10-0162/2025 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0164/2025 (Renew)
    B10-0169/2025 (ECR)
    on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria
    (2025/2569(RSP))
    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Laurent Castillo, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Sebastião Bugalho, Andrey Kovatchev, Željana Zovko, François-Xavier Bellamy, Davor Ivo Stier, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Reinhold Lopatka, Wouter Beke, Vangelis Meimarakis, Jan Farský, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Daniel Caspary, Ana Miguel Pedro
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Marco Tarquinio, Hana Jalloul Muro, Evin Incir
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Rihards Kols, Emmanouil Fragkos, Waldemar Tomaszewski
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Nathalie Loiseau, Barry Andrews, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Hannah Neumann
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 001-001 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria – RC-B10-0157/2025(001-001)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 001-001
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0157/2025 (S&D)
    B10-0160/2025 (PPE)
    B10-0162/2025 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0164/2025 (Renew)
    B10-0169/2025 (ECR)
    on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria
    (2025/2569(RSP))
    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Laurent Castillo, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Sebastião Bugalho, Andrey Kovatchev, Željana Zovko, François-Xavier Bellamy, Davor Ivo Stier, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Reinhold Lopatka, Wouter Beke, Vangelis Meimarakis, Jan Farský, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Daniel Caspary, Ana Miguel Pedro
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Marco Tarquinio, Hana Jalloul Muro, Evin Incir
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Rihards Kols, Emmanouil Fragkos, Waldemar Tomaszewski
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Nathalie Loiseau, Barry Andrews, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Urmas Paet, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Hannah Neumann
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 024-030 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression – RC-B10-0156/2025(024-030)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 024-030
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0156/2025 (S&D)
    B10-0159/2025 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0161/2025 (PPE)
    B10-0163/2025 (Renew)
    B10-0168/2025 (ECR)
    on continuing the unwavering EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression
    (2025/2528(RSP))
    Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Siegfried Mureşan, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Mika Aaltola, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Lena Düpont, Mircea-Gheorghe Hava, Rasa Juknevičienė, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Ana Miguel Pedro, Paulius Saudargas, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Riho Terras, Matej Tonin, Pekka Toveri, Inese Vaidere, Oliver Schenk
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Thijs Reuten
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Rihards Kols, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Cristian Terheş, Alexandr Vondra, Jaak Madison, Reinis Pozņaks, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Małgorzata Gosiewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Abir Al-Sahlani, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Michał Kobosko, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Emma Wiesner, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas, Moritz Körner
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Villy Søvndal, Markéta Gregorová
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin, Per Clausen, Li Andersson, Jussi Saramo, Merja Kyllönen

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting people with Council Tax debt

    Source: Scottish Government

    Citizens Advice Scotland project expanded.

    People struggling with Council Tax arrears will have access to enhanced advice through the expansion of a Citizens Advice Scotland project.

    Backed by an additional £2.2 million in Scottish Government funding, the project provides tailored support to affected households and works with local authorities to support good practice in Council Tax debt collection.

    The project has already been delivered in nine local authority areas, where it has helped to promote dignified and empathetic approach to debt collection and supported more than 1,600 people with advice on Council Tax issues. This additional funding will allow the project to be extended across the whole country.

    Housing Minister Paul McLennan said:

    “Any type of debt, including council tax debt, puts pressure on households and can cause real difficulties for family finances. Empathy and dignity must be at the heart of debt support.

    “This project has already made a big difference to the way debts are collected in the local authorities where it is in place, including supporting people who cannot access digital technology, making connections with mental health services where needed and encouraging people to seek advice early.

    “By helping families manage debts, this project will help us deliver on our driving mission of eradicating child poverty. Other steps we are taking to support this include investing £6.9 billion in social security for the year ahead, £37 million to deliver the expand the free school meals programme, and continuing to put more money in families pockets through the Scottish Child Payment.” 

    Background

    Advice and support are available for people experiencing problem debt – Debt and money – Cost of Living Support Scotland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University team reaches CASE-IN final in thermal power engineering

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Teams from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University took part in the CASE-IN qualifying round in the Thermal Power Engineering category for the first time. The event was held at the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.

    Three teams, which included students from the Higher School of Nuclear and Thermal Energy and the Higher School of Engineering and Economics, under the guidance of their curator, Associate Professor of HSE Olga Novikova, gained valuable experience in participating in a competition on a third-party platform. Following the results of the qualifying round, the team “4 Gigacalories” reached the final. The captain is Mark Mironchuk, the team members are Egor Vasiliev, Abdulmin Turapov and Nikita Kondrashev (HSE).

    The experts noted the high quality of the technical solutions presented by the team, as well as the deep economic development of the projects. All three SPbPU teams demonstrated an original approach to providing heat to the consumer without using natural gas, taking into account the potential of regional bioenergy resources.

    The 4 Gigacalories team presented a project aimed at substantiating a feasible method of heating a consumer using non-gas heat sources, such as wood waste, biogas and heat pump units.

    Participation in CASE-IN was an interesting challenge for us. The guys and I immediately decided that we wanted to offer not just a working solution, but a truly relevant and environmentally friendly one. Designing a heating system without gas is a complex but interesting task. We coped with it because we assembled a team of specialists from different fields. I am very pleased that the experts appreciated our case solution. Now the final is ahead. We will work even harder to worthily represent SPbPU, – said the team captain Mark Mironchuk.

    Despite the fact that only one team made it to the finals, the jury highly appreciated the creative approach of the QATF team, which included captain Vladislav Shakurov, Angelina Grigorieva, Matvey Savelyev and third-year VIES student Georgy Gunbin.

    The Solnyshki team also deserves special attention. Georgy Kondratov (captain) and Zakhara Vasilyeva (both 4th year students, thermal power engineering), Ksenia Krutoguzenko and Svetlana Abeleva (both 3rd year students, IPMEiT) proposed the most energy-efficient solution, including mini-CHP options.

    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: Hot off the press: the renovated Pyshechnaya opened at the Polytechnic

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 14, International Pi Day, the Polytechnicians received a gift: after a small renovation, the beloved Pyshki café officially opened.

    The opening day of the donut shop turned out to be quite cold — winter suddenly returned to St. Petersburg. It seems that the pancakes on Maslenitsa failed to drive it away. Perhaps the hot polytechnic donuts will cope with this task better?

    The symbolic green ribbon in front of the entrance was cut by Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov and Vice-Rector for Organizational and Economic Work Stanislav Vladimirov.

    We have several symbols of the Polytechnic University: the coat of arms, the logo, the “Black Bear” … And a few years ago, a new beautiful symbol appeared, embodied in many student memes – the Polytechnic donut. We support this tradition, we are reopening our donut shop, let it work for the benefit of students for many, many years! – said Maxim Pasholikov.

    It was warm inside the café, there was a delicious smell of donuts, and they themselves stood in an appetizing, ruddy mound on a large platter for everyone to enjoy.

    “Help yourself!” invited cafe administrator Teresa Balenko.

    Teresa has been working at the donut shop for 13 years, and her friendliness and cheerful manner of communicating with customers have also become legendary. The owner shared that the cafe has new equipment, buns and pies are baked right on the spot, and the range of coffee and cakes has expanded.

    The Polytechnic donuts are indeed extremely popular among students – they launched a Telegram channel about them, filmed a report, and even jokingly awarded two Michelin stars. And during the competition for campus improvement projects “Polytech is a territory of attraction” The Alligators team, which took second place, seriously proposed installing an art object called the Silver Donut on campus.

    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: Harmony of Style: Fashion Show Held at Polytechnic

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The spring fashion show was held at the Dobro.Center “Harmony” of SPbPU. The event was held for the first time, it was organized by the Humanitarian and Civil Engineering Institutes with the participation of the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design.

    The fashion show was attended by honored guests: Deputy Chief of Staff of the regional branch of “Yunarmiya” of St. Petersburg, veteran of combat operations of the SVO Sergei Skoriantov, head of the adolescent and youth center “Ligovo” Anzhelika Kanayan and deputy director of the charity fund “Nevsky Front” Elizaveta Orlova.

    Polytechnic University is a place of attraction for talented youth and unlimited opportunities for creation for the benefit of society, for harmonious development and formation of human capital, – noted in her welcoming speech the director of the SPbPU Dobro.Center Tatyana Nam.

    The students presented collections made from a wide variety of materials, from natural fabrics to oilcloth and plastic.

    In total, the designers showed five signature collections. “Winter Tale” by Ekaterina Krikopole embodies the magic of winter and the festive charm of the New Year. When creating the “Mezen” collection, Elena Moshkina was inspired by the original Mezen painting and the culture of the Russian North. Eliza Badalyan presented the “Yerevan” collection, in which you can see bright ethnic motifs, patterns of old carpets and decorative elements.

    “Legend in Fabrics” by Angelina Vasilyeva is a harmony of the past and the present, where ancient myths and legends come to life in a combination of ethnic patterns and modern design solutions. Elizaveta Goloton created the collection “Morena, the Sea Princess”, in which elegance, comfort and bright shades are intertwined, creating images for real sea princesses and kings. By the way, before the fashion show, Elizaveta held a master class for models on the catwalk.

    At the master class, I tried to help the Polytechnic students immerse themselves in the world of modeling, learn to try on new images, and feel like real queens of the ball. I hope the girls have become more confident, and the experience of working in a team will be useful to them. It is very pleasant when two completely different universities unite and create something new, — shared the organizer of the event, a student of SPbGUPTD Elizaveta Goloton.

    The fashion show was supported by activists of the military-historical club “Our Polytechnic”. Representatives of the role-playing club “Engineering Alliance” together with the leader Daniil Porozov demonstrated combat skills of conducting a medieval duel in knightly armor, and the guys from the “Historical Dance” direction performed numbers in the style of the 1950s – 1960s.

    I really liked all the collections, each designer put a lot of effort and time into their creation. It is nice that not only our students participated, but also representatives of another university. I hope that the event will be held annually, – shared 2nd year student Daria Koval.

    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: Artificial intelligence will track transactions and select a medicine

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The spring cycle of seminars on artificial intelligence at the Polytechnic opened with a presentation of a project to improve the quality of plants and transition to green farming.

    Alexander Fedotov, a leading researcher at the laboratory “Modeling of Technological Processes and Design of Power Equipment”, told the seminar participants about how artificial intelligence helps in processing multidimensional spatial data from remote sensing of natural and technical systems. Natural and technical systems are important for sustainable development, since they allow the efficient use of natural resources, minimizing damage to the environment.

    Results were presented on the use of deep learning algorithms for recognizing objects in 3D scenes from laser scanning point clouds. This development is interesting because segmentation of 3D scenes is always a labor-intensive and non-trivial task.

    The system for detecting phytosanitary threats based on artificial intelligence developed by a team of scientists allows determining the condition of plants and identifying their diseases at the earliest stage. To carry out the research, the scientists, together with colleagues from the All-Russian Research Institute for Plant Protection, created their own datasets of spectral portraits of diseased and healthy plants based on hyperspectral images.

    Another relevant area is the analysis of transactions in blockchain networks. It plays an important role in the fight against money laundering. One of the key areas in this area is the classification of addresses, which allows identifying suspicious transactions and distinguishing between legitimate and illegal transactions. Using big data technologies, graph structure analysis, expert rules and machine learning methods (gradient boosting, such as LGBM, XGBoost, CatBoost, as well as interpretable AI methods (xAI SHAP), scientists were able to effectively track anomalous transactions. Through active learning, the model is constantly being improved. According to Alexander Fedotov, foreign solutions in this area are still inferior in efficiency, which emphasizes the need to develop domestic technologies for analyzing blockchain transactions.

    Associates in the field of AI in pharmacology presented associate professors of the Higher School of Biomedical systems and technologies: the head of the nano-and microcapsulation of biologically active substances Alexander Timin and researchers of the laboratory Sergey Shipilovsky and Andrei Makashov. Scientists talked about world trends in solving the problem of manifestation of side effects from different drugs using the example of antitumor drugs. Currently, emphasis is on targeted use of drugs. Scientists of SPBPU, using a retrosynthetic analysis of large data arrays (Big Data), establish a dependence between the structure and biological activity. A trained neural network generates potential structures with the required properties and predicts the affinity of binding with targeted molecules. The proposed approach allows you to calculate the properties based on the structure, create training samples (more than 40,000 molecules), predict the structure of leading formations in the space of experimental samples. These decisions and the developed neural network filter, which monitors the effect of molecules on the body, significantly reduce temporary and material costs on preclinical studies. Answering the questions of the seminar about the reality of ambitions ten times to reduce the cost of new drugs to the market, young scientists replied that in the conditions of the possibilities that appeared with the departure of foreign companies from the Russian market and the interest of domestic manufacturers, their search technologies for the lead structure have already been studied by industrial partners and received approval. At the same time, Sergey Shipilovsky noted that their development is precisely the search for the most effective drugs, and not their creation, since artificial intelligence cannot be engaged in synthesis, it can only treat data, predict the properties of drugs.

    Summing up the results of the seminar, the Head of the Department of Scientific Projects and Programs Natalia Leontyeva emphasized that cases involving industrial partners are of great interest, and invited to continue the topic at the next seminar, which will take place on March 26 at 14.00 in the Kapitsa Hall.

    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: Elena Vinogradova: “Both at work and at home I strive for a stable life balance”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 17, the director of the Department of Economics and Finance of SPbPU, Doctor of Economic Sciences Elena Vinogradova, celebrates her anniversary.

    We congratulate Elena Borisovna and take this opportunity to say that the university is proud of such a specialist – passionate, purposeful, talented.

    Many colleagues, knowing Elena Borisovna well as a high-class professional, would like to learn more about her as a person. We provide you with such an opportunity. Read the interview with Elena Borisovna Vinogradova in our special project “Persona”.

    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: Tower Semiconductor Recognized by Northrop Grumman with Supplier Excellence Award

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel, March 17, 2025 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has recognized Tower Semiconductor as one of its top supplier partners during the company’s Supplier Excellence Awards Ceremony held recently.

    “Tower Semiconductor has supported Northrop Grumman in delivering technologies that enhance national security for the U.S. and our allies,” said Ken Brown, Vice President, Enterprise Global Supply Chain, Northrop Grumman. “The high-quality performance, dedication and partnership of our supplier teams drive operational excellence to ensure warfighters have next generation advantages in advanced weapons, aircraft, missile defense and space.”

    Recognized for Performance Excellence, Tower Semiconductor is instrumental in supporting Northrop Grumman with delivering innovative and cost-effective military and security solutions to give its customers a competitive advantage in a complex field.

    “It is an honor to once again receive the Northrop Grumman Supplier Excellence Award. This recognition underscores Tower Semiconductor’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality, reliability, and service to our Aerospace & Defense customers,” said Mike Scott, Sr. Director and General Manager of Aerospace & Defense Business Unit, Tower Semiconductor. “We take great pride in supporting Northrop Grumman and the broader defense community with our advanced technologies, manufacturing capabilities and dedicated A&D organization.”

    About Tower Semiconductor         

    Tower Semiconductor Ltd. (NASDAQ/TASE: TSEM), the leading foundry of high-value analog semiconductor solutions, provides technology, development, and process platforms for its customers in growing markets such as consumer, industrial, automotive, mobile, infrastructure, medical and aerospace and defense. Tower Semiconductor focuses on creating a positive and sustainable impact on the world through long-term partnerships and its advanced and innovative analog technology offering, comprised of a broad range of customizable process platforms such as SiGe, BiCMOS, mixed-signal/CMOS, RF CMOS, CMOS image sensor, non-imaging sensors, displays, integrated power management (BCD and 700V), photonics, and MEMS. Tower Semiconductor also provides world-class design enablement for a quick and accurate design cycle as well as process transfer services including development, transfer, and optimization, to IDMs and fabless companies. To provide multi-fab sourcing and extended capacity for its customers, Tower Semiconductor owns one operating facility in Israel (200mm), two in the U.S. (200mm), two in Japan (200mm and 300mm) which it owns through its 51% holdings in TPSCo, shares a 300mm facility in Agrate, Italy with STMicroelectronics as well as has access to a 300mm capacity corridor in Intel’s New Mexico factory. For more information, please visit: www.towersemi.com.

    Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements. A complete discussion of risks and uncertainties that may affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements included in this press release or which may otherwise affect Tower’s business is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Tower’s most recent filings on Forms 20-F, F-3, F-4 and 6-K, as were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Israel Securities Authority. Tower does not intend to update, and expressly disclaim any obligation to update, the information contained in this release. 

    ###

    Tower Semiconductor Company Contact: Orit Shahar | +972-74-7377440 | oritsha@towersemi.com

    Investor Relations Contact: Liat Avraham | +972-4-6506154 | liatavra@towersemi.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Renasant and The First Announce Receipt of Regulatory Approvals for Merger

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TUPELO, Miss. and HATTIESBURG, Miss., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renasant Corporation (NYSE: RNST) (“Renasant”) and The First Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: FBMS) (“The First”) jointly announced today that they have received all necessary regulatory approvals to complete the proposed merger of The First with and into Renasant, and the related merger of The First’s wholly owned subsidiary, The First Bank, with and into Renasant Bank, Renasant’s wholly owned subsidiary. Renasant and The First previously announced that their respective shareholders approved the proposed merger at special shareholder meetings on October 22, 2024.

    “We’re excited to have received regulatory approval to move forward with the merger between The First and Renasant,” said Renasant CEO and Executive Vice Chairman, Mitch Waycaster. “We believe this merger creates a transformative partnership between two great organizations with shared values and a commitment to serving our customers and communities.”

    Renasant and The First expect to close the merger on April 1, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The combination will result in a financial services institution with approximately $26 billion in assets and more than 250 locations throughout the Southeast, as well as offering factoring and asset-based lending on a nationwide basis.

    “I am confident we are building a strong foundation for the future, and we look forward to seeing our alliance come to fruition,” said The First CEO and President, Hoppy Cole. “We believe the combination of our two like-minded banks will unlock new possibilities that neither could achieve alone.”

    About Renasant Corporation:
    Renasant Corporation is the parent of Renasant Bank, a 120-year-old financial services institution. Renasant has assets of approximately $18.0 billion and operates 186 banking, lending, mortgage, and wealth management offices throughout the Southeast as well as offering factoring and asset-based lending on a nationwide basis. Additional information is available on Renasant’s website: www.renasantbank.com.

    About The First Bancshares, Inc.:
    The First Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the parent company of The First Bank. Founded in 1996, the First has operations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Additional information is available on The First’s website: www.thefirstbank.com.

    Forward-looking statements:
    This press release may contain, or incorporate by reference, statements about Renasant Corporation that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words and phrases such as “may,” “approximately,” “continue,” “should,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “is likely,” “look ahead,” “look forward,” “believes,” “will,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “could,” “potential,” “possible” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information about Renasant’s future financial performance, business strategy, and projected plans and objectives, including related to the merger transaction involving Renasant and The First, and are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management. Renasant’s management believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but they are all inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Renasant’s control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. Prospective investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and, accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made.

    Additional information about the Renasant/First Merger:
    This communication is being made in respect of the merger transaction involving Renasant and The First. In connection with the merger, Renasant filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a definitive proxy statement for The First that also constitutes a definitive prospectus of Renasant, and Renasant may file additional documents concerning the merger with the SEC. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Before making any investment decision, The First investors are urged to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and any other documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the merger or incorporated by reference in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus because they will contain important information about Renasant, The First and the merger. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus was mailed to shareholders of The First on September 17, 2024. Investors may obtain copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents filed by Renasant (when they become available) free of charge at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). In addition, documents filed with the SEC by Renasant will be available free of charge from Jim Mabry, Chief Financial Officer, Renasant Corporation, 209 Troy Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804-4827, telephone: (662) 680-1281.

    Contacts:   For Media:
    John S. Oxford
    Senior Vice President
    Chief Marketing Officer
    (662) 680-1219joxford@renasant.com    		   For Financials:
    James C. Mabry IV
    Executive Vice President
    Chief Financial Officer
    (662) 680-1281jim.mabry@renasant.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Heather Laing appointed as permanent Chief Executive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Heather Laing appointed as permanent Chief Executive

    The Immigration Advice Authority has announced the permanent appointment of Heather Laing as Chief Executive.

    With extensive knowledge and experience in the immigration sector, Heather Laing will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) with immediate effect. Her expertise will strengthen the organisation’s leadership team and play a crucial role in delivering the IAA’s strategic objectives.  

    John Tuckett, Immigration Services Commissioner, said:

    I am delighted that Heather has been appointed as the IAA’s permanent Chief Executive. Having been in the role since January, her leadership, expertise, and commitment have already made a significant impact, and I have every confidence that she will continue to drive the organisation forward.

    With Heather in the lead, the IAA will continue to evolve and successfully deliver its mission to regulate the immigration sector, ensure high standards of practice and protect the interests of advice seekers.

    Heather Laing, Chief Executive, said:

    It’s a huge privilege to continue leading the IAA as Chief Executive. Over the past two months, I have seen first-hand the dedication of our team and the impact of our work in regulating the immigration sector. As we move forward, I look forward to building on this momentum, delivering on our strategic priorities, and ensuring that advice seekers remain at the heart of everything we do.

    Heather Laing was initially appointed as interim Chief Executive following the IAA’s rebrand on 16 January 2025. After a fair and open recruitment process, she will now continue in the role on a permanent basis.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Descartes Study: 39% of High-growth Companies Leverage Trade Compliance as Competitive Advantage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA and LONDON, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Descartes Systems Group (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG), the global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, released findings from its study Top Three Traits of Companies with a Successful Approach to Trade Compliance. The study showed that 39% of fast-growing companies (those expecting greater than 15% growth over the next two years) consider trade compliance to be a competitive advantage and not only a regulatory requirement, compared to 22% of slower-growing companies (those with less than 5% growth expectations).

    Furthermore, 57% of companies surveyed believe technology is also very or extremely important for competitive advantage in trade compliance strategies (see Figure 1). This view is even more pronounced in growth businesses versus non-growth companies: 72%, or almost three quarters, of fast-growing companies believe technology is a valuable competitive differentiator, compared to just 41% of businesses predicting shrinking, limited, or no growth.

    Figure 1: Importance of technology for competitive advantage in trade compliance strategies

    Source: Descartes/SAPIO

    The study also revealed that 86% of fast-growing companies indicated technology is fundamental or highly important to growth strategies. Underscoring a strong link between technology, business expansion and trade compliance, 47% of fast-growing companies confirm investing in technology is the top approach to tackling international trade challenges—compared to just 18% of those expecting shrinking, limited, or no growth.

    In addition to gaining competitive advantage by leveraging trade compliance and investing in technology, higher-growth companies are focused on building a well-resourced compliance team. The study found that companies with greater than 15% expected growth in the next two years allocate an average of eight people to trade compliance activities, compared to six people in companies anticipating shrinking, limited, or no growth.

    “Given the volatility of the current trade landscape, rife with evolving tariffs, trade barriers, sanctions and regulations, effective and efficient global trade compliance is a distinct competitive differentiator,” said Jackson Wood, Director, Industry Strategy at Descartes. “Companies that invest in building their compliance teams view compliance as a strategic advantage. They leverage leading technologies to turn compliance into an engine for growth while creating more resilient supply chain operations.”

    Descartes and SAPIO Research surveyed 887 corporate decision makers in international trade compliance and/or supply chain intelligence across Argentina, Benelux, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Sweden, UK and USA. The goal was to understand the strategies, tactics and technologies used by companies involved in international trade to help gain a competitive advantage and ensure continued business growth, and to identify if these varied by factors such as country, industry, company size and business growth. Respondents are members of company leadership teams, from management level to Chief Executive Officer or Owner. To learn more, read the study Top Three Traits of Companies with a Successful Approach to Trade Compliance.

    Learn more about Descartes’ global trade intelligence solutions.

    About Descartes

    Descartes (Nasdaq:DSGX) (TSX:DSG) is the global leader in providing on-demand, software-as-a-service solutions focused on improving the productivity, security and sustainability of logistics-intensive businesses. Customers use our modular, software-as-a-service solutions to route, track and help improve the safety, performance and compliance of delivery resources; plan, allocate and execute shipments; rate, audit and pay transportation invoices; access global trade data; file customs and security documents for imports and exports; and complete numerous other logistics processes by participating in the world’s largest, collaborative multimodal logistics community. Our headquarters are in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada and we have offices and partners around the world. Learn more at www.descartes.com, and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Global Media Contact
    Cara Strohack                                                                     
    cstrohack@descartes.com  

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements”) that relate to Descartes’ global trade intelligence solution offerings and potential benefits derived therefrom; and other matters. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the factors and assumptions discussed in the section entitled, “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission and other securities commissions across Canada including Descartes’ most recently filed management’s discussion and analysis. If any such risks actually occur, they could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In that case, the trading price of our common shares could decline, perhaps materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purposes of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2458abe4-87e5-4a31-8a58-b127eacde619

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fun packed programme for kids during the Easter Holidays

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Looking for a fun packed programme for the kids during the Easter holidays?

    Letham WAC have visits arranged to visit Westbank Woods the outdoor community woods, den building, learning about the environment and the creatures that live in it.

    There are lots of ‘Spring Activities’ including arts and crafts, planting bulbs, spring hunt around the school grounds.

    Science activities – find out how to make a rainbow using different scientific experiments. Throughout the holidays there will be lots of Easter arts and crafts, sports, outdoor play and baking throughout the holidays.

    Come along and have lots of “Fun and Do Stuff”

    To book a place at this holiday service or any of the PKC holiday services please visit Kids clubs and wraparound care services – Opening times, booking places, costs and holidays.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Show “Debate-Knockout”: come to the battle of the best orators of Moscow

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On March 20, 2025, the 1/8 finals of the Debate Knockout Candidates Tournament will take place, in which 16 of Moscow’s strongest orators will take part, including students from the State University of Management.

    “Debate Knockout” is a show where debaters act like real fighters, and the victory is determined with the help of a noise meter. This is a place where oratory and the ability to win over the audience rule.

    We invite you to support two speakers from the State University of Management, who will prove that managers are the most charismatic!

    When: March 20 at 18:00 Where: Development Center, Taganskaya St., 40-42

    Nikita Kolesnichenko, a representative of the Student Parliamentary Club of the State University of Management, will discuss the topic “Is Clip Thinking a Problem?” with a student of the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Agricultural Academy named after K.A. Timiryazev, Sofia Grishina. And our Anna Smirnova will argue with Mikhail Molokanov from the National Research University Moscow State University of Civil Engineering on the topic “Increasing the Average Life Expectancy on the Planet: an Achievement of World Medicine or a Direct Path to Global Overpopulation?”

    Go to the conversation to get all the rest of the information: https://t.me/ Qj2ip0oGvm0yZDky

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 03/17/2025

    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 Europe: The EBA updates technical standards on the joint decision process for internal model authorisation

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its final draft Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) amending the existing Implementing Regulation on the joint decision process for internal model authorisation under the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). The revised ITS incorporate changes to the EU legal framework. This final draft amending ITS are part of the first phase of the EBA roadmap for implementing the EU Banking Package.

    The key amendments include:

    • a revised scope for the use of internal models for regulatory purposes under CRR III, where the possibility of applying these models for operational risk has been removed. As a result, references to the Advanced Measurement Approach (AMA) have been deleted from the scope of the revised ITS.
    • updated references to the ITS and Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) on the functioning of supervisory colleges, reflecting changes in the revised supervisory colleges regulatory framework.

    Legal basis

    These final draft ITS have been developed in accordance with Article 20(8) of the Regulation (EU) 575/2013 (CRR), as amended by the Regulation (EU) 2024/1623 as regards requirements for credit risk, credit valuation adjustment risk, operational risk, market risk and the output floor (CRR III).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Just two weeks to go for many businesses to submit 2024 packaging data for pEPR

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Just two weeks to go for many businesses to submit 2024 packaging data for pEPR

    Obligated businesses must submit 2024 packaging data by 1 April 2025 under new extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme

    There are now just two weeks to go for businesses to submit 2024 packaging data under the new extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme. 

    Under legislation which came into force on 1 January 2024, large organisations must submit their July-December 2024 data by 1 April. 

    Small organisations must submit their January-December 2024 data in one annual submission by 1 April. 

    In addition, all obligated organisations, large and small, must also register with their environmental regulator by the same date. Guidance on how to register can be found here. 

    The data producers provide will be crucial in helping to ensure fees are set at an appropriate level.

    The Government is grateful to all those in industry who have engaged closely with pEPR and already submitted extensive data, helping to finetune the policy. If obligated packaging producers have neither reported their data nor registered, they could face enforcement action.

    To check whether they need to report packaging data, businesses should visit EPR: who is affected and what to do and, if necessary, follow the online instructions to access the new Report Packaging Data service. 

    pEPR will move the cost of dealing with household packaging waste away from taxpayers onto the businesses who produce the packaging.  

    It will incentivise businesses to reduce unnecessary packaging and use more recycled and recyclable packaging, leading to less waste to landfill and reducing the release of damaging CO2 emissions. 

    Dr Margaret Bates, head of the UK pEPR scheme administrator PackUK, said:

    The need for an effective pEPR scheme that shifts the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers has never been more critical. 

    We urge all businesses to check their obligations under pEPR and to report their data and register with environment regulators by 1 April. 

    Together, we will deliver a fair and collaborative scheme that addresses the challenges of packaging waste and lays the foundation for a more sustainable and responsible approach to packaging.

    If a firm or a member of the public suspects a business is not complying with the regulations, they should report this to the regulators by contacting them directly via the details listed below.  

    To report via a 24-hour telephone service, call 0800 80 70 60 for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and 0300 065 3000 for Wales. All reports are treated with strict confidentiality, with the option to report anonymously.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The London Fire Brigade – what’s next?

    Source: Mayor of London

    The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has made significant progress in recent years, with the service removed from enhanced monitoring in March last year and an inspection in November finding it to be “outstanding” in one area, and “good” in five more.
     
    But the same report also assessed the LFB as “requires improvement” in how it manages performance and develops leaders and only “adequate” in four areas – including promoting the right values and culture. As there is no room for complacency, what are the priorities for the LFB going forward?  

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Fire Committee will ask the Deputy Mayor responsible for the Fire Service, HM Inspector Lee Freeman KPM, and senior representatives from the LFB about the issues arising from the recent His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services inspection report. 
     
    A question-and-answer session with the LFB and Deputy Mayor will follow covering diversifying the workforce, training, evacuation of high-rise buildings and the Professional Standards Unit.
     
    The meeting will take place on Tuesday 18 March from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
     
    The guests are:
     
    Panel 1 – HMICFRS Inspection:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • His Majesty’s Inspector Lee Freeman KPM, HMICFRS.
    • Jonathan Smith, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness and Response, LFB
    • Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Prevention, Protection and Policy, LFB 

    Panel 2 – Q&A:

    • Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service
    • Jonathan Smith, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Preparedness and Response, LFB
    • Charlie Pugsley, Deputy Commissioner and Operational Director for Prevention, Protection and Policy, LFB 
    • Sally Hopper, Director for People, LFB

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
     
    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
     
    Follow us @LondonAssembly.
     
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour must listen to backlash and radically rethink dangerous welfare reforms

    Source: Scottish Greens

    17 Mar 2025 Equality

    Labour’s cuts are cruel and must be stopped.

    More in Equality

    Labour has 10 days to radically rethink their cruel cuts agenda, warns Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.

    The party’s spokesperson for social security, Ms Chapman is urging Labour to use the Spring statement, expected on March 26th, to halt dangerous social security reforms that could unleash even more harm than the Tories.

    Ms Chapman called for Labour to turn their attention towards the super rich by introducing a wealth tax instead of cutting vital life-lines and forcing disabled people into life-threatening situations.

    Ms Chapman said:

    “The reported budget cuts will only push the most vulnerable people in our society further into poverty and harm.

    “From cutting winter fuel payments and expecting pensioners to freeze or deal with it, to refusing to remove the punitive two-child cap that unfairly targets larger families, Labour has chosen to continue the most punishing Tory policies while preparing some of the most callous cuts the UK has ever seen.

    “These latest cuts represent a clear and direct attack on the lives of disabled people. They are not inevitable. They are a choice. Labour must listen to the disabled campaign groups and experts who are warning about the devastating impact these cuts will have.

    “I speak regularly with disabled people and activists who are terrified that ending this vital support will result in deaths. Is that what Labour meant when they promised change? Is it the legacy that Keir Starmer wants?

    “Each of us has intrinsic worth as human beings that is not tied to our personal economic input. It sets a harmful and dangerous tone when we say that only those who are able to work are worth helping. And we know that many people in work are also struggling to cope.

    “With so many people experiencing fear and anxiety, and with the emergence of the far right, the Spring statement is one of the most important in living memory.

    “It is time for Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves to stop pandering to Tory austerity. They must bring in a wealth tax that collects a fair and justified share from the richest people who are never punished just for existing in the way that the poorest people are.

    “Labour must make good on the promise it made in opposition, start taxing the rich properly and stop turning its back on vulnerable people.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Bashneft’s “green” investments in 2024 amounted to 9.5 billion rubles

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Bashneft (part of Rosneft) allocated 9.5 billion rubles for environmental projects in 2024. Over the past five years, Bashneft’s green investments have exceeded 37.6 billion rubles.

    Preservation of the environment for future generations is an integral part of the corporate culture of Rosneft Oil Company. The activities of all the Company’s enterprises are aimed at achieving leadership positions in the field of minimizing the impact on the environment and improving the environmental friendliness of production.

    One of the significant areas of Bashneft’s environmental activities is the restoration of forests and aquatic bioresources. In 2024, the Company’s employees planted almost 750 thousand trees on an area of more than 200 hectares in the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra and the Nenets Autonomous Okrug. This figure exceeds the results of the previous period by 45%.

    As part of initiatives to preserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity in the regions where it operates, Bashneft is implementing projects to reproduce aquatic bioresources. Oil workers have released more than 160,000 sterlet, muksun and salmon fry into the water bodies of Bashkortostan, the Khanty-Mansiysk and Nenets Autonomous Okrugs. The releases were carried out under the supervision of employees of the departments of state control, supervision and protection of aquatic biological resources, who select suitable water bodies based on optimal conditions for reproduction and restoration of the population.

    The biological treatment facilities of the Ufa group of oil refineries have processed 157 million m3 of wastewater since their launch in 2019. The biological treatment facilities serve not only the Bashneft oil refineries, but also treat wastewater from more than 50 enterprises in the northern industrial zone of Ufa and stormwater. The treatment facilities provide the highest level of purification of industrial, stormwater and domestic wastewater, which increases the volume of reused water in technological processes by 2.5 times. Thanks to the membrane reactor technology, all impurities and microorganisms are removed from the wastewater. As a result, the water quality meets the standards for water bodies used for fisheries.

    Reference:

    ANK Bashneft is one of the oldest enterprises in the country’s oil and gas industry, operating in the extraction and processing of oil and gas. The company’s key assets, including an oil refining and petrochemical complex, are located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. Oil and gas exploration and production are also carried out in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra, the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, the Orenburg Region, the Perm Territory and the Republic of Tatarstan.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft March 17, 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 United Kingdom: How we protected the UK and space in February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    How we protected the UK and space in February 2025

    This report was issued in March 2025 and covers the time period 1 February 2025 to 28 February 2025 inclusive.

    February was a highly active month which saw uncontrolled re-entry alerts at their highest level since our records began. All NSpOC warning and protection services functioned as expected throughout the period.

    Re-entry Analysis

    February has seen an increase in the number of objects re-entering Earth’s atmosphere when compared to the previous month.  

    Chart showing number of re-entries monitored by month. March: 25, April: 22, May: 56, June: 48, July: 44, August: 89, September: 50, October: 35, November: 47, December: 83, January: 115, February: 129

    Of the 129 objects monitored for re-entry this month, 119 were satellites, 5 rocket bodies and 5 were classified as unknown objects, likely to be either a rocket body or a satellite

    In-Space Collision Avoidance

    Collision risks to UK-licenced satellites declined by 5% in January, but remained above the 12- month rolling average of 2,376.

    Chart showing number of collision risks to UK-licensed satellites monitored by month. March: 1,903, April: 1,899, May: 2,560, June: 1,881, July: 1,795, August: 2,137, September: 3,041, October: 3,181, November: 2,722, December: 2,142, January: 2,694, February: 2,567

    Number of Objects in Space

    There was an increase to the in-orbit population during January, with 380 newly catalogued objects added to the US Satellite Catalogue. 

    Chart showing number registered space objects by month. March: 28,478, April: 28,752, May: 28,850, June: 28,931, July: 28,917, August: 29,297, September: 29,678, October: 29,665, November: 29,826, December: 29,921, January: 29,985, February: 30,163

    110 newly catalogued objects were attributed to the SpaceX Transporter-12 mission, ranging from Earth imaging satellites to re-entry vehicles as well as a ‘selfie’ satellite.

    Fragmentation Analysis

    There were no new on-orbit fragmentations during February.

    Space weather

    Space weather was mostly minor to moderate throughout February, with some periods of increased activity. Key events this period included: 

    Early – Mid February:

    Frequent minor to moderate radio blackouts caused limited HF communication outages on the sunlit side of Earth. Isolated minor geomagnetic storms were triggered by fast solar winds but had limited impacts. Active high-energy electron fluence may have caused satellite charging. 

    23 February:

    A Strong (R3) radio blackout affected a wide area on the sunlit side, with possible minor disruptions to satellite navigation systems. 

    25 February: 

    A Minor (S1) radiation storm occurred, potentially causing occasional Single Event Upsets (SEUs). 

    Late February:

    Minor to moderate geomagnetic storms were recorded, likely causing minor satellite orientation issues.

    Comments

    The National Space Operations Centre combines and coordinates UK civil and military space domain awareness capabilities to enable operations, promote prosperity and protect UK interests in space and on Earth from space-related threats, risks and hazards

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian Army Generals at GUU: National Security Issues Discussed at the University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The 3rd All-Russian Interdepartmental Scientific and Practical Conference “Current Issues of Security of the Russian Federation” was held at the State University of Management. Its holding was initiated by the management of the Institute of Distance Education of the State University of Management with the active participation of the non-profit organization “Innovation Fund”.

    In addition to an impressive number of representatives of the scientific community and experts from various ministries and departments, for the first time the Conference was attended by the former Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, and now the Inspector General of the Russian Ministry of Defense, General of the Army Yuri Baluevsky, as well as Doctor of Military Sciences, Colonel General Vladimir Moltenskoy, and representatives of military command bodies and veteran organizations.

    On the eve of the event, a meeting of military leaders with the management of the State University of Management represented by Rector Vladimir Stroyev and Advisor to the Rectorate Nikolay Mikhailov took place. During the conversation, Yuri Baluevsky spoke warmly about the university’s centuries-old traditions and the university’s major role in training industry managers for the country, and also outlined the need to develop cooperation in the area of training modern management personnel, taking into account the main trends in the development of modern society.

    Yuri Nikolaevich also spoke with university students and expressed a desire to have an “open conversation about something important” with them in the near future.

    During the Conference, issues of military and economic security, the current state and prospects of the fight against terrorism and extremism, theoretical and legal problems of comprehensive security of society, information, industrial and environmental security were considered and, of course, much attention was paid to issues of youth policy and its role in ensuring state security.

    Director of the Institute of Distance Education Sergey Lenshin, in his welcoming speech to the Conference participants, drew attention to the multipolarity of the tasks that go far beyond the issues outlined in the Conference program, but which need to be addressed today.

    Of great interest was the speech by Army General Yuri Baluevsky, who shared his many years of experience and drew the audience’s attention to the fact that “Russia has not had, does not have, and never will have allies other than its army and navy, that the Central Military District has demonstrated the need to improve many aspects of military development and has required a reassessment of the role and place of different types of weapons in armed confrontation.”

    Almost all participants of the Conference emphasized the relevance of issues related to the continuity of generations, the transmission and preservation of the heroic traditions of our country, the preservation of the historical memory of its military glory and the need for spiritual and moral education of youth.

    At the end of the Conference, high-ranking guests were given tours of the university and the halls of the State University of Management Museum.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/17/2025

    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 USA: Yellowstone: Where there’s always something new!

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Jefferson Hungerford, Park Geologist, and Kiernan Folz-Donahue, Field Geologist, both with Yellowstone National Park.

    The summer of 2024 was a busy time, with July’s hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin and the first hydrothermal explosion ever recorded by geophysical monitoring data in Norris Geyser Basin. In addition to these higher energy events, a new hydrothermal feature popped up right in front of our eyes—literally! 

    Looking south from near a pullout along the Mammoth to Norris road just north of the Nymph Lake overlook. On the other side of the marsh is a tree-covered rhyolite lava flow, and at the base of the flow is a new thermal feature marked by a plume of steam and that formed in early August 2024.   Photo by Mike Poland, USGS, September 1, 2024.
    Map showing the Roadside Springs thermal area, located just north of Nymph Lake along the Norris-Mammoth highway.  Hydrothermal ground is shaded purple.  New hydrothermal features formed in 2003 on the north side of Nymph Lake, and also in 2024 a bit further north from the lake.  Figure by Jefferson Hungerford, Yellowstone National Park.

    While driving south from Mammoth Hot Springs towards Norris Geyser Basin early on August 5 last summer, a park scientist noticed a billowing steam column through the trees and across a marshy expanse. The eagle-eyed scientist notified the park geology team to verify if this was indeed new activity.

    This new hydrothermal feature is within a region called the Roadside Springs thermal area, which is a collection of spatially distinct areas of altered rock and hydrothermal features (data for Yellowstone thermal areas is at https://data.usgs.gov/datacatalog/data/USGS:661d5eb7d34e7eb9eb7e3a41). This new feature is at the foot of a rhyolite lava flow about 3 meters above the marsh below, and it lies within a swath of warm, hydrothermally altered ground that is approximately 60 meters (about 200 feet) long.

    Soon after it was identified, park geologists trudged through the marshy ground to get a closer look that the feature, which had a temperature of 77 °C (171 °F). A very thin veneer of grey silicious clay barely covered the surrounding surface, indicating its very young nature. 

    Although this hydrothermal activity may seem new to us, it may also just be just the latest manifestation of activity a short distance away that kicked into existence more than two decades ago. On March 10, 2003, a similar type of hydrothermal activity was first observed on the other side of the same rhyolite lava flow where the new feature is located, just west of Nymph Lake. This hydrothermal activity persists through this day but is much less energetic than when it first formed.

    Are the new feature and the activity that started in 2003 hydrologically connected? Probably. One could run a line along the axis of the older active area and it would intersect the new feature. This line also follows the trend of faults that run from Norris Geyser Basin northward to Mammoth Hot Springs and beyond. 

    Aerial view looking to the west at the Roadside Springs hydrothermal area and Nymph Lake showing the locations of thermal features that formed in 2003 and 2024.  Yellow line marks the Mammoth-Norris highway.   Figure by Jefferson Hungerford, Yellowstone National Park.

    The new feature remained prominent into the fall of 2024, with a strong steam plume that was especially visible during chilly mornings. But as fall began to turn into winter, the steam plume gradually disappeared. The feature remains active, but there is some water in the vent, decreasing the amount of steam that is released. Whether or not the strong plume returns in the summer of 2025 remains to be seen. 

    Geologists have mapped more than 100 major hydrothermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, and there are many more than 10,000 hydrothermal features within its boundaries. The activity from these features waxes and wanes with time—you might even say that some of them pick up steam! Sorry…we couldn’t resist.

    Looking southeast at the hydrothermal feature that formed in August 2024 just north of Nymph Lake. Steam is emanating from a vent that is partially full of water to create the frying pan feature nestled in the newly formed vent. A thin grey layer of silica mud covers the vent area.  Photo by Jefferson Hungerford, Yellowstone National Park, August 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni at Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    14 Marzo 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, visited the Inalpi Arena today for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

    [President Meloni’s visit to Special Olympics World Winter Games and Argotec SpacePark]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ortus Energy and SSE Energy Solutions drive solar adoption at KIA Stockton

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STOCKTON-ON-TEES, United Kingdom, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ortus Energy, in partnership with SSE Energy Solutions, is pleased to announce the development of a significant solar energy project at the Kia Stockton dealership, in Stockton-On-Tees.

    This initiative reinforces both companies’ commitment to supporting businesses in their transition to clean energy solutions.

    The project has seen the installation of a 601 kWp solar PV system, optimised to maximise the clean energy used at the site. This system is projected to generate 538,000 kWh of clean energy annually, meeting approximately 45% of Kia Stockton’s electricity needs.

    Kia Stockton is demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility with this new solar energy project. By embracing solar power, the dealership will significantly reduce its carbon footprint by 110 tonnes of CO2 per year.

    SSE Energy Solutions is financing the solar installation and has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Kia Stockton, which will enable the dealership to pay a fixed rate for the power generated over 25 years without the need for any upfront investment. PPAs on projects such as Kia Stockton enable businesses to hedge against the volatility of wholesale energy prices, access clean energy to meet their sustainability goals, and gain greater predictability in their energy expenditure.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Kia Stockton and SSE Energy Solutions on this project,” said Alistair Booth, CEO at Ortus Energy. “This installation showcases the growing demand for solar solutions among businesses seeking to reduce their environmental impact and operating costs. It’s a testament to the strength of our partnership with SSE Energy Solutions and our shared commitment to driving the adoption of renewable energy across the UK.”

    “We are excited to partner with Ortus Energy and SSE Energy Solutions on this important initiative,” said Sohail Khan, Managing Director at Opus Motor Group/ Kia Stockton. “This solar project aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and will help us reduce our operating costs while providing clean energy for our business and EV Driving Customers.”

    ​​“We are proud of our partnership with Ortus Energy, as we support businesses in driving down costs and emissions. This project is an exciting opportunity, made possible by SSE Energy Solutions funding through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), offering an affordable route to renewable energy generation for Kia Stockton.” Jon Kirby, Head of Development at SSE Energy Solutions.

    This project highlights the continued success of the partnership between Ortus Energy and SSE Energy Solutions, which focuses on delivering bespoke solar solutions to businesses across the UK. By combining Ortus Energy’s expertise in solar development with SSE Energy Solutions’ strength and market knowledge, the two companies are accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51d2c9d1-0468-4d10-9ca4-caddfa22bfa5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government welcomes C&AG Report on Recruitment and Retention17 March 2025 The Government of Jersey has welcomed the Comptroller and Auditor General’s, C&AG, report as an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to improving public service delivery for Islanders. While acknowledging… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    17 March 2025

    The Government of Jersey has welcomed the Comptroller and Auditor General’s, C&AG, report as an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to improving public service delivery for Islanders. 

    While acknowledging areas for improvement, the Government has also stressed that key issues in the report were in the process of being addressed when it was compiled. 

    A new and updated People Strategy was launched at the end of 2024 which outlines the organisation’s long-term ambition for developing a high-quality public service, while investing in the development and skills of staff, creating opportunities for growth and progression, and fostering a culture where people feel like they belong. 

    Additionally, the Strategic Workforce Plan, which is a collation of outputs of all department level plans, has since been published, which provides an overview of priority areas for improvement that we are working to address. 

    The Government is also improving recruitment processes with a new careers site set to re-launch this year and is attracting and developing local talent via its apprenticeships and annual intern programme. 

    Structured training programmes are in place to address skills shortages and innovative recruitment processes have already been used to fill teaching assistant and primary teaching vacancies. 

    A pledge announced last year to curb the growth in the public service, with a recruitment freeze on non-frontline roles, is also helping to address issues around vacancy numbers highlighted in the report. The recruitment freeze has enabled the recruitment teams to focus on essential front-line service recruitment. 

    Deputy Malcolm Ferey, Vice-chair of the States Employment Board said: “We welcome the report produced by the Comptroller & Auditor General and will review findings and make progress on the necessary actions. 

    “However, this report is a snapshot in time and a number of the issues raised have already been addressed. Since the audit was conducted the frameworks, policies and processes needed to ensure we have a safe and effective recruitment process are in place. 

    “Last year, we saw a drop in turnover, with more employees staying in employment with the Public Service. 

    “As the largest employer on the Island, the organisation is also working on a number of plans to develop and nurture our talent to ensure we provide effective public services to Islanders.” 

    The Comptroller and Auditor General’s audit of Staff Recruitment and Retention​. ​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council secures more than £3.4 million funding for warmer homes

    Source: City of York

    Published Friday, 14 March 2025

    Council leaders have confirmed that City of York Council will receive more than £3.4 million of funding thanks to 2 separate grants.

    The funding, announced this week by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will be used to upgrade around 280 homes over the next 3 years, to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty and improve the comfort and health of council homes.

    The first grant of around £1.4 million will be used to improve the energy efficiency of around 140 council homes via the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund.

    The second grant of around £2 million will be used to improve the energy efficiency of around 140 homes for lower income homeowners through the Warm Homes: Local Grant Scheme.

    These works build on improving 73 council homes to which 141 energy-efficiency measures have been installed. And they add to the 211 homes of lower-income owners to which have been added 241 new energy efficiency measures. The measures include:

    • loft, flat roof, external wall and cavity wall insulation
    • air source heat pumps
    • smart heating controls
    • solar photovoltaic panels to generate electricity

    To support eligible owners and landlords of draughty, listed buildings or of homes in conservation areas, the council’s Local Energy Advice Demonstrator (LEAD) Project has given 452 pieces of advice since November 2023. This project’s funding ends on 31 March 2025, so find out more about the LEAD Home Energy Advice Scheme, or call 01904 555520 or email: saveenergy@york.gov.uk.

    Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said:

    We know that making York’s homes warmer and better insulated is a huge benefit to residents, financially and in terms of the positive impact on their wellbeing.

    “With rising energy costs and continued concerns around climate change, it’s essential that these improvements are made as soon as possible so that residents will see the benefits for years to come.

    “For free advice, assessment and coordination of energy saving measures, York residents who aren’t eligible for the LEAD scheme, should contact YorEnergy by calling 01904 211221 or emailing: hello@yorenergy.co.uk.”

    Further details about how to apply for the next phase of retrofit works will be announced as soon as possible. Meanwhile, see more information about home energy efficiency.

    An update on the council’s retrofit programme was discussed at Executive on Tuesday, 11 March 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public consultation launches to overhaul safety at Leeds’ A58 collision hotspot

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds City Council invites residents, businesses, and commuters along the A58 Roundhay Road and Barrack Road to share their views on important road safety, bus, walking, public realm and cycling proposals. The public consultation is currently open to the public and will run until 20 April 2025.

    The plans are proposed for Roundhay Road, Barrack Road, and the Bayswater Triangle. The Bayswater Triangle, particularly the A58 Roundhay Road junctions with Bayswater Road, Spencer Place, Roseville Road, and Gledhow Road, has experienced a high number of collisions over the past seven years. A total of 71 collisions have been recorded, resulting in 90 casualties, including one fatality, 14 serious injuries, and 56 slight injuries. The junctions in this area combined make it the Council’s number one site of concern in Leeds.

    Key proposals include:

    • New or enhanced pedestrian crossings making it safer for people to cross the road
    • Changes to key junctions around Bayswater Triangle that aim to reduce collisions, making it safer for all road users, especially people walking and cycling
    • New segregated cycle lanes, ensuring a safer route for cyclists and encouraging people to take up cycling
    • Bus priority measures and dedicated bus lanes on Roundhay Road to improve journey reliability and reduce congestion
    • Upgraded public spaces with trees and planting, to encourage people to spend more time there

    The project, delivered in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is part of Leeds City Council’s broader commitment to the Connecting Leeds Transport Strategy and the Vision Zero 2040 initiative – aiming to eliminate any road fatalities or serious injuries on Leeds’ roads by 2040. This will be funded with £4.5million from the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund’s Corridor Improvement Programme, subject to approvals.

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Transport, and Sustainable Development, said:

    “This A58 Roundhay Road and Barrack Road scheme is a vital step towards creating a safer, more efficient, and accessible travel environment for local residents.

    The area is prone to an alarming number of collisions over the previous 7 years, with 35% of casualties involving people walking and cycling.

    These plans should deliver enhanced safety measures for all road users, especially people walking and cycling, whilst helping to ease congestion and improve bus reliability.

    Your input is essential to ensure these changes meet community needs.”

    Cllr Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, added:

    “Improving safety on our roads is vital to our ambition to eliminate all road deaths and serious injuries across the region by 2040.

    These proposals could play a huge part in that, as well as enhancing walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport facilities along this route.

    I’d encourage people to have their say and help us create a safer, better-connected region that works for all.”

    Have your say

    Residents and businesses are being consulted on the proposals until Sunday 20 April 2025. Have your say online by visiting this link.

    To request paper copies of the proposals and the survey, or a reasonable adjustment, please contact 0113 336 8868 or email connectingleeds@leeds.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 11

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 10/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

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

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    17 March 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank share buyback programme: transactions in week 11
    On 26 February 2025 Sydbank announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

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

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

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement

    63,000

    		  

    27,961,010.00
    10 March 2025
    11 March 2025
    12 March 2025
    13 March 2025
    14 March 2025    		 14,000
    12,000
    12,000
    10,000
    8,000    		 434.86
    438.80
    443.98
    444.05
    448.31    		 6,088,040.00
    5,265,600.00
    5,327,760.00
    4,440,500.00
    3,586,480.00
    Total over week 11 56,000   24,708,380.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme

    119,000

    		  

    52,669,390.00

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

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

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank holds a total of 3,503,048 own shares, equal to 6.41% of the Bank’s share capital.

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Women in the Armed Forces: Follow-up – Defence Committee

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Defence Committee is assessing progress on its predecessor Committee’s work on women in the Armed Forces, hearing from witnesses across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) including the chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force.  

     In July 2021 the Committee published a report “Protecting Those Who Protect Us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life”, led by Sarah Atherton. The report found that the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces were failing to protect female personnel and support Servicewomen to achieve their full potential. 

    Read the 2021 report here: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/24/defence-committee/news/156892/report-protecting-those-who-protect-us-women-in-the-armed-forces-from-recruitment-to-civilian-life/#:~:text=The%20Defence%20Sub%2DCommittee%20on,from%20Recruitment%20to%20Civilian%20Life%22.&text=The%20inquiry%20is%20one%20of,almost%20unprecedented%20level%20of%20engagement

    Key witness: Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Veterans and People)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYrRS74TxzQ

    MIL OSI Video –