NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ambassadors to the North Atlantic Council visit France’s Istres strategic air base (07.03.25)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    On March 6th 2025, Ambassadors to the North Atlantic Council visited France’s Istres strategic air base, alongside NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska. Participants received briefings on France’s nuclear deterrent from Commanders of the French Strategic Air Forces (FAS), Strategic Oceanic Force (FOST) and Naval Nuclear Air Force (FANU). The visit’s various steps showed the credibility of France’s airborne component, and that of its nuclear deterrent as a whole, which is strategic and fully independent. At a time of unprecedented security challenges to the Alliance, Allies also discussed the strategic environment, through presentations from representatives of France’s Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Armed Forces.

    This visit reaffirmed that nuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of Alliance security. The fundamental purpose of NATO’s nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. The independent strategic nuclear forces of France have a deterrent role of their own and contribute significantly to the overall security of the Alliance. France’s separate centre of decision-making contributes to deterrence by complicating the calculations of potential adversaries. »

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Foreign National Extradited From Spain To Face Charges For Alleged International “Tech Support Fraud Scheme”

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence J. Cameron announced today that Bikramjit Ahluwalia, 39, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates living in Dubai, was extradited from Spain and will appear in federal court in Charlotte later today. Ahluwalia, also known as “Biku,” “Internetteam5000,” “Don Bonsa,” and “Bobby,” is charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to damage a protected computer, and wire fraud for his alleged role in an extensive “tech support fraud scheme.”

    Generally, a tech support fraud scheme causes malicious pop-ups to appear on unsuspecting users’ computers, warning their devices have been infiltrated by a virus or another serious computer issue, convincing users to purchase unnecessary repair services or technical support using a telephone number or a link on the victims’ computer screens.

    According to allegations in the indictment, Ahluwalia and his co-defendant, Andrew Brolese, owned Digital Marketing Support Services (DMSS), a Seychelles-based company that published and sold malicious pop-ups as a means of generating customer traffic for overseas call centers from victims of their tech support scheme. From April 2016 to March 2021, Ahluwalia and Brolese and their conspirators targeted victims throughout the United States, some of whom were 55 and older. It is alleged that the victims targeted in the scheme experienced computer pop-ups that mimicked fatal system-error screens, also known as “blue screens of death,” malicious pop-ups suggesting malware had been installed on their computers, or urgent warnings for technical issues related to the victims’ services, software, or devices. The indictment alleges that victims targeted by the malicious pop-ups were then instructed to call a number to receive technical services to help resolve their issues. As alleged in the indictment, the various overseas call centers, upon receipt of the victim call traffic, would use the misrepresentations in the pop-ups, false diagnoses of computer issues, and other deceptive sales techniques to trick the victims into paying hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars to the call centers to receive unnecessary technical support for the non-existent computer issues.

    The indictment alleges that Ahluwalia and Brolese conspired with others to sell incoming calls from targeted victims seeking purported tech support to companies around the world, including to an individual who owned companies in the Western District of North Carolina. It is further alleged that Ahluwalia and Brolese received over $31.2 million in illicit payments from the tech support scheme, through wire transfers made to DMSS’s bank accounts located overseas.

    Ahluwalia is expected to appear for his initial hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge David C. Keesler in Charlotte at 10:15 a.m.

    Ahluwalia’s charges for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The maximum sentence for money laundering is 20 years in prison, and for the charge of conspiracy to damage a protected computer is five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The investigation was led by the Nashville Cyber Task Force which comprises the Knoxville Office of the FBI and the Knoxville Police Department. We thank the government of Spain for their substantial assistance arresting and extraditing Ahluwalia. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the extradition of Ahluwalia from Spain.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Warren with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Energy Appoints Leading Advanced Nuclear Reactor Engineer Florent Heidet, Ph.D. as its Chief Technology Officer and Head of Reactor Development

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Former Head of Engineering at Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. brings firsthand knowledge of recently acquired advanced reactor technologies and extensive reactor building experience

    New York, N.Y., March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that Florent Heidet, Ph.D. has joined NANO Nuclear as its Chief Technology Officer and Head of Reactor Development.

    Dr. Heidet is a world-renowned expert on advanced nuclear reactor technologies, leveraging two decades of nuclear engineering and project management expertise. Dr. Heidet was previously the Head of Engineering at Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC), where he led a multidisciplinary team of over 100 experts working around the globe to advance the development of the KRONOS MMRTMEnergy System and LOKI MMRTM technologies prior to their acquisition by NANO Nuclear earlier this year.

    Prior to his leadership role with USNC, Dr. Heidet spent 12 years at Argonne National Laboratory, where he played a central role in most of the laboratory’s reactor design projects. He led the design of the Versatile Test Reactor, a $2 billion program under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy, served as the Argonne manager for the Transformational Challenge Reactor program, coordinated the Nuclear Thermal Propulsion efforts in support of NASA, and provided expertise and leadership to numerous federal, commercial, and international projects.

    Dr. Heidet will be primarily responsible for advancing all of NANO Nuclear’s reactor projects and will have general oversight of all the Company’s various other technologies in development. His decades of experience and status as an innovator in the nuclear energy industry will be invaluable to NANO Nuclear as it seeks to position itself as a global leader in advanced nuclear energy solutions. He will report to both James Walker, NANO Nuclear’s Chief Executive Officer, and Jay Yu, NANO Nuclear’s Chairman and President. Mr. Walker is relinquishing the position of NANO Nuclear’s Head of Reactor Development to accommodate the hiring of Dr. Heidet.

    “I am very proud to join the NANO Nuclear team, and I plan to hit the ground running and play a leading role in the development of our innovative suite of nuclear reactor and related technologies,” said Dr. Florent Heidet, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear Energy. “The management and technical teams at NANO Nuclear have proven themselves to be innovators with the development of proprietary microreactor systems like ODIN and ZEUS, and it is a pleasure to continue my work on the KRONOS MMRTM and LOKI MMRTM systems alongside them. I’ve had the opportunity to examine the several microreactor technologies being developed in the marketplace, and I believe NANO Nuclear is the ideal home for the KRONOS MMRTM and LOKI MMRTM. I am dedicated to seeing the development of all of NANO Nuclear reactor designs, as well as its other innovative technologies, from testing, to regulatory approvals and through to commercialization.”

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Energy Appoints Leading Advanced Nuclear Reactor Engineer Florent Heidet, Ph.D., as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Head of Reactor Development

    Dr. Heidet has a proven track-record of assembling highly effective teams and consistently delivering impactful outcomes. His organizational skills are widely acknowledged through several institutional awards. Dr. Heidet holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the ENSAM (Paris, France), and business program certificates from both Berkeley Haas School of Business and Chicago Booth School of Business. He has published numerous peer-reviewed technical papers and authored several chapters of the Encyclopedia of Nuclear Energy.

    “There are very few experts in the nuclear energy sector who can drive and build advanced reactor developments as effectively as Dr. Heidet,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “His career has been dedicated to pursuing innovative reactor solutions that address growing energy demands here in the U.S. and around the world. His comprehensive industry knowledge and the technical expertise required to oversee the design and construction of these sophisticated reactors, as well as our other innovative technologies, will be crucial to NANO Nuclear and will help to solidify our position as a leader in the field.”

    “Dr. Heidet’s appointment at NANO Nuclear marks another milestone in our efforts to commercialize advanced, portable microreactor and related technologies,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear Energy. “He has contributed to numerous innovative breakthroughs in the field and has overseen major development projects worth billions of dollars, including those with government funding. His exceptional experience and expertise in the nuclear industry will be instrumental in advancing our technology through development, licensing, and eventual commercialization.”

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. NANO Nuclear is also developing patented stationary KRONOS MMR™ Energy System and space focused, portable LOKI MMR™.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include those relating to the anticipated benefits to the Company of Heidet’s appointment as described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations or fund research (including SBIR applications and other government funding, which might not receive DOE approval), (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The G20: how it works, why it matters and what would be lost if it failed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    South Africa took over the presidency of the G20 at the end of 2024. Since then the world has become a more complex, unpredictable and dangerous place. The most powerful state in the world, the US, seems intent on undermining the existing order that it created and on demonstrating its power over weaker nations. Other influential countries are turning inward.

    These developments raise concerns about how well mechanisms for global cooperation, such as the G20, can continue to operate, particularly those that work on the basis of consensual decision making. Danny Bradlow sets out how the G20 works, and what’s at stake.

    What’s the G20’s purpose?

    The G20 is a forum in which the largest economies in the world meet regularly to discuss, and attempt to address, the most urgent international economic and political challenges. The group, which includes both rich and developing countries, accounts for about 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global GDP, and 75% of global trade.

    The G20, in fact, is a misnomer. The actual number of G20 participants in any given year far exceeds the 19 states and 2 international entities (the European Union and the African Union) that are its permanent members. Each year they are joined by a number of invited “guests”. While there are some countries, for example Spain and the Netherlands, that are considered “permanent” G20 guests, the full list of guests is determined by the chair of the G20 for that year. This year, South Africa has invited 13 countries, including Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. They are joined by 24 invited international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations and eight African regional organisations, among others.

    The G20 should be understood as a process rather than a set of discrete events. Its apex is the annual leaders’ summit at which the participating heads of state and government seek to agree on a communiqué setting out their agreements on key issues. These agreements are non-binding and each of the participating states usually will implement most but not all the agreed points.

    The communiqué is the outcome of a two track process: a finance track, consisting of representatives of the finance ministries and central banks in the participating counties, and a “sherpa” track that deals with more political issues. In total these two tracks will involve over 100 meetings of technical level officials and policymakers.

    Most of the work in each track is done by working groups. The finance track has seven working groups dealing with issues ranging from the global economy and international financial governance to financial inclusion and the financing of infrastructure. The sherpa track has 15 working groups dealing with issues ranging from development and agriculture to health, the digital economy, and education.

    The agenda for the working group meetings is based on issues notes prepared by the G20 presidency. The issues notes will discuss both unfinished business from prior years and any new issues that the president adds to the G20 agenda.

    The working group chairs report on the outcomes of these meetings to the ministerial meetings in their track. These reports will first be discussed in meetings of the deputies to the ministers. The deputies will seek to narrow areas of disagreement and sharpen the issues for discussion so that when they are presented at the ministerial meeting the chances of reaching agreement are maximised.

    The agreements reached at each of these ministerial meetings, assuming all participants agree, will be expressed in a carefully negotiated and drafted communiqué. If the participants cannot agree, the minister chairing the meeting will provide a chair’s summary of the meeting. These documents will then inform the communiqué that will be released at the end of the G20 summit. This final communiqué represents the formal joint decision of the participating heads of state and government.

    The G20 process is supplemented by the work of 13 engagement groups representing, for example, business, labour, youth, think tanks, women and civil society in the G20 countries. These groups look for ways to influence the outcomes of the G20 process.

    What is the G20 troika and how does it operate?

    The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat. Instead, the G20 president is responsible for organising and chairing the more than 100 meetings that take place during the year. The G20 has decided that this burden should be supported by a “troika”, consisting of the past, present and future presidents of the G20. This year the troika consists of Brazil, the past chair; South Africa, the current chair; and the US, the future chair.

    The role of the troika varies depending on the identity of the current chair and how assertive it wishes to be in driving the G20 process. It will also be influenced by how active the other two members of the troika wish to be.

    The troika helps ensure some continuity from one G20 year to another. This is important because there is a significant carryover of issues on the G20 agenda from one year to the next. The troika therefore creates the potential for the G20 president to focus on the issues of most interest to it over a three year period rather than just for one year.

    How successful has the G20 process been?

    The G20 is essentially a self-appointed group which has designated itself as the “premier forum for international economic cooperation”.

    The G20 was first brought together during the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s. At that time, it was limited to a forum in which ministers of finance and central bank governors could meet to discuss the most important international economic and financial issues, such as the Asian financial crisis.

    The G20 was elevated to the level of heads of state and government at the time of the 2008 global financial crisis.

    The G20 tends to work well as a cooperative forum when the world is confronting an economic crisis. Thus, the G20 was a critical forum in which countries could discuss and agree on coordinating actions to deal with the global financial crisis in 2008-9.

    It has performed less well when confronted with other types of crises. For example, it was found wanting in dealing with the COVID pandemic.

    It has also proven to be less effective, although not necessarily totally ineffective, when there is no crisis. So, for example, the G20 has been useful in helping address relatively technical issues such as developing international standards on particular financial regulatory issues or improving the functioning of multilateral development banks. On other more political issues, for example climate, food security, and funding the UN’s sustainable development goals, it has been less effective.

    There’s one less obvious, but nevertheless important, benefit. The G20 offers officials from participating countries the chance to interact with their counterparts from other G20 countries. As a result, they come to know and understand each other better, which helps foster cooperation between states on issues of common interest. It also ensures that when appropriate, these officials know whom to contact in other countries and this may help mitigate the risk of misunderstanding and conflict.

    These crisis management and other benefits would be lost if the G20 were to stop functioning. And there is currently no alternative to the G20 in the sense of a forum where the leading states in the world, which may differ on many important issues, can meet on a relatively informal basis to discuss issues of mutual interest. Importantly, the withdrawal of one G20 state, even the most powerful, should not prevent the remaining participants from using the G20 to promote international cooperation on key global challenges.

    In this way it can help manage the risk of conflict in a complex global environment.

    – The G20: how it works, why it matters and what would be lost if it failed
    – https://theconversation.com/the-g20-how-it-works-why-it-matters-and-what-would-be-lost-if-it-failed-251500

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: THSYU Launches New Cryptocurrency Exchange in France with Advanced Security and High-Speed Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thsyu CRYPTO GROUP LIMITED today announced the official launch of THSYU, a new cryptocurrency exchange in France that combines military-grade security features with high-performance trading capabilities. This strategic market entry responds to growing demand for secure, efficient crypto trading platforms in the European market.

    In the midst of a global cryptocurrency boom, the security and efficiency of trading platforms have become top concerns for investors. THSYU addresses these concerns by implementing cutting-edge technology and providing an unrivaled user experience specifically designed for French users.

    Ironclad Security: Protection for Digital Assets
    Recent years have seen crypto exchanges plagued by hacking scandals and asset thefts, shaking investor trust. THSYU counters this with military-grade encryption and a multi-layer cold storage system designed to keep hackers at bay. The platform also boasts a real-time AI monitoring system that flags and halts suspicious activity within milliseconds. A Paris-based early adopter noted, “I finally feel safe leaving significant funds on an exchange—THSYU lets me sleep soundly.” In a crypto world starved for trust, this security pledge is a significant advancement.

    Lightning-Fast Trades: Maximizing Profit Opportunities
    For crypto traders, timing is everything. THSYU’s trading engine can handle up to 1 million transactions per second—far surpassing industry norms. Whether Bitcoin is soaring or Ethereum is crashing, THSYU ensures orders execute instantly, leaving no profit window unclaimed. A French trader shared, “I snagged a new coin’s debut on THSYU—the speed was unreal.” This efficiency gives French investors an edge in the global crypto marketplace.

    Tailored for France: A Localized Crypto Experience
    THSYU isn’t just another generic global platform—it’s specifically focused on France. Beyond offering euro trading pairs and French-language support, the exchange is set to partner with local French banks for seamless fiat deposits and withdrawals. Even more striking, THSYU vows to comply with the EU’s strictest financial regulations, aiming to set a gold standard for legitimacy. For French investors wary of regulatory gray zones, this provides added confidence.

    As the global crypto market continues to evolve in 2025, France—despite its economic prowess—has shown potential for increased crypto adoption. THSYU’s arrival fills a market gap with its combination of security, speed, and localization. The platform is now open for registration at www.thsyu.com.

    Contact Information：
    Jessica Green
    Chief Operating Officer
    Thsyu CRYPTO GROUP LIMITED
    Address:1670 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202, US
    Email:jessica.green@thsyu.com
    Website: www.thsyu.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cd4d9eb7-b691-458a-a62c-280a53c44060

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung UK Promotes Annika Bizon to Mobile Experience (MX) VP of Product and Marketing, UK&I

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, UK – March 07, 2025 – Samsung Electronics UK has announced the promotion of Annika Bizon to Mobile Experience (MX) VP of Product and Marketing, UK&I.
     
    In this role, Annika will build on successes launching the Galaxy S25 series and growing the Galaxy AI userbase. Her responsibilities have included leading its Marketing & Omnichannel strategy, as well as the MX division in Ireland.
     
    Her passion for putting the customer first has driven both consumer engagement and commercial success, strengthening Samsung UK & Ireland’s market share and brand perceptions across its Galaxy ecosystem.
     
    Annika brings more than 20 years of experience to this new position. Prior to Samsung, she held senior roles at 20th Century Fox and Three UK. Throughout her career, she has focussed on successfully transitioning brands to a digital-first approach, driving commercial success.
     
    In her new role, Annika will spearhead Galaxy AI adoption, as well as innovation and development, alongside growing Samsung’s ecosystem proposition.
     
    Annika said: “I am looking forward to taking on this new role and remain committed to providing our customers with the best experience, no matter who they are or what Samsung products they use. In partnership with my team, I will be focused on putting the consumer first, ensuring every touchpoint with our products and services is seamless and makes them proud to own Samsung.
     
    Corporate Vice President – Mobile Division, Samsung UK & Ireland, Richard Chang, added: “As Marketing & Omnichannel Director, Annika has been dedicated to best-in-class customer experience and the leadership of our Irish business. Recently, she has also led the product team, developing category management as a key focus area. I look forward to working closely with her, delivering growth and mobile leadership.”
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung UK hosts live virtual classroom event to mark National Careers Week

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, UK – 07 March, 2025 – Samsung Electronics UK, in celebration of National Careers Week, welcomed secondary schools nationwide to join a free live virtual classroom event to spark curiosity about diverse future-focused careers in tech.
     
    Streamed live from Samsung KX, the careers lesson showcased cutting-edge technology and gave secondary school students the chance to hear from Samsung employees about their career journeys. Hosted by Samsung’s young emerging talent, schools were taken on a whistle-stop tour of Samsung KX, and were able to interact through live polls and a Q&A session with Samsung experts.
     

     
    Jessie Soohyun Park, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Samsung UK, said: “It was great to welcome hundreds of young people to our live virtual classroom event. Schools from across the UK heard first-hand from our employees about their career journeys in tech, and we hope they left the session feeling inspired. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen is all about inspiring the next generation of innovators, and the 2025 programme is only just beginning. We welcome secondary schools across the UK  to sign up for the free resources and join the challenge – our theme for this year is Living Well: Tech for a Happier, Healthier World, and we can’t wait to see the tech for good ideas from young people.”
     

     
    Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Next Gen programme is designed for 11-15 year olds to inspire the next generation of innovators. Reaching over a third of secondary schools across the UK and Ireland, the programme offers interactive video lessons, design thinking, online safety and careers resources for teachers to use with their students, and a fun challenge where students and their schools can win fantastic tech prizes. Schools can register for the free programme here.
     
    For more information on Samsung KX visit: Discover New Samsung King’s Cross Space | Samsung UK

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three sentenced over illegal waste activity in Northamptonshire

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Three sentenced over illegal waste activity in Northamptonshire

    Three defendants have been fined for their involvement in illegal waste activity in Northamptonshire, following an investigation by the Environment Agency.

    Waste piled high at the Green Infrastructure site

    The defendants were sentenced on 27th February at Northampton Magistrates’ Court for waste offences at Mill Farm near Kettering. They were ordered to pay fines, victim surcharges and prosecution costs of more than £75,000.

    From 2019 to 2021, Environment Agency officers investigated the site in Great Cransley which David Goodjohn, 64 of Grange Road, Geddington, and his company, Green Infrastructure Ltd, operated without an environmental permit. They have been ordered to pay almost £32,000.

    34,000 tonnes of waste was stored at the site with large quantities of mixed waste piled over 10 metres high, becoming an eyesore for the local community. Despite repeated visits, the Environment Agency’s guidance was ignored for over two years.

    The third defendant, Storefield Aggregates, failed to comply with the waste duty of care by sending more than 24,000 tonnes of waste to the site between 2019 and 2021. It was ordered to pay more than £43,000.

    The Environment Agency sent warning letters to two further companies which also deposited waste at the site.

    Yvonne Daly, Environment Agency Manager, said:

    We work to stop illegal waste activities and support legitimate business whilst protecting communities and nature from harm. We take illegal waste activity very seriously and will not hesitate to disrupt activity and prosecute those responsible.

    Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity should report it to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 807060, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 March 2025 UHC-Partnership: Nigerians in Imo State are protected from financial hardship when accessing health services

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Favour Owuamanam, from Umuechetanmehe Amiri in Imo State, was 9 months pregnant and had been referred for a planned caesarean section due to the prospects of a high-risk delivery. When her labor started before her due date, she was rushed to Vaden Specialist Hospital for an emergency caesarean section and gave birth successfully. However, her baby had complications with neonatal asphyxia and jaundice and required additional care.

    The Imo State Health Insurance Agency facilitated the immediate transfer of the baby to the special care unit in Imo State Specialist Hospital. Both mother and baby were covered under health insurance and did not need to pay for any services.

    “Medical treatments are usually so high. I don’t know where I would have found the money to pay for my hospital bills. I am very grateful to the Imo State Health Insurance Agency Team,” said Favour.

    Marcus Moses and family, beneficiaries of the Imo State Health Insurance Agency. Photo by: WHO/Nigeria

    This is one of many health interventions by the Imo State Health Insurance Agency. The Agency has instituted one of the best and most responsive referral systems in Nigeria. In less than 10 months of implementation, over 516 cases have been referred through the health insurance programme, saving many lives through emergency surgery at no cost to the patient.

    Some of Nigeria’s poorest and most vulnerable populations are now able to access health care services without suffering financial hardship as a result. This is due to the passing of health insurance laws and the implementation of a health insurance programme that removes the burden of financial cost to the patient. Simultaneously, the quality of primary health care services is being strengthened, which has increased trust in and use of the services.

    This is a strong effort by the Government of Nigeria to ensure that its population is protected from financial hardship and is able to access timely and quality health services in line with the principles of universal health coverage (UHC).

    Engaging parliamentarians and the Executive to enable laws

    The enactment of mandatory health insurance laws and implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund in 2023 has changed the lives of many poor and vulnerable Nigerians in Imo State.

    To advocate and make a strong case for the establishment of the Imo State Health Insurance Program, WHO, through the UHC Partnership, helped to establish the State Health Financing Unit and Technical Working Group in the State Ministry of Health. WHO technical staff then worked to build capacity and generate evidence.

    “The Imo State Government is putting mechanisms in place to ensure the protection of all citizens against financial risks associated with health care in the state. Unfortunately, the demand for health services is relentless and people end up becoming poorer to stay alive whenever they are sick. These actions will mitigate the use of the regressive out-of-pocket payments in health that pushes people into the vicious cycle of poverty, disease, and death,” said Dr Uchenna Ewelike, Executive Secretary, Imo State Health Insurance Agency.

    Sustained high-level advocacy by WHO resulted in better understanding and synergy between the Executive led by the State Governor and the parliamentarians, and this led to the speedy passage and ascent of the Imo State Health Insurance Bill into Law.

    “More investment in health, and health insurance specifically, has huge returns for the economy. This is demonstrated by an investment case for health in Imo State, developed by WHO, that shows up to 200% increase in real GDP and 200% increase in the number of jobs created over 5 years. As health is a human right and duty of the state, WHO will work with Imo State to develop a plan that will guide a progressive increase in coverage to achieve the UHC benchmark of at least 80% of the state population,” said Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative to Nigeria.

    Nigeria is one of more than 125 countries and areas to which the UHC Partnership helps deliver WHO support and technical expertise in advancing UHC through a PHC approach. The UHC Partnership represents over 3 billion people. It is supported and funded by Belgium, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 March 2025 Departmental update WHO and Switzerland cement cooperation until 2028

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO and Switzerland have announced the renewal of their cooperation strategy for the period 2024-2028. In 2013, Switzerland became the first high-income country in the WHO European Region to pilot a cooperation strategy with WHO (hereafter referred to as the WHO-Switzerland Cooperation Strategy). In 2022, WHO and Switzerland jointly decided to update and renew this cooperation strategy, done on 4 March 2025 at the Regional Office of the WHO in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Visit the WHO/Europe website to read the news release and learn more about the WHO—Switzerland country cooperation strategy 2024—2028.

    Read more about the WHO-Switzerland partnership for the global BioHub system.

    Barbara Schedler, Ambassador for Global Health at the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, and Dr Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, agreed on the way forward for closer collaboration. Photo by: WHO/EURO

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ambassador For a Day 2025: British Embassy Budapest

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Ambassador For a Day 2025: British Embassy Budapest

    The British Embassy in Budapest invites young women aged between 18 and 24 from across Hungary to enter a competition to be an Ambassador for a Day.

    What is Ambassador for A Day? 

    Have you ever wondered how one become an ambassador, or what diplomats do all day? This competition will give the winners the unique opportunity to meet with the British Ambassador to Hungary at his Residence in Budapest, and to spend a day with Embassy colleagues learning and practicing valuable skills that form the core of a diplomatic mission’s work. 

    Why you should enter this competition 

    Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore also half of its potential. Today there are too few women in international diplomacy, including women from under-represented backgrounds, whether ethnic, religious, economic, cultural, or personal identity. Women are not represented at parity in political and business sectors.  

    To end this underrepresentation, we must ensure equality of opportunity and equitable outcomes for everyone.  

    This is why we are encouraging women to make their voices heard on topics that affect us all.  

    We encourage young Hungarian women to become leaders and advocates for change by offering them the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of the British Embassy in Budapest. 

    Who can enter  

    You can enter this competition if you:

    • are a young woman between the ages of 18-24 at the time of submitting your application
    • are a Hungarian citizen who is currently residing in Hungary
    • have a confident level of spoken and written English
    • are available to spend a full day of activities with us at the British Embassy on 21 May 2025

    How to submit entry  

    To enter, you must fill in this application form in English, which includes the following questions: 

    a) Personal data and preferences 

    • your full name, age, date of birth, hometown, and the name of the secondary school/university you are currently attending (if applicable)
    • contact information (phone, email, and preference to be contacted) 
    • severe allergies and dietary requirements, assistance required (if any) travel/accommodation preferences, workshop and training preferences 

    b) Essay: Who is your greatest female role model from modern history and why? 

    • tell us about your greatest female role model from modern history – the one you feel personally connected to. Why do you find her inspiring? Why is her message or work (still) relevant today? 
    • limit: your essay should not exceed 4000 characters
    • deadline: please submit your application by 11:59pm CET on 5 April 2025

    Please read the  Terms and Conditions for entering the Ambassador for a Day 2025 Competition (PDF, 139 KB, 3 pages) carefully before entering the competition. 

    If you are shortlisted based on your essay, we will contact you for a short online interview with the organisers – and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. Multiple time slots will be offered. 

    Important tips 

    1. Please bear in mind that the topic for the 2025 competition is “Inspiring women in modern history” – this includes the Late Modern Period (from 1800 to 1945) and Contemporary History (from 1945) to the present day. 
    2. Creativity will be an important aspect of the judging criteria. The essay should focus on your personal thoughts, interpretation and evidence-based arguments about why you feel connected to and inspired by the individual, rather than a factual historical narrative about their life. 
    3. The competition’s jury will be comprised of a diverse panel representing different backgrounds to ensure a fair and inclusive evaluation process. For more information on the selection process, please see the Terms and Conditions. 
    4. If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to a short online interview to get to know you and assess your English skills. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions during this conversation. 

    Should you have any questions, please email  competition.be.budapest@fcdo.gov.uk. 

    Deadlines  

    Make sure you enter the competition on time:  

    • competition opens: 8 March 2025 
    • deadline for applications: 11:59pm CET, 5 April 2025 
    • shortlisted candidates contacted for online interviews: 14-15 April 2025 
    • online interviews taking place: 6, 7 or 8 May (multiple time slots will be offered – to be agreed) 
    • final competition winners contacted: 9 May 2025 
    • programme taking place: 21 May 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Secretary speech on driving economic growth in Scotland

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Scottish Secretary speech on driving economic growth in Scotland

    Speech at the University of Edinburgh setting out how Scotland has the potential to be the engine room of UK growth [political content removed]

    WELCOME

    Thank you for having me today

    And can I begin by thanking Chris Deerin and Reform Scotland

    for helping us bring such a great audience together for the event.

    I look forward to speaking with Chris later and taking some questions.

    And thanks to both Chris Murray, MP and Christina Boswell, Vice Principal here at University of Edinburgh, for their kind introductions.

    And for welcoming us to the Informatics Forum at Edinburgh University,

    home to AI excellence since 1963!

    1963 – the same year that Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, delivered his “white heat of technology” speech.

    And that speech could be delivered today given the pace of technological change and the huge opportunities with AI. Of course, this university, with the passion and expertise of Christina and her colleagues are driving this agenda.

    This university will be at the heart of the government’s AI strategy.

    The implications for industry, our economy, government, services and society are unlimited and we must grab this with both hands.

    I’ve just visited the robotics lab downstairs and it’s mindblowing.

    Harold Wilson, of course, warned his audience that if the country was to prosper a “new Britain” would need to be forged in the “white heat” of this “scientific revolution”.

    History is indeed repeating itself. 

    The AI revolution is happening as we enter a golden age of opportunity.

    And Scotland should and will be at the heart of it. Thank you for all you do Christina.

    I came to this university as a fresh faced 16 year old,

    straight from 5th year at Wester Hailes Education Centre

    as the first in my family to go to university.

    The Lothians Equal Access Program for Schools was my entry point to this university,

    and the gateway to a different life.

    The support of dedicated, inspiring and role model teachers at WHEC,

    alongside the chance to study here are the reasons I’m able to make this speech today.

    The power of education to tear down societal barriers should never be underestimated.

    We hear a lot about attainment gaps and Scotland’s failure to close them. 

    And I promise that is no statistical abstraction or political point to score.

    It is about the life chances of every child in Scotland,

    and until it is seriously addressed then, make no mistake,

    it translates directly into the waste of human talent and denial of opportunity that currently holds Scotland back.

    Whether it is an apprenticeship, re-skilling, a degree, a postgraduate qualification,

    or simply giving a wee boy from Wester Hailes a chance,

    education and training are the biggest and best investments we can make in our economy and our society. 

    At a conference a few weeks ago I outlined my own journey from growing up in a council estate,

    to sitting down at the Cabinet table in Keir Starmer’s government.

    That’s a journey that took many twists and turns, from the Codfather Chippy to the Edinburgh Festival.

    I had a long career in business and as an entrepreneur before getting into politics.

    I actually almost didn’t get into university because I was so bad at the drums.

    I was set to fail Higher Music with aplomb!

    My music teacher pulled me aside and persuaded me that if I wanted any chance of getting into uni, 

    I had to sing instead! 

    And no… it wasn’t the Hearts song

    So after all of that, when I finally sat at that Cabinet table

    and looked around at the faces that made up the most working class Cabinet in history,

    I thought of my parents.

    I haven’t often talked about this, but my father passed away when I was nine.

    My mother raised two boys on her own, working multiple jobs to get by:

    Woolworths as a cleaner; the Busy Bee Bar as a cook; a bookies as a cashier.

    She worked these jobs because she wanted to give her boys the best possible opportunities in life.

    Sitting down at that Cabinet table for the first time I made a promise that every decision I make in government will be in service to working people.

    A government of service.

    I learned a lesson from those years to take into my job now.

    My mum wasn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves to get things done.

    Neither am I – and neither is this government.

    And we have had no choice.

    But I am proud of how our Plan for Change has already started to work:

    The biggest upgrade in workers rights in a generation

    an industrial strategy to make sure we can take advantage of the jobs of the future:

    GB Energy, publicly owned, headquartered here in Scotland

    Glasgow City Region chosen as one of the priority investment areas for the National Wealth Fund

    £1.4 billion in local growth spending across Scotland

    Harland and Wolff saved thanks to a deal brokered by the UK Government, with sites in Arnish and Methill in Scotland protected 

    And of course, the announcement from our Prime Minister that we will allocate £200 million from the National Wealth Fund,

    to drive investment in a viable industrial future for Grangemouth.

    Delivered after the Prime Minister asked me and the Scotland Office to lead a cross-government taskforce to make it happen.

    Grangemouth was the first issue on which I was briefed on as Secretary of State.

    In just eight months, we have put together a plan for the future.

    That £200 million is a signal that this government does not see Grangemouth as a political problem to be solved,

    but a huge opportunity for industrial renewal.

    And on top of all that, we have delivered the largest budget settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution.

    An end to austerity – we promised it in the manifesto and the budget delivered it.

    That’s how we fix the foundations, deliver our Plan for Change and begin to turn things around for Scotland.

    Turning things around will take time, but I know a thing or two about the hard graft it takes to do that.

    My journey from Wester Hailes to Westminster included time working as a small business owner and entrepreneur.

    I was broadcasting on the internet years before YouTube.

    I was doing live televised karaoke before Pop Idol was even a glint in Simon Cowell’s eye.

    I was doing festival events and concerts,

    I refurbished and re-opened a derelict hotel in West Linton,

    opened a bar in Newington,

    and sports bistro in Edinburgh city centre.

    It’s amazing what you learn in a tough industry like hospitality.

    Being a small business owner means you have to turn your hand to everything,

    from pulling pints, to cleaning toilets.

    Though thankfully not always at the same time!

    I know the ups and downs of running my own business.

    More than once, I had to put the staff wages on a personal credit card,

    because no matter how hard it got, the team came first,

    they needed to pay their bills.

    That’s why, by the way, I am so proud of this government’s make work pay agenda.

    Boosting the minimum wage, 

    banning exploitative zero hour contracts, 

    ending fire and rehire, 

    day one rights for workers.  

    As a former business owner let me be clear:

    page one, line one of your business plan should be how you will pay your staff properly.

    More security and better pay for working people will help drive growth.

    It’s good for workers and it’s good for business.

    It drove growth in that West Linton Hotel.

    By working together we turned things around.

    That once derelict hotel is still thriving.

    There are derelict hotel stories in every community and every sector right across Scotland.

    I think of that when I consider how this government has reset the relationship with the Scottish Government.

    And we are starting to see fruits of that productive relationship  – such as bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow.

    And in the range of areas where the Scottish Government has accepted the UK government  legislating in devolved areas,

    to deliver change, faster.

    On tobacco, renters rights, public railways, children’s protection and more.

    Too many people are keen to suggest this reset is “over” at the first sign of political disagreement. 

    It doesn’t work like that. 

    These are different governments,

    Led by different political parties with different priorities and policies.

    But just because we don’t agree on everything,

    doesn’t mean we can’t agree on anything.

    I am certain that the single most important outcome which Scotland’s two governments should seek,

    is economic growth.

    Growth with a purpose.

    to raise living standards, improve public services,

    and tackle the unacceptable levels of poverty that continue to scar our communities.

    Scotland can be the engine room of UK growth.

    We have so much potential.

    Potential that for too long has gone untapped,

    World class universities,

    advanced manufacturing,

    food and drink,

    life sciences,

    Financial and professional services. 

    And the government will leave no stone unturned to unleash that potential.

    Tearing up red tape,

    harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to boost productivity,

    and delivering a proper industrial strategy, developed in partnership with businesses and trade unions.

    But delivering economic growth for Scotland is not something either of Scotland’s governments can do alone.

    It requires partnership and co-operation.

    Because the alternative costs us dearly.

    If Scottish growth had simply matched the sluggish UK growth in the last decade our economy would be nearly £10 billion larger.

    That is why we need a decade of national renewal.

    I know the will is there across Scotland’s cities, towns and villages.

    I know the will is there in Scotland’s businesses and trade unions.

    I know the will is there in Scotland’s third sector and charities.

    People up and down the country are full of enthusiasm and ideas for how to make their communities flourish.

    I was intrigued to read last week the leader of Glasgow City Council call for a ‘devolution deal’ for the city region.

    Not just money but powers too.

    This was echoed in a recent meeting with the Edinburgh region growth deal partners,

    who are calling for more powers over skills and transport.

    Devolution of powers to local communities.

    Just look at the impact an empowered Mayor has made to Greater Manchester.

    From 2014 to 2022 the Greater Manchester economy grew by almost 50%.

    If the Glasgow City Region had achieved that same level of growth,

    it would be £7.7 billion larger today.

    That’s an awful lot of jobs and opportunities lost.

    And we can see the real world impact on the high streets of Scotland’s towns and cities.

    As an entrepreneur, it’s painful to see boarded up shops and shuttered restaurants which once represented someone’s dreams and a community’s promise.

    That’s something both governments should be coming together to sort out, by empowering local communities with place based growth. 

    That place based growth is central to our Plan for change. 

    Money and power needs to be pushed out to communities,

    To give them all a fair kick of the ball,

    and create their own jobs and investment.

    And the single biggest opportunity to create good jobs is ensuring that Scotland wins the race to clean energy.

    With GB energy located in Aberdeen, and billions of pounds of investment on the table we need to grasp those opportunities.

    Re-skilling and retraining our workforce will be key to delivering a just transition,

    ensuring the job opportunities of the future are accessible to all.

    And when I think about the future, I think of my daughters.

    Zola, aged four years, and Lois just five weeks old. 

    The jobs and careers they will enjoy have likely yet to even be invented.

    (although Zola does want to be a police officer)

    Businesses and unions constantly tell me they worry about the skills landscape in Scotland.

    The Fraser of Allander Institute found a quarter of employers report vacancies,

    with 31% of these being classified as skill-shortage vacancies, up 10 per cent from 2020.

    We won’t grab these clean energy jobs for Scotland unless we equip our young people,

    and our existing workforce with the skills to do them.

    Now we gather today, at the end of Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

    Apprenticeships and further education should be at the heart of how we take advantage of the race to clean power.

    There are 8,000 fewer college places today than there were just last year.

    Those places are at their lowest level in nine years.

    Just last week we saw that the attainment gap in Scottish schools between the richest and the poorest kids has widened again.

    Everyone deserves the opportunity and dignity that comes with good work. 

    Yet Scotland’s rate of economic inactivity is above the rest of the UK. 

    That’s people out of work, and not looking for work for various reasons. 

    If we simply matched the UK average, we would get over 40,000 people back to work and generate millions more for our economy and communities.

    The UK Government’s £240 million Get Britain Working Plan will overhaul Jobcentres so they focus on skills and careers.

    We need to see the Scottish Government engage with that plan and help us make it work.

    One of the reasons why Scotland’s inactivity rate is higher,

    is because more people in Scotland are out of work due to ill health.

    Many of those people want to work, but can’t.

    And far, far too many of them are stuck on an NHS Scotland waiting list.

    As it stands, NHS waiting times are one of the biggest blocks to growing our economy.

    Almost 300,000 Scots are out of work and not looking for work because they are either temporary or  long term sick..

    Over 700,000 Scots are on an NHS waiting list for treatment.

    Cut NHS waiting lists and you will grow our economy.

    A record settlement from the UK Government for public services in Scotland should deliver that. 

    I know that some of the decisions the UK Government took to fund that record settlement have been difficult and won’t please everyone…

    but we live in a world where 100,000 Scots have been stuck on an NHS waiting list for more than a year,

    28,000 Scots in the past 18 months have been forced to go private for health care.

    That is an unacceptable situation and we make no apology delivering the funding our NHS needs.

    Scotland has a proud industrial past,

    and we can have a bright industrial future, which delivers jobs and wealth for families for generations to come,

    but only if we get the race to clean power right.

    For too long Scottish workers missed out on the work.

    Now I worry a new generation will miss out on the skills.

    As my wonderful Scotland Office ministerial colleague and friend, Kirsty McNeill, often says:

    “We feel it in our bones.”

    It is why we believe in delivering the kind of economic growth that delivers jobs and opportunities for working class people and communities. 

    And one area where those jobs and opportunities could be created, is nuclear power.

    The Scottish Government has a long-standing opposition to nuclear power.

    That is their prerogative, but doing so means investment, jobs and opportunities for Scottish communities will continue to head south.

    Both Hunterston in North Ayrshire and Torness in East Lothian are prime spots for development.

    They have made fantastic contributions to the Scottish economy in the past and they can do so again in the future.

    For Hunterston, that could be 800 new jobs with £50-60 million in direct local wages. 

    For Torness, up to 1,000 jobs with £100m in direct wages.

    Together it would mean tens of millions of pounds being paid in business rates. 

    My message to the Scottish Government today is simple:

    stop blocking this investment, allow those jobs to be created, and let that revenue flow into Scotland.

    And crucially – please work in partnership with the UK Government to deliver it.

    Nuclear power stations aren’t built overnight.

    But they are an investment in our future.

    And another long term investment, for which our country is crying out, is aviation infrastructure.

    Or to put it simply – runways.

    I’ll be clear – I support a third runway at Heathrow. 

    It is a huge opportunity for Scotland’s economy and a massive opportunity for our Brand Scotland agenda,

    to sell Scotland to the world.

    Most passengers leave Scotland on a plane, not knowing that beneath their seat are crates of Scottish salmon and whisky. 

    Connectivity to get our world leading goods overseas is critical as an enabler to growth.

    But incredibly, Scottish exports as a percentage of GDP lag behind the rest of the UK. 

    The Scottish Government’s export target is to increase the value of Scotland’s international exports to 25% of GDP by 2029. 

    But that would still leave us behind the rest of the UK,

    and missed opportunities to improve connectivity to our own airports is partly why.

    It was the current First Minister himself who cancelled the Glasgow Airport Rail Link, over 16 years ago in 2009. 

    That was a missed opportunity for growth,

    given Glasgow Airport already adds over £1.4 billion to the Scottish economy and supports 30,000 jobs.

    It is incredible that in 2025 you can get a direct train from Glasgow Central to Manchester Airport, over 200 miles away.

    but not to Glasgow Airport, just a few miles from the centre of Scotland’s largest city.

    We need UK and Scottish government cooperation, to ensure that all Scotland’s airports, 

    including the publicly owned Prestwick Airport,

    makes the most of Heathrow expansion, and have a proper strategy to drive economic growth.

    The UK industrial strategy identifies eight growth driving sectors, and Scotland can benefit from all of them:

    advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries

    creative industries, digital and technologies

    financial services, life sciences

    professional and business services

    and most relevant this week – defence.

    The decision to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP is an act of generational leadership from our Prime Minister.

    as we chart a new course in an uncertain world and do what is necessary to defend our country and our continent.

    National security is the first duty of any government,

    but that increase in spending also represents a massive industrial opportunity for Scotland.

    More than £2 billion was spent by the Ministry of Defence in Scotland last year,

    the industry in Scotland employs more than 30,000 people, including 1,500 apprentices.

    The role must be to defend our nation,

    to stand in solidarity with our European partners,

    and to help Scottish industry lead the way in defence technology and manufacturing.

    On this issue, at this crucial time, we need cooperation between Scotland’s two governments,

    and I am determined that it should happen,

    in our national interest.

    So on these issues: skills, nuclear, aviation,

    infrastructure, defence, and employability,

    I will reconvene the Scottish Business Growth group

    co-chaired by me and the Deputy First Minister. 

    We will bring together voices from across Scottish business, industry,

    trades unions and civic society,

    to find a way through these challenges.

    It will be Scotland’s Growth Commission.

    Last year heralded a new era for the Scotland Office.

    An era of delivery.

    An era that will grasp the new golden age of opportunities for Scotland.

    The vast majority of Scots want their two governments to work together to increase living standards and improve public services. 

    Under my leadership, that is what this Scotland Office is determined to do.

    Since the election last July, I have completely reformed and restructured the department,

    so it can deliver the government’s missions for Scots.

    This new direction for the Scotland Office will have four strategic priorities:

    economic growth

    green energy

    Brand Scotland

    and tackling poverty.

    This new Scotland Office is the UK Government’s delivery arm for Scotland

    and Scotland’s window to Whitehall.

    We will deliver economic growth. 

    But growth with a purpose: 

    to reduce and one day eradicate the poverty which scars our communities. 

    Taking advantage of our enormous green energy potential and our world class brand to get there.

    So as we enter a third era of the Scotland Office post devolution, 

    I am reminded of the words of a Scottish Secretary from long before the devolution era, the great Tom Johnston, who wrote:

    “…if only we could lift great social crusades like better housing and health from the arena of partisan strife,

    what magnificent achievements might yet be ours.

    “In unity lies strength: in concurrence, the possibility of great achievement in better housing, 

    better health,

    better education, better use of leisure,

    greater security in income, and employment.”

    That is a lesson that the Scottish public have been demanding both their governments learn. 

    And that lesson is the path to deliver better living standards and ensure that

    plenty more boys and girls

    from communities like Wester Hailes,

    and from all over Scotland, 

    have the opportunities in life that can lead them to the Cabinet table.

    That is my motivation.

    That is my ambition for Scotland. 

    Thank you for your time this morning.

    Updates to this page

    Published 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Join the Great Stoke Spring Walk

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Friday, 7th March 2025

    The Trent Rivers Trust is inviting walkers to discover the latest stretch of the Trent Valley Way in Stoke-on-Trent.

    It’s part of a £190,000 UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant-funded project that was distributed by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

    The charity has organised a free guided waterside walk through Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 22 March.

    Walkers can choose the challenge of a 25km walk or pick and choose stretches between 1.5 to 8km in length. The walk starts in Norton Green and finishes in Barlaston at the World of Wedgwood visitor car park. 

     It is also an opportunity to get to know Stoke-on-Trent’s latest wildlife murals, completed by local artist, Tom Edward.

    The walk is part of a wider ambition to create better access to the Trent as part of a signposted source-to-sea footpath from Biddulph Moor to the Humber Estuary.

    Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The brilliant staff and volunteers at Trent Rivers Trust have created an accessible walking route through the city. It makes it easier for people to get close to nature and benefit from increased fitness and better mental health.  

    “If you haven’t had a chance to visit it, this is a perfect opportunity for a few hours in the fresh air exploring our city.”  

    Tom Aplin, Partnership and Engagement Manager at Trent Rivers Trust said: “This walk is designed as a friendly, welcoming event. While 25km is certainly a challenge, the idea for people to get to know the Trent – with their own eyes and through our expertise – and to leave the footpath in a better state.

    “This aligns with the wider ethos of the Trent Valley Way – it is an invitation for anyone and everyone living near the Trent to connect with their river and to invest in their wellbeing and that of the river. Improving the footpath in Stoke-on-Trent from Biddulph Moor marks a new chapter for the Trent Valley Way – one we’d like to celebrate on Saturday 22nd March.” 

    The event also welcomes people who simply want to improve green spaces within Stoke. People can also register and help with a litter pick taking place in Hanley Park and near Milton Football Club.  

    The initiative is part of the £190,000 UKSPF which Stoke-on-Trent City Council secured in 2023. The project supported community projects, local artwork, river recovery and improves access to the city’s namesake river.

    Free tickets can be booked online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-great-stoke-spring-walk-tickets-1226334632899

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Exhausted by the news? Here are 6 strategies to stay informed without getting overwhelmed − or misled by misinformation

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Seth Ashley, Professor of Communication and Media, Boise State University

    Not all news sources are created equal. Noah Berger/AP Images

    Political spin is nothing new, and identifying reliable news and information can be hard to do during any presidency. But the return of Donald Trump to the White House has reignited debates over truth, accountability and the role of media in a deeply divided America.

    Misinformation is an umbrella term that covers all kinds of false and misleading content, and there is lots of it out there.

    During Trump’s chaotic first presidency, the president himself promoted false claims about COVID-19, climate change and the 2020 election.

    Now, in his second term, Trump is again using the bully pulpit of the presidency to spread false claims – for example, on Ukraine and Canada as well as immigration, inflation and, still, the 2020 election.

    Meanwhile, social media platforms such as Meta have ended fact-checking programs created after Trump’s first election win, and presidential adviser Elon Musk continues to use social media platform X to amplify Trump’s false claims and his own conspiracy theories.

    To stay informed while also arming yourself against misinformation, it’s crucial to practice what I call good “news hygiene” by developing strong news literacy skills.

    News literacy, as I argue in my open-access 2020 book “News Literacy and Democracy” and in recent research with colleagues, is about more than fact-checking and detecting AI-generated fakes. It’s about understanding how modern media works and how content is influenced, from TikTok “newsfluencers” to FOX News to The New York Times.

    Here are six ways to become a smarter, saner news consumer.

    1. Recognize the influence of algorithms

    Algorithms are the hidden computer formulas that mediate everything news consumers read, watch, click on and react to online. Despite the illusion of neutrality, algorithms shape people’s perceptions of reality and are designed to maximize engagement.

    Algorithmic recommendation engines that power everything from X to YouTube can even contribute to a slow-burn destabilization of American society by shoving consumers into partisan echo chambers that increase polarization and erode social trust.

    Sometimes, algorithms can feed falsehoods that warp people’s perceptions or tell them to engage in dangerous behavior. Facebook groups spreading “Stop the Steal” messages contributed to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. TikTok algorithms had people drinking laundry detergent in the “borax challenge.” Dylann Roof killed nine Black people based on falsehoods from hate groups he found in search results.

    Rather than passively consuming whatever appears in your feeds – allowing brain rot to set in – actively seek out a variety of sources to inform you about current events. The news shouldn’t just tell you what you want to hear.

    And spread the word. People who simply understand that algorithms filter information are more likely to take steps to combat misinformation.

    2. Understand the economics of corporate news

    Media outlets operate within economic systems that shape their priorities.

    For-profit newsrooms, which produce the bulk of news consumed in the U.S., rely heavily on advertising revenue, which can reduce the quality of news and create a commercial bias. Places such as ABC, CNN and FOX, as well as local network TV affiliates, can still do good work, but their business model helps to explain sensational horse-race election coverage and false-balance reporting that leaves room for doubt on established facts about climate change and vaccines.

    At the same time, the economic outlook for news is not good. Declining revenues and staff cuts also reduce the quality of news.

    Nonprofit newsrooms and public media provide alternatives that generally prioritize public interest over profit. And if you have the budget, paying for quality journalism with a subscription can help credible outlets survive.

    Traditional journalism has never been perfect, but the collapse of the news business is unquestionably bad for democracy. Countries with better funding for public media tend to have stronger democracies, and compared with other rich nations, the U.S. spends almost nothing on public service broadcasting.

    3. Focus on source evaluation and verification

    Particularly with AI-generated content on the rise, source evaluation and verification are essential skills. Here are some ways to identify trustworthy journalism:

    • Quality of evidence: Are claims verified with support from a variety of informed individuals and perspectives?

    • Transparency about sources: Is the reporter clear about where their information came from and who shared it?

    • Adherence to ethical guidelines: Does the outlet follow the basic journalistic principles of accuracy and independence?

    • Corrections: Does the outlet correct its errors and follow up on incomplete reporting?

    Be cautious with content that lacks the author’s name, relies heavily on anonymous sources – or uses no sources at all – or is published by outlets with a clear ideological agenda. These aren’t immediate disqualifiers – some credible news magazines such as The Economist have no bylines, for example, and some sources legitimately need anonymity for protection – but watch out for news operations that routinely engage in these practices and obscure their motive for doing so.

    A good online verification practice is called “lateral reading.” That’s when you open new browser tabs to verify claims you see on news sites and social media. Ask: Is anyone else covering this, and have they reached similar conclusions?

    4. Examine your emotional reactions

    One of the hallmarks of misinformation is its ability to provoke strong emotional responses, whether outrage, fear or validation.

    These reactions, research shows, can cloud judgment and make people more susceptible to false or misleading information. The primitive brains of humans are wired to reject information that challenges our beliefs and to accept information we like, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias.

    When encountering content that sparks an emotional reaction, ask yourself: Who benefits from this narrative? What evidence supports it? Is this information informative or manipulative?

    If the answers make you suspicious, investigate further before acting or sharing.

    5. Guard against propaganda

    Everyone in politics works to shape narratives in order to gain support for their agenda. It’s called spin.

    But Trump goes further, spreading documented lies to pump up his followers and undermine the legitimacy of basic democratic institutions.

    He also targets media he doesn’t like. From discrediting critical outlets as “fake news” or calling journalists the “enemy of the people,” these tactics silence dissent, undermine public trust in journalism and alter perceptions around acceptable public discourse and behavior.

    Meanwhile, he amplifies information and people who support his political causes. This is called propaganda.

    Understanding the mechanics of propaganda – its use of repetition, emotional appeal, scapegoating, scare tactics and unrealistic promises – can help inoculate people against its influence.

    6. Stay engaged

    Democracy relies on an informed and active citizenry to hold accountable their government and the officials who work in it as well as other powerful players in society. Yet the sheer volume of misinformation and bad news these days can feel overwhelming.

    Rather than tuning out – what scholars call “news avoidance” – you can practice critical consumption of news.

    Read deeply, look beyond headlines and short video clips, question the framing of stories, and encourage discussions about the role of media in society. Share reliable information with your friends and colleagues, and model good news hygiene for others.

    Correcting misinformation is notoriously hard, so if someone you know shares it, start a dialogue by asking – privately and gently – where they heard it and whether they think it’s really true.

    Finally, set goals for your consumption. What are your information needs at any given moment, and where can you meet that need? Some experts say 30 minutes a day is enough. Don’t waste your time on garbage.

    Touch grass

    While it’s important to stay engaged, so is getting outside and connecting with nature to calm and soothe your busy brain. Logging off and connecting with people in real life will keep your support system strong for when things are tough. Protect your mental health by turning off notifications and taking breaks from your phone.

    Practicing good news hygiene isn’t just about protecting ourselves – it’s about fostering a media environment that supports democracy and informed participation.

    Seth Ashley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Exhausted by the news? Here are 6 strategies to stay informed without getting overwhelmed − or misled by misinformation – https://theconversation.com/exhausted-by-the-news-here-are-6-strategies-to-stay-informed-without-getting-overwhelmed-or-misled-by-misinformation-248807

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Council commissions the Activation of Active Travel Programme

    Source: City of Preston

    Preston City Council has successfully commissioned the Activation of Active Travel Programme to four local providers who will support residents to become happier and healthier as they get more active through cycling, wheeling and walking.

    The funding was secured from Lancashire County Council to improve walking, cycling and wheeling facilities with the aim of boosting these forms of active travel.

    The Active Travel programme aims to put in place measures to support and encourage residents to change their behaviour and use existing active travel infrastructure. It will support Preston in achieving its priorities by helping residents, particularly underrepresented groups, to do more cycling, wheeling and walking for everyday journeys.

    The scheme also advances the Council’s Community Wealth Building strategy by enabling collaborative work with local partners to encourage residents to use local assets for community and environmental benefit.

    County Councillor Michael Green, Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, said:

    Lancashire County Council allocated £30,000 to support this project, which aims to enhance targeted infrastructure such as cycle lanes, junction improvements, and pavements.

    These improvements align with Lancashire’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans and Highway Masterplan. The project aims to improve access to walking, cycling and wheeling modes of travel, such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters, particularly for hard-to-reach groups who are less likely to engage in physical activity. This initiative is fantastic for the overall health and wellbeing of the community.

    Preston has a large amount of public green spaces ideal for cycling and walking such as Avenham Park, Moor Park and The Guild Wheel.

    Further developments and public realm improvements such as the new tram bridge and Queen’s Street cycle route are also ongoing, funded by central government.

    Councillor Zafar Coupland, Preston City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said:

    This is a wonderful initiative encouraging Preston residents to make the most of the incredible spaces we have on our doorstep. Not only, will this programme encourage people to become more active, but it will also give residents the opportunity to discover places they may not have been to before.

    Together, these projects will build the confidence and skills of residents in the city supporting them to take part in cycling, wheeling and walking. They will particularly target underrepresented and vulnerable groups such as ethnic minority communities, those living in socio-economically deprived communities, and those with a disability or long-term health condition.

    The Activation programme comprises of three projects and four delivery partners:

    Supporting cycle commuting

    This project will be delivered by Preston Pedals, a community organisation that promotes a culture of everyday cycling in Preston for proven benefits for health and wellbeing, as well as tackling climate change.

    Dr. Julie Ridley, Co-director of Preston Pedals Ltd. said:

    Preston Pedals are excited to be awarded the grant for cycle commuting. We’re looking forward to working with volunteer Ride Buddies who will be trained as ride leaders, and we’ll support them to buddy others to cycle more. 

    Together we’ll create commuting routes for everyday cycling on quieter and off road in different parts of Preston, test them out, then turn these user-friendly routes into digital and paper maps for more people to use.

    Accessible cycling events

    This project will be delivered by Wheels for All, who currently have a Hub at UCLan Sports Arena and provide inclusive cycling sessions that embrace all children and adults with disabilities and differing needs to engage with quality cycling activity, using adapted cycles such as handcycles, trikes and wheelchair transporters to assist in building confidence and independence in cycling.

    Ian Tierney, CEO of Wheels for All said:

    Wheels for All is really excited to be part of the Preston Active Travel scheme. Our programme will consist of a series of outreach accessible cycling activities across the city of Preston giving people all abilities the chance to enjoy accessible cycling in their local communities.

    Widening Participation in Walking

    This project will be delivered by Preston Muslim Forum and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

    Preston Muslim Forum seeks to improve the lives and wellbeing of black, Asian and ethnic minority communities in the inner wards of Preston by fostering understanding and co-operation and providing training and skills.

    Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will support staff, patients and carers to get out for regular walks around Preston and Chorley and South Ribble Hospitals by providing training to walking leaders.

    Neil Pease, Chief People Officer at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said:

    We are delighted to have been successful in our bid for funding from Lancashire County Council’s Active Travel Scheme. Our colleagues told us that they would like to increase the amount of physical activity they do at work – and our new walking scheme will be the perfect way to do this.

    As part of the new walking scheme, we will develop a network of trained walk leaders who will help our colleagues to participate in a planned programme of regular walking activities. Our walk leaders will be organising and leading short, pre-planned lunchtime walks around local routes, which will help our colleagues to build their confidence and enjoy the many benefits of exercise as part of their daily lives.

    Thank you to the County Council for enabling us to offer this fantastic opportunity, which we believe has the potential to make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of many colleagues.

    The Active Travel programme promises to be a positive addition to the existing schemes that are already on offer in Preston such as free tennis lessons and football sessions, which have been a proven success in various parks across Preston.

    Additional Information

    Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Mayor to commence Commonwealth Day celebrations

    Source: City of Birmingham

    This year’s Commonwealth Day celebration will commemorate the annual event’s 76th anniversary, with performances by a local school at a special citizenship ceremony.

    Commonwealth Day, which is on Monday 10 March, is observed by people in 56 countries and all over the Commonwealth – in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas, the Pacific and Europe.

    The 2025 theme is ‘Together We Thrive’, and the day is an opportunity to promote the unity, diversity and shared values of the Commonwealth family across the world.  

    The celebrations, led by the Lord Major of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, will begin with a Commonwealth Day Service at Birmingham Cathedral and will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, The High Sheriff for the West Midlands and faith leaders.

    This event will be followed by a special Citizenship ceremony at Birmingham Register Office, in Holliday Street where the Lord Major will welcome Birmingham Commonwealth Association chairman Keith Stokes-Smith.

    During the ceremony the Lord Mayor will present citizenship certificates to 30 of Birmingham’s newest British citizens from nine different Commonwealth nations.

    The citizenship ceremony will feature a musical performance by a local school, who will sing a specially composed song – Come Together Everybody – written by Birmingham music teacher Sarah Baker, commissioned and permission given to perform by Services For Education.

    The Lord Mayor, Councillor Ken Wood, said: “It will give me great pleasure to celebrate Commonwealth Day and meet some of Birmingham’s newest British citizens who have come from a number of Commonwealth countries and made this city their home.

    “As the first citizen of Birmingham, a wonderfully diverse and truly international city with more than 187 different nationalities represented, I am very much looking forward to marking this important occasion.”

    Keith Stokes-Smith, chairman of Birmingham Commonwealth Association, said “Commonwealth Day is always the second Monday in March and is celebrated around all the 56 Commonwealth nations. The Birmingham Commonwealth Association is honoured to lead Birmingham’s Commonwealth Day celebrations.

    “As the nation’s second city with a diverse commonwealth community, this year we are pleased to be working with youth choirs as part of our Commonwealth Day events, reflecting one of the commonwealth values and principles, the importance of engaging young people.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: PhysMech and SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” presented research at the Winter School on Continuous Media Mechanics

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Representatives of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) and the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” (AES) took part inXXIV Winter School on Continuous Media Mechanics in Perm. The event was held within the framework of the Program for the creation and development of a world-class scientific center “Supersonic” for 2020-2024 with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

    The event was organized by the Institute of Continuous Media Mechanics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences – a branch of the Perm Federal Research Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    The Winter School on Continuous Media Mechanics is held to build a systematic discussion on current issues in this field and is aimed at developing research activities, including among young specialists. The event included a competition of reports among students, postgraduates and young scientists.

    The XXIV Winter School on Continuous Media Mechanics was attended by 320 people from 21 cities of Russia, including St. Petersburg, Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Izhevsk, Kazan, Samara and others. The event featured 319 reports in eight sections, the abstracts of which were included in the collection of papers on the results of the school.

    The main topics of the event program:

    computational continuum mechanics, physics and mechanics of meso- and nanostructured systems, mechanics of functional materials, convection, hydrodynamic stability and turbulence, hydrodynamics of non-Newtonian fluids and fluids with special properties, fundamental and applied magnetohydrodynamics, continuum mechanics in biology and medicine, mining mechanics, monitoring of natural and man-made systems.

    Scientists, postgraduates, and students of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of SPbPU presented the results of research and development by research teams on current issues in computational continuum mechanics, mechanics of functional materials, hydrodynamic stability, physics and mechanics of meso- and nanostructured systems, chemomechanics, fundamental and applied hydrodynamics, and gas dynamics. The research results contribute to the development of engineering applications of microelectronics, hydrogen technologies, modern electronic and optoelectronic devices, boiler equipment, methods for testing thermal conductivity at the nanoscale, and calculations of fracture mechanics parameters.

    Plenary reports:

    Krivtsov Anton-Irzhi Miroslavovich, Director of the Higher School of Theoretical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics of the Physics and Mechanical Institute of SPbPU, Head of the Laboratory of Modeling of Production Technologies and Processes of the PISh SPbPU, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Topic of the report: “Using Approaches Based on the Bernoulli-Euler and Schrödinger Gas Dynamics Kinetics Equations to Describing Transport Processes”; Freidin Alexander Borisovich, Senior Researcher, Professor of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes of the Physics and Mechanical Institute of SPbPU, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Topic of the report: “Related Problems of Chemomechanics: Statements and Solutions”.

    Sectional reports:

    Belyaev Aleksandr Konstantinovich, Director of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of SPbPU, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Topic of the report: “Models of Hydrogen Motion in an Extruder at Low Temperatures”; Kovalev Igor Alekseevich, student of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of SPbPU. Topic of the report: “Dislocation Relaxation of Stresses in a Cylindrical Quantum Ring Near the Free Surface”; Kuzkin Vitaly Andreevich, Professor of the Higher School of Theoretical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of SPbPU, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Topic of the report: “Ballistic Thermoelasticity of Nonlinear Chains”; Savikovsky Artem Viktorovich, postgraduate student of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of SPbPU. Topic of the report: “Calculation of Stress Intensity Factors through Jk-Integrals for Anisotropic Materials”; Sedova Yulia Sergeevna, postgraduate student of the Physics and Mechanical Institute of SPbPU. Topic of the report: “Analysis of the results of testing ring samples of boiler tubes using mechanical models of hydrogen embrittlement”; Ivanova Alexandra Borisovna, postgraduate student of the Physics and Mechanical Institute of SPbPU. Topic of the report: “Related problems of chemomechanics for an elastic and viscoelastic reaction product”.

    The winners of the competition of reports among students, postgraduates and young scientists were awarded diplomas for the presentations of student Igor Kovalev, postgraduates Artem Savikovsky, Alexandra Ivanova and Yulia Sedova, as well as professor of the Higher School of Theoretical Mechanics and Mathematical Physics of the Physical-Mechanical Institute of SPbPU Vitaly Kuzkin.

    The laureates were awarded at a meeting of the Academic Council of the Physics and Mechanics Institute of SPbPU. Acting Director of the Physics and Mechanics Institute of SPbPU Nikolay Ivanov congratulated the winners and presented them with diplomas.

    The council members highly appreciated the contribution of young scientists to the development of their research areas.

    It is gratifying that such a representative delegation from the Polytechnic University participated in the Perm Winter School. Young scientists and venerable professors confirmed the high level of the St. Petersburg school of mechanics. We wish everyone further success, and especially students who are just starting their path in science, – noted Nikolay Georgievich.

    The team of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” demonstrated research in the field of continuum mechanics, implemented using systems digital engineering technologies for the tasks of medicine, healthcare, construction, automotive and aircraft manufacturing.

    Sectional reports:

    Antonova Olga Vladimirovna, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”, Candidate of Technical Sciences. Topic: “Application of hyperelastic material models to describe the mechanical behavior of high-tech medical devices and biological tissues”; Sadovchenko Ekaterina Alekseevna, Master’s student of the Primorsky Polytechnical School of SPbPU, engineer in the Applied Research and Development direction of the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) of Primorsky Polytechnical School of SPbPU. Topic: “Modeling the process of installing dental implants using finite element analysis”; Nezhinskaya Liliya Sergeevna, Master’s student of the Primorsky Polytechnical School of SPbPU, engineer in the Applied Research and Development direction of the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) of Primorsky Polytechnical School of SPbPU. Topic: “Study of elastic-plastic properties of meta-biomaterials. Full-scale and virtual tests” in the section “Physics and mechanics of meso- and nanostructured systems”; Ivanov Maxim Vyacheslavovich, engineer of the Department of development of cars and equipment of the Engineering Center (CompMechLab®) of PISh SPbPU, assistant of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies, graduate of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. Topic: “Optimization of the bearing capacity of metal panels with a tetrahedral filler”.

    In the course of Olga Antonova’s research, an analysis was conducted of the features of the application of hyperelastic models of materials to describe the behavior of various medical devices and biological tissues used in modern medical practice, primarily in the field of cardiology.

    In the future, the obtained results can be used as a basis for modeling the processes of installing coronary and endobiliary stents, prosthetic rings for annuloplasty, optimizing the methods of these medical interventions, as well as in developing recommendations for medical workers, concluded Olga Vladimirovna.

    Ekaterina Sadovchenko spoke about the methodology for modeling the process of installing dental implants in bone blocks of different densities using the finite element method.

    The research presented by Liliya Nezhinskaya within the framework of the XXIV Winter School on Continuous Media Mechanics will allow the formation of mathematical models of meta-biomaterials of various topologies for their further application in the development of products in the field of tissue engineering for the treatment of bone defects.

    It should be noted that the project represents a part research, supported by the Russian Science Foundation, which is carried out by a research group led by the Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation of SPbPU, Head of the SPbPU Digital Engineering School Alexey Borovkov.

    Maxim Ivanov spoke about a project to optimize the load-bearing capacity of metal panels with a tetrahedral filler, which is part of his PhD thesis. Layered panels with such a filler are actively used in construction, the automotive industry, and aircraft manufacturing. The results obtained can be used to optimize the technological process of manufacturing a filler of complex shape.

    The presentations of Liliya Nezhinskaya and Ekaterina Sadovchenko were also noted at the competition of reports among students, postgraduates and young scientists. The winners received diplomas.

    The research of the participants of the XXIV Winter School on Continuous Media Mechanics was highly appreciated by the scientific committee, which noted their relevance and practical focus while maintaining the fundamental nature of the approaches used.

    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 Asia-Pac: Ministry of Defence signs $ 248 million Deal for procurement of engines for T-72 Tanks for Indian Army

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with. Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russian Federation worth $ 248 million for procurement of 1000 HP Engines for T-72 Tanks in fully formed, completely knocked down and semi knocked down conditions.

    The deal also includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) from M/s RoE to M/s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai, for integration and subsequent licensed production of engines under ToT to boost the “Make in India’ initiative in Defence Sector.

    T-72 is the mainstay of tank fleet of the Indian Army which is at present fitted with 780 HP Engine. Equipping the existing fleet of T-72 Tanks with 1000 HP Engine will enhance the battle field mobility and offensive capability of Indian Army.

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    VK/SR/GC

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SITI visits Portugal (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SITI visits Portugal (with photos)
    **********************************

    The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, led a delegation of representatives from Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) sector to visit Lisbon, Portugal, on March 6 (Lisbon time).     Professor Sun and the delegation visited Taguspark, which is the largest science and technology park and incubator in Portugal, to learn about the latest effort of Taguspark in pooling technology companies to move in, developing applied science and technology and promoting economic activities covering multiple areas.     Professor Sun and the delegation then met with representatives of the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency and were briefed on the agency’s work in promoting the municipality’s economic growth and attracting investment. The two parties exchanged views on promoting collaboration between innovative parks of Hong Kong and Portugal, as well as investment and exchanges among enterprises in the two places. They also had an exchange with several local enterprises.      In the evening, Professor Sun met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Portuguese Republic, Mr Zhao Bentang, to brief him on the new initiatives by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in promoting I&T, and developing new industrialisation to support the high-quality economic growth of Hong Kong. They also explored ways to enhance co-operation between Hong Kong and Portugal in the I&T field.     Members of the delegation include heads from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC), Cyberport, the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute and the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, as well as representatives of 24 local I&T enterprises or institutions. The HKSTPC and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council co-ordinated the participation of the I&T representatives of the enterprises and institutions at the MWC 2025.     Professor Sun will conclude the visit in Portugal on March 7 and will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on March 8 (Hong Kong time).

    Ends/Friday, March 7, 2025Issued at HKT 9:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The G20: how it works, why it matters and what would be lost if it failed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Danny Bradlow, Professor/Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Advancement of Scholarship, University of Pretoria

    South Africa took over the presidency of the G20 at the end of 2024. Since then the world has become a more complex, unpredictable and dangerous place. The most powerful state in the world, the US, seems intent on undermining the existing order that it created and on demonstrating its power over weaker nations. Other influential countries are turning inward.

    These developments raise concerns about how well mechanisms for global cooperation, such as the G20, can continue to operate, particularly those that work on the basis of consensual decision making. Danny Bradlow sets out how the G20 works, and what’s at stake.

    What’s the G20’s purpose?

    The G20 is a forum in which the largest economies in the world meet regularly to discuss, and attempt to address, the most urgent international economic and political challenges. The group, which includes both rich and developing countries, accounts for about 67% of the world’s population, 85% of global GDP, and 75% of global trade.

    The G20, in fact, is a misnomer. The actual number of G20 participants in any given year far exceeds the 19 states and 2 international entities (the European Union and the African Union) that are its permanent members. Each year they are joined by a number of invited “guests”. While there are some countries, for example Spain and the Netherlands, that are considered “permanent” G20 guests, the full list of guests is determined by the chair of the G20 for that year. This year, South Africa has invited 13 countries, including Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. They are joined by 24 invited international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations and eight African regional organisations, among others.

    The G20 should be understood as a process rather than a set of discrete events. Its apex is the annual leaders’ summit at which the participating heads of state and government seek to agree on a communiqué setting out their agreements on key issues. These agreements are non-binding and each of the participating states usually will implement most but not all the agreed points.

    The communiqué is the outcome of a two track process: a finance track, consisting of representatives of the finance ministries and central banks in the participating counties, and a “sherpa” track that deals with more political issues. In total these two tracks will involve over 100 meetings of technical level officials and policymakers.

    Most of the work in each track is done by working groups. The finance track has seven working groups dealing with issues ranging from the global economy and international financial governance to financial inclusion and the financing of infrastructure. The sherpa track has 15 working groups dealing with issues ranging from development and agriculture to health, the digital economy, and education.

    The agenda for the working group meetings is based on issues notes prepared by the G20 presidency. The issues notes will discuss both unfinished business from prior years and any new issues that the president adds to the G20 agenda.

    The working group chairs report on the outcomes of these meetings to the ministerial meetings in their track. These reports will first be discussed in meetings of the deputies to the ministers. The deputies will seek to narrow areas of disagreement and sharpen the issues for discussion so that when they are presented at the ministerial meeting the chances of reaching agreement are maximised.

    The agreements reached at each of these ministerial meetings, assuming all participants agree, will be expressed in a carefully negotiated and drafted communiqué. If the participants cannot agree, the minister chairing the meeting will provide a chair’s summary of the meeting. These documents will then inform the communiqué that will be released at the end of the G20 summit. This final communiqué represents the formal joint decision of the participating heads of state and government.

    The G20 process is supplemented by the work of 13 engagement groups representing, for example, business, labour, youth, think tanks, women and civil society in the G20 countries. These groups look for ways to influence the outcomes of the G20 process.

    What is the G20 troika and how does it operate?

    The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat. Instead, the G20 president is responsible for organising and chairing the more than 100 meetings that take place during the year. The G20 has decided that this burden should be supported by a “troika”, consisting of the past, present and future presidents of the G20. This year the troika consists of Brazil, the past chair; South Africa, the current chair; and the US, the future chair.

    The role of the troika varies depending on the identity of the current chair and how assertive it wishes to be in driving the G20 process. It will also be influenced by how active the other two members of the troika wish to be.

    The troika helps ensure some continuity from one G20 year to another. This is important because there is a significant carryover of issues on the G20 agenda from one year to the next. The troika therefore creates the potential for the G20 president to focus on the issues of most interest to it over a three year period rather than just for one year.

    How successful has the G20 process been?

    The G20 is essentially a self-appointed group which has designated itself as the “premier forum for international economic cooperation”.

    The G20 was first brought together during the Asian financial crisis in the 1990s. At that time, it was limited to a forum in which ministers of finance and central bank governors could meet to discuss the most important international economic and financial issues, such as the Asian financial crisis.

    The G20 was elevated to the level of heads of state and government at the time of the 2008 global financial crisis.

    The G20 tends to work well as a cooperative forum when the world is confronting an economic crisis. Thus, the G20 was a critical forum in which countries could discuss and agree on coordinating actions to deal with the global financial crisis in 2008-9.

    It has performed less well when confronted with other types of crises. For example, it was found wanting in dealing with the COVID pandemic.

    It has also proven to be less effective, although not necessarily totally ineffective, when there is no crisis. So, for example, the G20 has been useful in helping address relatively technical issues such as developing international standards on particular financial regulatory issues or improving the functioning of multilateral development banks. On other more political issues, for example climate, food security, and funding the UN’s sustainable development goals, it has been less effective.

    There’s one less obvious, but nevertheless important, benefit. The G20 offers officials from participating countries the chance to interact with their counterparts from other G20 countries. As a result, they come to know and understand each other better, which helps foster cooperation between states on issues of common interest. It also ensures that when appropriate, these officials know whom to contact in other countries and this may help mitigate the risk of misunderstanding and conflict.

    These crisis management and other benefits would be lost if the G20 were to stop functioning. And there is currently no alternative to the G20 in the sense of a forum where the leading states in the world, which may differ on many important issues, can meet on a relatively informal basis to discuss issues of mutual interest. Importantly, the withdrawal of one G20 state, even the most powerful, should not prevent the remaining participants from using the G20 to promote international cooperation on key global challenges.

    In this way it can help manage the risk of conflict in a complex global environment.

    Danny Bradlow, in addition to his position at the University of Pretoria, is working as a G20 senior advisor to the South African Institute of International Affairs and is co-chair of the T20 Taskforce on Financing of Sustainable Development.

    – ref. The G20: how it works, why it matters and what would be lost if it failed – https://theconversation.com/the-g20-how-it-works-why-it-matters-and-what-would-be-lost-if-it-failed-251500

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Event dedicated to attracting international organisations to Paris Region (5 Mar. 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    On Tuesday 4 March, Laurent Saint Martin, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad, brought together international organisations operating in the Paris Region in the presence of Alexandra Dublanche, Vice-President of the Paris Region. The event was organised in partnership with Choose Paris Region, Paris-Île de France Capitale Économique, Business France and the Agence Française de Développement group. It was an opportunity to highlight the attractiveness of France, and the Paris region (Ile-de-France) in particular, to international organisations.

    There are now seventy international organisations in Paris Region, representing an economic weight of €4.8 billion for the region and employing more than 11,500 people, according to a study by Paris-Île de France Capitale Économique. Regional and multilateral initiatives such as the Club OI and the Paris Dialogue are helping these organisations to establish themselves, as well as new players, think tanks, associations and foundations that are helping to create a dynamic and innovative ecosystem. A new guide to welcoming international organisations to Paris Region, produced by Choose Paris Region in partnership with the MEAE, has been added to this programme.

    International organisations are all key players in France’s policy of multilateralism in the fields of global issues, development financing, climate, artificial intelligence and innovation. France reaffirms its commitment to these international players and its desire to strengthen the instruments and facilities at their disposal.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement on the occasion of the International Women’s Day

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Joint statement on the occasion of the International Women’s Day

    SARAJEVO, 07 March 2025 – Today, we honor the strength, resilience, and leadership of the women of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Across generations, they have been the backbone of their communities, rebuilding in time of crisis, defending human rights, and shaping democracy. Yet, despite their invaluable contributions, too many doors remain closed, preventing women’s full participation in political, economic, and social life.
    Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina hold just 24% of seats in the state and entity parliaments, limiting their voice in shaping policies that affect their lives. Only 34% of women are employed – compared to 59% of men – and they continue to earn 20% less than their male counterparts. Nearly half of all women (48%) experience some form of gender-based violence in their lifetime. At home, their work is often invisible — spending an average of six hours a day caring for others alongside their jobs. These are not just statistics, but daily realities that demand urgent change.
    This year marks 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action—a global blueprint for advancing women’s rights—and 25 years since UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. When women are sidelined in leadership, the economy, and public life, the whole of society is held back. Investing in gender equality is not just about fairness — it is about unlocking the full potential of any society. Real progress requires real commitment.
    We call on all actors — government institutions, political leaders, civil society, the private sector, and individuals — to take concrete steps to break down barriers to gender equality. This means enforcing legal protections for women’s rights, expanding economic opportunities for women, ensuring equal representation in leadership and decision-making, and adopting a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence.
    Gender equality is more than a fundamental human right — it is the foundation of a thriving and just society. The road to gender equality is still being paved, but we can and must build it together. Every policy, every investment, every action matters. We have the power to build a future where every woman and girl can thrive — free from discrimination, violence, and inequality. We cannot afford to wait for another generation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: NRRP steering committee meeting held to verify progress of local healthcare measures

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    A steering committee meeting for the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) was held at Palazzo Chigi today, focusing solely on the Plan’s Health Mission. The purpose of the meeting, chaired by the Minister for European Affairs, the NRRP and Cohesion Policy, Tommaso Foti, and attended by the Minister of Health, Orazio Schillaci, as well as regional presidents and representatives from the Conference of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, was to review in detail the progress of measures at local level. The healthcare-focused steering committee forms part of the enhanced monitoring of NRRP-funded investments, which see regions playing an active role in their implementation, launched by the Government ahead of negotiations with the European Commission regarding possible adjustments aimed at fully implementing the Plan.

    In order to achieve the objectives required for the ninth and tenth (and final) instalment of the NRRP, the meeting reviewed implementation of strategic projects, such as: community homes and hospitals; major healthcare equipment; building renovation work and safety upgrades to ensure safe hospitals; and, digitalisation of I and II level emergency departments (‘DEA’). These measures are of significant importance to strengthen Italy’s entire national health system and improve citizens’ quality of life.

    The meeting focused on the strategic investments included in the Plan’s Health Mission aimed at enhancing primary care, speeding up service delivery and improving healthcare at local level, with regional authorities, as implementing bodies, having the delicate task of finalising, testing and activating all the planned measures, in accordance with the Plan’s conditions.

    In order to help regional authorities verify schedules and achieve the planned objectives, a certification has been created to certify implementation status and the achievement of the Plan’s milestones and targets. This thorough review process by the Government will allow regional authorities to indicate any areas requiring attention in relation to the specific implementation of their measures, and to propose possible solutions and targeted actions to achieve the objectives provided for.

    The NRRP task force within the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, working in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, ensures the utmost cooperation with the authorities in charge of implementing measures, providing appropriate support for the preparation of the certifications. Without prejudice to the milestones and targets to be achieved for the ninth and tenth instalments, official 2024 figures confirm the launch of 480 ‘local operational centres’ (‘Centrali Operative Territoriali’, ‘COT’), the first community homes and hospitals opened throughout Italy and approximately 2,500 pieces of major healthcare equipment, which will play a crucial role in reducing regional divides and in making the services provided by the national health system more efficient.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Permanent Secretary

    Source: Scottish Government

    Joe Griffin appointed top civil servant at the Scottish Government.  

    Joe Griffin has been appointed Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and will take up post in April 2025.   

    Mr Griffin has served as a Director General in the Scottish Government since 2021 and led across a range of policy and delivery priorities during his 29 years in the Civil Service, including delivery of the expansion of Early Learning and Childcare to 1,140 hours per week, the same level as primary school. 

    This appointment has been made formally by the UK Cabinet Secretary, Chris Wormald, on the agreement of the First Minister, John Swinney, and the recommendation of the First Civil Service Commissioner. Mr Griffin will succeed John-Paul Marks, who will take up the role of First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). 

    As chief official policy adviser, the Permanent Secretary works closely with the First Minister across the full range of responsibilities, including major strategic and policy issues, and is Secretary to the Scottish Cabinet.  

    The First Minister, John Swinney, said:  

    “My thanks to JP Marks for his devoted public service and leadership of the Civil Service. My Cabinet and I are grateful for the invaluable advice he has provided during his time at the Scottish Government. I join with so many across the Scottish public sector and beyond in wishing JP every success in his new role at HMRC.   

    “I welcome Joe Griffin’s appointment as Permanent Secretary of the Scottish Government. He brings a wealth of experience to this role from his distinguished career in the Civil Service.  I know from his record of delivery, not least on the massive expansion of early learning and childcare that he led, that Joe will deliver an unyielding focus on delivering for the people of Scotland.” 

    UK Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald said:

    “I would like to congratulate Joe on his appointment. He brings extensive experience from his roles at Scottish Government, including as Director General for Strategy and External Affairs and previously Director General for Education and Justice. Joe is well placed to lead the organisation and provide excellent support to Ministers. 

    “I would like to thank JP Marks for his leadership of the Scottish Government over the last three years.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Joe Griffin said:

    “It is a privilege to be appointed Permanent Secretary and lead the Civil Service in the Scottish Government. I am grateful to the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for this opportunity. 

    “My focus will be on working with colleagues and partners to drive progress and deliver the government’s four priorities; eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services. I look forward to leading the organisation as we deliver in the service of Scotland.”

    Background

    As the principal accountable officer for the Scottish Government, the Permanent Secretary is personally responsible to the Scottish Parliament for the exercise of their responsibilities. This includes the management of the Scottish Government’s budget and the economic, efficient and effective use of all related resources. 

    Joe Griffin is currently Director General Strategy and External Affairs and has served as a Director General in the Scottish Government since 2021. Joe brings a wealth of experience leading across a range of policy and delivery priorities, including external affairs, intergovernmental relations, strategic cross-cutting policy alignment and the education and justice briefs. He is also DG ally for the Race Equality Network.

    Mr Griffin was previously Director of Early Learning and Childcare where he worked in partnership with local government to successfully expand services to 1,140 eligible two year olds, and all three and four year olds.

    Earlier in his career Joe was a diplomat at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which included postings to New York and Paris.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mini Spartans excited to promote recycling message in St Patrick’s Day parade debut

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mini Spartans excited to promote recycling message in St Patrick’s Day parade debut

    7 March 2025

    City of Derry Spartans’ legion of underage runners are set to highlight the circular recycling message of reusing, recycling and repairing items when they take part in this year’s St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival parade through the city centre.
    The youngsters will be wearing costumes made from old running t shirts from the Strabane Lifford and Waterside Half Marathons when they join hundreds of performers and tens of thousands of spectators at the spectacle on March 17th.

    The Flowers, Fur and Feathers themed parade, co-ordinated by the North West Carnival Initiative, will leave Bishop Street Carpark at 3pm.

    The Spartans, an institution of Derry sport who celebrated their 50th anniversary last year, have always had junior runners in their ranks and formally set-up a primary school age section, the Mini Spartans, 15 years ago.

    There are over 100 underage runners registered with the club and many of them will take part in their first appearance in the parade which is part of packed programme of events in and around the city centre to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. 

    “We are delighted to get the opportunity to take part in the parade and the youngsters can’t wait for it,” said Karen Farry from the City of Derry Spartans.
    “It’s a great chance for us to showcase our club at such a large scale event and highlight that we cater for runners of all levels and ages.
    “The mini Spartans have had great success as a team this season and they are excited to be able to celebrate this and St Patrick’s Day on March 17th.”
    “We want to thank the North West Carnival Initiative and the Council for the opportunity to get involved.”
    Last year’s Waterside Half Marathon and Strabane Lifford Half Marathon attracted a combined field of over 3,000 participants who secured the coveted commemorative t shirts and medals by taking part.
    The shirts are designed to be hard wearing and to dry easily so runners can reuse them on multiple occasions.
    Event organisers Derry City and Strabane District Council had a small surplus of shirts after the event from runners who were unable to take part and the North West Carnival Initiative’s talented dress making team have used them to create costumes that will be unveiled by the Spartans on March 17th.
    “The Waterside Half Marathon and Strabane Lifford Half Marathons are events that all our underage runners would aspire to race in when they are older so we are delighted to be wearing the upcycled T shirts,” Karen added.
    “Our club members love the T shirts from athletics events in the city and no matter what event or training session you attend there’s nearly always someone wearing a t shirt from the Half Marathons in Derry and Strabane.
    “Hopefully it will help highlight to runners that the t shirts aren’t just for race day and encourage people to recycle or reuse any event t shirts they have lying around the house that aren’t being used.”

    The 2025 St Patrick’s Day parade route will begin at Bishop Street and passes through The Diamond, Shipquay Street, Whitaker Street, Foyle Embankment, Harbour Square Roundabout and down the Strand Road to Strand Road carpark.

    The parade will feature hundreds of flamboyant performers from local dance groups, sports clubs and community organisations and will be the centrepiece of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s comprehensive programme of music, dance, food and folklore for its 2025 Spring Carnival celebrations.

    The full programme for the 2025 Spring Carnival celebrations for Derry and Strabane can be accessed now at derrystrabane.com/springcarnival.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work set to being at Derry’s new municipal cemetery

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Work set to being at Derry’s new municipal cemetery

    7 March 2025

    Work is set to commence on the ground next week at the site secured for the development of Derry’s new municipal cemetery, Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed today.

    The site, located on the outskirts of the City on the Mullenan Road, will provide 3,500 new burial plots as well as a memorial garden, administration building, public toilets, storage buildings and parking.

    As well as main access to the site from Mullenan Road, the cemetery will be linked to the city via a new footway to Ballougry Road, which will facilitate a pedestrian and cycling connection to the greenway stretch know as ‘The Line’, subject to land acquisition.

    Much work has gone into selecting and assessing a suitable location for the new cemetery as space at the City Cemetery nears full capacity. It is envisaged that the new cemetery will facilitate up to 20 years burial capacity with the potential for further expansion on to adjoining lands

    Full planning permission was granted for the development of the site in September 2024, and the company behind the delivery of the £3.73m contract is E Quinn Civils Ltd, from Pomeroy Co. Tyrone. They hope to begin ground works on site from March 10th and it’s anticipated that the first phase of the development of the overall site will take approximately a year to complete.

    Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, welcomed the news, saying: “I want to acknowledge the extensive work that has gone into this key strategic project to date. There are many issues to consider when planning a new cemetery and it has meant a lengthy and complex process to reach this stage today. This marks a significant milestone and I am delighted to see work now begin on site to deliver this vital facility for our citizens.”

    The overall cemetery facility will be developed on a phased basis with a view to the first interments taking place at the conclusion of the first phase of development, but the plans can accommodate burials sooner than this if required.

    Council’s Director of Environment and Regeneration, Karen Phillips, said: “I am pleased to see the commencement of works on site next week, after what has been a lengthy and very challenging process to identify a suitable site that will fulfil the burial needs here in the city. Much consideration has gone into selecting a suitable site and I am confident the site at Mullenan offers a peaceful and serene setting in keeping with its use for visitors, with the space to accommodate all the facilities needed, and I look forward to seeing the work on the first Phase progress now at pace and brought into use in a timely manner.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Taxi Times Newsletter Spring 2025

    Source: City of York

    Welcome to the Taxi Times, a newsletter for the taxi trade showing updates on legislation, policy and enforcement.

    In this edition of the Taxi Times we’ve got information on:

    We welcome your feedback. If you have any topics you’d like raised in this newsletter contact the Licensing Team with any comments.

    New Taxi Licensing Policy

    The council has adopted a new Taxi Licensing Policy. This is the first major update to the policy since the introduction of the Department for Transport (DFT) Statutory Standards and Best Practice Guidance for Private Hire and Hackney Carriage. It was adopted by the council on 22 November 2024, after a 12-week public consultation.

    Since the previous policy was adopted there have been changes in legislation in respect to a number of requirements relevant to licensing.

    This includes immigration and right to work, tax checks, safeguarding and equalities requirements and standards of the DFT Statutory Standards and Best Practice Guidance. Many of these have been included in the new policy to ensure there is a comprehensive document covering all the prerequisites and legal requirements.

    Top of page

    Online DBS checks

    A condition for renewing your licence is having an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

    The updated Taxi Licensing Policy proposes that when a driver is granted a licence, they subscribe to the DBS update service so officers can carry out quick online status checks. A subscription is annual and will save you money.

    If you are due or are renewing your DBS, you must subscribe to the Online DBS service when you receive your certificate. Find out more about the DBS Update Service.

    Top of page

    Safeguarding reminder

    Please complete the safeguarding refresher training before renewing your licence.

    These must be completed at least every 3 years and and training can be booked online.

    A course fee applies. For further information email: wdu@york.gov.uk.

    Guidance on how to spot safeguarding issues and reporting your concerns can be found on the Safeguarding Adults website.

    Top of page

    DriveTech Account and DVLA Mandate

    As part of the council’s Taxi Licensing Policy we’re required to undertake a periodic DVLA driving licence check. These checks are carried out for us by DriveTech Fleet management.

    The check of your DVLA driving licence is a statutory requirement of your Private Hire or Hackney Carriage driver’s licence grant. This process can be found in the Taxi Licensing Policy.

    Authorisation to check your documents with the DVLA lasts for 3 years, after which time drivers will be requested to renew the authorisation. Over the next few months DriveTech and the council will be emailing licensed drivers if their authorisation is due to expire.

    Full instructions will be provided to resubmit the DVLA Licence Check Document online via your specific account. If you receive an email, please complete the resubmission requirement within 7 days.

    Failure to complete this requirement may result in non-compliance with the policy and further action may be taken.

    Top of page

    Pay online update

    You now have an easy option to pay for licensing fees online!

    You can now pay for your applications, renewals, transfers and DBS appointments at your convenience:

    Select ‘Pay licence fees’ from the menu.

    As we are not able to accept cash payments for any fees, please use this new secure systems which allows you to pay by debit or credit card.

    Top of page

    New taxi licensing web pages

    We’re updating our web pages with information for new applications, guidance for drivers, vehicle proprietors and operators, and an area to pay for licensing services and download relevant forms.

    Our new web pages also include links for members of the public on taxi accessibility.

    See our new web pages, with information for drivers, operators and passengers.

    Top of page

    Training to use wheelchair-accessible vehicles

    If you own or drive a licensed wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), you must ensure that it is only driven by a licensed driver who has:

    • completed and passed the Driving Standards Agency wheelchair exercise or equivalent, and;
    • completed and passed City of York Council’s Disability Awareness Training Course (Taxi) or equivalent

    This training is compulsory and requires refresher training every 3 years to ensure that all current drivers remain up-to-date with current industry legislation and practice. If you’re a proprietor of a WAV, please ensure you retain a copy of the driver’s certification.

    Top of page

    Taxi Times

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Novosibirsk, the results of the school track of the National Technology Olympiad in the profile “Genome Editing” were summed up

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The final stage of the National Technology Olympiad (NTO) in the profile “Genomic Editing” has ended in Novosibirsk. 51 schoolchildren from 18 regions of Russia aged 14 to 17 took part in the final stage. The organizers of the profile “Genomic Editing” are Novosibirsk State University, SUNC NSU, Advanced Engineering School of NSU and the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The partner of the profile is the regional center “Altair”.

    The final stage of the profile “Genome Editing” was invented at Novosibirsk State University and has been held here for the seventh year. The finalists of the Olympiad used technologies for managing the properties of biological objects to edit the properties of green fluorescent protein. All stages of the Olympiad took place in the premises of the leisure and educational centers of the NSU SUNC, which are among the first-priority facilities modern campus of NGThey were built within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children.

    During the week, schoolchildren solved Olympiad problems proposed by researchers from Novosibirsk State University, the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. All final tasks were practice-oriented and aimed at implementing the country’s scientific and technical development strategy.

    — Holding the National Technology Olympiad in the field of “Genome Editing” in Novosibirsk is a logical choice. It is here, in the heart of Siberian science, that one of the strongest genetic schools in the country was formed. Akademgorodok, institutes of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, such as the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have been setting the tone in molecular biology and genetics research for decades. This is a unique environment where schoolchildren can already immerse themselves in the atmosphere of advanced science, work with leading scientists and adopt their experience. The finalists have proven that they are capable of solving problems at the level of current scientific trends. Such projects not only strengthen the continuity of generations in science, but also emphasize the role of Novosibirsk as a center of attraction for young talents ready to change the future of bioengineering and medicine. I am sure that these guys will continue the traditions of the Siberian scientific school, and their ideas will become the basis for breakthrough discoveries in Russia. The Novosibirsk Region Government will continue to build a system of support for gifted children and stimulate their early involvement in science, including through specialized classes with in-depth study of disciplines and the Altair regional center, commented Vadim Vasiliev, Minister of Science and Innovation Policy of the Novosibirsk Region.

    Sergey Sedykh, PhD in Biology and head of the master’s program “Advanced Engineering Solutions for Biotechnology and Medicine” at the NSU PIS, noted the high level of training of schoolchildren from the Novosibirsk Region, who won prizes in both the team and individual championships at the Olympiad.

    The head of the project office of the National Technology Olympiad, Dmitry Kutsenko, gave a welcoming speech at the closing of the final.

    — Dear participants, I am glad that you dared to take part in our event. You applied and reached the final. I want you to take the maximum from this Olympiad, regardless of what place you will have in the end. I think that we will be glad to see you next year on the school and student tracks. I would like to separately note the leadership of the Novosibirsk Region in the number of applications — the gap was more than ten thousand people from another region. It seems that this is the result of the fruitful work of the organizers and the university management, — Dmitry Kutsenko emphasized.

    Rector of Novosibirsk State University Mikhail Fedoruk also addressed the finalists:

    — I sincerely congratulate the winners, those guys who received an invitation to the summer school of the NSU SUNC. But I think that you are all winners, because you had a few days to come into contact with the most wonderful place on Earth. Of course, we are waiting for you here again, waiting as schoolchildren, students, research workers. Therefore, I sincerely congratulate you on this wonderful event. The most important thing is that you found friends, perhaps for life. And I think that the memory of the Olympics will remain with you for the rest of your lives.

    The organizers note that the results shown by the schoolchildren demonstrate the importance of the NTO Olympiad in developing the scientific and technical potential of the younger generation and the need to support students who are interested in modern technologies.

    According to the terms of the NTO Olympiad, victory gives applicants a 100-point discount on the Unified State Exam when entering the country’s leading engineering universities.

    Results of the track “Genome editing” NTO

    10-11 grades

    Winners:

    Maria Kuznetsova, Krasnoyarsk region

    Timofey Nikonov, Irkutsk region

    Prize winners:

    Polina Kotovshchikova, Primorsky Krai

    Victoria Krivich, Omsk region

    Maria Polovnikova, Novosibirsk region

    Ekaterina Chernukhina, Moscow

    Anastasia Sidorkina, Perm region

    Roman Kobzar, St. Petersburg

    Winning Team: Le Gen da

    Polina Kotovshchikova, Primorsky Krai

    Maria Polovnikova, Novosibirsk region

    Ekaterina Chernukhina, Moscow

    8-9 grades

    Winner:

    Yulia Chechenina, Novosibirsk region

    Prize winners:

    Matvey Dubovsky, Novosibirsk region

    Alexandra Parshikova, Novosibirsk region

    Marina Lazareva, Leningrad region

    Winning Team: Molecular Machines

    Yulia Chechenina, Novosibirsk region

    Matvey Dubovsky, Novosibirsk region

    Alexandra Parshikova, Novosibirsk region

    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 Asia-Pac: CSIR-NIScPR, India and CNRS, France Organised Indo-French Seminar on Open Science

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

    The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research, New Delhi (CSIR-NIScPR), in collaboration with the CNRS- Department for Open Research Data, Open Science, Publications, Research Data and High Performance Computing, Paris (CNRS-DDOR), organized a two-day Indo-French Seminar on “Open Horizons: Integrating Open Access, Open Data, and Computational Innovation” on March 5-6, 2025 at CSIR-NIScPR, Satsang Vihar Campus, New Delhi-110067.

    Glimpses of Indo-French Seminar

    This significant seminar was organized to deliberate on how India and France are taking a stride towards open access, open data and open science; how digital technologies and Open Source platform offer great promise in implementing an information-driven approach to advance science, promote collaborations, increase transparency and utilize tools for partnerships between science and society. The seminar was attended by researchers, scientists, and policymakers from India and France; provided a unique opportunity for open access information sharing and networking opportunities.

    The inaugural session was attended by esteemed dignitaries from India and France with Dr. Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO, CNRS, France; Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR; Prof. Nitin Seth, Director, CEFIPRA; Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director, CSIR-IICTon the dais.

    “We are delighted to organize this event with CNRS, France, to promote open science and research data sharing,” said Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR setting the tone for the conference. Describing the relevance of the event she said, “This seminar marks an important step towards fostering international collaboration and advancing sharing of scientific research for all sections of the society.” She also mentioned “One Nation One Subscription” initiative of Indian Government and its role in providing open access to larger number of stakeholders.

    Prof. Nitin Seth, Director, Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (CEFIPRA) recollected how they started with 1-2 calls annually to now with so many several dedicated partnerships in S&T between the two countries. He also shared his views about the expectations from this seminar. “Open access made scientific knowledge accessible, it brings a lot of opportunities”, Dr. Srinivasa Reddy, Director CSIR-IICT shared his thoughts in theinaugural session. He also mentioned the collaborations CEFIPRA has had with CSIR-IICT from last several years.

    From the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Dr. Antoine Petit, Chairman and CEO; Dr. Sylvie Rousset, Senior Scientist & Head, Open Research Data Department (DDOR) gave a brief of CNRS and DDOR, its objectives functions and roles they are playing in making open access of articles and data, a norm in scientific research. Dr. Kasturi Mandal, CSIR-NIScPR and Dr. Sylvie Rousset, CNRS-DDOR provided the overview of the program of two days seminar like topics of discussions, and takeaways from the sessions.

    The first session of the seminar was designed on theme “Policies for Open Access, Open science in France and in India” was, chaired by Prof. Vivek Kumar Singh, Senior Adviser, NITI Aayog, Govt. of India. Dr. Marin Dacos from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research discussed the benefits of open science like increase in academic efficiency, reproducibility, prevention of duplication, and increasing citation. He also shared highlights of French open science policies in the country. Dr. Remya Haridasan from the PSA Office, Govt. of India, discussed flagship ‘One Nation One Subscription’ (ONOS) initiative in detail like why it was needed, the impact it has on science dissemination and the hurdles faced by the stakeholders during the implementation. The other speakers who shared their thoughts on open science and data includes Dr. Sylvie Rousset and Mr. Mukesh Pund Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR.

    The second session was based on topic “Open Access: A Diversity of Routes”. The session was chaired by Prof. Anirban Chakraborti, School of Computational and Integrative Sciences (SCIS), JNU, New Delhi. Dr. Bénédicte Kuntziger, CCSD, CNRS, during his talk said, “At CCSD, we promote open access through HAL, the French national open access repository, ensuring long-term, barrier-free access to publications. Notably, 167,751 full-text documents were deposited in 2024 alone, bringing the total to over 1.4 million full-text documents available through HAL as on January 2025”, he added. Dr. Françoise Rousseau, Couperin Consortium shared the model through which they negotiate with major science publishers to advance open science. Other speakers including Dr. Subbiah Arunachalam from DST-CPR, IISc Bangalore, presented an overview of open access in India, highlighting the country’s progress in promoting open access to research and Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Head, CSIR-HRDG presented a perspective on open source and drug discovery, highlighting the potential of open source approaches in accelerating drug discovery and development.

    The third session of day 1 was extension of session 2 under the theme “Open Access: A Diversity of Routes (Part II)”. Session was chaired by Dr. Laurence El Khouri from CNRS-DDO. The speakers including Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damian, Science Europe discussed the benefits of Diamond Action Plan which proposes to align and develop common resources for the entire Diamond OA ecosystem. Prof. Rajeswari Raina from Shiv Nadar University asked researchers and policy makers to think step ahead while saying it’s not about one scheme, one nation or one sector, we have to see the global aspects and thus need to set the horizons and limits of open access at global level. Dr. Raphael Tournoy from Episciences discussed the importance of Overlay Journals.

    All the sessions of day 1 concluded with Q&A, where experts answered questions from the audience and shared their insights on the future of open science. This was followed by Felicitation of the guests and speakers of the event.

    The second day of the India-France seminar on Open Science and Research Data concluded successfully, featuring insightful discussions and presentations on computational innovation, research evaluation, and open data sharing.The day’s proceedings began with a session on “R&D in Computational Innovation and Open Source Software,” chaired by Dr. Avinash Kshitij, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR. The speakers included- Prof. Roberto Di Cosmo, INRIA, who discussed the “Software Heritage initiative. Prof. P. K. Suri, Delhi Technological University, delivered a talk on “Data Standardization in Agricultural.Dr. Sridhar Gautam, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, spoke on “Advancing R&D with Open Source Software, Open Access, and Open Data”.Sh. G Mayli Muthu Kumaran Deputy Director General, National Informatics Center (NIC) discuss on the computational innovation and open source and elaborated on the initiative towards the R&D in computational innovation at NIC. This was followed by a session on “Reforming the Evaluation of Research,” which featured presentations from:Dr. Lidia Borrell-Damian, Science Europe, discussed “Reforming Research Assessment and CoARA Initiative”. Dr. Vinayak, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR spoke on “Some New Methods for Measuring Phases of Science.” Dr. Moumita Koley from IISc, Bengaluru, discussed on the topic “Rethinking Research Assessment: Building an Efficient and Innovative Research Ecosystem in India” and Dr. Nishy. P, CSIR-NIIST, spoke on “Open Source for Research Evaluation and Future Trends”.

    The seminar also featured a session on “Open Data Sharing,” with presentations from Ms. AlkaMisra, Deputy Director General, NIC, who discussed the “Open Data sharing initiative of Govt. of India”. Dr. Marin Dacos, French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, presented “An ecosystem for sharing and opening research data” and Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, presented his talk on “Sharing data in Science.

    The seventh session of the seminarhaving a panel discussion on “Future for Open Science, Open Data, and Open Source,” featuring experts from various fields, including Dr. Sujit Bhattacharya; Dr. Laurence El Khouri, CNRS-DDOR; Dr. Roberto Di Cosmo, INRIA Software Heritage; Dr. Deepali Kuberkar, Tata Memorial Hospital; Dr. Kasturi Mandal, CSIR-NIScPR, New Delhi; Dr. Yogesh Dhoble, CSIR-IPU, New Delhi and Dr. Sandhiya Lakshmanan, CSIR-NIScPR.

    The Indo-French Joint Seminar concluded with the valedictory session during which Dr. Naresh Kumar, Scientists, CSIR-NIScPR delivered the welcome address and highlights of the two-days intense deliberation on the Open Science, Open Source and Open Data in the R&D in Computational Innovation. Prof. Anirban Chakraborti from JNU address the need of balanced approach in moving towards the conduct of Open Science, Dr. Laurence and Dr Avinash Kshitij summarise the two-days deliberation amongst the 6 different topics, Mr.Mukesh Pund, CSIR-NIScPR shows his gratitude towards the Indian and French speakers, scholars, delegates and the all individuals involved in different roles during his address for Vote of Thanks.

     

    About CSIR-NIScPR

    The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) is a premier institute in India, engaged in science communication, STI based policy studies and research.

    About CNRS

    The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) is a government-funded research organization, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation in France and globally.

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  • MIL-OSI Global: Ditches and canals are a big, yet overlooked, source of greenhouse gas emissions – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Teresa Silverthorn, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Liverpool

    Dick Kenny/Shutterstock

    It’s a cold winter morning in the bleak and bare arable fields of the East Anglian fens. At the edge of a field, a scientist dips a long pole into a ditch. So, what is a climate researcher doing here?

    We are measuring greenhouse gas emissions from ditches and canals by collecting samples of ditch water and analysing them in the laboratory. We also use floating chambers – a low-tech creation (sometimes coupled with high-tech sensors) made of a plastic bucket and noodle-shaped swimming floats that sit on top of the water and collect the gases emitted from it.

    As freshwater biogeochemists, we investigate how elements like carbon and nitrogen are cycled through freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes and ponds. We study how human-induced pressures including eutrophication – when excess nutrients cause algal blooms that deplete oxygen – and climate change affect these cycles.

    Unlike many other scientists, we have a fondness for ditches and canals (we’ll call them all ditches from now on), which don’t tend to receive a lot of attention in the freshwater research world.

    Researchers have previously calculated that ditches emit up to 3% of the total global methane emissions from human activities. In our new study, we find they also emit a lot of CO₂ and nitrous oxide.

    In fact, when comparing the same surface area, ditches emit more CO₂ and nitrous oxide than ponds, lakes and reservoirs – probably due to the high nutrient inputs that go into ditches.

    Using a rough approximation of the global surface area of ditches, we estimate that including ditches would increase global freshwater CO₂ emissions by up to 1% and nitrous oxide emissions by up to 9%.

    These percentages might seem small, but they add up. When accounting for all three greenhouse gases, the world’s ditches emit 333Tg CO₂e (teragrams of CO₂ equivalents – a common unit to express the total climate impact of all greenhouse gases). This is nearly equivalent to the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 (379Tg CO₂e).

    For this study, we collaborated with ditch experts from the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Australia and China. We collected existing data of greenhouse gas emissions from 119 ditches in 23 different countries, across all major climate zones.

    We estimated that global ditches cover about 5,353,000 hectares – about 22% of the UK’s total land area, or the whole of Costa Rica. However, researchers still don’t definitively know the global extent of ditches – they may actually cover a much larger area.

    Ditches are human-made, linear waterways built to serve a variety of purposes. By draining wetlands, they can help create productive soils for growing crops or trees.

    They also transport water for irrigating crops. Some are built to create desirable waterfront properties. Bigger canals play a role in shipping and transportation, while roadside ditches serve to redistribute storm water runoff.

    The global length of ditches is unknown but very large. In many European countries, the total ditch length rivals that of their streams and rivers. The Netherlands has 300,000km of ditches criss-crossing agricultural land. In Finland, networks of forestry drains total around 1 million km.

    Ditches can emit large amounts of greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane and nitrous oxide) that contribute to global warming and climate change. Ditches often contain stagnant water and are commonly found in agricultural and urban landscapes, which means they can receive high nutrient inputs from agricultural runoff containing manure and fertilisers, and from stormwater runoff containing lawn fertilisers, pet and yard waste.

    This creates the low-oxygen, high-nutrient conditions ideal for the production of greenhouse gases – especially methane and nitrous oxide, whose global warming potentials are much higher than CO₂. Given their extent, ditches therefore make a notable contribution to freshwater greenhouse gas budgets in many countries throughout the world.

    Fence, plant and dredge

    By considering ditches when reporting their annual greenhouse gas emissions, nations can build a more accurate picture of the problem. Proper quantification can also help researchers target ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ditches. For example, stronger legislation can limit the use of fertilisers and manure near ditches.

    In Australia, installing fences to prevent cattle from entering farm dams has reduced methane emissions from dams by half. A similar strategy could be applied to ditches to minimise the amount of nutrient-rich manure flowing into them.

    Planting more trees along ditch banks could help take up some of the nutrients and lower water temperature through shading, which also reduces greenhouse gas production. Dredging ditches can remove nutrient-rich sediments, while aerating ditch water can make conditions less ideal for the production of methane.

    So, solutions do exist – but they’ll only be employed and scaled up once the significance of emissions from ditches is quantified and more widely recognised.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Teresa Silverthorn has received funding for ditch research from from Defra, the Environment Agency, and EPSRC (UK research councils).

    Mike Peacock has received funding for ditch research from Defra, the Environment Agency, NERC and EPSRC (UK research councils), and Formas and VR (Swedish research councils).

    – ref. Ditches and canals are a big, yet overlooked, source of greenhouse gas emissions – new study – https://theconversation.com/ditches-and-canals-are-a-big-yet-overlooked-source-of-greenhouse-gas-emissions-new-study-250240

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –