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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £230m DHL investment in Coventry to create hundreds of local jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    £230m DHL investment in Coventry to create hundreds of local jobs

    DHL Group has announced a £230 million e-commerce hub investment in Coventry creating up to 600 local jobs.

    • Major £230m investment in new state-of-the-art e-commerce hub in Coventry will create up to 600 local jobs.
    • New hub near Coventry Airport can handle up to 1 million parcels a day and is part of DHL e-Commerce’s wider £482m investment into the UK.
    • Minister Justin Madders will open the hub today, celebrating the latest in a series of job-boosting investments across the country.

    Logistics giant DHL has invested £230 million in a new state-of-the-art e-commerce hub in Coventry which will create up to 600 local jobs, in the latest in a series of job-boosting investments across the UK. 

    Today (27 February), Business Minister Justin Madders will formally open the new hub which covers 25,000 m² of space and can handle up to a million parcels a day, speeding up delivery times for UK consumers in a major win to the Coventry and wider West Midlands economy. 

    During his visit, the Minister will meet with DHL Group’s senior leadership, including CEO of DHL eCommerce Pablo Ciano, tour the new site to see the latest e-commerce technologies in action, and learn about how the new hub will benefit not only Coventry but the wider West Midlands.

    This announcement comes as the latest research shows the UK is expected to reach a turnover in e-commerce of £176 billion by 2029, leading all European economies. The latest figures from the Department for Business & Trade also show the West Midlands region landed 133 foreign direct investments in 2023/24, generating 7,581 new jobs.

    Securing investment is central to the Government’s mission to deliver economic growth which will create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off as part of our Plan for Change.

    Since entering office, the Government has been focused on restoring economic stability – which is the foundation of growth – to give businesses the confidence to invest and expand in the UK, and today’s announcement from DHL is a major vote of confidence in the UK’s investment environment.  

    Business Minister Justin Madders said:

    The West Midlands is a powerhouse for investment, and this state-of-the-art hub in Coventry will not only create hundreds of local jobs but give a major boost to our logistics sector and speed up delivery times for consumers. 

    The UK is open for business, and DHL’s investment is the latest vote of confidence in the country which will deliver economic growth and raise living standards, showing our Plan for Change is working.

    Stuart Hill, CEO of DHL eCommerce UK said:

    As e-commerce continues to shape the way we live and work, this expansion will enable us to meet growing demand. The investment reflects our confidence in British business and our dedication to helping our customers thrive in the digital marketplace through innovation and best-in-class service delivery.

    By increasing our capacity with a state-of-the-art operation, we’re creating long-term jobs, growth opportunities for our customers and a blueprint for more sustainable logistics.

    DHL’s cutting-edge new site will help to grow UK e-commerce businesses and improve delivery to consumers across the UK, as well as improving export logistics for businesses in the region. The hub features secure bonded storage and customs capabilities to support international e-commerce, making it quicker and easier to dispatch parcels internationally.  

    The hub also provides EV charging points and 7,000m² of solar panels along with LED lighting. This minimises the site’s environmental impact and preserves the area’s natural biodiversity – supporting the government’s ambitions to make the UK a clean energy superpower. 

    Economic growth is the foundation of our Plan for Change, and DHL’s vote of confidence will play a vital role in not only unlocking further investment but turbocharging the UK’s logistics sector. 

    DHL’s announcement today is the latest in a series of recent investment wins for the UK, including: 

    • Creating nearly 38,000 jobs across the UK following our record-breaking International Investment Summit last October, with £63 billion worth of investment secured by companies such as Amazon Web Services, Iberdrola and Octopus Energy.
    • Car manufacturer Nissan, and the Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO) securing a £50 million investment deal in partnership with the government to create a new manufacturing plant in Sunderland.
    • US company Knighthead’s £3 billion regeneration project in East Birmingham, creating 8,400 new jobs annually, paving the way for a new 60,000-seater stadium alongside a sports campus of training facilities, a new academy, and community pitches.
    • Rolls Royce investing £300m in the expansion of their Goodwood facility to meet the growing demand for bespoke upgrades.
    • JLR investing £500 million in its Halewood facility to enable the production of electric vehicles, alongside existing combustion and hybrid models.
    • Blackstone’s £10 billion investment to create the biggest AI data centre in Europe, creating 4000 jobs.
    • Eren Holding investing £1 billion in the redevelopment of Shotton Mill in North Wales, safeguarding 147 jobs and creating a further 220 jobs.
    • Heathrow Airport announcing a multibillion-pound investment programme to expand the airport, including new terminal buildings, aircraft stands, passenger infrastructure and work towards its third runway.

    Background:

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving access to justice

    Source: Scottish Government

    Discussion paper on further reforms to legal aid system.

    Reforms to legal aid have been set out to make the system simpler and easier for both solicitors and those who need legal assistance – along with longer-term proposals for funding and improving the delivery of services.

    Actions set out in a discussion paper will simplify the funding system and build on recent improvements to reduce the amount of information needed during the application process.

    Regulations will be brought forward by the end of this year to remove the eligibility tests for children in all cases before a Children’s Hearing. Improvements will also be made to the fee structure for serious criminal cases, which will better reward the work needed to resolve cases in advance of a potential jury trial.

    Legal aid funding has increased by 25% in the five years since 2019, with expenditure last year of £151 million, which met all approved application costs. A further £14.2 million has been approved in the Budget next year to meet rising costs.

    Research will also be commissioned to inform a review of current legal aid fee levels. This will help with the development of a regular fee assessment mechanism to ensure a fair and sustainable system of payments and fees.

    In addition, a longer-term programme of work will begin with stakeholders, including law firms, third sector organisations and service users, to consider more fundamental changes to the structure, funding and delivery of legal assistance to build a system that is fit for the future. This will inform the development of future legislation.

    Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said:

    “Scotland has one of the most comprehensive legal aid systems in Europe that provides an uncapped, open-ended and demand-led approach to legal assistance.

    “Legal professionals across the country work hard to deliver legal aid and I recognise that further reforms are needed to ensure Scotland has a modern and responsive system where services can continue to be provided as efficiently as possible, where and when they are needed.

    “We will take immediate action to further streamline and improve the application process, reducing the burden on both solicitors and those who need legal services so funding is provided as quickly and easily as possible.

    “A review of legal aid fees will help develop regular assessments to ensure the system remains fair and sustainable. Longer-term we will consider with stakeholders what more fundamental changes can be made to best develop a legal assistance system fit for the future.

    “I look forward to engaging and discussing these proposals with law firms, third sector organisations and, crucially, service users themselves so legal aid continues to best serve those who use and need it.”

    Bill Moyes, Chair of the Scottish Legal Aid Board, said:

    “This paper is an important next step in the journey to redesign the legal aid system to meet the needs of the people of Scotland for decades to come.

    “We will be working with the Scottish Government, the legal profession and advice sector in 2025 and beyond to help make the vision set out in the paper a reality.”

    Background

    The Scottish Government’s legal aid reform discussion paper

    The legal aid system provides publicly funded legal advice and representation in court for those most in need.

    Recent improvements in the legal aid application process to reduce the need for information during the application process include the increased use of block fees and a simpler online application process.

    The above reforms are in addition to the announcement made by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs on 23 January 2025 that free, non means tested legal aid support will be provided for bereaved families participating in deaths in custody Fatal Accident Inquiries.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government launches Devolution consultation

    Source: City of Winchester

    The UK Government’s English Devolution white paper outlines lots of changes to how local councils will be structured.

    Alongside its plans to devolve powers, the Government has also asked councils in the Hampshire and Solent region to propose how they will restructure to become larger unitary authorities (which would combine the services of the county council and district / borough councils).

    On Monday 3 March at 6pm, Leader of the Council Cllr Martin Tod will hold a public webinar where he’ll:

    explain the changes;

    what is expected as a result of the government’s white paper;

    and what it all means for councils across Hampshire.

    The webinar is open to everyone and we warmly welcome you to attend – all you need to do is register your interest and we will send you a link to join nearer the time. You can also use the form to submit any questions in advance.

    We’ve added a section to our website in the meantime to help explain both Devolution and Local Government reorganisation. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: London leaders unveil Growth Plan to turbocharge productivity and add more than £100bn to London’s economy

    Source: Mayor of London

    • London Growth Plan aims to put an extra £11k a year in the pocket of every Londoner and provide £27bn extra tax revenue to fund vital public services in the capital and across the country  
    • The plan targets restoring London’s productivity growth back to 2% per year – making London’s economy £107bn larger by 2035 
    • Plan’s inclusive growth ambitions include a 20% rise in household income for the lowest earning 20% of Londoners 
    • £21m additional funding this year will revitalise local high streets  
    • The Mayor and London Councils issue joint call on UK Government for more investment and devolution to boost local and national growth 

     

    The Mayor of London and London Councils have come together today (Thursday 27 February 2025) with local leaders from business, education and the voluntary sector to launch a bold new plan to turbocharge economic growth and increase prosperity across the capital.

     

    Developed together with London & Partners – in collaboration with businesses, trade unions and London’s communities – the London Growth Plan sets out a blueprint to kickstart the capital’s productivity, which has flatlined since the 2008 global financial crisis.

     

    The plan aims to restore productivity growth to an average of two per cent a year in the next decade, which would make London’s economy £107bn* larger by 2035 and put an extra £11,000 on average in the pockets of the near-nine million Londoners. This would also mean the capital contributing an extra £27.5bn in taxes to the Treasury in 2035, providing vital revenues for investment in public services.

     

    London’s productivity grew by an average of 3.16 per cent each year between 1998 and 2007, but between 2008 and 2022, average productivity growth was just 0.12 per cent a year. Growing productivity is the key to higher wages, higher living standards and increased investment in public services in London and across the UK.

     

    The new plan focuses on inclusive economic growth to make sure that more Londoners can contribute to and benefit from the capital’s success. Helping more Londoners into work, bringing down housing costs and improving public transport are all vital to reducing poverty in London, improving living standards and driving growth. The plan aims to achieve a 20 per cent rise in the household weekly income (after housing costs) of the lowest earning 20 per cent of Londoners – which would mean more than a million London households would have an extra £50 to spend each week, on average, after paying for housing costs. 

     

    The London Growth Plan outlines huge opportunities for turbocharging the capital’s economy and harnessing the growth potential of sectors such as AI, life sciences, robotics, clean tech, quantum computing and the creative industries. Key drivers to deliver the plan’s growth ambitions for the capital include a renewed focus on nurturing world-class talent, helping Londoners get the skills they need for productive careers, backing business innovation with new investment and technology, taking a bolder approach to housing and infrastructure, and reinvigorating London’s local high streets. 

     

    A long-term strategic relationship between London and the UK Government will be a crucial part of delivering the plan. London is the engine of the UK economy and, with national support, this plan can harness its economic power and potential for the benefit of all Londoners and the whole country, helping to fund investment in public services across Britain.

     

    Priorities in the London Growth Plan include:  

     

    • Backing business: London government will help to power ‘industrial innovation corridors’ around the capital – supporting new space, facilities and infrastructure to ensure innovation can thrive. This will build on the potential of the WestTech Corridor (anchored in White City going through Old Oak and Park Royal), the UK Innovation Corridor (anchored in the Knowledge Quarter going towards Cambridge) and the Thames Estuary (anchored in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park going out to Essex and Kent).  A new proposed London Tech and Inclusive Growth Fund could provide up to £100m loan and equity funding for high-growth small and midsize enterprises.  
    • Talent and skills: An Inclusive Talent Strategy will build the capital’s skilled workforce to unleash the potential of Londoners and – in turn – London’s economy. This will help create at least 150,000 high quality jobs, with a focus on fair pay and good work, to deliver Mayoral manifesto commitments. As well as supporting more people into work and ensuring all Londoners can get the skills or training needed to progress their careers, the strategy will help attract world-class talent to study and work in the capital. New rent-controlled Key Worker Homes will also help London to attract and retain its essential workforce. 
    • Housing and infrastructure: Local leaders will work with UK Government to extend and upgrade London’s public transport network, prioritising transformational projects to unlock new affordable homes and growth – including the Docklands Light Railway extension to Thamesmead, the Bakerloo line extension and the West London Orbital. The plan also calls for more devolution of London’s suburban rail services. This will be reinforced by the next London Plan, which will prioritise growth, increase housing delivery and ensure better digital connectivity.  
    • Inward investment and promotion: London will take the lead in implementing national reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme, exploring the development of a major joint fund to invest in places that encourage innovation, including venture capital. The plan will also support London’s goal to be a net-zero city by 2030, attracting significant institutional capital for green infrastructure. There will be support to set up a new quantum tech incubator, London Life Sciences Week will be backed to become a key global event for the sector, and London leaders will explore a new business visitor centre to promote the capital’s world-leading offer by bringing companies together with agencies and developers.  
    • High streets and local economies: £21m additional funding this year will support boroughs with town centre regeneration, including potentially creating a publicly owned High Street Estate Agency to bring empty properties back into use. The plan also reiterates the Mayor’s commitment to revitalising neighbourhood policing so that the capital’s high streets always feel welcoming and safe.  

     

    Delivering the London Growth Plan will be a genuine partnership between the Mayor, local government leaders and central government, working in coalition with universities, incubators, accelerators, venture capitalists, innovation districts, corporate innovators, capital markets and international investors.  

     

    London’s leaders want central government to help unleash the capital’s economic potential by giving the Mayor and boroughs more freedoms to fund their own growth priorities, and the flexibility to spend money in the best way to drive good growth. This is on top of continuing to lobby the Government to secure agreements with our biggest international trading partners that ensure London’s key sectors can continue to grow and thrive.  

     

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This growth plan provides a golden opportunity to turbocharge growth and unlock London’s full potential – for the benefit of all Londoners and the whole country.  

     

    “It’s a blueprint for how we can help to create 150,000 good jobs, build more affordable homes, deliver major new transport upgrades and skill up Londoners for the well-paid jobs of tomorrow. From AI, life sciences and climate tech to our financial and creative industries, London is home to many of the best businesses in the world, which we want to back to grow and thrive over the next decade. 

     

    “Ultimately, growth means little if people cannot feel the benefits or see the positive change it brings to their area. So our goal is to deliver economic growth in every corner of our city that helps to raise living standards, puts more money in people’s pockets and enables us to invest in our public services, as we continue to build a fairer and more prosperous London for all.” 

     

    Cllr Claire Holland, leader of London Councils, added: “The London Growth Plan is a blueprint to drive inclusive economic growth in the capital and across the UK, boosting productivity and ensuring more Londoners can feel the benefits of growth.

     

    “It sets out our ambitions to unleash growth in the industries of the future, deliver new housing and infrastructure to support the London economy, and develop a new Inclusive Talent Strategy, helping more people to get into work and get the skills they need to progress.

     

    “Boroughs are resolutely pro-growth and are committed to working with business, the Mayor of London and national government to turbocharge growth in every corner of our city.” 

     

    Laura Citron, chief executive of London & Partners, concluded: “This is a huge moment for our city: a shared vision, a clear plan, and now the momentum to make it happen. As the capital’s growth agency, we’ll be working closely with investors, entrepreneurs, partners, and places across the city to drive growth for London and Londoners – attracting investment, scaling our businesses, bringing in visitors and world-class events, while telling London’s story brilliantly. Our city is built on reinvention, and this is our next big chapter.”

    London’s universities and research institutes will be key partners in nurturing the talent and innovation required to deliver the Plan’s growth targets. The Plan highlights University College London’s Person-Environment-Activity Research Laboratory and Imperial’s recent purchase of the Victoria Industrial Estate in the proposed WestTech innovation corridor as examples of the specialist spaces needed to support inclusive growth. 

    Prof Hugh Brady, President of Imperial College London, said: “Universities like Imperial play a critical role in attracting and nurturing world-class talent, fuelling inclusive growth, and strengthening London’s position as a global leader in innovation. That’s why the best innovation ecosystems have world-renowned research universities at their heart.

    “The WestTech Corridor, anchored by Imperial College London, will be central to delivering the Mayor’s ambitious London Growth Plan, driving a vibrant innovation ecosystem in West London and acting as a powerful engine for investment, economic growth and job creation across the UK and the wider world.”

    Dr Michael Spence, President and Provost at UCL, said: “Innovation, driven by universities working with local government and businesses, has huge potential to spur growth and create jobs in London. The London Growth Plan reflects the importance of universities like UCL in helping to attract, nurture and realise inclusive growth in our capital city.

    “UCL’s campuses are at the heart of London’s innovation corridors, driving the talent pipeline alongside our cutting-edge facilities delivering world class research. Within ten minutes of our Bloomsbury campus, one of the world’s largest and most collaborative innovation districts is taking shape in the Knowledge Quarter, with huge potential to bring together life science, technology, healthcare and academia in one place. On Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, UCL East is at the heart of the UK’s newest culture and learning quarter at East Bank, a driving force behind cultural and creative industries innovation and regeneration in London.”

    The newly published London Growth Plan has also been welcomed by leading voices from across the capital’s business community.  

    Karim Fatehi OBE, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “LCCI welcomes the Mayor’s London Growth Plan to maximise London’s economic potential and maintain its position as the best city in the world to do business. Businesses of all sizes are the lifeblood of the London economy, and measures such as the London Tech and Inclusive Growth fund will help them grow and attract investment.

    “We especially welcome the Growth Plan’s focus on skills – giving Londoners access to industry-relevant training, employment and careers support. This inclusive strategy will ensure London’s economic success means prosperity for all Londoners.”

    Laura Timm, London Policy Representative at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “FSB is delighted to see a strong, ambitious and upbeat Growth Plan that hones in on three key FSB drivers for small business growth—namely, access to targeted finance, cultivating a high-functioning skills system, and presenting opportunities for small firms to win public procurement contracts.

    “Over 99 per cent of all firms in the capital are small in size but significant in growth potential. We look forward to working with the Mayor of London, the Deputy Mayor for Business and other stakeholders in implementing the Growth Plan – which we hope will create the environment that helps a local small firm take on their first apprentice, seal an exporting opportunity, and tackle the scourge of business crimes up and down our high streets.”

    John Dickie, Chief Executive of Business LDN, said: “The bold ambitions set out in the London Growth Plan rightly focus on unlocking the city’s full potential so that businesses can succeed and Londoners thrive. Delivering on this agenda will require the city to double down on existing efforts to tackle barriers to inclusive growth such as housing and skills where we have the agency to act.

    “The Government needs to ensure London has the tools it needs to turbocharge growth and help the UK get out of the economic slow lane. This means stepping up by providing long-term, flexible funding to unlock vital infrastructure and affordable housing so that the city remains an attractive place to live, work, visit and do business.”

    Read more at www.growthplan.london.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council sets budget and vows to invest for residents

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    That’s the commitment from Council Leader Stephen Simkins after budget plans for 2025/26 were agreed last night (Wednesday 27 February, 2025).

    Councillor Simkins said that by managing its financial challenge well, the council could continue to deliver excellent services and invest in what matters most to residents.

    He said: “We’re delighted to set a budget for next year that allows us to invest in our residents and city. We take great pride in getting the basics right as a council but remain very ambitious.

    “We prioritise looking after vulnerable adults and providing care for children in need while improving educational achievement. We’re also boosting the city’s economy with hundreds of millions of pounds of investment in new homes, new roads, new jobs, leisure activities and more.

    “As well as delivering excellent front line services like waste collections and road maintenance programmes, we’re using technology to crack down on issues like fly tipping and spending an extra £500,000 to help fix potholes and maintain highways – that’s on top of the £9.2m already earmarked for our city highways next year.

    “We’re also investing in a more vibrant city centre, providing people with opportunities to get into employment and supporting residents with the cost of living.”

    The budget for 2025/26 was approved at last night’s meeting of Full Council. The meeting heard how the council has cut its savings target by almost half, reducing the amount it needs to save over the next 2 years from £32.6 million to £17.2 million by 2026/2027.

    Councillor Louise Miles, Cabinet Member for Resources, said the budget demonstrated the council’s ability to manage its finances well.

    She said: “Despite significant financial challenges, we have once again set a balanced budget, showing how this is a well run council that looks after taxpayers’ money well.  

    “It is thanks to the hard work of everyone involved that we’ve been able to deliver savings across the council and reduce our deficit.  

    “We know the financial challenge hasn’t gone away and we won’t shirk the difficult decisions ahead, but we will always continue to deliver for our residents and have a positive impact on their lives.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic students learn to fight corruption

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Youth Council of the Administration of the Kalininsky District of St. Petersburg, the intracity municipal formation of the Akademicheskoe municipal district and the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science (HSJISTE) of SPbPU held an interactive practice-oriented event within the framework of anti-corruption education and counteraction to antisocial phenomena among the youth “Corruption: A Game Without Rules”.

    Prevention of antisocial phenomena, including corruption, is one of the tasks of the security and legal education system at the Polytechnic University, solved jointly with the administration of the Kalininsky District and the municipal formation of the Akademicheskoe municipal district. Practical knowledge obtained by students will allow them to apply it in their future professional activities, and at present will help develop the skills of lawful behavior in society, – noted the Vice-Rector for Security of SPbPU Alexander Airapetyan.

    The interactive format of individual and team work, heated discussions and debates with elements of simulating professional investigations and court decisions made the event exciting for students. Volunteers of the Polytechnic Squad and interested students coped with the task perfectly.

    In the event “Corruption: Game without rules” we took on the roles of investigators who had to solve complicated corruption cases using specific materials with evidence. Each administrative-investigative version contained information on various signs of corruption provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses and the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The goal of the game: to collect as much evidence as possible to identify the corruption scheme and expose the culprits, the guys shared.

    The organizers’ significant legal and practical experience in fighting corruption made it possible to fill the format of the business scientific and educational game with practice-oriented aspects.

    The municipality actively works with young people, including on issues of preventing antisocial phenomena, and in the Polytechnic University we have found a partner and like-minded person in organizing significant scientific, educational and practice-oriented events, – commented the head of the municipality of the MO “Akademicheskoe” Igor Pyzhik, expressing hope for the introduction of positive experience not only in the student environment, but also in schools.

    “The formation of an anti-corruption worldview in the modern youth environment is a priority of the national security of the Russian Federation, since it is aimed at developing democratic processes of state and municipal governance,” noted Dmitry Mokhorov, Director of the Higher School of Law and Technical Education. “Reinforcing skills in the educational process through professional interactive events in cooperation with subjects of state and municipal governance, law enforcement officers has become a trend in the training of modern youth at the Polytechnic University. This is why our graduates are in demand on the labor market.”

    Following the event, the organizers noted the adaptability of new methods of interaction with young people, the students’ interest in acquiring new skills and the ability to apply this knowledge in real professional situations and in their personal lives. Further points of interaction in matters of legal education were outlined, including the participation of students as mentors in schools in the Kalininsky District.

    It was interesting. This is not a game, but professional training close to real activities. We had to work hard and use all the knowledge we received in class so that the team not only completed all the tasks, but also demonstrated unconventional thinking in resolving practical disputes. Thanks to the Polytechnic University for the fact that there are so many interesting things in our studies! — the guys shared their impressions of the event.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: February 27 – International Polar Bear Day

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Every year on February 27, International Polar Bear Day is celebrated, the purpose of which is to attract additional attention to the protection of the largest land predator on our planet.

    Preservation of the population of this polar animal is one of the main priorities of Rosneft’s environmental program. The polar bear is one of the main indicator species of the sustainable state of Arctic ecosystems. A significant part of the population lives in the Russian sector of the Arctic. At the same time, the polar bear has a special conservation status and is included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

    Since 2013, Rosneft has been caring for 35 polar bears in 16 Russian zoos, providing them with adequate feeding, care, and veterinary support. As part of the corporate polar bear care program, 7 new enclosure complexes have been built in zoos, and existing enclosures are repaired and reconstructed annually. With the support of the Company, special toys have also been developed to increase the animals’ physical activity.

    Rosneft also implements a comprehensive program to support and protect polar bears living in the wild without the care of their mothers. Thanks to this, since 2016, six orphaned bear cubs have already been rescued in the Russian sector of the Arctic.

    Since 2012, Rosneft has been organizing complex expeditions in the regions of the Far North. Hydrometeorological, geological, and biological research is conducted in cooperation with the country’s leading scientific institutes on the coast, islands, and archipelagos in all seas of the Russian sector of the Arctic — from the Barents to the Chukchi.

    In 2024, a full-scale polar bear census was conducted during the Tamura scientific expedition. Scientists surveyed the coastal area and adjacent islands of the Kara Sea. To obtain information about the movements of polar bears, ear satellite transmitters were installed on the animals for the first time.

    During field research in the territory of the “Russian Arctic” National Park on the islands of the Novaya Zemlya and Franz Josef Land archipelagos, coastal observations of the Kara-Barents Sea population of polar bears were carried out. Scientists collected biological samples and collected animal samples for subsequent laboratory processing.

    The samples obtained during the expedition allowed for unique molecular-genetic, serological, microbiological, hematological and toxicological analyses. Toxicological blood analysis allows for the identification of the composition and levels of pollutants, including those of anthropogenic origin.

    The results obtained help to significantly expand and update information about the polar bear population living in the Russian Arctic – their migration routes, physical condition, and also to develop measures to preserve the animals.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 27, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Scientists have studied the neurobiology of pragmatic thinking

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    An international team with the participation of HSE scientists studied how the brain understands hidden meanings in speech. Using fMRI, the researchers discovered that if the meaning is obvious, the areas responsible for decision-making are active, and with complex and ambiguous statements, the areas that analyze the context and intentions of the interlocutor are activated. The more difficult the task, the more these areas interact, helping the brain figure it out. Studypublished in the journalTerround.

    Every person has encountered a situation when the words of the interlocutor do not match their real meaning. We understand hints, sarcasm and even irony, although the formally spoken words may indicate the opposite. This process in cognitive science is called pragmatic thinking – the ability to extract meaning from context, even if it was not explicitly expressed.

    An international team of scientists tried to understand how the brain copes with such situations. The study participants played a “referential game” — a method for studying how people interpret ambiguous messages. In each test, four available characteristics and three monsters — potato, eggplant, or pear — appeared on the screen. Each of them had an accessory: a blue cap, a red cap, or a yellow scarf. The speaker gave a hint, highlighted with a yellow rectangle, for example: “red cap.” The subjects had to understand which character was being discussed, but the hint was not always unambiguous, and the correct answer depended on the context. The tasks were divided into three difficulty levels: simple, complex, and unambiguous. There were 96 tasks in total — 32 for each level.

    To understand which areas of the brain are involved in the interpretation process, the scientists recorded the participants’ brain activity using functional MRI (fMRI). This is a neuroimaging method that allows studying brain activity in real time. The authors of the article also developed six computer models to understand how people analyze information and what strategies their understanding is based on.

    The results showed that when a person quickly understands the meaning of a phrase and is confident in their answer, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), which helps make decisions, and the ventral striatum (VS), which is associated with the feeling of making the right choice, are active.

    But when the meaning of a statement is not obvious, the brain restructures its work, involving other areas. The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) analyzes the intentions of the interlocutor and helps to understand a complex situation. The anterior insular cortex (AI) reacts to uncertainty and tension, participating in the formation of emotions. The inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) is responsible for speech processing. The more complex the task, the more actively these areas interact, helping the brain correctly interpret the meaning.

    The researchers also found that the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of others affected how well they performed on the task. Those who performed better had more active connections between the prefrontal and anterior insular cortex, indicating that they were more flexible in their thinking. Previously, pragmatic thinking had been studied within the framework of general models that assumed common cognitive mechanisms. However, this study showed that people’s interpretation strategies differed.

    “Understanding speech is not just a matter of intelligence or memory. Our brains use a complex system that integrates language, social thinking, and contextual analysis,” comments the research fellow. International Laboratory of Social Neurobiology, National Research University Higher School of EconomicsMario Martinez Saito: “These findings could also have practical applications. Perhaps, thanks to such research, your voice assistant will finally understand the difference between sincere praise and sarcasm.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transport planning: Gatwick Airport

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Written statement to Parliament

    Transport planning: Gatwick Airport

    Government position on development at Gatwick Airport.

    The examining authority’s report on the Gatwick Airport Development Consent Order application was received on 27 November 2024. Under section 107(1) of the Planning Act 2008, a decision must be made within 3 months of receipt of the examining authority’s report unless the power under section 107(3) to extend the deadline is exercised and a statement is made to Parliament announcing the new deadline. The current deadline for a decision is 27 February 2025.

    This statement confirms that today (27 February 2025) I have issued a ‘minded to approve’ letter for the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008.

    Given the examining authority’s report, for the first time, recommends an alternative DCO which includes a range of controls on the operation of the scheme and not all the provisions have been considered during the examination, I am issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final decision.

    The deadline for the final decision is now extended to 27 October 2025 (an extension of 9 months). The decision to set a new deadline is without prejudice to the decision on whether to give development consent for the above application.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly fifty thousand extra pensioners receiving vital Pension Credit support following surge in claims processed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Nearly fifty thousand extra pensioners receiving vital Pension Credit support following surge in claims processed

    New figures published today [Thursday 27 February] show a significant spike in Pension Credit applications following a DWP campaign to boost uptake, the highest since comparisons began in 2020.

    • Record high number of Pension Credit applications with updated online claim form taking an average 16 minutes to complete
    • DWP processing record number of claims a week, bringing down outstanding applications and giving the poorest pensioners vital support
    • Support comes as the State Pension is set to rise by up to £1,900 for millions thanks to the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock

    The department has now processed a record number of claims, reducing the number of applications yet to be cleared from its peak of 85,500 to just 33,700 by 23 February, which is in line with normal levels of Pension Credit claims waiting to be processed.

    This has resulted in a record 117,800 applications being awarded – an increase of 45,800, or 64% – since the Chancellor’s announcement compared to the same period last year.

    The department has also successfully boosted the numbers applying for Pension credit with a record 300,000 Pension Credit applications received this year alone. In response to the surge in applications, the DWP deployed 500 additional support staff to process them, resulting in a near doubling of cleared claims between 29 July 2024 and 23 February 2025.

    The Pension Credit campaign and commitment to the Triple Lock deliver on this government’s Plan for Change, demonstrating our commitment to raise living standards for pensioners and provide security in retirement. 

    Building on the success of the campaign last autumn to boost Pension Credit applications, DWP is exploring further options to drive up claims by reaching the most isolated and poorest pensioners who are eligible for support, including:

    • Writing to all pensioners who make a new claim for Housing Benefit and who appear to be entitled to Pension Credit – directly targeting this group to make a claim
    • Starting new research on the triggers and motivations that encourage people to apply for Pension Credit and to understand what the barriers to claiming are – interviewing pensioners to hear their views and learn from their experiences
    • Working across departments including HMRC to access databases with detail on household income, enabling us to identify pensioner households most likely to be eligible for Pension Credit and targeting them directly.

    Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Liz Kendall said: 

    I’m delighted we’ve been able to reach so many pensioners who need to be on Pension Credit, which can be a lifeline to so many on low incomes.

    The record high number of claims awarded follows months of work to drive awareness of Pension Credit and then to process the huge spike in applications we received, and now thousands more pensioners are accessing the range of support on offer.

    We won’t stop there. We are absolutely committed to ensuring every pensioner is supported in their retirement – whether through our ongoing Pension Credit campaign, extending the Household Support Fund and our commitment to the Triple Lock on the State Pension.

    Pension Credit provides a lifeline in retirement to pensioners on low incomes, providing access to additional support, including housing costs, council tax and the Winter Fuel Payment.

    The online claim form – updated by the Work and Pensions Secretary after listening to the views of pensioners– means it now takes just 16 minutes on average to apply for Pension Credit and be eligible for up to £4,300, with 90 percent of new customers applying using the simple online form, or over the phone. 

    The Government is forecast to spend £174.8 billion on benefits for pensioners in Great Britain in 2025-26. This includes spending on the State Pension which is forecast to be £146.6 billion in 2025-26. Crucially the government’s commitment to the Triple Lock for the entirety of this Parliament means that spending on people’s State Pensions is forecast to rise by over £31 billion.

    Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London said: 

    There was a lot of focus on December’s deadline to claim Pension Credit in order to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024, but people can apply for Pension Credit any time, and it could be worth over £4,000 a year. 

    Our research shows that many people are missing out because they haven’t checked to see if they qualify.  Three in ten people over State Pension age who were on a low income hadn’t checked to see if they were entitled to Pension Credit, while one in ten pensioners who had been told they qualified for Pension Credit have yet to apply.  

    You can backdate your claim for Pension Credit by up to three months, and the sooner you claim, the sooner you could start receiving payments. Not only that, but, if you’re entitled to Pension Credit, you’ll be able to get extra help with costs such as rent and Council Tax, which could make a big difference.

    Anyone who knows a low-income pensioner who may be isolated and needs support has been urged to remind or assist family members and friends to check their eligibility and apply today. Eligible claims can also be backdated by up to 3 months, ensuring pensioners do not miss out on the support they are entitled to.

    To better support DWP customers, State Pension and Pension Credit teams have been working more closely together to support customers. When someone contacts the State Pension claim line, DWP staff identify those with potential eligibility for Pension Credit and take a claim there and then. This means customers don’t have to call both claim lines, getting new pensioners onto Pension Credit as soon as they are eligible.

    Further information:

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New YJB report on standards for children in youth justice

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New YJB report on standards for children in youth justice

    A report from the Youth Justice Board (YJB) identifies critical themes in the treatment and outcomes of children and victims at court, offering a roadmap for future collaboration and improvements.

    A practitioner assessing a child.

    The Standards for Children is a framework for guiding youth justice agencies across England and Wales and setting expectations for ensuring that children receive the right interventions and support throughout their involvement with the justice system.

    Analysis has been conducted of reporting on Standard 2 – At Court for 2023/24 and focuses on ensuring that children are treated fairly and supported appropriately during court proceedings. This analysis and evaluation is presented in the Standards report for 2025 

    The YJB’s report has identified several important system-wide themes, which highlight areas where improvements can be made. The scope of the work also includes support for victims.

    In addition to providing insight into the work being done to assess and improve the youth justice system, the 2025 report provides a pathway for further collaboration and agreed action with youth justice agencies across the sector, aimed at creating more positive outcomes for children, while creating fewer victims and safer communities. 

    In the coming months, the YJB will collaborate with key stakeholders to discuss these findings and agree actionable steps to address the themes identified. The YJB is committed to this being a collaborative effort and believes this is essential to making meaningful changes and enhancing the experiences and outcomes for children in court. 

    The YJB is encouraging partner agencies across the youth justice sector to engage with this report and recognise the importance of the findings.  

    The YJB will continue to monitor progress and facilitate collaboration across the sector to bring about positive change. 

    Chief Executive of the YJB, Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, says:

    As an evidence-based organisation, the YJB is committed to translating the data and insights we capture into practical, sector-wide recommendations. These recommendations will focus on improving outcomes not only for children but also for victims and communities at large. The goal is to ensure a justice system that works more effectively, equitably, and compassionately for all involved.

    More information

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lexi Rose report and safety flyer published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Lexi Rose report and safety flyer published

    Grounding and capsize of a creel fishing vessel on Melrose Point, north-east Scotland, with loss of 1 life.

    Image courtesy of HM Coastguard

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the grounding, loss of propulsion and subsequent capsize of the creel fishing vessel Lexi Rose (BF 370) in shallow water on Melrose Point, Scotland on 21 September 2023, during which the lone skipper lost his life.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened and subsequent actions taken.

    A safety flyer to the fishing industry has also been produced with this report.

    Media enquiries (telephone only)

    Media enquiries during office hours 01932 440015

    Media enquiries out of hours 0300 7777878

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB Report: ATR 72-500 (72-212A), LY-JUP

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    AAIB Report: ATR 72-500 (72-212A), LY-JUP

    ATR 72-500 (LY-JUP), continued approach in fog, Guernsey Airport, 12 August 2024

    Airport CCTV images looking south over the Runway 27 touchdown zone (times are BST)

    On approach to Runway 27 at Guernsey Airport, the crew of LY-JUP continued to descend below the approach ban altitude despite the reported Runway Visual Range (RVR) being below that required. After passing through approach minima, and at around 70 ft agl, a go-around was initiated. After the power levers were advanced the aircraft remained between 61 and 78 ft agl for 15 seconds before a climb was established. The flight diverted to Southampton Airport where it landed without further incident.

    Although both crew members were aware of the approach ban, it was not discussed before or during the approach. As the aircraft passed the decision altitude for the approach, there was confusion and miscommunication between the crew which resulted in the aircraft remaining more or less level with the gear down.

    The operator has taken a number of safety actions to improve the selection and training of crews as well as to introduce a Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) programme.

    Read the report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Perth and Kinross to commemorate 80th anniversary of VE Day

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Victory in Europe Day took place on May 8 1945 when the Allies accepted the unconditional surrender of Germany.

    To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, a series of events is planned across Perth and Kinross.

    On the morning of May 8, wreaths will be laid at the Veterans’ Memorial on St John Street in Perth and at The 51st Highland Division Memorial at the North Inch.

    That night, a series of VE Day 80 beacons will be lit at seven locations across Perth and Kinross – Perth, Blairgowrie, Auchterarder, Crieff, Kinross, Pitlochry and Aberfeldy – to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe.

    On Sunday May 11, there will be a commemorative church service in St John’s Church, Perth. There will also be a display of military vehicles, live music from pipe and brass bands, and other street entertainment, on the streets outside the church.

    Provost of Perth and Kinross Xander McDade said: “Commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day allows us to honour the immense sacrifices made by millions of people during World War II.

    “This allows us to reflect on our shared history, educate younger generations about the importance of peace, and express our gratitude to those who fought for our freedom.”

    Bailie Chris Ahern, Armed Forces and Veterans Champion for Perth and Kinross Council, said: “This will be a historic occasion and a chance for people across Perth and Kinross to remember the sacrifices made during the Second World War.”

    Stephen Leckie, Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, added:“So many people from Perth and Kinross gave their lives in the defeat of the Nazis and their allies in Europe. This is such an important anniversary, and the Lieutenancy is delighted to be working with Perth and Kinross Council and The Black Watch to lay on a series of events on the 8th and 11th of May for the veterans, those others who lived through the second world war, as well as the serving armed forces, cadets and general public. 

    “We encourage you to come along and join us.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Axi Recognised With ‘Best Workplace 2025’ Award by Xref Engage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi announced that it has been recognised with the Best Workplace 2025 award by Xref Engage. The latest award builds on the broker’s previous recognition by Voice Project, where Axi won the ‘Best Workplace’ award for two consecutive years in 2020 and 2021.

    Rajesh Yohannan, CEO at Axi, shared his excitement for the company’s newest recognition: “This award is a testament to the strong culture we’ve built together—one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. At Axi, we continually invest in creating a safe and respectful environment where everyone can express their opinion and be heard, and thrive and succeed, and we’re incredibly proud to see our efforts reaffirmed.”

    Founded in 2007, the Australian-based broker has grown from a two-person startup to a highly respected global group of companies, with over 400 staff members from 45+ nationalities across nine offices worldwide: Australia, Singapore, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Dubai, Philippines, Malaysia, India, and Vanuatu.

    The latest accolade follows a series of other notable achievements for Axi. In 2024, the broker was recognised with the ‘Innovator of the Year’ award at the 2024 Dubai Forex Expo and was recently named ‘Most Innovative Proprietary Trading Firm’ by Finance Feeds. Additionally, the broker was also named Best Broker (MENA), Most Trusted Broker (LatAm), Most Reliable Broker (Europe), and Best Introducing Broker Programme (Asia) for 2024 by Global Forex Awards.

    About Axi

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading company, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more.

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cccccb40-307b-4f21-bcf2-1af3f88de766

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Eugene Doyle: Yellow Peril!  Red Peril! ‘We cannot hide anymore’. Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea. 

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle

    The Western media went into overdrive this week to work the laconic Kiwis into a mild frenzy over three Chinese naval vessels conducting exercises in the Tasman Sea a few thousand kilometres off our shores.

    What was really behind this orchestrated campaign?

    The New Zealand government led the rhetorical charge over the Hengyang, the Zunyi and the Weishanhu in mare nostrum (“Our Sea”, as the Romans liked to call the Mediterranean).

     “We cannot hide at this end of the world anymore,” Defence Minister Judith Collins said in light of three Chinese boats in the Tasman.

    Warrior academics were next . “We need to go to the cutting edge, and we need to do that really, really fast,” the ever-reliable China hawk Anne-Marie Brady of Canterbury University said, telling 1 News the message of the live-firing exercises was that China wants to rule the waves.

    The British Financial Times chimed in with a warning that “A confronting strategic future is arriving fast”.

    Could this have anything to do with the fact we are fast approaching the New Zealand government’s 2025 budget and that they — and their Australian, US and UK allies — are intent on a major increase in Kiwi defence funding, moving from around 1.2 percent of GDP to possibly two percent? A long-anticipated Defence Capability Review is also around the corner and is likely to come with quite a shopping list of expensive gear.

    The New Zealand government led the rhetorical charge over the Hengyang, the Zunyi and the Weishanhu in mare nostrum (“Our Sea”, as the Romans liked to call the Mediterranean). Image: www.solidarity.co.nz

    What’s good for the goose . . .
    It is worth pointing out that New Zealand and Australian warships sailed through the contested Taiwan Strait and elsewhere in the South China Sea as recently as September 2024. What’s good for the goose is good for the Panda.

    And, of course, at any one time about 20 US nuclear submarines are prowling in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea. Each can carry missiles the equivalent of over 1000 Hiroshima bombs — truly apocalyptic.

    Veteran New Zealand peace campaigner Mike Smith (a friend) was not in total disagreement with the hawks when it came to the argy-bargy in the Tasman.

    “The emergence apparently from nowhere of a Chinese naval expedition in our waters I think may be intended to demonstrate that they have a large and very capable blue water navy now and won’t be penned in by AUKUS submarines when and if they arrive off their coast.

    “I think the main message is to the Australians: if you want to homebase nuclear-capable B-52s we have more than one way to come at you. That was also the message of the ICBM they sent into the Pacific: Australia is no longer an unsinkable aircraft carrier.”

    According to the Asia Times, China fired the ICBM — the first such shot into the Pacific by China — just days after HMNZS Aotearoa sailed through the Taiwan Strait with Australian vessel HMAS Sydney.

    Smith says our focus should be on building positive relationships in the Pacific on our terms. “Buying expensive popguns will not save us.”

    China Scare a page out of Australia’s Red Scare playbook
    For people good at pattern recognition this week’s China Scare was obviously a page or two out of the same playbook that duped a majority of Australians into believing China was going to invade Australia. They were lulled into a false sense of insecurity back in 2021 — the mediascape flooded with Red Alert, China panic stories about imminent war with the rising Asian power.

    As a sign of how successful the mainstream media can be in generating fear that precedes major policy shifts: research by Australia’s Institute of International & Security Affairs showed that more Australians thought that China would soon attack Australia than Taiwanese believed China would attack Taiwan!

    Once the population was conditioned, they woke one morning in September 2021 with the momentous news that Australia had ditched a $90 billion submarine defence deal with France and the country was now part of a new anti-Chinese military alliance called AUKUS. This was the playbook that came to mind last week.

    There are strong, rational arguments that could be made to increase our spending at this time. But I loathe and decry this kind of manipulation, this manufacturing of consent.

    I also fear what those billions of dollars will be used for. Defending our coastlines is one thing; joining an anti-Chinese military alliance to please the US is quite another.

    Prime Minister Luxon has called China — our biggest trading partner — a strategic competitor. He has also suggested, somewhat ludicrously, that our military could be a “force multiplier” for Team AUKUS.

    We are hitching ourselves to the US at the very time they have proven they treat allies as vassals, threatened to annex Greenland and the Panama Canal, continue to commit genocide in Gaza, and are now imposing an unequal treaty on Ukraine.


    Australia’s ABC News on Foreign Minister Winston Peter’s talks in China. Video: ABC

    Whose side – or calmer independence?
    Whose side should we be on? Or should we return to a calmer, more independent posture?

    And then there’s the question of priorities. The hawks may convince the New Zealand population that the China threat is serious enough that we should forgo spending money on child poverty, fixing our ageing infrastructure, investing in health and education and instead, as per pressure from our AUKUS partners, spend some serious coin — billions of dollars more — on defence.

    Climate change is one battle that is being fought and lost. Will climate funding get the bullet so we can spend on military hardware? That would certainly get a frosty reaction from Pacific nations at the front edge of sea rise.

    The government in New Zealand is literally taking the food out of children’s mouths to fund weapons systems. The Ka Ora, Ka Ako programme provides nutritious lunches every day to a quarter of a million of New Zealand’s most needy children.

    Its funding has recently been slashed by over $100 million by the government despite its own advisors telling it that such programmes have profound long-term wellbeing benefits and contribute significantly to equity. In the next breath we are told we need to boost funding for our military.

    The US appears determined to set itself on a collision course with China but we don’t have to be crash test dummies sitting alongside them. Prudence, preparedness, vigilance and risk-management are all to be devoutly wished for; hitching our fate to a hostile US containment strategy is bad policy both in economic and defence terms.

    In the absence of a functioning media — one that showcases diverse perspectives and challenges power rather than works hand-in-glove with it — populations have been enlisted in the most abhorrent and idiotic campaigns: the Red Peril, the Jewish Peril and the Black Peril (in South Africa and the southern states of the USA), to name three.

    Our media-political-military complex is at it again with this one — a kind of Yellow Peril Redux.

    New Zealand trails behind both Australia and China in development assistance to the Pacific. If we wish to “counter” China, supporting our neighbours would be a better investment than encouraging an unwinnable arms race.

    In tandem, I would advocate for a far deeper diplomatic and cultural push to understand and engage with China; that would do more to keep the region peaceful and may arrest the slow move in China towards seeking other markets for the high-quality primary produce that an increasingly bellicose New Zealand still wishes to sell them.

    Let’s be friends to all, enemies of none. Keep the Pacific peaceful, neutral and nuclear-free.

    Eugene Doyle is a community organiser and activist in Wellington, New Zealand. He received an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian award in 2023 for community service. His first demonstration was at the age of 12 against the Vietnam War. This article was first published at his public policy website Solidarity and he is a regular contributor to Asia Pacific Report and Café Pacific.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Peace Formula for Ukraine | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    With Ukraine entering the fourth year since the invasion, attention is turning to whether an end to hostilities could come in 2025. Ukraine’s Victory Plan was presented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2024 as the key framework to achieve a just and lasting peace.

    How should Ukraine and its international partners proceed in the year ahead?

    Speakers: Jens Stoltenberg, Andriy Yermak, Sasha Vakulina

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXaFbz4o58k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cruise Ship Levy consultation

    Source: Scottish Government

    Views sought on proposed new power for councils.

    Local authorities could be given the optional power to introduce a tax on cruise ships that visit their areas in future.

    The Scottish Government is seeking views on the practicalities of such a levy, as well as the potential market implications and effect on local economies and communities.

    Analysis shows there were around 1,000 cruise ship visits to Scottish ports in 2024, bringing 1.2 million passengers – an increase of almost 400,000 per year compared with 2019.   

    Finance Secretary Shona Robison said:

    “The tourism sector is a crucially important part of the Scottish economy and cruise visits are increasing. The consultation will help to inform the Scottish Government’s decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation and it is really important that we hear from a wide variety of voices on this matter.

    “Last year, we held events to hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others. We want to continue the helpful dialogue which started at those events, and explore further what a cruise ship levy could mean in a Scottish context.”

    Background

    Consultation on a potential local authority Cruise Ship Levy in Scotland – gov.scot

    The Scottish Government has no plans to introduce a nationwide cruise ship levy.

    The areas that welcome the most cruise passengers are Invergordon, Orkney, Edinburgh, Lerwick, and Greenock, and the average ship in the five busiest ports carries over 1,000 passengers. 

    In 2024 the Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, which for the first time gave local authorities the power to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation in their area. As the Act was being considered by Parliament, calls were made for a similar levy power to be given to local authorities in relation to cruise ship passengers.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Your City Needs You

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    The Centenary Big Clean in the Community

    Published: Thursday, 27th February 2025

    The Centenary Big Clean in the Community is back for a third year running.

    2025 looks set to be a corker for Stoke-on-Trent. A full calendar of events planned to see celebrations into December.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council is calling on residents to play their part. The Centenary Big Clean in the Community is back for a third year running.

    The hard-hitting, zero-tolerance IDIOT (Illegal Dumping in Our Towns) campaign, set the bar high with cracking down on the number of illegal dumping incidents in the city. Since June 2023 over 12,465 incidents have been cleared and 3183 fixed penalty notices issued.

    Throughout 2025 we are calling on all residents, businesses and community groups to take to the streets to help get the city clean and tidy for the Centenary year.

    Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability for Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “This is a big year for Stoke-on-Trent. We have partners all over the city doing their part as they know how special this year is for us all. We now need residents to do the same.

    “We’ve seen the dedication some residents have, we want you all to feel proud of where you live.

    “If you are able to pick up litter and help, please do. We would love to see that community spirit grow and grow. From your own door step to your local park.”

    Chief Superintendent Emily Clarke, who oversees policing in the city, said: “We are determined to work together with the city council and wider partners as a collective to deliver on the needs of our local communities in initiatives like this.

    “We will continue to act proactively against those blighting residents and businesses in Stoke-on-Trent to ensure that we make the city a cleaner, healthier and happier place for everyone.”

    Richard Buxton, Stoke-on-Trent BID Manager said: “Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID has had an Operation Sparkle project running since 2020 and each year we operate our own Big Spring Clean weekend as part of that project. It’s amazing to see our City Council bringing everyone from across our city together to “do their bit” in improving all of our much-loved spaces”

    The council’s environment team will also be out and about supporting the Centenary Big Clean-up in the Community.

    The council also hosts two community re-use paint schemes at both Burslem and Hanford Household Waste Recycling Centres. Residents and community groups are welcome to access this service, where the paint could be used to help spruce up sites around the city, from doorsteps to fences.

    Residents who would like to plan a litter pick, or would like to discuss alternative projects should email: environmental.admin@stoke.gov.uk.

    For how to get involved or see what is happening near you, please visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/LoveSOT

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consortium to tackle inactivity in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council is working with a consortium of local partners to tackle inequalities and improve health outcomes for Landport and Buckland residents with physical activity and community engagement.

    Portsmouth City Council is part of a group of Portsmouth based organisations working together that have successfully attracted a share of funding from Sport England.

    The consortium, coordinated by Active Partnership Energise Me, has been formed to collaboratively tackle inequalities and improve health outcomes for residents in Landport and Buckland by helping them to move more.

    The investment covers the first year of a three-year programme. Landport and Buckland is among the 53 places set to benefit from a share of Sport England’s £250million investment into the heart of communities across England.

    The first stage of the investment will see the group deploy Community Coordinators through local organisations to work with communities to understand what will help them to move more.

    Landport and Buckland were highlighted by Sport England as a place for investment using inactivity insight and other social need indicators, to target funding in areas it could have the biggest impact.

    Inactivity data for Portsmouth indicates over 14,000 children and young people are not meeting the recommended activity levels for good health. Over 52,000 adults in Portsmouth are not meeting the guideline.

    Sport and physical activity contribute significantly to the health and wellbeing of residents. Just last month it was announced the potential social value combining the wellbeing benefits that individuals experience and cost savings to public services like healthcare in Portsmouth is £363 million.

    Made up of local government, health and education partners and community and charitable organisations, the groups will initially focus on engaging with the community to find out the things that get in the way of people being active. They’ll also be looking to identify what great work is already going on in the community that can be built upon.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “The council are pleased to collaborate on this programme, which aligns with our ongoing commitment to improve outcomes and opportunities for residents through the physical activity offer in the city.

    “We welcome this opportunity to work alongside local partners and with residents, to learn what could support more physical activity in their local areas, particularly for those who may be experiencing barriers to keeping active.”

    Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care at Portsmouth City Council said: “Staying active is important for our health and wellbeing, both for physical and mental health and it can bring opportunities to meet and connect with others in the community.

    “This funding will provide a boost to the communities in Landport and Buckland, and importantly, the programme will be co-produced with communities so we will develop local solutions together.”

    Place Development Lead at Energise Me, Lee Timothy said: “Landport and Buckland already have such a great sense of community. It’s been fantastic to see so many people step forward to be a part of creating happier and healthier communities.

    “It’s a truly collaborative effort. Everyone’s relationship with movement is different and by working with community coordinators we’ll able to test opportunities residents have told us they enjoy, leading to more sustainable participation in being active.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HSBC Leader Encourages Businesses to embrace ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’

    Source: City of York

    HSBC UK’s Head of Technology Sector has encouraged York businesses to adapt to thrive in the climate of ‘functional disruptive change’ represented by the rapid development of AI.

    In his keynote address to over 60 businesses at the first York Tech Forum on 13 February, Roland Emmans from HSBC UK explored the fast-moving tech landscape and underlined the importance for businesses of all shapes and sizes of keeping pace with rapid technological change.

    Roland Emmans said:

    AI has vast potential to help businesses solve challenges and serve their customers better. The pace of change is increasing day by day, we need to embrace this change, its impact on technology, our teams and consumer demands.

    “A combination of great technology and great people is key – leveraging complementary strengths like AI’s processing power alongside expert human judgement.”

    The event, held at City of York Council’s West Offices headquarters on Thursday 13 February, began with a welcome from Cllr Pete Kilbane, the council’s portfolio holder for Economy and Culture, who reflected on how York’s tech sector has thrived in recent years.

    Cllr Kilbane highlighted major local developments, from the Institute for Safe Autonomy, a £45 million purpose-built facility which launched at the University of York in 2023, to the 6G Lab of the North, which works with the next generation of innovative telecommunications systems.

    Attendees also heard from Doug Winters, Founder and CTO of Isotoma Ltd, a York-based software development agency. Doug shared challenges and lessons from his business’ 20 year-journey, advising businesses that AI technologies, while useful for businesses, need to be used according to the situation, and are not a ‘silver bullet’ Doug also shared tips on the value of continuous planning throughout a project.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:

    We have big ambitions for York as a vibrant tech hub. Tech sector investment will bring well-paid jobs and marked economic benefits.

    “To truly embrace the benefits of rapid technological change, we need to help businesses in all sectors, from retail to rail, adapt to using technology to become more efficient, innovative, resilient and sustainable. This event is part of a series which includes our upcoming AI skills training for retail and hospitality businesses, delivered by our partners at the Coders Guild, and the Reignite events which have bolstered York’s status as a UNESCO City of Media Arts.

    “I’d like to thank all of our speakers and everyone who joined us for this inspiring and thought-provoking session. To find out more about how we can support businesses to grow and adapt to technological change, start a conversation with our Business Growth Managers at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk.”

    This event was funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic at the forum of rectors of leading Russian and Iranian universities

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The University of Tehran hosted the 7th Forum of Rectors of Universities of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was attended by more than 50 university leaders, representatives of scientific organizations and government agencies of the two countries. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University was represented by the Director of the Institute of Power Engineering Viktor Barskov and Associate Professor of the SPbPU Institute of Power Engineering, a graduate of the Iranian Shahid Beheshti University and SPbPU Mehdi Basati Panah.

    The forum participants were welcomed by Iranian Minister of Science Simo Sarraf Hossein and Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Konstantin Mogilevsky.

    The partners discussed strategies for developing academic and scientific cooperation. In his speech at the session “Exact and Natural Sciences, Agriculture”, Viktor Barskov highlighted priority areas for cooperation: joint research in the field of sustainable energy, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. He also touched upon student and teacher exchange programs, the creation of joint specialized courses, and the organization of summer and winter schools on innovative technologies.

    During the discussions, Mehdi Basati Panah proposed expanding the format of the event to “BRICS” to include universities from other developing countries. This, he said, would enhance international knowledge exchange and open up new opportunities for joint projects.

    The Polytechnic University actively cooperates with 8 Iranian universities. The SPbPU delegation held talks with Iranian universities, including the University of Tehran, the Iranian University of Science and Technology (IUST) and the Sharif University of Technology, where they discussed cooperation in energy between the Gas Turbine Institute and the Institute of Power Engineering of SPbPU. The parties also expressed their intention to participate in joint research projects, the development of specialized training courses for students and student exchange programs in the field of engineering.

    The Polytechnic delegation held talks with the Mayor of Tehran, Dr. Zakani, and members of the Energy Committee of the Iranian Parliament to discuss potential areas of cooperation between SPbPU and Tehran municipal institutions, focusing on urban development and technological innovation.

    Developing a partnership between our universities is not just a step towards academic progress, but also an important contribution to solving global challenges such as energy transition, noted Viktor Barskov. Mehdi Basati Panah added that his personal experience of studying in Russia and Iran demonstrates the effectiveness of such partnerships.

    The forum became an important step for the implementation of new projects and expansion of educational opportunities for students and researchers of both countries.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IPMET has been transformed: modern classrooms await students

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    As part of the StroimNashDom project, large-scale renovation work to re-equip the academic building at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade (50 Novorossiyskaya St.) has been completed. On February 26, the grand opening of the renovated first floor of the academic building, equipped with modern and comfortable classrooms for students, took place.

    The transformed floor is the result of the painstaking work of the builders and the enormous work of the university and IPMET staff to equip the classrooms with modern equipment. The total area of the renovated space was 2,242 m².

    The main goal of the renovation was to create the most favorable environment for learning and research. And this was certainly a success. 19 rooms with 320 seats are ready for work. Particular attention was paid to the computerization of the educational process.

    “It’s nice to see how the space here is being transformed. It’s very comfortable here. I think that students and teachers will spend not only their study time here, but also their extracurricular time,” noted Lyudmila Pankova, Vice-Rector for Educational Activities at SPbPU, during the opening ceremony. “This space can become a second home for our graduates. For example, we can invite former students here to give lectures to the students.”

    “We understand that the future of education is in technology,” emphasized Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of IPMEiT. “That is why we focused on creating modern computer classes, equipping classrooms with projection equipment, and updating the laboratory base for quality management. Now there are six computer classes for 159 seats, equipped with modern technology. In addition, students can expect four classrooms for 140 seats, as well as a specialized educational laboratory for “Qualimetry and Modeling in Quality Management.”

    In total, 190 computers have been installed and prepared for the educational process. Each classroom is equipped with projection equipment and connected to the Internet. Moreover, all rooms and corridors have access to high-speed Wi-Fi.

    In addition to the classrooms, the spaces for employees and utility rooms have also been renovated. For the convenience of students, the corridors have been equipped with rest areas.

    “We are very happy that we now have the opportunity to study in such wonderful conditions,” said first-year student Stepan Orlov. “Modern equipment and a comfortable environment will undoubtedly help us better absorb the material and achieve greater success in our studies.”

    The opening of the renovated building is an important step in the development of the institute and an investment in the future of students. Modern classrooms with the latest equipment will allow teachers to use innovative teaching methods, and students to gain knowledge that meets the requirements of the modern labor market.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Non-Executive Directors appointed to DBS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Non-Executive Directors appointed to DBS

    The Home Office announces directorial appointments to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

    The Home Office is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

    Amanda Arrowsmith and Rob Eason replace Mary Cunneen and Samantha Durrant  from 3 February 2025. The appointments were made following a robust open competition in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments are for an initial period of 3 years, with the possibility of re-appointment.

    Amanda has a wealth of experience in senior leadership roles within the public and private sectors, with a particular focus on People Strategy, Organisation Development, and Business Transformation.

    Rob has a public sector career background in science & technology and managing large defence projects and contracts.  With a career based in leadership, operational delivery and technology, Rob is an advocate for promoting innovation and innovative thinking driven through inclusive organisations.

    Launched in 2012, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) issues over seven million criminal records checks every year. Its disclosure service enables employers and voluntary organisations in England, Wales and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man to make informed recruitment decisions, using information from police records and other sources.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH publishes its quarterly survey for Q3 2024-25

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    RSH publishes its quarterly survey for Q3 2024-25

    The regulator’s latest quarterly survey is published today.

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today (27 February 2025) published the results of its latest quarterly survey of private registered providers’ financial health. The report covers the period 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024.

    Landlords invested £3.9 billion on building and acquiring new homes (up from £3.2 billion in the previous quarter), though the year to December 2024’s investment of £13.7 billion was £0.9 billion lower than the year to December 2023.  

    Social landlords are making vital improvements to tenants’ homes and building new homes for the future.  They continue to invest record amounts in new and existing stock, though there are indications that development spend has peaked.    

    Spend on repairs and maintenance totalled £2.3 billion in the quarter. In the year to December a total of £8.7 billion was spent, with a further £9.8 billion forecast for the next 12 months. 

    Over the next year, they plan to spend a further £14.8 billion on development, only £10.5 billion of which is currently committed.  This is a reduction from £15.6 billion of planned spend and £10.9 billion of committed spend forecast in the previous quarter, meaning forecasts are now at the lowest amount since the start of the pandemic. 

    Lending to the sector remains robust, with £2.6 billion of new finance arranged in the quarter.  

    However, a high level of debt drawdowns resulted in a decrease in undrawn available facilities and cash balances remain at historically low levels.  

    Total cash and undrawn facilities of £33.4 billion are still enough to cover forecast interest costs, loan repayments and development for the next year.  

    Aggregate cash interest cover (excluding sales) stood at 82% for the 12 months to December 2024 and forecasts show a further deterioration is expected.  

    Performance varies among individual landlords. Some of the lowest levels of interest cover are driven by high levels of spend on existing stock by some large providers. 

    RSH continues to monitor and engage with landlords, particularly those that have a reliance on sales to support their cashflows. 

    Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said: 

    “Social landlords continue to face pressures on multiple fronts. 

    “The sector is building substantial numbers of new homes for the future,  with actual and forecast development spend close to pre-pandemic levels. 

    “That said, there has been a notable drop in forecast development spend as landlords continue to invest record amounts on existing stock, including on vital work to improve fire safety and damp and mould.  

    “Our regulation is key for investor confidence and we will continue to scrutinise the sector’s financial performance and its ability to manage risk through these surveys, alongside our inspections and stability check programme.” 

    Notes to editors 

    1. The report is based on the financial regulatory returns from 203 private registered providers (housing associations and other  private registered providers, including for-profits), who own or manage more than 1,000 homes. 

    2. Through its annual stability checks, RSH considers whether each provider’s current viability grade is consistent with the information contained in their regulatory returns. RSH focuses on indicators of financial robustness and evidence of any significant changes in risk profile. 

    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.

    4. For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Albanese falls victim to a Chinese burn

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    As the Albanese government struggles to stay on its political feet, who would have thought the China issue would suddenly insert itself into the campaign, leaving the prime minister looking, at best, flat-footed?

    Improving and stabilising what had become a toxic bilateral relationship under Scott Morrison has been one of the Albanese government’s major pluses in its foreign and trade policy.

    China has taken off all of the roughly $20 billion in barriers it had enacted on Australian exports. Australian lobsters are back on Chinese menus. And who can forget the PM’s visit to China, when he was lauded as “a handsome boy”.

    But now, almost on the eve of the election campaign, a Chinese military exercise in the Tasman Sea has not just reminded Australians of Chinese military power, but has left the PM appearing poorly informed. Or not wanting to offend the Chinese.

    Of course, China did not set out to force Anthony Albanese into what were publicly misleading comments. That was all his own doing.

    The China incident was on the morning of Friday last week, when its navy commenced the live-fire exercise.

    Albanese was briefed on Friday afternoon. Later in the day, a reporter asked him about an ABC report of “commercial pilots [being] warned about a potential hazard in airspace” where three Chinese warships had been sailing.

    The PM said: “China issued, in accordance with practice, an alert that it would be conducting these activities, including the potential use of live fire”. This told, at best, a sliver of what was a rather alarming story.

    The government says the Chinese had acted in accordance with the law but the amount of notice they’d given (which was not provided directly to Australia) was inadequate. Representations about this were made by Foreign Minister Penny Wong to the Chinese.

    It took evidence before Senate estimates hearings this week to paint a full picture of what happened.

    On Monday, Rob Sharp, CEO of Airservices Australia (the country’s civil air navigation services provider) told senators: “We became aware at two minutes to ten on Friday morning – and it was, in fact, a Virgin Australia aircraft that advised one of our air traffic controllers – that a foreign warship was broadcasting that they were conducting a live firing 300 nautical miles east off our coast. So that’s how we first found out about the issue.”

    Initially, “we didn’t know whether it was a potential hoax or real”.

    Meanwhile, a number of commercial planes were in the air and some diverted their routes.

    On Wednesday, Australian Defence Force Chief David Johnston was asked at another estimates hearing whether Defence was only notified of what was happening from a Virgin flight and Airservices Australia 28 minutes after the Chinese operation firing window commenced. Johnston’s one-word reply was “Yes”.

    Australia does not know whether the Chinese ships, which proceeded towards Tasmania, intend to circumnavigate the continent, or whether they have been accompanied by a submarine.

    Relations with China won’t be a first-order issue with most voters at this cost-of-living election. But these events play to the Dutton opposition, for whom national security is home-ground territory.

    They reinforce the broader impression, which has taken hold, of Albanese being poor with detail.

    Dutton said on Sydney radio on Thursday, “I don’t know whether he makes things up, but he seems to get flustered in press conferences. You hear it – the umming and ahing, and at the end of it, you don’t know what he’s actually said.

    “But what we do know is that he is at odds with the chief of the Defence force, and he needs to explain why, on such a totemic issue, he either wasn’t briefed, that he’s made up the facts, that he’s got it wrong.”

    Wong hit back, “We have been very clear China is going to keep being China, just as Mr Dutton isn’t going to stop being Mr Dutton – the man who once said it was inconceivable we wouldn’t go to war is going to keep beating the drums of war.

    “The Labor government will be calm and consistent; not reckless and arrogant.”

    There’s one political complication for Dutton in seeking to exploit the China issue. Despite his natural hawkishness, in recent times he has been treading more softly on China, with an eye to the importance of voters of Chinese heritage in some seats.

    The Trump administration has dramatically increased the uncertainty of the international outlook that the Australian government, whether Labor or Coalition, will face during the next parliamentary term.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles this week talked up the US administration’s policy in the region. “We are very encouraged by the focus that the Trump Administration is giving in terms of its strategic thinking to the Indo Pacific.”

    Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who was in Washington lobbying for a tariff exemption was also, declared that “the alliance and the economic partnership between Australia and the US is as strong as it’s ever been.”

    Whether we get that exemption will be an early indication of where we stand in terms of the special relationship with the US. But who knows what the US might want in return.

    A volatile world and perhaps pressure from the US may push Australia into spending more on defence, which on present planning is due to tick past 2% of GDP.

    Dutton has already said he would put more funding into defence, although, like most other aspects of opposition policy, the amount is vague. The Coalition says when it produces its costing (which will be in the last days before the election) there will be more precision.

    We’ve yet to see how the crucial US-China relationship evolves. That trajectory will have implications for Australia, positive or negative. On the very worst scenario, if China, encouraged by US President Donald Trump’s benign attitude to Russia, moves on Taiwan, the security of which the president has refused to guarantee, that could produce a dire situation in the region.

    Australia remains confident of continuing American support for AUKUS. But if Trump becomes even more arbitrary and adventurous, AUKUS could become a lot less popular not in America but in Australia.

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

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: Albanese falls victim to a Chinese burn – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-albanese-falls-victim-to-a-chinese-burn-251029

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Mongolia’s joint statement after the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK and Mongolia’s joint statement after the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue

    Respect for sovereignty, international law, and territorial integrity were key areas of discussion during the first annual UK-Mongolia political dialogue in London on 26 February, 2025.

    Minister Catherine West MP and Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan.

    British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific, Minister Catherine West MP, welcomed Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan to London on 26 February 2025 for the 15th UK-Mongolia roundtable, and the first annual political dialogue under the UK-Mongolia Joint Cooperation Roadmap towards a Comprehensive Partnership.

    Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan affirmed the strong partnership between the UK and Mongolia, grounded in shared democratic values, open societies, and a growing economic relationship.

    Both sides noted deepening geopolitical tensions, stressed their commitment to upholding the principles of the UN Charter, and called on all countries to refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. They agreed to continue to work closely to uphold international law and advance our shared principles.

    Economic Growth

    The Ministers confirmed that the UK and Mongolia will work together with a view to increasing the volume of trade and investment between the two countries – to drive mutual economic growth

    They agreed to continue discussions with UK Export Finance to explore support for the construction of the metro system in Ulaanbaatar.

    Talks also focused on facilitating trade and investment by working towards the removal of barriers to trade and red tape, and creating stable and transparent business environments.

    Energy Transition

    The Ministers stressed the urgency of action to address the impacts of climate change. They committed to achieving the UK and Mongolia’s NDC and welcomed the recent allocation from the NDC Partnership to Mongolia, including funding from the UK, to reach Mongolia’s climate goals.

    They encouraged greater public-private partnerships to leverage public finance for private sector investment in line with both countries’ climate strategies.

    They looked forward to Mongolia hosting COP17 on Desertification in 2026 and agreed to facilitate an exchange of experts to support preparations for and the outcome of COP17.

    Women’s empowerment

    The Ministers reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to gender equality and to expanding the number of women elected to both parliaments. Minister West welcomed the expanded number of female parliamentarians in the Mongolian parliament following elections in 2024, and commended Mongolia for its quota target of 40% of female candidates by 2028. UK and Mongolia’s joint statement after the first annual UK-Mongolia Political Dialogue Amarsaikhan welcomed the UK achieving its highest level of female representation in the UK parliament following the 2024 UK general election.

    The ministers agreed to work together in multilateral fora ahead of the 30th anniversary of the “Beijing Declaration and Platform Action”.

    Critical minerals

    The Ministers agreed on the importance of extracting Mongolia’s mineral wealth in a manner that preserves Mongolia’s unique environmental legacy. They discussed the importance of responsible mining, and of high environmental, social and governance standards, as well as investing in Mongolian’s skills development.

    In this regard, both sides expressed their commitment to cooperate within the framework of Memorandum of Understanding on critical minerals. 

    Education, Civil Society and People-to-people ties

    The Ministers noted the strength of people-to-people ties between the UK and Mongolia, including the exchange of students through the Chevening Scholarship programme and “Mission 2100” scholarship programme initiated by the President of Mongolia.

    Minister West reaffirmed the UK’s support for English language teaching in Mongolia and both ministers welcomed the progress in expanding English language provision. This could include building on existing partnerships with British companies to increase access to and improve the quality of English Language teaching, as well as supporting remote and disadvantaged communities with UK Overseas Development Assistance.

    The Ministers agreed to explore possibilities to expand higher education opportunities for Mongolian students, including through the Chevening Scholarship, and to expand partnerships between universities.

    They looked forward to the exhibition of the Arts of the Mongol World to be held at the Royal Academy in 2027, and welcomed expanding cultural cooperation.

    They noted the important contribution that civil society organisations play in democratic societies, and committed to continue to engage with and seek inputs from civil society organisations representing a broad range of communities to strengthen democratic debate.

    Minister West and Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan looked forward to and highlighted the importance of future high-level visits between the UK and Mongolia.

    On the sidelines of the roundtable meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Amarsaikhan held a bilateral meeting with Minister Gareth Thomas. During the meeting, the Ministers held constructive and fruitful discussions on further broadening the bilateral relationship in areas of mutual interest, including the promotion of trade and economic cooperation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Virtune announces a change of ETP calculation agent for all ETPs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Stockholm, February 27, 2025 – Virtune announces that as of March 3, 2025, the ETP Calculation Agent for Virtune’s ETPs will change from Ultumus to ETFBook. The ETP Calculation Agent is responsible for calculating and distributing PCFs (Portfolio Composition Files) to counterparties as a third party in relation to Virtune.

    Notification of Service Provider Change within Virtune’s ETP Program

    Virtune announces a change of ETP Calculation Agent from Ultumus to ETFBook for all Virtune’s ETPs, which will be reflected in the updated final terms, available as of March 3, 2025. This change aims to optimize and streamline the process of PCF calculations and their further distribution.

    Please note that this change does not affect investors or the trading of Virtune’s ETPs, and no action is required from investors.

    Change:

    • Previous ETP Calculation Agent: Ultumus LTD.
    • New ETP Calculation Agent: SquaredData GmbH, owner of the ETFBook brand.
    • Address: Weissenrainstrasse 28, 8707 Uetikon am See, Zurich, Switzerland.

    This change applies to all Virtune’s ETPs, which include the following:

    • Virtune Bitcoin ETP (ISIN: SE0020845709)
    • Virtune Staked Ethereum ETP (ISIN: SE0020541639)
    • Virtune Staked Solana (ISIN: SE0021309754)
    • Virtune Staked Polkadot ETP (ISIN: SE0021148129)
    • Virtune XRP ETP (ISIN: SE0021486156)
    • Virtune Avalanche ETP (ISIN: SE0022050092)
    • Virtune Chainlink ETP (ISIN: SE0021149259)
    • Virtune Arbitrum ETP (ISIN: SE0021310133)
    • Virtune Staked Polygon ETP (ISIN: SE0021630217)
    • Virtune Staked Cardano ETP (ISIN: SE0021630449)
    • Virtune Crypto Altcoin Index ETP (ISIN: SE0023260716)
    • Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP SEK (ISIN: SE0020052207)
    • Virtune Crypto Top 10 Index ETP EUR (ISIN: SE0020052215)

    Press contact

    Christopher Kock, VD Virtune AB (Publ)
    Christopher@virtune.com
    +46 70 073 45 64

    Virtune with its headquarters in Stockholm is a regulated Swedish digital asset manager and issuer of crypto exchange traded products on regulated European exchanges. With regulatory compliance, strategic collaborations with industry leaders and our proficient team, we empower investors on a global level to access innovative and sophisticated investment products that are aligned with the evolving landscape of the global crypto market.

    Cryptocurrency investments are associated with high risk. Virtune does not provide investment advice. Investments are made at your own risk. Securities may increase or decrease in value, and there is no guarantee that you will recover your invested capital. Please read the prospectus, KID, terms at www.virtune.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Diamond Mining Drives Angola’s Economic Growth Agenda

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 27, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Angola is aiming to increase diamond production to 17.53 million carats by 2027 as part of its National Development Plan 2023–2027, planning to leverage mining revenues to boost food security, employment creation and poverty reduction. 

    The country expects diamond revenue to rise from $1.4 billion in 2024 to $2.1 billion in 2025, increasing the sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP. With over 24 operational diamond mines, 54 exploration projects and strong governmental support for industry expansion, Angola’s diamond sector presents an opportunity for economic transformation. 

    The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier event for the mining sector – will showcase lucrative diamond prospects in both well-established and emerging markets across Africa, including in Angola. 

    Unlocking Angola’s Untapped Potential 

    Recent discoveries, project launches and foreign investments underscore Angola’s potential as a global diamond mining powerhouse. According to state diamond firm ENDIAMA, the country holds over 732 million carats (https://apo-opa.co/4gU61Zy) of untapped diamond reserves valued at more than $140 billion. To capitalize on these resources, ENDIAMA will launch a diamond production and processing pilot at the Luachimba facility in 2025, reinforcing the sector’s contribution to sustainable development. Additionally, mine development and feasibility studies at the Xamacanda facility are underway as ENDIAMA seeks to expand independent production. 

    Strategic Investments and Global Partnerships 

    In November 2024, Maden International Group, a subsidiary of the Sovereign Fund of the Sultanate of Oman, entered the Angolan market by acquiring stakes in Catoca and Luele Mines from Russia’s Alrosa. The milestone introduces fresh capital and expertise, potentially unlocking Angola’s greater diamond production and GDP expansion. Further affirming Angola’s potential, De Beers announced in October 2024 the discovery of eight new diamond project targets as part of its ongoing exploration activities. The discovery follows a strategic partnership with ENDIAMA, Angola’s National Agency of Mineral Resources, Sodiam and the Institution of Geologists in Angola, to conduct airborne surveys, drilling and testing of new kimberlite targets. Angola is also assessing new diamond and critical mineral prospects in partnership with Rio Tinto. 

    High-Grade Diamond Discoveries 

    In August 2024, Lucapa Diamond Company discovered a 176-carat diamond at the Lulo Mine – one of the world’s largest – marking the fifth diamond over 100 carats found at the site in 2024. The discovery underscores Angola’s potential for high-grade diamond production, following 20 significant discoveries at Lulo in 2022. 

    Amid these market developments, AMW represents an ideal platform for global investors and mining stakeholders to connect with Angolan regulatory authorities and projects to explore the country’s vast diamond potential. AMW will facilitate investment discussions, deal signings and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Angola’s position as one of the world’s highly attractive diamond investment destinations. 

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2025 conference (https://apo-opa.co/4ieTYqQ) from October 1 -3. in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Bybit Receives In-Principle Approval to Establish Virtual Asset Platform in the United Arab Emirates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is proud to announce that it has received its In-Principle Approval (IPA) to set up as a Virtual Asset Platform Operator in UAE from the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dated on Feb 18, 2025. Bybit is also in the final steps to receive its fully operational license soon. This milestone marks a significant step in Bybit’s ongoing mission to provide a secure, stable, and compliant platform for crypto traders in the region.

    This IPA underscores Bybit’s commitment to upholding the highest regulatory and compliance standards as it works toward full operational approval from the SCA. This authorization moves Bybit closer to offering a broad range of digital asset services to both retail and institutional clients in the UAE. Bybit’s progress in UAE follows its existing regulatory approvals in the Middle East, further solidifying its commitment to compliance in key financial hubs.

    Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, commented on this milestone:

    “We are honored to have received the IPA from SCA. This approval marks a crucial step in our journey to providing secure and transparent crypto trading solutions. Bybit remains dedicated to working hand-in-hand with regulators to foster a compliant and innovative digital asset ecosystem to both retail and institutional investors in the UAE.”

    The UAE has emerged as a leading global hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation, supported by progressive regulatory frameworks that align with Bybit’s vision of bridging traditional finance with digital assets. Bybit remains committed to adhering to global compliance standards, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) protocols, ensuring a safe and trusted trading environment.

    Beyond UAE, Bybit continues to secure regulatory approvals worldwide, expanding its presence in key jurisdictions such as India, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, etc, further reinforcing its regulatory commitment. These licenses enable Bybit to expand its reach while maintaining the highest security and compliance standards for its users worldwide.

    #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk /

    About Bybit

    Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

    For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

    For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

    Contact
    Head of PR
    Tony Au
    Bybit
    tony.au@bybit.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1e76bf0-610d-49d7-96b0-205a12a6828d

    The MIL Network –