NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI: Ashtrom Renewable Energy Announces Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with CPS Energy for El Patrimonio Solar Project in Texas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ashtrom Renewable Energy, a global independent power producer and renewable energy developer and subsidiary of Ashtrom Group, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to sell electricity to the municipality of San Antonio, Texas through CPS Energy, the city’s local utility company.

    According to the signed agreement, CPS Energy (Aa2 Moody’s) will purchase approximately 70% of the electricity produced by the project, along with purchasing green certificates (RECs), for a period of 20 years at a predetermined fixed price. Under the agreement, Ashtrom has committed to achieve the commercial operation of the El Patrimonio project by the second half of 2027. The remaining electricity produced by the project is expected to be sold within Texas’s open electricity market. The project will produce electricity equivalent to the annual consumption for about 37,500 households.

    “We are proud to announce a significant collaboration and the signing of an important agreement with CPS Energy, the largest municipal utility company in the U.S.,” said Yitsik Mermelstein, CEO of Ashtrom Renewable Energy. “The agreement is not only an expression of our great partnership with CPS Energy, but also a central pillar in realizing our strategic vision to expand renewable energy activities in the country. This step strengthens our position as a leading player in the industry and is a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey.”

    El Patrimonio is Ashtrom’s second solar project in Texas, marking a key achievement for the company that further deepens its presence in the ERCOT market. The completion of the PPA is expected to accelerate the project’s development and construction processes. The solar project is expected to be constructed in Bexar County, Texas, with a planned capacity of approximately 150 megawatts (AC).

    In addition to delivering electricity to San Antonio, the El Patrimonio project will support the local economy and community through educational activities. Ashtrom will establish an annual scholarship program, offer field tours of the El Patrimonio site for local students, and host job fairs on-site. Through these efforts, Ashtrom aims to enhance community knowledge of renewable energy and the role people can play in its future.

    About Ashtrom Renewable Energy

    Ashtrom Renewable Energy is delivering clean energy at scale. We build best-in-class renewable energy projects in the United States and around the globe. With a hands-on, risk-informed approach that emphasizes strategic and cost-effective execution, the company is an independent power producer (IPP) led by a team of energy experts with decades of experience in solar and wind siting, development, construction, financing, and operation. Ashtrom Renewable Energy leverages the financial stability and culture of excellence cultivated by Ashtrom Group (TASE: ASHG), a leading infrastructure, construction, and real estate development company with a 60-year legacy of success. With a development pipeline of ~1.8 GWdc in the U.S. and ~2.5 GWdc worldwide, Ashtrom Renewable Energy is poised to rapidly scale its development and investment activities in the U.S. market for the long term. Learn more about Ashtrom Renewable Energy at https://www.ashtromrenewableenergy.co.il/en

    About Ashtrom Group 
    Ashtrom is one of Israel’s leading construction and real estate companies whose shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange 90 index The group operates in several operating sectors: Construction and infrastructure contracting in Israel – including, inter alia, residential and infrastructural contract constructions; Franchise – participation in tenders and executing planning, operations and financing activities for large-scale infrastructure and residential projects; Housing entrepreneurship in Israel, through Ashdar, a subsidiary that is a leader and among the oldest companies in the field; Investment and entrepreneurial real estate, through Ashtrom Properties, a subsidiary operating in Israel, Germany and England, holding and managing shopping malls and commercial centers, office buildings and employment centers, industrial structures and more; Industries – mainly manufacturing, marketing and selling raw materials to the construction industry and importing and marketing finishing products for the construction industry; Construction and infrastructures contracting abroad, as well as residential real estate development in the U.S. and Europe – performed by Ashtrom International; Renewable energy – investment in wind, solar, storage and other energy related projects in Israel and worldwide. Ashtrom Group chairperson is Mr. Rami Nussbaum, and the group’s CEO is Mr. Gil Gueron.

    Media Contact
    Nic Savo
    nic@teamsilverline.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “The rule of six handshakes is followed in social media”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Ivan Samoylenko studies graph theory and in his third year he came up with an idea that formed the basis of a scientific article with a very high citation rate in the media. In an interview with the Young Scientists of the HSE project, he spoke about the Watts-Strogatz small world model, singing in the children’s choir of the Bolshoi Theater, and choosing between science and industry.

    How I got into science

    I am a graduate of the specialized mathematics school #57 in Moscow. I attended math clubs there since high school, and in the 9th grade I transferred to a specialized math class. I got acquainted with some mathematical disciplines at a fairly serious level there. At that time, my attention was drawn to graphs – perhaps because many life questions are clearly formulated in their language. After school, I entered the mathematics department of the Higher School of Economics and am currently mainly engaged in graph theory.

    At HSE, I work in two laboratories. In the International Laboratory of Game Theory and Decision Making at HSE in St. Petersburg, I study applications of graphs to game-theoretic problems. And at the Faculty of Mathematics, we created the Scientific and Educational Laboratory of Complex Networks, Hypergraphs, and Their Applications. There, as you can tell from the name of the laboratory, I study both graphs and their generalized version — hypergraphs. And not only from the point of view of theory, but also from the point of view of the possible application of these structures to solving problems from a wide variety of areas — biology, medicine, data analysis, etc.

    What is a graph

    For clarity, a graph can be represented as a set of points (vertices) connected by lines (edges). The main feature of graph theory is that almost any system can be represented as a set of objects and some interactions between them. For example, when a journalist interviews me, this is also a graph, and a directed one at that. But in this particular example, it is not very clear why the graph is needed – it does not provide any new information about what is happening. However, if many different journalists interview different scientists, with the help of graph theory, you can compare the structural characteristics of the vertices (people) and make unobvious (at first glance) general conclusions.

    About the history of graph theory

    The father of graph theory is considered to be the mathematician Leonard Euler, who published a solution to the problem of the Königsberg bridges in 1736. He proved that it is impossible to cross all seven Königsberg bridges without crossing any of them twice and return to the starting point. Later, with the development of technology and the emergence of large data sets, graph theory increasingly occupied the minds of mathematicians and was embodied in various fields of knowledge.

    Another famous graph problem is the four-color conjecture, the assertion that any map on a plane can be correctly colored in no more than four colors. Although the problem is formulated in a language understandable even to a schoolchild and is easily illustrated with understandable pictures, it took humanity more than 100 years to solve it. And when in 1976 a solution was found (by the way, not at all simple: one of the steps of this solution is to try out almost 2000 options), an important break in the history of all mathematics occurred: this was the first theorem completely proven with the help of a computer.

    In general, major breakthroughs and milestones in the history of graph theory are inextricably linked with the development of information technology. Thus, graph theory gained particular popularity with the emergence of a clear example of a very large irregular (which cannot be fully described by a small set of rules) graph — the Internet. In general, the emergence of the Internet led to the emergence of a major branch of graph theory — the theory of complex networks.

    The two major modern works in complex network theory are papers describing the mechanisms by which complex networks emerge in the real world: the Watts-Strogatz small-world model and the Barabasi-Albert preferential attachment model. These papers have a great many citations, which is rare in mathematics. The Watts-Strogatz model is even in the top 100 most cited scientific papers of all time.

    When large amounts of data appear, it is interesting to identify structural patterns. And now there is a lot of data, you can build informative graph systems in almost any area. For example, I saw a study on how the graph of interactions of British composers of the 20th century is structured. By calculating the characteristics of this graph, for example, some centralities, you can draw a conclusion about which specific composers were structurally important for the development of British music. And from different points of view: someone as an independent actor or founder of a school, and someone as a link, allowing more successful colleagues to interact with each other.

    In general, in the language of graph theory, one can formulate models – probabilistic, game-theoretic – and prove their properties with strict mathematical theorems. So this is both an applied and fundamental area of mathematics.

    What I am proud of

    I came up with a game-theoretic model that describes why the social networks we see in the real world follow the six-handshake rule. It has been described before why there should be relatively few handshakes, but I was able to show where the magic number 6 comes from. A paper about this, based on my bachelor’s thesis, was published in Physical Review X in 2023.

    In the language of graph theory, it is easy to formulate what a social network is. The vertices are people, and the relationships between them (for example, acquaintance or friendship) are edges. In this context, the six-handshake rule can be thought of as follows: if we take two random people registered in a social network, then with a probability close to one, the path from one to the other along the “friend” edges will be no longer than six steps.

    The Watts and Strogatz paper that I mentioned proposed a random graph model in which a similar phenomenon could be observed. And I came up with a model that, on the one hand, somehow justified why this model was reasonable, and on the other hand, theoretically proved that if it so happened that we had two people in the system who were more than six handshakes apart, then such a system would not be very stable under sufficiently weak constraints.

    It was fortunate that our article came out 25 years after Watts and Strogatz’s article. And Strogatz himself wrote about our article on his social networks. He is quite a media person, so such a mention greatly promoted our article; at some point, journalists from different countries even wrote to me to get comments. As a result, according to my calculations, according to the altmetrics indicator, which is responsible for mentions in the world media and social networks, among articles where the first author has affiliation with the HSE, mine is the most mentioned.

    How I Got Published in a Top-Rated Magazine

    Getting published in high-ranking journals is a separate art (or rather, a craft). Even if you are a young genius, but do not know how to write articles, present material in a format acceptable for your domain, then you most likely will not publish anything in serious journals.

    Our article, published in the journal, consists of two parts. This is the main, “selling” part, which should be read by a completely non-technical person, and the additional part, which provides technical details and detailed evidence. As the author of the concept and idea, I wrote almost all the additional material (with detailed evidence), while a team of several leading scientists worked on the first part. First of all, Stefano Bocaletti, who was introduced to me by my supervisor in the graduate school of MIPT, Andrei Mikhailovich Raigorodsky, made a significant contribution to the release of this publication.

    He was the first person who was able to read my drafts and believed in the concept I proposed (it should be noted that in 2021, when I started writing this work, there were no good LLM chats yet, and my English was so bad that even at local competitions of the Faculty of Mathematics my work did not take prizes; then I accidentally found out that one of the reasons was the inability to read it normally).

    Then Stefano, for some time, invited his friends, also very strong network scientists, to join our team so that they could help us illuminate and explore our problem: what experiments to conduct, where to place emphasis so that the work could be published in a major interdisciplinary journal. And everything worked out: our article has a fairly good citation rate both in the media and in other scientific publications. So it’s one thing to discover a phenomenon, and quite another to successfully convey your results to the scientific community. Moreover, the criteria for an interesting publication are different for different domains. For example, I know that my fellow economists from the Game Theory Laboratory did not really like the format of my work. I have yet to master writing good economic articles.

    On the lack of time, but not ideas

    I keep a document with tasks that can be done and where minimal progress has been made. There are more than 20 of them. There is no shortage of ideas, there is a shortage of time, and sometimes there is a shortage of workers.

    With semi-applied ideas, it is often unclear in advance whether they are good or not; this can only be determined by conducting an experiment. In theory, it sometimes happens that you come up with something — and it is immediately clear that it is a good idea. Even its refutation can be informative and interesting. In the context of applied methods, everything is different: if something does not work, it is no longer so interesting. But on the other hand, if you know the result in advance, then what kind of science is it? You research, and if something works out — that’s great.

    What I dream about

    I would like young Russian scientists to have an easier life. So that they could not only survive, doing exclusively or mainly science. The presence of specialized specialists who have the opportunity to fully devote their time to research is critically important from the point of view of the development of science and technology. To explain my understanding of the problem, I would like to give an example from game theory. There is such a concept as a “rational agent”. Let’s say a young man (or woman) as a rational agent chooses where to go to work. In theory, if in science, there will be less money, but the work will be more free. If in industry, vice versa. Such a trade-off with clear alternatives: for each person, you can figuratively imagine a payoff function depending on these two factors, and each chooses one of the two paths depending on which factor is more important for the person.

    However, this model is relevant only if the economic difference is not too big. In practice (this is not only our problem, but in Russia it is felt especially acutely) the gap is colossal. In some situations it is more reasonable and simpler to go to work in a corporation, and in your free time to get together with friends and discuss science, and some people do just that.

    Another important issue is time constraints. Many scientific projects/grants/programs are very heavy and unwieldy from a bureaucratic point of view. The project setup activities may begin when a student, say, has just entered a master’s program, and the launch — when he or she is already finishing the last pages of his or her diploma.

    In such conditions, a young scientist will have to look for part-time work/other jobs, be in a state of constant uncertainty, which leads to constant stress. So many, even among those who are really interested in a scientific career, cannot cope and simply leave science. If we attract young scientists and administrative personnel (in my understanding, a scientist should not be busy writing papers, he should be engaged in science, if he does not have additional paid administrative duties) on more market-based terms, it seems to me that much more interesting and breakthrough work could be done.

    If I hadn’t become a mathematician

    The simplest answer is that I would go into IT, because that’s how I make money. But, in principle, I could become anyone, mathematics is not about theorems, but rather about a way of thinking. I don’t know who I could become. I could even do music, I even sang in the children’s choir of the Bolshoi Theater. Many opera productions have parts where children sing, and opera houses have children’s choirs.

    So that there is no feeling that I am Luciano Pavarotti, I should clarify that it is easier for boys to get into the Bolshoi Choir. The Bolshoi Children’s Choir consisted (at least when I was there) mainly of girls, and any boy there is a great success; there are fewer of them in music in general, and in early adolescence many leave because of voice failure. We had a situation when three people stopped taking part in performances at once. Because when two boys almost six feet tall and a third, also quite a large fellow with the nickname Horse stand next to a soloist shorter than them by a head and a half and have to portray small children, a noticeable dissonance arises.

    What I was interested in at school

    I was interested in history. I was even closer to the final stage of the All-Russian in history than in mathematics. I also played a lot of “What? Where? When?” and continued to do so as a student, although a little less actively. Now, unfortunately, I have almost no time for this: I have to work in industry, do science, and I also have a social and organizational load in the laboratories where I work.

    Who would I like to meet?

    With John Conway. I have a close relationship with his attitude to mathematics: he saw it in various everyday things, and although he became famous mainly for the game “Life”, he was in fact an amazingly versatile scientist with a large number of important works in various areas of mathematics. I was very upset when I read the news of his death at the very beginning of the covid pandemic. It would also be interesting to talk to mathematicians from the golden age of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics – for example, Andrey Kolmogorov, the author of the axiomatics of probability theory.

    What are my hobbies besides science?

    I am a curious person and try to get acquainted with different things, to find out what is happening in the world. Sometimes I watch history channels, sometimes I can watch something about football or a strange documentary. In general, almost any information is interesting to me. But all this is irregular. I work systematically, slept – good, did not sleep – well, what to do.

    Advice to young scientists

    Think carefully about choosing your future track. I can also wish you patience and strength, mental and physical – you will definitely need it.

    Favorite place in Moscow

    I really like Moscow as a whole. I’ve been to different cities and I can’t say that even one of them is close to Moscow in terms of comfort (I have a certain sense of being a Muscovite, of course). If I have to name a specific place, I can simply say that I love the Moscow metro – it’s very practical (and at the old stations, it’s also aesthetically pleasing).

    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 Nations: Civilians at breaking point in eastern DR Congo warns top aid official, in call to resume talks

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    As the Security Council prepared to gather on Wednesday to debate the international community’s response to the growing emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN’s top aid official there urged all warring parties to allow lifesaving relief supplies to reach the most vulnerable.

    “The rapid and uninterrupted expansion of the conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, continues to inflict a heavy toll on the civilian population,” said UN humanitarian coordinator for DRC, Bruno Lemarquis. “The population can no longer continue to pay such a heavy price for a conflict that continues to spread and now threatens the stability of the entire region.”

    The veteran aid official’s appeal came as yet more vulnerable people reportedly fled combat zones amid advancing and heavily armed Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. On Sunday the opposition fighters took control of Bukavu – the second major eastern DRC city to fall, in a matter of weeks.

    “It is imperative to put an end to the confrontations” and resume dialogue, Mr. Lemarquis insisted, as he echoed concerns stressed by the UN Secretary-General that the continuing M23 offensive threatens regional stability.

    For aid teams who remain committed to helping vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities impacted by the fighting, Mr. Lemarquis signalled that the most urgent priorities include reopening airports for humanitarian flights in Goma – capital of North Kivu and Kavumu in South Kivu, both now controlled by M23.

    ‘Tense’ situation in Bukavu

    The security situation in Bukavu remains tense, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, which also reported that commercial boats have resumed services on Lake Kivu between Bukavu and Goma.

    Humanitarian partners have also reported widespread looting in various part of Bukavu over the weekend, including a UN World Food Programme warehouse containing 7,000 tonnes of supplies.

    “Several churches and collective centres in Bukavu are reportedly hosting displaced people,” OCHA noted in an update, adding that humanitarian assessment activities resumed on Tuesday “and will continue tomorrow as conditions permit”.

    In addition to the urgent need for humanitarian supply flights, the UN aid coordinator urged respect for international law regarding the rights of internally displaced people (IDPs). Just last week, relief agencies expressed concern at a 72-hour ultimatum issued by M23 representatives to IDPs in Goma who were told to go back to their villages.

    “Any return can only take place on a voluntary basis, under safe, dignified and sustainable conditions, in accordance with international principles,” Mr. Lemarquis explained.

    Neutrality at core of mission

    The UN aid coordinator also insisted that relief teams’ “sole mission” was to provide vital assistance and protection to the most vulnerable, “wherever they may be…This action is guided by the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence, without taking sides or engaging in political considerations.”

    The DRC emergency is one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world; it follows decades of clashes between the Congolese armed forces and various non-State armed groups, widespread human rights violations and sexual violence.

    Humanitarian needs are staggering and not just in eastern DRC, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which noted that seven million people within the country are displaced and more than one million have sought asylum beyond the country’s borders.

    Most of these refugees are hosted by Angola, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. At the same time, the DRC – a country seven times the size of Germany – also hosts more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers.

    This latest crisis in DRC’s east has already uprooted hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in a matter of weeks. Between 10 and 15,000 people have now crossed into neighbouring Burundi in a matter of days.

    “UNHCR urgently calls for increased support to assist refugees and prevent further suffering,” it said in an online appeal. “We also urge an immediate end to hostilities in eastern DRC to prevent more displacement and civilian harm.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Duracell Selects Georgia for New R&D Headquarters

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Duracell, one of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, will establish its new Global Headquarters for Research and Development at Science Square in Atlanta, creating 110 jobs and investing approximately $56 million. Duracell currently has a manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia, that has been in operation since 1980 and a logistics and distribution plant in Fairburn, Georgia, that began operations in 2020.

    “Georgia has set itself apart as a leader in attracting innovative companies with our research institutions, world-class logistics network, and pro-business environment,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I want to thank our local and state partners who are leveraging those assets to their fullest to bring new opportunities across the state. We are excited to welcome Duracell’s R&D headquarters to Atlanta and continue building on this great relationship.”

    Duracell is an American manufacturer of alkaline, lithium coin, and hearing aid batteries. Duracell’s LaGrange facility currently supports approximately 400 jobs, while the Fairburn plant supports an additional 275 jobs.

    “We’re excited about the opportunities the move to Atlanta will bring and we’re confident this new chapter will strengthen our position as a global leader in the industry,” said Dr. Liben Hailu, Chief Technology Officer at Duracell. “This move is a significant milestone for Duracell as we continue to drive innovation in battery technology for many years to come.”

    Duracell’s new Global Headquarters for Research and Development will be located at 101 Nerem Street NW in Atlanta. Adjacent to Georgia Tech’s Midtown Atlanta campus, Science Square is an 18-acre multi-phase development centered on innovation and featuring more than 1.8 million square feet of lab and office space.

    “Atlanta’s transportation infrastructure, diverse talent pool from top-tier universities and a thriving tech ecosystem make the city an ideal environment for corporate innovation and growth,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “We appreciate Duracell’s confidence in Atlanta, including the investment of more than 100 new jobs that will provide the opportunity for more Atlanta residents to build promising careers.”

    “The impact of Duracell’s decision to locate their R&D headquarters in Atlanta goes beyond the 110 new innovation jobs in the region: as they make Science Square their new home, Duracell strengthens our region’s powerful reputation as a hub for innovation and furthers Georgia’s growing battery ecosystem,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Duracell is locating literally next door to the world-class talent at Georgia Tech and in close proximity to the other tens of thousands of new graduates in the region, setting them up for long-term success.” 

    “Duracell’s choice to set up its Global R&D Headquarters in Fulton County solidifies Fulton’s leadership in innovation and talent attraction,” said Robb Pitts, Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. “This will bring unique jobs and investment – a win for Fulton County and Georgia.”

    Assistant Director of Statewide Projects John Soper represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with Invest Atlanta, Select Fulton, Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Power, and the University System of Georgia.

    “For decades, Georgia has been home to Duracell, and it’s exciting that they are looking to invest their future back into our state,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “For a company like Duracell that is on the cutting edge of innovation, research and development is critical to their long-term success. Locating the new Global Headquarters for Research and Development in Atlanta makes it clear that Duracell sees the State of Georgia as a long-term partner in their success strategy.”

    About Duracell

    Started in the 1920s, the Duracell brand and company was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.  (NYSE-BRK.A, BRK.B) in 2016 and has grown to be a leader in the primary battery market in North America. Duracell’s products serve as the heart of devices that keep people connected, protect their families, entertain them, and simplify their increasingly mobile lifestyles. Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is a $250 billion holding company owning subsidiaries that engage in diverse business activities. Visit www.duracell.com  for more information; follow Duracell on X.com/Duracell and like Duracell on Facebook.com/Duracell.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Greenland’s rapidly melting ice and landslide-prone fjords make the oil and minerals Trump covets dangerous to extract

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul Bierman, Fellow of the Gund Institute for Environment, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Vermont

    Greenland has large deposits of rare earth minerals along its coasts, but these are also geologically hazardous regions. Alex Hibbert/The Image Bank via Getty Images

    Since Donald Trump regained the presidency, he has coveted Greenland. Trump has insisted that the U.S. will control the island, currently an autonomous territory of Denmark, and if his overtures are rejected, perhaps seize Greenland by force.

    During a recent congressional hearing, senators and expert witnesses focused on Greenland’s strategic value and its natural resources: critical minerals, fossil fuels and hydropower. No one mentioned the hazards, many of them exacerbated by human-induced climate change, that those longing to possess and develop the island will inevitably encounter.

    That’s imprudent, because the Arctic’s climate is changing more rapidly than anywhere on Earth. Such rapid warming further increases the already substantial economic and personal risk for those living, working and extracting resources on Greenland, and for the rest of the planet.

    Arctic surface temperatures have been rising faster than the global average.
    Arctic Report Card 2024, NOAA Climate.gov

    I am a geoscientist who studies the environmental history of Greenland and its ice sheet, including natural hazards and climate change. That knowledge is essential for understanding the risks that military and extractive efforts face on Greenland today and in the future.

    Greenland: Land of extremes

    Greenland is unlike where most people live. The climate is frigid. For much of the year, sea ice clings to the coast, making it inaccessible.

    An ice sheet, up to 2 miles thick, covers more than 80% of the island. The population, about 56,000 people, lives along the island’s steep, rocky coastline.

    While researching my book “When the Ice is Gone,” I discovered how Greenland’s harsh climate and vast wilderness stymied past colonial endeavors. During World War II, dozens of U.S. military pilots, disoriented by thick fog and running out of fuel, crashed onto the ice sheet. An iceberg from Greenland sunk the Titanic in 1912, and 46 years later, another sunk a Danish vessel specifically designed to fend off ice, killing all 95 aboard.

    Now amplified by climate change, natural hazards make resource extraction and military endeavors in Greenland uncertain, expensive and potentially deadly.

    Rock on the move

    Greenland’s coastal landscape is prone to rockslides. The hazard arises because the coast is where people live and where rock isn’t hidden under the ice sheet. In some places, that rock contains critical minerals, such as gold, as well as other rare metals used for technology, including for circuit boards and electrical vehicle batteries.

    The unstable slopes reflect how the ice sheet eroded the deep fjords when it was larger. Now that the ice has melted, nothing buttresses the near-vertical valley walls, and so, they collapse.

    In 2017, a northwestern Greenland mountainside fell 3,000 feet into the deep waters of the fjord below. Moments later, the wave that rockfall generated (a tsunami) washed over the nearby villages of Nuugaatsiaq and Illorsuit. The water, laden with icebergs and sea ice, ripped homes from their foundations as people and sled dogs ran for their lives. By the time it was over, four people were dead and both villages lay in ruin.

    Steep fjord walls around the island are littered with the scars of past rockslides. The evidence shows that at one point in the last 10,000 years, one of those slides dropped rock sufficient to fill 3.2 million Olympic swimming pools into the water below. In 2023, another rockslide triggered a tsunami that sloshed back and forth for nine days in a Greenland fjord.

    A cellphone video captures the June 2017 tsunami wave coming ashore in northwestern Greenland.

    There’s no network of paved roads across Greenland. The only feasible way to move heavy equipment, minerals and fossil fuels would be by sea. Docks, mines and buildings within tens of feet of sea level would be vulnerable to rockslide-induced tsunamis.

    Melting ice will be deadly and expensive

    Human-induced global warming, driven by fossil fuel combustion, speeds the melting of Greenland’s ice. That melting is threatening the island’s infrastructure and the lifestyles of native people, who over millennia have adapted their transportation and food systems to the presence of snow and ice. Record floods, fed by warmth-induced melting of the ice sheet, have recently swept away bridges that stood for half a century.

    As the climate warms, permafrost – frozen rock and soil – which underlies the island, thaws. This destabilizes the landscape, weakening steep slopes and damaging critical infrastructure.

    An excavator tries to save a bridge over the Watson River at Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. Part of the bridge and the machine were eventually swept away by the rushing meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet during a heat wave in July 2012.

    Permafrost melt is already threatening the U.S. military base on Greenland. As the ice melts and the ground settles under runways, cracks and craters form – a hazard for airplanes. Buildings tilt as their foundations settle into the softening soil, including critical radar installations that have scanned the skies for missiles and bombers since the 1950s.

    Greenland’s icebergs can threaten oil rigs. As the warming climate speeds the flow of Greenland’s glaciers, they calve more icebergs in the ocean. The problem is worse close to Greenland, but some icebergs drift toward Canada, endangering oil rigs there. Ships stand guard, ready to tow threatening icebergs away.

    An iceberg passes near an oil drilling rig in eastern Canada.
    Geoffrey Whiteway/500px Plus via Getty Images

    Greenland’s government banned drilling for fossil fuels in 2021 out of concern for the environment. Yet, Trump and his allies remain eager to see exploration resume off the island, despite exceptionally high costs, less than stellar results from initial drilling, and the ever-present risk of icebergs.

    As Greenland’s ice melts and water flows into the ocean, sea level changes, but in ways that might not be intuitive. Away from the island, sea level is rising about an inch each six years. But close to the ice sheet, it’s the land that’s rising. Gradually freed of the weight of its ice, the rock beneath Greenland, long depressed by the massive ice sheet, rebounds. That rise is rapid – more than 6 feet per century. Soon, many harbors in Greenland may become too shallow for ship traffic.

    Streams of meltwater flow over the silt-covered surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet as it melts in summer heat near Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland.
    REDA/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Greenland’s challenging past and future

    History clearly shows that many past military and colonial endeavors failed in Greenland because they showed little consideration of the island’s harsh climate and dynamic ice sheet.

    Changing climate drove Norse settlers out of Greenland 700 years ago. Explorers trying to cross the ice sheet lost their lives to the cold. American bases built inside the ice sheet, such as Camp Century, were quickly crushed as the encasing snow deformed.

    In the past, the American focus in Greenland was on short-term gains with little regard for the future. Abandoned U.S. military bases from World War II, scattered around the island and in need of cleanup, are one example. Forced relocation of Greenlandic Inuit communities during the Cold War is another. I believe that Trump’s demands today for American control of the island to exploit its resources are similarly shortsighted.

    Piles of rusting fuel drums sit at an abandoned U.S. base from World War II in Ikateq, in eastern Greenland.
    Posnov/Moment via Getty Images

    However, when it comes to the planet’s livability, I’ve argued that the greatest strategic and economic value of Greenland to the world is not its location or its natural resources, but its ice. That white snow and ice reflect sunlight, keeping Earth cool. And the ice sheet, perched on land, keeps water out of the ocean. As it melts, Greenland’s ice sheet will raise global sea level, up to about 23 feet when all the ice is gone.

    Climate-driven sea level rise is already flooding coastal regions around the world, including major economic centers. As that continues, estimates suggest that the damage will total trillions of dollars. Unless Greenland’s ice remains frozen, coastal inundation will force the largest migration that humanity has ever witnessed. Such changes are predicted to destabilize the global economic and strategic world order.

    These examples show that disregarding the risks of natural hazards and climate change in Greenland courts disaster, both locally and globally.

    Paul Bierman receives funding from the US National Science Foundation and the University of Vermont Gund Institute for Environment

    – ref. Greenland’s rapidly melting ice and landslide-prone fjords make the oil and minerals Trump covets dangerous to extract – https://theconversation.com/greenlands-rapidly-melting-ice-and-landslide-prone-fjords-make-the-oil-and-minerals-trump-covets-dangerous-to-extract-249985

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New animal licensing policy on the way

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A new animal licensing policy looks set to be adopted which will help make things clearer for people who run businesses involving animals, such as dog breeding, boarding of cats and dogs, including day care for dogs, keeping or training animals for exhibition and hiring out horses.

    The new policy, which comes into effect on 1 April, outlines our process for issuing an animal activities licence, but sets out clearly that applicants must:

    • have no relevant convictions
    • have not been disqualified from holding a licence
    • have the knowledge, experience, compliance history, and ability to comply with licence rules and safeguard the welfare of animals in their care
    • has made suitable management and training arrangements to safeguard and protect any staff and/or members of the public who may be affected by the licensed activity.

    As part of this policy, all applicants and licence holders need to submit a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, issued within three months before making an application.

    The policy applies to both those looking to start a business and those already running one. For those already running a business, they will need to comply with the new requirements when they renew their licence.

    There are 60 licensees in Plymouth:

    • selling animals as pets – ten
    • cat boarding – four
    • commercial day care – one
    • dog kennelling – one
    • dog breeding – six
    • home boarding – 36
    • animal exhibition – two

    Currently, there is no database to track animal welfare offences and disqualifications related to animals. A DBS check will strengthen the council’s ability to determine whether someone is suitable to hold a licence, operate the business and comply with licence conditions.

    There will also be a requirement for applicants to submit a written safeguarding policy and provide training for staff whose activities involve contact with children or vulnerable adults. Applicants and licence holders whose activities involve such contact must introduce a staff vetting procedure.

    Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member with responsibility for licensing, said: “This is about making it absolutely clear what we expect from people who run businesses looking after animals. While the vast majority show the utmost professionalism, we are sadly all too aware of some awful cases where a quick buck trumps the welfare of the animals.

    “It’s important that these rules are in place to protect animals from incidents like overbreeding, overcrowding when boarding and from people who aren’t aware of the rules that come with handling animals and the care that comes with it. Getting a licence is the first step if you’re thinking of starting a business which involves animals.”

    A person who carries out a licensable activity without a licence commits a criminal offence and is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for up to six months, a fine or both.

    If you think someone is unlicensed or have a complaint you can report the issue.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inspectors praise Good rated Adult Education Wolverhampton

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Inspectors visited the City of Wolverhampton Council run service last month and, in their report published this week, praised consistently high attendance across all courses. Students ‘enjoy their studies’, ‘learn in a calm and purposeful environment’, ‘develop their confidence and feel well supported by staff’.

    Students who are looking for employment or higher skilled jobs receive ‘specialist high quality careers advice and guidance’, with a high proportion of students achieving their learning goals and being well prepared for their next steps.

    Students benefit from Adult Education Wolverhampton’s links with employers or community groups. The service also provides ‘positive learning opportunities for families in local schools’.

    Inspectors concluded that Wolverhampton Adult Education Service continues to be a good provider.

    Anna Place, Deputy Head of Service said: “The service aims to continuously improve, and the inspectors recognised our strengthened quality assurance and improvement strategies that have supported high levels of achievement.”

    Councillor Chris Burden, the council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “This is great news and I’m delighted that the inspectors have continued to recognise the enthusiasm, dedication and expertise that our teachers and the wider service brings to adult students across the city each and every day.

    “Providing good quality education and training for all our residents to learn and grow, increasing their employability and wellbeing, whatever their age or situation, is a key commitment in Our City: Our Plan, and I’m pleased that Adult Education Wolverhampton is continuing to help us deliver on that pledge.

    “A recent survey found that 99% of students would recommend Adult Education Wolverhampton to their friends and family, and I would urge residents to take full advantage of the opportunities available.”

    To find out more about courses available through Adult Education Wolverhampton, please visit Adult Education Wolverhampton, call 01902 558180 or attend the next open day taking place on Saturday 21 June.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Latest Council Budget plans include £5m boost for neighbourhoods

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester City Council is set to invest around £5 million extra funding to keep neighbourhoods clean, green and tidy. 

    The move, proposed in newly-published reports about the Council’s 2025/26 budget to be considered at its Executive meeting on 19 February, will be funded from Manchester’s £5.4 million share of a rebate to councils from Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s waste reserve which was announced last week.  

    The extra funding, to be spent over three years, will be used to improve and support the upkeep of neighbourhoods across the city. In the council’s recent budget consultation this was the top priority identified by residents – with 77.5% of residents putting it among the issues which mattered the most to them.  

    £4.6 million of the extra funding will be invested to boost services to keep neighbourhoods clean, including cleaning, combatting flytipping, maintenance of green spaces and leaf collection. 

    A further £400,000 will be used to overturn a decision taken last year to start charging for replacement recycling bins which would have applied from this April.  

    The remainder will be invested in other neighbourhood priorities including an extra £338,000 towards improved enforcement to tackle damp and mould in private rented sector properties.  

    While significant challenges remain, the Council’s position has improved since planning for its 2025/26 budget began in spring 2024. At that point the then Government had indicated there would be real terms funding cuts for local government which, together with emerging pressures, would have required deep cuts.  

    The incoming Government’s Autumn Statement reversed this position with a real terms increase in Core Spending Power instead. The Government’s financial settlement for the Council, which it received just before Christmas, was better than expected with a number of increases, especially in recognition of the nationwide pressures in social care. Manchester’s Core Spending Power increase of 10.4% is the highest nationally, reflecting a ministerial decision to direct resources to places with high deprivation levels and low council taxbases which had been the hardest hit since 2010. 

    This has meant that while £18.2m of savings from previously published savings identified for 2025/26 are required, the Council will be able to set a balanced budget for 2025/26 which also takes account of ongoing pressures. The savings relate to efficiencies and increased income generation not service reductions.  

    The budget assumes a 4.99% increase in the Council’s element of Council Tax, 2% of which is specifically to support adult social care.  

    Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said: “We are still dealing with the brutal legacy of 14 years of austerity and cuts to our funding under the previous Government, and that can’t be turned around overnight.  

    “But the improved funding under the current Government, which recognises this legacy, is a step in the right direction. Together with our careful planning, it means we’re able to bring forward a budget which looks to make lives better and improve the city.”  

    Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Finance, said: “Residents told us loud and clear in our recent budget consultation that keeping neighbourhoods clean was their top priority and we have responded to that with this extra investment. 

    “We are pleased to be in a position where can deliver a budget that works for Manchester people.”  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Communities gather to strengthen Climate Action at regional event

    Source: City of Derby

    A recent event in Derby brought together community groups, sustainability experts, and local organisations to explore key topics in community-led sustainability efforts. The event facilitated conversations on funding, decarbonisation, renewable energy, community engagement, and sustainable transport solutions.

    Delegates were able to hear from topic experts, engage with case studies, and participate in meaningful discussions aimed at driving action and collaboration within their communities.

    As part of the event, attendees were able to take part in table discussions guided by facilitators, ensuring that key insights, innovative ideas, and critical challenges were captured and shared. 

    The event aimed to provide community groups with the knowledge and resources to take action on pressing sustainability issues. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the event hoped to empower communities to drive change at a local level.

    Key topics at the event included: 

    • Community funding and creating bids 
    • Decarbonising community buildings and local homes 
    • Local sustainable transport and travel 
    • Local Area Energy Planning 

    Joanna Watson, Founder of Darley Community Energy Ltd commented: 

    “The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Community Event was packed full of interesting speakers and representatives from across the Community Energy sector. Of particular interest was insight into the Local Area Energy Plan consultation process and that Community Energy groups are recognised as key stakeholders. It was good to see many familiar faces from across the sector sharing their work, and also a great networking opportunity.” 

    Peter Burgess-Allen, Project Manager and Development Lead at Marches Energy Agency added: 

    “A lot of my work at Marches Energy Agency involves talking to community activists or council officers, and sometimes managing to get them together. It was great to see community groups given a platform to share their work and hear about council strategy to tackle emissions, in the same space.  I look forward to more debate and interaction going forwards!”

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said: 

    “Community groups are a vital part of our journey to net-zero and really hold the key to accelerating projects in their local area. This event showed that we’re lucky to have lots of engaged communities in the area and I look forward to taking forward the learning and knowledge shared at the event.” 

    The event was funded by Fast Followers, part of Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living Programme, designed to help places and businesses across the UK to accelerate the delivery of the transition to Net Zero. 

    The event was hosted by a partnership of Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Gedling Borough Council and Broxtowe Borough Council.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: 38.4 million square meters of non-residential buildings will be commissioned in Russia in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    According to the results of 2024, positive dynamics of non-residential real estate construction are noted – 7.7% more was commissioned compared to 2023. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “The construction of non-residential real estate is a key factor in the balanced development of territories. To create a modern residential development, it is necessary to have a developed infrastructure, as well as commercial, sports and socio-cultural facilities. In turn, new business projects seek to be located in prosperous residential areas, which helps to create a comfortable environment for citizens. Thus, according to the results of the completed national project “Housing and Urban Environment”, last year 38.4 million square meters of non-residential real estate were commissioned, which is 7.7%, or 2.7 million square meters, higher than the 2023 figures. The largest increase is observed in the commissioning of commercial (by 23.6%) and industrial (by 19.9%) buildings. The new national project “Infrastructure for Life” is the successor to the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” and is aimed, among other things, at building high-quality housing in combination with a comfortable urban environment, which attracts both residents and investors,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that when analyzing the structure of commissioned non-residential facilities, the largest share is occupied by commercial buildings (9.5 million sq. m), transport, communications, religious, etc. facilities (8.8 million sq. m), followed by industrial buildings (6.6 million sq. m) and educational institutions (6.4 million sq. m). These categories account for approximately 80% of all non-residential buildings constructed.

    Marat Khusnullin added that the leaders in terms of total commissioning of non-residential buildings in 2024 are the Central (13 million sq. m), Volga (6.9 million sq. m) and Northwestern (4.2 million sq. m) federal districts. The largest increase in total commissioning in 2024 is in the Far Eastern (52.7% compared to 2023), Siberian (34% compared to 2023) and Northwestern (15.5% compared to 2023) federal districts.

    “Among the regions leading in terms of commissioning of non-residential premises, it is worth noting the Moscow Region (5.2 million sq. m) and the city of Moscow (3.5 million sq. m), the Krasnodar Region (2.4 million sq. m), the city of St. Petersburg (2.2 million sq. m) and the Republic of Tatarstan (1.8 million sq. m). The new national project “Infrastructure for Life” provides for a number of tools to support the construction of infrastructure, including the provision of loans, direct subsidies, as well as the development of key settlements,” said Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Irek Fayzullin.

    About a quarter of the commissioned non-residential real estate is commercial buildings; in 2024, the share of buildings of this type in the total volume of commissioned buildings was 24.6%.

    “Today, the leaders in terms of commercial building commissioning volume are Moscow Region (1.3 million sq. m), Moscow (1.6 million sq. m), Krasnodar Region (0.89 million sq. m), Sverdlovsk Region (0.49 million sq. m), the Republic of Bashkortostan (0.34 million sq. m), as well as the Republic of Tatarstan (0.31 million sq. m) and Stavropol Region (0.31 million sq. m). For the regions, the development of commercial real estate is especially important, since thanks to this, large investments come to the territories and they can actively develop. This indicates that a comfortable investment climate and other attractive conditions for business development have been created for companies in these regions,” emphasized Dina Safiullina, Director of the Federal Autonomous Institution “Project Directorate of the Ministry of Construction of Russia”.

    In Russia in 2024, 25,881 permits were issued for the construction of non-residential buildings (3.2% of 2023) with a total area of 62 million square meters (12.7% of 2023). The construction area under valid permits as of December 31, 2024 amounted to 155 million square meters (15.2% of 2023).

    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: Help stop the spread of winter vomiting bug

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach bug that causes sickness and diarrhoea. It can be very unpleasant, but most people will make a full recovery within 2 or 3 days without needing any medicine.

    However, some groups – including young children, the elderly or those with weakened immunity – are at risk of suffering more serious and prolonged illness, which may require medical treatment.

    Symptoms include feeling sick, being sick and diarrhoea, as well as a raised temperature, headache, tummy pain and body aches. The virus can easily spread from person to person through hand to mouth contact and can be picked up by touching infected surfaces such as equipment, hands, toys or dirty nappies or from eating food prepared or handled by someone with norovirus.

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly anywhere that people are gathered, such as hospitals, schools or offices, especially during colder weather.

    “If you have norovirus, avoid visiting people in hospitals and care homes to prevent passing on the infection in these settings.

    “Do not return to work, school or nursery until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped and do not prepare food for others in that time either, because the virus can still be passed on in the days after you stop being sick.

    “Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water is the best way to stop it spreading; this is particularly important after an episode of illness, after using the toilet, before eating or preparing food.”

    If you are concerned about symptoms talk to your GP by phone, contact NHS 111. For more information on how to help yourself or your family members recover from norovirus, visit NHS | Norovirus (vomiting bug).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro – Chinese-language metro map already in the hands of 2,000 passengers!

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Metro

    The Chinese-language metro map is already in the hands of 2,000 passengers! That’s how many people have already received it:

    Received a paper version of the map at more than 30 Live Communication ticket offices. Downloaded an electronic version from the Unified Transport Portal. Moscow Metro. Moscow Metro.

    We’re sharing details about the Chinese-language map we developed together with native speakers:

    We composed the names of metro stations and other transport facilities using the generally accepted transcription system – Palladius. According to this method, they sound similar to the names in Russian.

    We translated the map legend: the meaning of the icons, information about the metro operation, indicated the chatbot Alexandra and the Moscow Metro application.

    We have kept the familiar design so that visitors can easily find the stations they need on other transport maps.

    According to the Transport Complex Development Program until 2030, approved by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, we make city transport personalized and convenient for everyone. This year, the metro map will appear on new digital media, as well as on touch screens in the Moscow modification trains. In the future, the map will appear in the Moscow Metro and Moscow Transport applications, said Maxim Liksutov.

    In our video, native speakers pronounce the names of various metro and MCD stations in Chinese.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/19/2025, 10:40 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for security RU000A1012B3 (FPK 1P-07) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    02/19/2025

    10:40

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 19.02.2025, 10-40 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 95.96) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1006.63 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A1012B3 (FPK 1P-07) were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The deposit auction of the Moscow Small Business Lending Assistance Fund will take place on 19.02.2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Parameters;

    The date of the deposit auction is 19.02.2025. The placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 127,000,000.00. The placement period, days is 20. The date of depositing funds is 19.02.2025. The date of return of funds is 11.03.2025. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 21.00. The terms of the conclusion are urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 127,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form is open or closed (Open). The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 11:30 to 11:40. Applications in competition mode from 11:40 to 11:45. Setting the cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid before 11:55.

    Additional conditions – Placement of funds with the possibility of early withdrawal of the entire deposit amount and payment of interest accrued on the deposit amount at the rate established by the deposit transaction, in the event of non-compliance of the Bank with the requirements established by clause 2.1. of the Regulation “On the procedure for selecting banks for placing funds of the Moscow Small Business Lending Assistance Fund in deposits (deposits) under the GDS” (as amended on the date of the deposit transaction), early withdrawal at the “on demand” rate, payment of interest at the end of the term, without replenishment.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/19/2025, 12-18 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A107PU5 (RZhD 1P-30R) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    02/19/2025

    12:18

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 19.02.2025, 12-18 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 106.31) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1171.51 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 27.5%) of the security RU000A107PU5 (RZhD 1P-30R) were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 02/19/2025, 13-34 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the SU26231RMFS9 security (OFZ 26231) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    02/19/2025

    13:34

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 19.02.2025, 13-34 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 10.41) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 120.08 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 50.0%) of the SU26231RMFS9 security (OFZ 26231) were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N77824

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 19.02.2025, the deposit auction of the PPC “TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND” will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Parameters;

    Date of the deposit auction 02/19/2025. Placement currency RUB. Maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) 1,608,000,000.00. Placement term, days 8. Date of depositing funds 02/19/2025. Date of return of funds 02/27/2025. Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum 21.00. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). Minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) 1,608,000,000.00. Maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). Basis of the Agreement – General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 14:30 to 14:40. Applications in competition mode from 14:40 to 14:45. Setting the cutoff percentage rate or declaring the auction failed until 14:55.

    Additional terms

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro – The metro map in Chinese is already in the hands of 2,000 passengers!

    Source: Moscow Metro

    The metro map in Chinese is already in the hands of 2,000 passengers! That’s the number of people who have:

    • Received a paper version of the map at more than 30 Live Communication desks.
    • Downloaded the electronic version from the Unified Transport Portal.
    Moscow Metro.

    We’re sharing details about the Chinese-language map, which we developed together with native speakers:

    We prepared the names of metro stations and other transportation facilities using the generally accepted transcription system – Palladius. According to this method, they are similar in sound to the names in Russian.

    We translated the map legend: the meanings of the pictograms, information about the operation of the metro, and indicated the Alexandra chatbot and the Moscow Metro app.

    We maintained the familiar design so that visitors can easily find the stations they need on other maps in transport.

    According to the Transport Complex Development Program until 2030, approved by the Mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin, we are making urban transport personalized and convenient for everyone. This year, the metro map will appear on new digital media, as well as on touch screens in Moskva modification trains. In the future, the map will appear in the Moscow Metro and Moscow Transport apps, – said Maksim Liksutov.

    In our clip, native speakers pronounce the names of various metro and MCD stations in Chinese.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Preem Partners with Imubit to Drive Sustainability and Lower Emissions Through Advanced Closed Loop AI Optimization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Houston, TX, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston, TX – February 19, 2025 – Imubit, a global leader in closed loop artificial intelligence optimization (AIO), and Preem, Sweden’s largest fuel company, have entered into a partnership aimed at accelerating Preem’s sustainability journey through Imubit’s Closed Loop AIO technology. As part of Sweden’s drive toward a carbon-neutral future, this partnership underscores Preem’s commitment to innovative, data-driven solutions to reduce emissions and increase operational efficiency.

    Preem has set ambitious goals for emissions reduction, including meeting net zero GHG emissions throughout the value chain by 2035.  To meet this ambitious target, digitalisation for increased profitability is one of the main areas in Preem’s strategy. This partnership with Imubit represents a significant step in that direction. Imubit’s AI-driven Optimizing Brain™ solution will enable Preem’s Lysekil refinery to maximize the production efficiency of its Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit. This is anticipated to also result in emissions reductions and fuel savings by enhancing yield profiles and stabilizing the fuel gas balance.

    Dennis Rohe, Business Consulting Lead at Imubit, expressed the potential impact of the project: “Our collaboration with Preem is an opportunity to showcase the power of AI in industrial sustainability. By optimizing process variables to minimize environmental impact, we are supporting Preem in achieving emission reductions. We’re excited to drive forward their vision of greener refining practices.”

    “At Preem, we are constantly exploring new technologies to reach our sustainability goals,” Erika Wikström, SVP of Technology. “Working with Imubit allows us to leverage cutting-edge AI to optimize our renewable processes while minimizing our carbon footprint. This collaboration is an important step toward a more sustainable future for our industry.”

    The partnership between Imubit and Preem demonstrates the role of AI in transforming process industries and advancing sustainable operations. Imubit’s Closed Loop AI Optimization will help Preem set a new standard in refining, by including AI-optimisation on top of Preem’s already ambitious plans to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and enabling a sustainable energy transition across Europe.

    -ENDS-

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Condor Well in Uzbekistan Flows at 1,300 boepd After Workover Operation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Condor Energies Inc. (“Condor” or the “Company”) (TSX: CDR), a Canadian based energy transition company is pleased to provide an update on the eight gas fields production enhancement project it operates in Uzbekistan.

    On a recent workover operation, a potential gas pay section was identified using advanced cased-hole logging tools and reprocessed existing 3-D seismic data which provided significant formation imaging improvements. Prior to the workover, the well had watered out and was not producing. After perforating 23 meters of this newly identified 60-meter interval, the well began flowing at over 1,100 boepd based on a 24-hour production test and has increased to 1,300 boepd during the past 5 days as the completion fluid has now been recovered.

    At least five additional well candidates have been identified with similar geologic characteristics using a combination of legacy data and reprocessed 3-D seismic data. Over the coming weeks, these wells will be evaluated to identify potential pay intervals and perforated accordingly. The Company is currently operating two workover rigs and a wireline unit. A third workover rig and second wireline unit with advanced evaluation tools from a North American based services provider is mobilizing to Uzbekistan.

    Average production for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 10,510 boepd, up 5% from the third quarter of 2024 and yielded Q4 sales revenues of CA$20.9 million. Production was hampered in the latter part of December 2024 and January 2025 mainly from natural decline rates, as the two workover rigs focused on evaluating shallower Cretaceous-aged, stacked channel sands that had not previously been penetrated on the fields. Despite gas flowing to surface, wellhead pressures were not sufficient to match the existing flowline gathering system pressures. This was likely due in part to having limited zonal isolation to prevent water flows and also not having perforating charges that fully penetrated through two existing casing strings to provide unimpeded access to these gas reservoirs. Given that gas presence was confirmed at surface, Condor will further evaluate these Cretaceous channel sands as part of its 2025 infill well drilling campaign. Both workover rigs have now resumed work on Carbonate formation intervals and production for the past 5 days has averaged 11,455 boepd as newly perforated Carbonate zones begin flowing.

    Don Streu, President and CEO of Condor commented: “The material production gains from the ongoing workover program and facility enhancements highlights the capital efficiencies realized from our production enhancement approach. We are continuing to execute our production growth plans in 2025 by adding a third workover rig, drilling a four well vertical and horizontal infill program, continued artificial lift and in-field water separation installations, expanded regions of 3D seismic reprocessing, and field compression. The collaborative working relationship with the national company, JSC “Uzbekneftegaz (“UNG”) and national technical institutes has been instrumental in these early successes.”

    ABOUT CONDOR ENERGIES INC

    Condor Energies Inc is a TSX-listed energy transition company that is uniquely positioned on the doorstep of European and Asian markets with three distinct first-mover initiatives: increasing natural gas and condensate production from its existing fields in Uzbekistan; an ongoing project to construct and operate Central Asia’s first LNG ‘lower carbon fuel’ diesel substitution facility in Kazakhstan; and a separate initiative to develop and produce critical minerals from brines in Kazakhstan. Condor has already built a strong foundation for reserves, production and cashflow growth while also striving to minimize its environmental footprint.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. Such statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used, such as “anticipate”, “appear”, “believe”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “estimate”, “budget”, “outlook”, “scheduled”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “in the process of” or other similar wording. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, information concerning: the timing and ability to complete workovers on the next five well candidates and have them produce at commercial gas rates; the timing and ability to mobilize a third workover rig and second wireline unit; the timing and ability to access and evaluate future Cretaceous channel sands; the timing and ability to execute the 2025 work plan, including adding a third workover rig, drilling a four well vertical and horizontal infill program, continued artificial lift and in-field water separation installations, expanded regions of 3D seismic reprocessing, and field compression; and the timing and ability to maintain a collaborative working relationship with UNG and national technical institutes.

    ABBREVIATIONS

    The following is a summary of abbreviations used in this news release:

    boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day*
    CA$ Canadian dollar
    MM million
       

    * Barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) are derived by converting gas to oil in the ratio of six thousand standard cubic feet (“Mscf”) of gas to one barrel of oil based on an energy conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6 Mscf to 1 barrel, utilizing a conversion ratio at 6 Mscf to 1 barrel may be misleading as an indication of value, particularly if used in isolation.

    The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    For further information, please contact Don Streu, President and CEO or Sandy Quilty, Vice President of Finance and CFO at 403-201-9694.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos Successfully Supports Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Reach New Heights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

                                                                   News

    Atos Successfully Supports Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 Reach New Heights

    Atos services were instrumental in helping participants share their extraordinary resilience and passion on-site and with audiences worldwide

    Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, and Paris, France, February 18, 2025 – Atos, a global leader in digital transformation and the Official Technology Partner of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, today announces it has successfully delivered the full range of critical IT services that helped make the games, which took place from February 8 to 16, 2025, a unique event.

    This event brought together up to 550 competitors from 23 nations, introducing winter sports to the Invictus Games for the first time. Atos provided the entire range of essential services, including data processing, timing and scoring, public scoreboards, TV graphics, as well as live results for a total of 11 sports: Wheelchair Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Rugby, Indoor Rowing, Swimming, Wheelchair Curling, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Biathlon, Nordic Skiing, and Skeleton.

    The Invictus Games is an international adaptive multi-sport event founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, for wounded, injured, and sick service members and Veterans. Launched in London in 2014, the Games aim to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their countries. Participants compete in a spirit of brotherhood, sharing their experiences and showcasing their resilience, determination and courage. 

    Adaptative sports come with a unique set of rules and categories based on competitors’ health, where Atos’ experience and advanced sports technologies play a crucial role. These solutions significantly enhance the readiness and deployment capabilities, ensuring a seamless experience for athletes and organizers.

    Atos relied on the unparalleled expertise of its 25 on-site professionals and 10 remote technicians from its Sport Technology Center of Excellence in Spain to ensure operational excellence throughout the 8 days of competition. More than 110 computers were deployed across various sports disciplines, in addition to providing over 300 TV graphics for the live broadcast of the event. One of the highlights of Atos’s collaboration at the Invictus Games was the implementation of a remote On-Venue Result system (OVR) for certain sports, including Wheelchair Basketball, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Rugby, and Indoor Rowing. Atos experts perfectly managed, deployed, and monitored the entire spectrum of the Games’ technology, ensuring that all services run smoothly and efficiently during the entire competition.

    “We believe this event beautifully showcases the spirit of sportsmanship and the incredible resilience of the competitors” said Nacho Moros, Head of Major Events, Atos. “We are proud that our cutting-edge technology and all the experience we accumulated in supporting the largest sport events worldwide in the past decades created an amazing experience for the Invictus Games 2025 competitors and fans alike. We are looking forward to pursuing this journey, and keeping integrating new, exciting features in future editions.”

    Atos has been serving its partners and customers through a dedicated in-house sports and major events division (“Major Events”) for over 30 years, giving it an unmatched experience and the flexibility to serve its customers regardless of their exposure, size and scale. From global events to local competitions such as the next 2025 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival to be held in Bakuriani (Georgia), Atos consistently strives to deliver technology excellence to its entire customer base. 

    Atos has been involved with the Olympic Movement since 1992 and the Paralympic Movement since 2002 and is the Official Digital Technology Partner of the European Olympic Committee 2027 edition of the European Games, as well as the official Digital partner for Special Olympics International. In addition, the company is also the Official Information Technology Partner of UEFA National Team Football. Most recently, Atos has been instrumental in delivering successful leading-edge IT services for iconic events such as UEFA EURO 2024™ in Germany and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. 

    To learn more about Atos solutions for sporting events and major events, visit Atos major events. 

    ***

    About Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025

    The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, presented by ATCO and Boeing, is an international sporting competition for wounded, injured, and sick service members and Veterans. From February 8-16, 2025, the seventh Invictus Games brought together up to 550 competitors from up to 25 nations in 11 adaptive sports in the natural beauty of British Columbia, Canada. Invictus means unconquered and the Games celebrate courage, resiliency and the strength of the human spirit. Through the power of sport, the Games will inspire recovery, support rehabilitation, and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who have served their country.   

    The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 were held on the traditional territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Líl̓wat), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. True Patriot Love Foundation, the Government of Canada, and the Province of British Columbia are the valued Founding Partners of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.   

    Visit invictusgames2025.ca for the latest updates, supporting materials and full Games details. 

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 82,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Laurent Massicot | laurent.massicot@atos.net | +33 (0)7 69 48 01 80

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Data443 Partners with TierPoint to Expand Data Center Footprint

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Collaboration Triples Infrastructure Capacity to Support Rapid Customer Growth and AI Initiatives

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc. (OTCPK: ATDS) (“Data443” or the “Company”), a data security and privacy software company for “All Things Data Security,” today announced a strategic agreement with TierPoint, a premier provider of secure, connected data center and cloud solutions. This agreement will enable Data443 to triple its data center infrastructure capacity, supporting the company’s rapid customer growth, operational efficiency initiatives, and upcoming artificial intelligence programs.

    Through this collaboration, Data443 will leverage TierPoint’s state-of-the-art facilities to enhance its infrastructure capabilities while optimizing operational expenses. The expansion addresses increasing customer demand for Data443’s comprehensive suite of data security, privacy, and compliance solutions.

    Jason Remillard, Founder and CEO of Data443 commented: “Our partnership with TierPoint came together out of necessity in tripling our data center capacity to meeting the current demands of our growing customer base. Working with TierPoint positions us for future expansion, particularly in the realm of AI-driven security solutions. TierPoint’s robust infrastructure and proven track record make them the ideal partner for these initiatives.”

    “Our support for Data443 highlights TierPoint’s ability to deliver scalable and reliable data center solutions,” said Gus Hoover, Director Data Center Operations at TierPoint. “By scaling quickly to support Data443’s growth and leveraging redundant infrastructure, we’re providing a cutting-edge solution tailored to their needs.”

    The expanded infrastructure will support Data443’s continued innovation in data security and privacy solutions and is expected to generate substantial operational cost savings through improved efficiency and economies of scale.

    The collaboration delivers multiple strategic advantages that will strengthen Data443’s market position and operational capabilities. The immediate tripling of data center capacity will accommodate the company’s rapid customer growth, while enhanced infrastructure capabilities will power next-generation AI initiatives. Additionally, the expanded infrastructure will enable accelerated deployment of new services and solutions, allowing Data443 to respond more quickly to evolving market demands.

    Recently the company announced its acquisition of leading AI email managment provider Breezemail.ai as it continues innovation in the data security realms.

    About TierPoint

    TierPoint (tierpoint.com) is a leading provider of secure, connected IT platform solutions that power the digital transformation of thousands of clients, from the public to private sectors, from small businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises. Taking an agnostic approach to helping clients achieve their most pressing business objectives, TierPoint is a champion for untangling the complexity of hybrid, multi-platform approaches to IT infrastructure, drawing on a comprehensive portfolio of services, from public to multitenant and private cloud, from colocation to disaster recovery, security, and more. TierPoint also has one of the largest and most geographically diversified U.S. footprints, with dozens of world-class, cloud-ready data centers in 20 markets, connected by a coast-to-coast network.

    About Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc.

    Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc. (OTCPK: ATDS) provides software and services to enable secure data across devices and databases, at rest and in flight/in transit, locally, on a network or in the cloud. We are All Things Data Security™. With over 10,000 customers in over 100 countries, Data443 provides a modern approach to data governance and security by identifying and protecting all sensitive data regardless of location, platform or format. Data443’s framework helps customers prioritize risk, identify security gaps and implement effective data protection and privacy management strategies. For more information, visit: https://data443.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements 

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of terms such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursuant,” “target,” “continue” or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. Statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding Data443’s plans, objectives, future opportunities for Data443’s services, future financial performance and operating results, and any other statements regarding Data443’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance, or regarding the anticipated consummation of any transaction, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions, many of which are difficult to predict or are beyond Data443’s control. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. They may relate to the outcome of litigation, settlements and investigations; actions by third parties, including governmental agencies; volatility in customer spending; global economic conditions; inability to hire and retain personnel; loss of, or reduction in business with, key customers; difficulty with growth and integration of acquisitions; product liability; cybersecurity risk; anti-takeover measures in the Company’s charter documents; and the uncertainties created by global health issues, such as the ongoing outbreak of COVID, and political unrest and conflict, such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. These and other important risk factors are described more fully in the Company’s reports and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“the SEC”), including in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 17, 2024, and subsequent filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Data443 undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

    “DATA443” is a registered trademark of Data443 Risk Mitigation, Inc.

    All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this press release are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks and brands does not imply endorsement.

    For further information:
    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/data443-risk-mitigation-inc/
    Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZXDhJcx-XgMBhvE9aFHRdA
    Sign up for our Investor Newsletter: https://data443.com/investor-email-alerts/

    To learn more about Data443, please watch the Company’s video introduction on its YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1Fp93jOxFSg

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Matthew Abenante
    ir@data443.com
    919.858.6542

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The floor is yours, Vyacheslav Butusov! The legendary rock musician met with polytechnicians

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On the eve of the 126th anniversary of the university, the Polytechnics received an extraordinary gift – the legendary rock musician, leader of the Nautilus Pompilius group Vyacheslav Butusov performed on the stage of the White Hall. He answered questions and performed several compositions. The meeting was the tenth, anniversary, within the framework of discussion club “You have the floor!” ecosystem “Lepota” and was a sold-out event.

    Before meeting with fans, Vyacheslav Butusov visited the Technopolis Polytech research building on a tour. He looked at the model of the SPbPU campus, gave an interview in a TV studio, and got acquainted with the university’s capabilities.

    At this time, there were no free seats left in the White Hall, as there were many people who wanted to talk to the famous musician. Registration ended a few minutes after it began, which is not surprising. The Nautilus Pompilius group began its creative activity in 1982 in Sverdlovsk and during its existence, it has given many beloved hits. In the early 2000s, the U-Piter group became a new chapter in the life of Vyacheslav Butusov, and now he is actively creating new songs with the Order of Glory.

    The Polytechnicians greeted the guest with thunderous applause. The head of the news portal department of the SPbPU USO Evgeny Gusev asked questions from the Polytechnic Telegram channel, and there were also questions from the audience – an impressive queue formed at the microphone.

    I am very glad to be here with you today, on the eve of a holiday. 126 years is a good age, congratulations, – Vyacheslav Gennadyevich greeted.

    The conversation began with a question about spiritual development and the path to God.

    We all go to God, but not everyone knows about it. When you wake up in the morning, first of all you need to thank God. The first thing I always say is: “Glory to God.” In the morning, first of all you need to read the prayer rule, which for everyone consists of a certain set of prayers. A very important point is church services, because they discipline. I am not the kind of person who can be an example of an Orthodox Christian, I am just learning for now. I can say with absolute certainty that we live in a world where miracles happen. This is not just encouraging, it is inspiring, – noted Vyacheslav Butusov.

    The meeting participants were interested in how the musician evaluates modern youth.

    There are wonderful young people now. I was young myself, so I understand all the emotional trepidation, the element of hypersensitivity, how difficult it can be sometimes. It is we, already polished, hardened, who perceive everything with prepared attention. My son Daniil, who has the good fortune to study at the Polytechnic University, for me is the standard that I represent today in relation to young people, – said Vyacheslav Gennadyevich.

    Guests of the White Hall learned that the musician, who was educated as an architect, dreamed of becoming an engineer.

    When I was a schoolboy, the ultimate dream for us was to become an engineer. At 14-15 years old, I already knew for sure that I would go to the Polytechnic, but it didn’t work out: my parents took me to the North. Now my son, a student at SPbPU, is making my dream come true, – shared Vyacheslav Gennadyevich.

    The Polytechnicians asked about their attitude to music and where they get their inspiration from.

    “Music, due to its abstractness and breadth of perception, is so polysemantic that there is no need to ever limit this polysemanticity. It gives every person the opportunity to see what is close to them and what they need at the moment. It is even, in a sense, therapy, a panacea. When I am in a state of perceiving music, I feel like an absolutely happy person. It is some kind of miraculous process.

    I am inspired by communication with children, they give me the opportunity to continue working, because I draw on their wild energy,” said Vyacheslav Butusov.

    Viewers asked about their favorite places:

    My favorite place now is Tsarskoe Selo, where we live. For me, there is no better place in the world. Of course, it is connected with Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. We live in a place where Alexander Sergeevich spent a significant period of time, I see all this, I walk around these places. Everything is so fabulous!

    And about protest in songs:

    We never protested against anyone, because it is a bad thing. We described what was happening at the moment. Just a chronicle. What I categorically rebel against is what the devil is doing in this world.

    The Polytechnicians had time to talk about many things with the legend: about overcoming creative crises, attitudes towards artificial intelligence, new formations in the Russian language, about the release of the album “Adam’s Lament” from the symphonic cycle of the same name by Vyacheslav Butusov based on the Holy Scriptures, about filming the movie “Brother”, friendship with Alexey Balabanov and Sergey Bodrov, about the golden age of the Leningrad Rock Club, Konstantin Kinchev from “Alisa” and Viktor Tsoi from “Kino”, about Yekaterinburg and happy student years.

    The meeting at the Polytechnic University continued with the performance of popular songs by the group Nautilus Pompilius. Of course, Vyacheslav Butusov was called for an encore and then was not let go for a long time, having organized an impromptu photo and autograph session.

    Polytechnicians shared unforgettable emotions on social networks:

    “The best day ever!! Thanks to the organizers for such a gift and a wonderful evening”;

    “Butusov at the Polytechnic. A hall full of students. “Goodbye, America”, “I Want to Be with You” and other hits. Calm, intelligent conversation. Excellent guitar playing, wonderful voice. Absolute delight”;

    “This is amazing!!! I’ve watched the whole video a million times already!!!”

    “It touched me right to the soul…”

    “I want to say thank you very much! I will carefully keep the memories of this day in my heart!”

    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 Nations: University of Potsdam (UP)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    Since its founding in 1991, the University of Potsdam has excelled in research and teaching and is well positioned both on a national and international scale. The university aims to play an active role among Germany’s leading research universities on a sustained basis. The university actively engages in qualified training of urgently needed skilled personnel and ensure a rapid translation of the latest scientific findings into practice. It is of particular concern to us to win strong political, economic, and social partners. Through its reporting, the university aims to inform, arouse interest, and show connecting factors which improve the density and stability of the university’s network for education, science and knowledge transfer – to the benefit of Brandenburg.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council to Hold its Fifty-Eighth Regular Session from 24 February to 4 April 2025

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-eighth regular session from 24 February to 4 April 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, starting with its high-level segment from 24 to 26 February, when dignitaries representing more than 100 Member States will address the Council.

    The session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February under the Presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland. Delivering statements at the opening will be the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres; the President of the United Nations General Assembly , Philemon Yang; the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk; as well as the Chief of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis. The Council will be meeting in room XX of the Palais des Nations.

    On Monday, 3 March, the Council is scheduled to hear a global update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights around the world. The general debate on his global update will start following his presentation of a number of country-specific reports and updates.

    During the session, the Council will hold 30 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, his Office and designated experts, with Special Procedure mandate holders and investigative mechanisms, and with Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. The Council will also hold five enhanced interactive dialogues and one high-level dialogue, as well as nine general debates.

    The Council will also hold the annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming with a focus on the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty ; panel discussions on early warning and genocide, HIV response and leaving no one behind, and on rights to work and to social security ; the annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities; the annual discussion on the rights of the child; and a commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

    The Council will examine the situation of human rights in a number of countries under its various agenda items, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Nicaragua, Afghanistan and Myanmar under agenda item two; in Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Belarus, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and Myanmar under agenda item four; and in Mali, Haiti, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic under agenda item 10.

    The final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of 14 States will also be considered, namely those of Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua. 

    Towards the end of the session, the Council will appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

    A detailed agenda and further information on the fifty-eighth session can be found on the session’s webpage . Reports to be presented are available here. 

    First Week of the Session 

    The fifty-eighth regular session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February with a short opening meeting, followed by the start of the high-level segment, which will continue until 26 February, and during which the Council will hear addresses by more than 100 dignitaries. Intervening during the high-level segment will be the annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming in the afternoon of 24 February and the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty in the morning of Tuesday, 25 February. The general segment will follow the conclusion of the high-level segment in the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 February.

    On Thursday, 27 February, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, followed by enhanced interactive dialogues on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and on the High Commissioner’s report on Sudan, with the assistance of the designated Expert. Friday, 28 February, will see the conclusion of the discussion on Sudan, followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. This will be followed by three interactive dialogues, the first on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, the second with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and the third on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar.

    Second Week of the Session 

    At the beginning of the second week, on the morning of Monday, 3 March, the Council will hear the High Commissioner’s global update, then conclude the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on Myanmar. This will be followed by the presentation of reports on the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner in Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras, and of another report on Cyprus, and oral updates on Sri Lanka and Nicaragua. The Council will then begin the general debate under agenda item two, namely the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, which will conclude on Tuesday, 4 March. The Council will subsequently begin its considerations under agenda item three on the promotion and protection of all human rights, holding interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.

    On the morning of Wednesday, 5 March, the Council will hold a panel on early warning and genocide prevention, then conclude its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. This will be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on transitional justice. Another panel will be held on Thursday, 6 March on HIV response and leaving no one behind, in addition to two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. A third panel will be held in the morning of Friday, 7 March on rights to work and to social security, followed by two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing and the Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism.

    Third Week of the Session 

    The Council will start its third week on Monday, 10 March with a focus on disability, beginning with an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, to be followed by the annual debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. The day will conclude with an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on foreign debt, which will continue in the morning of Tuesday, 11 March. Two more interactive dialogues will also be held on Tuesday with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.

    Wednesday, 12 March will see a further three interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, and the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on violence against children and on children and armed conflict, the latter of which will conclude on Thursday, 13 March. The focus on children will continue on Thursday, with the Council also holding its annual discussion on the rights of the child, the theme of which will be early childhood development, and starting an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, which will conclude on Friday, 14 March.

    On Friday, an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment will precede the presentation of reports by the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner and his Office, followed by the start of the general debate on agenda item three.

    Fourth Week of the Session

    The first day of the Council’s fourth week, Monday 17 March, will be devoted to concluding the general debate on agenda item three. From Tuesday, 18 March, consideration of agenda item four, human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, will begin. First on the schedule is a joint interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the independent international fact-finding mission on the situation of human rights in Iran, followed by interactive dialogues with the independent international commission of inquiry on Syria, the fact-finding mission on Venezuela and the independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine.

    On Wednesday, 19 March, after the conclusion of the dialogue with the commission of inquiry on Ukraine, three more separate interactive dialogues will be held with the group of independent experts on the situation of human rights in Belarus and with the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and in Myanmar.

    Thursday, 20 March, will see the Council hear the presentation of the High Commissioner’s report on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and his oral update of the situation of human rights in Venezuela. This will be followed by the general debate on agenda item four, which will conclude on the morning of Friday, 21 March. On Friday, the Council will also hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, before beginning considerations under agenda item five on human rights bodies and mechanisms. After hearing the presentation of reports by the Forum on Minority Issues, the Social Forum, and the Special Procedures of the Council, it will commence the general debate on agenda item five.

    Fifth Week of the Session 

    The Council will start its fifth week on Monday, 24 March with its consideration under agenda item six of the final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Reviews of 14 States: Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua. This consideration will continue through to the morning of Wednesday, 26 March, after which the Council will hold a general debate on agenda item six. This will be followed by the presentation of the reports of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General under agenda item seven, namely the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, and the general debate on this agenda item. The general debate under agenda item eight – follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – is also scheduled to commence on Wednesday afternoon.

    Ending racism will be the Council’s theme for Thursday, 27 March. After concluding the debate under agenda item eight, it will hear the presentation of the report of the intergovernmental working group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, then hold its general debate on agenda item nine, namely racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Council will also hold a meeting in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

    Friday, 28 March will begin with the conclusion of the debate under agenda item nine, followed by three interactive dialogues conducted under agenda item 10 on technical assistance and capacity-building. The first dialogue will be with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali; the second on the High Commissioner’s report on the situation of human rights in Haiti, with the participation of the Independent Expert on the subject; and the third on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.

    Sixth Week of the Session 

    Monday, 31 March is a United Nations holiday. On Tuesday, 1 April, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue on oral updates by the High Commissioner and by the team of international experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by an interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan and a high-level dialogue on the Central African Republic. At the end of the day, the Council will hear the annual presentation of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and his oral update on Georgia, and the presentation of the report of the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation, followed by the general debate on agenda item 10.

    The general debate will conclude on Wednesday, 2 April, and the Council will then start to act on draft decisions and resolutions, appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and adopt the report of the fifty-eighth regular session, before closing the session on Friday, 4 April.

    The Human Rights Council 

    The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, made up of 47 States, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 with the main purpose of addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.

    The composition of the Human Rights Council at its fifty-eighth session is as follows: Albania (2026); Algeria (2025); Bangladesh (2025); Belgium (2025); Benin (2027); Bolivia (2027); Brazil (2026); Bulgaria (2026); Burundi (2026); Chile (2025); China (2026); Colombia (2027); Costa Rica (2025); Côte d’Ivoire (2026); Cuba (2026); Cyprus (2027); Czechia (2027); Democratic Republic of the Congo (2027); Dominican Republic (2026); Ethiopia (2027); France (2026); Gambia (2027); Georgia (2025); Germany (2025); Ghana (2026); Iceland (2027); Indonesia (2026); Japan (2026); Kenya (2027); Kuwait (2026); Kyrgyzstan (2025); Malawi (2026); Maldives (2025); Marshall Islands (2027); Mexico (2027); Morocco (2025); Netherlands (2026); North Macedonia (2027); Qatar (2027); Republic of Korea (2027); Romania (2025); South Africa (2025); Spain (2027); Sudan (2025); Switzerland (2027); Thailand (2027); and Viet Nam (2025).

    The term of membership of each State expires in the year indicated in parentheses.

    The President of the Human Rights Council in 2025 is Jürg Lauber (Switzerland). The four Vice-Presidents are Tareq Md Ariful Islam (Bangladesh), Razvan Rusu (Romania), Paul Empole Losoko Efambe (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and a fourth Vice-President to be elected later from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. Efambe will also serve as Rapporteur of the Geneva-based body.

    The dates and venue of the fifty-eighth session are subject to change.

    Information on the fifty-eighth session can be found here , including the annotated agenda and the reports to be presented.

    For further information, please contact Pascal Sim (simp@un.org), Matthew Brown (matthew.brown@un.org) or David Díaz Martín (David.diazmartin@un.org)

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    HRC.25.001E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: How Pasta Revived an Abandoned Land—with EU Support

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    For over 50 years, a visionary family has transformed an abandoned monastery into a thriving organic farm and pasta producer. With the support of the European Union, this small initiative grew into Italy’s first fully fair-trade food supply chain, setting an example for sustainable and competitive food production across Europe.

    This family embraced environmentally friendly practices long before organic farming became a trend, proving that sustainable agriculture is the future. Their journey—from ruined land to an award-winning European producer—highlights the power of innovation, resilience, and EU-backed investments.

    The European Commission is committed to ensuring a strong, sustainable, and competitive agri-food sector. Its policies will cover:
    – Building an attractive agri-food sector;
    – Fostering a competitive and resilient sector;
    – Providing the conditions for a future-proof sector;
    – Focusing on food, fair living and working conditions in rural areas;
    For more information on the contents of these pillars, follow this link: https://europa.eu/!Qnw393

    Thanks to EU funding, this pioneering company completed its supply chain—from cultivation to final product—and received the EU Organic Award for excellence in food processing. This story is not just about pasta; it’s about redefining the future of food.

    #EUAgriculture

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-267965
    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXbTJ5nk2n4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How plants are able to remember stress without a brain

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jurriaan Ton, Professor of Plant Environmental Signalling, University of Sheffield

    Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock

    It may sound strange but plants can remember stress. Scientists are still learning about how plants do this without a brain. But with climate change threatening crops around the world, understanding plant stress memory could help food crops become more resilient.

    Since their colonisation of the land 500 million years ago, plants have evolved ways to defend themselves against pests and disease. One of their most fascinating abilities is to “remember” stressful encounters and use this memory to defend themselves.

    This phenomenon, called immune priming, is similar to how vaccines help humans build immunity but is based on different mechanisms.

    Many people think of plants as nice-looking greens. Essential for clean air, yes, but simple organisms. A step change in research is shaking up the way scientists think about plants: they are far more complex and more like us than you might imagine. This blossoming field of science is too delightful to do it justice in one or two stories.

    This story is part of a series, Plant Curious, exploring scientific studies that challenge the way you view plantlife.

    So how do they do it without a brain?

    Plants are genetically resistant to the vast majority of potentially harmful microbes. However, a small number of microbes have evolved the ability to suppress innate immunity, enabling them to infect organisms and cause disease.

    This is why vertebrates, including humans, have evolved a mobile immune system that relies on B and T memory cells. These memory cells are activated by exposure to a disease or vaccinations, which helps us become more resistant to recurrent infections.

    Plants don’t have specialised cells to acquire immune memory. Instead, they rely on so-called “epigenetic” changes within their cells to store information about past attacks and prime their innate immune system. Once primed, plants can resist pests and diseases better – even if they were genetically susceptible to begin with.

    Research over the past ten to 15 years has shown that repeated and prolonged exposure to pests or diseases can cause long-lasting epigenetic changes to plant DNA without altering the underlying sequence of the DNA. This enables plants to stay in a primed defence state.

    Immune priming has been reported in different plants species, ranging from short-lived annuals, such as thale cress Arabidopsis thaliana that lives several weeks, to long-living tree species, such as Norway spruce that can live up to 400 years.

    Immune priming comes at a cost for the plant though, such as reduced growth. So the primed memory is reversible and dwindles over longer periods without stress. However, depending on the strength of the stress stimulus, priming can be lifelong and even be transmitted to following generations. The stronger the stress, the longer plants remember.

    Plants constantly change the activity of their genes in order to develop and adapt to their environment. Genes can be switched off over prolonged periods of time by epigenetic changes. In plants, these changes most frequently happen at transposons (also known as “jumping genes”) – pieces of DNA that can move within the genome. Transposons are usually inactive because they can cause mutations. But stress changes the epigenetic activity in the plant cell that can partially “wake them up”.

    Plants can pass on stress memories down the generations.
    boommavel/Shutterstock

    This drives the establishment and maintenance of long-lasting memory in plants.

    In plants that haven’t yet experienced stress, defence genes are mostly inactive to prevent unnecessary and costly immune activity. Lasting epigenetic changes to transposons after recovery from disease can prime defence genes for a faster and stronger activation upon recurrent stress. Although scientists are still uncovering exactly how this works, it is clear that epigenetic changes at these jumping genes play an essential role in helping plants adapt to threats.

    Soil as a memory bank

    Plants don’t only rely on internal epigenetic memory to improve their resilience against pests and diseases. They can also use their environment to store stress memory. When under attack, plants release chemicals from their roots, attracting helpful microbes that can suppress diseases. If this soil conditioning is strong enough, it can leave a long-lasting “soil legacy” that can benefit plants of the next generation. Once the soil is conditioned, these helpful microbes stay near plant roots to help the plant fight off diseases.

    In some plant species, such as maize, scientists have identified the secondary metabolites driving this external stress memory. These are specialised metabolites that are not essential for the cell’s primary metabolism. They often play a role in defence or other forms of environmental signalling, such as attracting beneficial microbes or insects.

    Some of the genes controlling these root chemicals are regulated by stress-responsive epigenetic mechanisms. This indicates that the mechanisms driving internal and external plant memory are interconnected.

    Understanding how plants store and use stress memories could revolutionise crop protection. Harnessing plants’ natural ability to cope with pests and diseases might help us reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and create crops that are better at handling environmental stresses. As we face growing challenges from human-made climate change and rising food demands, this research could offer promising tools to develop more sustainable crop protection schemes.

    Jurriaan Ton receives funding from UKRI-BBSRC (BB/W015250/1)

    – ref. How plants are able to remember stress without a brain – https://theconversation.com/how-plants-are-able-to-remember-stress-without-a-brain-246615

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Brutalism: Oscar-nominated film has revived interest in a controversial architectural legacy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gleb Redko, PhD Researcher in Punk, Brutalism & Psychogeography, School of Architecture Art & Design, University of Portsmouth

    With ten Oscar nominations, The Brutalist has reignited the debate over the legacy of brutalism. The polarising architectural style was shaped by post-war hopes for a better future. But it was also, as historian Adrian Forty argues in his book Concrete and Culture (2012), an “expression of melancholy, the work of a civilisation that had all but destroyed itself in the second world war”.

    The fictional architect at centre of The Brutalist, László Tóth, is an Austro-Hungarian modernist and concentration-camp survivor who moves to America to rebuild his life. His designs, described as “machines”, are inspired by the trauma of camps like Buchenwald and Dachau.

    Emerging from the rubble of the second world war, brutalism became an architectural response to devastation and the pressing need for urban renewal. The destruction caused by the Blitz provided architects with opportunities to design environments reflecting the ideals of the new welfare state: equality, accessibility and functionality for the collective good.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    This ethical foundation aimed to address the social needs of the post-war era, particularly in housing, education and public welfare infrastructure. Notable examples of the style include the Barbican estate and Southbank Centre in London.

    Architectural critic Reyner Banham, who coined the term brutalism in his 1966 work Brutalism: Ethic or Aesthetic, argued that the movement was more than an aesthetic choice. He championed the work of Alison and Peter Smithson, young British architects who played a crucial role in shaping brutalism through projects like Robin Hood Gardens in London’s Tower Hamlets. For Banham, brutalism was an ethical stance and a form of “radical philosophy” aiming to address the social needs of the post-war era.

    The brutalist style has, however, often been criticsed for what many perceived to be its unappealing, “ugly” aesthetic and alienating qualities. In 1988, King Charles famously compared the National Theatre in London to a nuclear plant, encapsulating the public’s mixed reactions. Similarly the situationists (a French anti-capitalist art movement) denounced brutalist housing estates as “machines for living”. They saw them as oppressive structures that stifled human connection.

    The perception of brutalism is highly dependent on context. In warmer climates like Marseille in France, the play of sunlight on raw concrete gave structures a sculptural quality. In the UK’s wet climate, however, exposed concrete weathered quickly, making buildings appear grey and neglected.

    Yet for brutalist architects, this was never just about aesthetics. They saw their designs as expressions of honesty and social progress, rejecting ornamentation in favour of raw, functional materials that symbolised a new egalitarian society. The very qualities that critics saw as oppressive were, to its proponents, what made brutalism a radical and hopeful architecture.

    Rebellion and reclamation

    Despite their ethical intentions, brutalist buildings often appeared to have an alienating impact on their residents. In his book Making Dystopia (2018), architectural historian James Stevens Curl discusses the Canada Estate in Bermondsey, London, built in 1964, where tenants expressed their disaffection for the environment through acts of vandalism.

    By the 1970s, the optimism surrounding modernist and brutalist projects had begun to collapse, both figuratively and literally. One of the most infamous moments symbolising this failure was the Ronan Point disaster in 1968. A gas explosion on the 18th floor of this newly built tower block in east London caused a partial collapse. Four people were killed and serious concerns were raised about the safety and quality of post-war high-rise housing.

    This tragedy pushed the Clash’s Joe Strummer to write one of the band’s most notable songs, London’s Burning, in 1976. In the late 1970s and 1980s, punks splattered brutalist architecture with graffiti slogans echoing situationist critiques of modern urban life.

    Some referenced punk band names or song lyrics, showing how punk didn’t just adopt the attitude of the situationists but also their language and tactics. Jamie Reid, the architect of the Sex Pistols’ aesthetic, often used images of brutalist structures as a stark backdrop to his punk visuals.

    The punk movement reinterpreted the failure of brutalism not just as an architectural problem but as a broader societal collapse, highlighting issues of alienation, neglect and the erosion of post-war utopian ideals.



    Read more:
    Jamie Reid: the defiant punk art of the man behind the Sex Pistols’ iconic imagery

    Yet, in recent years, the brutalist aesthetic has found a new audience. Online communities, such as Reddit’s 1.5 million-member r/EvilBuildings reflect on buildings and surroundings captured by community members and the impressions these structures leave. Brutalist buildings frequently top the list.

    This renewed interest highlights the complex legacy of a style that was once widely criticised but continues to captivate a broader audience beyond architects.

    Brutalism’s dual legacy, a movement intended to create community but often seen as alienating, continues to shape debates in architecture and urban planning. The controversial nature of this style is evident in the demolition of prominent structures like the Smithsons’ Robin Hood Gardens (2018), the Tricorn Centre in Portsmouth (2004), and the currently ongoing demolition of Cumbernauld town centre in central Scotland.

    These demolitions highlight both brutalism’s polarised reception and the public reassessment of its value. These spaces are more than just concrete. They are sites of memory, rebellion, and ongoing cultural significance, continuously shaping and being shaped by the society around them.

    Gleb Redko 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. Brutalism: Oscar-nominated film has revived interest in a controversial architectural legacy – https://theconversation.com/brutalism-oscar-nominated-film-has-revived-interest-in-a-controversial-architectural-legacy-249627

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme designs to be put on show

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Officers from the Environment Agency are hosting two events where residents can view final designs for the scheme, ask any questions and meet the project team.

    On Thursday 27 February and Thursday 6 March, designs will be displayed at Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

    People are invited to pop in from 12pm to 8pm to view the designs and ask any questions, prior to the main planning application being submitted to the council.  

    Environment Agency work to reduce flood risk from the River Calder and Hebden Water will consist of raising and strengthening river walls, using glass panels and raising barriers to minimise any intrusion on the iconic views for those living on the riverside.  

    Working in partnership with Calderdale Council, the Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme is designed to reduce flood risk from the River Calder and Hebden Water.  

    Jo Arnold, Calderdale Programme and Partnership Manager at the Environment Agency, said: 

    We are really pleased to share our plans for the Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme with the local community and we’d encourage all residents to attend to see what the final designs entail, ask questions and provide comment, prior to our plans being submitted for planning approval.  

    It’s a great opportunity to see the designs in detail, find out what the work will entail, ask any questions and speak directly with the team behind the project. 

    This scheme will play a key role in better protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across the town and support their long-term resilience against flooding. 

    Information on preparing for flooding

    Environment Agency officers will also be on hand to help anyone who’d like information on how to be prepared for flooding, provide practical advice, and help people sign up for flood warnings. 

    Even with flood defences in place, people can never be fully protected against flooding, so the Environment Agency always urge people to check their risk and sign up to flood warnings.

    Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Housing, Cllr Scott Patient, said:

    It’s great news that the Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme is reaching the final stages of development and crucial that we now move into delivery. I hope people take the time to find out more about the plans to better protect the town from flooding.

    It’s now nearly ten years since Storm Eva and five years since Storm Ciara caused significant flooding in the upper valley, but the risk is ever present, and we continue to work in partnership to minimise risk and build resilience.

    The planning application is expected to be submitted later this summer. It is anticipated that pre-construction preparation work will commence later in 2025. 

    Hebden Bridge Flood Information Centre on Valley Road continues to open on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm where people can get any further information.

    The project team can also be contacted by email.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ESFA Update: 19 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Latest information and actions from the Education and Skills Funding Agency for academies, schools, colleges, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    ESFA Update academies: 19 February 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Latest for further education

    No edition

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information general annual grant allocation guide for 2025 to 2026

    Latest information for local authorities

    No edition

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 February 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –