Source: Government of Italy (English)
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11 Febbraio 2025
The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, delivered an address at the national assembly of CISL [Italian Confederation of Workers’ Unions] today.
Source: European Parliament 3
On Tuesday, the Chair of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, addressed a formal sitting of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Welcoming Mr Stefanchuk to the hemicycle, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “I am proud that this Parliament has stood with Ukraine from the very first moment – united, unwavering, and resolute. We will keep pushing for peace. Peace must be just, it must be dignified, and it must be based on the principle of ‘Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine’.
In his address, Ruslan Stefanchuk, called on the EU to continue and increase its support for Ukraine. His country, he said, needs more defense systems, more airplanes and more investment in its military industry.
Peace in Ukraine can only be achieved if we stay strong and put consolidated pressure on the Russian aggressor, in order to defend the civilized world, Mr Stefanchuck said. Russia does not only want to ruin our country, he added, it will want to move west, first towards Kyiv, and then towards Warsaw and Brussels: “The danger is much closer than you think.“
To stop the aggression and to achieve a lasting peace, it is also essential that Russia faces sanctions it cannot circumvent, he said, while calling for additional sanctions. The president of the Ukrainian Parliament also called for the punishment of those responsible for war crimes. “Russia has crossed all the red lines imaginable in this war,“ he said.
On Ukraine’s wish to join the EU, Ruslan Stefanchuk said his country will become stronger and better after this war as it is committed to the reform process. It hopes to open the first cluster of issues in the negotiations during the Polish presidency, he said.
Debate on EU support for Ukraine, after three years of Russia’s war of aggression
In a debate preceding the address by Mr Stefanchuk, MEPs considered the prospects of future ceasefire negotiations and a peace deal. Some speakers remarked that nothing must be discussed “about Ukraine and without Ukraine”, and nothing decided without Europe. Europe, they said, must be ready to assume a greater responsibility in providing security guarantees and preparing Kyiv for future NATO and EU membership. Others underlined the need to confiscate Russian assets to finance Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction, while several MEPs expressed serious concerns about how much Europe has paid and will continue to pay to support Ukraine.
You can watch the debate again here. (11.02.2025)
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Metro
The first training sessions with guide dogs this year took place in the Moscow Metro, with 12 future service dogs beginning the training.
Since 2014, more than 400 guide dogs have been trained in the metro under the guidance of inspectors from the Passenger Mobility Center and specialists from the Guide Dog Training School of the All-Russian Society of the Blind.
During training, dogs learn to pass through turnstiles, go up and down escalators, and retrieve dropped objects. They quickly adapt to noise and large crowds. After completing their training, these four-legged helpers move easily in the subway and remain calm in a busy environment.
Breeds that are best suited for the role of guide dogs include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and East European Shepherds.
“We are developing passenger services in city transport on the instructions of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin. In 2025, 40 guide dogs will undergo training in the Moscow Metro. The first 12 dogs have already begun training, and in the future they will help blind and visually impaired passengers move safely,” said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
The event will be attended by the Chairman of the Bank of Russia Elvira Nabiullina and the Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia Alexey Zabotkin.
Elvira Nabiullina will make a statement on monetary policy and medium-term forecast.
The press conference will be held at the Bank of Russia press center. The broadcast of the speech will be available on our website, channel inTelegram, as well as on the official page inVKontakte.
Accreditation for journalists is open until 17:00 on February 12 at the following address: Media@kbr.ru.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23363
Source: Moscow Metro
The first guide dog training sessions of the year have taken place in the Moscow Metro, with 12 future service dogs beginning their lessons.
Since 2014, more than 400 guide dogs have been trained in the metro under the supervision of inspectors from the Passenger Mobility Center and specialists from the Guide Dog Training School of the All Russia Association of the Blind.
During training, dogs learn to pass through turnstiles, go up and down escalators, and retrieve dropped items. They quickly adapt to noise and large crowds. After completing their training, these four-legged assistants navigate the metro with ease and remain calm in busy environments.
Dog breeds such as Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, and East European Shepherd are best suited for the role of guide dogs.
“We are developing passenger services in urban transport following the directive of Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin. In 2025, 40 guide dogs will undergo training in the Moscow Metro. The first 12 dogs have already started their training, and in the future, they will assist blind and visually impaired passengers in traveling safely,” — said Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
Source: The White House
RESTORING FAIRNESS TO STEEL AND ALUMINUM MARKETS: President Trump is taking action to end unfair trade practices and the global dumping of steel and aluminum.
STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: President Trump’s decision to close existing loopholes and exemptions will strengthen United States’ steel and aluminum industries.
TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that contrary to public rhetoric, tariffs can be an effective tool for achieving economic and strategic objectives.
A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.
Source: US State of North Dakota
Note: View the superseding indictment here.
Phobos Group Alleged to have Attacked Over 1,000 Victims Worldwide
The Justice Department today unsealed criminal charges against Roman Berezhnoy, 33, and Egor Nikolaevich Glebov, 39, both Russian nationals, who allegedly operated a cybercrime group using the Phobos ransomware that victimized more than 1,000 public and private entities in the United States and around the world and received over $16 million in ransom payments. Berezhnoy and Glebov were arrested this week as part of a coordinated international disruption of their organization, which includes additional arrests and the technical disruption of the group’s computer infrastructure.
From May 2019, through at least October 2024, Berezhnoy, Glebov, and others allegedly caused victims to suffer losses resulting from the loss of access to their data in addition to the financial losses associated with the ransomware payments. The victims included a children’s hospital, health care providers, and educational institutions.
According to court documents, Berezhnoy, Glebov, and others operated a ransomware affiliate organization, including under the names “8Base” and “Affiliate 2803,” among others, that victimized public and private entities through the deployment of Phobos ransomware.
As part of the scheme, Berezhnoy, Glebov, and others allegedly hacked into victim computer networks, copied and stole files and programs on the victims’ network, and encrypted the original versions of the stolen data with Phobos ransomware. The conspirators then allegedly extorted the victims for ransom payments in exchange for the decryption keys to regain access to the encrypted data by, among other things, leaving a ransom note on compromised victim computers and separately reaching out to victims to initiate ransom payment negotiations.
As alleged, the conspirators also threatened to expose victims’ stolen files to the public or to the victims’ clients, customers, or constituents if the ransoms were not paid. The conspirators are further alleged to have established and operated a darknet website where they repeated their extortionate threats and ultimately published the stolen data if a victim failed to pay the ransom.
After a successful Phobos ransomware attack, criminal affiliates paid fees to Phobos administrators for a decryption key to regain access to the encrypted files. Each deployment of Phobos ransomware was assigned a unique alphanumeric string in order to match it to the corresponding decryption key, and each affiliate was directed to pay the decryption key fee to a cryptocurrency wallet unique to that affiliate.
The charges unsealed today against Berezhnoy and Glebov follow the recent arrest and extradition of Evgenii Ptitsyn, a Russian national, on charges relating to his alleged administration of the Phobos ransomware variant.
In parallel with this week’s arrests, Europol and German authorities have announced an international operation involving the FBI and other international law enforcement partners to disrupt over 100 servers associated with this criminal network.
Berezhnoy and Glebov are charged in an 11-count indictment with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, three counts of causing intentional damage to protected computers, three counts of extortion in relation to damage to a protected computer, one count of transmitting a threat to impair the confidentiality of stolen data, and one count of unauthorized access and obtaining information from a protected computer. If convicted, Berezhnoy and Glebov face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each wire fraud-related count; 10 years in prison on each computer damage count; and five years in prison on each of the other counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland, Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran of the FBI’s Cyber Division, and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department extends its thanks to international judicial and law enforcement partners in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Thailand, Finland, and Romania, as well as Europol and the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, for their cooperation and coordination with the Phobos ransomware investigation. The National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided valuable assistance.
Senior Counsel Aarash A. Haghighat of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. Former CCIPS Trial Attorney Riane Harper and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky and Jeffrey J. Izant for the District of Maryland provided substantial assistance.
Additional details on protecting networks against Phobos ransomware are available at StopRansomware.gov, including Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisory AA24-060A.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice
Press release no 4/2025
PDF version
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) played a key role in exposing a sophisticated fraud scheme involving EU funding worth over 100 million EUR. The investigation uncovered alleged fraud and forgery in documents for water supply and wastewater infrastructure projects financed by the European Cohesion Fund in Romania.
Following a request from the EPPO, OLAF launched several investigations, focusing on the authenticity and traceability of the documents submitted by companies participating in calls for tenders in Romania. These companies managed to secure eight contracts for drinking water distribution and sewage rehabilitation projects worth over 100 million EUR.
In the framework of its investigations, OLAF gathered evidence indicating a complex fraud mechanism using companies established in Italy and Romania between 2018-2021.
To meet the financial and technical criteria required by the contracting authorities, the Romanian companies claimed an annual turnover of their associates of between 42 and 63 million EUR over a 3-year period. OLAF’s investigation revealed that the real turnover was 30 times lower. OLAF also found that after winning the tenders, the bidders transferred a percentage of the total contract value to the associates.
One of the companies under investigation was later also found to have been placed under administrative prevention order by Italian authorities under anti-mafia legislation, effectively banning it from public contracts and certain business activities, due to its suspected ties to organised crime.
Additionally, OLAF identified fake contracts for construction projects in Iraq. According to the winning companies, their associates claimed to have executed design and construction works for drinking water in the country worth around 31 million EUR through its Iraqi branch. OLAF provided evidence that such project, in fact, never existed.
Director-General Ville Itälä welcomed the results: “This case demonstrates how suspects attempted to manipulate the EU’s financial system for their own gain and at the expense of European taxpayers. Thanks to OLAF’s investigative expertise and the valuable cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, we were able to uncover the sophisticated scheme and help ensure that justice will be served. This is a clear example of how EU institutions working together can effectively protect public funding and uphold the integrity of EU financial interests.”
For the investigations already finalised, OLAF has recommended that the European Commission recover €20 million, representing the total amount paid from the Cohesion Fund for the suspected fraudulent contracts.
Furthermore, OLAF has transmitted its final reports to the EPPO. For more details, you can read EPPO’s press release here.
OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.
OLAF fulfils its mission by:
• carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
• contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
• developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.
In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
• all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
• some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
• suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.
Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.
For further details:
Pierluigi CATERINO
Spokesperson
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335
Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
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Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh
This February marks the 20th anniversary of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender plus (LGBT+) History Month, with Council Leader, Jane Meagher, showing her support.
Following the repeal of Section 28, LGBT+ History Month was created to recognise and honour the contributions of the LGBT+ community.
The Council will mark the annual celebration by flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers for the entire month of February.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said:
LGBT+ History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the history of the LGBT+ rights movement and campaign for equal rights. On the twentieth anniversary of this vital awareness month, we must recognise those individuals who have pushed the boundaries and advocated for social progress, creating a more inclusive world for all of us.
We are proud of Edinburgh’s diversity and that anyone is welcome to make the city their home, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. It’s important that we demonstrate our support by proudly flying the rainbow flag above the City Chambers for the month of February. The flag is an international symbol of LGBT+ pride, showing all who live in and visit our city that we not only value but champion respect, tolerance, and inclusivity for all.
Source: City of Derby
On Thursday 6 February, over 100 people from the local construction industry attended an event at The Museum of Making. The event, hosted by Derby City Council, in partnership with SCAPE aimed to give attendees a clear roadmap to decarbonisation. According to the latest data from DESNZ, 25% of the UK’s CO2e emissions come from the built environment.
The event included an opening speech from Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability, Councillor Carmel Swan and an overview of the Council’s own ongoing journey to net zero as well as the role of procurement in delivering sustainable construction.
The second half of the event focused on the practicalities of decarbonisation within construction and gave participants an opportunity to hear about the Supply Chain Sustainability School and The Carbon Reduction Code.
The event supported the Council’s wider net zero ambition. With ongoing regeneration work across the city, the Council wants to ensure that the city develops with the climate and sustainability at the forefront of its ambitious plans.
Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability commented:
“It’s vitally important that we work alongside our construction industry and wider supply chain partners as they are key to being able to reach net zero, not just in Derby but the wider region and globally.
“This event has given us the perfect opportunity to open lines of communication about decarbonisation and we’ll keep those conversations going.”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said:
“We were delighted to support this event, which provided a crucial platform for Derby’s construction supply chain to engage with buyers and gain practical insights into decarbonisation. The built environment is responsible for a significant proportion of the UK’s carbon emissions, so it’s vital that businesses at every level of the supply chain have the knowledge and support they need to deliver more sustainable projects. By working together and accessing initiatives like the Supply Chain Sustainability School and the Carbon Reduction Code, we can drive real change and help ensure that the industry moves towards a low-carbon future.”
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Since 2011, 220 police facilities have been comprehensively renovated and improved in the capital. Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement made a report on this topic at a meeting of the Moscow Government Petr Biryukov. Following the discussion Sergei Sobyanin instructed to continue work in this area.
The Moscow government provides systematic assistance to the capital’s police in modernizing its material and technical base. In the newly constructed and renovated buildings of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow, comfortable conditions for service are created: modern duty stations, service offices, laboratories, rest rooms, gyms, shooting ranges, canteens and buffets are equipped, and the territory is also being improved.
The safety of employees and visitors is ensured by modern electronic security, surveillance and access control systems.
Detainees are guaranteed conditions of detention that do not degrade human dignity.
Moscow Mayor Opens New Building of Tverskoy District Police Department
In total, 26 new facilities of the capital police were put into operation in 2010–2024. Among them are the building complexes of the Internal Affairs Directorates for the Western, Southern and Eastern Administrative Districts. In addition, the Internal Affairs Directorates for the districts of Akademichesky, Beskudnikovsky, Golyanovo, Danilovsky, Kotlovka, Ochakovo-Matveyevskoye, Rostokino, Tverskoy, Khovrino, Khoroshevo-Mnevniki, Yakimanka and the city of Moskovsky, the Kommunarsky MO of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, the Canine Service Center, as well as a complex of administrative buildings on Ryabinovaya Street.
It is planned to build more than 10 buildings for district departments of internal affairs, which are currently located on the ground floors of residential buildings, in former kindergartens and other unsuitable premises or have a small area.
At the same time, comprehensive repairs and improvements are being carried out at the facilities of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the city of Moscow. Since 2011, work has been completed on 220 of them. Among them are 79 buildings of district departments of internal affairs, six residential buildings – family dormitories for police officers, 91 sports and hockey grounds for training and recreation of employees and 44 other departmental facilities.
During major repairs, work is carried out to replace engineering systems for heating and air conditioning, water supply and sanitation, sewerage, and power supply. In addition, video surveillance systems, access and evacuation control and management, automatic fire alarms are installed at the facilities, communication networks, telephones, and radio broadcasting are installed, and interior decoration of the premises is done.
The plans for 2025 include starting the renovation of another building of the district department of internal affairs and two buildings of separate departments of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the city of Moscow, as well as continuing work on the modernization of the complex of buildings on Petrovka (house 38, second stage).
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12373050/
Source: US Energy Information Administration
In-depth analysis
February 11, 2025
Data source: China General Administration of Customs, Bloomberg L.P.
Slower oil demand growth in 2024 led to less crude oil processed by China’s refineries and fewer crude oil imports compared with the record high set in 2023. China, the world’s largest importer of crude oil, received 11.1 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2024, down from 11.3 million b/d in 2023. Even though total imports decreased about 2%, imports from some countries increased while others decreased.
We estimate that 16.3 million b/d of petroleum and other liquid fuels were consumed in China last year, second only to the United States globally. China’s domestic crude oil production averaged 4.3 million b/d in 2024, so the country had to import crude oil to meet the demand from its domestic refined petroleum product and petrochemical manufacturing sectors. China’s refiners imported 11.1 million b/d of crude oil and processed 14.2 million b/d. Both crude oil imports and refinery runs decreased in China from record levels in 2023, when the country imported 11.3 million b/d of crude oil and processed 14.8 million b/d.
Net decreases in the consumption of transportation fuel (gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel) last year meant China’s refineries processed less crude oil. Monthly data from China’s National Bureau of Statistics and General Administration of Customs indicate that consumption of both gasoline and jet fuel grew in China during 2024, but consumption of diesel fuel offset this growth with a large decline from 2023. These estimates are preliminary and subject to revision until late 2025, when China publishes annual consumption data, which we use to update our International Energy Statistics.
Instead of transportation fuels, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), naphtha, or other petroleum products that can be imported directly for petrochemical manufacturing instead of refined from crude oil have led China’s growth in petroleum consumption. As a result, the net decline in transportation fuel demand reduced both refinery runs and import demand for crude oil in China last year.
China’s refiners purchase crude oil from dozens of countries, with Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Malaysia being the largest sources. Imports from Malaysia increased significantly last year to 1.4 million b/d, which is more than Malaysia’s domestic crude oil production of around 0.6 million b/d. The large difference stems from crude oil cargoes that were initially shipped from Iran but were then relabeled or transferred to avoid sanctions.
Imports from Russia increased in 2024 for the third consecutive year and averaged 2.2 million b/d, 1% more than in 2023. China increased imports from Russia after the Group of Seven (G7) country import bans and sanctions limited Russia’s ability to sell crude oil after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These actions prompted Russia to sell some of its crude oil at discounted prices, making it more attractive to certain buyers.
On January 10, 2025, the United States announced additional sanctions on several oil vessels transporting crude oil from Russia. Because of potential disruptions from these actions, refiners in China may reduce purchases from Russia and replace those barrels with others from crude oil exporting countries not subject to sanctions, such as Brazil, Canada, the United States, or countries in the Middle East.
China’s second-largest source of crude oil imports was Saudi Arabia, although these imports decreased for the third consecutive year and averaged 1.6 million b/d, 9% less than in 2023.
Data source: China General Administration of Customs, Bloomberg L.P.
Note: Congo=Congo-Brazzaville
Imports from other Middle East OPEC countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait also declined, but imports from Iraq increased. Although small, crude oil imports from Canada increased, particularly in the second half of the year after the Trans Mountain expansion (TMX) project began commercial operations in May 2024. This pipeline expansion brings increased crude oil export capacity to Asia from Canada’s West Coast, which contributed to imports at more than 0.3 million b/d from Canada in September, an all-time high.
We forecast petroleum consumption in China will grow more slowly in 2025 and 2026 than in previous years in our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. Because we expect growth in China’s consumption will outpace China’s domestic production of crude oil and other liquids, we believe net imports will increase. Last summer, we released a study on refinery capacity expansions in China and other countries through 2028. Several integrated refining and petrochemical complexes will open or expand over the next few years, suggesting crude oil imports will continue growing to meet feedstock demand from these facilities.
However, a tax change implemented in December 2024 creates considerable uncertainty for China’s petroleum trade balance this year. China reduced a value-added tax rebate offered on some petroleum product exports, which reduces their competitiveness in world markets. Depending on the effects of this change on Chinese refiners’ operations and profitability, refinery runs and crude oil imports could decline.
Principal contributor: Jeff Barron
Source: Europol
This follows a series of high-impact arrests targeting Phobos ransomware:An administrator of Phobos was arrested in South Korea in June 2024 and extradited to the United States in November of the same year. He is now facing prosecution for orchestrating ransomware attacks that encrypted critical infrastructure, business systems, and personal data for ransom.A key Phobos affiliate was arrested in Italy…
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
SINGAPORE, Feb. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing, today announced that it has scheduled its fourth quarter and full year 2024 earnings conference call and webcast for Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM EST. During the call, Bitdeer management will discuss the preliminary and unaudited financial and operational results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, followed by a question-and-answer session.
Bitdeer will release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 preliminary and unaudited results before the call at approximately 7:00 AM EST on February 25, 2025. A copy of the earnings release will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.
Conference Call Information:
Participants wishing to join the conference call by phone should register using the Participant Call Registration link provided above. After completing the registration, the participants will receive an email with the necessary details to access the call including dial-in number, passcode, and PIN. To ensure a timely start, the Company encourages all callers to connect about 5 minutes before the scheduled time.
A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investors section of Bitdeer’s website at https://ir.bitdeer.com.
About Bitdeer Technologies Group
Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for blockchain and high-performance computing. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive computing solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @ BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.
Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
Investor Relations
Orange Group
Yujia Zhai
bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com
Public Relations
BlocksBridge Consulting
Nishant Sharma
bitdeer@blocksbridge.com
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andi Misbahul Pratiwi, PhD Candidate, School of Geography, University of Leeds
Climate change is often communicated through scientific reports, statistics and policy discussions. However, these technical approaches can be inaccessible to the public, failing to capture the experiences of those most affected.
Climate narratives structured as stories that involve emotional engagement and personal anecdotes are more effective at mobilising communities, influencing policy and promoting pro-environmental actions across diverse audiences. By blending art with storytelling, illustrations can make complex environmental issues, such as climate justice, much more accessible to the general public.
Illustrations are not just artistic expressions. They can amplify the voices of affected communities and help make the case for climate justice. In an era where climate action is urgent, harnessing the power of illustration can be transformative. It can challenge dominant narratives while creating more inclusive and participatory ways of understanding climate action.
I have been collaborating with Puspita Bahari, an Indonesian fisherwomen’s movement to develop ways to communicate the effects of tidal floods and the importance of feminist solidarity. For my PhD research, I spent seven months carrying out fieldwork in three coastal villages in Demak, Central Java, Indonesia. This involved interviews, observations and creative workshops with the community.
By drawing on 38 women’s firsthand experiences, we have published an illustrated book: Tidal Floods: Women, Fisheries, and Climate Crisis in Indonesia (2024). This story about Indonesia’s fisherwomen explores the intersections of gender, environmental change, activism and the future of the country’s coastal regions. Here are five ways that collaborative illustrations can be used to tell female-led climate justice stories:
The effects of tidal flooding on Indonesian women vary depending on location, livelihood, age and disability status. Along the coastline, women in Indonesia are involved in selling fish, processing seafood and fishing at sea, alongside domestic work.
This book does not depict women as having a single, monolithic identity. Instead, the images portray their varied realities. These shape how they experience climate injustice and how pre-existing inequalities reproduce new climate injustices.
Intersectional narration is storytelling that captures how different aspects of identity overlap to shape people’s experiences in complex ways. Using this, various issues such as economic hardship, domestic violence, sexual reproductive health, physical and mental health can be better represented.
The image below illustrates these challenges. A woman with a disability is unable to use her wheelchair because the village is sinking. A pregnant woman struggles to access healthcare facilities. Fisherwomen face declining incomes due to environmental and economic pressures.
To understand the complexity of climate impacts, I worked with women to draw body maps. As they annotated each picture, fisherwomen shared their embodied experiences of living with tidal floods as an everyday disaster.
Body mapping is an intimate cartographic process that involves tracing the body and visually exploring one’s lived experience. This method goes beyond textual and oral narratives. It helps women recall and record body memories that might otherwise remain unspoken.
Their body maps are not just research artefacts. They have been translated into powerful visuals so their personal stories can be shared in this book. The picture above illustrates one fisherwoman’s daily struggles, physical and physiological burdens – so the image reveals the complex, gendered, and intersectional effects of tidal floods.
Certain pictures show how the coastal landscapes are rapidly changing and how villages are sinking at an alarming rate. This historical context is not only drawn from women’s oral narratives but also from past photo albums shared by the community.
The picture below illustrates the landscape change over 20 years, from rice fields to tidal floodwaters.
Beyond documenting vulnerabilities and the social, ecological and economic effects of climate change on women, this book shows how these women have agency. This manifests in various ways, from small acts of resilience to broader feminist solidarity.
When they work together as a community, women can adapt through collective action. This includes planting crops, building cooperatives and holding demonstrations. Stories can play a role in moving beyond positioning women not just as victims but as people with valuable knowledge and the ability to assert their agency and drive sustainable climate action.
In an era defined by uncertainty and rapid change, the ability to pause and reflect on climate justice is more valuable than ever. Certain images actively encourage readers to reflect on more tech-driven and infrastructure-focused responses to the climate crisis.
The final pages include questions that prompt critical thinking about the links between gender, climate justice and activism. For example, “what do you think will happen if we do not address the climate crisis?”
Rather than extracting knowledge from women, especially those in Global South countries, this book is co-created. Fisherwomen’s voices and narratives are central to the storytelling process. By reclaiming conversations about climate change that are often dominated by international forums, we can hear and learn from the people who are most affected. And hopefully inspire more climate advocacy and grassroots action.
Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.
The creation of this book was funded by the GENERATE Project as part of a United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship at the University of Leeds: www.generateproject.org.
– ref. Five ways that illustrations can tell climate justice stories – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-that-illustrations-can-tell-climate-justice-stories-249104
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katie East, Senior Lecturer in the History of Radical Ideas, Newcastle University
Podcasts have been around for more than two decades, but the last few years – and particularly their influence in the 2024 US election – have solidified their role in the media landscape.
Some of the most popular podcasts in the US and UK (such as The Joe Rogan Experience and The Rest is Politics) have a conversational format. They typically include two or more people discussing topics in an unstructured, uncensored way. The hosts and guests are unencumbered by word counts or TV timeslots. Such podcasts are a viable medium for political persuasion.
There is some debate as to whether podcasts are simply an extension of the echo chambers formed in other media. But as a researcher of intellectual history and political discourse, I believe that conversational podcasts offer a uniquely valuable way to unpick political questions – and change the listener’s point of view.
To understand the value of conversation as a means of communication, I suggest looking to writing from 18th-century Britain. This period saw a shift away from monarchy towards parliamentary government, along with the explosion of print culture. Popular engagement with political issues grew, and discussion of politics became a notable pastime.
The rapidly expanding public sphere produced countless works on the art of conversation. Traditionally, they have been interpreted as indicative of the Georgian fascination with civility and politeness, instructing the reader in the proper behaviour for civilised discussion.
However, the work of the Independent minister Isaac Watts (1674-1748) reveals a different view. Watts achieved prominence as a writer on education and as a philosopher. He engaged with key Enlightenment debates concerning reason, dogmatism and freedom of thought.
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In 1741, Watts published The Improvement of the Mind, which outlined the most effective ways of acquiring and creating useful knowledge. Among these was conversation.
Watts viewed conversation as a tool for persuasion. This was not in the sense of compelling someone to your view – he explicitly warned against approaching conversation with a dogmatic mindset – but rather as a collective endeavour to reach the truth of a matter. Ultimately, this is a much more enduring form of persuasion.
There is a logic to the appeal of conversational podcasts in a world of increasing isolation and division. Even the supposed great connector – social media – offers only a facade of conversation. While social media connects people more than ever before, the natural flow and deep engagement of a conversation is difficult to replicate online. Exchanges are rarely immediate, numerous voices are vying for position and tone of voice or expression is obscured behind faceless avatars.
Conversation, Watts argued, offers a greater clarity of understanding of an opposing position than a one-way interaction like reading (or scrolling). A person can explain their meaning in different terms if it is not initially clear. If questions arise, the speakers can unpack the nuances before becoming hostile.
Moreover, Watts argued, encountering a different perspective can draw the conversation closer to “evidence and truth” in unexpected ways.
This supports the idea that conversation is the best forum for better understanding a different stance from your own. Such a view paves the way for the kind of “agreeable disagreement” celebrated by The Rest is Politics.
It was not only that the nature of conversation facilitated better mutual understanding, in Watts’ view, but also that it offered unique creative possibilities in the pursuit of truth. The act of conversation demanded more active engagement of the mind and the “secret chambers of the soul,” drawing forth ideas which might otherwise have remained lodged deep in the recesses of the mind. Not only could hidden thoughts be revealed, but entirely new ones could be created through the process of conversing.
Watts likened two people in conversation to flints being struck together: in motion working together they could produce fire, but stationary and solitary nothing could be created. In solitude “our souls may be serene,” Watts wrote, “but not sparkling”.
Watts recognised that caution was needed to avoid the most likely pitfalls of conversation: the echo chamber and the risk of hostility.
He was emphatic that conversation with those whose opinions differed from your own was necessary. If knowledge and truth were to be discovered, then new ideas had to be considered. As noted, he also warned against dogma, advising patience regarding a firm and unalterable proposition until you have grounds for it.
Most interestingly, he warned against bothsidesism, or arguing a question pro and con for the sake of it. This, he argued, would embed confrontation in the conversation and prevent the mind from being in the proper position to uncover the truth.
Today, the polarisation resulting from avoiding views different from our own, and from deliberately seeking out binary positions for the sake of confrontation is all too apparent.
Yet the popularity of conversational political podcasts indicates the appetite for a different approach to political discussion. Though they didn’t have podcasts in the 18th century, conversation was a public endeavour, performed at coffee houses and replicated in print so the audience could also learn good practice and understand – so listen on.
Katie East 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. Podcasts are a great tool for political persuasion – just ask this 18th century thinker – https://theconversation.com/podcasts-are-a-great-tool-for-political-persuasion-just-ask-this-18th-century-thinker-245213
Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Lisa Kramer, Professor of Finance, University of Toronto
Personal finance can often feel overwhelming, with many Millennial and Gen Z individuals struggling with student loans, the high cost of living, housing market challenges and a general sense of financial anxiety. But just as any challenge can be overcome through skill development and persistence, so can your finances.
Whether you are just starting or looking to advance your financial skills, there are steps you can take to improve your financial situation. From basic recommendations to more advanced strategies, here are some ways to get yourself on the path to financial stability.
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The first step to mastering your finances is working out where your money is going. You may discover, as my now-husband realized when he was a graduate student, that you’re spending a third of your food expenditures on coffee.
Once you determine where your money is going, you can reign in some of your expenses and ensure some money is left over each month to devote to debt repayment or savings. Creating a budget is essential for doing this.
The Government of Canada has an online budget planner tool available, as does the United States Federal Trade Commission and the United Kingdom government’s Money and Pensions Service.
Once your budget is made, you can focus on reducing discretionary costs and redirect those savings toward your financial goals.
It can be difficult to reduce expenses in an inflationary environment — especially when the cost of basic needs like food and shelter are becoming increasingly expensive in Canada, the United States and elsewhere.
But you can still find ways to boost your income without necessarily getting a second or third job.
Read more:
Maths that will help you as an adult: from baking a cake to asking for a pay rise
It can be daunting to ask your employer for a raise, but you’re much more likely to get one if you ask. Arm yourself with quantifiable evidence about your productivity and work ethic. Then, rehearse your request with a mentor who is further along on your career path.
If you don’t succeed on your first try, use the experience to understand how to secure a raise in the future. Another way to get a raise? While still employed — and on your own time, not company time — look for a new job, get an offer and use it as leverage to politely negotiate a raise. If you’re still unsuccessful, it may be time to move on to that new job.
Older generations are more likely to have worked in jobs that came with defined-benefit pensions, a type of pension plan that provides someone with a stream of income after they retire.
These days, jobs are less likely to come with such perks. A recent World Bank report found about half of gig workers worldwide have no retirement plan; in some countries, that figure is as high as 75 per cent.
It’s important to check if your current employer offers a defined contribution pension plan, which involves you and your employer contributing to a saving account that grows over time.
Even if you don’t have access to such a plan, consider using a robo-advisor to replicate one of its key features by setting up an automatic monthly contribution to an investment account. Then, you can increase the amount you contribute every time you get a raise.
You should also consider allocating that investment to a well-diversified stock index, or to a blend of stocks and bonds if you are relatively risk averse. An exchange-traded fund, also known as an ETF, is a low-cost way to do this compared to buying mutual funds. While the value of your investment may go up and down over the short term, it is likely to perform well over the long term.
Once you have set up automatic contributions and established a routine of increasing them over time, you will see your investment account balance start to grow. Even if you can put away only small amounts each month in the beginning, you’ll develop good financial habits.
Your next task should be avoiding the temptation of timing the ups and downs of financial markets by actively trading. To dodge this common pitfall, avoid examining the balance of your investment account on a month-to-month basis and keep contributing, regardless of whatever may be happening in financial markets.
Read more:
If you have money anxiety, knowing your financial attachment style can help
Ironically, overconfident investors often underperform the market when they try — and fail — to outperform by frequently trading their investment holdings. Successful investors understand the most reliable path to wealth accumulation is paved with a buy-and-hold mentality, meaning you should purchase investments with the intention of keeping them long-term rather than frequently buying and selling.
When you’re young, it can be hard to identify with an abstract future version of yourself in retirement. Your golden years may be decades in the future, and it can seem like you have ages to prepare for whatever life will bring you at that stage in life.
However, research shows that the clearer you can mentally picture your future self, the more motivated you will be to make sensible saving and retirement planning decisions for your future self.
Try imagining what your life will be like when you’re retired, or what you will look like. Will you have grey hair or wrinkles? How will you spend your time? Picture your future self in retirement and the kind of life you would like to have.
If you still find yourself overwhelmed by these tips and don’t know where to begin, consider contacting a fee-only financial advisor to analyze your situation and provide you with personalized advice.
Remember, no matter what financial challenge you may face, it’s simply a new opportunity to overcome. With the right strategies and support, you’ll be able to tackle any financial hurdles and work toward a more secure future for yourself.
Achieving financial stability is a journey that requires ongoing effort and dedication. Each milestone you reach brings you closer to your ultimate goal.
Lisa Kramer has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Securities Institute Research Foundation.
– ref. Struggling with money? Here are 5 tips for growing your income from a financial expert – https://theconversation.com/struggling-with-money-here-are-5-tips-for-growing-your-income-from-a-financial-expert-234623
Source: City of Coventry
Organisations that work with Coventry City Council are being reminded of new changes to public procurement regulations.
On the 24 February 2025, the Procurement Act 2023 introduces changes to public procurement regulations.
All organisations that supply goods, services or works to Coventry City Council will need to know about these changes.
Here are a few key points:
The Central Digital Platform: This new electronic platform will be a central repository for procurement information, simplifying the process for suppliers by allowing them to enter information once and then reuse it in multiple tenders. Suppliers will need to be registered on the Central Digital Platform in order to bid/tender for Council opportunities. The Central Digital Platform will be open to supplier registration on 24 February 2025. You can get ready for registration by viewing the How To videos and guides available on the dedicated GOV.UK supplier page.
Enhanced Transparency: The Act increases transparency by requiring the Council and many other public sector organisations to publish more notices about their procurements.
Competitive Flexible Procedure: This new procurement procedure gives the Council and many other public sector organisations more flexibility to design procurement processes to fit their needs – potentially including stages such as dialogue, negotiations and product demonstrations.
Procurement Review Unit (PRU): The PRU will monitor compliance with the Act and investigate patterns of non-compliance. While it doesn’t provide direct remedies, it offers an affordable avenue for complaints.
Exclusion and Debarment Regime: The Act introduces a new central debarment list managed by the PRU. The list can exclude suppliers from bidding for public contracts for up to five years for reasons such as tax evasion or poor contract performance. The list will also exclude certain suppliers from bidding for public contracts owing to acts committed by their connected persons and key subcontractors. Suppliers have the right to appeal against proposed debarments.
Open Frameworks: These are a series of framework contracts awarded successively on similar terms – thus allowing new suppliers to join and therefore bid for opportunities during the lifetime of the series. This promotes competition and prevents suppliers from being locked out of opportunities.
Contract Management Provisions: These will require the Council and many other public sector organisations to pay undisputed invoices within 30 days. These organisations will also have to agree key performance indicators (KPIs) with suppliers for new contracts worth at least £5,000,000 and publication of Contract Performance Notices where applicable.
Evaluation Criteria: Tender evaluation will now be based on the ‘most advantageous tender’ rather than the ‘most economically advantageous tender’. This change emphasises that contracts do not need to be awarded based on the lowest price. Factors such as quality and social value may also be considered, an approach already taken by the Council.
Contract Award Process: Instead of standstill letters, suppliers will receive detailed assessment summaries explaining why their bids were successful or not. The tender standstill period has been adjusted from ten calendar days to eight working days. Standstill will now commence on the publication of the Contract Award Notice.
Performance Transparency: Contracts worth at least £5,000,000 will require the publication of the contract itself and its most important key performance indicators (KPIs). This will enhance transparency but may also pose reputational risks for suppliers.
If you want to sell to the Council after 24 February 2025 and bid for contracting opportunities, we recommend you look at the following guides and videos published by the Government Commercial Function, which is part of the Civil Service and the Cabinet Office:
The Procurement Act 2023 – a short guide for suppliers
Transforming Public Procurement – GOV.UK
Knowledge Drop for Suppliers Part 1 of 3
Knowledge Drop for Suppliers Part 2 of 3
Knowledge Drop for Suppliers Part 3 of 3
If your organisation is a small and medium sized enterprise (SME) and/or a voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), we also recommend you watch these videos:
Knowledge Drop for SME VCSE Suppliers Part 1 of 3
Knowledge Drop for SME VCSE Suppliers Part 2 of 3
Knowledge Drop for SME VCSE Suppliers Part 3 of 3
These videos and guides explain the key changes to the current public procurement regulations.
Contracts awarded or tenders commenced prior to 24 February 2025 will be subject to the requirements of the previous legislation, namely the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and Concession Contracts Regulations 2016.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Over 20,000 self-testing and self-sampling kits will be made available to help end HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.
Over 20,000 self-testing and self-sampling kits will be made available to help end HIV transmissions by the end of the decade.
The packs are part of a public health campaign to end the virus transmissions in England by 2030 and has been backed by £1.5 million in government funding.
To mark National HIV Testing Week, the government has also announced it will extend the national HIV prevention programme – HIV Prevention England (HPE) by a year.
The campaign, delivered by the Terrence Higgins Trust and local partners, carries out vital work to increase testing for groups disproportionally affected by HIV and reduce stigma, as well as raise awareness of ways to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The Prime Minister has given his backing by becoming the first ever serving leader of a G7 nation to take a self-testing HIV test on camera, demonstrating that getting a test is quick, easy, free, and confidential.
After undertaking a test, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:
It is really important to do it, and I am pleased to have taken part too. It’s easy, it is quick, and during Testing Week you can get a test free – so it is a great time to also take part.
If people test, they will know their status, it is better that people know and that is a good thing because you can then get treatment to help meet our target to end new HIV transmissions by 2030.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
Getting tested for HIV is quick, free and confidential and I would like to pay tribute to the leadership of my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister, for becoming the first in history to take a HIV test, the first leader in the history of the G7 to take a HIV test.
As a former member of the independent HIV commission, I’m determined that this government will deliver our commitment to end new transmissions of HIV in England by 2030 and we’ll set this out shortly in our new Action Plan.
It comes as polling by YouGov, on behalf of HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust, has found that more than 80% of adults in England are unaware it is possible to test for HIV at home. However, when prompted as an option, at-home testing was the most popular way to know your HIV status, with 44% of people saying it would be their preference.
Since the introduction of self-testing kits, home testing has increased in popularity, especially among women and some ethnic minorities who are less likely to test through their local sexual health services.
They can be ordered this week by anyone in England from www.startswithme.org.uk to use at home.
The funding follows on from £27 million announced by the Prime Minister to extend the NHS England innovative opt-out HIV testing in emergency departments, announced ahead of World Aids Day.
The move supports the government’s Plan for Change by ensuring people can get timely access to diagnostics and care if they need it, while supporting the shift from sickness to prevention. It precedes the new HIV Action Plan, which is expected later this year.
Speaking at the House of Commons today, Public Health and Prevention Minister Ashley Dalton said:
Increasing HIV testing is a vital step towards meeting our goal and will be a core element of our new HIV Action Plan published later this year.
That’s why we are investing over £4.5 million to deliver a national prevention programme.
And that’s why today, I can announce that we will extend the programme for a further year to March 2026, backed by an extra £1.5 million.
Richard Angell OBE, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust said:
National HIV Testing Week is an award-winning campaign and we are so pleased that it will be back next year. The continued success of this partnership between Terrence Higgins Trust and the Department for Health and Social Care delivers 25,000 HIV at-home tests across England and is crucial in our joint mission to end new HIV cases by 2030.
England can be the first country in the world to end the epidemic, but we are not yet on track to do so. A new HIV Action Plan for England will turbo-charge those efforts. We are delighted that Sir Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting are leading from the front in this mission.
Testing can also take place in community settings, not just at-home or at sexual health services.
The UK Health Security Agency has published its community testing survey results today, which show in 2023, testing in community settings – such as nightclubs, festivals, and voluntary sector premises – increased by 7% compared to 2022.
The report also found nearly a quarter of all tests were reported among individuals being tested for HIV for the first time. It also highlights the impact of National HIV Testing Week, noting that there was a 22% increase in the number of tests carried out in this time compared to 2022.
Dr Tamara Ðuretić, Head of HIV Section at the UK Health Security Agency, said:
HIV can affect anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation. It’s good to see HIV Testing Week once again highlighting the hugely important role regular testing plays in helping to prevent new infections, alongside condom use.
Testing allows people to have access to free prevention interventions such as PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) and, should you test positive, ensures timely access to treatment that saves lives and prevents the virus being passed on.
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, said:
Increasing the early detection and diagnoses of HIV, enables the NHS to provide people with better access to the latest and most effective life-saving medication, which can prevent long-term health issues and reduces the chance of unknown transmissions to others.
Boosting opportunities to test for HIV, including through home testing and the highly successful NHS emergency department testing programme, is crucial. We would encourage anyone who could be living with HIV to order a test and get checked.
Further information:
Published 11 February 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP and Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy Rebecca Evans MS, met with engineers, apprentices, and senior management to discuss ambitions of both Welsh and UK Governments to drive innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector.
Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP with GE Aerospace apprentices.
Wales Office Minister Nia Griffith MP today visited GE Aerospace’s world-class maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Nantgarw, to reaffirm the UK Government’s commitment to supporting high-skilled jobs, cutting-edge innovation, and economic growth in Wales as part of its forthcoming Industrial Strategy.
Joined by Rebecca Evans MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Ministers met with engineers, apprentices, and senior management to discuss how GE Aerospace’s investment in its MRO capabilities aligns with the broader ambitions of both Welsh and UK Governments to drive innovation and sustainability in the aerospace sector.
With more than 1,300 employees, GE Aerospace’s Nantgarw site is one of the largest and most advanced engine MRO facilities in the world, servicing engines for global airlines, including the GE90 and CFM56, and playing a key role in supporting sustainable aviation. With Welsh Government financial support, Nantgarw will also be home to the GE9X engine upon int entry into service.
As part of its long-term commitment to Wales, GE Aerospace recently announced a multi-million-pound investment in its Nantgarw MRO facility, further strengthening its capabilities and ensuring it remains a global leader in engine maintenance and repair. The investment is part of GE Aerospace’s global, multiyear $1 billion MRO spending surge that was announced last Autumn.
The visit follows the Chancellor’s recent Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) funding announcement, which provides significant UK Government support for research into next-generation aviation technologies, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in the industry.
Dame Nia Griffith MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales said:
The UK’s aerospace sector is a cornerstone of our economy, and Wales plays a critical role in its success.
Our Industrial Strategy is a vital part of achieving our number one mission of growing the economy, and we are committed to seeing that companies like GE Aerospace get the support and investment they need to remain at the forefront of innovation in a highly competitive sector, in order to help us achieve that economic growth.
The recent ATI funding announcement further demonstrates our commitment to developing greener, more efficient aviation technologies while securing high-quality jobs for the future.
Steve Edwards, Managing Director at GE Aerospace’s site in Wales said:
The Wales team is proud to provide world-class MRO services for our global airline customers. While we continue to focus on safety, quality, delivery and cost in that order, we are equally excited about the future. Looking ahead, our site will become the new overhaul home for the GE9X engine, the largest the most powerful commercial aircraft engine ever built.
Government support, including initiatives such as the Aerospace Growth Partnership along with long term funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute, will continue to provide companies such as GE Aerospace the confidence to grow, invest and mature new technologies and capabilities in the UK.
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning said:
Wales is a centre of excellence for aerospace-related manufacturing and maintenance activities, and this world-leading facility by GE Aerospace is another feather in the cap for our thriving aerospace sector.
Our £5m funding contribution has helped equip the facility and the current workforce to upskill, while developing the next generation of aircraft engineers through training and apprenticeships. This means high-value employment opportunities for people living in the surrounding communities.
The visit underscored the strong partnership between industry and government in driving innovation and investment, ensuring that companies such as GE Aerospace and the wider aerospace sector remain at the forefront of the UK and Welsh Governments’ industrial strategies.
Published 11 February 2025
Source: United States Navy (Medical)
Story by: Chiara M. Caputo
U.S. Navy Medicine and Training Command (USNMRTC) Sigonella highlights the accomplishments of three remarkable physicians who have dedicated their lives to serving both their patients and their country. These leaders in military medicine embody the values of innovation, resilience, and selfless service.
Through their tireless efforts, these physicians have not only advanced medical care within the Military Health System but have also paved the way for future generations of leaders in medicine and the armed forces. Each of their stories highlights a profound commitment to excellence and a passion for making a difference, whether on the battlefield, in clinics, or through groundbreaking research.
We honor their contributions and celebrate their unwavering dedication to health care, military service, and the pursuit of a healthier, stronger future. Through their stories, we hope to inspire future generations and showcase the unwavering commitment of these women in uniform and in diverse roles in Navy Medicine.
Brandi L Sakai, MD
Commander, USN
Board Certified Emergency Medicine Physician
Born in Welsh, Louisiana, on June 6, 1981, Cmdr. Sakai grew up with a passion for science and the ocean. After graduating from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in 1998, she pursued marine biology, studying diverse ecosystems from the marshes of Louisiana to Scotland’s marine mammals and the vibrant reefs of the Virgin Islands. Her work at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital’s barometric pressure chamber sparked her drive to combine science with service, graduating cum laude with a B.S. in Biology.
In 2005, she commissioned in the Navy through the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) and began medical school at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Hurricane Katrina hit during her training, and Commander Sakai worked tirelessly in pop-up clinics, providing care and vaccinations to displaced communities. This experience shaped her dedication to serving others in times of crisis.
Her Navy career has been marked by leadership and innovation. From integrating Marine medical services in Japan to creating advanced training programs for shock trauma care, she has consistently raised the bar for military medicine. As the Senior Medical Officer in Okinawa and later the Department Head of Emergency Medicine in Guantanamo Bay, she improved operations, ensured top-tier care, and earned recognition for her commitment to excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Commander Sakai is a certified Emergency Medicine Diplomate and a devoted wife and mother of two. When she’s not scuba diving, sailing, or baking, she’s embracing projects that reflect her passion for problem-solving and innovation.
Reflecting on her career, Cmdr. Sakai shared, “I had many jobs that many would consider a career. I was a PADI scuba instructor and manager of the storefront of a tour operation in St. Thomas US Virgin Islands (USVI). If you took a cruise to the island, you walked past our store on the docks. We may have said hello two decades ago! After doing the job for 5 years, I felt that I had learned all that I could, and there was no chance for advancement based on performance, so I knew that I needed something new and challenging. After getting my degree in Marine Biology and presenting environmental research to the Senate on USVI fisheries and the impact of hotel expansion, I realized that I enjoyed talking and educating people one-on-one, and speaking to rooms and presenting posters wasn’t going to make me happy. I volunteered at the local Emergency Department, and the variety and mental challenge of solving a puzzle on every patient kept me coming back. I decided to turn it into a career, but I also hated to stay in one place (there was a big wide world to explore), so I joined the Navy and never looked back. I did a General Surgery internship, and the Chaplain and I were the only Naval Officers in my first duty with the Marines in Iwakuni, Japan for 3 years. Being part of the Marines for 3 years to start my career really shaped me and set the tone for all my OCONUS tours since. My husband was an Ombudsman and found a great career as a financial educator that allows him to work virtually. If you need advice on mainland Japan, Korea, Okinawa, or Guantanamo Bay, or love medicine and want to explore your options give me a ring.”
Meagan G. Chauvin, MD, FACOG
Lieutenant Commander, USN
Director of Medical Services/Staff Attending OBGYN
A Houston, Texas native, Lt. Cmdr. Meagan Chauvin has built a remarkable career in military medicine. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2010, she completed her Medical Doctorate at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston in 2014. She completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency in 2018 at Naval Medical Center San Diego.
Her first assignment as a staff OB/GYN took her to Naval Hospital Guam, where she led the OB/GYN Clinic as Department Head and earned Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Later, at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital in Virginia, she became Department Chief of the Women’s Health Clinic, further demonstrating her leadership and dedication to women’s health.
Now serving as the Director of Medical Services at Naval Hospital Sigonella in Italy, Lt. Cmdr. Chauvin continues to lead with excellence. Among her awards are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Lt. Cmdr. Chauvin is also a proud wife to Matthew Gerard Chauvin and mom to three children—EJ, Madeline, and Ellie—balancing her professional success with a fulfilling family life. Reflecting on her career, LCDR Chauvin shared, “I was inspired to become an OBGYN, because I loved taking care of women across their lifespan and developing long-term relationships with my patients. In addition, I love welcoming babies into the world and being part of helping patients grow their families. I joined the Navy after being inspired by classmates from high school who also went to service academies. The Naval Academy was an amazing experience that led me to the most important job I can imagine, supporting Navy women and families as an OBGYN. I am proud to follow in the Navy tradition of my great grandfather, who served on a troop transport ship in WWI, and my grandfather, who joined via the Navy V-12 program during WWII.”
Kristen Shafer, MC
Lieutenant, USN
Emergency Medicine Attending
Born in New York, New York, Lt. Shafer discovered her passion for science and outreach early in life. After earning her bachelor’s degree in chemistry pre-medicine at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2014, she brought the wonders of chemistry to life for local elementary students through her self-created Chemistry Magic Show.
In 2015, she pursued her Master of Science in Space Physiology and Health at King’s College London, where her thesis explored visual function and impairment in dynamic environments. She collaborated with the United Kingdom space program’s Mission X initiative, blending her love of science with public engagement.
Lt. Shafer joined the Navy through the HPSP program and earned her Doctor of Medicine from Stony Brook University in 2020, graduating early to assist with the initial surge of COVID-19 patients in New York. She went on to complete her Emergency Medicine Residency at USNMRTC Portsmouth in 2024, where she expanded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) outreach programs, inspiring over 300 high school students annually.
Now an Emergency Medicine Attending at USNMRTC Sigonella, Lt. Shafer continues her commitment to both medicine and mentorship. As Emergency Response Committee Chair, she oversees emergency preparedness, and as a liaison to local DoDEA schools, she is developing a mentorship program to introduce students to healthcare careers and military opportunities.
With a passion for outreach and academic medicine, LT Shafer embodies the Navy’s mission to serve both on and off the field, inspiring the next generation of leaders. Reflecting on her career in emergency medicine, Lt. Shafer said, “In emergency medicine, we need to be ready for whatever comes in the door at any time. Military medicine lets me practice that medicine and be comfortable providing care not just at any time, but any place in the world and to a population that is dedicated to serving others and making a difference.”
USNMRTC Sigonella is one of The Defense Health Agency’s Overseas Military Treatment Facilities (MTF). The staff are comprised of active duty service members, General Service (GS), contractors, and Local Nationals. It ensures maximum readiness by providing high-quality, safe patient and family-centered care to maximize force health protection for all beneficiaries, to included NATO and transient DoD forces in the U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Sixth Fleet areas of operation.
The U. S. Naval Academy (USNA) offers a variety of academic curriculums that prepare their graduates for a rewarding military career. Graduates of the USNA will accept a commission for 5 years of active duty service in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps. For more information regarding the USNA visit: https://www.usna.edu/homepage.php.
If you are already in or plan to attend school to be a physician, dentist, optometrist, physician assistant or clinical psychologist, the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) will pay your educationally based tuition and fees for up to four years of school and provide a monthly stipend paid directly to you. After graduation, you’ll join the Navy’s active duty team as a commissioned officer. In return, you agree to serve a minimum of 2 years on active duty or year for year of scholarship, whichever is longer.
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department today unsealed criminal charges against Roman Berezhnoy, 33, and Egor Nikolaevich Glebov, 39, both Russian nationals, who allegedly operated a cybercrime group using the Phobos ransomware that victimized more than 1,000 public and private entities in the United States and around the world and received over $16 million in ransom payments. Berezhnoy and Glebov were arrested yesterday as part of a coordinated international disruption of their organization, which includes additional arrests and the technical disruption of the group’s computer infrastructure.
From May 2019, through at least October 2024, Berezhnoy, Glebov, and others allegedly caused victims to suffer losses resulting from the loss of access to their data in addition to the financial losses associated with the ransomware payments. The victims included a children’s hospital, health care providers, and educational institutions.
According to court documents, Berezhnoy, Glebov, and others operated a ransomware affiliate organization, including under the names “8Base” and “Affiliate 2803,” among others, that victimized public and private entities through the deployment of Phobos ransomware.
As part of the scheme, Berezhnoy, Glebov, and others allegedly hacked into victim computer networks, copied and stole files and programs on the victims’ network, and encrypted the original versions of the stolen data with Phobos ransomware. The conspirators then allegedly extorted the victims for ransom payments in exchange for the decryption keys to regain access to the encrypted data by, among other things, leaving a ransom note on compromised victim computers and separately reaching out to victims to initiate ransom payment negotiations.
As alleged, the conspirators also threatened to expose victims’ stolen files to the public or to the victims’ clients, customers, or constituents if the ransoms were not paid. The conspirators are further alleged to have established and operated a darknet website where they repeated their extortionate threats and ultimately published the stolen data if a victim failed to pay the ransom.
After a successful Phobos ransomware attack, criminal affiliates paid fees to Phobos administrators for a decryption key to regain access to the encrypted files. Each deployment of Phobos ransomware was assigned a unique alphanumeric string in order to match it to the corresponding decryption key, and each affiliate was directed to pay the decryption key fee to a cryptocurrency wallet unique to that affiliate.
The charges unsealed today against Berezhnoy and Glebov follow the recent arrest and extradition of Evgenii Ptitsyn, a Russian national, on charges relating to his alleged administration of the Phobos ransomware variant.
In parallel with today’s arrests, Europol and German authorities have announced an international operation involving the FBI and other international law enforcement partners to disrupt over 100 servers associated with this criminal network.
Berezhnoy and Glebov are charged in an 11-count indictment with one count of wire fraud conspiracy, one count of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse, three counts of causing intentional damage to protected computers, three counts of extortion in relation to damage to a protected computer, one count of transmitting a threat to impair the confidentiality of stolen data, and one count of unauthorized access and obtaining information from a protected computer. If convicted, Berezhnoy and Glebov face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each wire fraud-related count; 10 years in prison on each computer damage count; and five years in prison on each of the other counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erek L. Barron, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland; Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, made the announcement.
The FBI Baltimore Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department extends its thanks to international judicial and law enforcement partners in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Thailand, Finland, and Romania, as well as Europol and the U.S. Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center, for their cooperation and coordination with the Phobos ransomware investigation. The Justice Department’s National Security Division and Office of International Affairs also provided valuable assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Sullivan for the District of Maryland and Senior Counsel Aarash A. Haghighat of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) are prosecuting the case. Former CCIPS Trial Attorney Riane Harper and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky and Jeffrey J. Izant for the District of Maryland provided substantial assistance.
Additional details on protecting networks against Phobos ransomware are available at StopRansomware.gov, including Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Advisory AA24-060A.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A murder investigation has been launched after a fatal stabbing in Ealing.
Police were called at approximately 22:30hrs on Tuesday, 10 February, to reports of a man found with stab wounds outside an address in Oaklands Road, Hanwell.
Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended, but despite their best efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, officers believe the victim was in his 30s.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.
DCI Alison Foxwell, from Major Investigation Team 12, said:
“Our thoughts today are with the victim’s family and friends in light of this truly tragic event.
“Local residents will see an increased number of officers in and around Hanwell while our investigative work is carried out. I want to thank residents for their patience while this continues. I would ask anyone who was in the area of Oaklands Road, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to come forward to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference CAD7176/10FEB25.
Source: Thales Group
Headline: Thales and Bharat Dynamics Ltd Agree on Initial Supply of Man Portable Air Defence systems to India
Bengaluru, 10 February 2025: Thales and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are proud to announce the signing of an initial supply of Laser Beam Riding Man Portable Air Defence systems (LBRM) in response to a requirement set out by the Indian Government to support India’s air defence capabilities.
This initial supply of High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) and launchers will be delivered this year and represents the first time that India has received this latest VSHORAD capability. This step confirms the foundation of a long-term collaboration and manufacturing partnership between Thales and BDL. In the spirit of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, this partnership will serve the current and future requirements of the Indian Ministry of Defence.
Thales, together with BDL, is committed to the transfer of technology (ToT) of battle proven capabilities to India to equip the Indian Armed Forces.
This contract represents the first major agreement since the establishment of the United Kingdom’s Defence Partnership-India, a bespoke programme office breaking down barriers to trade and offering government-to-government contracting, where appropriate, further solidifying the defence and security relationship between the two nations. This contract also reflects Thales’ long-term partnership of 70+ years with India, serving as a testimony to its continued growth.
A production partnership with India will also increase UK production at the Thales Belfast site, where LBRM is designed.
Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, said: “This exciting collaboration is just one of the ways that we are growing our defence relationship and partnership with India. While supporting India’s air defence capability and global security, this agreement also demonstrates defence as an engine for growth and delivers on the government’s Plan for Change.”
“This is a momentous occasion for all the stakeholders involved in the development of LBRM Air Defence solutions. It signifies the beginning of an exciting chapter in our collaboration with BDL, contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. The UK-India strategic partnership finds renewed strength through this contract, which is poised to make a significant impact in the domain of air defence in India.” declared Pascale Sourisse, President & CEO, Thales International.
“We are pleased to take our collaboration with Thales to this next significant step, enhancing our contribution to the defence ecosystem and our ability to support existing and future LBRM Air Defence customers. This initiative aligns perfectly with our Government’s ‘Make in India,’ ‘ease of doing business,’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programmes, giving a major boost to the local industry through partnerships with global organisations like Thales.” said Cmde A Madhavarao (retd.), Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Dynamics Limited.
“The signing of this contract with BDL and Thales to support India’s air defence capability is a huge stride forward in strengthening our partnership with India. I am proud to see that Thales’ expertise in the domain of Air defence will bring vital, battle proven capabilities to India.” said Phil Siveter, CEO of Thales in the UK.
About LBRM
High Velocity Missiles (STARStreak) are a truly versatile, complex weapon system. Designed for very short-range air defence, they are the fastest missiles in their class at Mach >3.0. They are best suited to address late unmasking threats such as fixed and rotary wing targets, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and pop-up attack helicopters.
Thales is a world leader in the provision of Air Defence solutions and in particular of complex weapon systems and has been a trusted partner of forces in this field for more than 60 years.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.
It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.
The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.
Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.
About BDL
BDL, right from its inception in the year 1970, has been in the forefront of Defence Technology to manufacture state of the art, cost-effective Missile systems, underwater weapons and allied defence equipment to the Indian Armed Forces. With the domain expertise, BDL participates in the indigenously developed missile programs by DRDO, ToT from Foreign OEMs or co-developed using in house R&D and manufactures the world class products for the domestic and international market.
About Thales in India
Present in India since 1953, Thales is headquartered in Noida and has other operational offices and sites spread across Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, among others. Over 2200 employees are working with Thales and its joint ventures in India. Since the beginning, Thales has been playing an essential role in India’s growth story by sharing its technologies and expertise in Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital markets. Thales has two engineering competence centres in India – one in Noida focused on Cyber & Digital business, while the one in Bengaluru focuses on hardware, software and systems engineering capabilities for both the civil and defence sectors, serving global needs.
PRESS CONTACTS
Bharat Dynamics Ltd
Homnidhi Sharma
+91 94939 84976
bdlbd-pr@bdl-india.in
Thales, Group Media Relations
Defence
Camille Heck
+33 6 73 78 33 63
Thales, Communications in India
Pawandeep Kaur
+91 9990098828
Source: Aisle of Wight
Island Futures and the Isle of Wight Council will be hosting an Apprenticeships, Careers and Jobs fair in February to support the local community to develop aspirations and explore career opportunities.
The event, taking place on Tuesday the 18th of February at 1Leisure’s Medina site in Newport, will offer valuable opportunities for job seekers of all backgrounds. Attendees can meet employers and discuss job openings, whether they are looking for full-time, part-time, or apprenticeship roles. Experts will also be available to provide advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and career planning.
The event is free and open to everyone. It’s a chance to gain insights from industry professionals and connect with potential employers. Some of the exhibitors that will be there on the day include both local and national businesses such as Biscoes Solicitors, Creative Island, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and Southern Railway. You can see the full list of potential employers attending the event, waiting to meet you, on our website!
Event details:
Date: Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: 1Leisure Medina, Fairlee Road, Newport, PO30 2EW
Find out more here: Island Futures Events
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
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Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Russian Federation Vinay Kumar
Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to the Russian Federation Vinay Kumar. The meeting participants discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in the field of agriculture.
“Trade in agricultural products and food between Russia and India is growing rapidly. Thus, last year, the turnover of agricultural products increased by more than 60%. We are interested in further development of mutual trade,” said Dmitry Patrushev.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that Russia is ready to increase exports to India of vegetable oils, livestock and fish products, wheat and legumes and, in addition, is interested in importing Indian agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables.
The meeting also discussed possible additional growth points for the development of bilateral cooperation.
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.
Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
A graduate of the State University of Management, Andrei Nikitin, was appointed to the post of Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation by order of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, Mikhail Mishustin.
On February 8, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the resignation of Andrei Nikitin as governor of the Novgorod region, where he had served for eight years. A new appointment was not long in coming.
Andrey Nikitin graduated from the State University of Management in 2001, majoring in Public and Municipal Administration. He continued his education in graduate school, defended his dissertation in 2006 on the topic of “Strategy of Organizational Changes as a Tool for Effective Management (Theoretical and Methodological Aspect)” and became a candidate of economic sciences. In 2018, he defended his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Economics on the topic of “Formation and Ensuring the Effective Functioning of Regional Management Teams” at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.
From 2002 to 2011, he held senior positions in various commercial organizations. In August 2011, as a result of an open competition, he was appointed head of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. On February 13, 2017, by decree of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, he was appointed acting governor of the Novgorod region. In the same year, he was elected governor, gaining 67.99% of the votes.
We congratulate Andrey Sergeevich on his high appointment and wish him great success in his new job.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/11/2025
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of India (2)
Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi
As per the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), 2023 India moved up to 22nd Rank in the Global Ranking in International Shipments category and the Overall 38th Rank in Logistics Performance Index score. Indian Ports have registered quantum improvement in “Turn Around Time”. Global comparison of Indian Ports on “Turn Around Time” parameter, as published in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Report-2023, acknowledges Indian Ports “Turn Around Time” as 0.9 days which is better than USA (1.5 days), Australia (1.7 days), Belgium (1.3 days), Canada (2.0 days), Germany (1.3 days), UAE (1.1 days), Singapore (1.0 days), Russian Federation (1.8 days), Malaysia (1.0 days), Ireland (1.2 days), Indonesia (1.1 days), New Zealand (1.1 days) and South Africa (2.8 days).
The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 was developed in alignment with the principles of the blue economy. It outlines long-term aspirations for India’s maritime sector and provides a broad action plan for implementation. The vision aims to transform the sector through various key initiatives, including the expansion of port capacity through greenfield and brownfield developments, enhancing operational efficiency by leveraging automation and digitization, and making the sector more sustainable through green initiatives such as the development of hydrogen hubs. In addition to sustainability, the vision emphasizes the development of islands and the cruise sector, aiming to boost coastal tourism and related infrastructure. It also focuses on strengthening maritime capacity building by enhancing workforce training and skill development. Furthermore, the vision aspires to elevate India’s global maritime presence by increasing participation in international maritime platforms. Another critical area of focus is the shipbuilding and repair sector. The vision seeks to position India as a global leader in shipbuilding while also working toward increasing the country’s shipping tonnage. To achieve these ambitious objectives, the strategy proposes a comprehensive set of interventions spanning infrastructure development, policy reforms, technological advancements, institutional strengthening, and regulatory enhancements.
GMIS 2023 attracted investment commitment of ₹10 lakh crore. This includes signing of 360 MoUs, with an investment commitment of ₹8.35 lakh crore (including international collaborations), and the announcement of additional investible projects worth ₹1.68 lakh crore.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in Rajya Sabha, today.
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G.D. Hallikeri/Henry
(Release ID: 2101760) Visitor Counter : 42
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland, Korea and Australia suspended
Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Poland, Korea and Australia suspended
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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (February 11) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Lipno District of Kujawsko-pomorskie Region in Poland, Hampyeong-gun of Jeollanam-do Province and Gumi-si of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in Korea; and an outbreak of highly pathogenic H7N8 avian influenza in Strathbogie Shire of the State of Victoria in Australia, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong. A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 6 600 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland; about 80 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 21.9 million poultry eggs from Korea; and about 1 030 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 11.36 million poultry eggs from Australia last year. “The CFS has contacted the Polish, Korean and Australian authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, February 11, 2025Issued at HKT 18:32
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Source: Government of India
Posted On: 11 FEB 2025 3:48PM by PIB Delhi
Shaping the Future of Storytelling, One Reel at a Time
Introduction
The WAVES 2025 “Reel Making” Challenge is a unique competition that empowers creators and enthusiasts to showcase their storytelling skills using Meta’s tools through a concise 30-90 second film format. Organised by the Internet and Mobile Association of India in partnership with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the challenge has received an overwhelming response, with 3,379 registrations from across India and 20 countries as of February 5, 2025. It provides a platform for digital creators to experiment, innovate, and push the boundaries of short-form content.
This challenge is part of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative under the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will be held from 1st to 4th May 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens, Mumbai. WAVES is a premier global platform fostering discussions, collaboration, and innovation in the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry. Bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders, the summit will explore emerging opportunities, address challenges, and strengthen India’s position as a global creative hub. With over 70,000 registrations across 31 competitions, the Create in India Challenges continue to fuel creativity, talent, and international participation.
WAVES 2025: Uniting Creators Worldwide
The “Reel Making” Challenge, launched as a key initiative under WAVES 2025, underscores India’s emergence as a global hub for media and entertainment while reflecting the rapid growth of its digital creator economy. It aligns with the Government of India’s “Create in India” vision, fostering talent from across the nation and beyond.
The challenge has attracted notable international participation from countries including Afghanistan, Albania, the United States, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, UAE, Australia, and Germany, among others. This global reach highlights India’s increasing influence in the creative sector and the growing appeal of WAVES as a premier platform for content creators worldwide.
Domestically, entries have come from diverse and remote locations across India, such as Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh), Dimapur (Nagaland), Kargil (Ladakh), Leh, Shopian (Kashmir), Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Teliamura (Tripura), Kasaragod (Kerala), and Gangtok (Sikkim). The strong response from smaller towns and emerging creative hubs showcases India’s rich storytelling traditions and thriving digital ecosystem.
Participants above the age of 20 are required to create reels on themes such as “Viksit Bharat,” highlighting India’s technological and infrastructure advancements, and “India @ 2047,” envisioning the nation’s future growth. These themes provide a platform for storytellers to capture India’s innovation journey, demonstrating their creativity and vision for the country’s progress.
Themes
Rules
Reel Guidelines
Rewards & Recognition
References:
https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025
https://eventsites.iamai.in/Waves/reelmaking/
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2099990
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Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Saurabh Kalia
(Release ID: 2101742) Visitor Counter : 39