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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI: Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposal on the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors of Oma Saving Bank Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OMA SAVINGS BANK PLC, STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 31 JANUARY 2025 AT 19.00 P.M. EET, OTHER INFORMATION DISCLOSED TO THE RULES OF THE EXCHANGE

    Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposal on the composition and remuneration of the Board of Directors of Oma Saving Bank Plc

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes the following to the Annual General Meeting of Oma Savings Bank Plc (OmaSp or the Company) on 8 April 2025:

    The number of members of the Board of Directors is proposed to be confirmed at seven.

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that the current Board members Juhana Brotherus, Irma Gillberg-Hjelt, Aki Jaskari, Jaakko Ossa, Carl Pettersson, Kati Riikonen and Juha Volotinen.

    All candidates are proposed to be elected for the period starting at the Annual General Meeting 2025 and ending at the Annual General Meeting 2026. All nominees have given their consent to the election. At the time of election, all proposed nominees are independent in their relationship with the company and its significant shareholders.

    Details of the Board members nominated for election:

    JUHANA BROTHERUS
    Juhana Brotherus (born 1986) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Brotherus has been the Director and Chief Economist of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises since 2023. In addition, Brotherus worked as Chief Economist and Director of the Mortgage Society of Finland in 2014–2023 and as the Economist of Danske Bank in 2011–2014. Brotherus has served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of HOAS since 2018, as a member of the Investment Committee of the Finnish Business School Graduates since 2016, as a member of the Board of the Foundation for Economic Students in Helsinki in 2015–2020, and as a member of the Board of aTalent Recruitingin in 2012–2018, of which as the Chairman of the Board in 2014–2018. Brotherus holds a Master of Economic Sciences.

    IRMA GILLBERG-HJELT
    Irma Gillberg-Hjelt (born 1962) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Gillberg-Hjelt has has been the Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Banking of Aktia Bank Plc in 2017–2020, employed by Danske Bank and its predecessors from 1987 to 2017 holding managerial positions in the corporate customer business in 2010–2017, as Bank Director in 2007–2012, as financial director in 2003–2007, and in customer-responsible positions in 1987–2003. In addition, Gillberg-Hjelt has been a member of the Board of Directors of Saldo Bank UAB in 2023–2024. Gillberg-Hjelt holds a Master of Laws.

    AKI JASKARI
    Aki Jaskari (born 1961) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since 2014. Jaskari has served as the CEO of Nerkoon Höyläämö Oy since 1995. In addition, Jaskari has been a member of the Advisory Board of Leppäkosken Sähkö Group Oy since 2001, a member of the Regional Advisory Committee of Pohjola Insurance Oy in 2001–2015 and as a member of the Board of the Parkano Savings Bank in 2010–2013. Jaskari holds a master’s degree in economics.

    JAAKKO OSSA
    Jaakko Ossa (born 1965) has been the Chairman of the Board of OmaSp since May 2024 and a member of the Board since 2023. Ossa has been a professor of financial law at the University of Turku since 1998. Ossa has an extensive written production, particularly in the field of corporate taxation and investment taxation. Along with his academic career, Ossa has held expert positions at Asianajotoimisto Astrea Oy for around 20 years and currently at Ossa Partners Oy, a family company. Ossa has been as a member of the Board of several companies, including Liedon Savings Bank, Sp-Fund Management Company and the Savings Bank Association. In addition, he is currently the Chairman of the delegation of Taxpayers Association of Finland (TAF) and the inspector of the Satakuntalais-Hämäläinen Student Nation (osakunta) of the University of Turku. Ossa holds a Doctor of Laws.

    CARL PETTERSSON
    Carl Pettersson (born 1979) has been the Vice Chairman and a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since January 2025. Pettersson has been the Managing Director of Elo Pension Company since 2021. In addition, Pettersson has been the Managing Director of Veritas Pension Insurance Company in 2017–2021, Deputy Managing Director of Aktia Bank Plc in 2016–2017 and prior to that in several management positions of Aktia Bank Plc in 2008–2016 and as Director of OP Raasepori’s branch office in 2006-2008. Pettersson holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and an eMBA.

    KATI RIIKONEN
    Kati Riikonen (born 1971) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Riikonen has been the VP, Head of Online, Marketing and Analytics of Telia Finland Plc in 2020–2024, Head of Industry of Google Finland in 2017–2020, Managing Director of Isobar Finland Oy in 2015–2017, Chief Digital Officer of DNA Oy in 2013-2015 and Marketing Director of DNA Oy in 2011–2013, an entrepreneur of KRi Marketing and Training in 2006–2009, Marketing Director of Motorola Inc. USA in 2003–2006 and as various expert and team leader positions at Nokia Plc in 1996–2003. In addition, Riikonen has been a member of the Board of Directors of Kamux Plc since 2024, a member of the Board of Directors of Verkkokauppa.com Plc since 2023, a member of the Board of Directors of Nooa Savings Bank in 2021–2024, a member of the Board of Directors of Kotipizza Group in 2021–2022, a member of the Board of Directors of City Digital Oy in 2016–2018, and a member of the Board of Frantic Media Oy in 2012–2014. Riikonen holds a Master of Business Administration.

    JUHA VOLOTINEN
    Juha Volotinen (born 1975) has been a member of OmaSp’s Board of Directors since December 2024. Volotinen has been the CIO of the Municipality Finance Plc since 2021. In addition, Volotinen worked as CIO of Aktia Bank Plc in 2017–2021 and before that in several managerial positions in Aktia Bank Plc in 2010–2017, in SEB Ab in several managerial positions in 2003–2010, and as IT Manager of Danske Securities in 2002–2003. Volotinen has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Aktia Finance in 2017–2020. Volotinen holds a Master of Economic Sciences.

    Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposal on the remuneration of the Board of Directors of OmaSp:
                                                                                      
    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that the members of the Board of Directors be paid annual remuneration as follows:

    • Chairperson of the Board EUR 85,000
    • Vice Chairperson of the Board EUR 60,000
    • Other members of the Board EUR 40,000

    In addition, the Chairperson of the Board Committees are paid a separate annual fee as follows:

    • Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee EUR 6,000
    • Chairperson of the Risk Committee EUR 9,000
    • Chairperson of the Audit Committee EUR 9,000

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Committee proposes that meeting fees be paid as follows:

    • Board meeting EUR 1,000
    • Committee meeting EUR 1,000
    • Email meeting of the Board or Committee EUR 500

    The Shareholders’ Nomination Board proposes that 25 percent of the annual remuneration of the Board of Directors be paid from the market in Oma Savings Bank Plc’s shares acquired on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors. The shares will be acquired directly on behalf of the members of the Board of Directors at a price formed on the market in public trading when the interim report for the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025 has been published. The Company is responsible for the costs of acquiring the shares and any transfer tax. The rest of the annual fee is paid in cash to cover the taxes arising from the fee.

    In addition, Oma Savings Bank Plc pays or reimburses travel expenses and other expenses related to board work to the members of the Board of Directors.

    The proposals of the Nomination Committee shall be included in the notice of the Annual General Meeting.

    Raimo Härmä (nominated by the South-Karelian Savings Bank Foundation) is the Chairman of the Shareholders’ Nomination Committee of OmaSp, members are Ari Lamminmäki (nominated by the Parkano Savings Bank Foundation), Jouni Niuro (nominated by the Liedon Savings Bank Foundation), Aino Lamminmäki (nominated by the Töysän Savings Bank Foundation), Simo Haarajärvi (nominated by the Kuortane Savings Bank Foundation), and as a specialist acts Jaakko Ossa, the Chairman of the Board of OmaSp.

    Additional information:
    Raimo Härmä, Chairman of the Nomination Committee, tel. +358 44 363 7063
    Minna Sillanpää, CCO, tel. +358 50 66592, minna.sillanpaa@omasp.fi

    DISTRIBUTION
    Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
    Major media
    www.omasp.fi

    OmaSp is a solvent and profitable Finnish bank. About 500 professionals provide nationwide services through OmaSp’s 48 branch offices and digital service channels to over 200,000 private and corporate customers. OmaSp focuses primarily on retail banking operations and provides its clients with a broad range of banking services both through its own balance sheet as well as by acting as an intermediary for its partners’ products. The intermediated products include credit, investment and loan insurance products. OmaSp is also engaged in mortgage banking operations.

    OmaSp core idea is to provide personal service and to be local and close to its customers, both in digital and traditional channels. OmaSp strives to offer premium level customer experience through personal service and easy accessibility. In addition, the development of the operations and services is customer-oriented. The personnel is committed and OmaSp seeks to support their career development with versatile tasks and continuous development. A substantial part of the personnel also own shares in OmaSp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    January 31, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met in Anapa with volunteers involved in the liquidation of the consequences of the emergency on the coast

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke with representatives of the united volunteer headquarters on the shore of Anapa

    The meeting was also attended by the head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) Grigory Gurov and the governor of Krasnodar Krai Veniamin Kondratyev.

    Volunteer headquarters

    Co-chairman of the Ecosystem movement Andrey Rudnev proposed that the Russian Government regulate the work of volunteers and issue a Government order specifying mandatory registration on the platform “Dobro.RF” and through regional headquarters

    The Deputy Prime Minister supported the proposal to distribute recommendations on safety measures for volunteer work and expressed gratitude to all volunteers for their dedicated work, involvement and concern.

    “Volunteering is difficult, sometimes dangerous work. Volunteers are provided with social guarantees, compensation payments and measures to ensure their safety. It is extremely important that all volunteers who want to help eliminate the consequences register on the platform “Dobro.RF”. This will help to organize the work and, above all, ensure your safety,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted the importance of unity across the country in combating environmental threats and added that the cohesion of government organizations, public institutions and citizens plays a key role in overcoming current challenges. Dmitry Chernyshenko expressed gratitude to the leadership of Krasnodar Krai and Rosmolodezh for their coordinated work.

    Rosmolodezh head Grigory Gurov reported that most volunteers come centrally and join the headquarters “Dobro.RF”. “By starting independent work to clean up oil products, people risk their health and violate safety requirements. Therefore, we urge everyone who has decided to go to help eliminate oil pollution to follow the instructions and guidelines. Join the work of the headquarters

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons decries President Trump’s freeze on almost all foreign assistance in speech on Senate floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations and Foreign Relations Committees, condemned President Donald Trump’s executive order (EO) to pause almost all U.S. foreign assistance in a speech on the Senate floor yesterday, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to U.S. security and values.

    Last week, following the Trump EO, the State Department issued a “stop-work” order that halted all current foreign assistance and paused new projects, with narrow exceptions. This abrupt action created widespread confusion, further complicated by the White House budget office’s decision to send and then rescind a separate memo that had ordered a freeze on all federal grant spending. The actions have left essential aid programs and global partnerships in a state of uncertainty, weakening the United States’ standing around the world.

    In his remarks, Senator Coons emphasized that foreign assistance is not charity, but an investment that strengthens our security and economy. The Trump EO by contrast, harms our allies and friends, and benefits adversaries like China. It has halted payments to contractors rebuilding Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure in the wake of Russian attacks and frozen support that is critical to ensuring Taiwan’s defense. This pause has halted vital pandemic surveillance work that keeps us safe from lethal diseases and rapidly emerging pandemics, at a time when we are seeing new outbreaks of highly transmissible diseases like Ebola in Uganda and Marburg in Tanzania. The pause has impacted critical global health funding, including PEPFAR, which provides HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with HIV globally. U.S. institutions that monitor global elections like the National Democratic Institute and International Republic Institute are also frozen in the run-up to elections in nations like Moldova and Romania that are expected to be targets of Russian interference. This reckless step harms U.S. credibility and economic stability and creates long-term consequences that weaken our allies and empower our adversaries.

    Senator Coons also underscored that while foreign assistance accounts for less than 1 percent of the federal budget, its strategic significance is crucial.

    A video and partial transcript of Senator Coons’ comments are available below.

    WATCH HERE.

    Senator Coons: Mr. President, I’m speaking today in strong opposition to President Trump’s illegal executive order of last Friday night that pauses all of our foreign assistance and development assistance. Let’s be clear: our development assistance, our foreign aid, isn’t about charity. It’s about security, and it’s about values. We have alliances and partnerships around the world that are undergirded by our soft power – by our partnerships and investment in helping make our world safer, more stable, and more secure. What happened last Friday night, at the end of the workday and there was no one there to answer urgent questions – was a freeze on all foreign assistance, with a very narrow exception for food aid, and it has caused chaos in the global community that delivers aid and assistance around the world. 

    For days, there were questions unanswered. What did this mean in Ukraine, in Lebanon, where there are wars and ceasefires, where critical grant funding and work by contractors helps put the lights back on after Russian attacks on the electrical infrastructure in Ukraine, where ceasefire implementation in Lebanon was ongoing. In parts of the world where we were continuing to bring home to the United States those who served alongside us in Afghanistan, Afghan SIVs waiting for processing, abandoned in Qatar and here in the United States. 

    A halt on drug supplies that helped keep 20 million people living with HIV through the program PEPFAR, long supported by presidents and Congresses of both parties. A freeze on activity to counter fentanyl and narcotics trafficking, to push back on Chinese and Russian disinformation, and to promote democracy. With urgent upcoming elections, the International Republican Institute and the National Democratic Institute are frozen in their activities and forced to lay off or furlough their workforce. Let me thank Secretary Rubio for responding to urgent calls to broaden the aperture for humanitarian waivers for this freeze, but let me also say that with dozens and dozens of the most senior people at USAID put on furlough, implementing this got harder, and with thousands of contractors who work for USAID in countries around the world dismissed or laid off, the consequences will be severe. 

    I’ll just give you one example. I suspect everyone listening has heard of the disease Ebola. I suspect not everyone has heard of the disease Marburg. They are related. They’re highly transmissive and deadly viruses. There is a new outbreak of Ebola in the capital of Uganda. There’s an ongoing outbreak of Marburg in the neighboring country of Tanzania. This freeze pauses the pandemic surveillance work, the urgent public health work, the assistance we provide that makes sure that we are safe from a rapidly emerging and lethal global pandemic that we put in place after the last pandemic. 

    When we halt foreign assistance, it has consequences. It’s just one percent of our total budget. Most Americans think it’s a big percent of our spending, but it’s one percent, actually, less than one percent of the total federal budget. And there’s a winner here, and it’s not the American taxpayer. Freezing programs like this causes chaos and often costs more to restart them after a review. The winner is China. Our biggest global competitor and adversary is delighted that we’ve handed them an opportunity to say to communities and countries around the world that we are not a reliable partner – that despite contracts and promises, commitments, and programs, they now have months to crow about how we have abandoned our partnerships with county after country around the world. China is delighted when we layoff, or furlough, or cut the resources that help fuel the work of our diplomats and our development professionals. And China has seen its opportunity to expand its influence through programs like the Belt and Road Initiative. They’ve spent a trillion dollars on projects across the Global South in the last decade, and our ability to counter Chinese influence, to make strategic investments, has been put gravely at risk by putting on hold the workforce and the contracts that help deliver them. 

    The administration may be claiming that this pause is temporary, but its effects will not be. The lasting impacts on small businesses, on contractors, on NGOs and loss of expertise, loss of their workforce, loss of their credibility I think will be lasting, dangerous, and harmful.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdict in Cook County Armed Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Trial

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    VALDOSTA, Ga. – The head of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) based out of Cook County, Georgia, and two co-conspirators were found guilty this week of numerous federal charges following a two-and-a-half-week trial in Valdosta.

    Calvin James Smith, Sr., aka “Rollo,” 56, of Adel, Georgia, was found guilty of all 23 counts he was charged with in the 44-count indictment: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; 14 counts of distribution of methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of cocaine base; one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Smith is facing a maximum of life in prison.

    Bobby Leon Kaiser, 54, of Adel, was found guilty of nine of 12 counts he was charged with: one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; two counts of distribution of methamphetamine; five counts of distribution of cocaine base; and one count of distribution of cocaine. Kaiser is facing a maximum of life in prison.

    Vernardo Henley, 44, of Valdosta, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Henley is facing a maximum of life in prison.

    The trial began on Monday, Jan. 13, and concluded on Wednesday evening, Jan. 29. Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands presided over the cases. Sentencing dates will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.

    “Federal, state and local law enforcement marshaled significant resources to stop the distribution of a large amount of deadly illegal drugs from a small town in South Georgia. Our dedicated trial team worked tirelessly to hold the leader and his co-conspirators accountable for their crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “Armed drug trafficking organizations have no place in our communities, and we will continue working together to make Middle Georgia safer for everyone.”

    “The success of this large-scale investigation and the arrests of these drug dealers demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the drug trafficking organizations responsible for driving addiction and destroying communities,” said FBI Atlanta Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Rich Bilson.

    “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that criminal organizations operating in Georgia, especially those trafficking in dangerous drugs and using firearms to further their operations, will be held accountable,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This conviction is a testament to the tireless work of our law enforcement partners, who have dedicated countless hours to ensuring that those who threaten our communities with violence and illegal substances will face justice.”

    “Investigations and prosecutions like this one are great examples of the ongoing effort between local agencies and our federal partners to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics into our communities,” said Hahira Police Chief Stryde Jones. “We are thankful to see this effort come to a close successfully.”

    According to court documents and statements referenced in court, the FBI undertook a significant investigation beginning as early as December 2020 of an armed drug trafficking organization (DTO) led by Smith and centered in Adel, a small town in South Georgia. During the course of the investigation, agents determined that Smith and Kaiser were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, as well as marijuana, working with several associates. Kaiser and others were operating an open drug market at Kaiser’s gazebo and storage shed in Adel, where Smith was a major seller. Henley was released from federal prison on Jan. 20, 2022, and was heard over wiretap trying to locate Smith and purchase up to four kilograms of methamphetamine and sell the drugs. Beginning in Oct. 2021 and continuing through Nov. 10, 2022, agents developed confidential sources (CS) who provided information regarding drug activity at the gazebo and storage shed and conducted more than 25 controlled evidence purchases of methamphetamine and crack cocaine. As part of a wiretap, agents discovered 13 locations used by the DTO. Search warrants were executed at these locations on Nov. 10, 2022, and methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana and 15 handguns and rifles were seized. Agents recovered more than five kilograms of pure methamphetamine, more than ten pounds of marijuana and several hundred grams of crack cocaine and cocaine.

    Smith was recorded hundreds of times discussing purchases and sales of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, and directing others to distribute the drugs. Smith has a lengthy criminal history including aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and controlled substance distribution. Henley has many prior convictions including a 2015 conviction in the Middle District of Georgia for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Kaiser has prior felony convictions, including false imprisonment and drug possession.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), the Hahira Police Department, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Adel Police Department and the Moultrie Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Monica Daniels and Robert McCullers are prosecuting the case for the Government.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How should Keir Starmer handle Donald Trump – and how’s it going so far?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Farr, Senior Lecturer in Contemporary British History, Newcastle University

    The pairing of British prime minister Keir Starmer and US president Donald Trump connotes many imponderables. The only certainty happens to be the most significant: they will be in office together for four years.

    It is rare for a prime minister and a president to have the luxury of knowing – barring extreme unpredictabilities, such as death or incapacity – they have a full term in harness. And personal chemistry matters.

    Trump emphasises (rather too much for the liking of America’s allies) the deal, the handshake, the gaze; the bond that only the lonely, only those who lead, can have. Starmer emphasises level-headedness (although his government has not been particulary conspicuous in evincing it).

    Opposites may well attract, but the precedents for coterminous presidents and prime ministers are not encouraging. John Major and Bill Clinton, elected seven months apart, spent 1992 to 1997 together. But in the very definition of what not to do before an election, London had made its preference for the result of the election in America known – and the other guy won. The Conservative and the Democrat were no more than coolly cordial thereafter.

    On his re-election in 2001, Tony Blair knew he had George W. Bush for at least four years – it turned out to be eight – but the consequences for him were disastrous once the two decided to partake in a war on “terror”.

    In 1964, Harold Wilson and Lyndon Johnson were elected almost simultaneously, and spent 1964 to 1968 together. Though they were Labour and Democrat, and therefore from sister parties, it was not a harmonious pairing. Wilson’s meddling in, but lack of support for, Johnson’s war in Vietnam was a source of unbridled irritation in the White House.

    Trump and May

    The last time Trump became president, Theresa May was prime minister and she travelled with undisguised haste to the White House. There she achieved a highly untypical diplomatic coup in getting Trump to commit publicly to Nato (that bars should be so low was a general feature of the presidency).

    Their subsequent relationship was, however, toxic. No prime minister has been less likely to gaze, to bond (despite pictures of them holding hands), and the president held her as having mangled Brexit, a bid for freedom with which he was keen to associate himself.

    Before the US election, Starmer displayed a unfamiliar deftness of touch, and banked some credit. His immediate phone call to candidate Trump following an attempt on his life in July was both bold and smart. There followed the fabled Trump Tower two-hour chicken dinner.

    It was more typical for Starmer that when it emerged, in a most unfortunate echo of 1992, Labour activists – and Starmer’s own pollster – were working on the Kamala Harris campaign, Trump’s people cried foreign interference and threatened legal action.

    And the two in Starmer’s team who will have the most exposure to the new administration have both been publicly rude about Trump. David Lammy, now foreign secretary, called him “deluded, dishonest, xenophobic [and] narcissistic” in 2019.

    Peter Mandelson, nominated but not yet confirmed as the UK ambassador to the US, has made comments about Trump being a “bully” and a “danger to the world”. To appease opposition in DC on his appointment, Mandelson has since turned on a sixpence (or perhaps a dime).

    This is, at root, about Trump. No other president would have attracted such comments from frontline politicians. But from TV studio to TV studio, Lammy and Mandelson will have those quotes hung about their necks as if they were modern-day ancient mariners. Starmer’s innate caution in public utterance, in this area at least, has inured him.

    Indeed, the repercussions of his unusual boldness in picking Mandelson over a career diplomat may discourage Starmer from ever thinking imaginatively again.

    Most members of the Trump administration would be naturally hostile to a Labour government even without its leading figures insulting their boss or campaigning for his opponent. Certainly, the grounds for disagreement are great: the threat of tariffs, demanded increases in defence spending, the sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, co-operation with China and support for Ukraine.

    Thus Morgan McSweeney – architect of Labour’s 2024 victory, planner of its re-election and Starmer’s chief of staff – flew out to meet Susie Wiles, his equivalent in the White House. (It did not, a person privy to such information told me, go well. Voices were raised.)

    Elon Musk, this moment’s most prominent presidential acolyte inveighed on X, “Starmer must go”, adding for good measure, “He is a national embarrassment.” It is indeed embarrassing – for Starmer – but he will be consoled with the well-founded suspicion that the life-expectancy of Musk and Trump’s tech bromance will be much less than four years.

    Cause for self-reflection

    The return of Trump, emboldened and more powerful than before, has effectively forced the posing of the age-old question: over which expanse of sea should Britain gaze – the Channel or the Atlantic? Churchill thought it should – and that only Britain could – do both.

    Hence, perhaps, Trump’s own public statement about the possible destination of his first international trip: “It could be UK. Traditionally, it’s been UK.”

    It hasn’t. Only Jimmy Carter, in 1977, and Joe Biden, in 2021, visited the UK first – and then because of summits. More than a few presidents (most recently Ford and Johnson) didn’t visit at all.

    But even what might have been a supportive comment was laced with arsenic: “Last time, I went to Saudi Arabia because they agreed to buy 450 billion dollars’ worth of United States merchandise … And if that offer were right, I’d do that again.” Which at least may free the British government to be as unsentimentally transactional.

    Trump and Starmer achieved big victories, albeit when painted in the most flattering terms. Starmer’s came on a historically low combination of vote share and voter turnout, Trump’s with fewer votes than Biden. But Trump will like that Starmer won a large majority. When May managed to lose hers in 2017, what little respect Trump had for her went with it.

    Starmer would much rather have had four years with Biden, and even more with Harris, another public prosecutor of the left. But he has to deal with the transatlantic relationship as it is, rather than as he would wish it to be, and this one is most unlikely to be special.

    Starmer is, moreover, a realist. Which is why he’ll also know that the second Trump presidency will be much more consequential than the first. Caution may have limited effect.

    Martin Farr 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. How should Keir Starmer handle Donald Trump – and how’s it going so far? – https://theconversation.com/how-should-keir-starmer-handle-donald-trump-and-hows-it-going-so-far-248697

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PSPRB response to the 2025-26 England and Wales remit letter and timetable.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence from PSPRB Chair to the Minister of State for Justice relating to 2025-26 remit letter and timetable.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    PSPRB response to 2025-26 England and Wales remit letter

    PDF, 105 KB, 1 page

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email PSPRB@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    The correspondence sets out the response of the Prison Service Pay Review Body to the 2025-26 remit letter and sets out the timetable for the round.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster City Council to Open New Community Hub in Pimlico in 2026 | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has announced the planned opening of a brand-new community hub in the heart of Pimlico, set to launch in 2026. This transformative project is part of the Council’s ambitious Community Hubs Programme, striving to connect residents to the support they need across the city. The council opened two mini-hubs, at Victoria and Charing Cross libraries, in 2024.

    The new hub will be located at the historic site of the old Pimlico Library, at the junction of Tachbrook Street and Lupus Street, directly opposite Pimlico Station and the Bessborough Family Hub. Originally built as part of Westminster City Council’s vision for the Lillington Garden Estate, the mid-20th-century civic building is steeped in history and boasts a highly visible street frontage. This refurbishment will restore a valued community asset to full public use.

    The new Pimlico Community Hub is part of the council’s response to the priorities found during the Pimlico Community Conversations – the council’s engagement with over 400 local residents, organisations and businesses across the area. Through these discissions, it was discovered that the highest priority for the Pimlico community was more community activities, events, and spaces – and the new hub will respond to this need. The new hub will also help to improve the area around Pimlico Station, another priority highlighted by the Community Conversations.

    By breathing new life into the site, the hub will provide an inclusive space where residents can come together, access essential services, and participate in exciting community activities. The hub will also contribute to the council’s ambition to reinvigorate local high streets, and its central position will be easily accessible and highly visible, ensuring it becomes a vibrant focal point for residents and visitors alike.

    By creating spaces that bring people together, the council is delivering on its vision for a fairer, more equitable Westminster.

    Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

    Through the Community Hubs Programme, we are reimagining our public spaces to better serve our communities. 

    “I am delighted and proud that we will be reopening the old Pimlico Library site as a Community Hub which will provide residents with access to face to face to support services from the council and other community organisations.”

    Cllr Jason Williams, Pimlico Project lead member,  said:

    I am delighted to welcome the opening of the Pimlico Community Hub which will bring much needed community activities and services at such a great location. We discussed the importance of Community spaces in the Pimlico conversation and it’s great to see this being delivered for our community for the benefit of all.”

    For more information contact mediateam@westminster.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Bank of Russia has postponed the publication of information on some participants in the payment services market for another year (31.01.2025)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The Board of Directors of the Bank of Russia has decided to extend until 31 December 2025 inclusive the suspension of publication on its website of information on foreign payment service providers included in the list of foreign payment service providers1.

    At the same time, the procedure for maintaining the list, provided for by Bank of Russia Instruction No. 5429-U dated 06.04.2020, remains in effect.

     

    1 Information about the previously adopted decision was published on the Bank of Russia website on 18.04.2024.

    When using the material, a link to the Press Service of the Bank of Russia is required.

    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/PR/? fillet = 638739191836600628NPS.HTM

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/31/2025, 14-00 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A107D17 (Rosset1P12) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    31.01.2025

    14:00

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 31.01.2025, 14-00 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 98.28) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1057.02 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 18.75%) of the security RU000A107D17 (Rosset1P12) were changed.

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/31/2025, 14-44 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0ZYJ91 (FSK RS B4) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    31.01.2025

    14:44

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 31.01.2025, 14-44 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 106.45) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1132.19 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0ZYJ91 (FSK RS B4) were changed.

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

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    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.Mom/NN77300

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Transfers and purchases via SBP break records: 2024 results

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The number and volume of transactions made through the Fast Payment System (FPS) in 2024 doubled compared to the previous year. In total, more than 13.4 billion transactions worth 69.5 trillion rubles were processed through the FPS last year, according to data Bank of Russia.

    The average number of transactions via the SBP per day has been steadily growing from quarter to quarter. In the last quarter, 45 million transactions were carried out daily. A year ago, the average was 26 million such transactions per day.

    Every fourth transaction in the SBP is a payment for goods or services. The popularity of this payment method grew throughout the year. By the end of the year, 5 out of 10 residents of the country preferred to pay through the SBP.

    The number of trade and service enterprises accepting payments via the SBP amounted to approximately 2.2 million by the beginning of 2025.

    In 2024, the indicators for the number and volume of payments that citizens received, including in the form of cashback, from insurance companies, brokers and other legal entities also increased. In total, more than 200 million transfers from companies were sent to citizens for a total amount of over 1 trillion rubles.

    Preview photo: JSC “NSPK”

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23333

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Emphasis on leadership, sustainability, youth engagement and digitalisation as International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidential candidates present plans for global sports

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

    LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 31, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The seven candidates running to become the next President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are hoping that with their 15-minute presentations at the Olympic House on Thursday, 30 January, they have been able to convince the IOC membership of their capabilities to lead the biggest sports organisation in the world. 

    Although they were unable to read the room during the in-camera meeting, especially as their audience was barred from asking questions, the candidates appeared satisfied with their campaign pitches. 

    BEHIND CLOSED DOORS There will be no other opportunities for presentations before the election scheduled for 20 March in Greece. Speaking to the media after giving their presentations behind closed doors, some of the candidates believe the current election process requires a review. 

    Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan, who was the first to appear before the press, said: “If I’m President, I think I would have more flexibility in the rules… We are part of a global sports community and the world has the right to know who is running and what they stand for.” 

    Below are excerpts from the candidates’ interaction with the media at the Château de Vidy, the historical building next to Olympic House, where the presentations took place. 

    HRH PRINCE FEISAL AL HUSSEIN  

    PRESENTATION: It was an honor to deliver my speech to my fellow IOC members, where I laid out my vision for the future blueprint of the Olympic Movement centered on consensus leadership. My speech was structured around three strategic imperatives that are in my manifesto; inspiring imagination, ensuring integrity and developing inclusion. 

    EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH HEADS OF STATE, AN ADVANTAGE?: Absolutely, yes. I think I’ve learned from the experience of not just learning how to deal with people, but by consensus. At the end of the day, all leaders are human beings, and the ability to find a common ground upon which you can build an understanding is a key benefit from the experience that I’ve had just being who I am. 

    DEALING WITH THE IOC’S BIGGEST CHALLENGE: One of the things we have to face and we have to deal with literally focuses on the issue of integrity. When you see the global community, the youth in particular have lost their trust in global institutions, and the IOC is a global institution, so we need to regain both the trust and the sense of relevance with the youth of this world. They are our future movement. And I think this is one of the key areas I would focus on as IOC president. 

    CONFIDENCE IN WADA DESPITE WITHDRAWAL OF US FUNDING: It’s not for me to comment on the policies of the United States. We (the IOC) are an institution that helped establish WADA and I think it has been doing a terrific job in dealing with the issue of doping. We’ve seen such a large reduction of doping incidents in the Olympic Games, and I think this means that they have been effective, and we will continue to support that. 

    DEALING WITH BOXING AHEAD OF LA28: I would love to see boxing back on the programme. It is one of the oldest Olympic sports, and I just hope that we can find a global Federation that can take on that responsibility of organising boxing in LA. 

    RUSSIA’S RETURN TO THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT: There’s nothing I’d like more than to be able to have the whole world at the Olympic Games, I think that’s what our objective is. But I also recognise that there are certain limitations and concerns. Right now, to my understanding, the exclusion of Russian athletes is based on a violation of the Olympic Charter. As President of the IOC, my role and responsibility is to uphold the Olympic Charter. And as long as nobody is in violation, then there is no reason for sanctions. And I would very much like to find a mechanism where we can reintroduce Russia. The world is stronger when we are all together. And I think that is what the Olympic Games does.  

    MR DAVID LAPPARTIENT  

    PRESENTATION: I hope that I have convinced my colleagues that I can be a real leader for the IOC. 

    RUSSIA’S RETURN TO THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT: Russia shouldn’t be indefinitely suspended by the IOC. This is a country of sport, so our objective would be to have them come back into the fold. However, there are reasons why the IOC suspended the NOC of Russia… So it is obvious then that these subjects should be dealt with before decisions can be taken.  

    THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN AFRICA: The IOC is on the five continents. Sport is universal, and African athletes are exceptional, but Africa has until today, never hosted the Olympic Games, they of course, are going to have the Youth Olympic Games. I suggest that the Olympics should take place in Africa, not fixing a specific date. But the idea is, nonetheless, that during this coming mandate or two mandates, we would like Africa to host the Olympic Games, because Africa deserves the Olympic Games.  

    BIGGEST CHALLENGE: One of the challenges will be the instability of the world. It’s becoming more and more difficult, and sure we’ll have some crises to face in the future. This is why we need to source strong leadership. Climate change is also an issue. We also saw what happened in the winter time in Los Angeles, and it’s also the result of climate change. Another key challenge will be digitalization. The world is completely changing, disrupting. But what I also tried to explain this morning is how we can turn all these challenges into opportunities. We have opportunities to bring the world together. This is what we want. This is our vision. This is the ideal of the Olympic movement. We can also properly address the issue of climate change. This is what Paris has done. We also have the potential Olympic Esports Games, that’s also a way to interact with the younger generation. We can also reach a wider audience with digitalization.  

    MR JOHAN ELIASCH 

    TRACK RECORD: In a world of division and disruption, we need hope more than ever before. I’m standing because I believe that I have a proven track record and experience to deliver. I have successfully run large international corporations, led important commercial and political negotiations across business, sport, media and entertainment, foreign affairs, technology, and a lot of areas. I’ve been very active in climate action, preserving millions of acres of rainforest. In the last four years, I’ve led the transformation of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. We oversee more than half of the medal events in the Olympic Winter Games. So I think that’s a perfect and perfect trip for the presidency. I know what it takes to lead and drive change. This is not a popularity contest. 

    RUSSIA’S RETURN TO THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT: The individual, neutral athletes programme works very well. And I think it’s very important, because no athlete can choose where they were born. And the athletes must never be weaponized for political purposes. So I believe in this programme, and that we should make sure that also for Milano-Cortina, this is something that all the winter federations will adopt. 

    WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE: Of course, we have to put the athletes front and centre. And we need to make sure that they have the best experience before, during, and after the Games. We have a very fast-changing landscape when it comes to digital, and we have to stay ahead of the curve here. We have a responsibility and a very strong voice when it comes to sustainability and this is an area which is very close to my heart, so this will certainly be at the forefront of my agenda. We also need to make sure that we uphold the magic of the Olympic Games. There is a lot of competition from other events and other sports and we need to make sure that we’re the best. 

    ENGAGING SPONSORS: Well, sponsorship is much more than just sticking your name to something. It’s about partnership. And this area is also changing very fast. Activations, people expect more here. We need to make sure that we deliver, that these partnerships are value-added for our sponsors. We have an incredible brand. But in today’s day and age, we also have to make sure that these partnerships are as attractive as possible. 

    BALANCING FUTURE OLYMPICS IN AFRICA, INDIA OR THE MIDDLE EAST WITH SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENTS: Here, for instance, the proposed rotation scheme of the Winter Olympics is very important. We have infrastructure in place to deliver the events. We need to make sure that we find solutions with the IFs to make sure that the capacity of investment is kept up. So we don’t have to retrace what already exists in places where it’s not going to go. Now, with the Middle East, with Africa, with India, it is essential that we are very strong and committed to no carbon impact on anything that we do. 

    MR JUAN ANTONIO SAMARANCH  

    THE IOC: I understand our organization as two different parts. On one hand, we are an extraordinarily big, large and efficient NGO – we distribute most of the money we generate in our business through the International Federation, National Olympic Committees and the organizing committees to the base of the world’s sports pyramid. So this is an NGO. Second, we need a powerful business machine to generate the necessary revenues to feed the NGO. So I have thrown my hat in the ring because I have significant experience on both sides. I’ve more than 25 years of experience in critical roles throughout the Olympic movement, and I’ve more than 25 years of experience in critical roles with my own company in the finance industry. 

    EMPOWERING IOC MEMBERS We must empower the members and ensure governance led by members and not by a selected few. 

    CHANGES In the 12 years of President Bach, we had to deal with so many complications and so many threats and managed to get the organization to move and evolve at a rapid pace. But that rapid pace of change that we implemented is no way near what is coming. I think we have a very important base, a very solid base, from the past, but the recipes of yesterday will not make it in the future. 

    LEGACY OF HIS FATHER, HELP OR HINDRANCE: My father left office 25 years ago and, as his son, I appreciate his legacy very much. His example is always with me, but the recipes of today have nothing to do with a presidency that ended years ago. Bear in mind, he joined the Olympic Movement more than 60 years ago. 

    PRESENTATION: I felt very good in the room, because I have something interesting to say, something I am passionate about. And I was so happy to have the opportunity to share that with my fellow members. So, it’s for them to decide. But my presentation is clear. I have a very clear programme. My manifesto is very much action-based and it leaves very little room for future surprises. 

    BIDDING PROCESS FOR OLYMPIC GAMES HOSTS: I think that we need to produce not a more traditional, but a better, new model that is more aligned to the current times, that would include a final decision in a significant participation of all IOC members. 

    MEDIA: I told my fellow IOC members this, ‘let’s refocus our relationship with the media. They are not our enemies. They are our allies.’ You (the media) shape the opinion of the world on the Olympic Games. This I intend, if I become IOC President, to maintain and you can hold me accountable for that if I am there. 

    MRS KIRSTY COVENTRY 

    THE OLYMPIC DREAM: My journey started as a nine-year-old girl watching the 92 Barcelona Olympic Games and just setting myself a dream and then finally realizing that dream in Athens getting to stand on the podium and win my first Olympic medal. In Athens, I won three medals and finally in my last event got to win the gold even though Zimbabwe was in a difficult situation. But when I got home to Zimbabwe, it was a time of three or four days of peace, so I really got to see the power of sport. 

    TODAY’S NINE-YEAR-OLD: The nine-year-olds in today’s world are not watching a television screen, they’re holding a phone and that phone is going to be their starting point to connect with us through online streaming platforms, and it’s going to be our chance to engage with them and ensure that we’re inspiring them, and to take it even further, we’re going to be developing and promoting applications that are going to allow them to train anywhere and everywhere in the world. And this is the world that we live in today, and let’s embrace it and walk that road together. 

    SUPPORTING AFRICAN ATHLETES: We need to find more ways of directly impacting and getting revenue to athletes before they become Olympians. That is generally the toughest thing most athletes find. From my own journey it was easy to get sponsorship once I’d won a medal. But getting to that medal was tough. 

    BACKING FROM BACH?: I have known President Bach since I came into the IOC, and I think being a fellow athlete, we share a lot of commonalities, a lot of common ideas and philosophies. But in this race, he’s the President. He has a vote, but he doesn’t vote, he chooses not to vote, and I do very firmly believe that he is being very fair to all candidates.  

    BEING A MOTHER OF A SIX-MONTH OLD AND A CAREER WOMAN: First and foremost, I want to be the best candidate to win, not just because of my gender or from where I come from. And I believe I’ve got a lot of expertise to bring to this role, to leading the organisation. 

    IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD: When I was stepping into my ministerial role seven years ago, I was pregnant with my first baby girl and had to quickly learn how to navigate and be a woman with a career as well as a mom and a wife and everything else. And it can be done. I’m very lucky to come from Africa because culturally we know and we firmly believe that it takes a village to raise a child. 

    PROTECTING WOMEN ATHLETES: As a female athlete, you want to be able to walk onto a level playing field always. It’s our job as the IOC to ensure that we are going to create that environment, and that we are going to not just create a level playing field, but we’re going to create an environment that allows for every athlete to feel safe. Along the road. We’re going to learn lessons, and we’re going to get stronger and we’re going to make better rules and regulations.  

    LORD SEBASTIAN COE 

    PRESENTATION: I enjoyed this morning’s process. I hope I was able to communicate my love for the movement. It’s something that I genuinely feel I’ve been training for for the best part of my life, or at least since the age of 11, when my father bought me my first pair of running shoes. I hope I was able to convey that, but I’m also hoping that I was able to convey the core pillars of my manifesto, my commitments and my pledges. 

    SUSTAINING IOC REVENUE: The world has changed and we do have to change with it – I’ve been in the sports marketing world for 30 years. Primarily we do need to adopt an audience first approach, which is in essence, to give them what they want, when they want it, and where they want it. Above all, for National Olympic Committees of all shapes and sizes, of some of the smaller International Federations, to enjoy that with a barrier-free physical and digital experience. 

    BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR THE IOC: The biggest challenge faced by the International Olympic Committee is no different, and it is not unique from any National Olympic Committee, any sporting organization, any club, private or public. It is how do you continue to excite and engage with young people, and how do you utilize, optimize fully the use of cutting edge technology? And we talk a lot about technology, we actually run the risk of sounding a little bit analog, because I don’t think there’s anyone in this room that hasn’t recognized that the organizations they work in, they deliver services in, have gone through that digital transformation. But I do think that engaging, exciting and challenging tomorrow’s generation is going to be critical, because it’s that cohort that is ultimately going to be your future sponsors, your future thought leaders, your future governments, your future politicians. And we need to create amongst that group of people a lifelong bond for sport. So even if they don’t remain in sport as coaches, administrators, communicators, we at least have the opportunity for them to assume leadership roles wherever they are, and really fundamentally understand the nature of sport, and it is only that way that we will raise sport to the top of government agendas. Engaging with young people is the key to unlocking so many of the other interdependencies. 

    ELECTION RULES: I’ve been in politics for a long time. I’ve found it a fairly unproductive process to pick a fight with the returning officer in the process. The rules are the same for everybody. I do think we need to review them, and I’m sure that whoever succeeds in March will want to look at that amongst other things too. 

    MR MORINARI WATANABE 

    OLYMPIC GAMES IN FIVE CONTINENTS: I propose to stage the Olympic Games in five cities on five continents at the same time. It would allow the IOC to offer the best possible conditions for each sport, to reduce the financial burden on host cities, to offer greater potential for broadcast and commercial opportunities, sustainability with reduction of travel, and alleviate other hosting problems like governmental restrictions and war.  

    POTENTIAL OF SPORT: Paris 2024 was a historic success, thanks to all the athletes, thanks to the leadership of President Thomas Bach and thanks to the excellent work of the Paris Organizing Committee. However, I believe that we should not be satisfied and that we must build on the success of these Games. Because, in contrast to the spectacular Olympic Games, the situation of the NOCs is far from strong. As FIG President, I have visited 162 countries. I have seen with my own eyes the situation of our sport in each country. As a result I saw the reality. Economically, these countries are not wealthy. In many countries, their relations with the government are not good. The presence of sport in each country is not high enough. I used to be a gymnast myself. That’s why I believe sport has even greater potential. To unleash that potential I propose that the Games be held on all five continents at the same time. 

    WORLD SPORTS ORGANISATION: I also envision upgrading the IOC into a World Sports Organization, like the World Health Organization. If the IOC continues and expands its activities, it would remain independent of politics and uphold the barriers of democracy, transparency, and gender equality. As a World Sports Organization we must contribute to society. We must make a new business for sports. My vision is not focused on only the Olympic Games. We must see a wider view for sports. Sports can contribute to society. I believe the 21st century industrial revolution will be driven by sports and healthcare. So, which organization is best placed to lead this transformation globally? It is the IOC. 

    BICAMERALISM: I am proposing a two-chamber system; a House and a Senate because many IOC members have very good ideas, even non-IOC members. We must take these ideas and listen to these opinions to develop sports. We have to be open. There are many professionals, athletes, royalty, politicians, lawyers, bankers, and many others. If we work together, we can do anything. Let’s open the door to a new era. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    January 31, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed developments in eliminating the consequences of emergencies in the Black Sea

    During a working visit to Anapa, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko met with scientists and assessed innovative developments and technological solutions for eliminating the consequences of an emergency situation (ES) in connection with an oil spill in the Black Sea.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that, on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, a government commission headed by Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev has been created to coordinate the process of eliminating the consequences of the fuel oil spill. A separate direction on science is led by Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov.

    “Scientists said an important thing: they do not compete in technology, but complement each other and find symbiosis. Cooperation is extremely important, because President Vladimir Putin instructed us to develop technologies for the future so that we can quickly respond and help others. It is also necessary to solve current issues. Now we are faced with the task of defining clear steps for testing developments and scaling them in real conditions,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    At the experimental site, the Tyumen Industrial University demonstrated a technology for cleaning water areas using magnetically sensitive materials introduced by mobile means, including UAVs. Both ready-made powders and industrial waste are used.

    The Institute of Control Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences presented an autonomous robot for monitoring the surface, underwater and in the air. The robot detects objects using AI, conducts additional examination and can be used for environmental monitoring and other purposes.

    Sibur and the Chemistry Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University demonstrated samples of polyurethane foams and fibers to improve fuel oil collection using polymer networks and sorption materials.

    Kuban State University and Bauman Moscow State Technical University presented the results of research on the use of biopreparations and bacteria for the decomposition of fuel oil in the soil. For the additional purification of sands, it is planned to use oxidative methods and biopreparations.

    Tomsk State University presented the “Aeroshup” technology, based on the flotation principle. Air bubbles separate pollutants from the bottom of a reservoir, raising them to the surface for further collection. It is planned to adapt the technology to marine conditions using a remotely operated unmanned underwater vehicle (ROV) for work at depths of up to 100 m.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky noted that, on the instructions of the Government, the existing scientific and technical groundwork is being analyzed, and interaction with the operational headquarters is underway. The interdepartmental working group formed in the Ministry from leading scientists, business representatives and interested executive authorities works on a permanent basis, providing the necessary consultations to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources.

    “Today we presented key scientific and technical developments that we are beginning to test and apply to solve problems of eliminating the consequences of the accident. This experience will certainly be useful in the future if a similar incident occurs in one or another part of the world,” said Denis Sekirinsky.

    Krasnodar Region Governor Veniamin Kondratyev noted that a working group was created at the regional level, which included leading research centers of the region, Moscow and Sevastopol. In total, there are about 40 scientists, representatives of production and scientific enterprises and associations. Experts have already reviewed 84 proposals for cleaning contaminated sand and recycling petroleum products.

    “Among the solutions that have already been tested is the development of Skoltech scientist Vladimir Kalyaev, who was one of the first to arrive in the region – in Anapa, more than 10 km of protective sand embankments have already been covered with absorbent fabric. In the village of Voskresensky, an industrial installation called “Grokhot” is operating at the temporary accumulation site for oil-contaminated sand, and mechanized seeders are used on the beaches. We need to find a technology as soon as possible that will allow us to clean the soil in the beach area as efficiently as possible,” said Veniamin Kondratyev.

    In addition, Dmitry Chernyshenko held a meeting on the development and implementation of scientific solutions aimed at eliminating the consequences of an emergency situation in connection with an oil spill in the Black Sea.

    It was attended by the Governor of Krasnodar Krai Veniamin Kondratyev, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Maxim Korolkov, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Stepan Kalmykov, heads of scientific organizations and universities.

    The participants discussed the status of the implementation of the Government’s instruction on organizing the work on selecting promising solutions to eliminate the short-term and long-term consequences of oil spills. The heads of scientific organizations also heard reports on technologies for monitoring and forecasting the state of fuel oil pollution.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro presents first map in Chinese

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Metro

    The Moscow Metro has unveiled a new Chinese-language metro map that makes navigation easier for tourists from China. The names of metro stations, the Moscow Central Circle, the Moscow Central Circle and other key transport facilities have been translated in collaboration with native speakers, ensuring linguistic accuracy and compliance with Chinese grammar rules.

    Moscow metro – Moscow Metro.

    To help Chinese visitors better understand station announcements, the names have been phonetically adapted to resemble their Russian counterparts. For example:

    米金诺 (Mǐ jīn nuò / Mi din nuo) – sounds like Mitino station 珀梁卡 (Pò liáng kǎ / Po lyang ka) – corresponds to Polyanka station

    The translation used the Palladium system, a specialized method for transcribing Chinese words into Russian.

    A unique Chinese-language subway map has been placed in the first and last carriages of the Chinese New Year theme train currently running on Line 3. Passengers can also get a mini version of the map for free at over 30 Live Chat information counters, and an electronic version is available for download.

    Many tourists from China come to Moscow. To make their travel around the city more convenient, we have developed a metro map in Chinese with translations of all metro stations, the Moscow Central Circle and Moscow City Ring Road, as well as key transport hubs – airports and railway stations. Improving passenger comfort remains our priority at the initiative of Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, said Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport.

    Moscow is also developing environmentally friendly transport, inspired by China’s experience

    Moscow’s ground transportation system is following global trends by introducing environmentally friendly electric buses following China’s example. Last year, innovative electric bus routes were introduced for the first time in 15 districts of the city.

    Since 2022, Moscow has been receiving electric buses with electric interior heating, and in 2024 they will arrive in an updated design. Each electric bus reduces CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere by more than 60 tons per year. Currently, the operation of electric bus routes is provided by 11 Mosgortrans bus depots, which support about 350 charging stations installed throughout the city.

    Moscow also actively exchanges experience with its Chinese colleagues. As part of international cooperation, last fall Mosgortrans hosted a delegation from the Hebei Transport Professional Technical Institute (HTVTI, China) at the Mitino electric bus depot. During the visit, Chinese specialists were able to see first-hand the work and unique features of Moscow’s public electric transport.

    Cooperation with our Chinese colleagues allows us not only to adopt advanced experience in the field of transport technologies and urban mobility, but also to share our own innovations, promoting the development of environmentally friendly transport in both China and Russia. Thanks to such international partnerships, Moscow is confidently moving towards its goal – the creation of a sustainable transport system that meets the challenges of the future.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Federal Treasury deposit auction to take place on 31.01.2025

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Application selection parameters
    Date of the selection of applications 31.01.2025
    Unique identifier of the application selection 22025036
    Deposit currency rubles
    Type of funds funds of the single treasury account
    Maximum amount of funds placed in bank deposits, million monetary units 10,000
    Placement period, in days 182
    Date of deposit 31.01.2025
    Refund date 01.08.2025
    Interest rate for placement of funds (fixed or floating) Flotting
    Minimum fixed interest rate for placement of funds, % per annum –
    Basic floating interest rate for placement of funds Ruonmds
    Minimum spread, % per annum 0.00
    Terms of conclusion of a bank deposit agreement (fixed-term, replenishable or special) Urgent
    Minimum amount of funds placed for one application, million monetary units 1,000
    Maximum number of applications from one credit institution, pcs. 5
    Application selection form (open or closed) Open
    Application selection schedule (Moscow time)
    Venue for the selection of applications PAO Moscow Exchange
    Applications accepted: from 12:00 to 12:10
    Pre-applications: from 12:00 to 12:05
    Applications in competition mode: from 12:05 to 12:10
    Formation of a consolidated register of applications: from 12:10 to 12:20
    Setting a cut-off percentage rate and/or recognizing the selection of applications as unsuccessful: from 12:10 to 12:30
    Submission to credit institutions of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Receiving acceptance of an offer to conclude a bank deposit agreement from credit institutions: from 12:30 to 13:20
    Deposit transfer time In accordance with the requirements of paragraph 63 and paragraph 64 of the Order of the Federal Treasury dated 04/27/2023 No. 10n

    RUONmDS = RUONIA – DS, where

    RUONIA – the value of the indicative weighted rate of overnight ruble loans (deposits) RUONIA, expressed in hundredths of a percent, published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued. In the absence of a RUONIA rate value published on the day preceding the day for which interest is accrued, the last of the published RUONIA rate values is taken into account.

    DS – discount – a value expressed in hundredths of a percent and rounded (according to the rules of mathematical rounding) to two decimal places, calculated by multiplying the value of the Key Rate of the Bank of Russia by the value of the required reserve ratio for other liabilities of credit institutions for banks with a universal license, non-bank credit institutions (except for long-term ones) in the currency of the Russian Federation, valid on the date for which interest is accrued, and published on the official website of the Bank of Russia on the Internet.

    Contact information for media 7 (495) 363-3232Pr@moex.kom

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: On 31.01.2025, the deposit auction of UK FRT LLC will take place

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    Parameters;

    The date of the deposit auction is 31.01.2025. The placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 480,000,000.00. The placement period, days is 18. The date of depositing funds is 31.01.2025. The date of return of funds is 18.02.2025. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 21.00. The terms of the conclusion are urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 480,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form is open or closed (Open). The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 12:00 to 12:10. Applications in competition mode from 12:10 to 12:15. Setting the cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid before 12:25.

    Additional terms

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N77289

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/31/2025, 10-41 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the OZON security (OZON-adr) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    31.01.2025

    10:41

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 31.01.2025, 10-41 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -20.0%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -7.92 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 47.59%) of the OZON security (OZON-adr) were changed.

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 01/31/2025, 11-02 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JVP39 (KAMAZ 12) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    31.01.2025

    11:02

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 31.01.2025, 11-02 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 80.35) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 877.13 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 26.25%) of the RU000A0JVP39 (KAMAZ 12) security were changed.

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.MO/N77292

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four week firearms amnesty to take lethal convertible guns off the streets

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A firearms amnesty will get underway on Monday after new evidence emerged about the potentially lethal risk posed by a particular type of blank firing gun.

    The guns, known as ‘top-venting blank firers’ (TVBFs), are manufactured in Turkey. In their original form they pose little risk, but in recent years an increasing number have been converted and have been used in serious violence.

    Since 2021, more than 800 have been recovered in criminal circumstances across the UK.

    A converted TVBF was used in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Sebastiaan James-Kraan in Ealing in June 2024.

    Three people charged in connection with Sebastiaan’s murder will stand trial in April.

    While no gun was ever recovered, forensic analysis indicates that a TVBF was also used in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Tyler McDermott in Tottenham in April 2023.

    In June, four people were found guilty of Tyler’s murder.

    TVBFs can be handed in at police stations across London from Monday, 3 February until Friday, 28 February.

    This is part of a national amnesty taking place across the country over the same period.

    Detective Superintendent Tim Mustoe, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “We are increasingly concerned about the risk posed by these weapons if they fall into the hands of criminals and those intent on causing serious violence on the streets of London.

    “We’ve already seen their lethal potential in at least two cases here in London. We know they’ve also been used in many other non-fatal incidents too.

    “The majority of top venting blank firers in circulation were bought lawfully by people with no ill intent. However we now know what can happen if they’re converted to do harm which is why it’s important that we recover as many as we can.

    “I would urge anyone who has one of these weapons at home to do the responsible thing and hand it in at a police station. They will not face police action for possession of the gun at the point of surrender if they do so during the amnesty, but if they choose not to do so now and are found to have one of these guns at a later date, then the consequences will be quite different.”

    TVBFs are legal to buy in the UK without a licence, unless they are readily convertible.

    Tests by the National Crime Agency and police forces show models produced by four Turkish manufacturers – Retay, Ekol, Ceonic and Blow – are readily convertible and are therefore illegal.

    Anyone found to be in possession of one, after the amnesty period, could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

    During the Amnesty period, those handing in a Turkish manufactured TVBF will not face prosecution for the illegal possession and will not have to give their details.

    However, the weapons will be examined to determine if they’ve previously been used in serious violence or other criminality.

    Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe, the National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for the Criminal Use of Firearms, said: “The top-venting blank firers are used by criminals and can be converted into lethal firearms.

    “During the last two years, policing and the NCA have identified and disrupted several workshops used to convert these pistols into lethal weapons.

    “In the same period, large numbers of converted weapons were recovered across multiple locations, alongside thousands of rounds of blank calibre and modified ammunition.

    “One investigation recovered more than 400 converted weapons from a single crime group. There is a strong demand for them evidenced by the numbers imported and subsequent recovery from criminals.

    “Stopping the sale of these top-venting blank firers from being converted will go a significant way to help protect the public.”

    While TVBFs can be handed in at any police station during the amnesty, the Met is asking people to aim to go to one of these stations:

    • Edmonton
    • Chingford
    • Colindale
    • Wembley
    • Islington
    • Stoke Newington
    • Bethnal Green
    • Ilford
    • Lewisham
    • Bexleyheath
    • Croydon
    • Bromley
    • Kingston
    • Brixton
    • Acton
    • Charing Cross
    • Hammersmith

    Anyone intending to hand in a TVBF as part of the amnesty is encouraged to check the opening times of the relevant station on the Met Police website. To receive advice on how best to transport the weapon responsibly from home to the police station, phone 101 before travelling.

    If you know of people involved in illegal firearms activity, you should call the police on 101 or report the information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    Every call to Crimestoppers is anonymous and potentially vital to preventing or solving serious crimes. Removing an illegally held firearm from circulation may just save someone’s life.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Brass: Week Three Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    The third week of the 2025 Legislative Session has wrapped up, and we’re staying focused on passing commonsense legislation that puts Georgia families, businesses and communities first.

    Last week’s snowstorm may have delayed budget hearings for a few days, but it didn’t slow us down. The General Assembly has been hard at work in joint sessions, carefully reviewing budget requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. Passing a balanced budget is not only our constitutional duty—it’s the foundation of a responsible government that serves its people.

    One of the most crucial budget proposals this session is Governor Brian P. Kemp’s plan to return $1 billion in surplus funds to taxpayers directly. Thanks to years of conservative budgeting and fiscal responsibility, we can give back to the hardworking Georgians who keep our state running. This is just part of the $2.2 billion in statewide allocations designed to benefit families, businesses, and communities across Georgia. I’m proud to support Gov. Kemp’s efforts to strengthen our economy by putting money back where it belongs – in the pockets of hardworking Georgia taxpayers.

    Another key priority is ensuring communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene have the necessary resources to rebuild. Gov. Kemp has proposed $614.72 million in recovery funding, including $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund to help with debris removal and housing assistance. Another $300 million will go to the Georgia Department of Transportation to restore roads and infrastructure. Many rural counties are still reeling from this storm, and we’re committed to ensuring they get the support they need to recover and move forward.

    I’m excited to share that March 9th—12th is Multiple Sclerosis Week at the Capitol. This week, however, the Senate was honored to have several representatives from the Multiple Sclerosis Society, including my mother, Linda Brass, in the Senate chamber. Each year, members of the Society join us to recognize this week and bring attention to the medical condition. I commend the advocacy work conducted by the Multiple Sclerosis Society and their funding of $1 billion in research funding.  

    Finally, I encourage students ages 12 to 18 to apply for the Senate Page Program. This is an excellent way for young people to see firsthand how the General Assembly works. If you know a student who might be interested, they can apply here.

    As always, I’m here to listen. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas about our work at the Capitol, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s an honor to serve you, and I appreciate your trust as we work together throughout the remainder of the 2025 legislative session.

    # # # #

    Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 6th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Carroll County. He can be reached by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What has Brexit meant for the people of Scotland?

    Source: Scottish National Party

    With five years having passed since Scotland was dragged out of the EU as part of the UK, what has Brexit meant for people in Scotland?

    Brexit means…your weekly shop costs more than ever.

    Brexit means our NHS is missing out on thousands of doctors and nurses from the EU.

    Brexit means waiting in longer queues to travel abroad, and it has become much more difficult for anyone in Scotland to live or work in the EU – with touring musicians calling it a ‘catastrophe’.

    Scotland voted to stay in the EU.

    Scotland didn’t vote for Brexit.

    But the UK Government decided Scotland must Brexit.

    Brexit means there’s less public money, due to businesses losing revenue.

    Brexit means businesses who relied on buying goods from the EU, or selling to the EU, are having a really tough time of it.

    Thousands of businesses have had to close.

    Some politicians told us to  “vote No to stay in the EU” back in 2014. Bet they wish they could scrub those clips from the internet.

    Brexit means Scotland’s economy has lost out on billions of pounds due to trade barriers, with analysis showing exports have dropped by over 7%.

    Brexit means Nigel Farage is no longer the European Parliament’s problem. He’s now the UK’s problem.

    As he’s now the bookies’ favourite to be the next Prime Minister, he could soon be Scotland’s problem too.

    And Scotland didn’t vote for any of this.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Blockmate subsidiary Hivello commences token sale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blockmate Ventures Inc (TSX.V: MATE) (OTCQB: MATEF) (FSE: 8MH1) (“Blockmate” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its subsidiary, Hivello Holdings Ltd has commenced a public token sale event for its native token.

    The Hivello platform offers its users a passive income stream in exchange for their unutilized computing power to third party networks.

    Blockmate will not be directly issuing any tokens or receive any proceeds from the public token sale.

    The token will be issued by the Swiss-based HVLO Association, under licence from Hivello Holdings Ltd.

    Key details of the $HVLO token are outlined in the media release published by Hivello below.

    Hivello Announces Public Token Sale on DAOMaker, HyperGPT, & EclipsePad

    London & Amsterdam, January 28, 2025 – Hivello, the innovative DePIN mining platform, is thrilled to announce the public token sale of its native token, $HVLO, set to commence on January 31, 2025. The sale will be hosted on three prominent launchpads: DAOMaker, HyperGPT, and EclipsePad, offering participants equal opportunities to invest in the future of decentralized physical infrastructure networks.

    The $HVLO token sale is structured as a fair launch, ensuring that every participant receives the same terms. This approach underscores Hivello’s commitment to decentralization and fairness in the rapidly evolving Web3 landscape.

    Key Details of the $HVLO Token Sale:

    • Public Sale Start Date: January 31, 2025
    • Launchpads: DAOMaker, HyperGPT, EclipsePad
    • Token Unlock Schedule:
      • 25% of tokens will be unlocked at the Token Generation Event (TGE).
      • A one-month cliff will follow the initial unlock.
      • The remaining tokens will vest over a period of five months.
      • Team tokens will remain locked for nine months, ensuring alignment with the community’s long-term interests.

    Hivello’s unique approach to DePIN mining allows users to earn rewards by connecting unused computer resources to decentralized networks. The platform’s aspirational goal to integrate with every reputable DePIN positions it as a future leader in the DePIN ecosystem.

    “We are incredibly proud of the vibrant community that has grown around Hivello. Decentralization is not just a technological advancement; it’s a fundamental shift towards empowering humanity. With the upcoming token sale, our community now has the opportunity to take a stake in Hivello’s future, further aligning our shared vision of making DePIN mining so intuitive and accessible that onboarding the next 100 million users becomes a given,” said Domenic Carosa, Chairman and Co-founder of Hivello.

    Participants interested in the $HVLO token sale can find more information and the official launchpad links here: https://www.hivello.com/HVLO-token

    The token is being issued by HVLO Association (Switzerland) under licence from Hivello Holdings Ltd.

    (ENDS)

    About Blockmate Ventures Inc.
    Blockmate Ventures is a venture creator focussing on building fast growing technology businesses relating to cutting edge sectors such as blockchain, AI and renewable energy. Working with prospective founders, projects in incubation can benefit from the Blockmate ecosystem that offers tech, services, integrations and advice to accelerate the incubation of projects towards monetization. Recent projects include Hivello (download the free passive income app at www.hivello.com) and Sunified, digitising solar energy.

    The leadership team at Blockmate Ventures have successfully founded successful tech companies from the Dotcom era through to the social media era. Learn more about being a Blockmate at: www.blockmate.com.

    Blockmate welcomes investors to join the Company’s mailing list for the latest updates and industry research by subscribing at https://www.blockmate.com/subscribe.

    About Hivello
    Hivello is an aggregator of DePIN projects that allows any user to participate in a variety of DePIN networks with just a few clicks. This eliminates the technical hurdles that many users face when trying to join these networks, and allows users to generate an extra source of income by mobilizing their idle computers. We aim to create a simple app that allows users to contribute their computer resources with no technical knowledge required.

    For more information about Hivello and to stay updated on its developments, visit www.hivello.com

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Justin Rosenberg, CEO
    Blockmate Ventures Inc
    justin@blockmate.com
    (+1-580-262-6130)

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

    Forward-Looking Information
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on the assumptions, expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Blockmate disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Thinking of setting up a CIC? Take a look at our recent webinar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    “From idea to Impact: Your Guide to setting up a CIC”. Take a look at our most recent joint webinar with the Business Support Service

    Picture advertising a webinar

    Take a look at our most recent joint webinar with the Business Support Service where they provide an insight to the free advice and guidance they can offer to you throughout your business journey; alongside a detailed explanation of how the CIC model operates and some great tips on how to complete a successful CIC application.

    “From idea to Impact: Your Guide to setting up a CIC”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dedicated team to serve businesses amongst DWP overhaul of employer support to Get Britain Working

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ministers are encouraging UK businesses to work with Jobcentres to fill the thousands of jobs currently vacant as the UK goes for growth, the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall set out today (30 January).

    • Following the Chancellor’s growth speech yesterday, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall visited fast growing UK retailer B&M – who successfully filled almost 3,000 vacancies using local jobcentres in 2024. 
    • The Work and Pensions Secretary has today set out overhaul the DWP’s approach to supporting employers to Get Britain Working again as part of Plan for Change.
    • Comes as just one in six businesses has ever used a Jobcentre to recruit with the latest data showing tens of thousands of vacancies in key sectors. 
    • New DWP team have built partnerships with 37 new industry leaders in just a few week as department transforms Jobcentres.

    It comes as the Work & Pensions Secretary visits B&M – a retailer that has had huge success using the Jobcentre network. As a fast growing UK retailer, B&M has filled almost 3,000 vacancies through the jobcentre network, with over 85% of new recruits coming directly through the DWP – benefiting jobseekers and the businesses’ growth. 

    The DWP has hit the ground running to reset engagement with employers through new teams to support employers, with dedicated account managers and a focus on growing the number of Jobcentre training programmes tailored to employer’s needs.

    As B&M has opened new stores across the country, it has teamed up with the local DWP team to run information sessions – offering interested candidates a guaranteed interview. 

    Over 73,000 jobs have been added to the labour market since the start of this Parliament according to the ONS, with new announcements in the Chancellor’s speech yesterday expected to add thousands more roles to the UK jobs market – including over 100,000 jobs in the local area around Heathrow. 

    However, new figures show only 1 in 6 employers surveyed reported using the JobCentre Plus network to hire for their business – highlighting the need for genuine reform. 

    That’s why as part of the Get Britain Working plan, the government will reform jobcentres by bringing it together with the National Careers Service to ensure people have better access to training and address local skills gaps and help train the workforce businesses need.

    The reforms to get Britain working and modernise the employment support offer are just one part of the Government’s Plan for Change, which will lay strong foundations to kickstart economic growth and break down barriers to opportunity across the country. 

    Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: 

    To get Britain growing again, we need to get Britain working again.  

    As the HR department for the Government’s growth mission, our job is to work with businesses to meet their recruitment needs.

    To help employers grow, hire new staff, and boost opportunity in every corner of the country, we are determined to change our approach

    As part of reforming Jobcentres we will overhaul our service to better meet employer’s needs – turning the DWP into a genuine public employment service. So businesses can fill jobs and people can build a better life for themselves and their families.

    A B&M spokesperson said:

    There is a wealth of talent and experience in Jobcentres across the UK. We encourage other businesses to get in touch with their local Jobcentre and discover the talent that’s available in their community.

    The new dedicated team set up to support businesses of all sizes across the country with their recruitment needs has already added 37 new employers to the department’s roster in recent weeks, with notable names including Home Bargains, KFC and Swissport. 

    In a letter to CEOs from 10 of the UK’s top businesses, DWP ministers said that at a time when recruitment can be a major cost, the DWP “provides a service to help businesses grow and support people into work.

    To help other businesses replicate B&M’s success, the department is transforming its service for employers by:

    1. Hosting summits with employers and stakeholder representatives across sectors crucial to growth – including construction, social care and clean energy in the next three months. 
    2. Boosting the number of training programmes in these sectors on offer at Jobcentres to upskill jobseekers and provide employers with the work ready staff they need.   
    3. Serving employers through a dedicated team with highly experienced experts to provide recruitment support, including designing tailored campaigns to tackle large numbers of vacancies. 
    4. Providing an account manager for employers to get more information about how the JCP can help them and provide recruitment support – following feedback from businesses that they wanted an establish a single contact. 
    5. Commissioning Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead an independent review into the role of employers in reducing health-related inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces – which is already underway.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at ultraprocessed food consumption and obesity in Canadian children

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at UPF consumption and obesity in Canadian children. 

    Dr Ian Johnson, Nutrition researcher and Emeritus Fellow, Quadram Institute, said:

    “This study is consistent with previous work suggesting an association between consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and obesity, and it is interesting to see the link established at such an early age (although the study only seems to find a link in boys, not girls).  However, as with most such studies, and as the authors themselves seem to acknowledge, the general nature and poor specificity of the definition of UPF makes it very difficult to establish any causal mechanism.”

    ‘Ultraprocessed Food Consumption and Obesity Development in Canadian Children’ by Zheng Hao Chen et al. was published in JAMA Network Open at 16:00 UK time on Friday 31 January 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.57341

    Declared interests

    Dr Ian Johnson: “No conflict of interest.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Triumphs as AV-Comparatives’ 2024 Product of the Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is proud to announce that ESET HOME Security Essential has been named AV-Comparatives’ Product of the Year for 2024. This prestigious award recognizes ESET HOME Security Essential for Windows for its outstanding performance and reliability in protecting consumers against a wide range of cyber threats.

    In 2024, AV-Comparatives subjected 16 consumer security products for Windows to rigorous testing, evaluating their ability to protect against real-world Internet threats, identify recent malicious programs, defend against advanced targeted attacks, and provide protection without slowing down the PC. ESET HOME Security Essential emerged as the top performer, receiving the highest Advanced+ Award in all seven tests conducted throughout the year.

    As stated in the AV-Comparatives’ Summary Report 2024, “Reviewers were impressed by the clean, intuitive user interface designed for non-expert users, as well as the extensive customization and scan options available for power users.”

    Although the majority of vendors make auto-renewal mandatory, the report points out that, most commendably, ESET is among those vendors who do not impose auto-renewal on users. The report further highlights ESET HOME Security Essential as a well-designed and easy-to-use security product that provides safe default settings and essential features easily accessible to all users.

    Andreas Clementi, founder and CEO of AV-Comparatives, commented on ESET’s recognition: “ESET’s performance throughout our 2024 tests has been consistently strong, earning high ratings across multiple categories. The awards reflect the product’s reliability in malware protection, usability, and system performance. ESET HOME Security Essential demonstrated a well-balanced approach, providing effective security without imposing a significant burden on the system, which many users will appreciate.”

    “We are honored to be recognized as AV-Comparatives’ Product of the Year for 2024. This award is a testament to our commitment to providing high-performance, technologically advanced security solutions that protect digital lives of our customers without compromising their device performance. We will continue to innovate and enhance our products to address real-life cybersecurity and privacy needs of our users, so they can enjoy the full potential of themselves and their technology in a secure digital world,” said Viktória Ivanová, Vice President of Consumer and IoT Segment at ESET.

    ESET HOME Security for Windows is designed to offer high-performance protection with low system impact, utilizing multilayered technologies that go beyond basic antivirus capabilities.

    Discover more about ESET HOME Security solutions here.

    About ESET

    ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyberthreats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Humans Group 2024 Financial and Operational Results: Fintech Service Humans Pay is a Key Growth Driver with 60% YoY Revenue Increase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Humans Group recorded significant growth across all key metrics: turnover, revenue, and customer numbers. The active user base of its super app ecosystem grew to over 2.3 million people by the end of 2024, a 28% year-on-year increase.

    TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Jan. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Humans Group of companies has published its final report on its activities in Uzbekistan for 2024. Turnover reached UZS 17,777 billion, and gross revenue totaled UZS 515.4 billion. Net revenue increased by 9.82% compared to the previous year.

    Ecosystem Growth

    The Humans super app provides unique, market-leading services for the Uzbek market. It combines mobile services, a fintech service called Humans Pay, Humans Yaxshi, a grocery delivery service from local markets, and Humans Market, a marketplace for buying everyday goods. The ecosystem also includes a cashback program.

    The active customer base of the Humans ecosystem is steadily growing, providing a positive outlook for further market expansion. At the end of 2024, the customer base of the Humans ecosystem exceeded 2.3 million users, reflecting a 28.01% increase compared to 2023.

    Customers are increasingly using the Humans app as a super app to meet their daily needs. As of December 2023, nearly 88% of customers active within the past 30 days used only mobile services. By September 2024, this share had decreased to 84.6%. Currently, more than 1.25 million customers are combining at least two services within the super app.

    Vlad Dobrynin, CEO and founder of Humans Group, said: “The addition of new services to the ecosystem consistently leads to an increase in the number of active users and a rise in transaction frequency. In 2025, we plan to offer new convenient products to our customers, such as a ‘buy now, pay later’ service and a microloan service.”

    “We will also launch a social platform for targeted peer-to-peer assistance to those in need. Further, we will continue to expand the range of products in the Humans Market marketplace and increase the Humans Yaxshi delivery area to 50 cities in Uzbekistan.”

    Humans Pay: A Key Driver of Net Revenue Growth

    Fintech remains one of the main drivers for the development of the Humans super app. Net revenue of the Humans Pay payment and transfer service reached UZS 133.1 billion in 2024, an increase of 59.98% compared to 2023. The number of unique clients of the Humans Pay service exceeded 701,410 in the first three quarters of 2024, a 21.27% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

    Alongside user growth, there has been a corresponding increase in transactions. Clients are using the Humans Pay service more frequently, making more transactions, and transferring larger amounts of money. In the first three quarters of 2024, the total volume of card-to-card transfers increased by 151.6% year-on-year, while the number of transactions per active user rose by 62.15%.

    Humans Mobile: Customers Choose Unlimited Internet

    The telecom service is also reaching an increasingly larger share of the Uzbek population. The number of active telecom clients of Humans surpassed 1.56 million in 2024. Among them, 279,200 are already using unlimited internet packages, a 78.55% increase compared to last year.

    “In 2024, Humans demonstrated double-digit growth in almost all key performance indicators. We significantly strengthened our position in the telecom business and confirmed the effectiveness of our strategy aimed at transitioning telecom service users to an ecosystem product,” added Vladimir Dobrynin.

    Despite the impressive growth figures, the potential for growth in the Humans Pay fintech service has been slowed by the unprecedented actions of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and the biased, discriminatory policies of the regulator. The Humans team did everything possible to support the growth of the ecosystem and, most importantly, to continue driving development,” noted Vladimir Dobrynin.

    Customer Support: AI Sets New Service Standards

    The quality of customer service is a high priority for Humans. Today, 92% of user inquiries are resolved on the first contact with the call center by phone, and 91% on the first contact via chat. However, to deliver ever superior standards of customer care in 2024 Humans Group implemented an AI-based personalized offer system.

    The platform selects the most relevant services for the customer based on their request, for example, mobile service plans. This ensures call center operators recommend only relevant and optimal services for customers, saving their time. As a result, the AI platform simultaneously improves communication efficiency and user satisfaction.

    Team: The “Daily Pay” Project as an Element of Social Responsibility

    Reflecting Humans Group dedication to corporate social responsibility and employee well-being, in 2024 the company introduced a ‘Daily Pay’ system for its customer support employees. This system rewards staff with bonuses the morning after they have hit daily targets.

    The speed of this remuneration is unprecedented and provides team members with confidence in their financial planning, leading to increased motivation, engagement, and job satisfaction. The system had previously been trialled, with enormous success, across the Humans retail network among salespeople, supervisors, and couriers.

    About Humans

    Humans.uz is a super app that combines the fintech service Humans Pay, mobile communication services Humans Mobile, the grocery delivery service from bazaars Humans Yaxshi, and the product marketplace Humans Market. The project was launched in June 2020 in Uzbekistan as part of the Humans Group operations which also includes the employee search platform Humans.net in the USA. The group’s offices are located in the USA, Uzbekistan, Poland, Singapore, and Germany.

    Website

    https://humans.uz/en/

    Contact

    Natalia Ikonnikova
    pr@humans.net

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by the Humans. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62483b00-501d-4c1f-b4b9-9e26fbafe651

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government going further and faster to bring growth to Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Chancellor has committed to going further and faster to put more money in working people’s pockets across Wales.

    HM Treasury

    Working people and businesses across Wales are to benefit from reforms to drive investment and get Britain building. The Chancellor has committed to going further and faster to put more money in working people’s pockets across Wales and deliver on the UK Government’s Plan for Change. 

    Below sets out specific benefits for Wales as a result of the Chancellor’s decisions today (29 January).

    Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone 

    • Having confirmed funding for the Investment Zones programme at Autumn Budget, the government can now confirm that the Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone (IZ) will focus on advanced manufacturing.
    • There are major international businesses in the region including JCB and Airbus, which the IZ will support, as well as the wider advanced manufacturing supply chain in the region. At present the IZ is expected to generate £1bn of private investment, creating up to 6000 new high quality jobs.
    • The IZ’s interventions will be focused around sites in: 
      • Deeside and Deeside industrial estate which houses Tata Steel and Toyota; 
      • Hawarden Airport, where Airbus are based; 
      • Llay Industrial Estate – which houses a number of key aerospace businesses; and 
      • Wrexham Industrial Estate – which houses a wide range of advanced manufacturing business, including JCB. 

    Sustainable Aviation Fuel

    • The UK government is investing £63m into the Advanced Fuels Fund in 2025-26 and has today set out the details of how it will deliver a Revenue Certainty Mechanism to encourage investment into this growing industry. These measures will encourage more investors to back production in the UK, bringing good, high-skilled jobs to areas like South Wales.

    Inactivity Trailblazers

    • Getting more people back into work is crucial if we want a dynamic economy, and it is good for jobless people too. Over nine million people are inactive, of which a record 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness. The outdated employment support system is ill equipped to respond to this growing challenge.
    • We have committed £240m of investment towards 16 trailblazers including one for every MCA and one in Wales to tackle the root causes of inactivity, eight of which will be used to support the Youth Guarantee, the remaining eight will be focused on tackling health-related inactivity.
    • The Inactivity trailblazers will be delivered across Wales.

    National Wealth Fund Support

    • The government remains committed to working in close partnership with the Welsh Government through the National Wealth Fund to maximise investment opportunities to deliver growth in all corners of the UK.

    Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said:

    I’m delighted that we are moving forward with the Investment Zone for Wrexham and Flintshire with £160 million from the UK Government to drive economic growth in advanced manufacturing.

    In December I met leaders from the advanced manufacturing sector at Toyota in Deeside and visited two hugely successful supply chain businesses. I saw the huge potential for growth and for building on the talent and expertise that already exists in this part of Wales.

    This Investment Zone will super-charge economic growth, create up to 6000 new jobs and generate £1bn of private investment which will have a transformational impact for people living and working in northeast Wales.

    The Chancellor is also reviewing the Treasury’s investment guidance in the Green Book to ensure it is being used to provide objective, transparent advice on public investment across the country, reporting at Phase 2 of the Spending Review.

    Pushing forwards with strategic infrastructure and investment across all four corners of the UK is key to delivering the UK Government’s Growth Mission. Bringing the productivity of major cities to the national average would deliver an extra £33bn in economic output, and measures set out today extend beyond this to kickstart a decade of national renewal.

    This is just the start, and further regional growth announcements will follow through the year. The government is hardwiring plans for regional growth into the Spending Review, and into plans for infrastructure, investment and the industrial strategy. The UK Government is also working with the Welsh Government to ensure the benefits of growth can be felt across Wales, including by partnering on the Industrial Strategy to support Wales’s considerable sectoral strengths.

    Tim Knowles, Founder and Managing Director of FI Real Estate Management, said: 

    As an investor in Wrexham for almost 20 years, we’re delighted to see the announcement that Wrexham and Flintshire will receive Advanced Manufacturing Investment Zone status, with three of our schemes on Wrexham Industrial Estate – Wrexham 1M, Wrexham 152, and Bridgeway Centre – forming part of the designated zone.

    Across these sites, we’ll be investing £115m to create new, high-quality industrial accommodation, supporting the creation of over 1,000 new jobs and delivering an estimated economic value of £1.2bn in Wrexham over the next 10 years.

    This is a significant milestone for North Wales, and we look forward to working in partnership with stakeholders to leverage this opportunity for strategic investment in the area, helping to supercharge the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.

    In collaboration with local authorities and wider stakeholders, we need to ensure that we capitalise on all the opportunities this moment brings. We’ve long recognised the potential for North Wales to become a thriving hub for innovation, and we’re excited that our developments can play an important part in this next chapter.

    Mark Turner, JCB’s Chief Operating Officer said:

    JCB has been a prominent feature of the industrial and economic landscape in Wrexham and Flintshire for over 45 years. Innovation is the lifeblood of our business and we welcome the creation of an Investment Zone in North Wales and hope that it will attract many other businesses to the area. As an advanced manufacturer of precision engineering components, JCB Transmissions looks forward to other advanced manufacturing businesses coming to the area. This could go a long way towards building the supply chain resilience of existing manufacturing businesses in the area, such as JCB.

    We place a lot of values on skills in our business and we look forward to the Investment Zone positively supporting skills development in the future. JCB continues to invest in our business in Wrexham and today’s IZ announcement bodes well for the economic development of the area in the future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO celebrates Year of Snake and promotes liquor trade in Scotland

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), in collaboration with the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC), hosted the “Toast to the Snake” reception in Glasgow, the United Kingdom (UK), in the evening of January 30 (London time) to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

         Speaking at the reception, the Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems” including the common law regime, the free flow of capital, people and information, and policy support from the Mainland. Mr Law emphasised that those strengths did not go unnoticed. He said, “Hong Kong saw a record number of 9 960 non-local companies operating in the city last year, representing a 10 per cent year-on-year increase, with 720 of them coming from the UK. The International Monetary Fund had also reaffirmed Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre and recognised the resilience of the city’s financial system.”

         Around 270 guests from the business, academic and cultural sectors as well as the Chinese community attended the reception. Among the guests were the Minister for Business of the Scottish Government, the Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow, and the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Edinburgh.

         In the morning of the same day, the London ETO and Invest Hong Kong sponsored CBBC’s China Consumer Scotland 2025 event, featuring among others a panel discussion on the opportunities arising from Hong Kong’s reduction of liquor duty as announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”. Mr Law highlighted in his welcome speech that various high value-added sectors, such as logistics and storage, tourism as well as food and beverage would also benefit from this new measure. He encouraged Scottish brands to grasp this opportunity.

         Speaking at one of the panel discussions, the Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of the InvestHK London Office, Ms Daisy Ip said, “Hong Kong boasts a thriving premium spirits market and a diverse range of high-end bars and dining establishments, making it a significant growth market for spirits. The city offers well-developed cold chain logistics services, robust logistics networks, and seamless connection with the Mainland and key Southeast Asian markets. Hong Kong can serve as Asia’s hub for liquor trade and distribution.”

         The China Consumer Scotland 2025 event was attended by close to 50 business representatives who were related to the spirits industry or interested in the opportunities in the Chinese market.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU research team develops ‘superglue’ to help fight cancer more effectively

    Source: European Union 2

    We all know someone touched by cancer. And although science is all about facts and evidence, it can also be about our personal stories and emotions.  

    Erika Pineda Ramírez lost her dad to cancer. Alba García-Fernández lost her grandmother and aunt, also to cancer. They are now doing research with the goal of finding more effective treatments for cancer patients.   

    In 2024, Alba and Erika started working on NanoGlue, a new approach to help the immune system fight cancer more effectively. Their project is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), through the ARISTOS Postdoctoral Program in Biomedicine and Health Sciences and it is developed at CIBER-BBN, Centro de Investigación Principe Felipe, and Universitat Politècnica de València. 

    To mark World Cancer Day, they joined our European Research Executive Agency colleague and breast cancer survivor, Sofia Pereira Sá, for a conversation on the cancer cells’ ability to hide from the immune system, the heavy side effects of treatments and the hope NanoGlue can bring to millions of patients. 

    More effective treatments with less heavy side effects 

    Sofia Pereira Sá: Let’s first talk about your MSCA-funded project. What is NanoGlue and what can its results and findings mean for patients like me? 

    Alba García-Fernández: Our ultimate goal is to provide more effective treatments with less side effects to improve patients’ quality of life. We do this by designing new nanoparticles and then activate the immune system of the patients to attack the tumour.  

    This kind of immunotherapy would be more effective and would help avoid and limit undesirable side effects, that we see with current treatments.  

    Erika Pineda Ramirez: We also want to study the interaction between the cancer cells and the immune cells in a metabolic level. We would then be able to propose novel and more efficient therapies.  

    Recent reports in Spanish news outlets have referred to the NanoGlue innovative treatment as a “superglue” for triple negative breast cancer, a notoriously aggressive form of the disease. 

    Sofia: Can the project’s approach have broader applications, benefiting patients with other types of cancer?  

    Erika: First, I want to explain why we called it a “superglue”; it is because our nanoparticles will enhance the immune system’s ability to detect and respond to cancer, helping the body to attack the cancer and kill it.  

    Alba: The nanoparticles are a versatile platform, and we can select and modify them depending on our needs. We chose to test it with triple negative breast cancer because it represents a major health challenge. It’s a good starting point for validating our nanoparticles.  

    Sofia: How are you combining different scientific areas and how can that be crucial to achieve better scientific results? 

    Erika: We work with experts in nanotechnology, biotechnology, biology, metabolomics, and oncology. Having all these people with different expertise helps us see the problems from different angles and find better solutions. 

    The future of cancer research – a patient’s perspective 

    Erika: What was the biggest challenge for you as a patient?  

    Sofia: The side effects played a big role when it came to my physical and mental wellbeing. Especially because all these side effects prevented me from being the mum I wanted to be for my one and half-year-old son. I couldn’t play with him, I couldn’t bathe him, I couldn’t take him to school. This was the hardest part of the whole treatment. It was heartbreaking.  

    My diagnosis was made in summer 2023 and after 20 rounds of chemotherapy I still feel some side effects, such as the so called “chemo brain”. I’d love to see therapies advance in a way that gives patients a better quality of life. 

    Erika: Besides reducing side effects, what do you think researchers should be aware of doing cancer research?  

    Sofia: Being only 34 years old and seeing the chemotherapy medication going into my bloodstream and knowing that I was somehow “poisoning” myself to get treated was a very traumatic experience. Thankfully, you and other cancer researchers are already tackling that by trying to find more targeted therapies.  

    A second thing I think is important is fertility. More and more young women are being diagnosed with hormonal breast cancer exactly when they are planning to have children. I wish researchers could find a way to preserve breast cancer patients’ possibilities of still becoming mothers. 

    The future of cancer research – a scientist’s perspective 

    Sofia: What do you think cancer researchers will be focusing on in the next years?  

    Alba: My immediate thought is personalised medicines for both treatment and diagnosis. 

    Erika: I totally agree with Alba – personalised medicine is the future but also having more multidisciplinary because we need expertise from different areas. 

    Sofia: What is your experience with EU funding, and how do you think it will be relevant for your work on NanoGlue? 

    Alba: I have had previous experience with EU funding, as I was part of a project funded by the EIC Pathfinder programme for cancer therapy. It is thanks to EU funding that us researchers can work on innovative ideas like this and explore different paths. I believe NanoGlue is a next level initiative for our future.  

    Erika: EU funding helps us take ideas and turn them into actions. I wanted to do cancer research for years, but in Mexico, my home country, I didn’t have much support to do it. The MSCA funding gave me this great opportunity of working in this field with top researchers, and to use equipment I didn’t have the opportunity to use before. For me, it was a dream come true. 

    Discover more

    Check out what the European Commission is doing to improving the lives of more than 3 million people by 2030 through cancer prevention and cure – EU Mission: Cancer. For more MSCA news and funding opportunities, visit out our dedicated page.

    Curious to find out more about Alba and Erika’s research? You can check out ARISTOS’s website and follow them on social media:

    Alba García-Fernández: LinkedIn

    Erika Pineda Ramírez: LinkedIn, X

    ARISTOS Program: LinkedIn, X

    MIL OSI Europe News –