NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – “Did the flight of the military leadership facilitate the capture of Goma?”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “In Goma there are 2 million people in need,” local Church sources, who asked not to be named for security reasons, told Fides. “At least a million of them are displaced from other areas of North Kivu previously affected by the war.”On the capture of the capital of North Kivu (eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo) by the M23 troops supported by Rwanda, the observers report: “The collapse of the Congolese army (FARDC) began on Sunday evening, when the commanders left the city on several boats, heading from the port of Goma on Lake Kivu to Bukavu (capital of South Kivu), about 100 kilometers away. From there, the military leaders boarded a plane that took them to Kinshasa. The troops, which no longer had a commander, were faced with well-equipped M23 rebels and soldiers of the Rwandan army. The M23 rebels and the Rwandans quickly took over the city’s main points: the center, the port and the airport. Several Congolese soldiers surrendered to the rebels or handed themselves over to the MONUSCO peacekeepers.” “The conquest of Goma was bloody, with several dead, many of whom are still lying in the streets of the city. There are at least a thousand injured, which is putting additional pressure on the health system, which is overwhelmed by the lack of water, electricity, food and medicine,” the observers continued.Today, January 29, “the situation in Goma appears to be calming down, although isolated shootings have been reported in some districts,” the observers continued. “But food warehouses, including that of the World Food Programme (WFP), and markets have been looted. There is a lack of electricity because the high-voltage pylons have been knocked down; As a result, there is a shortage of water, which is pumped from Lake Kivu and then purified in special plants that cannot function without electricity. The plundering of supplies and the interruption of deliveries from the surrounding area have led to a food shortage that is becoming more dramatic by the hour.” On the political level, Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance, which also includes the M23 movement, announced that they intended to overthrow the government in Kinshasa. “This had already happened in 1997, when rebels supported by Rwanda and Uganda, starting from the east of what was then Zaire, took Kinshasa and forced then President Mobutu to flee,” our observers said. It is suspected “that the M23 will march on Bukavu, trying to cause as few casualties as possible, because Nangaa is a Congolese politician who is trying to exploit the discontent among the soldiers who feel betrayed by their commanders; among other things, despite the army’s spending, the soldiers are poorly equipped and do not even have the right clothing to face the cold, bearing in mind that we are here at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,700 meters,” the observers conclude.Corneille Nangaa was president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) from 2015 to 2021, but was sentenced to death for treason in August 2024 after founding the Congo River Alliance in 2023. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 29/1/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “Expanding Heathrow in the face of a climate emergency is the definition of irresponsible.” say Greens

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Responding to the news that Rachel Reeves is backing the expansion of Heathrow Airport, Green Party MP, Sian Berry MP said,

    “The Chancellor talked about the ‘costs of irresponsibility’ but expanding Heathrow in the face of a climate emergency is the definition of irresponsible.”

    “Worst still, we’re also expecting formal planning decisions from ministers on Gatwick and Luton airport expansion, which the Chancellor pre-empted today. Giving these permissions in the month before vital new advice is expected from the Climate Change Committee, today’s speech is nothing short of reckless.

    “The carbon cost of expanding Heathrow, Luton, and Gatwick together will cancel out the benefits of Labour’s keystone clean energy plan, making Net Zero minister Ed Miliband’s task almost impossible.

    “The Chancellor’s stated goal is ‘raising living standards in every part of the UK’ but more and bigger airports will serve only the very richest aviation bosses and the most frequent flyers whose wealth doesn’t help people’s daily lives get better.

    “Tackling inequality and building a greener future should go hand in hand. That must mean investment in warmer homes, green energy and the local transport people use every day, not these bleak proposals.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “The idea that we have to choose between economic prosperity and safeguarding our children’s future is absolute nonsense”

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Responding to Rachel Reeves’ speech on economic growth, Green Party Co-Leader, Adrian Ramsay MP, said

    “The idea that we have to choose between economic prosperity and safeguarding our children’s future is absolute nonsense – in fact it’s quite the opposite.

    “Expanding airport capacity would wipe out all the benefits of the Government’s clean power plan, and won’t provide any benefits for ordinary people. 

    “The idea that expanding Heathrow can happen in line with legal, environmental & climate objectives, while meeting rules on carbon emissions, noise and air quality is just fantasy thinking.

    “At one point in her speech, the Chancellor said net zero is the opportunity of the century.

    “She’s right about that, yet much of what she announced will take us further away from net zero.

    “Her strategy doesn’t add up and it felt more as if she was chasing headlines than chasing a sustainable, fairer future for the UK.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government backs Heathrow expansion to kickstart economic growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Lift-off for growth as government backs expansion at Britain’s busiest and only hub airport.

    • Plan could create over 100,000 direct jobs, boost a better-connected British economy by billions, and lead to cheaper fares and fewer delays for families as part of Plan for Change.
    • Expansion must be delivered in line with UK’s legal, environmental and climate obligations.

    Working people and businesses across Britain will benefit from a government going “further and faster” to kickstart economic growth, as the Chancellor today [29 January] announced the government’s support for a third runway at Heathrow.

    Speaking to an audience of business chiefs at Siemens in North Oxfordshire this morning, the Chancellor set out the government’s latest set of reforms to kickstart economic growth and drive up living standards across the UK by driving investment, getting Britain building and tackling regulatory barriers. This included the announcement that the government supports and is inviting proposals for a third runway at Heathrow.

    The Chancellor confirmed that the government will move at speed to review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS). This provides the basis for decision making on granting development consent for a new runway at Heathrow, to ensure that any scheme is delivered in line with our legal, environmental and climate obligations.

    In her speech, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    I have always been clear that a third runway at Heathrow would unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected as part of our Plan for Change.

    And now the case is stronger than ever because our reforms to the economy – like speeding up our planning system, and our strengthened plans to modernise UK airspace – mean the delivery of this project is set up for success.

    So I can confirm today that this Government supports a third runway at Heathrow and is inviting proposals to be brought forward by the summer.

    As well as creating over 100,000 jobs in the local area and many more indirectly, research published today by Frontier Economics finds that 60% of the economic boost from a third runway would be felt by areas outside of London and the South East – putting more money in the pockets of working people across the UK through lower fares and greater choice for passengers as part of our Plan for Change.

    During the speech, Reeves announced that the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to take decisions on expansion plans at Gatwick and Luton shortly, and that the government will work with Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire to support their efforts to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport as a thriving regional airport.

    The Chancellor also announced that a new partnership between global logistics giant Prologis and East Midlands Airport to build a new advanced manufacturing park within the East Midlands Freeport zone to unlock £1 billion of investment and 2,000 jobs. It follows this government’s swift approval of similarly stalled plans for London City Airport to expand to nine million passengers per year by 2031 and a £1.1 billion investment at Stansted Airport to extend its terminal and create 5,000 jobs.

    After delivering stability to the public finances and wider economy as the basic precondition for economic growth, the pace of investment and reform demonstrates the government’s willingness to secure the future of the UK’s world-class aviation sector and the sustainable growth it can provide. Air freight represented 57% of the UK’s non-EU exports by value in 2023, with over 60% of freight coming through the UK doing so through Heathrow. International connectivity also supports vital tourism and business links, with overseas visitors spending £31 billion on their visits to the UK in 2023 and 15 million business travellers using Heathrow in the same year.

    It comes after reforms to speed up the planning system and a presumption to ‘back the builders over the blockers’ were set out by the Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week. The government has committed to making decisions on 150 major economic infrastructure applications over this Parliament, having already made decisions on multiple significant projects within its first six months spanning airports, data centres, energy farms, and major housing developments. The Planning and Infrastructure Bill to be introduced in Spring will enact further sweeping reforms and take an axe to the red tape that slows down approval of infrastructure projects.

    Alongside these reforms and plans to modernise UK airspace, the government is taking great strides in transitioning to greener aviation. Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces CO2 emissions compared to fossil jet fuel by around 70% and the Chancellor announced that the government is supporting UK producers by investing £63 million in 2025-26 into the Advanced Fuels Fund and setting out details of a Revenue Certainty Mechanism. This will support investment and high-skilled green jobs in plants across the UK – with previous winners of the Fund ranging from across the north of England to South Wales – and follows the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate coming into law at the start of 2025. Taken together, our commitments to SAF will support thousands of jobs in places like Teesside and Humberside, bring down our transport emissions, and help make the UK a clean energy superpower as part of our Plan for Change.

    The government is also assessing options for privately financing the Lower Thames Crossing, which will improve connectivity across vital ports and alleviate congestion as goods to be exported come from across the country to markets overseas. 

    In further recognition that the Government’s clean energy superpower mission is helping to drive the UK’s economic growth mission, Reeves announced that the government will designate new Marine Protected Areas to enable offshore wind, whilst protecting our marine environment. In doing so, barriers to 16 gigawatts of offshore wind will be unblocked – as much electricity as was produced by all gas power plants in 2024 – and up to £30 billion of private investment in homegrown clean power will be unlocked, creating thousands of good clean energy jobs in the offshore wind sector in areas like East Anglia and Yorkshire.

    A new approach to the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor – a centre of innovation which could become Europe’s answer to Silicon Valley – will be spearheaded by Sir Patrick Vallance as a Ministerial Champion. The economic potential of this region will be unlocked through leveraging the strengths it boasts in sectors across Britain’s new modern Industrial Strategy, from life sciences and tech to advanced manufacturing.

    The Chancellor set out the government’s plans to increase investment across the whole of the UK. She stressed that the government would do more to support city regions and local leaders outside of London and the South East, in recognition that bringing the productivity of major cities like Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds to the national average would deliver an extra £33 billion in output for the UK economy.

    Reeves confirmed the backing of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s plans for the regeneration of the area around Old Trafford, including new housing and commercial development, and the new approach to planning decisions on land around stations, changing the default to yes. The Office for Investment is expanding its support to local leaders across the UK to help develop and promote their investment plans, and new strategic partnerships from the National Wealth Fund (NWF) will provide deeper, more focused support for city regions starting in Glasgow, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, and Greater Manchester.

    NWF and Aviva have today invested £65 million in Connected Kerb to back plans for the electric vehicle smart charging infrastructure company to expand its UK EV charging network towards 40,000 sockets – up from 9,000 as of the end of 2024. This substantial investment into the UK’s public charging infrastructure – one of the NWF’s priority sectors – is crucial for delivering the forecast requirement of at least 300,000 public EV chargers by 2030. NWF is also investing £28 million in Cornish Metals to provide the raw materials to be used in solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles, supporting growth and jobs in the South West of England.

    Reeves announced that the Treasury will review the Green Book and how it is being used to provide objective, transparent advice on public investment across the country, including outside London and the South East. There were also further details announced on Investment Zones, with the Wrexham and Flintshire Investment Zone to focus on the area’s strengths in advanced manufacturing. Backed by the likes of Airbus and JCB, this is expected to crowd in £1 billion of private investment over a decade and create up to 6,000 jobs.

    The Chancellor said that the Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will visit India next month to relaunch talks on a free-trade agreement and bilateral investment treaty, She set out that the guiding principle the government will take in its approach to trade is acting in the national interest of Britain’s economy, its businesses and working people. A trade deal with India, as one of the fastest growing economies in the world and one which is projected to be the fourth largest global importer by 2035, is in line with this approach.

    Notes to Editors

    • The Chancellor’s speech can be found on gov.uk later today here.
    • As part of the ANPS review, government will engage the Climate Change Committee on how aviation expansion can be made consistent with our net zero framework.

    Stakeholder reaction

    Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, said:

    I welcome the Government’s pro-growth agenda and their recognition of the importance of aviation and the crucial role it plays as an enabler of economic growth. As an island nation, this industry provides much-needed connectivity as well as creating many skilled jobs which contribute to the wider prosperity of the country. 

    Expansion at Heathrow will provide consumer and economic benefits and represents a unique opportunity for easyJet to operate from the airport at scale for the first time and bring with it lower fares for consumers.

    Paul Weston, Regional Head of Prologis UK said:

    The Chancellor’s announcements reflect a drive to support enhanced UK economic growth, which underscores Prologis’ global partnership with East Midlands Airport to unlock investment at the nation’s only inland Freeport site.

    We are focused on delivering a new Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics park at pace and in partnership, harnessing the site’s unique potential.

    Prologis, as a partner of choice, continues to commit to opportunities across the UK that underpin growth, building the foundations that support economic opportunities and on-the-ground benefits, with central, regional and local government.

    Gordon Sanghera, Chief Executive Officer, Oxford Nanopore Technologies said:

    The attention given to the innovation potential in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor is welcome. This is an opportunity to strengthen the UK’s tech infrastructure, expand access to talent, and attract investment—the foundations of innovation—so we can turn more pioneering UK life science start-ups into global scale-ups. The UK can be the best place in the world for breakthrough technologies.

    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.

    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 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Growing by leaps and bounds – credit card rates in Russia reach 40%

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Sours: Mainfin Bank –

    Why have credit card rates risen to record highs in Russia?

    Rate increase credit cards – a trend expected in the second half of 2024. The average cost of servicing credit cards has come close to 40% per annum for a number of reasons:

    increase in the key rate – in six months the Central Bank of the Russian Federation raised the rate from 16 to 21% per annum; low profitability on previously concluded contracts – due to high rates banks are trying to increase the marginality of portfolios; reduction of grace periods – previously banks offered borrowers a long interest-free period, but such conditions do not correspond to the new reality; revision of the procedure for calculating the APR by individual creditors – previously the regulator caught banks in the incorrect determination of the indicator.

    By the end of 2024, the average cost of lending in the bank card segment increased to 38.8%, over 12 months the indicator increased by almost 10%. Similar dynamics are observed in other industries – PSC by loans cash increased by 9% (to 37.5%), car loans – by 5% (up to 24%), mortgage programs, including loans with state support – by 7% (up to 18%).

    What does the credit card market have in store for the foreseeable future?

    Experts are confident that the cost of using borrowed funds on credit cards will continue to grow in the coming months – Russians can expect an increase in the indicator by another 3-5 percentage points. At the same time, much depends on the decision of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on the key rate – the next meeting will be held on February 14: it is difficult to predict the dynamics yet, since the situation on the market is ambiguous.

    “In the second half of the year, it was not difficult to predict the growth of the key rate, but now the decision of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation is not so predictable, so banks will not rush to revise the conditions – the change in tariffs will occur after the regulator’s meeting,” the experts noted.

    Russians who continue to use credit cards even with high interest rates are advised to offset costs through loyalty programs – receive cashback and bonuses, including from the bank’s partners, and also try to pay off debt during the grace period.

    12:00 28.01.2025

    Source:

    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: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/rastut-kak-on-grooves-boards-on-loans-cards-in-rf-dostille-40

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London statement on Heathrow airport expansion

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “I remain opposed to a new runway at Heathrow Airport because of the severe impact it will have on noise, air pollution and meeting our climate change targets.

    “I will scrutinise carefully any new proposals that now come forward from Heathrow, including the impact it will have on people living in the area and the huge knock-on effects for our transport infrastructure.

    “Despite the progress that’s been made in the aviation sector to make it more sustainable, I’m simply not convinced that you can have hundreds of thousands of additional flights at Heathrow every year without a hugely damaging impact on our environment.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NDA group celebrates progress and innovation in parliament

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    NDA utilises innovative technology to bring to life progress in delivering its nationally important mission at ‘Nuclear Week in Parliament’.

    NDA group graduates and apprentices in Westminster

    The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group utilised innovative technology to bring to life progress in delivering its nationally important mission at the Nuclear Industry Association’s ‘Nuclear Week in Parliament’ (NWIP).

    Parliamentarians were able to use a VR headset to see what a Geological Disposal Facility will look like and get hands on experience in manoeuvring state of the art robots, including drones with laser imaging technology, which are used to decommission the legacy nuclear sites.

    This year marks 20 years since the NDA was established to decommission the UK’s oldest nuclear sites, one of the most important environmental programmes in the world, protecting people and the planet.

    David Peattie, NDA group CEO said:

    We’re transforming the legacy of UK’s nuclear power into a sustainable future. And, as we celebrate our anniversary, we can proudly say the UK is now a significantly safer place, thanks to our collective efforts.

    At a series of events for Parliamentarians, MPs and industry stakeholders, the NDA group shared its successes and tangible examples of the progress being made across the group including:

    • First simultaneous retrievals from Sellafield’s legacy ponds and silos, the NDA estate’s high hazard facilities.
    • Bringing all Magnox reactors, the first type of commercial nuclear power station in the UK, to a safe end of generation and defueling.
    • Removing highly radioactive coolant, from Dounreay’s Fast Reactor.
    • Launching the process to identify a site for a Geological Disposal Facility – the only community consent-led national significant infrastructure project.
    • Transporting over 2000 casks of nuclear material by sea, and conducting over 5 million miles of UK nuclear rail transports, with a 100% nuclear safety record.
    • Investing £277m of socio-economic funding to support significant projects that enable permanent and sustainable change in site communities.
    • Reprocessing 9,000 tonnes of spent nuclear fuel, generating £9bn.
    • 274 buildings demolished or reused and 9% of land released for reuse or redesignated.

    The value the NDA group provides for the nation far surpasses just its decommissioning progress.

    The NDA group invested around £100 million last year in research and development to stay at the forefront of innovation; pioneering and deploying solutions to tackle first of a kind technical and engineering challenges which have applications across the nuclear and defence sector.

    The group is also critical in developing and maintaining a strong nuclear supply chain spending around £2billion last year, across 82% of UK Parliamentary Constituencies with 5,000 supply chain companies supporting delivery of its mission.

    In addition, through its socio-economic strategy it’s leveraged over £200m of additional funding, with each £1 of NDA group support helping to attract £3.79 of further investment from other organisations for projects making a tangible difference in its communities.

    NDA Group CEO David Peattie, Lord Hunt and David Mundell MP

    The NDA also sponsored the NWiP Skills and Apprenticeship Fair, hosted by Liz Saville Roberts MP, where 12 NDA group apprentices and graduates were able to meet their local MPs and representatives across the sector and explain first-hand how their organisations are developing the next generation of the nuclear decommissioning workforce.

    Rachel Gleaves, a Control Systems Degree Apprentice who attended the event, said:

    The group are leading the most complex decommissioning challenges faced by the UK to make sure we leave our environment clean and safe for future generations, and this is a challenge I was really passionate to support.

    In my role at Sellafield Ltd, I have been able to learn from industry leading engineers to help support high hazard retrievals considered key to safely decommissioning the nation’s nuclear legacy.

    There are currently more than 1,500 apprentices and graduates across NDA group early careers schemes and hundreds of PhD students and post-doctoral researchers have been sponsored, focusing on developing advanced skills.

    Liz Saville Roberts MP, said:

    Nuclear sector jobs have long been a significant provider of well-paid high-quality employment in my constituency of Dwyfor Meirionnydd and I believe Wales should play a leading role to support the invaluable work of the NDA group in decommissioning sites to free up land for reuse, delivering benefit to local communities, the environment and the wider economy.

    The development of 19 apprentices at Trawsfynydd since 2012, highlights how decommissioning can provide a range of job options for young people, as well as appropriate skills and training opportunities.

    The NDA group’s programme of work will last for well over a hundred years so developing a pipeline of future talent is an essential part of delivering this nationally important mission long into the future.

    To find out more about a career within the NDA group, including graduate and apprenticeships opportunities, visit: NDA group Careers – The NDA group.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Piano Miniatures by S.V. Rachmaninov” in the Central City Youth Library named after M.A. Svetlov

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Central City Youth Library named after M.A. Svetlov invites you to a concert-lecture “Piano Miniatures by S.V. Rachmaninov”. The works of the Russian composer will be performed by the laureate of all-Russian and international competitions Anna Trushkova. In addition, she will talk about the miniatures. The composer put a special meaning into small works and improved them to the smallest details.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/afisha/Event/330040257/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Miracles are Nearby” in the Central City Youth Library named after M.A. Svetlov

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Central City Youth Library named after M.A. Svetlov invites you to the event “Miracles are Nearby”. A production based on the tale of Pavel Bazhov “Silver Hoof” has been prepared for the guests. The audience will see a performance performed in the format of shadow theater.

    Afterwards, everyone will be able to take part in a master class on creating a postcard called “Fairytale Deer”.

    Entrance by ticket, which is issued only for the child. No more than two accompanying persons may accompany him/her.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/afisha/event/330041257/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In 2024, 34 non-residential buildings were erected in the west of the capital using extra-budgetary funds

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In 2024, 34 non-residential real estate objects were built in the west of the capital using extra-budgetary funds. They appeared in seven districts of the city. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Last year, 34 non-residential real estate objects with a total area of 416 thousand square meters were built in the districts of Kuntsevo, Dorogomilovo, Ramenki, Krylatskoye, Ochakovo-Matveyevskoye, Troparevo-Nikulino and Mozhaysky. Among them are student dormitory buildings, a church, a hotel complex, business and sports infrastructure facilities, as well as five educational institutions with more than 1.4 thousand places. About 3.3 thousand jobs were created in the new objects,” Vladimir Efimov noted.

    In ZAO, the territory near the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology is actively developing, where a student campus with dormitories is being created. Social, business, commercial and sports facilities are also appearing in other areas of the district.

    “Over the past year, four kindergartens for a total of 640 children were built in the west of the capital. One of them appeared on the territory of the residential area “Michurinsky Park” in the Ochakovo-Matveyevskoye district. It is designed for 250 places. The three-story building with an area of 5.8 thousand square meters provides a swimming pool, 10 group cells, a medical and a full-cycle food unit, sports and music halls. The construction of the kindergarten was carried out by a capital developer, upon completion of the work, the facility was transferred to the capital’s education system,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy of the capital

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    On the instructions of the Mayor of Moscow, the city is paying special attention to the quality of construction.

    As the Chairman of the Moscow State Construction Supervision Authority said Anton Slobodchikov, the department’s specialists carried out 174 control and supervisory activities at the sites with the participation of employees of the Center for Expertise, Research and Testing in Construction. The inspectors took samples of the materials used and checked the samples’ compliance with the approved design solutions in laboratory conditions.

    The past January holidays in Moscow once again emphasized the importance of developing the hospitality industry and creating additional places for city guests to relax. The tourist turnover during this period is estimated at 136.8 billion rubles, and the volume of revenues to the city budget is 18.7 billion rubles.

    First Deputy Head of the Office of the Mayor and the Government of Moscow, Chairman of the Moscow Tourism Committee Evgeniy Kozlovnoted that the tourist flow is growing every year. Travelers expect Moscow to provide them with opportunities for comfortable accommodation, so it is important for the city to regularly open new three-star, four-star and five-star hotels. Thanks to high-quality hotel infrastructure, the image of the capital is enhanced and revenues to its budget increase.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin toldthat by 2024, 81 new educational, healthcare, cultural and sports facilities will appear in Moscow.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149438073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Construction of a school on the territory of the Tushino airfield has been completed

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A school has been completed on the territory of the former Tushino airfield. The building on Volokolamsk Highway has created a comfortable and safe space for 825 children to study. This was reported in his telegram channel written by Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Universal and specialized classrooms were created for teachers and students, as well as a creative space similar to a university campus with laboratory and research complexes. The central element of the school is the atrium, which can be used as an assembly hall or an event venue. The building’s design is the winner of the 2023 Moscow Architecture and Urban Development Award in the educational facilities category,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin

    The construction of a new school building at 75v Volokolamskoe Shosse began in May 2022 and was completed in January 2025. It was built at the expense of the investor, Asterus, the developer of the Ália residential complex, which is implementing a project to create a modern residential area with an educational hub on the territory of the former Tushino airfield.

    In addition to the school building, it will include children’s educational routes and a Coastal Park, organized according to the concept of a forest school, where adults and young city residents will be able to gain a variety of experiences interacting with living nature.

    The investor will donate the new educational building to the capital’s education system free of charge; it will become part of the complex of School No. 58.

    School with atrium

    The building was constructed according to the design of an architectural bureau that won the 2023 Moscow City Prize in architecture and urban planning in the nomination “Best Architectural and Urban Planning Solution for a School”.

    The building has four floors and one underground floor. Its area is more than 12 thousand square meters. It has created a comfortable and safe space for studying for 825 schoolchildren of grades 1-11, including a barrier-free environment for children with disabilities.

    The school building fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. Visually, it consists of two blocks – for primary and secondary schools. The facades with panoramic windows were made in yellow, white and gray colors to emphasize the features of the complex volumetric composition and highlight large elements in the structure of the building, assembled like a construction set.

    The design of the classrooms differs depending on the age of the students: a more formal design was created for older students and a brighter one for younger students. The walls of the school are decorated with images of function graphs, chains of molecules and diagrams of sound waves. Cryptograms were used in the design of the corridors, which facilitate navigation around the building.

    The central element of the building is the atrium — a multifunctional and multi-light space with increased ceiling height. It can be used as a lecture hall, an assembly hall or a venue for events. In addition, the atrium can serve as a comfortable space for relaxation. In fact, it will become a kind of heart of the school. At the same time, special acoustic panels will absorb possible noise, so neither loud music nor children’s laughter in the atrium will interfere with classes in the classrooms.

    In addition to 33 universal and specialized classrooms, students and teachers will have access to a creative space similar to a university campus, including laboratory and research complexes. The building also houses a media library, creative workshops, gyms, and much more.

    A sports core was set up on the school grounds: circular and straight running tracks, playgrounds for playing sports (basketball, football, volleyball), as well as recreation areas with a playground for students in grades 5-11, where a shade canopy and small play equipment were installed. In addition, an educational and experimental unit with greenhouses was located next to the school.

    The new school is scheduled to accept its first students on September 1, 2025.

    “Mathematical vertical” and pre-professional classes

    The new educational space will feature a combination of classical programs of in-depth training in the academic model of specialized education with practice-oriented engineering and technical classes, which the school implements jointly with partners (STEM approach) in the context of integrated support from a strong psychological service. Close attention will be paid to the involvement of children in sports, the use of available sports infrastructure, and the development of a school sports club.

    The school’s partners in developing the engineering and technical direction will be the state corporation Rostec and leading technical universities: Bauman Moscow State Technical University, MIREA – Russian Technological University and Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University).

    The school plans to open classes with a mathematical and natural science focus as part of the city project “Mathematical Vertical” for students in grades seven through nine, as well as pre-professional classes (10th and 11th) as part of the city projects “Engineering Class in a Moscow School” and “IT Class in a Moscow School”.

    The focus on practical tasks and project work will be a special feature of the profile training of schoolchildren. The educational process provides for an individual approach to the children.

    Thus, the plans include introducing students to advanced professions in the field of engineering and motivating them to master professions that are in demand in the metropolis labor market. It is also planned to implement practice-oriented training based on additional pre-professional training courses, partnerships with universities and employers as part of the Rostec state corporation. In addition, it is planned to involve children in project and research activities in the field of modern engineering. Excursions, guest classes, master classes and the like will be held for schoolchildren, for example, off-site classes at the enterprises of the Rostec state corporation, as well as scientific events.

    Graduates of the school who have completed pre-profile engineering classes are planned to be considered as a priority for further training within the framework of targeted programs of the Rostec state corporation, such as Wings of Rostec, Code of Rostec, Rostec. Biotechmed.

    Medalists and winners of the Olympics

    School No. 58, created in 2019, currently includes two educational buildings on Tvardovskogo and Letnaya streets — a school building and a preschool building. It has 741 students, including 598 schoolchildren and 143 preschoolers. The workforce consists of 82 employees, including 60 teaching staff.

    The system of additional education includes programs of various focus areas: natural science, technical, physical education and sports, and social and humanitarian. The coverage of students by additional education is 95 percent.

    In the 2023/2024 academic year, 71 eleventh-graders graduated. Of these, 23 people (32 percent) were awarded the federal medal “For Special Achievements in Studies” (gold and silver), 11 people (15 percent) – the Moscow medal “For Special Achievements in Studies”. Based on the results of the Unified State Exam, 31 graduates (44 percent) received 250 points or higher in three subjects. Two graduates scored 100 points in English and mathematics.

    Last academic year, 60 children were also awarded diplomas of winners and prize winners of the municipal stage of the All-Russian School Olympiad. 34 students took part in the regional stage, of which 10 people became prize winners. Eight children received the title of prize winners of the Moscow School Olympiad. Teams of 10th and 11th grades became winners and prize winners of programming Olympiads (for example, PROD) and various hackathons.

    New schools and kindergartens

    Since 2011, 648 educational facilities have been built in Moscow, including 450 kindergartens and 198 schools. Of these, 327 were financed from the city budget and 321 from extra-budgetary funds. Plans call for the construction of about 200 new educational facilities by 2027.

    Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the development of the territory of the former Tushino airfield

    Program “My District”. Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo

    Program “My area”, developed on the initiative of Sergei Sobyanin, is the largest project for the comprehensive improvement and development of urban areas. Its goal is to create comfortable living conditions for Muscovites, regardless of their place of residence.

    More than 67 thousand people live in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo, located in the North-West Administrative District. In recent years, much has been done here to improve the quality of life of the townspeople.

    The ground metro has arrived here — the second Moscow Central Diameter with the stations Trikotazhnaya, Tushinskaya and the city stations Shchukinskaya and Streshnevo. Convenient approaches and approaches from residential buildings have been arranged to them. At Shchukinskaya and Tushinskaya, you can transfer to the Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya metro line, and from Streshnevo — transfer to the station of the same name on the Moscow Central Circle.

    The reconstruction of Volokolamskoe Shosse with a radical upgrade of the interchange on the Moscow Ring Road has been completed. As a result, traffic has accelerated on one of the busiest outbound highways, and it has also improved on the northwestern section of the Moscow Ring Road. And thanks to the new U-turn overpass on Volokolamskoe Shosse towards Shchukino, it has been possible to significantly reduce the excess mileage of vehicles. In addition, Volokolamskoe Shosse has been improved – it has turned into a highway with comfortable transfers with convenient stops and pedestrian crossings.

    Seven new ground transportation routes were organized in the district. More than 50 modern bus stops were installed.

    Three charging stations of the Energy of Moscow project have been equipped for electric vehicles. Fans of cycling can use 44 bicycle parking areas and three city bike rental stations.

    The Skhodnya River Bank Park was improved, where water obstacles for rowers to train were installed on the territory of the rowing base. The Khimki River Valley Park, the embankment along the Skhodnensky Canal (left bank) from the Western Bridge to the Moscow Canal, as well as the squares near the Gzhel Moscow State Academic Dance Theater and in front of the S.G. Stroganov Russian State University of Art and Industry were put in order. In addition, 43 courtyards were improved.

    Water obstacles for slalom have been installed at the rowing base in the Skhodnya River Bank ParkMajor improvement works on Volokolamsk highway completed

    A large and significant project was the development of the natural and historical park “Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo”. During the work, the idea of its conditional division into several functional zones was implemented. Thus, a natural, ecological and educational, leisure and recreational, sports and historical and cultural parks appeared. The main and central part of “Pokrovskoye-Streshnevo” remained a natural reserve zone, and the places of active recreation were moved closer to residential areas and transport highways. In the park, the outdated infrastructure was updated and new infrastructure was created for a comfortable and safe stay of city residents, including the arrangement of 16 playgrounds, 23 sports areas, 16 gazebos for picnics.

    In the historical and cultural part of the park, the restoration of the estate ensemble is currently underway. The regular garden has been recreated, the facade work on the main house, the greenhouse and the fence with turrets has been completed, and the interiors are being restored. All elements of the architectural ensemble will be carefully restored using archival photos and drawings and adapted for modern use.

    Parquet flooring to be recreated in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo estate

    An important event for the development of healthcare was the opening of a new treatment and diagnostic complex of the Infectious Diseases Clinical Hospital No. 1. These are three buildings with Meltzer boxes, which have no analogues in the country in terms of equipment and level of comfort.

    Sergei Sobyanin announced the imminent opening of a new complex of infectious diseases hospital No. 1The new complex of the Infectious Diseases Hospital No. 1 will become the best specialized hospital in Russia – Sergei Sobyanin

    As part of the modernization of the outpatient sector, a comprehensive reconstruction of the main building of Children’s Clinic No. 94 (Vishnevaya Street, Building 20, Building 2) has been completed and work is underway in Branch No. 3 of Clinic No. 115 (Dolgov Street, Building 1, Building 4).

    The multifunctional sports complex “Chkalov Arena” is popular with the city residents. It houses an ice arena, a universal sports hall, choreography halls and other areas where professionals and amateurs train. The new physical culture and health complex on Tushinskaya Street (house 16a) is also in demand among the residents of the district.

    Completed a comprehensive renovation of the sports and fitness complex on Gabrichevsky Street with modern sports equipment. They plan to build a multifunctional Sports Palace with an ice arena, a swimming pool, a multi-purpose hall and a gym at the address: Volokolamskoe Shosse, Building 71/10.

    For communication, leisure and creativity of the older generation, the Moscow Longevity Center of the Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo district was opened at the address: Svobody Street, Building 8/4, Building 1. Routine repairs were carried out at Children’s Libraries No. 232 (1st Tushinsky Proezd, Building 4), No. 236 (Bolshaya Naberezhnaya Street, Building 15) and Library No. 234 (Gabrichevsky Street, Building 8).

    Renovation in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo

    In Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo, 48 buildings are included in the renovation program; about 8.3 thousand Muscovites will move into new modern apartments. The stages of resettlement have been determined:

    — first stage (2020–2024) — three houses have been resettled and demolished (the task has been fully completed);

    — the second stage (2025–2028) — resettlement of another 25 houses (eight of them are in the process of resettlement);

    — the third stage (2029–2032) — resettlement of 20 houses.

    Eight territories have been selected for resettlement of residents. Residential complexes have already been built on two of them. Design and urban planning documentation is being prepared for another six sites.

    Sergei Sobyanin included nine new sites in the renovation programA house will appear in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo under the renovation program

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12326050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government publishes research report into e-bike battery safety

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Government has published new independent research into the safety of e-bike and e-scooter lithium-ion batteries, chargers and e-bike conversion kits.

    A lithium-ion battery with a battery management system.

    The Government has published new independent research into the safety of e-bike and e-scooter lithium-ion batteries, chargers and e-bike conversion kits.

    The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) commissioned Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) to produce the research to improve Government’s evidence base on the risks associated with unsafe e-bike and e-scooter batteries and chargers, following a rise in the number of fires in the UK related to these products, some of which have sadly led to fatalities.

    The research gives new insight into:

    • how battery failures occur during real-world use and environments, including scenarios of foreseeable misuse or modification
    • the types of processes and materials used in product manufacture that achieve safer design and safer use of lithium-ion batteries
    • potential shortcomings in technical requirements in product standards that have not kept pace with technological innovation

    The research brings together evidence and data from the UK and overseas with input from stakeholders and businesses across the supply chain. This evidence gathering has been supported by detailed technical product inspections and product testing in laboratory settings.

    Read the research on battery safety.

    OPSS is carefully assessing the evidence to inform our future activity and is working to support wider Government and interested stakeholders on future actions that could be taken to improve the safety of these products. 

    A WMG spokesperson said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to assist OPSS to achieve a deeper understanding of the root causes of these battery fires.”

    OPSS is already undertaking a programme of enforcement and market surveillance activity. In December 2024, the Government published new statutory guidelines for businesses producing and distributing lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes. The guidelines set out that such batteries must contain mechanisms capable of preventing thermal runaway to be considered safe products.

    Read the statutory guidelines on lithium-ion battery safety for e-bikes.

    OPSS is also assessing products and conducting checks on businesses selling e-bikes, e-scooters and kits used to convert standard bikes to e-bikes, both online and on the High Street. Since 2022, there have been 21 product recalls, and 29 Product Safety Reports published for unsafe or non-compliant e-bikes or e-scooters subject to corrective action.

    This activity follows the launch of Government’s Buy Safe, Be Safe consumer information campaign which launched in October 2024 to raise awareness of these risks, and provided safety advice for consumers purchasing e-bikes, e-scooters and lithium-ion batteries.

    Find out more about the Buy Safe, Be Safe campaign.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia must end its war and return to dialogue: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ambassador Holland reiterates the UK’s support to Ukraine, and calls on Russia to end its war and return to dialogue and risk reduction – including in the Forum for Security Cooperation.

    Thank you Mr Chair, dear Cristobal, and to your Foreign Minister, for setting out Spain’s priorities for the Forum for Security Co-operation this Trimester.  You can count on the UK’s steadfast support, as you Chair our Forum at this crucial time for Euro-Atlantic Security. 

    Over the winter period, many of us marked Christmas and the New Year.  But the people of Ukraine have had no rest.  Today marks 1069 days of their ongoing defence of their homeland, from a full-scale invasion which continues to violate the UN Charter and to contravene the Helsinki Final Act’s core principles, including those on sovereignty, territorial integrity and the non-use of force.   

    That is why each week, we have met in this Forum to support Ukraine and to hold Russia accountable for breaching its commitments.  And that is why we particularly welcome Spain’s proposed FSC topic on Women, Peace & Security. 

    Mr Chair, our Ministers mandated the Forum to hold a weekly politico-military dialogue, with tasks that include risk-reduction.  They mandated the Chair to ‘ensure the good order and smooth running of meetings’.  To set the agenda.  And to select and invite guest speakers.  We fully support the Chair’s prerogative to execute its mandate. 

    Unfortunately, at the closing session last Trimester, we had to condemn the Russian delegation – for a fourth Trimester in a row – for its attempts to disrupt the FSC from functioning at all.  Once again, I express my thanks to Denmark, and to other previous Chairs, for keeping the Forum functional, despite Russia’s attempts to prevent it. 

    As we said repeatedly, there remains another path.  If the Russian state’s professed wish for peace is genuine, it must end this war by withdrawing all of its forces to outside of Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders.  And from Georgia and Moldova.  If the Russian state is serious about dialogue and risk reduction, it must stop trying to undermine our Ministerial mandate of this Forum meeting each week.   

    I wish to conclude by welcoming Estonia to the FSC Troika, and to thank Croatia for their work as they leave the Troika.  And most importantly, I wish you, Mr Chair, and your able teams here in Vienna and in Madrid the best of luck this Trimester.  You can count on the support of the UK delegation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Specialty and Associate Specialist Doctors accept pay offer

    Source: Scottish Government

    £7.2 million investment in 2024-25 pay.

    Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors across Scotland have voted to accept a £7.2 million investment in their pay, ensuring it remains competitive with other UK nations.

    The pay deal will see uplifts of between 6% and 10%, backdated to 1 April 2024.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “I am very pleased that Specialist, Associate Specialist and Specialty doctors in Scotland have voted to accept the Scottish Government’s pay offer.

    “It builds on the contract reform and investment we made in 2022 and ensures that these doctors will stay competitively paid in Scotland.

    “I am very grateful for the patience of all our SAS doctors and I’m delighted we have been able to work together to achieve this deal.”

     Background

    • SAS doctors are experienced and qualified medical professionals.  They typically work in hospital settings and have chosen not to pursue the formal consultant path, although many have substantial clinical experience.
    • The new pay deal for Specialist, Associate Specialist and Specialty doctors means a Specialist doctor, on the 2022 contract, will receive a salary increase of £8,872 in 2024-25

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investing in community energy

    Source: Scottish Government

    £9 million for community energy generation and energy efficiency improvements.

    Communities across the country will benefit from £9 million Scottish Government funding for measures to help cut energy costs and support the development of locally-owned renewable energy projects.

    The funding – which builds on the successful Community Energy Generation Growth Fund pilot – will be used to scale up community energy projects across Scotland as part of a drive to cut carbon emissions, create local jobs, reduce energy costs and stimulate local investment.

    It includes:

    • £3.5 million for a new Community Energy Generation Growth Fund to support communities to develop their own renewable energy projects – such as installing wind turbines and solar panels
    • £4.5 million to help local groups decarbonise their buildings through the installation of renewable measures such as heat pumps and solar PV panels, alongside energy efficiency measures, that reduce energy costs and emissions
    • £1 million for capacity building and development support to help develop and progress early ideas for new community energy projects

    Announcing the funding at the annual Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) conference in Glasgow, Acting Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan said:

    “Communities must be at the heart of our transition to net zero and must see the benefits of this just transition. This transition is about both the outcome – a fairer, greener future – and the way we get there in partnership with those most likely to be impacted by these changes.

    “That is why I am pleased to announce this £9 million investment from the Scottish Government will be available to communities through CARES over the next year.  

    “Scotland has diverse communities – from those in our cities, to those in rural areas and on our islands. I am committed to supporting all these communities to take part in and benefit from the growth of Scotland’s energy sector.” 

    Chief Executive Officer of Community Energy Scotland Zoë Holliday said:

    “The Scottish Government’s continued commitment to community energy is welcome news for groups across Scotland. The reintroduction of funding for stand-alone generation projects has the potential to lever in significant funds locally and play a key role in the just transition.

    “We are also delighted to see a new fund focussing on capacity building for communities; we have been calling for such support to ensure that when it comes to the energy transition, no community is left behind.”

    Background 

    More information about Community Energy Generation Growth Fund. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tell us about your experience of home educating

    Source: City of Plymouth

    We’re looking to get a better understanding of local families’ experiences of home educating and the reasons they chose to do so.

    We’re working with researchers at the University of Plymouth to better understand how schools can meet the diverse needs of families, while recognising the various reasons they may choose home education.

    We would like to know what is going well for you when educating at home, what you are finding difficult, and what could be done to support you if your child(ren) want to return to school.

    Questionnaires have been designed to give both parents and children the opportunity to share your views of home education.

    Complete the survey

    Please select the appropriate survey, for:

    All information collected will be anonymised and will only be used for the purposes of this research project.

    The survey is open until 14 February.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: December 2024 Retail Prices Index published29 January 2025 ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the December 2024 Retail Prices Index report. The All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI) is the main measure of inflation in Jersey. It measures the change from quarter… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    29 January 2025

    ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the December 2024 Retail Prices Index report.

    The All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI) is the main measure of inflation in Jersey. It measures the change from quarter to quarter in the price of the goods and services purchased by an average household in Jersey. 

    ​The December report shows:​

    • the All Items Retail Prices Index (RPI) for Jersey increased by 2.5% to stand at 233.8 (June 2000 = 100)
    • the increase in the RPI was less than that to September 2024 (3.0%); hence the annual rate of inflation decreased by 0.5 percentage points (pp) since last quarter
    • half of the groups contributed to the decrease in the annual rate of inflation, including the housing, fuel and light and fares and other travel groups
    • prices in most groups increased and these increases were similar to or less than those over the 12 months to September 2024, which resulted in an overall downward contribution to the annual rate of inflation
    • leisure services which includes entertainment, sport and leisure fees and off-Island holidays, was the price group that made the largest contribution to the annual rate of inflation, contributing +0.6 pp to the rate
      • the price change in the leisure services price group was lower compared with the 12 months to September 2024, hence its contribution to the change in rate of the RPI was  0.1 pp
    • the increase in the RPI was 5.0 pp smaller than a year ago (7.5% in December 2023)
    • RPI(Y), which measures underlying inflation, increased by 3.0%, which was 0.3 pp smaller than the September 2024 rate (down from 3.3%)
    • RPI(X) increased by 3.2%
    • RPI Pensioners increased by 3.0%
    • RPI Low Income increased by 3.4%
    • annual changes in RPI(X), RPI(Y) and RPI Pensioners were 0.3 to 0.6 pp smaller than those in September 2024 and RPI Low Income was essentially unchanged from September 2024
    • the rate of inflation in Jersey as measured by the RPI, was 1.0 pp lower than the UK CPIH, which is the broadly comparable headline rate of inflation for the UK; this marks the first time since June 2022 that the Jersey RPI rate has been lower than the UK CPIH 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Children’s services need some improvements, says Ofsted

    Source: City of Leicester

    A NEW report from Ofsted says that children’s services in Leicester require some improvements to be consistently good, despite identifying some very strong areas.

    Inspectors visited Leicester City Council in September last year to review all aspects of children’s social care, including adoption and fostering, early help services, staff development and out-of-hours responses.

    They noted the ‘supportive environment’ leaders have maintained for staff, ensuring that caseloads remain at manageable levels. They found that handovers happened clearly and swiftly; staff knew how to escalate children’s cases appropriately and that social workers ‘know their children well and speak about them with knowledge and sensitivity.’ The use of child protection plans and processes to bring children into the care of the local authority were appropriate.

    The council’s fostering service was also highlighted as an area of significant strength, with carers receiving ‘very good’ support.

    Their report says that in order to achieve a judgement of ‘good’, leaders in children’s services need to improve the information they have to evaluate performance, and that care plans and responses to some referrals also need to be more consistent if all children are to have the best possible outcomes. An improvement plan has been produced to address the points raised by Ofsted.

    Inspectors also said that arrangements to support the very small group of most vulnerable children in care and care leavers could be improved, as well as support for young adult care leavers in prison or facing homelessness – areas which have been swiftly addressed by the authority since the inspection.

    Deputy city mayor with responsibility for social care, Cllr Sarah Russell, said: “This report was conducted back in September, which means we’ve already completed, or are working on, many of the actions and helpful points that were raised.

    “I’m very proud that inspectors identified that our staff are well-supported, our workforce is stable and our social workers know their children well. It shows that we have a good baseline for improvement and the foundations of our social work practice are good.

    “However, we also felt we couldn’t engage with Ofsted inspectors in the way we wanted to. We are experienced at undergoing inspections, but felt that the process this time was extremely difficult, with a lack of recognition of areas of good practice. Where things need to be improved, it is usually the case that very small numbers of children experience less than good support from us. This was not reflected in the final report.

    “We are taking up these issues with Ofsted, but in the meantime our focus is firmly on ensuring that our staff are supported, children in Leicester are kept safe, and that we continue to work really hard to provide the best possible service for every child and family that needs our help.”

    Laurence Jones, the city council’s strategic director of social care and education, added: “We are disappointed in this report, which we feel does not accurately reflect our service due to issues in the inspection process. However, it has confirmed some areas of focused improvement which were already known to the leadership team.  Having stabilised our workforce and created a supportive environment for staff, we are now absolutely determined to offer a consistently good service to every child and family we work with. This commitment is demonstrated by the actions we have already put in place, and we will continue to work to achieve this.”  

    More information about support for children and young people can be found at https://www.leicester.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/support-for-children-and-young-people/

    The full report can be found on the Ofsted website.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Take away owner fined for a string of food safety and hygiene breaches A local takeaway owner has been ordered to pay more than £5,000 following a conviction fo..

    Source: City of Lancaster

    A local takeaway owner has been ordered to pay more than £5,000 following a conviction for a string of food safety and hygiene breaches.

    Mr Khalil Hakim, the owner of Urban Spice, on Brock Street, Lancaster, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Lancaster Magistrates court on Tuesday (January 21) after failing to comply with requirements under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013.

    Inspections by Lancaster City Council’s Environmental Health team in February and March 2024 identified poor standards at the premises, which included mouldy onion bhajis found in the fridge, poor handling of food, poor cleanliness and a lack of food safety management procedures.

    Officers served statutory hygiene improvement notices to seek improved standards at the premises.

    Following non-compliance Mr Hakim appeared at court for failing to comply with two Hygiene Improvement Notices for food safety management and food safety training, and for placing food on the market which was deemed unsafe.

    Mr Hakim was ordered to pay £5615.94 in fines and costs ( £1,600 in fines, Victim surcharge of £640 and legal costs of £3375.94).

    Lancaster City Council will continue to monitor the business and take further action if necessary.

    Councillor Paul Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Our Food Safety team is committed to ensuring the protection and safeguarding of residents and visitors consuming food across our district.

    “The team continually inspect and monitor all food businesses to ensure they adhere to relevant laws and regulations and we work with businesses, where needed, to help drive their operations up to expected standards.

    “Poor food hygiene standards pose a serious threat to public health. This business had a history of poor ratings, and as this case shows, we will not hesitate in taking action against businesses who fall short of food safety and hygiene requirements.”

    Last updated: 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Street racing review hearing to be held next month

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The injunction, led by the City of Wolverhampton Council on behalf of Dudley Council, Sandwell Council and Walsall Council and supported by West Midlands Police, prohibits people from participating, as a driver, rider or passenger, in a gathering of 2 or more people where some of those present engage in car racing, vehicular stunts or other dangerous or obstructive driving.

    It also prohibits people from promoting, organising or publicising gatherings, or from participating in a gathering as a spectator with the intention or expectation that some of those present will engage in street racing.

    The injunction covers the whole of the boroughs of Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall and anyone found to be breaching it will be in contempt of court and may be imprisoned, fined or have their assets seized. They may also be ordered to pay the council’s legal costs of any hearing.

    The High Court ordered that the injunction and power of arrest should remain in force until at least 2027 subject to annual review, with the next hearing taking place on Wednesday 26 February, 2025, at 10.30am at the High Court of Justice, King’s Bench Division, Birmingham District Registry at Birmingham Civil and Family Justice Centre, The Priory Courts, 33 Bull Street, Birmingham B4 6DS.

    Any existing defendants who wish to file any evidence in respect of the review hearing must do so by next Friday (7 February, 2025). To contact the claimants, write to: FAO: Black Country Car Cruise, Legal Services, City of Wolverhampton Council, Civic Centre, St Peter’s Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1RG. Alternatively, email litigation@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 556556. Anyone wishing to be joined as a defendant to proceedings may apply to the High Court, as provided for by paragraph 11 of the injunction.

    For more information, including a copy of the injunction and the power of arrest, the notice of review hearing, and updated documents and evidence for the review hearing, please visit the street racing pages of the applicants – Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, or Dudley.

    Incidents of street racing should be reported via asbu@wolverhamptonhomes.org.uk or to West Midlands Police on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

    Police are also inviting members of the public to submit dash cam or mobile phone footage of street racing events or dangerous driving via its Op Snap website. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint Statement: Colombia-Sweden Bilateral Partnership

    Source: Government of Sweden

    At the invitation of Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard is making an official visit to Colombia on 28–29 February 2025.

    “In a conversation I had with Ms Malmer Stenergard last November, we agreed to hold the first High-Level Dialogue between Colombia and Sweden during her visit to Colombia, thereby putting the Bilateral Partnership established by President of Colombia Gustavo Petro and the Prime Minister of Sweden in June 2024 into practice. During this meeting, we will identify this Partnership’s concrete benefits for our populations, and we will task our teams with implementing the lines of action to continue moving forward as partners,” said Mr Murillo. 

    In view of the above and in the framework of Ms Malmer Stenergard’s official visit, the first High-Level Dialogue between Colombia and Sweden is taking place at the San Carlos Palace, chaired by Colombia’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Paola Vásquez and with more than 30 institutions from both countries present. 

    Sweden and Colombia are partners for peace. Colombia is grateful for Sweden’s invaluable support for its efforts for peace with a territorial emphasis. Both countries share the values of democracy and respect for human rights, and we reaffirm the importance of multilateralism, international cooperation, respect for international law and support for the UN Charter.

    For the implementation of the Colombia-Sweden Bilateral Partnership, a High-Level Dialogue was agreed between the two Governments, in accordance with the declaration signed during Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visit to Sweden on 12–14 June 2024 and as part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 

    This first High-Level Dialogue will result in a report on progress of the thematic working groups that form a part of the Agreement, namely: (i) cooperation for peace (with a territorial emphasis), human rights, human security and strengthening institutions; and (ii) economic opportunities, science, innovation and sustainable development. 

    The progress includes:   

    1. Sweden’s addition of USD 1 million to the agreement with UN Women to strengthen collaboration with the private sector for women’s economic empowerment and the implementation of the Action Plan on women, peace and security.
    2. The addition of SEK 2 million to the ongoing agreement with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to promote its work in Colombia. With this addition, Sweden’s contribution totals SEK 49 million. These efforts emphasise the protection of leaders in conflict-affected areas, the Ethnic Chapter’s accompaniment of the peace agreement with the FARC, reconnaissance activities and responsibilities in the framework of the conflict, etc.
    3. The addition of SEK 6 million to the regional agreement with the Nonprofit Enterprise and Self-Sustainability Team to identify, accompany and help accelerate the work of small businesses that can create green and sustainable jobs in the most vulnerable and conflict-affected areas in Colombia.
    4. The launch of the ‘legacy’ project that was initiated at COP16 in Cali with a contribution of USD 5 million with the Colombian NGO Fondo Acción, to support the implementation of the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s restoration plan in the Colombian Pacific region. This agreement also supports local Colombian organisations to ensure sustainability of protected areas through conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
    5. The funding of a study to produce and create a biogas value chain for the transport sector in Bogotá. Sweden has completed the first phase of the study with an investment of USD 700 000, and the second phase will begin during the first half of 2025, with a value of USD 800 000, making a total of USD 1.5 million. This project is financed by Swedfund.
    6. An investment of more than USD 80 million by EQT, a Swedish investment organisation, and Zelestra, which will lead the development of the ‘Wimke’ solar photovoltaic project in San Juan del Cesar in the La Guajira department. ‘Wimke’ joins the ‘La Unión’ and ‘La Mata’ projects, with capacities of 100 MW and 80 MW respectively, strengthening Zelestra’s presence as a leader in the Colombian solar photovoltaic generation sector and its commitment to sustainability and energy transition.
    7. The realisation of the Memorandum of Understanding on law enforcement cooperation between the Colombian Ministries of Defence and Justice and the Swedish Government.
    8. In the area of sustainable mining, Colombia is part of the ‘MARS’ programme for responsible and sustainable mining, a form of cooperation between Sweden and the Latin America and Caribbean region to promote sustainable and responsible mining.  USD 1.3 million is being allocated for a Colombian component of this programme. 
    9. The implementation of a sustainable transport model for the small-scale fishing supply chain in Guapi, in the Cauca department, by the National University of Colombia, the Royal Institute of Technology and Lund University.

    Ms Malmer Stenergard was accompanied by a large business delegation, with the opportunity to discuss and develop the socio-ecological transition portfolio in Colombia and identify the many opportunities for Swedish investors.

    Ms Malmer Stenergard is also visiting Chocó, joined by Vice-Minister for Women at the Colombian Ministry of Equality and Equity Tamara Ospina and others, which will be an opportunity to hold meetings with civil society organisations and the general public, as well as to reaffirm support to initiatives and projects to promote peace and gender equality with territorial impact.  

    Bogotá, 28 January 2025 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Council initiates consultation on exchange of information under the OECD minimum tax

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    During its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council initiated the consultation on approving the basis under international law for the exchange of information under the OECD minimum tax. In the future, it should be possible for the multinational enterprise (MNE) groups concerned to submit the information centrally in a single jurisdiction. The implementing jurisdictions should also be able to check whether the tax calculations of MNE groups are correct. The consultation will run until 8 May 2025. This proposal does not address national implementation. The Federal Council is closely monitoring international developments.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Council to remove EU from stock exchange protection list as of 1 May 2025

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    During its meeting on 29 January 2025, the Federal Council decided to remove the European Union (EU) from the list of jurisdictions affected by the measure to protect the Swiss stock exchange infrastructure (protective measure) with effect from 1 May 2025. The Federal Council had activated the protective measure in 2019 to temporarily protect the Swiss stock exchange infrastructure in response to the non-recognition by the EU of the equivalence of Switzerland’s stock exchange regulations. As the EU has since revised the corresponding legal basis, the Swiss protective measure with respect to the EU is now no longer necessary and is to be deactivated for the benefit of Swiss companies. Switzerland will continue to seek recognition of equivalence and improved market access for financial service providers in the regulatory dialogue with the EU concerning the financial sector.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: The New Force in Platform Tokens: How WXT Succeeds Like BNB?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recent years, the cryptocurrency market has experienced dramatic changes, with platform tokens stepping into the spotlight to become core pillars of exchange ecosystems. Evolving from simple transaction fee discount tools to drivers of ecosystem innovation, platform tokens are unlocking new potential. WXT, the native token of the WEEX exchange, is steadily following the successful trajectory of BNB, garnering widespread attention with its innovative mechanisms and ecosystem integration.

    From the Shadows to the Spotlight: The Breakthrough of Platform Token Value

    The evolution of platform tokens has been remarkable. Initially serving as tools for fee discounts, they have expanded into diverse use cases such as DeFi mining, staking rewards, project governance, NFT trading, and cross-chain payments. This evolution has transformed platform tokens into vital connectors of users, technology, and capital.

    BNB: A Benchmark for Platform Tokens

    Launched in 2017 as Binance’s native token, BNB rapidly built a loyal user base through fee discounts, airdrop rewards, and a strategic buyback-and-burn mechanism. The 2019 launch of Binance Smart Chain (BSC) further amplified BNB’s utility, extending its applications to DeFi, NFT ecosystems, and smart contract development.

    By 2024, BNB’s market capitalization soared from $32.7 billion in 2023 to $110 billion, with its price rising from $200 to $793. This trajectory illustrates how platform tokens can achieve exponential growth through ecosystem expansion and innovative strategies.

    BGB: A Rising Star Among Secondary Tokens

    BGB capitalized on Bitget’s aggressive market expansion, surging from $1.5 at the beginning of 2024 to $8 by year’s end—a remarkable 400% growth. BGB’s success demonstrates that secondary platform tokens with innovative features and precise positioning can achieve explosive results, even in markets dominated by major exchanges.

    WXT: The Emerging Star Following BNB

    WXT, the native token of WEEX, has drawn inspiration from the successes of BNB and BGB. With a strong foundation in innovation and ecosystem growth, WXT has risen from $0.01 at its August 2023 launch to $0.0339—a cumulative 384% increase—making it a standout in the market.

    What’s Driving WXT’s Rapid Growth?

    1）Comprehensive Ecosystem Empowerment 

    As a top 10 global derivatives exchange, WEEX boasts over 5 million registered users and achieved stable profitability as early as the 2022 “crypto winter.” Its monthly trading volumes have consistently doubled, supported by over 1,500 trading pairs and industry-leading liquidity.

    WXT plays a critical role in this ecosystem, offering transaction fee discounts (30% for spot trading, up to 20% for derivatives), staking rewards, cross-chain payments, and NFT trading opportunities.

    2）Innovative Burn Mechanism Fuels Market Optimism 

    Starting in 2025, WEEX plans to implement quarterly buybacks and burns for WXT, with an initial burn of 4 billion tokens—40% of the total supply, valued at approximately $120 million. This strategy reduces circulating supply, increases scarcity, and strengthens price support, boosting long-term value expectations.

    3）Global Reach and Rapid Growth 

    Operating in over 206 countries and regions with a daily trading volume exceeding $2 billion, WEEX provides strong liquidity and a seamless trading experience, further enhancing WXT’s growth potential.

    A Window of Opportunity Amid Market Shifts

    Data from 0xScope reveals that Binance’s market share fell from 51.2% in 2023 to 41.68% in 2024. Meanwhile, secondary exchanges like Bitget, Gate.io, Bybit, and WEEX have risen rapidly, with their platform tokens delivering exceptional returns:

    BGB: Climbed from $1.5 to $8.
    OKB: Market capitalization increased from $2.5 billion to $4.3 billion.

    Compared to mature tokens like BNB, emerging tokens like WXT offer a more attractive investment opportunity due to their low valuations and high growth potential.

    The Road Ahead: Multi-Driver Growth for WXT

    Ecosystem Expansion and Global Compliance 

    WEEX has secured multiple compliance licenses and is actively pursuing approvals in regions like Australia and Malta. As regulatory frameworks develop globally, demand and value for WXT are expected to grow steadily.

    Brand Development and Community Trust 

    In November 2024, WEEX announced football legend Michael Owen as its global brand ambassador. Additionally, collaborations with over 1,000 KOLs and global communities are elevating WEEX’s international brand profile and user trust.

    Engaging Platform Activities 

    WEEX regularly hosts trading competitions, airdrops, and daily lotteries, offering generous rewards like token airdrops and luxury prizes. These initiatives ensure fair and inclusive participation, boosting user engagement and loyalty.

    Low Valuation, High Growth Potential 

    As WEEX’s influence grows, WXT remains at an early stage with significant room for appreciation. The robust burn mechanism, targeting a reduction in total supply to 1 billion tokens, further enhances scarcity and long-term value, unlocking more growth potential for investors.

    WXT: An Investment Opportunity with Long-Term Potential

    Just as BNB leveraged ecosystem expansion to solidify its value and BGB achieved explosive growth through precise positioning, WXT is poised to unlock immense growth through its burn mechanism and comprehensive ecosystem strategy. Currently undervalued, WXT offers an ideal entry point for investors looking to capitalize on its high growth potential.

    For investors, this is the perfect time to explore and invest in WXT. Still in its early stages, WXT is poised for exponential growth, with its potential and market position significantly underestimated. By acting early, investors could position themselves as the “biggest winners” of the 2025 crypto market, reaping substantial returns.

    About WEEX
    Official Website: https://www.weex.com

    Contact:
    Joyce 
    joyce@weexglobal.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by WEEX. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13bde475-43a9-4782-8eca-ffcb1bf62e42

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6a269fe9-63af-40c9-9b2d-5aab866284f7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/88319190-e5a4-45e3-a6af-7b3a4fab556e

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sadiq delivers biggest ever single investment in London of £10m to tackle rough sleeping

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Mayor announces record additional £10m investment, backing his commitment with Government to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2030
    • Additional funding package represents biggest ever single investment, more than any London Mayor, to tackle rough sleeping in the capital
    • New funding will transform and expand a network of Ending Homelessness Hubs across the capital, providing 24/7 specialist support for people new to rough sleeping and prevention services
    • Sadiq renews pledge to work with Government, boroughs and the homelessness sector to put London on a pathway to end rough sleeping via his spring 2025 Plan of Action

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced the biggest ever single investment of £10million to tackle the capital’s rough sleeping crisis – more than any London Mayor.

    With rough sleeping having risen across the country and recent City Hall data showing a 20 per cent annual increase in the number of Londoners on the streets for the first time, [1] Sadiq has committed a record extra £10m to his rough sleeping budget [2], focused on ‘prevention as well as cure’, to put the capital on a pathway to end rough sleeping for good by 2030.

    The funding will expand a network of ‘Ending Homelessness Hubs’. The hubs are safe places for people sleeping rough for the first time to be assessed by professional teams, so that plans can be made quickly to support them away from the streets in the long-term.

    The hubs build on the success of the Mayor’s four existing ‘No Second Night Out’ (NSNO) services, through which charity partner St Mungo’s deliver 24/7 specialist care and support for Londoners sleeping rough. This includes round-the-clock support in reconnecting service users with their families and friends, advice on what financial support they may be entitled to, helping to secure onward move-on accommodation, and mental health support.

    The expansion will establish an Ending Homelessness Hub for every sub-region of the capital [3], with a brand new fifth hub set to open in early 2026, helping an additional 500 people per year. For the first time ever, a new focus on prevention will be built into the service, meaning that teams will step in and provide support to high-risk Londoners before they spend a first night on the streets. These changes will be rolled out in co-ordination with London boroughs and the wider homelessness sector, and could see Ending Homelessness Hubs taking referrals from trusted partners such as day centres, even if individuals have not previously slept rough but are at immediate risk of doing so.

    The Mayor will also help more Londoners to exit rough sleeping for good through access to the long-term housing and support needed to rebuild their lives. In October last year, the Mayor announced his ‘Homes off the Streets’ drive, and today’s investment will provide the resources needed to bring more homes into this scheme, including Housing First – which gives people who are chronically homeless a home without any conditions.

    Today’s announcement comes ahead of the Mayor’s Rough Sleeping Plan of Action, due to be published in the spring, which will establish a shared mission for ending rough sleeping – including the scale of funding required and the best mechanisms for achieving this ambition by 2030. 

    The Mayor today visited a south London NSNO Hub where he renewed his pledge to work closely with the Government, boroughs, and the homelessness sector to deliver innovative long-term solutions to the capital’s rough sleeping crisis.

    Sadiq is clear that ending rough sleeping in London for good will require every sector to step up and play their part – from health to housing, and social care to wider society – backed by greater investment.

    During his time as Mayor, Sadiq has delivered record funding to homelessness charities and service providers across the capital. He’s also quadrupled City Hall’s rough sleeping budget; at £36.3 million in 2023/24, this is now more than four times the £8.45 million a year it was when Sadiq took office in 2016. Around 18,000 people have been helped off the capital’s streets since 2016 through the Mayor’s services alone, with 75 per cent staying off the streets for good.  

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m committed to putting London on a pathway to ending rough sleeping for good by 2030, which is why today I’m delivering an additional £10m in funding – the biggest ever single investment – to help more Londoners build their lives away from the streets.

    “Tackling the capital’s rough sleeping crisis won’t be easy, but I’m confident it can be done with strong leadership and a clear vision for how to get there, backed by the Government and wider society.

    “My Plan of Action on rough sleeping, due to be published this spring, will build on the huge amount of work we’ve done over the years to tackle this vital issue. As well as taking more people of the streets now, a stronger focus on prevention will help us to end rough sleeping as we continue to build a better, fairer London for everyone.”

    The Mayor of Lewisham, Brenda Dacres, added: “Spaces like the No Second Night Out hub are absolutely vital in our efforts to end homelessness.

    “This new funding from the Mayor of London will help to expand services to support people facing homelessness here in Lewisham and across London.

    “We are facing a housing and homelessness crisis; boroughs can’t tackle this alone, and we welcome this funding to support councils and charities to help people when they need it most.”

    Emma Haddad, CEO of St Mungo’s, said: “With the capital seeing some of the highest rates of people rough sleeping, we welcome the Mayor of London’s focus on preventing homelessness. The NSNO hubs funded by the Mayor and run by St Mungo’s have already made a huge difference in helping people off the streets; the reality is that without somewhere safe and warm to stay for the night, it’s not only life chances that are reduced, but life expectancy as well. This announcement however illustrates that more can be done to address the root causes of homelessness.

    “This investment in new hubs will help us be there for people before they end up sleeping rough. Shifting the dial to prevention brings us closer to our goal of ending homelessness for good, meaning fewer people relying on emergency accommodation in an already creaking housing system.

    “We look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor to turn the tide on homelessness and rough sleeping. Over the coming year, we know that that there is a lot we can achieve together.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Verkhnechonskneftegaz expands social infrastructure at Severo-Danilovskoye field

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Verkhnechonskneftegaz (part of the Rosneft oil production complex) has commissioned a 100-bed dormitory for shift personnel at the Severo-Danilovskoye oil and gas condensate field.

    The company pays special attention to the organization of comfortable life for shift workers. The new three-story building has comfortable living rooms equipped with furniture and household appliances. Each floor has lounges for rest and rooms for meals. The hostel has a laundry room with modern washing and drying machines, an ironing room, and a room for storing personal protective equipment. Modern materials and equipment were used in the construction of the building.

    Following the principles of social responsibility of Rosneft, Verkhnechonskneftegaz systematically improves the social and living conditions of its employees. Earlier, a canteen was put into operation at the field, the modern equipment of which provides a full cycle of hot food preparation, vending coffee machines were installed.

    At the Verkhnechonskoye oil and gas condensate field, the basic production facility of the Danilovsky cluster, there are seven well-appointed dormitories for almost 900 people, and two more are being built. The shift worker residential village has all the necessary infrastructure: a modern health center, several canteens, a sports and fitness complex, a hairdresser, a sewing shop, a laundry shop, comfortable heated waiting areas for shift workers’ transport.

    Reference:

    JSC Verkhnechonskneftegaz, a subsidiary of NK Rosneft, is developing the Verkhnechonskoye oil and gas condensate field, one of the largest in Eastern Siberia, and is the operator of works at Rosneft’s licensed areas in the Irkutsk Region and Krasnoyarsk Krai. In addition to the Severo-Danilovskoye field, Rosneft’s Danilovsky cluster also includes the N.N. Lisovsky field, the Yuzhno-Danilovskoye field, and the Verkhneicherskoye field.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft January 29, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University develops artificial skin for robots

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Scientists from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have created a prototype of a tactile sensor for industrial robots. The development will help robots better sense objects during gripping and other manipulations. Data from the “artificial skin” sensors will allow industrial robots to sense the structure of objects and control the force of compression. The work was carried out with the support of the Priority 2030 strategic academic leadership program.

    Every year, the number of industrial robots is steadily growing. Manipulators assemble cars and weld parts, sort goods in warehouses of large marketplaces, mix compounds in chemical laboratories, and even help surgeons perform complex robot-assisted operations. Engineers are constantly improving the robot’s skills. One of the areas of such improvements is the creation of an analogue of human systems that will minimize the operator’s participation in the robot’s work.

    Polytechnic University scientists have developed a prototype tactile sensor for industrial robots. Essentially, it is an “artificial skin” that allows the machine to sense the structure of objects and the force of its impact on them, making them more versatile and accurate than their counterparts.

    The sensor consists of an elastic material that can be deformed and sensitive elements embedded in it. During the project, sensitive elements and the skin material itself were selected, the parameters of the elements were selected to obtain a stable sensor response, and a system was developed that analyzes the data received from the sensor, which can be used to form the robot’s movement, – noted Alexander Markvart, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies at SPbPU.

    The development of such sensors is currently being carried out all over the world. The peculiarity of the approach proposed at the Polytechnic University is the use of fiber-optic sensitive sensors that are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference, radiation exposure, and have increased survivability in aggressive external conditions. According to the project manager, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Applied Physics and Space Technologies of SPbPU Nikolay Ushakov, the use of fiber-optic sensors is of particular interest in such areas as medicine, the oil and gas sector, and the nuclear industry. Such sensors also simplify the manufacturing technology of the final product and reduce the cost.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public invited to share their positive experiences of Life Project

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Public invited to share their positive experiences of Life Project

    29 January 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council is celebrating the success of its pioneering Life Project by inviting the public to share their positive experiences of the initiative.

    The Life Project has been running for seven years and has led to thousands of tree saplings being planted to mark every birth, death, civil partnership and marriage registered in the Council’s District Registration offices.

    The trees symbolise growth, remembrance and new beginnings during life’s most significant moments and are part of a wider regional strategy to improve air quality and the public’s mental health across the City and District.

    Registering families are encouraged to plant the tree to commemorate their loved one or life event at their own property but if they don’t have a suitable location, Council can identify alternative sites in its parks and green spaces and plant the tree for them.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, has urged the public to submit their stories and images on the project website to celebrate its success and inspire other families to get involved.

    “Since the launch of the Life Tree project in 2018 over 10,000 sapling trees have been distributed and planted across our Council area,” she noted.

    “Each tree represents a meaningful life moment for a family and leaves a lasting physical legacy to mark and remember it.

    “To highlight the project’s success, we would love to hear from you if your family has been involved, what your tree has symbolised for you and how it has helped you celebrate and honour one of life’s significant moments.” 

    You can share your experience now by visiting the project website at www.lifeprojectderrystrabane.com and completing the ‘Share Your Story’ form with the option to upload pictures.

    The stories may be shared on Council’s Social Media pages and with the local media.

    A community planting day will take place at Bay Road Park on Saturday 22nd February to plant some of the left over trees from the Life Project. Members of the public are invited to come along to help and further details will be shared via the Council’s social media pages in the weeks before the event.

    Further information on the Life Tree Project is available through the Environmental Health Department of Derry City and Strabane District Council by calling 028 71 253253 or e mailing [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Museum project breathes new life into precious antique plants

    Source: City of Leeds

    Hundreds of thousands of antique plants and flowers carefully preserved for centuries will be given new life thanks to a fascinating environmental history project in Leeds.

    The city’s vast collection of precious herbarium sheets was collected by botanists and horticulturalists over the past 200 years, with many of the fragile plants gathered in parks and grassland in east Leeds.

    Stored at the Leeds Discovery Centre, the plants are now set to be studied by people living and working in the same area where they once grew, connecting their communities and ecosystems through time.

    Thanks to funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund, the new Dead Plant Society project will see Leeds Museums and Galleries teaming up with arts and social change charity Space2 to search through the 250,000-strong collection.

    Together, they will find also new specimens in the field which will be added to the museum collection, discover stories about their community and chart how nature and biodiversity in Leeds have changed across the past two hundred years.

    And by comparing modern specimens with those collected in the past, experts hope they will even be able to measure changing levels of pollution and air quality in east Leeds over the centuries.

    Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of natural sciences, said: “Our herbarium collection is not only a remarkably beautiful resource, it’s also a hugely important and detailed record of how plant life and the natural world in Leeds have evolved over the past 200 years.

    “Connecting this amazing collection with people living in the places where these beautiful plants once grew will enable them to connect with their local history, including discovering the different ways people in east Leeds may have used these plants in the past for everything from food to medicine.

    “It will also help us build a better understanding of important issues like climate change and local biodiversity and how they have affected the city. We’re extremely grateful to the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund for their support in helping us bring this wonderful project to life.”

    Used as a way of preserving plants and flowers for more than 600 years, the tradition of making herbarium sheets began in Italy in the 15th century.

    Plants are collected in the field before being arranged and spread flat between sheets, known as flimsies before being dried between blotters or absorbent paper. If properly conserved, herbarium sheets can last for hundreds of years.

    An award-winning arts and social change organisation, based in Gipton, Space2 aim promote social justice and sustainable futures through an innovative community arts programme.

    Paul Barker, Space2’s co-director, said: “There is a huge amount of pride and passion in our communities for the green spaces across East Leeds, as well as concern about climate change and biodiversity loss. We’re really excited about the mix of history, environmental awareness and creativity which this project will realise.”

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The Leeds Museums and Galleries collection is filled with countless beautiful and fascinating elements of the city’s history, collected and preserved over hundreds of years.

    “It’s wonderful that we’re able to share this collection with the people and communities who have played their own part in the city’s story and bring past and present together to add a whole new chapter to the city’s story.”

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Storm Éowyn – information and advice

    Source: Northern Ireland Direct

    Date published:

    There is information about public services affected by Storm Éowyn and drop-in centres for those without water or power. Also, advice on food safety, the dangers of carbon monoxide and damaged electricity equipment or power lines. Keep a close eye on neighbours and support them in whatever way you can.

    Emergency numbers

    You should note the following numbers in case of emergency:

    • emergency services – 999 or 112
    • Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
    • NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
    • Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
    • Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
    • Housing Executive – 03448 920 901

    Damaged electricity equipment or power lines

    Do not approach any damaged electricity equipment or broken power lines.

    Be extra careful around fallen trees, as they often take electricity poles and wires with them as they fall.

    Be aware that electricity can jump gaps. 

    Report anything that looks dangerous to NIE Networks on:

    • phone: 03457 643643

    Reporting a power cut or damaged power line

    If your power is off or you’ve found a damaged power line, you can report it or get more information – contact NIE Networks or visit their website:

    • NIE Networks Customer Helpline: 03457 643 643
    • Power cuts

    Electricity supply

    You can information about electricity supply, including an updated list of areas affected by power cuts, on the NIE Networks website.

    Local councils information and community assistance or drop-in centres

    There is information about community assistance or drop-in centres at this link – NIE Networks representatives will be at a number of these venues:

    You can find your local council area information, including about community drop-in centres, at these links:

    Water supply

    If there are difficulties with water supply and sewerage, you will get the most up-to-date information on areas experiencing disruption and what is being done on the NI Water website. This includes a full postcode search facility. 

    You can also phone Waterline 24 hours a day/ 365 days a year on:

    • 03457 440088

    Older people, people with a serious medical condition, or people who need extra help for any other reason can join the NI Water customer care register to get a range of free extra services.

    Carbon monoxide dangers

    If you’re without electricity, using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators indoors can cause carbon monoxide levels high enough to result in carbon monoxide poisoning.

    Only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.

    For any fuel-burning equipment indoors:

    • there must be good ventilation
    • it must be used with a carbon monoxide alarm

    Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

    There is further advice at this link: 

    Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, and loss of consciousness. 

    If affected, you should:

    • open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air
    • go to your GP or nearest Emergency Department
    • if it’s urgent, call 999
    • call the relevant emergency advice line
      • Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 002 001
      • Oil (OFTEC) 0845 65 85 080

    Food safety advice

    If a power cut has affected your home and you have no electricity supply, it’s important you continue to store and prepare food safely. 

    You can find advice at this link: 

    If your water supply is cut off, it is recommended using alcohol-based hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands before touching food.

    Report a fallen tree or blocked road

    You can report a fallen tree or blocked road at the following link:

    Roads information

    Work is ongoing to remove obstructions. Road users are advised to use caution, as there is debris on some roads and roadsides. 

    You can get the latest updates about roads at this link:

    Where roads are closed, follow road signs and any diversions in place.

    Public transport

    For the latest information on bus and train services, go to the Translink website.

    School closures

    You can find information about schools affected by the bad weather at this link:

    MOT and driving tests 

    Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) testing services resumed as scheduled on Saturday 25 January.

    There is some disruption for vehicle tests anticipated at Armagh and Omagh, and driving tests at Altnagelvin.

    DVA will contact affected customers.

    Unless you receive a notification from DVA, you should arrive for your appointment as scheduled. 

    Public libraries

    All public libraries are open, with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and seating.

    Find out more about the services available at: 

    Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices 

    All Jobs and Benefits offices and Department for Communities offices are open, except for the Foyle Jobs and Benefit Office due to some storm damage.

    Temporary closure of Foyle Jobs and Benefits office

    Information for benefits customers:

    • Foyle Jobs and Benefits office is currently closed due to storm damage
    • staff working remotely are providing a normal service
    • while the office is closed, benefit payments due will still be paid by the date due
    • Universal Credit customers can use the online service and journal as usual
    • telephone calls will be handled by staff working remotely
    • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) signing at Foyle Jobs and Benefits offices is excused
    • staff will contact affected customers for telephone or alternative in-person appointments
    • customers in need of urgent in-person support can contact another Jobs and Benefits office

    Forests, country parks, nature reserves and angling

    Safe public access at all sites by the storm will be reinstated as soon as possible.

    Birdkeepers

    Birdkeepers are reminded to be extra vigilant during the clean-up following the storm.

    Flooding or damage to hen houses can increase the risk of an avian influenza incursion.

    Health services

    Urgent and emergency care services are open as normal.

    Use the Phone First service for your local Health and Social Care Trust before travelling to an Emergency Department.

    However, call 999 if you or someone you care for is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

    You can find information from the Trusts at these links:

    Financial help if your house floods

    If your home is flooded due to the weather, contact the local council and ask about their emergency payments scheme.

    More useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –