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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank’s Interim Report – Q1-Q3 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 51/2024
    30 October 2024

    Sydbank’s Interim Report – Q1-Q3 2024

    Bigger Sydbank – new 3-year strategy plan
    On the back of the highly satisfactory results achieved during the present strategy period, which will expire at the end of 2024, Sydbank is announcing today a new 3-year strategy plan to ensure that the Bank will continue the positive momentum demonstrated since 2014. The strategy is called: “Bigger Sydbank – value for all through advice and relationships”.

    Q1-Q3 2024 – highlights

    • Profit for the period of DKK 2,396m equals a return on equity of 21.7% p.a. after tax
    • Core income of DKK 5,447m is 4% higher compared to the same period in 2023
    • Trading income of DKK 223m compared to DKK 240m in the same period in 2023
    • Costs (core earnings) of DKK 2,453m compared to DKK 2,335m in the same period in 2023
    • Core earnings before impairment of DKK 3,217m are 3% higher compared to the same period in 2023
    • Impairment charges for loans and advances etc represent an expense of DKK 87m
    • Bank loans and advances have risen by DKK 8.0bn, equal to an increase of 11% compared to year-end 2023
    • The CET1 ratio stands at 18.0%, equal to a decrease of 0.9pp compared to year-end 2023

    CEO Mark Luscombe comments on the result:

    • It is positive that we were able to lift core income and total income in the first 9 months of the year from their all-time high levels last year. Costs have risen by 3% – excl Coop Bank – compared with a year ago. Thanks to the Bank’s constant focus on becoming increasingly efficient, the increase in costs is smaller than the effects of the agreed overall pay rises and the abolition of Great Prayer Day. Profit for the first 9 months of the year is on the same level as that of the record year 2023 and equals a return on equity of 21.7%, which is highly satisfactory.

    Mark Luscombe comments on developments in business volume:

    • We are pleased that the continued effect of our strong focus on providing value-creating advice to our customers has boosted our business volume in terms of bank loans and advances, deposits and the investment area. Bank loans and advances constitute DKK 82.5bn – an increase of DKK 8.0bn during the period. Deposits make up DKK 114.8bn – – and are thus at a historically all-time high.

    Board chairman Lars Mikkelgaard-Jensen comments on Sydbank’s new 3-year strategy plan:
    As a natural next step for the current strategy “Growing our business” we will be raising the bar and we will create a Bigger Sydbank in the next strategy period. This means that we will maintain our starting point as Denmark’s Corporate Bank and increase our market share in the corporate segment. Our ambition is to have more satisfied retail clients and significantly more retail clients and Private Banking clients. Assets under management will increase as a result of our customer focus within Wealth Management.

    Mark Luscombe elaborates:
    Our strategy “Bigger Sydbank” centres on 5 themes: “Customer-focused”, “Bigger and efficient”, “Attractive and cooperating”, “Data, digitization, AI and security”, and “ESG integrated in core business”. The themes must go hand in hand with a level of profitability at the very top of the Danish banking industry. We will continue to focus on the customer and be the workplace for some of the industry’s brightest and most dedicated employees.

    Outlook for 2024

    • Moderate growth is projected for the Danish economy.
    • Profit after tax is expected to be in the range of DKK 2,800-3,100m.
    • The outlook is subject to uncertainty and depends on financial market developments and macroeconomic factors which may affect eg the level of impairment charges.

    Additional information
    Jørn Adam Møller, Deputy Group Chief Executive, Tel +45 74 37 20 30
    Lars Grubak Lohff, Press Manager Tel +45 20 31 54 65

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: INVL Technology Interim unaudited information for 9 months of 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Equity of the Company and the Company’s net asset value as of 30 September 2024 was EUR 44.44 million or EUR 3.71 per share. At the end of 2023, these figures were EUR 43.53 million and EUR 3.61 respectively.

    Investments of the Company into managed companies amounted to EUR 44.83 million at the end of September 2024 and EUR 34.20 million at the end of September 2023.

    The net profit of the Company for 9 months of 2024 was EUR 1.11 million, the net loss of the Company for 9 months of 2023 amounted EUR 538 thousand.

    Additional information:

    INVL Technology, a company that invests in IT businesses, had an equity and a net asset value of EUR 44.44 million at the end of September this year, which is 2.1% more than at the start of the year. Their per share value of its equity and NAV was EUR 3.7067 and was up 2.8% from the start of the year.

    INVL Technology had an unaudited net profit of EUR 1.11 million in nine months of 2024, compared to a loss of EUR 0.538 million in the same period last year.

    “INVL Technology’s portfolio companies, which work in the areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the development and deployment of supercomputers and information systems, are growing their revenues and profit. In selling the business, we hope to attract the interest of international and regional investors,” says Kazimieras Tonkūnas, INVL Technology’s managing partner.

    In mid-March this year, the company announced that it had signed an agreement with the Zurich branch of M&A intermediation service provider Corum Group’s Luxembourg-based unit Corum Group International, to advise and serve as M&A intermediary on the sale of the company’s portfolio of businesses.

    Performance of INVL Technology’s portfolio companies

    INVL Technology’s portfolio companies had aggregated revenues of EUR 47.60 million in the January-September, which is 12.5% more than in the same period last year. Their gross profit increased 14.5% in the same period of comparison to EUR 13.22 million, while their aggregated EBITDA grew 2.2 times larger to EUR 3.45 million.

    INVL Technology owns and manages the cybersecurity company NRD Cyber Security, the GovTech company NRD Companies, and the Baltic IT company Novian.

    NRD Cyber Security, which also owns NRD Bangladesh, in January-September of 2024 increased its consolidated revenue by 26.74% from the same period last year to EUR 5.853 million. The company’s gross profit grew 14.9% in the period of comparison to EUR 3 million, while its EBITDA rose 28.9% to EUR 941,000.

    NRD Companies had consolidated revenue of EUR 6.88 million in the first nine months of this year, which is 17.9% less than in the same period of 2023. The company earned a gross profit of EUR 3.3 million, or 9.3% more than in January-September last year, while the group’s EBITDA decreased by 2.1% to EUR 0.69 million. Norway-based NRD Companies has the subsidiaries Norway Registers Development in Norway, with a branch in Lithuania, and NRD Systems and Etronika in Lithuania.

    Novian had aggregated revenues of EUR 31.54 million in January-September 2024, 18.6% more than in the same period of 2023, while its gross profit of EUR 6.12 million was 24.2% larger than a year earlier. The Novian group’s EBITDA for the first three quarters of this year increased 6.7 times versus the same period of 2023 to EUR 1.799 million. The group consists of Novian in Lithuania with the technology-area businesses Novian Technologies, Zissor in Norway, Novian Eesti in Estonia, Andmevara in Moldova, and Novian Rwanda (earlier Norway Registers Development Rwanda) in Rwanda, and the software services businesses Novian Systems and Novian Pro in Lithuania.

    INVL Technology’s managing partner Kazimieras Tonkūnas notes that the companies are expected to deliver good results for the full year 2024 as well.

    INVL Technology, which is managed by INVL Asset Management, the leading alternative asset manager in the Baltics, is a closed-end investment company which must exit its investments no later than mid-July 2026 and distribute the money to shareholders.

    The person authorized to provide additional information:
    Kazimieras Tonkūnas
    INVL Technology Managing Partner
    E-mail k.tonkunas@invltechnology.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City Centre Remembrance commemorations announced

    Source: City of Derby

    Preparations are well underway for this year’s Remembrance commemorations.

    The city’s Annual Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade will return on Sunday 10 November, with troops from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 148 Divisional Support Company, as well as members of local veteran and youth organisations, parading through the city centre onto the Market Place.

    A short service, led by The Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, is scheduled for 11am, during which a two-minute silence will be observed. Following this, wreaths will be laid at the War Memorial.

    For the first time this year, Surtal Arts Community Choir, a Derby-based South Asian performing arts organsation, will be performing on the Market Place at around 10:15am, before the arrival of the Parade. 

    Members of the public are invited to observe the proceedings and pay their respects. There will be dedicated public viewing areas on the Market Place and the ceremony will be streamed onto a large screen. 

    Those who are unable to travel into the city centre can also watch the parade and service live on the Council’s YouTube channel.

    Citizens will also have a chance to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during a short service held at the War Memorial at 11am on Armistice Day (Monday 11 November).

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy said:

    “Remembrance is an incredibly important event within the Civic calendar and I’m very proud that partners from across the city are once again working together to host city centre events on both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

    “Remembrance is not only about remembering British soldiers who were involved in the World Wars and subsequent conflicts, but the sacrifice of those from across the Commonwealth. It’s fantastic that we’re able to highlight the contribution made by South Asian nations through a performance by the Surtal Arts Community Choir before this year’s parade.

    “I encourage as many citizens as possible to take part in and observe this year’s commemorations.”

    To protect members of the public and parade participants, there will be road closures on Sunday 10 November, from 8am until 1pm:

    • Sowter Road from its junction with St Michael’s Lane
    • The junction of Queen Street and Full Street
    • Derwent Street
    • Corporation Street and Tenant Street
    • St James Street, Corn Market and Iron Gate (from its junction with Sadler Gate)

    Several parking restrictions will also be in place:

    • The Council House car park will be closed to members of the public from 6.00pm on Saturday 9 November until 2pm on Sunday 10 November.
    • On-street parking will be suspended on Full Street and Tenant Street from 7pm on Saturday 9 November to 1pm on Sunday 10 November.
    • The on-street parking bays on Derwent Street will be reserved for Blue Badge parking on Sunday 10 November.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) Commits Eur 40 Million to Nakkas- Basaksehir Section of Türkiye’s Northern Marmara Highway Project

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

    ISTANBUL, Turkey, October 30, 2024/APO Group/ —

    • ICD is investing EUR 40 million in the Nakkaş-Başakşehir section as part of a EUR 1.04 billion funding package.
    • The project incorporates solar energy and LED lighting, aiming to cut energy use and emissions significantly.
    • It’s backed by a consortium led by Rönesans Holding, with support from MDBs and ECAs.

    The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org) has signed a EUR 40 million to co-finance the Nakkaş-Başakşehir section of Türkiye Northern Marmara Highway Project.

    The Project  aimes to enhance Istanbul’s east-west connectivity, improve road safety and reduce congestion. It is being developed under a build-operate-transfer agreement by a consortium led by Rönesans Holding A.Ş. in partnership with Samsung C&T Corporation and other Korean investors. It involves a 31.3-km toll road, including a 1.6-km cable-stayed bridge and multiple overpasses and underpasses.

    ICD’s EUR 40 million contribution is part of a broader EUR1.04 billion senior debt package, fully financed by international institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), alongside Atradius and SERV as European export credit agencies, ICIEC, and a consortium of commercial lenders.

    Thanks to Solar Energy Production System to be installed within the scope of the Nakkaş-Başakşehir project, which has “sustainability” at the center of its design, the clean energy obtained from solar panels will meet the energy needs of the highway’s operation and management (O&M) center and service stations.

    The installation of over 4,500 LED lamps, replacing sodium lamps, will cut energy consumption by 37.5%, saving over 35 MWh. Within the scope of the project, in which all O&M highway vehicles are planned to be hybrid or electric, it is expected to save approximately 112 thousand liters of fuel annually.

    While the Nakkaş-Başakşehir Highway Project is expected to prevent 7.9 million tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 30 years, in particular, it will reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by 1,399 tons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 58,699 tons and sulfur dioxide (SO2) by 95 tons. tons reduction is aimed.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cinema Park “Moskino” invites you to a historical program in honor of National Unity Day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On November 3 and 4, the Moskino Cinema Park will present a large-scale historical reconstruction for National Unity Day. The holiday is dedicated to an important event in Russian history that united the country — the liberation of Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian occupation in 1612. City residents and tourists will be able to travel back to those times, get acquainted with the daily life of the residents and see how the militia of Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky defeats the invaders in a decisive battle.

    “150 reenactors from Moscow, Vologda, Nizhny Novgorod, Tolyatti and Kaluga will take part in recreating the atmosphere and events of the 17th century. Visitors will be treated to more than 60 historical shows, master classes, lectures, concerts and performances,” she said.

    Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    The main part of the program will take place in the Cathedral Square decorations. At 11:00 on November 3 and 4, guests are invited to watch the troop parade, at 12:00 — the performance of horsemen, at 13:00 — maneuvers and drill training of riflemen and pikemen. The largest will be the reconstruction of the decisive battle of the second people’s militia led by Prince Dmitry Pozharsky with the Polish-Lithuanian army, the victory in which helped lead the country out of the Time of Troubles. The event will begin at 17:00.

    Craft classes and interactive activities will be held from 10:00 to 18:00. The territory will house a camp, command headquarters, folk theater, archery range, as well as mints and printing houses. Craftsmen will offer to master the art of blacksmithing and pottery, calligraphy, practice throwing a lasso and pikemanship. Also planned are performances by artists of the court and puppet theaters, lectures on musical instruments of those times and old Russian games.

    Tours of exhibitions of national costumes, military equipment and the everyday life of Muscovites in the 17th century will help you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the era.

    On the Gonzaga Theatre site, folk music and dance groups will perform at 12:00 on the weekend. On Sunday at 17:00, there will be a meeting with producer and director Eduard Boyakov. In December, he will organize a multimedia show in the cinema park, the plot of which is connected with the events of the Time of Troubles.

    On November 3 and 4, the Uyezdny Gorod set will host an immersive performance based on the novel by Ilya Ilf and Yevgeny Petrov, The Twelve Chairs. In addition, at various venues, those wishing to do so will be able to take part in filming scenes based on cult films such as The Man from Boulevard des Capucines and Buratino, as well as take photos as the characters from the films.

    Additional information and conditions of visit are published on the websitecinema park “Moskino”.

    How to get there, where to buy a ticket and what to take with you: instructions for guests of the Moskino cinema park

    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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145912073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Technograd opens free courses on programming and protection against cyber threats

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Muscovites can get a profession in the field of programming and information security for free, as well as master design and marketing on free courses at the Technograd innovation and educational complex, subordinate to the capital’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development. Training will begin in November.

    During the classes you can learn programming languages C

    In the same language with the IT sphere

    Python is considered an ideal language for starting a career in programming. It will suit students who are attracted by web development and data analysis, machine learning, simplicity of code and a variety of ready-made solutions. Course “Python for Web Development. Flask and Web Application Development” will start on November 1st.

    Students will be introduced to the Flask software platform, style templates and writing code to create a request form, databases and much more. Students will learn the basics of web development using Python and the Flask framework, learn how to manage database storage and build user authentication on websites.

    Classes under the program will begin on November 3 “Functional Programming in Python. Basic Level”. The teacher will tell about the structure of the language, teach how to write and read program code, solve algorithmic problems and create flow charts. As a result, students will be able to analyze other people’s programs and work with data arrays.

    On the same day, November 3, classes on the course will begin. “Functional programming in C. Learning a universal programming language will be useful for students who want to create games, desktop applications for Windows, web services, neural networks or graphics for metaverses. This language is used by banks, digital agencies, communication providers and large IT companies. Choosing this direction of study will help beginners find a job in a short time. During the classes, students will master the language structures, learn to use branches and cycles, work with the selection operator and data arrays.

    Well “JavaScript. Basic Level” will start on November 6. Webinars will help expand knowledge in the field of web technologies for designers and marketers, as well as those who are already mastering programming in a comprehensive manner. JavaScript does not require complex concepts and technical details from beginners. The visual part of most websites on the Internet is written in it. Therefore, programmers who have studied this language are always in demand. The course program includes training in the principles of object-oriented programming, working with control structures and data structures, as well as familiarity with the logic of program execution.

    In addition, Technograd is opening courses and for advanced JavaScript users. Training will begin on November 6th.

    Future mobile developers for iOS and macOS, as well as gamedev and ackend developers will find this useful Webinars on the basic level of programming in Swift. Starting November 16, the teacher will introduce students to the basics of the language, the Xcode development environment, data collection, and user interface elements. During the training, students will create the To-Do List and Exchange Rates applications and test them in the iPhone Simulator.

    Russian companies are always in demand for specialists who can find and eliminate vulnerabilities in the system and minimize the consequences of cyber attacks. From November 1, it will be possible to study the specifics of the profession and solve real problems on the course “Computer networks and information security”. Students will learn about the structure, topology, infrastructure and security of networks, protocols and network services. Particular attention will be paid to threat analysis and vulnerability detection, cryptography and advanced security methods.

    Creativity and self-realization

    Marketing and design are traditionally popular areas among young professionals. These areas offer creative freedom, the opportunity for self-realization and a dynamic career. Given digitalization and the development of new media formats, social networks and online trade, the demand for employees in these areas remains high.

    In November, Technograd offers 11 specialized programs, where you can master the graphic editors Figma and Photoshop, the website builder Tilda, the 3D engine Blender, animation and video in After Effects. And also learn how to set up targeted advertising, engage in promotion in social networks and create selling photo and video content.

    Upon completion of the training, a certificate or certificate of advanced training is issued. The project is supervised by Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of 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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145917073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: History, culture and traditions: the Great Ethnographic Dictation will be held from November 1 to 8

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Big Ethnographic Dictation will take place from November 1 to 8. This all-Russian educational event is being held for the ninth time and is attracting more and more participants. In 2023, over 3.4 million people from 89 regions of the Russian Federation and 228 foreign countries tested their knowledge.

    Traditionally, the dictation will be held in offline and online formats. Each subject of the Russian Federation will organize sites: one of them will be unique, reflecting the specific cultural characteristics of the region. Online participants will be asked to answer questions on the official website, by selecting the “Take dictation” tab.

    Residents of Russia and foreign countries who speak Russian, English or Spanish will be able to assess their knowledge of the history, culture and traditions of the peoples of the Russian Federation.

    The tasks consist of 20 federal questions for participants under 16 years old. All those over this age will answer 30 questions. 20 of them are federal and 10 are unique to each region. Participants at foreign sites will test their knowledge of places that are connected with our country, but are located outside of it.

    In total, you can get 100 points for your answers, the maximum time to complete the tasks is 45 minutes. The online format participant certificate indicating the results will be available immediately after the end of the dictation in electronic form.

    The correct answers will be published on the official website until November 13.

    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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145939073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Muscovites from 83 old houses completed the paperwork for the renovation program in the third quarter of 2024

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    All residents of 83 old buildings signed documents in July-September 2024 to receive new apartments under the renovation program. The resettlement of these five-story buildings has been completed or is still ongoing. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “In the third quarter of 2024, 100 percent of Muscovites from 83 old buildings completed the paperwork for housing in new buildings under the renovation program in 10 administrative districts. Thus, about 14 thousand people became owners of equivalent apartments. Most of them live in the east of the capital. There, almost 2.7 thousand Muscovites from 16 old buildings received the keys to new apartments. In the southeast, more than 2.6 thousand people from 14 buildings signed contracts for modern housing, and in the west, more than 2.6 thousand city residents from 13 buildings,” said Maxim Gaman.

    New buildings will be erected on the site of the old buildings, intended for the subsequent resettlement of city residents under the renovation program.

    “From July to September of this year, 23 new buildings were handed over for settlement. The areas around the residential complexes were landscaped. Trees and shrubs were planted there, and children’s and sports grounds were equipped for the leisure of city residents. Residents of 80 old houses have already begun moving to new residential complexes,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy of the capital

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin reported, that 1.2 trillion rubles have been allocated in the draft budget for three years to implement the renovation program.

    The program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Last year alone, 59 new buildings were handed over for settlement in the capital and over 47 thousand people were resettled. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential properties in the capital has doubled – from three to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.

    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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145936073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will finance the renovation of public transport in the Kaliningrad region and Ingushetia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Order of October 23, 2024 No. 2971-r and order of October 29, 2024 No. 3054-r

    Documents

    Order dated October 23, 2024 No. 2971-r

    Order dated October 29, 2024 No. 3054-r

    The public transport fleet in the Kaliningrad Region and Ingushetia will be replenished with new equipment. The orders to allocate a total of 668.3 million rubles for these purposes were signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    418.3 million rubles will be sent to the Kaliningrad region. It is planned to purchase trolleybuses that will operate on routes in Kaliningrad using funds from the Government’s reserve fund, on a co-financing basis.

    The decision taken will increase the share of environmentally friendly transport operating in the city. Trolleybuses have an increased reserve of autonomous running. Thus, they can be used as electric buses on previously operating trolleybus routes. The vehicles will be equipped with media systems. This will make it possible to provide passengers with information in audio and video format.

    Speaking about the decision taken during a meeting with deputy prime ministers on October 28, Mikhail Mishustin noted that such vehicles will provide a better level of transport service and make trips more comfortable and reliable.

    “The President emphasized that the invested resources should bring maximum benefit to people. We expect that such work will continue in the future,” said the Prime Minister.

    For the purchase of 30 medium-class buses for Ingushetia, 250 million rubles will be allocated from the Cabinet’s reserve fund, also on a co-financing basis. The buses are equipped with a cashless fare payment system, as well as equipment for counting passengers. These devices will make the bus schedule more convenient for people.

    The work is being carried out within the framework of the state program “Development of industry and increasing its competitiveness.”

    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: Preparations for the 2025 admission campaign have started: the Academic Council of the State University of Management discussed all the nuances

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On October 29, 2024, a meeting of the Academic Council of the State University of Management was held. Those gathered discussed the results of the 2024 admissions campaign and preparations for organizing admissions in 2025.

    The meeting began traditionally with a formal part. Irina Merkulova and Nikolay Malyshkin received associate professor certificates, Sergey Lenshin was awarded a diploma of the national Father’s Recognition award in the nomination “Scientific Works and Research in the Field of Demography and Culture”. Of course, they did not forget to congratulate the birthday boys of the month, after which the council members began the official part.

    The first issue on the agenda was the nomination of GUU teachers for the academic title of associate professor. Council Secretary Marina Zhukova reported on the documents submitted by the candidates and the decisions made following their consideration. Those gathered made their choice by secret ballot.

    Acting Vice-Rector Nikolai Mikhailov made a proposal to petition for the nomination of SUM employees for departmental awards of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, which was unanimously supported.

    Head of the International Cooperation Department Inessa Bogatyreva informed those gathered about the development of the university’s international activities and the organization of training foreign students at our university.

    “The most popular areas of study among foreign citizens are management and economics. Significantly fewer applicants enter law, state and municipal administration, personnel management, advertising and public relations, business informatics and hotel business,” noted Inessa Yuryevna.

    Head of the Department for Organizing Admissions of Applicants Vadim Dikikh presented a report on the results of the admissions campaign for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs in 2024.

    “This year, we used new tools for accepting applicants on a targeted basis, new practices for working with applicants. As in the previous year, the vast majority of applications were submitted digitally. Among the interesting facts, I would like to note the reluctance of applicants to answer phone calls, preferring to communicate exclusively via messengers, which is also worth considering in future work,” the speaker emphasized.

    Continuing the topic, Vadim Dikikh presented for approval regulatory and legal acts on the organization of admission in 2025 for bachelor’s and master’s degree educational programs and training of scientific personnel in postgraduate studies.

    The meeting also discussed structural changes at the State University of Management, approved new continuing education programs, and agreed on student nominations for the E. T. Gaidar scholarship and tuition discounts.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/30/2024

    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 New Zealand: | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    3 mins ago

    EIT’s School of Health and Sport Science is focused on accelerating health outcomes for the community, with lecturers conducting meaningful local research.

    Accelerating health outcomes in the community is a focus for EIT’s School of Health and Sport Science, with lecturers conducting meaningful local research.

    Dr Helen Ryan-Stewart, EIT’s Executive Dean, Education, Humanities and Health Science and until recently the acting Head of the School of Health and Sport Science, says like many tertiary institutions, research is important to EIT. Research helps lecturers stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field, ensuring they provide students with the most current and relevant knowledge. It can also provide an important community link to address local challenges.

    Helen’s role as the Head of School has been taken by Dr Andrew Garrett, who comes to EIT with a research pedigree, having been Sport, Health and Exercise Science Programme Director and Graduate Research Director at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom.

    Andrew’s main area of research expertise is the markers of fatigue in temperature regulation during exercise in the time of climate change and he was an Associate Member of the Hull York Medical School (HYMS). His PhD work was funded by the Australian Military based at the University of Otago in New Zealand (Induction and decay of heat acclimation) and in collaboration with the Otago Medical School. His current research interest focuses on practical methods for the prevention of heat injury in older populations.

    Helen says that research will continue to be an important part of the School. At present the School has a combined research committee with the School of Nursing, which has resulted in health being a focus for research.

    “The research we do has a health science focus and anything that we were going to do would be aimed at accelerating health outcomes in our community.”

    A significant project which is having an impact on the Hawke’s Bay community is research that is addressing the epidemic of youth vaping among intermediate and high school students.

    The project has been led by  Associate Professor Anita Jagroop-Dearing and was funded by Health Research Foundation Hawke’s Bay and EIT. It also received a funding boost from Health Research Council (HRC) of New Zealand. The initial project was  entitled Actions to Vaporise Rangatahi Vaping in Te Matau-a-Māui. Recently the project was extended outside the region following interest from a Bay of Plenty High School.

    A project in the early stages of development, is being conducted by researcher and lecturer Dr Patrick Lander. It looks at green spaces in urban areas and how people use those for well-being and health.

    Helen says that while the School has a strategy around health research, there are also researchers who focus on sport and exercise. Working in this field is Mike Schofield, a lecturer in strength and conditioning, who is the coach of New Zealand shot-putter Maddison-Lee Wesche, who won a silver medal at the Olympic Games earlier this year.

    Mike’s area of research is biomechanics and it is about evolving a technical model from a theoretical basis. His research is aimed at allowing top-level athletes to reach their full potential.

    Another lecturer who is an active researcher is Associate Professor Carl Paton, who is involved in a number of research projects with students. These projects are focused on high performance cycling.

    Helen says it is important that academic staff are research active.

    “Degrees in institutions such as ours should be taught by staff active in relevant applied research. Sport, exercise and health is focused on application to the real world. So we have to enable our academic staff to do research that’s relevant to the field, the discipline that they’re teaching. That keeps them current, and gives students real-world examples of how they could apply their knowledge.”

    “And that’s really important from my perspective.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour urged to use wealth tax on super-rich to fund green transition

    Source: Scottish Greens

    30 Oct 2024 Finance

    By taxing the super wealthy we can fund our shift to a fairer, greener and better economy.

    More in Finance

    The Labour government must tax the super-rich and polluters to fund our green transition and tackle the climate and nature emergencies, say the Scottish Greens.

    Speaking ahead of today’s UK Budget statement, the party’s Co-leader, Lorna Slater, has urged the Chancellor to apply a wealth tax on the wealthiest 1% of households in the UK – those with assets worth £3.4 million and above.

    Analysis from the University of Greenwich suggests that this tax would raise over £70 billion a year and potentially up to £130 billion. 

    Ms Slater said:

    “The world is burning around us. We urgently need to see climate leadership from Downing Street.

    “There is more than enough money to support our transition to a greener future and create thousands of high quality, well paid green jobs, but so much of it is being hoarded by a tiny number of extremely wealthy people who don’t need it.

    “The solution is staring us right in the face. By asking the richest people and corporations to pay their fair share we can transform our economy and protect future generations.

    “Making the change is essential for our climate, but it is also crucial for our economy. The UK has a huge opportunity, but it has been squandered by 14 years of a Tory government that actively undermined our climate efforts while giving handouts and tax breaks to its super-wealthy friends and donors.

    “Labour must show the level of ambition that is needed by making a generation-defining investment in clean, green renewable energy and nature restoration and ending the climate vandalism of the Tories.”

    Ms Slater added:

    “The pain that households and families have suffered over the last 14 years was not inevitable. The cuts and austerity were a political choice, and one that Labour has doubled down on by cutting Winter Fuel Payments and refusing to lift the cruel two child cap. Labour can put an end to the cuts and support vital services like our NHS and schools.”

    The tax, supported by the Scottish Greens, would start at a marginal rate of 1%, rising to 5% for those with £5.7 million or more (the richest 0.5%), and 10% for those with £18.2 million (the richest 0.15%). 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCST begins visit to Cascais (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCST begins visit to Cascais (with photos)
    SCST begins visit to Cascais (with photos)
    ******************************************

         The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung, arrived in Cascais, Portugal, on the evening of October 28 (Cascais time) and began his itinerary yesterday (October 29, Cascais time). In the morning, together with the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), Mr Timothy Fok, Mr Yeung exchanged views with various members of the Executive Council of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), including the ANOC President, Dr Robin Mitchell; the Secretary General, Mrs Gunilla Lindberg; the Vice-President for Africa, Mr Mustapha Berraf; the Vice-President for Europe, Mr Spyros Capralos; and Member for Asia Mrs Li Lingwei.           Attending the Executive Council Meeting alongside a delegation from the SF&OC in the afternoon, Mr Yeung made a presentation on the bid to host the 2026 ANOC General Assembly in Hong Kong. He illustrated that Hong Kong is the ideal place for hosting international events. Mr Yeung said that Hong Kong has a fair and mature legal system thanks to the successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, enabling the city to maintain its social stability. Hong Kong is also an Events Capital of Asia and the World’s Meeting Place. As an international city, Hong Kong is widely connected with the rest of the world, which underlines another strength of Hong Kong.            Mr Yeung added that Hong Kong has been actively advancing the development of sports in the community, supporting elite sports, promoting Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing sports professionalism and developing sports as an industry. In recent years, Hong Kong athletes have achieved impressive results in major international games. Mr Yeung also shared with the meeting the imminent commissioning of the Kai Tak Sports Park in the first quarter of 2025, making it the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong’s history.            Mr Yeung attended a reception hosted by the City of Cascais, during which he exchanged views with City Councillor (Sports and International Affairs) Mr Francisco Kreye and other leading figures in the world of sports, including the International Olympic Council President, Mr Thomas Bach.            Mr Yeung will continue his visit to Cascais, Portugal, today (October 30, Cascais time).

     
    Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 16:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extension to Baroness Newlove’s appointment as Victims’ Commissioner

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Secretary of State has approved an extension to Baroness Newlove’s term as Victims’ Commissioner from 17 October 2024 to 31 December 2025.

    Baroness Newlove was initially appointed to the role without competition for a year from 17 October 2023 to allow for a further campaign fill the role substantively.

    The Lord Chancellor decided not to continue with that campaign.  Following consultation with the Attorney General and Home Secretary, the Lord Chancellor will readvertise the role later in 2024 with revised criteria which reflect the government’s vision for a strengthened role. To ensure there is no gap in cover in this vital role, The Lord Chancellor has extended Baroness Newlove’s term until 31 December 2025.

    The Victims’ Commissioner independently promotes the interests of victims and witnesses, encourages good practice in their treatment, and regularly reviews the Victims’ Code which sets out the services victims can expect to receive. 

    Biography of the Victims’ Commissioner: 

    • Baroness Helen Newlove is a community reform campaigner and activist. She came to prominence after her husband Garry Newlove was murdered outside the family home by a gang of youths, all alcohol and drug-fuelled, in 2007. After his death she campaigned to tackle anti-social behaviour and the underage and binge drinking culture.
    • Baroness Newlove was given a peerage in the 2010 Dissolution Honours list and sits in the House of Lords as Baroness Newlove of Warrington in the County of Cheshire. 
    • She originally took up the post of Victims’ Commissioner on 4 March 2013, was reappointed for a second term in March 2016, and stepped down on 31 May 2019. She was succeeded by Dame Vera Baird. 
    • On 5 March 2018, Baroness Newlove took up the office of Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords.
    • On 17 October 2023, Baroness Newlove was appointed as the government’s Victims’ Commissioner for a term of 12 months.

    This appointment is made by the Secretary of State under Section 48 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, and is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The appointment has been made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chewing gum litter cleaned up from Oxford’s historic streets for a second year 

    Source: City of Oxford

    ODS, on behalf of Oxford City Council, has successfully completed the removal of chewing gum litter from key city centre streets, thanks to grant funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force. 

    The cleanup operation, which began in the summer, focused on heavily trafficked areas including George Street, New Inn Hall Street, Carfax, Queens Street, parts of St Ebbes, High Street, and St Aldates down to Christchurch Meadows. 

    Alongside removing the gum, the team deep-cleaned pavements and steam-cleaned street furniture. Educational materials have also been distributed to encourage proper gum disposal and help maintain the cleanliness of the city’s historic streets. 

    ODS’ street cleaning team worked early mornings to ensure minimal disruption and adapted their schedule to work around extreme weather conditions and major events, such as St Giles’ Fair and the Oxford Half Marathon.  

    The gum removal process is time and labour intensive. In the worst affected areas, it took as long as 30 minutes to clean just 1.5msq, this was then followed by a mechanical sweeper to eliminate any stains left by the gum. 

    In line with the Council and ODS’s commitment to sustainability, no chemicals were used during the cleanup, and ODS completed the work using a repurposed 1973 electric milk float, called Earnie. 

    This year’s cleanup was made possible by a £26,500 grant from the Chewing Gum Task Force, administered by Keep Britain Tidy. The funding supports both the immediate cleanup and long-term behaviour change to reduce future gum littering. 

     Comment 

    “I’m pleased to see our city centre streets gum-free thanks to the hard work of ODS – a big thank you to them. 

    “The team’s hard work over the past few months, starting early and adapting around large events and extreme weather conditions, doesn’t go unnoticed. 

    “I hope the clean streets and new disposal guidance will inspire people to keep the streets tidy by properly disposing of their gum in the future.” 

     Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and an Inclusive Economy 

    “We’re thrilled to be working on behalf of Oxford City Council which received the Chewing Gum Task Force grant from Keep Britain Tidy for a second consecutive year. The funding helps improve the appearance of our historic streets and supports the city’s sustainability goals, using our repurposed electric milk float. Chewing gum litter affects the beauty and accessibility of Oxford, and last year’s cleanup showed promising results. We’re committed to working with the Council to make a lasting impact and keep our city clean for everyone.” 

    Adrian Moss, City Centre and Streetscenes Service Manager, ODS 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions and Budget 2024 – 30 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) –

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will then deliver the Budget Statement in the House of Commons.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT8JZ6Ln5ls

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions and Budget 2024 with British Sign Language (BSL) – 30 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.

    In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.

    The Leader of the Opposition, Rishi Sunak MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.

    Rachel Reeves MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will then deliver the Budget Statement in the House of Commons.

    Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:

    Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/HouseofCommons
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukhouseofcommons
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ukhouseofcommons

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx0EJDhmEeU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: Key AI Accomplishments in the Year Since the Biden-⁠ Harris Administration’s Landmark Executive  Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    One year ago, President Biden issued a landmark Executive Order to ensure that America leads the way in seizing the promise and managing the risks of artificial intelligence (AI). The Executive Order directed sweeping actions to manage AI’s safety and security risks, protect Americans’ privacy, advance equity and civil rights, stand up for consumers and workers, promote innovation and competition, advance American leadership around the world, and more.
    Today, the Biden-Harris Administration is announcing that Federal agencies have completed on schedule each action that the Executive Order tasked for this past year—more than one hundred in all. Below are some of the Administration’s most significant accomplishments on managing AI’s risks and seizing its promise in the year since President Biden signed his Executive Order.
    Managing Risks to Safety and Security:The Executive Order directed the boldest actions ever taken to protect Americans from a broad range of AI’s safety and security risks, including risks related to dangerous biological materials, software vulnerabilities, and foreign actors’ efforts to develop AI for harmful purposes. Over the last year, to protect safety and security, agencies have:
    Used Defense Production Act authorities to require developers of the most powerful AI systems to report vital information, including results of safety and security testing, to the U.S. government. These companies have notified the Department of Commerce about the results of their red-team safety tests, their plans to train powerful models, and large computing clusters they possess capable of such training. Last month, the Department of Commerce proposed a rule to require the reporting of this information on a quarterly basis.
    Led the way on AI safety testing and evaluations to advance the science of AI safety. The U.S. AI Safety Institute (US AISI) at the Department of Commerce has begun pre-deployment testing of major new AI models through recently signed agreements with two leading AI developers. The Department of Energy (DOE) developed and expanded its AI testbeds and evaluation tools, which it has already used to test models’ risk to nuclear security.
    Developed guidance and tools for managing AI risk. The US AISI and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) at the Department of Commerce published frameworks for managing risks related to generative AI and dual-use foundation models, and earlier this month, AISI released a Request for Information on the responsible development and use of AI models for chemical and biological sciences. The Department of Defense (DoD) released its Responsible AI toolkit to align AI projects with the Department’s Ethical Principles.
    Issued a first-ever National Security Memorandum (NSM) on AI. The NSM directs concrete steps by Federal agencies to ensure the United States leads the world’s development of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI; to enable agencies to harness cutting-edge AI for national security objectives, including by protecting human rights and democratic values; and to advance international consensus and governance on AI. This essential document serves as a formal charter for the AI Safety Institute, designating it as the center of the whole-of-government approach to advanced AI model testing, and will guide rapid and responsible AI adoption by the DoD and Intelligence Community. The NSM also directs the creation of a Framework to Advance AI Governance and Risk Management in National Security, which provides agile guidance to implement the NSM in accordance with democratic values, including mechanisms for risk management, evaluations, accountability, and transparency. 
    Finalized a framework for nucleic acid synthesis screening to help prevent the misuse of AI for engineering dangerous biological materials. The framework, developed by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), encourages nucleic acid synthesis providers to identify gene sequences that could be used to pose national security risks, and to implement customer screening to mitigate the risks of misuse. Federal agencies will require that funding recipients obtain synthetic nucleic acids from vendors that adhere to the framework, starting in 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has developed an initial framework with principles for evaluating the effectiveness of screening mechanisms going forward.
    Launched a new Task Force on AI Datacenter Infrastructure. The Task Force provides streamlined coordination on policies to advance datacenter development operations in line with economic, national security, and environmental goals.
    Identified measures—including approaches for labeling content and improving transparency—to reduce the risks posed by AI-generated content. The Department of Commerce submitted to the White House a final report on science-backed standards and techniques for addressing these risks, while NIST has launched a challenge to develop methods for detecting AI-generated content. President Biden has emphasized that the public has a right to know when content is AI-generated, and agencies are working to use these tools to help Americans to know that communications they receive from their government are authentic.
    Combatted AI-generated image-based sexual abuse. Image-based sexual abuse—both non-consensual intimate images of adults and child sexual abuse material—is one of the fastest growing harmful uses of AI to date and disproportionately targets women, children, and LGBTQI+ people. This year, following the Vice President’s leadership in underscoring the urgent need to address deepfake image-based sexual abuse and a White House Call to Action to reduce these risks, leading AI developers and data providers made voluntary commitments to curb the creation of AI-generated image-based sexual abuse material. Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) funded the first-ever helpline to provide 24/7 support and specialized services for victims of the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including deepfakes. The Department of Education also clarified that school responsibilities under Title IX may extend to conduct that takes place online, including AI-generated abuse.
    Established the AI Safety and Security Board (AISSB) to advise the Secretary of Homeland Security on the safe and secure use of AI in critical infrastructure. The AISSB has met thrice this year to develop a set of recommendations for entities that develop, deploy, and promote accountability for AI systems that assist in delivering essential services to millions of Americans. The work of the AISSB complements DHS’s first-ever AI safety and security guidelines for critical infrastructure owners and operators, which were informed by agencies’ assessments of AI risks across all critical infrastructure sectors. To help protect critical infrastructure further, the Department of Treasury released a report on managing security risks of AI use in the financial sector, and the Department of Energy released an assessment of potential risks to the power grid, as well as ways in which AI could potentially strengthen grid resilience and our ability to respond to threats.
    Piloted AI for protecting vital government software systems. The Department of Defense and DHS conducted AI pilots to address vulnerabilities in government networks used, respectively, for national security purposes and for civilian governmental organizations.
    Standing up for Workers, Consumers, Privacy, and Civil RightsAI is changing the products and services Americans buy, affecting jobs and workplaces, and introducing or exacerbating risks to privacy, equity, and civil rights. President Biden’s Executive Order stands up for Americans in each of these domains, and over the last year, agencies have:
    Developed bedrock principles and practices, along with guidance, to help protect and empower workers as AI is built for and used in the workplace. The Department of Labor (DOL) released AI Principles and Best Practices for employers and developers to build and use AI in ways that center the wellbeing of workers and improve the quality of jobs. DOL also published two guidance documents to assist federal contractors and employers in complying with worker protection laws as they deploy AI in the workplace. In addition, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released resources for job seekers and workers to understand how AI use could violate employment discrimination laws.
    Protected patients’ rights and safety, while encouraging innovation, as AI is developed and deployed for healthcare. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) established an AI Safety Program to track harmful incidents involving AI’s use in healthcare settings and to evaluate mitigations for those harms. HHS has also developed objectives, goals, and high-level principles for the use of AI or AI-enabled tools in drug development processes and AI-enabled devices. Additionally, HHS finalized a rule that established first-of-its-kind transparency requirements for AI and other predictive algorithms that are part of certified health information technology. HHS also finalized a civil rights regulation, implementing Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, that requires covered health care entities to take steps to identify and mitigate discrimination when they use AI and other forms of decision support tools for care.
    Published guidance and resources for the safe, secure, and trustworthy design and use of AI in education. In July, the Department of Education released guidance calling up on educational technology developers to design AI in ways that protect rights, improve transparency, and center teaching and learning. This month, the Department of Education released a toolkit to support schools and educational leaders in responsibly adopting valuable AI use cases.
    Issued guidance on AI’s nondiscriminatory use in the housing sector, which affirms that existing prohibitions against discrimination apply to AI’s use for tenant screening and housing advertisements, while explaining how to comply with these obligations. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau approved a rule requiring that algorithms and AI used for home valuations are fair, nondiscriminatory, and free of conflicts of interest.
    Set guardrails on the responsible and equitable use of AI and algorithmic systems in administering public benefits programs. The Department of Agriculture’s guidance provides a framework for how State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments should manage risks for uses of AI and automated systems in critical benefits programs such as SNAP, while HHS released a plan with guidelines on similar topics for benefits programs it oversees.
    Affirmed commitments to prevent and address unlawful discrimination and other harms resulting from AI. DOJ’s Civil Rights Division convenes federal agency civil rights offices and senior government officials to foster AI and civil rights coordination. Five new agencies also joined a 2023 pledge to uphold America’s commitment to fairness, equality, and justice as new technologies like AI become more common in daily life.
    Advanced privacy protections to safeguard Americans from privacy risks that AI creates or exacerbates. In particular, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and DOE established a research network dedicated to advancing the development, deployment, and scaling of privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), while NSF launched the $23 million initiative Privacy-preserving Data Sharing in Practice program to apply, mature, and scale PETs for specific use cases and establish testbeds to accelerate their adoption. Simultaneously, DOE launched a $68 million effort on AI for Science research, which includes efforts at multiple DOE National Laboratories and other institutions to advance PETs for scientific AI. The Department of Commerce also developed guidelines on evaluating differential privacy guarantees. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a Request for Information (RFI) on issues related to federal agency collection, processing, maintenance, use, sharing, dissemination, and disposition of commercially available information containing personally identifiable information. OMB also released an RFI on how federal agencies’ privacy impact assessments may be more effective at mitigating privacy risks, including those that are further exacerbated by AI and other advances in technology and data capabilities.
    Harnessing AI for GoodOver the last year, agencies have worked to seize AI’s enormous promise, including by collaborating with the private sector, promoting development and use of valuable AI use cases, and deepening the U.S. lead in AI innovation. To harness AI for good, agencies have:
    Launched the National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot and awarded over 150 research teams access to computational and other AI resources. The NAIRR pilot—a national infrastructure led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with DOE and other governmental and nongovernmental partners—makes available resources to support the nation’s AI research and education community. Supported research teams span 34 states and tackle projects covering deepfake detection, AI safety, next-generation medical diagnoses, environmental protection, and materials engineering.
    Promoted AI education and training across the United States. DOE is leveraging its network of national laboratories to train 500 new researchers by 2025 to meet demand for AI talent, while NSF has invested millions of dollars in programs to train future AI leaders and innovators. These programs include the EducateAI initiative, which helps fund educators creating high-quality, inclusive AI educational opportunities at the K-12 through undergraduate levels that support experiential learning in fields such as AI and build capacity in AI research at minority-serving institutions.
    Expanded the ability of top AI scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to come to the United States, including by clarifying O-1 and H-1B visa rules and working to streamline visa processing.
    Released a report on the potential benefits, risks, and implications of dual-use foundation models for which the model weights are widely available, including related policy recommendations. The Department of Commerce’s report draws on extensive outreach to experts and stakeholders, including hundreds of public comments submitted on this topic.
    Announced a competition for up to $100 million to support the application of AI-enabled autonomous experimentation to accelerate research into—and delivery of—targeted, industry-relevant, sustainable semiconductor materials and processes.
    Established two new National AI Research Institutes for building AI tools to advance progress across economic sectors, science, and engineering. The NSF-led AI Research Institutes launched in September will develop AI tools for astronomical sciences, with broader applications across scientific disciplines. Earlier this year, NSF also funded 10 inaugural Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines), seven of which include a focus on advancing AI.
    Announced millions of dollars in further investments to advance responsible AI development and use throughout our society. These include $13 million invested by DOE in the VoltAIc initiative for using AI to streamline permitting and accelerate clean energy deployment, as well as $68M from DOE to fund AI for scientific research to accelerate scientific programming and develop energy efficient AI models and hardware. DOE has also launched the Frontiers in AI for Science, Security, and Technology (FASST) initiative roadmap and request for information to harness AI for scientific discovery, national security, energy and electric grid resilience, and other national challenges, building on AI tools, models, and partnerships. NSF, in partnership with philanthropy, announced an inaugural investment of more than $18 million to 44 multidisciplinary, multi-sector teams across the U.S. to advance the responsible design, development, and deployment of technologies including AI, ensuring ethical, legal, community, and societal considerations are embedded in the lifecycle of technology’s creation.
    Issued a first-ever report analyzing AI’s near-term potential to support the growth of America’s clean energy economy. DOE’s National Laboratories also issued a long-term grand challenges report identifying opportunities in AI for energy over the next decade. 
    Released a vision for how AI can help us achieve our nation’s greatest aspirations. AI Aspirations sets forth goals to create a future of better health and opportunity for all, mitigate climate change and boost resilience, build robust infrastructure and manufacturing, ensure the government works for every American, and more. In furtherance of these goals, HHS launched CATALYST, a research and development program focused on the potential use of AI to better predict drug safety and efficacy before clinical trials start. In complement, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology also authored a report outlining AI’s potential to revolutionize and accelerate scientific discovery.
    Published guidance addressing vital questions at the intersection of AI and intellectual property. To advance innovation the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has released guidance documents addressing the patentability of AI-assisted inventions, on the subject matter eligibility of patent claims involving inventions related to AI technology, and on the use of AI tools in proceedings before USPTO.
    Bringing AI and AI Talent into GovernmentAI can help government deliver better results for the American people, though its use by Federal agencies can also pose risks, such as discrimination and unsafe decisions. Bringing AI and AI-enabling professionals into government, moreover, is vital for managing these risks and opportunities and advancing other critical AI missions. Over the last year, agencies have:
    Issued the first-ever government-wide policy to strengthen governance, mitigate risks, and advance innovation in federal use of AI. OMB’s historic policy, M-24-10, requires agencies to implement concrete safeguards when using AI in a way that could impact Americans’ rights or safety. These safeguards include a series of mandatory risk management practices to reliably assess, test, and monitor AI’s impacts on the public and provide greater transparency into how the government uses AI. OMB’s policy also directs agencies to designate Chief AI Officers to coordinate the use of AI across their agency, while expanding and upskilling their AI workforce and removing barriers to adopting AI for all manner of purposes—from addressing climate change to advancing public health and safety.
    Released a government-wide policy to advance responsible acquisition of AI by Federal agencies. M-24-18, published this month by OMB, helps ensure that when Federal agencies acquire AI, they have the information and tools necessary to manage risks, promote a competitive marketplace, and collaborate on strategic planning. This work directs the Federal government—the largest buyer in the U.S. economy—to advance AI innovation and risk management through responsibly exercising its purchasing power.
    Hired over 250 AI practitioners into the Federal government through the AI Talent Surge. Tech talent programs ramped up hiring for AI talent, with the Presidential Innovation Fellows bringing on their first-ever AI cohort, DHS establishing their AI Corps with over 30 members onboarded to date, and the U.S. Digital Corps providing pathways for early-career technologists to join Federal service. AI talent has been instrumental in delivering on critical AI priorities, from using AI to deliver top-tier government services, to protecting the public’s rights and safety in the use of AI.
    Established the Chief AI Officers Council to harmonize best practices and sharing of resources across the interagency to implement OMB’s guidance and coordinate the development and use of AI in agencies’ programs and operations.
    Introduced expanded reporting instructions for the federal AI use case inventory to include identifying use cases that impact rights or safety and how the agency is addressing the relevant risks in line with OMB’s policies. 
    Bolstered the public interest technology ecosystem. Building on the AI Talent Surge, the White House announced funding across government, academia, and civil society to support education and career pathways that will help ensure government has access to diverse, mission-oriented technology talent.
    Activated new hiring authorities to bring AI and AI-enabling talent into agencies. As part of the AI Talent Surge, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) granted new hiring authorities, including direct hire authorities and excepted service authorities, for agencies to rapidly bring on top-tier AI and AI-enabling talent, and released guidance on skills-based hiring and pay and leave flexibilities to best position agencies to hire and retain AI and AI-enabling talent. Additionally, OPM collaborated with partners to run three National Tech to Gov career fairs to connect the public with AI and tech jobs in government, surfacing roles from over 64 Federal, state, and local government employers to over 3,000 job seekers.
    Advancing U.S. Leadership AbroadPresident Biden’s Executive Order directed work to lead global efforts to capture AI’s promise, mitigate AI’s risks, and ensure AI’s responsible governance. To advance these goals, the Administration has:
    Sponsored and passed a landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution. The unanimously adopted resolution, with more than 100 co-sponsors (including the People’s Republic of China), lays out a common vision for countries around the world to promote the safe and secure use of AI to address global challenges.
    Engaged foreign leaders on strengthening international rules and norms for AI, including at the 2023 UK AI Safety Summit and the AI Seoul Summit in May 2024, where Vice President Harris represented the United States. In the United Kingdom, Vice President Harris unveiled a series of U.S. initiatives to advance the safe and responsible use of AI, including the establishment of AISI at the Department of Commerce.
    Announced a global network of AI Safety Institutes and other government-backed scientific offices to advance AI safety at a technical level. This network, which will formally launch in November at the inaugural network convening in San Francisco, will accelerate critical information exchange and drive toward common or compatible safety evaluations and policies.
    Expanded global support for the U.S.-led Political Declaration on the Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy. Fifty-six nations now endorse the political declaration, which outlines a set of norms for the responsible development, deployment, and use of military AI capabilities. DoD has expanded the scope of its international AI Partnership for Defense to align global Responsible AI practices with the Political Declaration’s norms.
    Developed comprehensive plans for U.S. engagement on global AI standards and AI-related critical infrastructure topics. NIST and DHS, respectively, will report on priority actions taken per these plans in 90 days.
    Signed the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI and Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law. This first multilateral treaty on AI represents a powerful affirmation of the relevance of existing human rights obligations to AI activities and establishes a strong baseline in international law for responsible government use of AI. The United States’ signature reflects its commitment to ensuring that AI technologies are designed, developed, used, and governed in ways that promote respect for human rights and democratic values. 
    Led the development of a Joint Statement on Responsible Government Practices for AI Technologies. The Joint Statement, to which the 41 countries of the Freedom Online Coalition committed, calls on governments to develop, use, and procure AI responsibly, including by respecting international obligations and commitments, assessing impacts of AI systems, conducting ongoing monitoring, ensuring adequate human training and assessment, communicating and responding to the public, and providing effective access to remedy. 
    Launched the Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse.  The 15-country Global Partnership has advanced international policies to address online safety, and spurred new programs to prevent and respond to technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including through AI.
    The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development published resources to advance global AI research and use of AI for economic development. The AI in Global Development Playbook incorporates principles and practices from NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework to guide AI’s responsible development and deployment across international contexts, while the Global AI Research Agenda outlines priorities for advancing AI’s safe, responsible, and sustainable global development and adoption.
    The table below summarizes many of the activities that federal agencies have completed in response to the Executive Order.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal to identify family of man fatally stabbed in Wandsworth

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are urgently appealing to the public for assistance in identifying family members of 18-year-old Issa Ali Musa Abdulrahman Barakat, who tragically lost his life following a fatal stabbing early on Monday morning.

    Issa was found injured at around 06:00hrs on 28 October on Laitwood Road, SW12, and though emergency responders did all they could to save him, he sadly died in hospital later the same day.

    On Monday, Salah Al-Mahmoodi [known as Salah Ahmed], 21 (02.01.03), of Wandsworth was arrested. He was charged on Tuesday, 29 October with Issa’s murder and is due to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, 30 October)

    Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said:

    “Our hearts go out to Issa and his family, a young man whose life was cruelly taken far too soon. It is devastating to think that his family may not yet know of his tragic passing, and we want to find them so we can offer them both support and answers.

    “Issa was a member of the Chadian community, and we hope that friends or extended family might help us in reaching his loved ones.”

    Anyone with information should call police via 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 1017/28Oct.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two social landlords fail to meet RSH’s consumer standards

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today published regulatory judgements for seven social housing landlords.

    Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Willow Tree Housing Partnership were both given a C3 grading by RSH, meaning they failed to meet the new consumer standards, introduced on 1 April 2024, and will need to make significant improvements.

    Meanwhile Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council became the first local authority to receive a C1 grading.

    Following responsive engagement with Sandwell MBC about the Safety and Quality Standard due to its Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) return, RSH found:

    • The council was only able to evidence that required asbestos management surveys or re-inspections had been carried out on around 2% of relevant buildings.
    • Although electrical safety inspections had been completed for 96% of its 27,900 homes, the council was unable to monitor or report on the completion of remedial actions.
    • A backlog of more than 14,000 overdue repairs, with over 90% of these yet to be assigned for completion.
    • Accurate, up-to-date information was available for only 5% of the council’s homes.

    Following an inspection completed in October 2024 and earlier responsive engagement carried out following a self-referral from Willow Tree relating to the Rent Standard, RSH found:

    • Around 185 tenancies had been overcharged as a result of errors made in setting rents over a prolonged period.
    • Limited information on the quality of its homes to assure us that they were meeting the Decent Homes Standard.
    • Improvement is needed to more proactively identify and manage of damp and mould.
    • Evidence of weaknesses in the provision of an effective, efficient and timely repairs service.

    Willow Tree has now corrected its formula rents and has issued refunds worth £133k over the last six years.

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:

    Improving data management can help address the root cause of many of the issues we see. Without accurate, up-to-date information on homes, it is nearly impossible to deliver the outcomes of our standards and provide safe, decent places to live for tenants.

    Today’s judgements reflect the range of grades we are seeing across the spectrum in the early days of our new consumer remit. We are working intensively with each of the landlords where there are failings, as they put things right for their tenants.

    Even when a landlord has been awarded a C1 grading, there is always room for improvement.

    Our governance and financial viability standards remain as important as ever. Landlords need to keep a tight grip on identifying and mitigating risks to avoid problems now and later down the line.

    The other five judgements were part of RSH’s planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. 

    Provider Reason for publication Grades
    Broadacres Housing Association Limited Inspection C2 G2 V2
    Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Inspection C2 G1 V2 – Issues relating to rent setting have not yet been addressed
    Lincolnshire Housing Partnership Limited Inspection C2 G1 V2
    Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Responsive engagement C3
    The Industrial Dwellings Society (1885) Limited Inspection C2 G2 V2
    Willow Tree Housing Partnership Limited Inspection and responsive engagement C3 G2 V2
    Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council Inspection C1

    Notes to editors

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of landlord inspections. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
    2. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.
    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: About two thousand engineering structures were washed in Moscow ahead of winter

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In anticipation of winter, specialists from the city services complex washed the engineering structures. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “Before the onset of stable negative air temperatures, large-scale work was carried out to flush engineering structures. In total, about two thousand objects were put in order – bridges, tunnels, underground and overground pedestrian crossings, embankments, piers, fountains and monuments,” said Pyotr Biryukov.

    The work included cleaning and washing of structural elements, concrete, metal and glass surfaces, railings and stairways.

    Each structure is washed using a special technology with neutral solutions that do not damage the surface. Special attention is paid to small parts of monuments and fountains, which are cleaned manually. Alkaline solutions are chosen for washing tunnels and bridges.

    About two thousand workers and over 250 units of equipment, including aerial platforms, watering machines and tunnel washing machines, were involved in washing the engineering structures.

    The city’s outdoor lighting system has been switched to winter modeHeating systems in Moscow have been switched to winter mode

    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 accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145959073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives investigating the deaths of two men in Herne Hill are appealing for witnesses

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the deaths of two men in Herne Hill are appealing for witnesses to come forward. 

    Two years ago, on Sunday, 30 October 2022, 23-year-old Guilherme Messias Da Silva and 27-year-old Lemar Urqhart died on Railton Road, Brixton. 

    Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who leads the investigation, said: “It has been two years since this shocking incident and our thoughts continue to remain with the family and friends of Guilherme and Lemar.

    “My team is working tirelessly to identify those responsible for their deaths and to get justice for the families. I am extremely grateful to those individuals who have already come forward to share information, but would urge anyone else who has information and has not yet spoken to us to come forward. No piece of information is too small.”

    Police were called at about 19:50hrs on Sunday, 30 October 2022 to reports of gunshots heard in the Railton Road area. 

    Officers, including firearms officers, immediately attended the scene along London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. 

    Despite the efforts of emergency services, both Guilherme and Lemar were found injured at the location and pronounced dead at the scene. 

    Detectives believe two cars were driving in the Railton Road area when one of the cars was in collision with Guilherme’s moped before further colliding with parked vehicles. 

    Lemar then got out of one of the cars involved in the collision and was pursued by a man, armed with a firearm. The man shot Lemar and returned to his car before leaving the scene. 

    Lemar Urqhart’s family statement said: “Two years since our son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and friend was tragically taken from us. Whoever said time is a healer, lied. The pain is unbearable & life will never be the same. Lemar was an integral part of the family and his death has rocked our family to the core. Every day we hope that new information is given to aid the arrest of the person/s who did this. We plead with anyone who has information to please come forward. Any information could be vital. Our family would be forever grateful to anyone who could help.”

    Any witnesses or anyone with information should call police via 101 quoting CAD 6166/30Oct. Alternatively, speak to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. They will not trace your call or your IP address. 

    Information can also be submitted via the Public Portal.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia selected to lead European lighthouse project on 6G sustainability

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia selected to lead European lighthouse project on 6G sustainability

    • SUSTAIN-6G will evaluate and explore sustainable 6G technologies, methods and use cases touching on environmental, economic and societal needs
    • The consortium will work out solutions for three specific areas of sustainable development: energy smart grids, e-health and telemedicine, and agriculture

    30 October 2024
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) has selected Nokia to be the coordinator of the SUSTAIN-6G lighthouse project. The SNS-JU is a public-private partnership funded by the European Commission. Nokia will lead a consortium of innovators that will identify how 6G can play a key role in building a sustainable future, addressing not only environmentally sustainable, but also economically and societally sustainable technologies.

    One of the main goals of SUSTAIN-6G is to develop new solutions for meeting sustainability challenges using the toolkit that 6G will offer. The consortium will devote considerable time to working out use cases for three targeted areas, drawn from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals:

    • Energy smart grid: The consortium will explore how 6G could be used to create microgrids that manage electricity demand. SUSTAIN-6G will also investigate the use of AI technologies for real-time control of distribution networks. This could lead to more efficient and resilient grids that minimize disruptions while providing the flexibility to draw energy from diverse sources as the world transitions to renewables like solar and wind.
    • E-Health and telemedicine: The consortium will generate new ideas on how 6G can make digital health more inclusive. 6G infrastructure could not only provide a far-reaching infrastructure for securely transmitting and analyzing medical data, but it also could be the foundation for new home-based online assessment services. These networks could improve the diagnosis and treatment process in underserved communities. Meanwhile AI could help detect disease outbreaks at early stages.
    • Agriculture: The consortium will investigate how 6G connectivity could be allocated on a temporary basis to enable smart agricultural applications that require high bandwidth, sensing, telemetry, data analytics and automation. For instance, 6G’s edge cloud capabilities could be harnessed to handle high-priority farming-equipment automation tasks during harvests or provide advanced processing capabilities that integrate data from field sensors, climate stations, soil analysis and satellite imagery to provide contextualized information during the growing season.

    As a lighthouse project, SUSTAIN-6G will be one of the SNS JU’s most highly visible initiatives, and it is the third major European 6G research consortium that Nokia has been selected to lead. The others are Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II, which laid the groundwork for 6G pre-standardization and use cases respectively.

    SUSTAIN-6G has broad representation from industry and academia. The consortium includes network equipment and services vendors, communications services providers, industrial equipment manufacturers, European research institutions and universities, and many small-and medium-sized enterprises. SUSTAIN-6G will kick off in January of 2025 and is scheduled to complete its work in 2027.

    Peter Merz, Vice President of Nokia Standards, said: “The UN Paris Agreement committed the world to combatting climate change. Every industry must do its part. SUSTAIN-6G will show how the communications industry will apply the next generation of networking to creating that sustainable future, overcoming not just environmental challenges but societal and economic challenges as well.”

    Resources and additional information
    Webpage: Nokia Sustainability
    Webpage: What is 6G?

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2023

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    The Scottish Government today published the Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2023. The publication details statistics on the employment and production from Scottish fish farms. It is structured to follow industry trends within the farmed Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and other species sectors.

    Some key figures from this publication are:

    • In 2023, production of Atlantic salmon decreased by 18,245 tonnes (11%) to 150,949 tonnes.
    • The total number of smolts produced in 2023 decreased by 3.6 million (7%) to 51.5 million.
    • Production tonnage of rainbow trout increased by 6% in 2023 to 9,258 tonnes. This is the highest level of rainbow trout production recorded in Scotland.
    • Brown and sea trout production decreased to 16 tonnes in 2023.
    • In 2023, the total number of staff directly employed in salmon production was 1,480 staff, a decrease of 28 staff compared with 2022. The staffing figures refer to production of Atlantic salmon in seawater and do not include staff involved with processing or marketing activities.

    Background

    Scottish Fish Farm Production Survey 2023 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    1. The survey is compiled from data collected directly from authorised fish farming businesses.
    1. Official statistics are produced by professionally independent staff – more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed at: Producing Official Statistics – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Monthly GDP Estimates for August

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics in Development publication for Scotland.

     

    Scotland’s onshore GDP contracted by 0.3% in August 2024, according to statistics announced by the Chief Statistician. This follows revised growth of 0.5% in July 2024.

    In the three months to August, GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.1% compared to the previous three month period. This indicates an decrease in growth relative to the growth of 0.4%  (revised from 0.6%) in 2024 Quarter 2 (April to June).

    In August, the largest contribution to headline GDP was made by the Information & Communications sector which contracted by 3.2%, contributing -0.2 percentage points to the overall contraction. The largest positive contribution was made by the Education sector which grew by 1.4%, contributing 0.1 percentage points towards GDP.

    Background

    The quarterly statistical publication and data and the monthly statistical publication and data are available online.

    All results are seasonally adjusted and presented in real terms (adjusted to remove inflation). GDP growth relates to Scotland’s onshore economy, which means it does not include the output of offshore oil and gas extraction.

    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the output of the economy in Scotland and are designated as official statistics in development. This means that they are still in development but have been released to enable their use at an early stage. All results are provisional and subject to relatively high levels of uncertainty.

    Further information on GDP statistics is available online. 

    These estimates are compiled in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Species Survival Fund: New four-legged friends arrive at Shire Brook Valley Rainbow Meadow in Shire Brook Valley is now home to a host of new four-legged friends as we see the arrival of Highland cows and Dexter cows. The introduction of the cows forms part of Sheffield City Council’s Species Survival Fund which aims to protect, enhance and widen areas of heathland, and it will help to manage and create areas of meadow. 30 October 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Rainbow Meadow in Shire Brook Valley is now home to a host of new four-legged friends as we see the arrival of Highland cows and Dexter cows.

    The cows have been brought to the meadow to graze which will help manage the field naturally , creating open spaces for wildflowers to grow and preventing brambles from taking over the meadow.

    As well as grazing, through moving and walking around the field this will create and maintain the open spaces.  Sheffield City Council has welcomed the cows to maintain the land in a great condition, in between woodland and open grassland. 

    Locals are welcome and encouraged to come down and view the cows from the gate but should not climb the gate as there is a risk of injury from livestock. Dogs are not permitted to be in the field.

    The introduction of the cows forms part of Sheffield City Council’s Species Survival Fund which aims to protect, enhance and widen areas of heathland, and it will help to manage and create areas of meadow, benefitting species of flora such as orchids and invertebrates such as dragonflies.

    The Council’s Species Survival Fund was awarded more than £1million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as being supported by funding from partners and other organisations, totalling almost £400,000.

    These include National Grid, The Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Yorkshire Water, Friends of Richmond Park and the South Yorkshire Badger Group.

    The mix of habitats are particularly important conserve in the area for invertebrate, fungi,  birds and wildflowers – the diversity of which will fall if the site is allowed to become dominated by trees.

    Areas the project will cover:

    • Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve
    • Beighton Marsh
    • Woodhouse Washlands
    • Wickfield Heath & Plantation
    • Richmond Park
    • Silkstone Ravine (part of Birley Spa)

    The project will improve sites covering a total area of 449.5 acres. The project will involve conservation management, woodland works to open sightlines, creation of leaky dams and new areas of wet woodland, removing 1/3 of the silt and Typha from a former mill pond, creating ditches and hedgerows, and removal of invasive species.

    Species the fund will support include mice, bats, reptiles, amphibians (including toads and newts), birds such as swifts, house martins, skylarks, barn owls and kingfishers. 

    Patrick Gray, Grazing Co-ordinator at Wild Sheffield, said:

    “We now have 18 cows on Rainbow Meadow including 17 Dexter Cows and one Highland Cow.

    “The lack of grazing over the past few years has led to the meadow being overrun with brambles and scrub. The objective of the grazing is to maintain the site as a woodland pasture, which consists of a mix of veteran trees, young trees, and open grassland.

    “This is a pilot scheme, and in the future plan to have grazing at Sally Clark Meadow across the lane, and at Linley Bank.”

    The current plan of winter grazing is to remove the build-up of vegetation on the pasture so that ideal conditions are created for spring when all the interesting and colourful wildflowers begin to germinate.

    Wild Sheffield, in partnership with Sheffield City Council, would like to set up a volunteer scheme for members of the public to assist in keeping an eye on the cows, reporting any sick or injured or escaped animals.

    If you want to find out more about how you can get involved, please email Patrick Gray from Wild Sheffield for more details p.gray@wildsheffield.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: BLOG: Sound Connections – How Liverpool and New York are Striking the Right Chord for Music Tourism

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Following a trade and investment mission to the United States, Liverpool’s Head of UNESCO City of Music, Kevin McManus spent some time in New York looking at ways in which to boost music tourism to Liverpool. He writes about how the trip explored how more meaningful links can be developed between the two great music cities.

    You can make a good argument that the two greatest music cities in the world are Liverpool and New York.  ( Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans may try and force themselves into the reckoning as well but let’s ignore them for now…!)

    I was fortunate enough to recently spend a couple of days in New York as part of a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority mission to the US and was keen to look at what opportunities there are to link the two cities’ music sectors to our mutual advantage.

    There are no two ways about it, New York is an amazing city with an incredible music heritage which is why almost every musician wants to play there. New York is still a hugely important centre for the music industry and I was there to see what meaningful links we could begin to develop between the two cities. Historically of course The Beatles led the British music invasion of the US in the ‘60s and the Strawberry Fields corner of Central Park is a memorial to the life of John Lennon.

    There are more recent success stories such as that of Sentric Music, the Liverpool founded music publisher which still has its HQ in our city, but has its North American base in New York. I caught up with the Sentric team who are steadily building the company’s US profile which is great advertisement for the fact that you can grow a global music business from Liverpool.

    We had a really useful, practical session with Visit Britain and we were able to talk to them about the strength of the Liverpool music brand and how we could work together to grow music tourism to the city.

    We tried to make the most of our visit by meeting with key people from the sector and a big thanks to a former colleague Vanessa Reed, now President of New Music USA, for introducing me to Shira Gans (from the New York Mayor’s Office) and Erika Elliott from Summer Stage.  

    It was a joy to meet Shira and Erika as well as catching up with Vanessa and they gave us so much food for thought as well as being receptive to developing a meaningful relationship with us. Hopefully these links will lead to opportunities for our artists and music businesses in the US.

    Of course it wasn’t all one way.

    We wanted to find out more about what was happening in New York, but at the same time we wanted the chance to share our exciting plans. We have an awful lot to be proud of at the moment in terms of our music sector and the ambition we are demonstrating through initiatives such as Accelerator City and our plans for a Music Hub and an immersive music attraction.
    Supported by the City Region Music Board Liverpool, music is going places and part of the mission is to say to music businesses in the US that if they are looking for a UK or a European base then they should look to Liverpool first.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Acting Deputy Secretary General to visit Croatia

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday, 30 October 2024, the NATO Acting Deputy Secretary General, Ambassador Boris Ruge, will travel to Zagreb, Croatia.

    Ambassador Ruge will meet with the Prime Minister, Mr Andrej Plenković, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr Ivan Anušić.

    He will also attend a joint session of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Delegation of the Croatian Parliament to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA), at the Croatian Parliament.

    The event will be streamed live on the Croatian Parliament’s YouTube channel.

    For more information:

    For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office
    Follow us on X: @NATO, @RugeBoris and @NATOPress

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: US secretary of state orders pause on most of existing US foreign aid

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a sweeping pause Friday on almost all of the State Department’s existing foreign aid grants, according to reports by U.S. and British media that obtained an internal memo specifying the order in the form of guidance.

    Effective immediately and valid for 90 days, Rubio’s guidance required State Department staffers to issue “stop-work orders” on nearly all “existing foreign assistance awards,” U.S. outlet Politico reported.

    For exceptions, the guidance allows foreign military financing for Egypt and Israel to continue and allows emergency food assistance and “legitimate expenses incurred prior to the date of this” guidance “under existing awards.”

    At points, it also says the decisions need to be “consistent with the terms of the relevant award,” the outlet added.

    “No new funds shall be obligated for new awards or extensions of existing awards until each proposed new award or extension has been reviewed and approved … as consistent with President Trump’s agenda,” The Guardian, a British newspaper that has also obtained the memo, cited the document as saying.

    The memo said senior officials “shall ensure that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, no new obligations shall be made for foreign assistance” until Rubio makes a decision after a review, according to The Guardian.

    In their respective reports, both Politico and The Guardian noticed the memo’s omission of current U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, which the reports said has sent shock waves across the State Department.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: France defense expenditure to reach $67.8 billion in 2029, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    In July 2023, France outlined its defense spending plans for the next six years in the Military Planning Law (LPM) 2024-30, expanding the modernization initiatives kickstarted by LPM 2019-25 to reflect evolving geostrategic dynamics and better incorporate emerging technologies, including unmanned and space-based assets. Against this backdrop, France is expected to increase defense spending from $60.4 billion in 2024 to $67.8 billion in 2029, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “France Defense Market Size, Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2029”, reveals that France’s defense spending is forecast to rise to $64 billion in 2025.

    Tristan Sauer, Senior Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The deterioration of European security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has highlighted the importance of France’s strategic reforms, providing the impetus for further and more diversified investment in defense and security capabilities. The most recent spending commitments will allow French defense expenditures to surpass 2% of GDP and finally attain the minimum threshold recommended for NATO members.”

    France’s armed forces continue to pursue modernization across the different operational domains. The largest amount of spending is being directed to the fixed-wing aircraft, missiles and missile defense systems, naval vessels, submarines, and armored vehicles market segments over the next several years. Between 2024-2034, France’s largest investments are for the international FCAS New Generation Fighter program ($17.9 billion), the SNLE 3G nuclear submarines ($17.3 billion), and various upgrades to the Rafale fighter jet program ($12.9 billion).

    Sauer continues: “These investments are indicative of a renewed strategic focus on the commensurate rise of both great power competition and the risk of high intensity conflict. Procurement of conventional capabilities such as aircraft, naval assets, artillery, armored vehicles, and weapons systems is being supplemented with investment in cybersecurity as well as space systems to account for the increasingly diffuse and multi-domain nature of modern warfare.”

    As with many western nations, France is facing recruitment issues leading to personnel shortages despite growing investment. GlobalData forecasts that France will spend $125.9 billion on military personnel between 2025-2029, though spending will only increase at a CAGR of 0.5%, which is far slower than the 1.26% CAGR achieved between 2020-2024.

    Sauer concludes: “France’s continued investments in modernization and acquisition programs provide substance to the broader political refocus on strategic competition and its associated risks, with the nation’s growing defense industrial base providing growing opportunities for international engagement. However, much like with the US and other NATO allies, lackluster performance with regards to personnel recruitment and retention is indicative of a wider challenge, which current investments have thus far failed to overcome.”

    MIL OSI Economics –