NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wheelyboat 123 report published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Capsize of a recreational craft on Roadford Lake, Devon with the loss of two lives.

    Today, we have published our accident investigation report into the capsize of Wheelyboat 123 on Roadford Lake, Devon, England on 8 June 2022, resulting in two fatalities.

    Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, Andrew Moll OBE, said:

    Trips on the wheelyboat were beneficial for the continuing wellbeing and therapy of the residents of the care home; however, no-one had taken time to properly consider the risks associated with taking the wheelchair users afloat, either before the accident or on the day itself.

    The condition of the wheelyboat had been allowed to deteriorate so water could enter it, and on the day no-one recognised the implications of carrying vulnerable people who were strapped into heavy motorised wheelchairs around a lake in an open boat. In short, no-one had their eye on the risk, and tragically Alison Tilsley and Alex Wood lost their lives.

    As well as the catalogue of failings highlighted by the report, the investigation has also uncovered a worrying lack of oversight which must be seen as an impetus for urgent action. Charitable activities such as this seem to fall into a grey zone with no organisation or authority in a position of oversight. This meant that no-one stepped in to question what had become custom and practice. Addressing this is not simple and may only be possible with a change in the law; however, the current situation is not something that should be tolerated.

    The report, available via this link, contains details of what happened, subsequent actions taken and recommendations.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and New Zealand agree blueprint for satellite removal and servicing missions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK and New Zealand space agencies have signed a blueprint for the removal and servicing of operational satellites that are very close together or making contact with one another.

    Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data, processed by ESA

    The arrangement, signed at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, is designed to support missions in the fast-growing areas of in-orbit servicing, space debris removal and satellite refuelling, known as ‘rendezvous and proximity’ operations.  

    Modern society is increasingly reliant on satellite technology and the Earth’s orbits are more crowded than ever before. There is an urgent need to invest in new technologies that can help remove debris from space and keep satellites operating for longer.  

    However, these complex missions involve moving spacecraft close to one another, and the novel nature of these missions raises difficult questions around the application of international rules and guidelines, particularly if launched and operated by more than one nation. Given the importance of improving space sustainability, New Zealand and the UK have been exploring ways to reduce the legal, policy, and regulatory barriers, and uncertainty associated with multistate rendezvous and proximity missions. 

    The work between the UK and New Zealand is designed to demonstrate how international corporation in this area can keep space sustainable for current and future generations. It provides a set of principles for allocating liability between different states involved in the different stages of these missions. It does this within the framework set out in the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (the ‘Liability Convention’), as well as principles around licensing and information sharing.  

    As the Liability Convention was established in 1972, when most space missions were led by governments rather than companies, the UK and New Zealand are hoping to make its application to the current space age easier to navigate, reducing barriers for industry to carry out these important mission types.    

    Iain Cossar, Head of the New Zealand Space Agency and Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency sign the arrangement at IAC 2024 in Milan.

    Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency said:  

    As space leaders from across the world gather in Milan this week, we’re pleased to agree with our partners in New Zealand a world-first arrangement to help ease the way for future missions that can help keep space sustainable.  

    In-orbit servicing and manufacturing and space debris removal are high-growth areas for the global space sector, and we hope our work with New Zealand can act as a blueprint for other nations to follow and benefit from.

    Iain Cossar, Head of the New Zealand Space Agency said: 

    We place a lot of importance on space sustainability in New Zealand, and this agreement with the UK demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our space environment is safe and sustainable.  

    The arrangement outlines how we will cooperate on active debris removal and in-orbit servicing missions.  

    The principles and guidance we have developed could apply more broadly to other states, and like the UK, we hope this work can serve as a blueprint to enable these important activities internationally as we look to address the challenges posed by orbital debris.

    New Zealand is home to the world’s first private spaceport which has conducted 49 launches to date. The UK is due to host its first vertical orbital launches from spaceports in Scotland in 2025, following the first horizontal launch attempt from Spaceport Cornwall last year.  

    Independent research published in 2022 estimates the global market for In-Orbit Services and Manufacturing to be $14.3 billion. A 2023 report from the UKspace trade association puts the opportunity for the UK at £2.7 billion.

    Joanne Wheeler, Managing Director of the Earth & Space Sustainability Initiative, said:

    This agreement between the UK and New Zealand space agencies for the removal and servicing of satellites shows real leadership in this important area of space sustainability and is an excellent example of the all-important international collaboration that is vital to the sustainability of space.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds parks set to serve up tennis courts refurbishment

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have been working over the summer to breathe new life into local park tennis courts across the city.

    In total, 42 tennis courts at eight public parks have been renovated, with investment of over £654,000 ensuring that top quality facilities are available for local communities.

    The parks included are Beckett Park in Headingley, Burley Park, Chapel Allerton Park, Grove Road Recreation Ground near Temple Newsam, Harehills Park, Roundhay Park, Springhead Park in Rothwell and The Hollies in Weetwood.

    The project is part of a £30m nationwide investment supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation and delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain and open up the sport to more people.

    This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

    Tennis courts within Leeds’ parks are free to use and provide opportunities for children and adults to get active and enjoy time outdoors.

    Locally, investment is also being provided by several Leeds City Council ward members for the tennis courts in their area. 

    As part of the project, Leeds City Council will work with the LTA to deliver a range of activities across the renovated parks. This will include weekly organised Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience, with equipment provided. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide opportunities to get active through local competitions.

    The courts, which were closed during the refurbishment works, are now all back open (with the exception of at Roundhay park where the work is due to commence shortly) and providing a much-improved user experience.

    It is now possible to book courts to ensure there is one available before turning up. From late November, visitors will need a booking to gain access to the courts with a pin code. Bookings can be made for free online at https://www.lta.org.uk/play.  

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “This is a fantastic scheme to improve tennis courts across our city’s parks and we’re pleased to be working together with the LTA to deliver it.

    “Investing in these facilities will ensure that we have good quality public tennis courts available across the city for people of all ages to use free of charge for many years to come. This is particularly important given that health and wellbeing is a high priority for Leeds City Council.”

    Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Leeds City Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the LTA’s Parks Tennis Project and courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Leeds City Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Planning approval for the redevelopment of 38-40 George Street

    Source: City of Oxford

    Thursday, 17 October 2024

    At the planning committee meeting held on 15th October Oxford City Council approved the plans for Marick Real Estate to redevelop 38-40 George Street

    At the planning committee meeting held on 15th October Oxford City Council approved the plans for Marick Real Estate to redevelop 38-40 George Street for a new 145 room aparthotel operated by Staycity for their premium brand Wilde. The development with also include a new 400m2 community space developed in partnership with Makespace Oxford, which will be used for a wide range of community activities.  

    “We are delighted to see these proposals, which will improve the Gloucester Green area and contribute towards the city’s need for more overnight accommodation and community space, and reduce the pressure to turn family homes into short term lets. It will also provide 24 new cycle spaces and public realm enhancements, alongside generating employment and apprenticeship opportunities, which will pay the Oxford Living Wage as a minimum.” Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management 

    “This is fantastic news for Oxford and supports the Council’s policy to encourage more hotels to open in Oxford city centre to boost the city centre’s economy.” Andrew Heselton of Marick

    For any further information please visit the project website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Collyhurst welcomes opening of Community Construction Skills Centre

    Source: City of Manchester

    A new centre dedicated to developing and uplifting the skills of its local community has opened in Collyhurst.

    The Community Construction Skills Centre will offer a series of training courses and hands-on classes that will give learners vital work experience and confidence in order to create employment opportunities. 

    The learning hub, which will advance “community upskilling,” will make Collyhurst residents’  accessibility and travelling needs easier with training delivered on site. 

    The employability training will take place in a 4-week period and equip learners with accredited qualifications in health and safety and construction skills, including Trade Techniques and Health Safety and Welfare in the Workplace. Over 50 new students are expected to enrol on training courses running up until December. 

    The centre boasts a unique training model that is adaptable to people who are unemployed, ex-offenders and ex-military members as part of learning basic, but crucial DIY skills  to increase employability.

    The Community Construction Skills Centre project was initiated in partnership with FEC and Manchester City Council who identified the need for construction skills to support local people to access training into the sector. 

    Working in collaboration with YES and the ​​Construction Skills People and their Greater Manchester Skills Academy, the project first opened to students in September as part of wider investment through the Victoria North Development. The project will significantly transform and advance the North of Manchester by developing 15,000 homes over the next 20 years with new and improved transport links, parks, healthcare facilities and retail spaces.

    The region has been hit the hardest by unemployment and mental-health related illness. Long-term and embedded worklessness has affected over 16,500 working-age adults receiving out-of-work benefits. 

    In Manchester, workers are on low wages with a median annual earning of £24,055 while the worst family poverty rates are in North Manchester and East Manchester with over 43% of children and young people growing up in poverty.

    To ensure training at the Community Skills Centre continues to work for the needs of Collyhurst residents, the model has been localised which means that partner groups are required to undertake employability assessments and adequately advise and support those who want to take part in training. 

    Following this, successful candidates will be invited to attend civil engineering and groundworks Bootcamps which will enhance employability and training with the Ride on Roller, Forward Tipping Dumper and Plant Vehicle Marshall certifications.

    There are also opportunities to undertake trade specific training such as Bricklaying, Plastering and Joinery, while being guaranteed an interview with local contractors. 

    Community days will also be held at the centre to encourage residents to learn new skills such as painting preparation and general DIY.

    More information about training opportunities at the Community Construction Skills Centre is available at Construction Skills People. 

     John Hacking, Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, said: “I’m thrilled to see the opening of the Community Skills Centre in Collyhurst which has been created to upskill residents and build confidence as they enter into the workforce.

    “This has been a significant collaborative effort with important partners who are all working towards the same goal of advancing Collyhurst residents and fully recognise the struggle the North Manchester region has had to deal with poverty and unemployment.

    “By increasing the accessibility for hands-on training, this centre gives eager learners the encouragement and support they need to work through the training to employment pipeline with robust skills and confidence.”

    Rebecca Kirkland, Community Liaison Manager for FEC, said: “The Community Construction Skills Centre will provide local residents with a first hand insight into the construction industry and give them access to unique employment opportunities.

    The Centre has been in the works for a long time and we couldn’t have opened its doors without the support of our partners who will continue to help us find the next generation of talent from right across the community.”

    James Broome, 38, from Moston, said: “The Collyhurst Community Skills Centre has been a brilliant learning experience. I’m in the final week of training for a CSCS Greencard which is giving me important skills in labouring. Once I’ve completed that I will then go on to train for the Bootcamp Dump Truck License.

    “The course has been really helpful, it’s opened my eyes and broadened my horizons massively. My tutor on the course is fantastic; she’s really clear and easy to understand when she’s teaching and is also helping me write my CV for jobs. 

    I’ve been working in production and in warehouses too so my confidence has really grown with my hands-on skills and with all the different types of people you meet, it has really boosted my self-esteem socially.

    “For anyone considering joining a course, I’d say give it a go and throw yourself into it to get the most out of it.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warm and welcoming spaces to open soon this winter

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Venues across Plymouth are opening their doors again this winter to offer people a safe, warm space, as part of the city’s cost of living support for residents.

    Household Support Funds have been distributed to the Council by the Government to help those who are struggling to afford energy, water, food and other essentials because of the rise in cost of living, as part of this funding, businesses have the opportunity to apply to become a Welcoming Space this winter.

    The warm, welcome spaces were a success last year, many locations stayed open all year round, running regular community cafes or events to help bring people together and support them.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “The Welcoming Spaces are not just a place to keep warm but somewhere for people to come together as a community during the winter months.

    “The aim of the Welcoming Spaces is to help build individual and community resilience which could include signposting or providing some information and advice, encouraging the development of mutual aid and connecting people, and sharing and increasing skills and knowledge.

    “We understand the rise in the cost of living, and I am really pleased to see that more places will be opening their doors to support residents this winter.”

    For more information about Welcoming Spaces, visit: Welcoming spaces | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK.

    Organisations that are interested in registering as a Welcoming Space can also do so via this link, this must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 1 November 2024.

    The website will be updated once grants have been awarded in mid-November.

    Applications should be for additional provision, not funding existing activity.

    Applications are welcome that include activities to connect people and encourage volunteering and the sharing of food or skills.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press Release – Alderney Ferry Services Licence Application Thursday 17 October 2024

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Media Release

    Date:  17th October 2024

    States of Alderney clarifies progress on new ferry operation

    Concerns that the States of Alderney is dragging its feet on the issuing of a passenger licence for Alderney Ferry Services’s new vessel Dart Fisher have been strenuously denied.

    The States of Alderney meeting on October 16th was told that the Harbour Authority has provided full guidance and assistance to Alderney Ferry Services (AFS) on the practical and safe operation of the vessel.

    The Authority has assessed options for mooring the vessel in various wind and weather conditions and the most suitable areas and methods for the safe embarking or disembarking of passengers.

    AFS been made aware of the legislative and operational frameworks which the States of Alderney expects all locally licenced commercial vessels to comply with.

    To date, the process has included berthing trials for the Dart Fisher and the training and examination of four candidates put forward by AFS to serve as Master of the vessel. One of those candidates was successful in obtaining a pilotage licence and the reassessment of the remaining three can take place in due course.

    Following the pilotage examinations, the Harbour Master confirmed the results with AFS and reiterated the requirement to apply for a passenger licence. These licences are issued by the General Services Committee (GSC) under section 3 of The Licencing of Passenger Boats (Alderney) 1954 Ordinance.

    The Chief Clerk has now received an application and a report will be brought to GSC for determination at its meeting on November 1st. The outcome will be communicated to AFS immediately.

    The following statement was given at the States meeting:

    “The perception has been created that the States of Alderney is one of the reasons for the delay to the Dart Fisher being a licenced vessel and also being responsible for the need to put [AFS vessel] Causeway Explorer up for sale.

    “The States have been supportive of AFS through provision of subsidies, extending the cost cap of those subsidies to provide additional rotations for our community, extending the tourism season into the shoulder months, and assisting in resolving the challenges that have been posed by the Dart Fisher’s arrival in Alderney.

    “Since the announcement of the purchase of the vessel, the Harbour Authority has liaised closely with AFS to discuss practical operational matters and ensure safe operations. Therefore, to suggest the States have been the cause of delay to licencing and suggested as a reason for the sale of Causeway Explorer is unfounded.”

    Ends

    Media enquiries:Alistair.Forrest2@gov.gg

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Humanitarian aid for Middle East

    Source: Scottish Government

    Emergency donation of £250,000 to support relief efforts.

    Humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East will receive funding of £250,000 in response to a Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Appeal.

    DEC, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) and Mercy Corps will use the funding to support humanitarian activities as the situation in the region continues to deteriorate.

    £200,000 will contribute to a fund shared between DEC’s 15 member organisations helping to provide food, water, medical assistance and shelter to displaced people in the region. SCIAF and Mercy Corps will each receive £25,000 to support aid activities.

    First Minister John Swinney said:

    “Thousands of innocent people have been killed in the crisis in the Middle East, with millions more displaced and left without certainty about how to access to shelter, food, clean water and medical care.

    “The humanitarian crisis in the Middle East continues to deepen and spread, and an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of conflict is needed to prevent more innocent lives being lost and bring an end to the unimaginable suffering this conflict has caused.

    “Urgent humanitarian aid must be provided to all those who need it, and this contribution from the Scottish Government will assist the Disasters Emergency Committee, SCIAF and Mercy Corps in ensuring it reaches as many people as possible. Members of the public can also pledge support and make donations to the DEC Appeal in a variety of ways and I would urge everyone to consider donating if they are in a position to do so.”

    Background

    The DEC appeal for the Middle East will launch on 17 October 2024. Details are available on the DEC website for how to donate to the Appeal.

    Humanitarian response – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Viability risks intensifying for some landlords, warns Regulator of Social Housing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has today set out the main risks facing the social housing sector.

    Its annual sector risk profile report shows that viability risks have intensified over the last year, and social landlords are facing significant and competing pressures to deliver both more and better social homes against a backdrop of higher borrowing costs.

    Though the sector remains resilient overall, many landlords have less capacity to deal with new challenges. This requires more active management from boards, with less margin for error in decision making.

    It is a fundamental responsibility of all landlords to ensure that tenants are safe in their homes. They must prioritise essential safety work, including issues with cladding on high-rise buildings, and tackle other issues like damp and mould. It is absolutely critical that landlords continue to be well run and financially viable, so they can carry out this important safety work, identify issues before they happen, and build new homes for people on waiting lists.

    London and other urban areas are experiencing the most acute financial pressures particularly where large numbers of flats need building safety works.

    These challenges are expected to persist for the foreseeable future, as social housing undergoes a long-term shift, with higher borrowing costs and an ongoing need to maintain and invest in tenants’ existing homes and build much needed new homes for the future.

    Fiona MacGregor, Chief Executive at RSH, said:

    Most housing associations are investing record amounts in new and existing homes without threatening their financial viability.

    However, some individual landlords face particular pressures, and we expect those to sustain for some time before the position eases.

    There is very little margin for error, and it is absolutely critical that landlords are well run, with robust  systems for identifying and mitigating risks.  

    Boards must maintain a real clarity of purpose to successfully navigate these competing demands while remaining financially viable.

    For the first time since 2009, the cost of servicing debt for private registered providers (PRPs) exceeded net earnings last year. In aggregate terms, forecast sector interest cover over the next five years is just 111%.

    RSH has a range of tools – including inspections, yearly stability checks and quarterly surveys – to identify emerging risks and work with landlords to mitigate these as far as possible.

    RSH has already identified a number of individual landlords who were not financially viable and who have since merged with others to protect tenants’ homes and lenders’ capital. RSH expects that more individual landlords will fail to meet the outcomes in its economic standards over the coming months, as this challenging environment continues.

    Notes to editors

    1. The Sector Risk Profile sets out the regulator’s view of the most significant risks to providers’ ongoing compliance with its regulatory standards. The report is aimed primarily at boards of housing associations and other private registered providers and, where relevant, the councillors forming the governing bodies of local authority registered providers.
    2. The Sector Risk Profile has a particular focus on risks to delivering the outcomes required by RSH’s economic standards. RSH’s annual consumer regulation review provides examples from recent casework that providers can learn from to help strengthen their approach.
    3. The Regulator of Social Housing promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver and maintain homes of appropriate quality that meet a range of needs. It does this by undertaking robust economic regulation focusing on governance, financial viability and value for money that maintains lender confidence and protects the  taxpayer. It also sets consumer standards and may take action if the outcomes in these standards are not delivered.
    4. Local authorities must meet RSH’s new consumer standards but RSH does not regulate their governance or financial viability.

    For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: GRECO: Conclusion of fourth round of evaluations

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Justice and Police

    Federal Office of Justice
    Bern, 17.10.2024 – –
    GRECO (the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption) acknowledges Switzerland’s efforts to prevent corruption among judges and members of parliament in the Second Addendum to its Second Compliance Report. The Report will be published today, 17 October. This concludes GRECO’s fourth round of evaluations.
    Address for enquiries
    Olivier Gonin, Federal Office of Justice, T +41 58 463 08 50, olivier.gonin@bj.admin.ch

    Publisher
    Federal Office of Justicehttp://www.bj.admin.ch

    Social share

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stormont has no idea how many times Michael McMonagle entered Stormont since being charged

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “While there has been justified focus on the pay arrangements for Michael McMonagle, something which has received relatively little attention is the fact that because Sinn Fein, and specifically North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan, failed to cancel his pass he could come and go as he pleased from Parliament Buildings.

    “In order to probe this issue I asked the Assembly Commission to detail the number of times, including dates, that Michael McMonagle entered Parliament Buildings since being charged with sexual offences against children; and any groups, including schools and youth groups, that visited Parliament Buildings on the dates Michael McMonagle was in Parliament Buildings during this period.

    “The Commission has now confirmed, as I suspected they would, that they have no idea.

    “We therefore have a situation where someone suspected of sexual offences against children – who has since admitted his guilt – was left with the means to come and go from Parliament Buildings while charged with serious offences and no one has any idea if he availed of the opportunity, facilitated by Philip McGuigan, to do so.

    “There are profoundly serious child protection issues involved here – issues which should not be ignored merely because the political and media establishment believe that the rotten institutions of the Belfast Agreement are more important than child safety.”

    Note to editors

    Mr Gaston’s question and the Commission’s answer are as follows:

    To ask the Assembly Commission to detail (i) the number of times, including dates, that Michael McMonagle entered Parliament Buildings since being charged with sexual offences against children; and (ii) any groups, including schools and youth groups, that visited Parliament Buildings on the dates Michael McMonagle was in Parliament Buildings during this period.
    (AQW 16576/22-27)

    Data relative to the use of Assembly ID passes is retained on the Assembly’s Visitor Management System for a period of 90 days after use. The pass issued to Michael McMonagle was cancelled on 1 October 2024, and there is no record of it being used in the preceding 90 days which extend back until 4 July 2024. It has been widely reported that Mr McMonagle attended a publicity event in the Great Hall on 14 February 2023.

    When Mr McMonagle attended the Great Hall on 14 February 2023, he used a visitor pass. These passes are valid for one day and are issued to any visitor to Parliament Buildings.

    Yours sincerely
    Trevor Clarke MLA

    (On behalf of the Assembly Commission)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Five playgrounds have been renovated in the Strogino district

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Five playgrounds were repaired in the Strogino district as part of the improvement and rehabilitation of part of the Moskvoretsky natural and historical park. The work was carried out in the Strogino floodplain and in the courtyards of residential buildings near it. Modern play equipment, made mainly of wood, was installed on the playgrounds. Young archaeologists will be able to discover a “dinosaur skeleton” on one of them.

    “The surfaces on the playgrounds had become unusable over time, and in some places they were completely absent. The equipment did not meet modern standards and needed to be replaced: it was outdated, there was no stylistic uniformity, and there was significant wear and tear on the moving elements of the structures. The functionality of the playgrounds no longer met the needs of children aged three to seven, and elements that would be interesting to older children were missing,” said the deputy head of the capital’s Department of Capital Repairs.

    Vladimir Alyabyev.

    In Stroginskaya Poima, a children’s playground near property 33 on Marshal Katukov Street has been renovated. It was equipped with landscape geoplastics — artificial bumps were made, and play elements were mounted on and in them. A hill with tunnels for climbing, slides, and an obstacle course appeared here. Various climbing elements were placed on the slopes, clinging to which you can climb to the tops of these bumps, and slides will help you go down. A sandbox with tables, chairs, a children’s excavator, and a hidden panel in the form of a dinosaur skeleton was equipped for the little ones. While digging it, children can imagine themselves as archaeologists.

    At the playground near building 32, building 3 on Tallinskaya Street, swings, spring swings, a sandbox and a play complex with a climbing board, a slide and a suspended rope crossing were installed.

    On Tvardovskogo Street, in addition to the usual swings, carousels and trampolines, a children’s town called “Monkeys” was installed with various climbing frames and a slide. A sandbox with play equipment was also provided for the little ones, and comfortable benches were installed for the parents. At the request of residents, the playground surface was made of natural material – rounded gravel.

    Two playgrounds have been renovated near the houses between Tvardovskogo Street and Turkmensky Proezd. On one of them, a slide and climbing elements have been placed on a natural slope, by clinging to which you can climb to the upper level of the playground. Benches for parents and a hammock have been installed on the lower one. Across the path, there is a larger playground where you can find talking tubes, balance beams, a sports complex, interactive play panels, trampolines, a sandbox and swings, including ones with seats for the little ones.

    The playgrounds were designed in a single style. Given the peculiarity of the territory, the play equipment was made mainly of wood. This material is environmentally friendly, harmonizes well with the environment and allows children to get acquainted with different textures.

    From sand factories to trampolines: what the capital’s playgrounds look like

    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/145396073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Humanitarian mine clearance: Confederation establishes comprehensive partnership with Ukraine’s civil protection service and Swiss mine clearance company

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport

    Bern, 17.10.2024 – In order to reduce the danger posed by mines and other explosive ordnance in Ukraine, the Swiss government is supporting Ukraine’s civil protection service through a partnership with the Swiss company Global Clearance Solutions (GCS). The partnership involves supplying three mine clearance systems to Ukraine alongside a comprehensive training, mentoring and logistics package. The package, which amounts to CHF 4.6 million, is being funded by the federal government and underlines the importance of humanitarian mine clearance for the country’s recovery.

    Mines and other explosive ordnance in the ground pose a danger to the civilian population, restrict agricultural work and hinder the reconstruction of a country. In Ukraine, around 139,000 square kilometres of land are estimated to be contaminated by mines and other explosive ordnance. That is equivalent to about three and a half times the surface area of Switzerland. Humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine is therefore a priority for Switzerland. For that reason, the federal government has signed a contract with the Swiss company Global Clearance Solutions (GCS) for the delivery of three mine clearance systems to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). The package, which includes a training and mentoring programme, is worth CHF 4.6 million.

    The project aims to strengthen the capacities of the Ukrainian civil authorities so that humanitarian demining operations can be carried out more safely, efficiently and effectively. In addition to the delivery of the three demining systems, the contract includes an extensive training, mentoring and logistics package. GCS has its own maintenance centre and operations team in Ukraine, enabling the company to provide extensive training and deploy the demining systems sustainably and efficiently.

    The partnership and the demining systems are being financed out of the CHF 100 million that the Federal Council made available on 29 September 2023 to support humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine. The total amount will be funded equally by the DDPS and the FDFA. Through this support package, Switzerland is providing its expertise to help overcome an immense humanitarian challenge. In addition, Switzerland, under the lead of President Viola Amherd and Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, is jointly hosting the Ukraine Mine Action Conference with Ukraine in Lausanne on 17 and 18 October. The importance of mine clearance for Ukraine’s recovery will be discussed at the conference.

    The federal government is working closely with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) on humanitarian mine clearance in Ukraine. The GICHD is supporting the Ukrainian authorities in developing a national demining programme. In addition, the federal government is supporting the demining work of the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD) on the ground in Ukraine. A year ago, the DDPS presented Ukraine with a remote-controlled demining machine from the Swiss DIGGER Foundation.

    Address for enquiries

    DDPS Communications
    +41 58 464 50 58
    kommunikation@gs-vbs.admin.ch

    FDFA Communications
    +41 58 460 55 55

    Global Clearance Solutions
    +41 55 511 15 00
    media@gcs.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
    http://www.vbs.admin.ch

    Defence
    http://www.vtg.admin.ch

    State Secretariat for Security Policy
    https://www.sepos.admin.ch/de

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coventry sends congratulations to Nobel Peace Prize winners

    Source: City of Coventry

    A message from Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council.

    The City of Coventry sends its congratulations to the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize winners Nihon Hidankyo.

    The grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, also known as Hibakusha, is a worthy recipient of the Prize for its dedicated work towards creating a world free of nuclear weapons.

    Coventry has formed strong links with the city of Hiroshima over the years, and we are very proud of that friendship. Hiroshima Day is marked every year in our city on 6 August as we remember those who lost their lives when atomic bombs were dropped on the two cities in 1945.

    Since those dark days of war, our cities have worked tirelessly for peace and have formed friendships with others around the world to try and prevent such horrors ever happening again.

    We are delighted that the efforts of Nihon Hidankyo have been recognised with this great honour.

    Their dedication and resolve to banish nuclear weapons to the pages of history have helped to spread a message of peace.

    These historical witnesses have helped to generate and consolidate widespread opposition to nuclear weapons by drawing on personal stories and creating educational campaigns based on their own experience.

    The core of Alfred Nobel’s vision was the belief that committed individuals can make a difference, and that is clearly shown by Nihon Hidankyo and the survivors who have bravely chosen to use their terrible experiences to bring peace to others.

    Next year will mark 80 years since those terrible weapons caused such pain and devastation, and yet they are still a threat to our world today.

    The city of Coventry thanks Nihon Hidankyo for its work to combat that threat, and we renew our promise to the cities and people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that we will always continue our work for peace by their sides.

    Cllr Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader, Coventry  City Council

    Thursday, 17th October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two CPAs Sentenced in Billion-Dollar Syndicated Conservation Easement Tax Scheme

    Source: US State of California

    Defendants Helped Clients File Tax Returns Claiming Millions in False Charitable Deductions

    Two accountants were each sentenced today to 20 months in prison for their roles in the promotion and sale of abusive syndicated conservation easement tax shelters.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Victor Smith was a CPA and founding partner of an Atlanta-based accounting firm. Beginning at least in 2014 and through at least 2019, Smith promoted and sold tax deductions to his wealthy clients in the form of units in illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters organized and created by co-defendants Jack Fisher, James Sinnott and others. Smith, along with his firm, sold approximately $14 million in false tax deductions to their clients, causing a tax loss to the IRS of about $4.8 million. He earned $491,400 in commissions from Fisher and Sinnott for his role in the scheme.

    William Tomasello was a CPA at another accounting firm who, at least in 2015 and through at least 2019, also promoted and sold units to his wealthy clients in these same syndicated conservation easement tax shelters. Tomasello sold approximately $8.5 million in false deductions, causing a tax loss of about $2.3 million. He earned approximately $525,072 in commissions.

    The scheme entailed the creation of partnerships that would purchase land and land-owning companies and then donate conservation easements over that land or the land itself. Appraisers would value the land and the partnerships would then claim a charitable contribution tax deduction based on the appraised value of the conservation easement, resulting in tax deductions flowing to the wealthy clients who purchased units in the partnership. Many of these clients joined the tax shelters after the donation of the interest in land and after the close of the relevant tax year.

    Smith and Tomasello both knew that, contrary to law, these syndicated conservation easement tax shelters lacked economic substance and that their wealthy clients participated in these sham investments only to obtain a tax deduction and received only a tax benefit for their participation in the tax shelters.  For example, a client who purchased units in a partnership had to “vote” ostensibly on what to do with the partnership’s land. However, Smith and Tomasello knew that the “vote” held by the partnerships each year was just optics and that the land invariably would be donated largely as a conservation easement. Smith and Tomasello also knowingly instructed and caused their clients to falsely backdate documents — such as subscription agreements and checks — related to the illegal tax shelters.

    In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy C. Batten Sr. for the Northern District of Georgia ordered Smith to serve two years of supervised release and to pay $4,878,990.90 in restitution. Judge Batten ordered Tomasello to serve three years of supervised release, to perform 120 hours of community service and to pay $2,386,816.04 in restitution.   

    Seven additional defendants have previously pleaded guilty to criminal conduct related to the syndicated conservation easement tax shelter scheme of Fisher and Sinnott (who were convicted after trial). These other defendants include appraiser Walter Douglas “Terry” Roberts, accountant Stein Agee, CPA Corey Agee, CPA Ralph Anderson, CPA James Benkoil, CPA Herbert Lewis and CPA and Attorney Randall Lenz.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia and IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco made the announcement. They also thanked U.S. Attorney Dena J. King for the Western District of North Carolina for her office’s assistance.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Richard M. Rolwing, Parker Tobin, Jessica Kraft and Nicholas J. Schilling Jr. of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, for the Northern District of Georgia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ohio Man Who Concealed Croatian War Crime Charge Sentenced to Prison for Immigration Fraud

    Source: US State of California

    An Ohio man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for possessing a green card he illegally obtained by concealing that he had been charged with a war crime in Croatia prior to immigrating to the United States.

    According to court documents, Jugoslav Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, in applying to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, falsely stated that he had never been charged with breaking any law even though he knew he had been charged in Croatia with a war crime against the civilian population. Vidic also falsely stated that his only past military service was in the Yugoslav Army from 1988 to 1989, when, in fact, he fought with the Serb Army of Krajina and its predecessors during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia from 1991 to 1995. As a result of these materially false statements, Vidic was approved for lawful permanent resident status and received a green card.

    “Jugoslav Vidic lied about war crimes charged against him in an attempt to escape his past and live in the United States unlawfully,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Thanks to the dedication of prosecutors, law enforcement, and our international partners, Vidic will serve prison time in the United States followed by his removal. His sentence demonstrates that human rights violators will not be allowed to hide from their crimes in the United States.”

    “Vidic committed serious human rights violations and was convicted of war crimes in Croatia as a result. Yet, he lied to U.S. immigration officials about his conviction and participation in a violent military force to claim refugee status and obtain a green card — becoming a permanent legal resident of our country — when he was not eligible to do so,” said U.S. Attorney Rebecca Lutzko for the Northern District of Ohio. “Those who run away from violent crimes they commit elsewhere in the world and then enter our country by brazenly lying about their past will be held to account, as yesterday’s sentence demonstrates. Vidic’s deceitful actions are detestable, and unfairly hurt people in need who legitimately seek refuge to flee real harms in their home countries.”

    “Our communities here in Ohio and across the United States are not safe havens for war criminals to escape accountability in their home countries,” said Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “It is my hope that this sentencing provides some measure of solace to the victims’ families with the knowledge that despite the passage of time, the United States will seek justice.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic intentionally circumvented the laws of the United States by lying on his green card application about his war crimes conviction in Croatia,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This case should serve as a warning to others that the FBI will work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable those like Vidic who seek to violate U.S. law by fraud of any kind.”

    “Jugoslav Vidic knowingly avoided the truth of his past to enjoy the freedoms and liberties of the United States for over two and a half decades,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office. “Yesterday’s sentence underscores the work of the FBI and its local, state, federal, and international partners and sends a clear message that people in the United States who take part in war crimes, regardless of when or where they occurred, or by masking their involvement, will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.”

    Vidic admitted in his plea agreement that he was charged with a war crime in Croatia in 1994 and convicted in absentia in 1998. The Croatian court found that during an attack by ethnic Serb forces in Petrinja, Croatia, on Sept. 16, 1991, Vidic cut off the arm of civilian Stjepan Komes, who died afterward. Vidic further admitted that he knew about the Croatian charges when he immigrated to the United States as a refugee in 1999, applied to become a lawful permanent resident in 2000, and was interviewed by U.S. immigration officials and received his green card in 2005.

    Vidic pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an alien registration receipt card knowing it had been procured through materially false statements. As part of the plea agreement, Vidic agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal from the United States.

    HSI and the FBI investigated the case with coordination provided by the Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, including the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit. The Justice Department thanks the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Croatia, which were both instrumental in furthering the investigation.

    Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Shepherd and Jerome J. Teresinski for the Northern District of Ohio prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance.

    Members of the public who have information about human rights violators or immigration fraud in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or through the FBI online tip form, or HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or through the ICE online tip form. All are staffed around the clock, and tips may be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Smartphones have not become a digital learning tool for Russian schoolchildren

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Despite the widespread use of smartphones, they have not been used enough by teachers in the teaching process of schoolchildren, including for developing their digital skills. Irina Dvoretskaya, a researcher from Institute of Education, National Research University Higher School of Economics,studiedpatterns of use of mobile devices by students in grades 9–11 for learning.

    On September 1, 2024, a law came into force that prohibits schoolchildren from using mobile phones during school hours, even for educational purposes. According to media reports, in 2023, more than 80% of parents supported the proposal to ban smartphones during school lessons. Irina Dvoretskaya, a research fellow at the HSE Institute of Education, analyzed how Russian high school students had used smartphones up to this point and whether teachers were involved in students’ work with digital tools.

    The study involved an online survey in urban and rural Russian schools among students in grades 9–11 (more than 20,000 boys and girls) who had smartphones. The study showed that most high school students did not use smartphones for their studies. Almost 60% of respondents either did not use gadgets at all or used them to work with applications such as an electronic diary. At the same time, teachers did not use teaching practices that promote the development of digital competencies in the classroom. Most often, a smartphone was used as a calculator or as a tool for searching for information. According to the study, only 7.34% of high school students are advanced users of gadgets.

    Irina Dvoretskaya notes that in the existing frontal model of educational work, a smartphone really distracts a student from his studies. However, it would be wrong to completely exclude gadgets from the educational process, given their widespread use and the increasing digitalization of all spheres of life. Otherwise, there is a risk that personal mobile devices will remain a means of entertainment and communication for a child, but not education.

    “Every year, more and more new user technologies appear (for example, chatbots with AI), and banning smartphones in the educational process will not help a child learn to use them responsibly and productively,” notes Irina Dvoretskaya.

    The fruitful use of a mobile device for active learning in project-based or research-based learning allows schoolchildren not only to successfully master subject content, but also to develop meta-subject skills, that is, what students should be able to do in addition to knowledge of school subjects: to realize their educational interests and needs, to solve various life problems.

    The conducted research can help the management of Russian schools to assess the possibilities of integrating personal digital infrastructure into educational organizations. The obtained data can also be used to monitor the progress and academic performance of various groups of students, develop flexible learning paths and individual educational materials in the context of the development of artificial intelligence.

    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.hse.ru/nevs/scene/975592028.html

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pupils become Flu Fighters as vaccinations continue in schools

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This year, all children from Reception to Year 11, including those who are home educated, are eligible for the vaccination. For the majority of children, the vaccine will be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

    Parents are urged to return their child’s consent forms as soon as possible to ensure they don’t miss out. Consent can be given online at Flu Immunisation 2024/25. Verbal consent can be given by calling Vaccination UK on 01902 200077. Requests for the injectable vaccination can be made when giving consent.

    Vaccinations are scheduled to take place throughout the autumn term and each school will be visited twice by Vaccination UK, giving children who may have been off the first time the chance to have their vaccination.

    Any child who misses their free vaccine in school will be able to get it at catch up clinics which will be arranged in the coming weeks, or by contacting their GP.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “The flu vaccination campaign is well underway in local schools and it’s vital that you ensure your child doesn’t miss out.

    “Flu can be deadly and easily spread by children and adults. The vaccine is the best way to protect your children and other family members from becoming ill with the flu, particularly more vulnerable relatives like grandparents or those with underlying health conditions.

    “I would urge parents to return their consent forms as soon as they receive them so that their children can have their free vaccine and become a Flu Fighter!”

    Children aged 2 and 3, and children with some long term health conditions, are also eligible for the nasal spray, with their vaccinations given at their local GP surgery. Parents or guardians who have not yet received a letter or text from their GP inviting them for a vaccination are encouraged to contact their surgery to arrange an appointment.

    To find out more about the flu vaccine for children, read the answers to frequently asked questions and enjoy the 4 exciting Flu Fighters stories for children, Flu Fighters Versus Chilly, Achy and Snotty, Flu Fighters in The Battle of Planet Bogey, Flu Fighters in Close Encounters of the Germed Kind and Flu Fighters on a Vacc-tastic Voyage, please visit Bugbusters.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SLC pays over £5billion in student finance since the start of the academic year

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    By Jackie Currie, SLC Executive Director, Business Operations

    At the Student Loans Company, we remain at the forefront of supporting the education sector by providing trusted, transparent, and accessible student finance services.  SLC enables more than 1.5 million students each year to invest in their futures by providing financial support to access further and higher education.  And we have marked another significant milestone in the 24/25 delivery of student finance to the education sector, paying more than £2 billion pounds in tuition fees to higher education colleges and universities this week.

    On Wednesday, 16 October, we paid £2.3 billion in tuition fees to education providers on behalf of almost students. This follows the almost £3 billion that was paid in maintenance loans to students since the start of academic term in September.

    In total, SLC has paid over £5 billion* in student finance in the 24/25 year so far.

    Currently, our primary focus is on providing additional financial support to students who applied after the deadlines and have received the minimum level of student finance.  We’re also processing application from students who are still applying and for those on courses starting in January.

    Where a student applied late for funding, we awarded the minimum maintenance loan and their tuition fee loan to ensure they had funding to start their term, their remaining funding is paid to them as a top-up payment once all necessary application details are confirmed.

    For students who are still applying for their finance, or yet to apply such as those starting courses in January there’s a range of advice on applying at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/students-from-england-can-find-answers-to-their-questions–2

    *Please note these are provisional figures. Full year figures are published in our Student Support for Higher Education statistical release which will be published on 28 November 2024.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Portsmouth annual firework display returns to Southsea Common

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth’s annual fireworks will be held for the second year at Southsea Common on Tuesday 5 November.

    The site opens at 4pm, with stalls and entertainment for the whole family. Then, the big event itself is scheduled to take place from 7pm.

    There will be a variety of hot food and refreshments available on site, including food such as burgers, loaded fries, hog roast, gyros, sweets, hot drinks, and toasted marshmallow pits.

    Careful planning for your journey is advised. Given the expected high levels of attendance, attendees are encouraged to plan their journey and allow extra time. Consider taking the bus, renting an e-scooter, cycling or walking to the event site for a hassle-free experience.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “The annual firework display is a much-loved tradition in Portsmouth.

    “As always, we’ll have the fireworks, great entertainment, live music, and a good choice of food and refreshments for everyone to enjoy.”

    Facilities will be onsite including toilets, first aid, visitor information point and a separate welfare tent including a lost child point, lost and found, ear defenders, and seating space for anyone feeling overwhelmed.

    The event will end at 8pm.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Passengers to enjoy cleaner travel between UK and Europe  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New green corridors could boost use of sustainable fuels, secure green jobs of the future and advance environmentally friendly travel within Europe.

    • world’s first ‘green shipping corridors’ to be created between the UK and Europe, accessing prime destinations like Amsterdam, Oslo, Copenhagen and Dublin  
    • up to £9 million investment to decarbonise shipping and turbocharge green jobs of the future  
    • 30 projects across the country will also receive a share of funding to make smarter, cleaner shipping a reality 

    Passengers could reap the rewards of greener travel by sea thanks to the development of new shipping routes only accessible to zero emission vessels. 

    Maritime Minister Mike Kane today (17 October 2024) announced the new projects which will receive funds to develop these future routes, including the Port of Tyne to the Port of Ijmuiden (Netherlands) and the Port of Holyhead to the Port of Dublin.   

    The Department for Transport (DfT) is also funding the development of green shipping routes from the UK to Norway and Demark – the organisations that will lead these are soon to be announced.   

    Green corridors are zero emission maritime routes between 2 or more ports. The UK led the development of green corridors through the launch of the Clydebank Declaration at COP26.

    Once developed, should the world’s biggest shipping companies operate along these greener routes, it could transform the ‘fast shopping’ industry, making the global shipment of goods more environmentally friendly.

    Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, said:   

    Shipping is a big contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, so these new green corridors could be a real game changer for industry.   

    This is exactly the direction we need to be going in to achieve our mission of becoming a clean energy superpower.   

    These new corridors could turbocharge the use of sustainable fuels, secure the green jobs of the future and advance environmentally friendly travel to major European capitals like Amsterdam and Dublin.

    The funding comes from the  fifth round of the government’s Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC5), which focuses on driving innovative solutions and new technologies to decarbonise the industry and grow the economy.    

    Matt Beeton, CEO of the Port of Tyne, said:

    Today’s funding announcement will support the development of port infrastructure for electrification and the refuelling of state-of-the-art clean powered vessels. This important green infrastructure will ensure that the Port of Tyne and the Port of Ijmuiden are supporting decarbonised routes between the North East of England and Europe with the aim of saving up to 850,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

    Bolstered by the Maritime Innovation Hub, the Port of Tyne continues to drive sustainable innovation and act as a focal point for a growing European decarbonised distribution network for green trade and passenger journeys.

    The River Tyne fuelled the industrial revolution and now it’s at the forefront of greening international logistics.

    Visiting the Port of Tyne, the Maritime Minister also announced separate funding to help make sea travel cleaner and smarter.   

    Up to £8 million of match funding will be given to 30 projects across the UK to accelerate plans to develop smart technologies, such as autonomous systems, AI, robotics and sensors.   

    These technologies will help position the UK as a world leader in maritime decarbonisation and will support economic growth and coastal communities by delivering local jobs and boosting local businesses.  

    Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

    Like so many industries, the maritime sector is under immense pressure to decarbonise its transport and process methods. Innovate UK is proud to be a key delivery partner for DfT’s UK SHORE programme, which provides a unique platform for innovators and collaborators to demonstrate real-world solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing challenges.

    With this year’s round of competitions delivering a host of exciting prospective technologies, from smart shipping drones to methanol-fuelled vessels, UK SHORE looks to accelerate the adoption of these sustainable solutions and help the UK drive towards its net zero targets.

    This latest round of funding comes from the £206 million UK SHORE programme which is focused on decarbonising the UK maritime sector through tech innovation.

    Maritime media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Added value of patent-intensive industries over 15 trillion yuan

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A staff member shows a China Telecom 5G antenna during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 27, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The added value of China’s patent-intensive industries in 2022 reached 15.32 trillion yuan (about 2.15 trillion U.S. dollars), contributing 12.7 percent to its GDP, according to a report released by the country’s top intellectual property regulator.

    The latest data shows that China’s patent-intensive industries exhibit strong innovation capabilities and development potential, supporting the country’s commitment to pursuing new quality productive forces and high-quality development, the China Intellectual Property Administration noted in a recent monitoring report.

    The report highlights that from 2018 to 2022, the added value of China’s patent-intensive industries saw an average annual growth rate of 9.36 percent, surpassing the average annual GDP growth rate by 2.37 percentage points during the same period.

    The information and communications technology (ICT) service and ICT manufacturing, as representatives of emerging industries, achieved double-digit growth in added value with annual growth rates of 14.86 percent and 10.23 percent, respectively.

    Other patent-intensive industries include manufacturing of new equipment and materials, medicine and the medical industry, as well as the environmental protection industry.

    High investment in research and development is an important factor driving growth. According to the report, the internal R&D expenditure for patent-intensive industries in China reached 1.14 trillion yuan in 2022, marking an increase of 11.28 percent compared to the previous year and totaling 2.23 times that of non-patent-intensive industries.

    In 2022, more than 49 million people were employed in China’s patent-intensive industries, accounting for approximately 6.7 percent of overall employment within the entire society.

    However, the report noted a gap between China and Western patent leading countries. It cited the latest report from the United States and Europe, revealing that patent-intensive industries contributed 24 percent to the U.S. GDP, with employment accounting for 13 percent. Additionally, the EU’s figures that year stood at 17.4 percent and 11 percent, respectively, “significantly surpassing China’s levels.”

    The patent-intensive industries in China still have immense growth potential, and greater efforts should be made to support the development of these industries, the report said.

    China has set a target for patent-intensive industries to contribute 13 percent of GDP by 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet agrees to kick start engagement on options for iconic City Hall

    Source: City of Norwich

    Cabinet have agreed to continue work to explore the future use of City Hall which will include gathering public thoughts and opinions.

    Last night (Wednesday, 16 October), they considered a report setting out options to transform the historic, Grade 2* listed, heritage building.

    The report recommends that Norwich City Council business and its civic activities remain at City Hall.

    The first option would see the building refurbished to provide better public access, fit for purpose council office space, grade A lettable space and event and conference opportunities.

    The second option would go a step further by adding an extension to the rear, as intended in the original 1938 plans for the building, that could be used for offices, homes, or a hotel.

    This option also proposes a new, publicly accessible, landscaped courtyard to the rear and improvements to the public spaces around City Hall. 

    Cabinet agreed they would like the next stage of work to be done to develop a business case around these options.

    Council Leader, Cllr Mike Stonard, said: “We’re still at an early stage and a significant part of what comes next will be gathering feedback from our residents, businesses, partners, and the voluntary and creative sectors.

    “It’s vital that we hear from the people of Norwich on this so we can make the best decisions for the city about how we continue to move forward.

    “We’re taking the time to plan this now and expect to be getting underway with these conversations early next year.

    “We have a huge opportunity here to create a future for the building that boosts the entire city, with the potential to create up to £102million in economic benefits, depending on the scale of the option eventually taken forward.

    “These benefits for Norwich would come from creating improved amenities that attract more use and increase spending in the city over the lifetime of the development.”

    The agreement to develop a business case will also now see the council obtain the many architectural, technical, and financial reports needed to prepare for any change to a listed, heritage building like City Hall.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged in connection with Tottenham murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met detectives have charged a man with murder following the death of a man that was shot in Waltheof Gardens, N17 on Tuesday, 15 October.

    Mahmut Sahindal, 56 (20.5.68), of no fixed abode, was charged with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He has been remanded to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court today (Thursday, 17 October).

    Sahindal was arrested on Tuesday, 15 October.

    An investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a shooting on Tuesday, 15 October, in Waltheof Gardens, N17.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found a man with a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

    The victim’s family have been informed of this update and will continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives name the victim of the Newham fatal collision as they thank people who helped at the scene

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) investigating a fatal road traffic collision in Newham have named the victim as they continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward.

    At around 15:40hrs on Tuesday, 15 October, a Nissan Juke mounted the pavement at Barking Road, E16 colliding with 18-year-old Maryam Nabil Shuwey who was from Stratford. Despite the actions of off-duty police officers, members of the public and medics, Maryam sadly died from her injuries at the scene.

    Chief Superintendent Dan Card, leading policing in Newham, said: “I know that local people will be feeling shocked and distressed by the tragic loss of a young woman’s life in such horrific circumstances. Please know that we share those feelings, and we are doing everything we can to support our SCIU colleagues as they investigate the full circumstances of the incident.

    “The actions of two off-duty officers close to the scene when the collision happened were commendable – despite the chaotic situation, they managed the incident in its early stages and attempted to help the victim until medics arrived. Members of the public also rushed to see if they could help as Newham pulled together to try to save a young life. While the outcome was not what anyone would have wished for, I would like to extend my thanks to those people.

    “Local residents and businesses will notice a more visible police presence in the area in the coming days and I urge anyone with concerns to speak with officers as they patrol or contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team.”

    The driver of the Nissan Juke – a 45-year-old man – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being taken into police custody. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

    The victim’s family were notified and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Road closures and cordons were established. These have since been lifted.

    Chief Superintendent Thomas Naughton, of the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command, said: “This is a tragic and deeply upsetting incident for everyone concerned. We are doing everything we can to support the victim’s family and we ask that their privacy be respected as they struggle to come to terms with unimaginable loss.

    “I am aware of footage of the incident circulating online and ask that consideration be given the victim’s loved ones and that footage not be shared further on social media. Not least because it could prejudice any future criminal proceedings.

    “We are working hard to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and ask that anyone who has information or footage contact us without delay.”

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call the Serious Collision Investigation witness line direct on 020 8597 4874, call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 4765/15OCT.

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council launches new city enterprise centre to boost local economy

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth City Council has officially launched its new city centre enterprise centre to support local businesses to start up and grow.

    City Buildings Enterprise Centre is located in Commercial Road on the former Job Centre and Playland sites and is now the fourth council owned enterprise centre in the city.

    Designed to support local start-ups and small businesses, City Buildings Enterprise Centre offers affordable office space, a co-working area and flexible lease terms with easy access to transport links. .

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibilities for economic development said:

    “City Buildings Enterprise Centre is an exciting opportunity for Portsmouth’s city centre. There is a real need from start-up and small businesses for low cost business premises to be located centrally, close to good transport links.

    This new enterprise centre is also part of our wider city centre regeneration programme. By creating a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, we can revitalise the area and support our local economy.”

    In addition to affordable workspace, the centre offers businesses access to the council’s Portsmouth Business Support Service, providing expert advice on training, funding, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

    Portsmouth Enterprise Centres are committed to helping small businesses thrive by providing low-cost rents and a supportive environment.

    For more information visit portsmouthenterprisecentres.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – CATHOLIC CHURCH STATISTICS 2024

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 17 October 2024

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – As every year, in view of World Mission Sunday, which this year celebrates its 98th anniversary on Sunday, October 20, 2024, Fides News Agency offers some statistics chosen to give a panorama of the Church in the world.All the data in this dossier, and the subsequent processing of graphs and tables are taken from the latest edition of the «Church’s Book of Statistics» published this year (updated to December 31, 2022) regarding members of the Catholic Church, church structures, healthcare, welfare and education. Finally, the picture of ecclesiastical circumscriptions dependent on the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for the First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches is reported.Catholic Church in the world: summary of dataTo December 31, 2022 the world population was 7.838.944.000, with an increase of 53.175.000 units compared to the previous year. The positive trend is confirmed for all continents, except Europe.On the same date, December 31, 2022, Catholics in the world numbered 1.389.573.000 units with an overall increase of 13.721.000 Catholics compared to the previous year. Even in this case, the increase affects four of the five continents. Only in Europe there is a decrease in the number of Catholics: – 474.000. As in previous years, increases were registered above all in Africa (+7.271.000) and in America (+5.912.000). Followed by Asia (+889.000) and Oceania (+123.000). The world percentage of Catholics increased slightly (+0,03) compared to the previous year, reaching 17,7%. The Continents register slight variations.The total number of Bishops in the world increased by 13 units compared to the previous year, reaching 5.353. The number of diocesan Bishops increased (+19) and Religious Bishops decreased (-6). Diocesan Bishops number 2.682, while that of Religious Bishops is 2.671.The total number of priests in the world continues to decline, reaching 407.730 (-142 in the last year). Once again, it is Europe that shows a consistent decrease (-2745), followed by America (-164). Like last year, significant increase were registered in Africa (+1.676) and in Asia (+1.160). Oceania, after last year’s increase, registers a decrease (-69). Diocesan priests in the world decreased by 439 units, reaching 279.171. Religious priests have increased in the last year, reaching 128.559 (+297).Permanent deacons in the world continue to increase (+974), reaching 50.159. The increase was registered in Africa (+1), Asia (+15) and Europe (+267). A decrease was registered in America (-308) and in Oceania (-1).The number of non-religious priests decreased by 360 units compared to the previous year, reaching 49.414. A decrease was registered in Africa (-229), in Europe (-382) and in Oceania (-27) while an increase was registered in America (+27) and in Asia (+251). Even this year there is an overall decrease in the number of women religious, reaching 599.228 (-9.730). An increase was registered, once again, in Africa (+1.358) and in Asia (+74), while a decrease was registered in Europe (-7.012), America (-1.358) and Oceania (-225).The number of major seminarians, diocesan and religious decreased this year, they are globally 108.481 (they were 109.895 in the previous year). An increase was registered only in Africa (+726) and Oceania (+12), while a decrease was registered in America (-921), in Asia (-375) and in Europe (-859). The total number of minor seminarians, diocesan and religious decreased by 95.161 (-553). An increase was registered only in Africa (+1.065), while a decrease was registered in all other continents: Asia (-978), America (-475), Europe (-153) Oceania (-12).In the field of education, the Catholic Church runs 74.322 kindergartens with 7.622.480 pupils; 102.189 primary schools with 35.729.911 pupils; 50.851 secondary schools with 20.566.902 pupils. Furthermore, 2.460.993 pupils study in secondary schools and 3,925,393 in university institutes.Charity and healthcare centres run in the world by the Church are 102.409 and include: 5.420 hospitals and 14.205 dispensaries; 525 Care Homes for people with Leprosy; 15.476 Homes for the elderly or the chronically ill or people with a disability; 10.589 creches; 10.500 marriage counselling centers; 3.141 social rehabilitation centers and 33.677 other kinds of institutes.Ecclesiastical circumscriptions (Metropolitan Arcidioceses, Archdioceses, Dioceses, Territorial Abbeys, Apostolic Vicariates, Apostolic Prefectures, Missions sui iuris, Territorial Prelatures, Apostolic Administrations and Military Ordinariates) dependent on the Dicastery for Evangelization are 1.123 (+2). Most of the ecclesiastical circumscriptions entrusted to the Dicastery based in Piazza di Spagna are in Africa (525) and in Asia (481). Followed by America (71) and Oceania (46).Appendix: analysis – variations over 25 years (1998-2022)In view of the upcoming Jubilee 2025, and to help understand the trend of variations in the numerical data related to the presence and mission of the Catholic Church in the world, in addition to the usual dossier, this year Fides Agency also publishes an appendix which summarizes data collected over a period of twenty-five years, those from 1998 to 2022. This includes data on the Catholic population, the number of priests, the number of men and women religious, and the number of baptisms administered worldwide.This appendix also collects and processes data and tables from the «Church’s Book of Statistics» published this year (updated to December 31, 2022). Unlike the classic dossier, the data taken into consideration in the Appendix do not go into detail on each individual continent, but simply illustrate, with figures, the general evolution at the global level in a broader context.From the data collected for the period 1998-2022, it is immediately clear that the number of Catholics worldwide has increased overall over the twenty-five years covered. The data on the percentage of Catholics in the world population is significant: in 1998, 17.4% of the world’s population was Catholic. In the latest available survey, this figure is 17.7%. The latter percentage has remained unchanged since 2015, after reaching a brief peak in 2014 (17.8%).Another important development concerns the number of priests. Overall, the number of priests (secular and religious) worldwide has increased from 404,628 to 407,730 over the twenty-five years covered. While the number of men and women religious has decreased. According to the data, the number of religious brothers has never exceeded 60,000 over the twenty-five years covered. The same downward curve is also evident in the case of women religious, whose number has fallen from 814,779 to 559,228 in twenty-five years.While the Catholic population is growing worldwide, the number of baptisms has declined. It fell from 17,932,891 baptisms worldwide in 1998 to 13,327,037 baptisms in 2022.(Agenzia Fides, 17/10/2024)

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: The European Supervisory Authorities share highlights from the 2024 Joint Consumer Protection Day in Budapest

    Source: European Banking Authority

    On 3 October , the three European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) – the European Banking Authority (EBA), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) – organised the 11th edition of their annual Consumer Protection Day, in Budapest.

    The event followed the theme of “Empowering EU consumers: fair access to the future of financial services” and had three panels covering the topics of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services, access to consumer centric products and services, and sustainable finance. Speakers and panellists included leaders from consumer organisations, regulatory authorities, EU institutions, academia, and market participants from across the European Union, with 300 participants on-site and more than 600 viewers online.

    Speeches were delivered by the three ESAs Chairs – Verena Ross (ESMA and currently Joint Committee Chair), Jose-Manuel Campa (EBA), and Petra Hielkema (EIOPA) – as well as Csaba Kandrács, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Hungary and Agustín Reyna, the Director General of the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC). A fire-side chat also took place with Chris Betz, Chief Information Security Officer of Amazon Web services to discuss generative AI.

    On Artificial Intelligence, panellists exchanged views about the potential benefits of AI, such as fraud detection and the automation of processes to detect and prevent money laundering, as well as the risks, such as the lack of transparency and explainability. Panellists emphasised the need to better understand the technology to assess how those risks can be mitigated. Some panellists highlighted the importance for the ESAs to facilitate knowledge sharing, ensure regulatory and supervisory convergence and create the conditions for innovation to grow. Some industry players also called on the ESAs to issue ‘guardrails’ or other guidance on how financial institutions should comply with the new EU AI Act.

    During the panel on access to consumer centric financial products and services, panellists discussed the need to strengthen  financial education, pay greater attention to vulnerable consumers, and enable them to understand and access standard financial services packages (payment account, saving account, home/health insurance). The importance of better understanding consumer needs and preserve consumer trust was also highlighted.

    On sustainable finance, panellists remarked that investors still struggle to understand the technicalities of  product disclosures and the complex terminology attached to such disclosures. Simplification of the current Sustainable Finance Disclosures Requirements towards a categorisation system that works for retail investors was considered by the panellists to be the main area that regulators should focus on,  in addition to enhancing the financial literacy of retail investors.

    The ESAs will reflect on the input and suggestions heard from the audience and the panellists, and discuss the actions to be strenghtened  or to be taken going forward.

    See the EBA webpage and the recording of the event here. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE and Hellenic Police equip Bulgarian border officers with advanced skills to combat document forgery and impostors at border crossings

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE and Hellenic Police equip Bulgarian border officers with advanced skills to combat document forgery and impostors at border crossings

    OSCE and Hellenic Police equip Bulgarian border officers with advanced skills to combat document forgery and impostors at border crossings | OSCE
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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator intervenes to improve governance and safeguarding at Birmingham mosque

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Today (17 October 2024), the Charity Commission has published findings of its inquiry into Dar ul Uloom Islamia Rizwia (Bralawai).

    The regulator found the trustees were responsible for misconduct and/or mismanagement but following the Commission’s intervention, they have taken positive steps to address failures and weaknesses in how the charity operated.

    The charity provides a place of worship, religious teachings, community services and also operates an educational centre for the benefit of the local community of Small Heath, Birmingham.

    In 2019, a safeguarding incident occurred at the charity’s education centre, prompting the regulator to open a compliance case. During this period, the trustees temporarily closed the education centre. The Commission found that the charity had no safeguarding policies in place at the time of the incident, constituting a serious breach of duty. As a result, it provided the trustees with detailed regulatory advice and guidance, requiring them to implement safeguarding measures before reopening the centre.

    In November 2021, the regulator escalated its engagement to a statutory inquiry after carrying out a monitoring inspection which found the charity had reopened its education centre without implementing appropriate safeguarding measures. The Commission’s regulatory advice had not been sufficiently followed. The charity attempted to reopen again without complying in 2022, which amounted to misconduct and/or mismanagement. In light of the continued failures, the Commission used its powers to appoint an Interim Manager to undertake a governance review.

    The inquiry identified several regulatory issues, most of which were the result of a poor practice around implementing and following the charity’s own governance policies. This included policies on social media use, conflicts of interest and safeguarding. Additionally, the charity failed to file its accounts for financial years ending in March 2019 and 2020 – all of which amounted to misconduct and/or mismanagement.

    The charity’s failure to use or complete its draft social media policy contributed to the issuing of multiple inappropriate social media posts by trustees and staff which resulted in the charity receiving negative media attention. The Commission considered this as part of its inquiry and determined the trustees’ failure to have oversight or appropriately manage risks amounted to misconduct and/or mismanagement. The posts have since been deleted and an apology was issued at the time.

    During the inquiry, the Commission made an Order to direct the trustees to take specified action to address these issues and to improve best practice around governance.

    Following this intervention, the trustees closed the education centre again and took steps to address the concerns. They provided evidence that staff Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks had been carried out, that safeguarding practices had been reviewed and implemented, and that safeguarding leads had been appointed.

    The trustees have now evidenced their use and adherence to a robust social media policy, drafted in line with regulatory guidance, and the charity’s accounts have since been brought up to date. Further positive steps have been taken by trustees to adopt all recommendations made by the Interim Manager and they have evidenced their use of the regulator’s advice and guidance. In light of this progress, the Commission has now concluded its inquiry.

    Joshua Farbridge, Head of Compliance Visits and Inspections at the Commission, said:

    Our inquiry found a number of regulatory concerns and several instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement but the trustees have taken significant steps to improve how the charity operates.

    We are now closing our inquiry with the expectation that the current trustees will continue to make necessary changes to help ensure this charity is providing a safe and trusted environment for all.

    This case demonstrates how important it is for all trustees to agree and use their charity’s internal policies. Failing to do so can leave a charity and those it serves at risk.

    The inquiry report detailing the Commission’s full findings can be found on gov.uk.

    Notes to editors:

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Find out more: About us – The Charity Commission

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 October 2024

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