NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for August 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The August data shows:

    • on average, house prices have risen 1.5% since July 2024
    • there has been an annual price rise of 2.8% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £293,000

    England

    In England the August data shows, on average, house prices have risen by 1.6% since July 2024. The annual price rise of 2.3% takes the average property value to £310,000.

    • Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.7%
    • The South West saw the greatest monthly price fall, with a fall of -0.3%
    • The North West experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 4.6%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.8%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price Aug 2024 Annual change % since Aug 2023 Monthly change % since July  2024
    East Midlands £250,000 2.1 1.4
    East of England £344,000 1.4 1
    London £531,000 1.4 2.2
    North East £166,000 1.7 1.5
    North West £225,000 4.6 2.4
    South East £385,000 1.6 1.4
    South West £321,000 0.8 -0.3
    West Midlands £255,000 2.6 1.1
    Yorkshire and the Humber £219,000 4.4 2.7

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the East of England.

    The highest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales June 2024
    East Midlands 12
    East of England 0
    London 8
    North East 18
    North West 6
    South East 8
    South West 6
    West Midlands 7
    Yorkshire and the Humber 7
    England 72

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug  2023 Difference %
    Detached £466,000 £463,000 0.8
    Semi-detached £299,000 £290,000 3.3
    Terraced £258,000 £251,000 2.5
    Flat/maisonette £257,000 £251,000 2.4
    All £310,000 £303,000 2.3

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £290,000 1.7 1.5
    Mortgage £320,000 2.6 1.6
    First-time buyer £260,000 3.1 2.1
    Former owner occupier £350,000 1.5 1

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £443,000 25.9 -1.2
    Existing resold property £300,000 1.1 0.4

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.2% since July 2024. An annual price fall of 1.4% takes the average property value to £531,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £1,036,000 £1,058,000 -2.1
    Semi-detached £687,000 £677,000 1.5
    Terraced £580,000 £573,000 1.1
    Flat/maisonette £443,000 £434,000 2
    All £531,000 £524,000 1.4

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £545,000 0.6 3.2
    Mortgage £526,000 1.7 1.9
    First-time buyer £461,000 2.3 2.8
    Former owner occupier £604,000 0 1.1

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £618,000 23 0.2
    Existing resold property £525,000 0 1.1

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

    Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 2.6% since Jul 2024. An annual price increase of 3.5% takes the average property value to £223,000

    There were 9 repossession sales for Wales in Jun 2024.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £328,000 £323,000 1.7
    Semi-detached £217,000 £208,000 4.1
    Terraced £177,000 £170,000 4.2
    Flat/maisonette £147,000 £140,000 4.7
    All £223,000 £215,000 3.5

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £216,000 3.1 3.1
    Mortgage £227,000 3.8 2.4
    First-time buyer £194,000 4.4 2.8
    Former owner occupier £256,000 2.6 2.4

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £336,000 25.7 -0.9
    Existing resold property £211,000 0.9 0.6

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 2.8% in the year to Aug 2024, up from the revised estimate of 1.8% in the 12 months to July 2024. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.5% between July 2024 and Aug 2024, up 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (July and Aug 2023).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in Aug 2024, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 90,000. This is 5.4% higher than a year ago (Aug 2023). Between July 2024 and Aug 2024, UK transactions decreased by 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    House price monthly increase was highest in Yorkshire & The Humber where prices increased by 2.7% in the year to Aug 2024. The highest annual growth was in the The North West, where prices increased by 4.6% in the year to Aug 2024.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the September 2024 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 20 Novemeber 2024. See calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit http://www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator of Social Housing publishes first C4 grading for the London Borough of Newham

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today issued its first C4 grading to the London Borough of Newham, meaning there are very serious failings and fundamental changes are needed.

    During an inspection of the council, RSH found:

    • Over 9,000 overdue fire safety remedial actions, of which over 8,000 were overdue by more than 12 months and more than 4,000 categorised as high risk.
    • 40% of its 16,000 homes had not had an electrical condition test for more than 11 years.
    • Lack of evidence that it is meeting the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements for any of its homes.
    • A lack of accurate information on stock quality, with 60% of its homes without a survey within the last five years.
    • At least 20% of its homes do not meet the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard.
    • Around 5,400 open repairs, nearly half of which were overdue.
    • Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) surveys not completed on time
    • Very limited meaningful opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise the landlord’s strategies, policies and services.

    Although LB Newham has indicated a willingness to address these issues, they failed to refer themselves over key issues and RSH has not yet seen sufficient evidence to assure the regulator of their ability to put matters right.

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

    The breadth and scale of these failings, including very serious health and safety issues, pose an unacceptable risk to tenants’ well-being.

    Taking accountability is a critical part of the co-regulatory approach and it is extremely concerning that, despite the gravity of these failings, the landlord failed to refer themselves to us over key issues.

    We are now engaging intensively with LB Newham as they work to resolve these issues. While we are not proposing to use our enforcement powers at this stage, this will be kept under review.

    RSH has awarded 35 consumer grades since its new proactive consumer began in April, including 9 C1 grades (the highest grade), 13 C2 grades, 12 C3 grades (of which 10 were self-referrals) and 1 C4 (the lowest grade).

    RSH is carrying out planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. RSH has started to publish the outcomes of these first inspections and will continue to do so over the coming months.

    Notes to editors

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of landlord inspections. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
    2. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.
    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
    4. Where we have published C3 judgements, the ten landlords who self-referred themselves were Ashford Borough Council, Bristol City Council, Guildford Borough Council, London Borough of Hackney, North Yorkshire Council, Octavia Housing, Sheffield City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, and Warwick District Council.

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of missing World War Two soldier identified in Italy 80 years after his death

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The grave of a soldier of the Middlesex Regiment who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified and rededicated 80 years after his death.

    Padre David Anderson leads the rededication service for Cpl Owens (Crown Copyright)

    Today’s rededication service for Corporal (Cpl) John Owens was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Anzio War Cemetery in Italy. 

    John Alfred Owens was born in Southwark, London on 16 December 1911 to Harry Owens, a milkman, and his wife Louisa. In 1912 John’s sister Amy was born, and a younger brother – Alfred – followed in 1919.  

    John joined the Territorial Army in 1929; he was 18 years old and working as a tool maker. His army records describe him as having a fresh complexion with brown eyes and dark hair.   

    In 1933 he married Violet Maud Dennis in Brentford, and they had three children – Doreen, Sidney and Barbara. He left the Territorial Army in 1935.  

    Cpl John Alfred Owens with his wife and children (supplied courtesy of his family)

    In 1938 John re-joined the army, and in 1939 following the outbreak of war he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, and then Corporal. He was on home defence duties during the early years of the war, until in May 1943 he embarked for North Africa in preparation for the invasion of Italy. His unit, Middlesex Regiment’s 2/7 Battalion were machine gunners supporting infantry troops.    

    By January 1944, John had arrived in Italy, and by the end of the month he was in the Anzio area. On the night of 3 to 4 February 1944 there was a German counterattack during which a small armoured vehicle and gun stores were left behind so the men could safely escape. Early on the morning of the 4th, Cpl Owens, along with another man, Private (Pte) Harris volunteered to recover the gun carrier and other items but went missing in the process. 

    Pte Harris was taken prisoner by the Germans during this action. An Army investigation concluded Cpl Owens had been wounded and taken prisoner, dying in enemy hands on or shortly after the 4 February.  

    Following his death, he was buried near Campoleone station at Aprilla alongside two other men. In August 1944, all three were recovered and moved to the Anzio War Cemetery. The other two men both had personal artefacts which allowed them to be identified, but John could only be identified as a Corporal of the Middlesex Regiment.  

    Recently a team of independent researchers submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Cpl Owens. This research was reviewed, and extra work was conducted by the National Army Museum and JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it was possible to clearly identify where he was buried. 

    Tracy, the granddaughter of Cpl Owens, stands behind his headstone with members of the military party and other dignitaries (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    Researching Cpl Owens and getting to know his war story has been a fascinating journey. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the conclusion of that stories and to know that his family finally have answers to what happened to him all those years ago.

    Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:  

    We give our heartfelt thanks to the team of researchers, the National Army Museum and of course the JCCC, in working with us to help identify this brave soldier’s grave. We will care for his grave and commemorate all who are buried in the beautiful grounds of Anzio War Cemetery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Five Strategic Steps to Unlock Armenia’s Data Center Potential for Economic Growth

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Armenia’s data center industry offers significant opportunities for economic growth, with strategic reforms in regulation, financing, and technological innovation playing crucial roles. Addressing infrastructure challenges and fostering public-private partnerships will help position Armenia as a regional digital hub.

    Armenia is poised for a digital transformation with the development of its data center industry. This sector holds promise for the country’s digital economy. 

    Key opportunities such as regulatory considerations, financing strategies, and the need for technological advancements must be embraced to leverage this industry for economic growth and digital innovation.

    Armenia’s strategic location, coupled with its growing tech-savvy population and vibrant ICT ecosystem, make it a candidate for becoming a regional data hub. However, the current infrastructure and regulatory environment need improvements to attract international investments and foster local innovation. Addressing these issues is important for Armenia to unlock its potential.

    The development of Armenia’s data center industry presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth.

    To overcome these challenges, five steps can be taken:

    Regulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulations to facilitate easier entry and operation for data center companies. Simplifying the process for obtaining necessary permits and licenses, as well as creating a more transparent and predictable regulatory framework, can create a more business-friendly environment that attracts both local and international investors.

    Financial Incentives: Providing financial support and incentives to attract investments in the data center sector. This could involve infrastructure support and sustainability incentives to companies that invest in building and operating data centers in Armenia. Additionally, exploring the establishment of public-private partnerships to share the financial risks and rewards of developing this critical infrastructure is essential. 

    Technological Upgrades: Investing in advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of data centers. This includes adopting energy-efficient cooling systems, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing cutting-edge data management and security solutions. Staying at the forefront of technological advancements ensures that Armenia’s data centers are competitive and reliable on a global scale.

    Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector can drive innovation and growth in Armenia’s data center industry. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors, Armenia can accelerate development and build a more resilient digital economy. Successful examples of such partnerships can be seen in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and India.

    Capacity Building: Developing a skilled workforce to support the data center industry through training and education programs. Offering specialized courses and certifications in data center management, cybersecurity, and related fields ensures that Armenia has the talent needed to sustain and grow its data center industry over the long term.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for the region. 

    Successful implementation of these recommendations could position Armenia as a digital hub in Central Asia, attracting international investments and fostering regional cooperation. The ongoing efforts to address these challenges are already showing promising results, with several key players expressing interest in the Armenian market.

    Moreover, the growth of the data center industry in Armenia could have a positive ripple effect on other sectors of the economy. For example, the increased demand for high-speed internet and reliable power supply could spur investments in telecommunications and energy infrastructure. 

    Additionally, the development of data centers could create new opportunities for local MSMEs (such as construction companies, equipment suppliers, and service providers) which are important contributors to economic welfare. 

    Armenia has the potential to become a center for data-driven innovation and research. By attracting leading technology companies and research institutions, Armenia can foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for its citizens. This could include initiatives such as smart city projects, digital health solutions, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

    Armenia has a lot of untapped captive renewables that can be harnessed to power these data centers sustainably. By leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources, Armenia can ensure that the growth of its tech sector is both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact but also positions Armenia as a leader in green technology and sustainable development. 

    While there are many positive aspects to consider, it is also important to address the potential environmental impact of data centers and the importance of sustainable practices in their development. 

    Data centers are known for their high energy consumption and carbon footprint, so it is crucial to adopt green technologies and practices to minimize their environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient cooling systems, and adopting sustainable building practices.

    Additionally, the role of cybersecurity in ensuring the safety and reliability of data centers is another critical area that needs attention. As data centers store and process vast amounts of sensitive information, they are prime targets for cyberattacks. 

    Therefore, it is essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches, hacking, and other cyber threats. This includes investing in advanced security technologies, conducting regular security audits, and providing cybersecurity training for employees.

    Continuous innovation and adaptation are crucial for Armenia’s data center industry. To stay competitive, data centers must adopt the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability.

    If Armenia successfully addresses these challenges, it could unlock significant economic benefits and position itself as a leader in the digital economy. The future of Armenia’s digital landscape depends on the actions taken today, making it imperative for stakeholders to collaborate and drive the necessary changes.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth. By addressing the key challenges and implementing the recommended solutions, Armenia can create a thriving data center industry that benefits not only the local economy but also the broader region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP must provide concessionary ferry rates for young islanders

    Source: Scottish Greens

    16 Oct 2024 Rural Affairs Transport

    Green MSP Ariane Burgess calls on SNP to fulfil promise to young islanders.

    More in Rural Affairs

    SNP ministers must fulfil their promise and provide young people across island communities reduced ferry fares, says Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess.

    Last year, Scottish Green MSPs secured a commitment to extend the age range for concessions to all those under 22 in Scottish island communities.

    Under the current scheme previously secured by the Greens, 16-18 year olds have access to ferry concessions on West Coast and Northern Isles services.  

    This scheme currently equates to four free ferry vouchers per year.

    Earlier this week, the Scottish Government announced they would be ending a “fare freeze” on CalMac services with a 10% hike on ticket prices from January 2025.

    Scottish Greens Rural Affairs spokesperson Ariane Burgess said:

    “The increase in ferry fares will further penalise the islanders who rely heavily on these services, making daily commutes expensive and for some, completely unachievable.  

    “The rising cost of living on Scottish islands has seen populations dwindling. Many young islanders are moving from their communities as they cannot afford to rent or buy in their home towns, and commuting to the mainland is becoming impossible.

    “Tourists may budget for increased ferry rates as part of their holiday to bring welcomed custom to our islands, but the locals bear the unseen load on a daily basis. Reform is urgently required to show that the government has not forsaken islanders.  

    “The Bute House Agreement ensured a commitment from the Government to work with ferry operators to create discount and concessionary schemes.  

    “Young people receive free bus travel in Scotland thanks to Scottish Greens and this model has positively impacted their lives socially and financially. Young islanders deserve this positive impact too.

    “Ferries are a vital lifeline for islanders. Provision of an affordable, reliable service will ensure young people feel they can remain living in their community and still have access to opportunity.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: The new version of the Articles of Association of UAB Urbo bankas was registered

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo bankas UAB (hereinafter – “the Bank”), company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

    We hereby inform you that on 15 October 2024, a new version of the Articles of Association of the Bank was registered in the Register of Legal Entities. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved on 30 September 2024 by the Board ot the Bank.

    In addition, we inform you that the reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was completed after the above-mentioned version of the Bank’s Articles of Association was registered. UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was merged with the Bank.

    The reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was implemented in accordance with the procedure and deadlines established by the Law on Joint-Stock Companies of the Republic of Lithuania.

    After the reorganization, the Bank took over all the rights and obligations and assets of UAB “Saugus Kreditas”, as well as rights and obligations under the transactions. They are included in the accounting records of the Bank.

    After the reorganization, the authorized capital of the Bank, which continues its activities, the value of shares, their number, the goals and object of the company’s activities, the company’s bodies and their competence have not changed.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 16.10.2024, 11-08 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/16/2024 11:08

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 16.10.2024, 11-08 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 86.72) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 927.7 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://www.moex.com/n74025

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On the main staircase with an orchestra! Polytech launched musical changes

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Now, in the Polytechnic University, a pop-symphony orchestra plays during breaks between classes! On October 15, the “Musical Break” project was launched at our university. The university’s creative teams will take turns turning the main staircase of the Main Building into a concert hall.

    If the music that greets you at the entrance to the main building is already a familiar thing, then the sound of the orchestra on the main staircase is a surprise even for the Polytechnicians. For all 20 minutes of the big break, the Variety and Symphony Orchestra of SPbPU riveted the students’ attention. Recognizable classics and favorite rock hits, glowing smartphone screens and wide smiles on faces – the musical break at the Polytechnic was a sensation.

    This is great! What kind of orchestra is this? Bravo! Our classmates are playing! How is this possible?! — came from everywhere.

    The musicians, led by Dmitry Misyura, symbolically placed themselves between the busts of the university’s founder S. Yu. Witte and its first director A. G. Gagarin. Witte believed that educating an engineer without humanitarian training was immoral and destructive for the country. Gagarin founded the university’s first symphony orchestra. Thanks to the support of rector Andrei Rudskoy, today our musical group not only continues traditions, but also writes new history.

    “It is great that in the year of the 125th anniversary of the Polytechnic University, the implementation of the concept of developing the university as a cultural territory has begun. “Musical Change” is an important project,” says Boris Kondin, Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity. “Only the Polytechnic University, the only technical university in Russia, implements the tasks of educating students through classical music. Only the Polytechnic University, the only university in the world, organizes “Creative Semesters” for first-year students. No university except the Polytechnic University greets students with classical music from loudspeakers, no university except the Polytechnic University has musical changes.”

    Throughout the first semester (Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 11.40 and 1.40 p.m.), the orchestra, theaters, choirs, vocal and dance studios will take turns putting on unique performances on the main staircase of the Main Building.

    “The idea of “Musical Change” could not help but be born. After all, there are so many creative student groups at the Polytechnic,” notes Dmitry Misyura, artistic director of the Student Club and conductor of the Variety and Symphony Orchestra. “The guys, of course, perform in concerts, go on tour, participate in festivals. But this format, at home, is the most interesting. It is a demonstration of the capabilities and talents among their own. Polytechnicians playing for Polytechnicians! All this is a pleasant surprise, creates a mood and makes you proud of the culture at the Polytechnic.”

    Photo archive

    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://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/culture/on-the-main-staircase-with-orchestra-polytech-launched-musical-changes/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting inclusive education in Africa

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding to help women and girls as well as children with disabilities.

    Scotland intends to support inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia with funding of up to £12.5 million over the next five years, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

    The funding will support two programmes, the first of which aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The second programme will support girls and women to complete secondary education and transition to tertiary or technical education.

    The First Minister met the High Commissioners of Malawi and Zambia, and the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda during a series of engagements in London yesterday (15 October), where he re-affirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to collaborative international development with its partner countries.  

    The First Minister said:

    “This funding aims to help overcome some of the persistent barriers faced by women, girls and children with disabilities, to ensure they have equal access to education, and are fully included in the social and economic life of their communities.

    “The Scottish Government has prioritised this work as part of our commitment to international development and good global citizenship, working in partnership with our counterparts in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia to meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development goals.

    “So I am very pleased to confirm this additional funding in support of those efforts. I am also grateful for the work of Oxfam, Link Education International and local partners in all three countries who are delivering these programmes to help some of the world’s most marginalised learners, who have the same right to a quality education as anyone else.”

    H.E. Macenje Mazoka, Zambia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said:

    “The Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education in Zambia is a testament to the strong bonds between our nations. Their support for programs that enhance access to quality education for all, especially for marginalised groups, aligns perfectly with Zambia’s vision for equitable development. We look forward to strengthening the positive impact this partnership will continue to have on our education system and the lives of Zambian students, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.”

    Background

    Inclusive education – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    Subject to the annual budget approval process by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government intends to provide funding of up to £12.5 million for Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia, comprising up to £7.5 million over five years to support for disabled learners and learners with additional needs and up to £5 million over five years to support Scholarships for Women and girls to complete secondary and transition to tertiary education or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). 

    1. Realising Inclusive and Safer Education (RISE)  This programme, which is being delivered by Link Education International between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The programme is worth up to £1.5m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with Link Community Development Malawi, School to School International in Zambia and Chance for Childhood in Rwanda.  
    2. Scholarships for Women and Girls in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia  

      This programme, which is being delivered by Oxfam between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to support girls and women to complete secondary education and to support their transition to tertiary education and TVET. The programme is worth up to £1m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with the Young Women’s Christian Association in Zambia and Rwanda, and Concerned Youth Organisation in Malawi.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 16.10.2024, 11-25 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the RU000A101MG4 (RossetB1R2) security were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/16/2024 11:25

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 16.10.2024, 11-25 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 97.67) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1019.83 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A101MG4 (RossetB1R2) were changed

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://www.moex.com/n74027

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling illegal content online and implementation of the Online Safety Act

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Letter from the Secretary of State, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to Ofcom.

    Documents

    Tackling illegal content online and implementation of the Online Safety Act: letter from DSIT Secretary of State

    HTML

    Details

    Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology has written to Dame Melanie Dawes, CEO of Ofcom, regarding Ofcom’s implementation of the Online Safety Act.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TfL bad debt increases by almost £300m in three years

    Source: Mayor of London

    With Transport for London’s (TfL) bad debt levels climbing almost £300m in three years, the Mayor has been urged to increase collection levels for road user charging schemes.
    In 2020-21, figures showed TfL’s bad debt expenses to be c.£160m.1 At a recent Budget and Performance Committee meeting, the Committee was told that bad debts are now in the region of £450m.2
     
    The sharp increase coincides with the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to the North and South Circular in October 2021, and London-wide in August 2023. In September 2024, The London Assembly was informed that TfL was now owed £376 million in unpaid Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) for the ULEZ.
     
    The London Assembly Budget and Performance Committee has today published a letter to the Mayor, calling on him to consider increasing collection levels for road user charging schemes, to ensure money owed can be spent on improving London’s transport network.
     
    Key recommendations include:

    • TfL should review the causes of the increase in its bad debt charge since 2021-22 and look at appropriate measures to increase collection levels for all road user charging. TfL should seek to conclude this exercise in time for it to be reflected in the 2025-26 Budget and break it down for each type of road user charge.
    • TfL should set out in its 2025-26 budget submission and 2024-25 performance reporting the level of contingency it holds for exceptional items such as handling the recent cyber attack, recent applications of such contingencies and the actions it is taking to address any lower than anticipated operating surplus levels.
    • The 2025-26 Budget proposals should explicitly confirm whether the Mayor will continue to provide ongoing funding from GLA funds for the current fares freeze, and be clear on the source of the funds.

    Neil Garratt AM, Chairman of the Budget and Performance Committee, said:

    “The Ultra Low Emission Zone appears to have contributed to a near £300m increase in bad debt in three years, an urgent financial problem for TfL.
     
    “Such large sums of money being owed to TfL, which may not be recoverable, means that much-needed transport investment projects might be scrapped.
     
    “That is why we have today called on the Mayor to look at appropriate measures to increase collection levels for road user charging schemes, and also to provide details on the ratio of bad debt charges before and after the ULEZ expansion into outer London in 2023.

    “It is important for Londoners to know whether the ULEZ expansion is delivering as expected on the financial side, as well as the public health side.
     
    “If TfL’s finances and the Mayor’s plans are not based on reality, they cannot be delivered.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Creating opportunities for Canadian industry through an enabling Canada–European Space Agency partnership

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Longueuil, Quebec, October 16, 2024 — Today, while representing Canada at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell announced that Toronto-based Kepler Communications Inc. has been selected as the prime contractor for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) HydRON-DS mission.

    Consisting of a ring of 10 satellites around Earth, HydRON-DS will use laser communications to provide high-performance Internet in space at unprecedented speeds for government and commercial users. This opportunity has been made possible thanks to Canada’s long-standing and fruitful partnership with ESA, that allows Canadian companies from the space sector to leverage their expertise and skills on the European market. Since 1979, Canada has held the privileged position of being the only non-European cooperating state of ESA.

    President Campbell also highlighted other concrete outcomes of this agreement for Canadian companies, such as:

    • Sherbrooke-based SBQuantum will assess the viability of its quantum diamond magnetometer in space. ESA will evaluate both the reliability and precision of the sensor, and explore its potential deployment on satellites for various purposes, like assisting in the monitoring of magnetic storms or mapping minerals under the surface of the Moon.
    • C-CORE, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, will design and build a calibration transponder for the Biomass mission, which will deliver crucial information about the state of the world’s forests and how they are changing, and further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.
    • Québec-based ABB Analytical Business Unit in Canada will provide the Laser Unit for the interferometer of the Forum mission, ESA’s ninth Earth Explorer satellite mission. Data from the mission will be used to evaluate the role that the far-infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum plays in shaping our climate.

    Quotes

    “Canada’s continued participation in European Space Agency programs will further position our space sector for significant growth, generating highly skilled employment, and providing essential opportunities to access European markets. This collaboration allows us to engage in international space missions, while ensuring Canada’s space industry remains innovative, vibrant, and competitive in the fast-evolving global landscape.”

    – The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

    “For 45 years now, Canada’s collaboration with ESA has resulted in opportunities to participate in European space program projects that would otherwise be out of reach. For Canadian companies, having this unique access to the European space market means commercialization prospects and concrete sales, job creation and knowledge-sharing, and international partnership opportunities. We look forward to continuing this partnership to further strengthen the synergies between our industrial, academic and government sectors as we advance space science and technology together.”

    – Lisa Campbell, President of the CSA

    “ESA is proud of the HydRON project, which exemplifies the power of European and Canadian collaboration in advancing space technology. With its laser satellite network for lightning-fast Internet communications, HydRON has the potential to transform how we connect globally, bridging digital divides and enabling secure communications on Earth and beyond.”

    – Josef Aschbacher, ESA Director General

    Quick facts

    • The Cooperation Agreement between Canada and ESA was first signed in 1979, most recently renewed in 2019.

    • Europe is the second-largest trading partner for Canada’s space sector after the U.S. ESA is among the largest space agencies in the world and undertakes a wide range of space missions and activities that the Canadian space sector is well positioned to engage in.

    • Between April 2018 and March 2022, 44 Canadian organizations received 125 contracts valued at approximately €59 million, which would otherwise not have been accessible without the Canada–ESA Cooperation Agreement.

    • From October 14 to 18, the CSA is attending the 75th edition of the IAC organized in Milan, Italy. The IAC is the largest space-related conference worldwide offering the latest space information and developments in academia and industry, networking opportunities, contacts and potential partnerships.

    Contacts

    Canadian Space Agency
    Media Relations Office
    Telephone: 450-926-4370
    Email: asc.medias-media.csa@asc-csa.gc.ca
    Website: http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca
    Follow us on social media

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions with British Sign Language (BSL) – 16 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

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

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

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

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45vnYwdYunk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ending rough sleeping in London

    Source: Mayor of London

    How can the Mayor and Government work together to make sure nobody has to sleep on London’s streets?

    Latest figures show an increase in the number of people sleeping rough for at least one night in Autumn 2023. The Mayor’s election manifesto included a commitment to ending rough sleeping in London by 2030.

    The Housing Committee will tomorrow ask what needs to be done if the Mayor is to meet his commitment and how at-risk groups such as young people and refugees can be better supported.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – Sector experts: 10am – 11:15am

    • Molly Bishop, Head of Implementation, Centre for Homelessness Impact
    • Jasmine Basran, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Crisis;
    • Alexia Murphy, CEO, Depaul UK
    • Simone Strachan, London Hub Strategic Lead, Shelter
    • Michelle Binfield, Rough Sleeping Programme Director at London Councils

    Panel 2 – GLA – 11:30am – 12:45pm

    • Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development
    • Megan Life, Head of Specialist Housing and Services, Greater London Authority
    • David Eastwood, Lead Manager, Rough Sleeping

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 17 October from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) – 16 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/45vnYwdYunk

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

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

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

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

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

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUngrvSwnE8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sony Acquires KinaTrax, Inc. to Expand Its Sports Data Business into Player Performance

    Source: Sony

    October 16, 2024

    Marking a new expansion into the biomechanics and player performance space

    Sony Corporation
    Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Tokyo, Japan / Basingstoke, United Kingdom – Oct. 16, 2024 – Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that Sony welcomed KinaTrax, Inc. (“KinaTrax”), a leader in research-grade markerless motion capture technology for sports that collects in-game biomechanical performance data on athletes, into Sony’s sports businesses through a recent acquisition.

    Joining forces with Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited (“Hawk-Eye”), a Sony group company that forms an integral part of Sony’s sports businesses, KinaTrax will bring its trusted biomechanical and analytical expertise, as well as its markerless motion capture technology to Sony’s portfolio and is expected to further create synergy to maximize the use of sports data for athletes, teams, leagues and fans alike.

    Hawk-Eye, Beyond Sports and Pulselive form the core foundation of Sony’s sports businesses, with a shared commitment to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world around sports data technologies. Welcoming KinaTrax bolsters Sony’s capability to serve important use cases for sports data, such as analysis and biomechanics for coaching, scouting and athletes’ performance.

    Rufus Hack, CEO of Hawk-Eye, Pulselive and Beyond Sports stated: “By welcoming KinaTrax into the family, we are excited to further expand our offering, under our mission of unlocking the power and emotion of sport through data. We are incredibly privileged to partner with an overwhelming majority of the top global sports leagues, and this acquisition allows us to broaden our proposition through new biomechanical insights in the critical and growing field of player performance.”

    Steven Cadavid, President of KinaTrax also said: “We’re excited to become part of Sony and its sports businesses, and to bring our know-how to complement the powerful tech Hawk-Eye, Pulselive, and Beyond Sports have developed and are delivering today. The future of sports is in deeper data tracking and the creation of smarter insights through innovative technology. With Sony, by enhancing KinaTrax’s expertise in capturing and delivering biomechanical performance data, we aim to contribute to provide sports leagues, teams and players with the best insights to improve performance and pursue success.”

    KinaTrax, Inc.

    KinaTrax provides professional and collegiate teams with game-changing insights focusing on teams’ most valuable asset: their athletes. The company delivers research-grade markerless motion capture technology that allows teams to collect in-game biomechanical performance data. The camera systems are currently deployed in over 75 stadiums and labs across MLB, MiLB, and NCAA organizations, and are expanding into other sports leagues.

    The comprehensive sets of tools for data capture and analysis are operationalized for daily use by players, GMs, coaches, trainers, medical staff, and researchers, providing value that goes beyond traditional scouting, training, and rostering.

    About Sony Corporation

    Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world.
    For more information, visit: Sony Corporation – Home

    • *Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

    About Hawk-Eye Innovations Limited

    Hawk-Eye has been at the forefront of sports officiating and broadcast enhancement technology since 2001. The world’s biggest sporting events trust Hawk-Eye to make the right call when it matters most.

    Hawk-Eye’s vision-processing, video replay and creative graphic technologies make sport fairer, safer, more engaging and better informed. Hawk-Eye’s innovations are constantly changing the face of sports officiating, production, content management, and fan engagement in every sport.

    Hawk-Eye forms a key part of Sony’s sports businesses with a shared mission to deliver best-in-class officiating, broadcast and digital solutions to the sports world.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Federico Donelli, Assistant Professor of International Relations, University of Trieste

    Turkey has ramped up its partnership with Somalia in recent months. It is helping Somalia defend its waters, and has signed a deal to explore for oil and gas off the east African nation’s coast.

    There have also been reports of advanced discussions to have Turkey set up a missile and rocket testing site in Somalia.

    These agreements underscore Turkey’s strategic and economic aspirations in the broader Horn of Africa region.

    Over the past four years, there has been a steady increase in Turkish partnerships and agreements for the export of defence-related products to the region. This has included the use of Turkish drones in conflict zones, such as Libya and Ethiopia.

    I have studied Turkey’s historical and current involvement in Somalia to understand what’s driving Ankara’s policy in the Horn of Africa. In my view, Turkey’s involvement is driven by multiple factors. These include international status-seeking, regional balance and strategic concerns.

    The opening of a training facility in Mogadishu has increased Turkey’s strategic depth in the Horn of Africa, projecting the country towards both sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean. And the use of Turkish drones in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict has shown Turkish defence arrangements have become a factor in local dynamics.

    Somalia’s appeal

    Turkey’s interest in Somalia dates back to 2010-2011. At the time, Somalia was grappling with the devastating effects of 20 years of civil war, failed international interventions and the emergence of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab terror group. In addition, the country was devastated by a famine that claimed more than 250,000 lives.

    Somalia presented Turkey with several opportunities to establish a footprint in a region of high geostrategic value, and to enhance its image in Africa and globally.

    First, there was a lack of interest in the country from major international players. Apart from anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Aden and the US focus on the war on terror, international players watched Somalia with a certain detachment.

    Turkey saw an opportunity to benefit from taking a leading role in an international crisis scenario.



    Read more:
    Al-Shabaab is just a symptom of Somalia’s tragedy – the causes are still in place

    Second, the world’s attention focused on the Arab world. The region was facing a wave of pro-democracy protests dubbed the Arab Spring. Somalia and the suffering of the Somali people were quickly forgotten by the international community.

    Turkish policymakers saw the country’s isolation as an opportunity to gain international popularity and visibility on the continent.

    Turkey took a multifaceted approach in Somalia. This encompassed humanitarian aid, diplomatic initiatives and economic investment. Turkey also supported state-building efforts and the reconstruction of Somalia’s security apparatus.

    Internal dynamics

    The financial and political resources that Turkey has invested in Somalia are driven by regional and domestic political considerations.

    Regionally, 2016 to 2021 was a period of tension between Turkey, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Somalia and the competition for influence in its politics became one of the main areas of confrontation.

    Domestically, Turkey has been able to portray its involvement in a way that’s boosted the ruling party’s standing. In addition, engagement in the Horn of Africa meets the demands of various business groups. This includes construction and defence companies that are close to the ruling political elite.

    Intervention in Somalia plays an important role in the narrative of Turkish political elites associated with Turkey’s ruling party, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (Justice and Development Party).

    The party is a conservative but non-confessional party with Islamist roots. A significant proportion of the party’s supporters consider voluntary charity (sadaqa) to be the duty of a good Muslim. As a result, Turkey’s foreign and domestic interests converged with the government’s policy to support crisis-stricken Muslim communities. This includes those in Somalia. Here, Turkey has framed its involvement as a political and humanitarian success story. The Turkish public views it as such.



    Read more:
    Turkey’s foray into Somalia is a huge success, but there are risks

    Turkey has been able to bolster its security and defence ties at a rapid pace. The country’s Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı (Defence Industry Agency of Turkey) reports directly to the president. Established as a state body in 1985, the agency gained prominence in 2017 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had it placed under the direct authority of the presidency.

    This has made concluding defence agreements – a key factor of Ankara’s foreign policy – much faster.

    Turkey has also used the opportunity to increase its involvement in the energy sector. Ankara has long aspired to play a pivotal role as a major energy hub in the wider region. It has considered establishing exploration operations off the coast of Somalia. Like all emerging powers, Turkey has a thirst for energy. This explains its July 2024 oil and gas exploration deal with Somalia.

    Turning point

    Ankara’s February 2024 defence agreement marked a significant turning point in Turkey-Somalia cooperation.

    The agreement deepens defence ties between the two countries. Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to train and equip the Somali navy. It will also help patrol Somalia’s extensive 3,333-kilometre coastline. Turkey’s focus is on maritime activities. This is a strategic choice largely influenced by the unstable conditions in Somalia, where exerting control over territory is difficult.



    Read more:
    Red Sea politics: why Turkey is helping Somalia defend its waters

    The deal is a response to changes in the regional landscape and the ongoing reconfiguration of power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

    This has included:

    Somalia’s decision to pursue diplomatic ties and defence agreements with Turkey needs to be understood against this backdrop.

    Federico Donelli is a Senior Research Associate at the Istituto di Studi di Politica Internazionale (ISPI) in Milan and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Orion Policy Institute (OPI) in Washington D.C.

    – ref. Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy – https://theconversation.com/somalia-and-turkey-are-becoming-firm-allies-whats-behind-this-strategy-240578

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives offer £20,000 reward in relation to 2004 murder of Camille Gordon in Soho

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person responsible for brutally stabbing a student to death at the club she worked at in Soho.

    Camille Gordon, 23, who was training to be a nursery assistant, was brutally murdered on the doorstep of her workplace on 1 March 2004.

    Despite extensive enquiries by the Met over the past 20 years, her killer has not yet been brought to justice.

    Today (Wednesday, 16 October), detectives appeared on the BBC’s Crimewatch Live with a re-newed appeal to catch Camille’s murderer.

    Detective Inspector Amanda Greig from the Met’s Specialist Casework Team, who is leading the investigation, said:     “It may have been more than 20 years since Camille was brutally murdered, but her family remain just as heartbroken today. They want answers and they want the person responsible for Camille’s death brought to justice – this is something we want too and we have not given up trying to get that for them. This is why we are now offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

    “A lot can happen in 20 years, allegiances can change. Maybe you felt unable to talk to us at the time, for whatever reason, but you are now in a position to do so. Maybe you saw the attack or you were at the club or in the area at the time of the murder? Maybe the person responsible has since confided in you? I would urge you to share whatever information you have with us – it will be treated in the strictest confidence and could bring much needed closure to Camille’s family.”

    Camille was born in Jamaica and came to the UK in 2001 to study as a nursery assistant in Birmingham. She moved to London in August 2003 to find better career prospects and at the time of her death she was living in South Norwood.

    She started working part-time as a hostess at the Blue Bunny Club in Archer Street, Soho, to help fund her training.

    The club offered female company for a short period of time, but no sexual activity took place.

    At about 18:30hrs on 1 March 2004, Camille was working on the door of the club when a man approached her.

    He entered the club, paying an admission fee of £5, and went to a private area with Camille.

    After a short while, another member of staff presented the male customer with a bill for £375. He was unable to pay the full amount, so he paid £80 and was escorted to the exit by the other member of staff.

    The customer left the venue and walked along Archer Street towards the junction with Rupert Street. He returned to the venue shortly after, but upon seeing a different member of staff he raised both hands in a submissive manner and went off towards Rupert Street.

    At about 19:10hrs Camille returned to the door of the club when a man was seen to enter the doorway before very quickly leaving, walking at pace along Archer Street towards Great Windmill Street.

    Camille screamed and staggered down the stairs into the club where she told colleagues she had been stabbed in the chest.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she died from her injuries about an hour later.

    A post-mortem examination revealed that she had died from a single stab wound to the heart.

    Detectives are keen to speak to the unknown customer in relation to Camille’s murder

    We have today released enhanced CCTV footage and images of this unknown customer, whom officers believe to be responsible for Camille’s murder, entering Piccadilly Circus Tube station shortly after the murder. He is described as black, aged 20-25 and 5’5″-5’8″. He was wearing a dark jacket with a large ‘Cleveland Indians’ logo on the front, dark jeans, white trainers and a hat believed to be a baseball cap.

    Two days after the murder, on 3 March 2024, a man attended Kennington Police Station and asked to speak to a CID officer about a murder at the Blue Bunny Club. However, he left before CID got there and he never returned.

    Detectives are urging this man to get in touch so he can share the information he has. He is described as white, about 35 years old, about 5’8″, of skinny build with defined cheek bones and light brown hair.

    Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8267. Information can also be submitted online here Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

    Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ESAs respond to the European Commission’s rejection of the technical standards on registers of information under the Digital Operational Resilience Act and call for swift adoption

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA – the ESAs) today issued an Opinion on the European Commission’s (EC) rejection of the draft Implementing Technical Standards (ITS) on the registers of information under the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). The ESAs raise concerns over the impacts and practicalities of the proposed EC changes to the draft ITS on the registers of information in relation to financial entities’ contractual arrangements with ICT third-party service providers.   

    The draft ITS proposed by the ESAs were rejected by the EC on the grounds that it is necessary to allow financial entities the choice of identifying their ICT third-party service providers registered in the EU either by using the Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) or by using the European Unique Identifier (EUID). 

    In the ESAs view, the EC’s proposal of adding an additional identifier, allowing EU-based companies to use the EUID, will cause unnecessary complexity and could have negative impacts on the implementation of DORA by financial entities, competent authorities and the ESAs. 

    The ESAs note that, although the EUID is available free of charge to EU-registered companies, its introduction in the registers of information would entail unforeseen implementation and maintenance efforts for the financial entities. In particular, it would limit the access to and  the possibility for verification of the information by the financial entities and competent authorities. This would lead to a potential increase in the overall reporting burden for financial entities in the context of DORA. In addition, the coexistence of two identifiers could bring additional complexity that would negatively impact the quality of data used, and risk delays in the designation of critical ICT third-party service providers (CTPPs) by the ESAs.

    If the EC decides to proceed with the introduction of the EUID, despite the above concerns, additional changes to the draft ITS will be necessary. The Opinion indicates how the draft ITS should be adapted further to cater for the use of the EUID. Without these changes, the ITS could not be practically applied for a proper identification of the ICT third-party service providers, which would negatively impact the designation of CTPPs. The ESAs also note that in the case of co-existence of both LEI and EUID, the financial entities should be given the preference for using LEI, especially where both identifiers are available to them, and for the case of groups, it is important to ensure homogeneity in the registered identification codes for all ICT third-party service providers.

    The ESAs call for the final decision on the use of identifiers and the swift adoption of the draft ITS by the EC. This is particularly relevant for the ESAs, who will be designating CTPPs in 2025. Finally, leveraging on the experience of the dry run exercise, the ESAs call financial entities to increase their implementation efforts in order to be ready to submit their registers of information to the competent authorities in the first half of 2025.

    Background and legal basis

    Article 28(9) of DORA (Regulation (EU) 2022/2554) mandates the ESAs to develop draft ITS to establish the standard templates for the register of information referred to in Article 28(3) of DORA. The draft ITS was developed and submitted by the ESAs to the EU Commission on 17 January 2024.

    The registers of information maintained by the financial entities serve as an important input for the ESAs’ work on the designation of CTPPs that will be subject to the oversight by the ESAs.

    On 3 September 2024, the European Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure set out in the fourth subparagraph of Article 15(1) of the ESAs Regulations, notified the ESAs of the rejection of the ITS on the basis of the envisaged mandatory use of the LEI to identify ICT third-party service providers under Article 3(5) and (6) of the draft ITS.

    Pursuant to Article 15(4) of the ESAs Regulation, the ESAs prepared this Opinion on the proposed amendments to the draft ITS by the EU Commission. In addition, the ESAs also suggested some other changes to the draft ITS based on the experience and feedback received from the industry during  the ‘dry run’ exercise the ESAs carried out during 2024 to support the industry in the preparation for submission of the registers of information and to test the reporting process. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK bolsters support to tackle mpox and Marburg in central Africa

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has announced a package of measures to tackle the outbreaks of mpox and Marburg in central Africa

    • Support to bolster partners’ efforts to tackle mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and other affected countries.
    • UK Public Health Rapid Support Team sent to the region will also provide technical expertise on mpox to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
    • The UK is separately working with Rwanda to deliver its response plan to the Marburg virus outbreak and reduce the virus’ spread.

    The UK has announced a package of measures to tackle the outbreak of mpox in central Africa, including up to £9m in support and the deployment of UK-based experts to provide technical expertise in the region.

    The financial package, unlocked from the existing Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, will bolster the national response to mpox in DRC, the epicentre of the outbreak, and across the wider affected region. This includes additional funds to strengthen the UK’s existing partnership with UNICEF in DRC.

    Funds will assist partners to strengthen surveillance systems, reinforce health services and work with communities to raise awareness of risks and personal protective measures, in line with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Continental Preparedness and Response Plan.

    The Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds said:

    Across the DRC, dedicated healthcare workers and communities are doing all they can to prevent the spread of mpox. But the reality is they cannot do it alone.

    The UK is working in partnership with others to bolster the national and wider regional response. This vital support will help stem the spread of this deadly disease, protecting communities in DRC, the wider Africa region, and at home in the UK.

    To support the leadership and coordination of the African continent’s response to mpox, the UK has deployed experts from the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), an innovative partnership between the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), to DRC to support the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, who is jointly leading the continental response with the WHO.

    These two experts – a field epidemiologist and an Infection Prevention and Control specialist – will use their technical expertise to assist the joint WHO Africa-CDC continental incident management team.

    Dr Ed Newman, UK-PHRST Director said:

    The UK Public Health Rapid Support team ensures that our expertise in tackling infectious disease outbreaks is rapidly available to support countries who are responding to public health emergencies.

    Our staff will provide specialist support to colleagues at Africa-CDC and the joint continental incident management team as they work to manage the ongoing mpox epidemic, as well as using this learning to further strengthen UK preparedness.

    The UK is also supporting Rwanda to deliver its response plan to the Marburg virus outbreak, including through mobilising £1.9m from existing ODA budgets to provide UK expertise and outbreak response.

    UK experts in viral haemorrhagic fevers and researchers leading therapeutic trials have already arrived in Kigali to support the response in coordination with the WHO and Rwandan Ministry of Health.

    Through a continued close partnership, the UK and Rwanda are working together to save lives and reduce the Marburg virus’ spread.

    Africa CDC Director General, H.E Dr. Jean Kaseya said:

    Africa is facing significant public health challenges with the mpox and Marburg virus outbreaks. The UK’s vital support—through both financial assistance and technical expertise—comes at a crucial moment.

    This partnership will bolster our efforts to contain these outbreaks, enhance disease surveillance, and strengthen healthcare systems in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and beyond.

    Together, we are not just responding to immediate threats, but building stronger, more resilient systems to safeguard the health of millions across the continent.

    UNICEF DRC Representative, Grant Leaity said:

    Children affected by mpox in DRC are facing other serious challenges including measles, cholera and other infectious diseases, acute malnutrition, and lack of access to essential services.

    The generous UK funds will help in reducing the spread of mpox, providing comprehensive treatment to these vulnerable children and reinforcing the health system over the longer term, especially at community level.

    Background:

    • The announcement of further support to tackle mpox follows the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security by Africa-CDC and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO in August.

    • A recent report from the WHO estimated that there have been more than 30,000 suspected cases of mpox in Africa since the beginning of 2024, resulting in more than 800 deaths.

    • In August, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced £3.1m in UK funding for a new partnership with UNICEF in DRC to tackle mpox and cholera outbreaks. The UK’s partnership with UNICEF will benefit over 4.4 million people in affected communities and prevent the further spread of mpox to neighbouring countries.

    • As the largest flexible donor to the WHO globally (£340m 2020-2024), the UK supports the WHO to prepare for health emergencies and respond to them quickly, directing funding to where it’s most needed.

    • The UK is also one of the largest donors to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – providing £1.65bn over the 2021-2025 period. Gavi is critical to ensuring a sustainable and effective vaccine response to mpox. Gavi has unlocked $2.9m to support the DRC’s vaccination efforts and has secured 500,000 doses of MVA-BN vaccine for Africa.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Business Tendency Survey results published16 October 2024 ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the results of the Business Tendency Survey for September 2024. Chief executives and managing directors were asked for their opinions on the current situation… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    16 October 2024

    ​​Statistics Jersey have today published the results of the Business Tendency Survey for September 2024.

    Chief executives and managing directors were asked for their opinions on the current situation of their business compared to three months earlier and their expectations for the next three months.​

    Please note that the Business Tendency Survey was discontinued in September 2024; please see the statement from the Chief Statistician for further details. The statistical publication calendar​ has been updated to remove previously planned release dates after October 2024. 

    We would like to thank all respondents for their valuable participation over the years.

    Business activity indicator

    • The headline all-sector business activity indicator was moderately positive, at +10 percentage points (pp); this means the proportion of businesses that reported an increase was 10 pp higher than those that reported a decrease.
      • the business activity indicator was strongly positive for the finance sector (+28 pp) and neutral for the non-finance sector (+2 pp)

    Current indicators

    • One of the eight current indicators was extremely negative (input costs), one indicator was moderately negative (profitability), and two indicators were moderately positive (product prices and business activity), while the other four current indicators were neutral.
      • for the finance sector, there were five positive current indicators: two strongly positive and three moderately positive, whilst there was one strongly negative indicator (input costs) and two were neutral
      • for the non-finance sector, one of the eight current indicators was extremely negative (input costs), one was strongly negative (profitability), and one was moderately negative (business optimism); in contrast, one indicator was strongly positive (product prices) and the other four were neutral
    • The overall picture was essentially the same as last quarter; the only notable changes being a moderate increase in the employment indicator and a moderate decrease in the product prices indicator.

    Outlook for next quarter – the three months to December 2024

    • The outlook for future business activity was moderately positive (+19 pp). 
      • the indicator was strongly positive for finance (+46 pp) and neutral for non finance (+7 pp)
    • The overall future employment outlook was moderately positive (+10 pp).
      • the indicator was strongly positive for finance (+40 pp) and neutral for non finance (-3 pp)
    • The overall future input costs outlook was extremely negative (-51 pp).
      • the indicator was strongly negative for finance (-35 pp) and extremely negative for non finance (-58 pp)
    • The overall future product prices outlook was strongly positive (+30 pp).
      • the indicator was moderately positive for finance (+20 pp) and strongly positive for non finance (+35 pp) 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held regional GTO competitions for the first time

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Rosneft organized for the first time regional competitions to pass the standards of the All-Russian physical culture and sports complex “Ready for Labor and Defense” (GTO).

    The competition, which took place in Tyumen, was attended by 180 amateur athletes from 17 subsidiaries of the Company. The geography of the participants covered 6 regions of Rosneft’s presence: Tyumen Oblast, Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Sakha Republic, Udmurt Republic and Irkutsk Oblast.

    Supporting mass sports in the regions of its operations is one of Rosneft’s key priorities. The Company’s athletes take part in all major mass sports competitions held in our country and win prizes. Rosneft supports amateur sports and carries out large-scale work to popularize a healthy lifestyle among both its employees and the population in the regions of its operations.

    Over the course of two days, participants demonstrated their strength, agility and endurance by passing GTO standards in 13 disciplines, including 50m swimming, short and long distance running, kettlebell snatch, long jump, bends, pull-ups, push-ups and shooting.

    87 oil industry athletes passed the GTO standards for the first time this year. The oldest participant in the competition was 62 years old at the time of the competition.

    In addition, the event included competitions in functional all-around. On the first day of the competition, teams of three people overcame 6 tests: rowing, push-ups, jumping on a box, long jump, squats and throwing a ball into a basket. On the second day, athletes competed for victory in the game “Sniper” and a mixed relay race over different distances.

    The award ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the All-Russian Physical Culture and Health Complex “Ready for Labor and Defense” in the Tyumen Region, Honored Master of Sports of Russia Natalia Proskuryakova. The winners of the competition were awarded diplomas, cups and certificates.

    Rosneft is holding GTO competitions for the second year in a row, which are attracting more and more employees of the Company. This year, about 800 employees representing 71 subsidiaries and the central management office of the Company took part in the competitions in Moscow.

    Reference:

    The development of the sports movement is one of Rosneft’s key priorities. For active support and systematic work to popularize the GTO complex, in 2023 Rosneft became the winner of the Champion award, established by the Roscongress Foundation’s sports platform RK-Sport and the Reputation educational forum.

    The All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex “Ready for Labor and Defense” (GTO) is a full-fledged program and regulatory framework for the physical education of the country’s population, aimed at developing mass sports and improving the health of the nation. The GTO complex provides for preparation for the implementation and direct implementation by the population of various age groups (from 6 to 70 years and older) of established regulatory requirements for three difficulty levels corresponding to the gold, silver and bronze badges of distinction “Ready for Labor and Defense” (GTO).

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 16, 2024

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

    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.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220919/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get set for Yo! Wolves October half term fun

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    It promises another school holiday packed with a huge array of activities at venues across the city from Monday 28 October until Friday 1 November, 2024. To book places, please visit Yo! Wolverhampton Young Opportunities.

    Highlights include dance, music and drama with the Curiosity Club, an adventure camp with UK S Futures, the chance to enjoy the wonderful world of VR and PlayStation with Learnplay Foundation, and Halloween baking with Let Us Play.

    This October’s Yo! Wolves half term programme follows a fantastic summer which saw nearly 4,000 children, young people and families enjoy over 30,000 activities and a daily meal during the 6 week school holidays.

    The City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s Services, Alison Hinds, said: “We’re really excited to announce our Yo! Wolves October half term programme. Places are limited so please book your activities as soon as you can – and we are busy planning for the Christmas holidays too.”

    For full details of events for October half term go to Yo! Wolverhampton Young Opportunities or follow the council on social media at X, Facebook and Instagram.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cost of living support for Plymouth residents this winter

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Residents struggling with the cost of living crisis will be given extra support this winter, which includes help to pay for food and energy bills.

    Plymouth City Council has been given a further £2.2 million from the Department of Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund to help local people during the next six months.

    The funding will be used to support residents, with a particular focus on:

    • Families with children that are in crisis, facing a cash shortfall or in debt
    • Preventing homelessness and supporting those who are affected by homelessness
    • Energy grants, supporting older people with fuel payments.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cooperative Development and Communities, said: “We’re pleased to have received a further six months of funding from the Household Support Fund, and I would like to thank the Government for this funding. This provides a lifeline to residents struggling with the cost of living which is extra important during the cold winter months.

    “We will be targeting our support to the most vulnerable groups in our community, including those unable to afford food and fuel, or people at risk of homelessness, making sure that there is help available for those who need it.”

    The way the funding will be distributed in Plymouth has been confirmed following an executive decision signed today.

    Grants will be given to community organisations to run warm, welcoming spaces during the colder months, with an application process due to open. The Welcoming Spaces scheme has been running since 2022 to provide people with warm and safe spaces to spend time in. Many of the spaces offer extras such as free Wi-Fi, refreshments or group activities.

    The funding will be used to provide food vouchers during school holidays to families with children that are eligible for Free School Meals. This will include the upcoming October half-term, Christmas holiday and February 2025 half-term.

    The scheme will be distributed directly to residents by Citizens Advice Plymouth via an application process. Eligible applicants will receive food and fuel vouchers, as well as help to purchase essential household goods. There will be a phased approach when the funding opens, determining who is eligible to apply, details of the application process and key dates will be shared on the Council’s website.

    Applications will reopen in November, for more information: Household support fund | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

    Local organisations and charities will also receive funds to help their work, including Plymouth Energy Community (PEC), who support people on a referral basis.

    Grants for energy will be available through Plymouth Energy Community, with a particular focus on supporting older people with fuel payments over the winter.

    Distributing the bulk of energy support through PEC will bring significant added values as people will have access to their on-going core offers of support, information and guidance through the winter months.

    If you need support, please visit the cost of living hub:  Cost of living | PLYMOUTH.GOV.UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN holds discussions with the Dutch Ambassador-at-large for cybersecurity

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with H.E. Ernst Noorman, the Dutch Ambassador-at-large for cybersecurity. They exchanged views on the potential cooperation activities to advance mutual priorities on cybersecurity within the framework of the ASEAN-Netherlands Development Partnership.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN holds discussions with the Dutch Ambassador-at-large for cybersecurity appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Narsil disrupts network of child abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    3 August 2023

    Tracking the money made by perpetrators and preventing the revictimization of children

    LYON, France — INTERPOL has concluded a two-year global operation to bring to justice criminals operating networks of child sexual abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising.

    Running from December 2021 to July 2023, Operation Narsil also targeted the finance mechanisms used by the website administrators to conduct their online advertising campaigns.

    Over two years, INTERPOL member countries worked together using INTERPOL’s Worst of List (IWOL), sharing targeted intelligence, pinpointing suspects and coordinating arrests of the people managing the websites.

    Created in 2010, IWOL contains a watchlist of websites containing extreme child abuse material.  The General Secretariat headquarters works with law enforcement in all regions so that national Internet service providers close down these websites.

    “Operation Narsil sends a strong message to the criminals making money from these websites that INTERPOL, and its alliance of police forces in 195 member countries, know where they are, what they are doing, and how to find them,” said Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

    “Every time a person clicks on these images, they are effectively entering a crime scene. Identifying and removing these websites reduces the availability and potential normalization of online child abuse material, and, most importantly, reduces the re-victimization of the children abused,” added Secretary General Stock.

    Worldwide crime trend

    In one case, a brother and sister, both in their early thirties, were arrested as a result of IWOL digital clues and intelligence provided by the global police community pointing investigators to the suspects in Argentina.

    Investigations by Argentina’s Victim Identification Office in the Anti Cyber Crimes against Minors Division and the Specialised Cybercrime Prosecution Unit (UFECI), working with Federal Courts in Mendoza Province, led to the identification and arrest of the two suspects.

    Fourteen electronic devices were seized from their home as well as cash and credit cards. The siblings are thought to have created, maintained and financially benefitted for more than a decade from websites featuring child sexual abuse material and associated advertising campaigns.

    “Given the technological complexities of this case and the degree to which the criminal activity went undetected, these arrests highlight the importance of police cooperation across regional, national, and international borders,” said the Head of Argentina’s Federal Police, Juan Carlos Hernandez, who also serves as delegate for the Americas on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee.

    Argentina’s Federal Police search electronic devices seized during Operation Narsil for child abuse images

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review materials seized during Operation Narsil

    Argentina’s Federal Police reviewing seized materials

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review visitor statistics to the suspect’s sites

    “With synchronized arrests across continents, this operation confronted global networks that profit from child abuse images and videos. INTERPOL is a strong global network of officers fully committed to putting an end to the online abuse of children, and we applaud the action and incredible results countries have achieved in Operation Narsil,” added Argentina’s Police Chief.

    Local crime, global cooperation

    Working with the Prosecutor’s Office, Bulgarian law enforcement identified and arrested a 34-year-old man who made his living operating an online forum that facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse materials.

    Bulgarian Police closed the online forum he had been running since 2020 and which is thought to have facilitated access to thousands of media files depicting serious child sexual abuse material.

    Following the arrest, investigations are ongoing to identify forum users.

    In one case during the Russian leg of Operation Narsil, police authorities arrested two 24-year-old citizens for the production and online circulation of materials depicting the sexual violation of minors. Authorities searched the suspects’ homes, seizing computer equipment containing specialized software for creating and administrating websites, and removable hard drives containing child sexual abuse material.

    With the support of US Homeland Security Investigations, Thai police arrested a 45-year-old Thai national for the possession and online distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering large amounts of child sexual abuse material and financial transaction records associated with online distribution of the abuse photos.

    Narsil – meaning a longsword which tackles all evil – is one of the first INTERPOL operations to focus on identifying, locating and arresting the people receiving advertising revenues from website visitors interested in viewing the site’s child sexual abuse content.

    INTERPOL has been monitoring websites disseminating child sexual abuse imagery for more than 13 years and, in collaboration with law enforcement partners across the world, has seized more than 20,000 domains.

    Operation Narsil involved investigations triggered by law enforcement in Austria, Argentina, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colombia: Two arrested for live streaming child sexual abuse

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    Authorities have safeguarded victims aged 19 months, 7 and 9.

    LYON, France – Colombia police have safeguarded three children and arrested their mother and aunt, accused of live streaming the children’s sexual abuse for profit.

    Australian authorities first brought the case to INTERPOL’s attention in December 2022 after finding a video depicting child sexual abuse on the Darknet. The video material was uploaded to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database, where specialized officers from around the world could consult and analyse it for clues.

    One month later, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation alerted INTERPOL’s Crimes against Children (CAC) unit to the possible identity of one of the offenders, pinning their likely location as Colombia. The CAC unit confirmed their hypothesis, uncovering a number of clues and prepared a comprehensive victim identification report for Colombian authorities.

    Upon reception and investigation, Colombia’s national police confirmed the location and identity of the children and the two offenders. They found that the mother and aunt had been using specific platforms to produce and sell made-to-order, live sexual abuse video material for ‘customers’ abroad.

    On 22 February, Colombian authorities carried out a coordinated rescue-and-arrest operation, working with child protection services to safeguard the children and ensure they receive medical and psychological care.

    INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said, “This appalling case shows that live streaming child sexual exploitation is not confined to any region, it is global, and as in this case, usually involving very young children.

    “We will continue to work with Colombian investigators to analyse seized devices, identify further victims and review data to find the individuals who were ordering and facilitating the horrific abuse from behind their screens,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

    Today the ICSE database links 68 countries and connection of additional countries is ongoing. Since its launch, the database has assisted in the identification and documentation of more than 33,000 victims and 14,900 offenders worldwide.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Australian support for enhanced INTERPOL database to combat online child abuse

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    18 November 2022

    LYON, France – The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is contributing AUD 815,000 for a significant enhancement to INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.

    The ICSE database is a ground-breaking tool to advance child exploitation investigations through strengthened global information sharing.

    The upgrade, known as ICSE Next Generation, is designed to speed up the process by which investigators identify victims in child exploitation material, through integration of the latest technologies for improved text, audio and video analysis, facial recognition, and artificial intelligence.

    Launched 13 years ago, ICSE currently connects specialist investigators in 68 countries and has so far assisted in the identification of more than 31,000 victims, including 860 victims in Australia.

    On average, around seven victims are identified every day.

    Offenders identified

    In addition, more than 14,000 offenders have been tracked and arrested by law enforcement, including 349 in Australia.

    AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said the AFP’s partnership with INTERPOL to support the upgrade of the database highlighted the commitment of law enforcement to protecting children around the world, while bringing offenders to justice.

    AFP Commissioner Kershaw and Secretary General Stock announce the boost to the International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.

    “We know we can’t win this important battle alone. The advancement of this database is a game changer for how law enforcement around the world can work together to protect our society’s most vulnerable – our children,” he said.

    Commissioner Kershaw said child protection investigations would be bolstered with law enforcement agencies avoiding duplication of effort by triaging online child exploitation material multiple times in multiple jurisdictions.

    Target, track and disrupt

    “This specialized tool means our investigators will be faster and more efficient than ever before, allowing us to quickly target, track and disrupt those seeking to harm and exploit children around the world – and most importantly, bring them to justice.

    “The AFP is proud to partner with INTERPOL, along with our state, Commonwealth and international law enforcement counterparts, to combat this insidious crime,” concluded Commissioner Kershaw.

    “The AFP’s decision to provide this funding underlines its strong and unwavering commitment to child protection, as well as its confidence in INTERPOL’s ICSE database which is a vital policing tool.” Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General

    “We are seeing a consistent, and worrying, increase in the amount of online child sexual abuse and exploitation material, where every image is evidence of a crime.

    “Only through global cooperation, supported by the latest technologies, can law enforcement effectively work to identify and rescue victims around the world,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

    The AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) and AFP Child Protection Operations frequently contribute to the ICSE database, ensuring that investigators in other countries can benefit from the work undertaken in Australia to help identify victims.

    In May 2022, the ACCCE VIU hosted the third National Victim Identification Taskforce, during which more than 3,500 files were de-conflicted against the ICSE database, with images from 55 newly-identified victims added for potential identification.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: We invite you to the presentation of the Student Theatre of the State University of Management

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 22, 2024, our university will host a presentation of the SUM Student Theatre.

    “We do theatre because we have the impression that we have never been ourselves and that we can finally be ourselves” (Louis Jouvet)

    The GUU Student Theatre opens its doors to new talents! Regardless of your experience, we welcome everyone who wants to become part of our friendly team.

    Fill out the questionnaire for an interview and come to our open lesson, where you will get a unique chance to touch the magic of theatrical craft and find out what is really hidden behind the scenes.

    Date: October 22 Time: 19:00 Place: A-124

    This is a great opportunity not only to reveal your talents, but also to make new friends. We look forward to seeing you!

    Subscribe to the tg channel “Our State University” Announcement date: 10/16/2024

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

    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.

    We invite you to the presentation of the Student Theatre of the State University of Management

    MIL OSI Russia News –