NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool Named World’s First “Accelerator City” for Climate Action by UN Climate Change

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool has become the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.

    The title comes in recognition of Liverpool’s impressive commitment to innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors – both vital parts of the city’s economy – following several years of developmental work by ACT 1.5, an artist-led research and action effort, and climate scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

    To mark the launch of this initiative, the following key events and plans were also announced today:

    • A three-night live music series at Liverpool Arena from 28 – 30 November in collaboration with Massive Attack, ACT 1.5 and SJM concerts, to showcase innovations in sustainability and the smart design of live music events.
    • A headline industry event, called Expedition 1, on (29 November) and public event (30 November) in the adjacent ACC Liverpool which will test and showcase eight cross-sectoral pilot projects for rapid decarbonisation across live music, TV and film productions scheduled in 2025, and then invite the public into multiple climate action workshops, live audience podcasts, and performances.
    • The implementation of three initial plans for galvanising decarbonization in the cultural sector: a pioneering integrated public transport and ticketing program (TAG Network); electrification with 100% renewable energy of all key live event and filming locations in the city centre; and a new Paris 1.5-degree compatible sustainability standard that major events will need to meet in order to be granted a land use agreement for an event to proceed.

    This work builds upon the groundbreaking project commissioned by the band Massive Attack and developed over the past four years, culminating in a climate action accelerator event entitled ACT 1.5 in Bristol (UK) in late August.

    The band worked in collaboration with the Tyndall Centre, AGF, and super low-carbon providers to produce what is anticipated to have been the lowest greenhouse gas emissions show of its size ever staged.

    As an ’Accelerator City’ Liverpool, which has just announced huge plans for the future of its music sector, will expand on this use of policy, technology, infrastructure, and transport practices to pilot and then embed decarbonisation methods into the fabric of the city, extending the scope of this work to include national film and television institutions; establishing cross-sectoral solutions with clean, green providers and sustainability-focused event & onscreen producers.

    The world-leading Accelerator City programme is supported by Ecotricity and is comprised of a partnership network of private, public sector, and UN organisations including BBC, BAFTA Albert, BFI, Earth Percent, Equity, BECTU, The European Space Agency, A Greener Future, Association of Independent Festivals, UN Climate Change, UNESCO, ZENOBE Energy, and numerous transport, food and local service providers.

    Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, said: “I commend the city of Liverpool on its ambitious plans to dramatically speed up decarbonisation in this vital sector. Cities and towns are absolutely essential in picking up the pace and scale of climate action – and the cultural sector plays a vital role in unlocking innovation and promoting sustainable behaviours. I applaud Liverpool’s initiative and look forward to identifying other ‘Accelerator Cities’ in the future.” 

    UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy MP, said: “I am proud and delighted that Liverpool – as famous for its cultural exports as it is for its maritime history – will be the UN’s first Accelerator City for climate change action.

    “I would especially like to congratulate the artists, scientists, providers and the city council who have made huge efforts and driven innovative solutions to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and are having their work recognised in this way. Dynamic projects like these are completely in line with our mission for the UK to become global leaders in this action once again, and with our efforts to boost clean, green, highly skilled jobs at home to drive economic growth and achieve clean power by 2030.”

    Robert Del Naja, (3D – Massive Attack), said: “Our recent Bristol show demonstrated beyond question that major live music events can be Paris 1.5 compatible, and that audiences will embrace change enthusiastically. The vast scope of work in Liverpool and UN recognition means we can now concentrate more dynamic pilots and experiments to rapidly phase out fossil fuels. This idea and this insistence are not going back in any box. We’re delighted to see artists like Coldplay testing elements like localised ticket pre-sales and 100% renewable energy as recommended in the Tyndall Centre Paris 1.5 decarbonisation road map and encourage other artists to do so freely. The talking stage is over, it’s time to act.”    

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:  ‘Liverpool has redefined the transformative power of culture over the past 25 years by blending imagination and innovation with a passion to deliver amazing results – be it staging the best-ever Eurovision to playing a leading role in the UK’s recovery from Covid. Now we’re ready to apply all of our best efforts to tackling the biggest challenge humanity faces and we are deeply honoured the UN has recognised our commitment to decarbonise our cultural sector and appointed Liverpool as the World’s First “Accelerator City” for Climate Action.

    “What is so fantastic about this status, is not just the plans we have to help decarbonise music, events and filming, but also the way that this project will educate and motivate audiences through something they really care about – music and entertainment. Liverpool is a city that has always strived to innovate and inspire, and this award recognises that on a global scale.“

    Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Liverpool has always been a city of firsts but being named the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ is huge for our region, and another example of how we’re leading the charge on climate action. We’re not just talking about change; we’re making it happen. By bringing innovation to the sectors that define us—like music, film and TV —we’re showing the world how culture can drive real, meaningful climate action. Together, we’re proving that the Liverpool City Region isn’t just making headlines; it’s helping to write the playbook for building a fairer, greener future a reality for everyone.”

    Matt Scarff, Managing Director BAFTA Albert, said: “The screen industries are uniquely placed to help drive forward the vital progress and innovation needed to protect the future of our planet. BAFTA albert is proud to support this brilliant UN initiative and support the city of Liverpool as we work to make it a hub of sustainable creativity for generations to come.”

    Professor Carly McLachlan, Director of Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, said: “This city level action to transform live music and film and TV production is really exciting in its ambition and the critical combination of collaboration and regulation. We need to move fast on decarbonisation and that means innovation and new ways of working, but crucially it also means sharing learning, getting the right infrastructure in place and ratcheting up minimum standards. Liverpool’s global recognition as such a culturally rich city make it a brilliant location to demonstrate to the world how things can be done differently.”                                                         

    Dale Vince OBE, Founder of Ecotricity, said: “Big congrats to Liverpool, leading the way by adopting Act 1.5 across the city. We’ve been working with Massive Attack on the music side and with partners in film and tv production to show that it’s possible for the live event sector to operate this way – that’s important not just for the sake of its own … footprint but because of the platform it has – we can reach huge amounts of people this way and show them there is another way to live.  I love the scale and the ambition.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: Interactive Dialogue on Myanmar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Myanmar. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Location:
    Geneva
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you Deputy High Commissioner for your update. And we thank the High Commissioner for his report.

    The humanitarian and human rights crisis in Myanmar continues to deepen. In August, more than 42,000 people were displaced, and the Myanmar military conducted more airstrikes than in any other month since the coup, targeting villages, schools and hospitals. At the same time, the military continues to obstruct aid, preventing vital supplies from reaching those in need.

    We call on the Myanmar military, and all other actors, to allow safe, unimpeded humanitarian access to vulnerable communities. This is crucial as people suffer from the impacts of flooding, growing food insecurity and shortages of health and sanitation supplies. The UK will provide more than £40 million in assistance this financial year. We encourage other Member States to also consider what more they can do.

    20,000 people remain arbitrarily detained, including journalists, healthcare workers and political prisoners. The IIMM (Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar) has found credible reports of widespread torture and deaths in detention, including physical abuse and sexual and gender-based violence of the most horrific kind, including against children. The military must release all those arbitrarily detained. We also call on Myanmar to comply with the UN Convention against Torture and respect the rights of detainees.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Checking a payment or application status

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Find out how students can check their payments or track the progress of their application and estimated review date.

    The start of the academic year is one of the busiest times at SLC. First term Maintenance Loan payments have been sent to students starting their studies throughout September and these will continue throughout the Autumn.

    SLC phone lines may be busy at times and that’s why students are reminded of their self-service options in their online accounts.  Whether they are shortly receiving their first payment or going through the application process, they can get the information they need quickly by logging in to their account.

    Getting Paid

    Students who need to check when they will be paid can check their payment schedule and status by signing in to their online account.

    It’s easy to check the payment status, just follow these steps:

    1. Sign in to the online account at www.gov.uk/student-finance-register-login.
    2. Select ‘Undergraduate student finance applications’.
    3. Select the application for the payments to be checked.
    4. Under the heading ‘Manage your student finance’, select ‘View your payments’.

    Checking the application status

    For those students who are still in the application process, or have yet to apply for their finance, there is some useful information available in their online account.

    Checking online will show:

    • The progress of the application
    • If there’s anything else that is needed
    • The next estimated review date of the application

    If there’s no estimated review date

    If there’s no estimated review date showing, students can check the current timescales page instead. The page is updated weekly and provides a guideline of when the application will be reviewed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Students from England can find answers to their questions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Students from England can use their online account to get their questions answered.

    Students from England can use their online account to get their questions answered without needing to pick up the phone.

    The account feature ‘Common questions’ is located in the menu section of their online account, with a library of over 50 articles to answer questions students, parents and partners are asking us.

    Since SLC launched Common questions in August 2022, the articles have been viewed over 2.4 million times, supporting students, their parents and partners going through the application journey.

    Common questions topics

    Some of the topics we cover are:

    • How to view your payment schedule
    • How to make a change to your application
    • How long will an application take
    • How to upload evidence
    • How to support an application
    • Help with residency and identity evidence

    Tips for getting help

    Our advice to all students who need help with their student finance is to:

    1. Login to their online account
    2. Check the progress of their application
    3. Check ‘Common questions’ to find out more and get help

    Other account features

    Students can do more in their online account, like:  

    • Apply and re-apply for student finance
    • Make changes to their application details, like their university, college or course details if they changed through Clearing.
    • Upload evidence using their online account instead of posting
    • Check their payment dates and amounts using their payment schedule
    • View and download copies of their letters and emails we send them, including their Notification of Entitlement letter which they’ll need when registering with their university or college.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UN Security Council casts nearly all vetoes last decade on Syria, Palestine and Ukraine, robbing opportunities for peace

    Source: Oxfam –

    Ahead of the UN Summit for the Future, Oxfam calls for reform of the UN Security Council to stop the “Permanent Five” from being their own “judge and jury”

    The UN Security Council (UNSC) is failing people living in conflict, with Russia and the United States particularly responsible for abusing their veto power which is blocking progress toward peace in Ukraine, Syria, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.

    A new Oxfam report, Vetoing Humanity, studied 23 of the world’s most protracted conflicts over the past decade, including Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Libya, Niger, the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela and Yemen, and found that 27 of the 30 UNSC vetoes cast on these conflicts were on OPT, Syria and Ukraine.

    The report concludes that the five permanent members of the UNSC (the P5) are exploiting their exclusive voting and negotiating powers to suit their own geopolitical interests. In doing so, they have undermined the Council’s ability to maintain international peace and security.

    More than a million people have been killed in these 23 conflicts alone and more than 230 million people are today in urgent need of aid – an increase of over 150 percent since 2015.

    “China, France, Russia, the UK and the US took responsibility for global security at the UNSC in what is now a bygone colonial age. The contradictions of their acting as judge and jury of their own military alliances, interests and adventures are incompatible with a world seeking peace and justice for all,” said Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar.

    For instance, in 2023 Russia vetoed a nine-month extension of cross-border assistance to Northern Syria which left 4.1 million people with little or no access to food, water and medicine. Russia has also used its veto four times on Ukraine, despite being an aggressor in the conflict and by UN rules should therefore be disqualified from voting.

    “China, France, Russia, the UK and the US took responsibility for global security at the UNSC in what is now a bygone colonial age. The contradictions of their acting as judge and jury of their own military alliances, interests and adventures are incompatible with a world seeking peace and justice for all.” 

    Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director

    Oxfam International

    While the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has passed at least 77 resolutions over the last decade supporting Palestinian self-determination and human rights and an end to Israel’s illegal occupation, the US has used its veto power six times to block resolutions perceived as unfavourable to its ally Israel. The US vetoes have created a permissive environment for Israel to expand illegal settlements in the Palestinian territory with impunity.

    “More often than not the Security Council permanent members’ vetoes have contradicted the will of the UN General Assembly, in which all states are represented,” Behar said.

    The report critiques another of the P5’s powers called “pen-holding”, which allows them to lead on negotiations and direct how resolutions are drafted and tabled, or ignored – again, too often according to their own interests.

    While France and the UK have not used their veto last decade, they and the US have held the pen on two-thirds of resolutions relating to the 23 protracted crises studied by Oxfam. The UK holds the pen on Yemen, for example, where it has a colonial legacy and strategic interests to maintain the maritime routes. In 2023, Mali objected to French pen-holding given what it considered “acts of aggression and destabilization” there.

    Many other initiatives are not even written up or tabled because they would inevitability be vetoed, the report says. As a result, the 23 crises studied by Oxfam are being treated in wildly different ways.

    Nearly half of them have been largely neglected with fewer than five resolutions each over the last decade, including just one on Myanmar and none on Ethiopia or Venezuela.

    “The erratic and self-interested behaviour of UNSC members has contributed to an explosion of humanitarian needs that is now outpacing humanitarian organizations’ ability to respond. This demands a fundamental change of our international security architecture at the very top.”

    Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International Executive Director

    Oxfam International

    On the other hand, the UNSC has passed nearly 80 on both South Sudan and Sudan, 53 on Somalia and 48 on Libya. None have led to lasting peace. Despite the Democratic Republic of Congo having had 24 UNSC resolutions in the past 10 years, for instance, the UN mission there (MONUSCO) has been hindered by chronic underfunding and lack of coordination.

    “The erratic and self-interested behaviour of UNSC members has contributed to an explosion of humanitarian needs that is now outpacing humanitarian organizations’ ability to respond. This demands a fundamental change of our international security architecture at the very top,” Behar said.

    Globally, the number of people needing humanitarian assistance has risen nearly four times in the last decade, triggering massive funding needs. Between 2014 and 2023, the UN appeal has nearly tripled from $20 billion to over $56 billion – but less than half of this amount was met last year.

    The report is critical of the fact that humanitarian funding remains entirely dependent upon voluntary contributions. In contrast, UN member state funding for peacekeeping operations is mandatory.

    As the Summit of the Future kicks off this week to envision a revitalized UN, Oxfam calls for a wholesale reform of the UN Security Council, including the abolition of the P5’s veto power.

    “We need a new vision for a UN system that meets its original ambitions and made fit for purpose for today’s reality,” Behar said. “A Council that works for the global majority not a powerful few. This starts with renouncing the veto and pen-holding privilege of the P5 and expanding membership to more countries.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bilston outdoor market temporary relocation to pave way for major improvements

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The redevelopment is expected to take around 12 months to complete. The Indoor Market will remain open as usual during this time.

    Outdoor traders will be based at Bert Turner Boulevard/High Street/Church Street, with opening days and times remaining the same: 8am to 3pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 7am to 1.30pm for the Bilston Sunday Market and Car Boot.

    The redevelopment scheme is also part of the Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme (HaRP), with investment set to maximise the visibility of the market and improve the pedestrian access from the neighbouring Bus/Metro station.

    Some of the existing structures will be demolished to make way for a new facility to suit current and future requirements, while reconfiguring the existing uses and enhancing the entrance’s focal points to the indoor market. There will also be a flexible multi use events/market space created.

    Other improvements will include a full package of new signage, a complete renewal of all trader car parks and provision of a new taxi drop off and bike hub adjacent to the existing bus/metro interchange, improved landscaping of public spaces, the introduction of new retail units and public toilets, and a taller canopy to cover the stalls.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said: “We had good feedback from traders and residents through consultation and have developed attractive plans that will enhance Bilston market for everyone.

    “While the improvement works are taking place, I would urge visitors to make themselves familiar with the temporary outdoor market and continue to support their local traders.

    “It is important for our traditional local centres to flourish, and this scheme builds substantially on the investment already made in Bilston in recent years.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

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

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

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

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

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

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

    Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: “We’re delighted that the flu vaccination campaign is now underway in local schools and it’s vital that you ensure your child doesn’t miss out.

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: company run by retired police officers promoting electric-shock torture equipment

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Film obtained from Birmingham trade fair shows staff at UK company The Squad Group Ltd demonstrating electric-shock gloves which deliver painful electric shocks

    Call on West Midlands Police and HM Revenue & Customs to urgently investigate

    ‘It’s disturbing that a UK company led by three former police officers has openly promoted these devices’ – Dr Michael Crowley

    ‘No-one should be allowed to profit from the sale of torture equipment’ – Sacha Deshmuk

    A British company led by retired police officers – including a former Assistant Chief Constable – has been caught on camera demonstrating electric-shock torture equipment at a trade fair in Birmingham.

    The revelations, made by Amnesty International UK and the Omega Research Foundation, raise serious questions about the enforcement of laws in relation to the prohibition of torture equipment as well as the staging of security equipment trade events, with campaigners saying it should prompt an urgent investigation by West Midlands Police and HM Revenue & Customs, as well as the trade fair organisers, Nineteen Group Ltd.

    In one video, filmed yesterday at the Emergency Services Show at the Birmingham NEC, representatives of the company, The Squad Group Limited – which markets itself as the “Sole UK & Ireland partner of Compliant Technologies”, a US company promoting a range of electric-shock devices – are seen demonstrating devices (known as the “G.L.O.V.E.”), direct-contact devices which emit a painful electric charge on contact with a restrained person’s skin. The Squad Group Limited are seen demonstrating the glove device while emphasising that its electrical charge setting was only at “one tenth” of what the device is capable of. The person volunteering to receive the shock – apparently a serving police officer – is seen grimacing in pain when the glove is used to grab his arm.

    In addition, the company has also promoted a body-worn electric-shock device, the “E-Band Restrictor”, on its website. This device, which is designed to be worn around the ankle of a prisoner, can deliver painful electric shocks repeatedly via a remote control.

    In a briefing document to accompany the video, Amnesty and Omega explain that the trade in direct-contact and body-worn electric-shock weapons is illegal under laws regulating the arms and security trade, with UK companies and nationals banned from importing, exporting or in any way promoting these goods anywhere in the world. Electric-shock weapons are prohibited under The Trade in Torture etc. Goods (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, and current Government export control guidance clearly states that all trading activity, including promotion and marketing of these goods anywhere in the world, is prohibited.

    Due to their design and purpose, these electric-shock weapons are inherently abusive and can be used to carry out torture, including through the application of multiple or continuous electric shocks, as well as electric shocks to vulnerable areas of the body such as the head, neck and genitals. In the UK, police use of Tasers is the only permissible use of electric-shock weapons, and then only under strict licensing conditions. The G.L.O.V.E. is a conductive energy distraction device, the means of that distraction via the application of electric shocks, and as such Amnesty International UK and the Omega Research Foundation believe it falls clearly within the scope of prohibited torture goods.

    The Squad Group Limited is a new company, only registered in May 2023, and its three company directors are all retired police officers. The company’s founder, Adam Conn, is a former police officer and emergency services worker; its CEO, Matthew Nicholls, is a former Assistant Chief Constable with the Hertfordshire Constabulary; and its chief operating officer, Simon Thompson, is a former police officer with the Metropolitan Police. On the company website all three detail their extensive police experience, with two citing their knowledge of weapons deployment in policing.

    Last year, The Squad Group Ltd representatives appeared in photographs and videos demonstrating the use of the G.L.O.V.E. and E-Band Restrictor devices to members of the Royal Gibraltar Police at a two-day seminar event in Gibraltar. Officers from UK police forces, UK Border Force and officials from the Ministry of Defence attended the event, either in person or remotely.

    After yesterday’s discovery, Amnesty International UK and the Omega Research Foundation alerted the trade fair organisers Nineteen Group Ltd and the relevant UK authorities. At the time of writing, it is unclear what action – if any – has been taken.

    Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:

    “It’s alarming in the extreme that torture equipment is openly being demonstrated at a UK trade fair, and West Midlands Police should urgently investigate this.

    “Bringing any direct-contact electric-shock weapon into the UK must surely be a serious breach of import-export controls, and HMRC should investigate to see if the rules banning torture equipment are being properly enforced.

    “The organisers of this trade fair have serious questions to answer about how they allowed torture equipment to be touted at their event. No-one should be allowed to profit from the sale of torture equipment.”

    Dr Michael Crowley, Researcher at the Omega Research Foundation, said:

    “The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture has specifically identified direct-contact electric-shock weapons and body-worn electric-shock weapons as inherently-abusive goods that should be completely prohibited.

    “It’s disturbing that a UK company led by three former police officers has openly promoted these devices on its website and demonstrated direct-contact electric-shock weapons at an international trade fair.

    “The Squad Group’s ability to attend and demonstrate inherently-abusive devices to a seminar of UK and Gibraltar police officers is also deeply concerning, and should be investigated to establish if UK law was broken and whether serving UK law-enforcement officers or Government officials knew of or facilitated these actions.

    “The UK now also needs to become a global champion in the fight against torture by supporting the call for an international Torture-Free Trade Treaty to end the global trade in these abhorrent products.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Amnesty’s Secretary General urges world leaders to seize historic opportunity at UN General Assembly

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard will be in New York for the opening of the high-level General Debate of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and participating in the Summit of The Future. She will be available for interviews in New York City from 20 to 24 September, and can respond to developments during UNGA, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. Her opinion piece on the Summit of the Future, “We must act globally to safeguard the future of humanity,” was recently published in Newsweek.

    “This year’s General Assembly and the Summit of the Future are being presented as a historic opportunity for world leaders to plot a course to a safer, fairer and greener world. To meet this ambitious goal, firm commitments and bold thinking are required. As they gather in New York, leaders must ask themselves whether this will be yet another meeting where they simply talk about greater co-operation and consensus, or whether they will show the imagination and conviction to actually forge it. With multiple crises around the world, a growing climate emergency, and a breaking down of the multilateral order, there is a very small window for leaders to acknowledge these issues and take collective action to fix them for the common good of humanity. If they miss this opportunity, I shudder to think of the consequences. Our collective future is at stake,” said Agnès Callamard.

    “For Amnesty International, there is only one acceptable pathway to the future: that which is paved with universal and indivisible human rights. And there is only one acceptable destination: the sustainable equal dignity of all persons as rightsholders.”

    Agnès Callamard will be hosting several meetings, including with State representatives and human rights defenders. She will be speaking at events on “UNMuting” civil society at intergovernmental level, on the importance of fomenting inclusive and participatory governance, and on the need for global tax reform and a rights-based economy that can deliver a sustainable future. She is available to discuss these and other priority issues, including the consolidation of authoritarian practices in countries like Tunisia and Venezuela; the need for stricter regulation of new technologies that pose a threat to human rights; the lacklustre global response to the climate crisis and worsening environmental devastation; and the relentless war on women, from assaults on abortion rights to the systemic oppression and discrimination in Afghanistan and Iran.

    For Amnesty International, there is only one acceptable pathway to the future: that which is paved with universal and indivisible human rights.

    Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Movie parties with chemists and excursions to a city farm: what activities for schoolchildren are held in the VDNKh Museum City

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Children can study the secrets of the Universe, learn the secrets of Leo Tolstoy’s novels and comprehend the basics of the exact sciences not only in schools, but also in city playgrounds, for example inMuseum city VDNKh. Here you can get acquainted with the achievements in the field of physics and cosmonautics, learn about the history of writing and modern art. And five thematic routes: “Technologies”, “Society”, “Art”, “Ecology”, “National Cultures”.

    We tell you about the venues where the most interesting excursions for teenagers take place, where chemists organize movie parties, and what surprises schoolchildren will find at the Cosmonautics and Aviation Center.

    Who creates vaccines and how does a bioreactor work?

    Exploring the world of the smallest living organisms and uncovering the secrets of genetics can be difficult, but VDNKh turns even the most difficult activities into an exciting game. The country’s main exhibition grounds feature Center for Modern Biotechnology “Museum “Biotech”” (Pavilion No. 30 “Microbiological Industry”). Schoolchildren from six to nine years old will be treated to a quiz excursion “A Journey with the Little Prince through the Biotech Museum”The fairytale hero will tell how he used biotechnology to save the planet from pollution, heal people and grow unusual flowers.

    Children aged 10 and over can take part in the master class. “Isolation of DNA from plant fruits”. They will not only learn about the structure and selection of plants, but also conduct a scientific experiment and isolate DNA on their own. You can come to such an exciting activity with your classmates.

    During the sightseeing tour, middle and high school students will learn what happens in a bioreactor, how a city farm works, who creates vaccines, and the difference between plastic and bioplastic. They can also see the glow of bioluminescent plants.

    Amazing Microworld and Chemists’ Movie Party

    Those who want to feel like a real biologist and study the microworld are also welcome in Pavilion No. 31 “Geology”. Here in 2022, the site of the State Biological Museum named after K.A. Timiryazev opened. Young researchers will appreciate the classes “Let’s say you have a microscope.”, “Living – non-living” And“Microsecrets of rocks”.

    You can study botany and ecology not only alone, but also with classmates. The pavilion has a program for schools “Island of Discoveries”. Museum staff conduct both theoretical classes, where they explain complex topics, and interactive classes, where schoolchildren learn to use a microscope. Details can be found on the museum website and by phone: 7 499 252⁠-36⁠-81.

    Schoolchildren interested in chemistry will also appreciate the educational and exhibition space – the pavilion “House of Polymers” “Sibur” (Pavilion No. 12), which introduces the complex world of petrochemicals. Daily excursions here tell about the polymer composition of everyday household items, clothing, housing, cars and even medical supplies. Every weekend at 13:00 the pavilion hosts chemical shows for the little ones, and at 16:00 – movie nights for high school and middle school students. All events are free.

    Quantum Physics and the Nuclear Industry

    You can conduct spectacular, yet simple experiments in a real laboratory at the Atom Museum (Pavilion No. 19). There are places for chemical and physical experiments, modern microscopes and a high-tech equipment area. Master classes are organized here for middle and high school students.

    For children aged six to nine, the museum offers classes called “Science at Your Fingertips”. At the “X-Rays” master class, children study quantum physics and create applique postcards. Classes are held in groups of up to 15 people.

    Every Saturday, the museum organizes meetings of the Family Day project. At these, children from six to 16 years old, together with their parents, can learn more about the nuclear industry, make a wind generator with their own hands, and learn how to convert chemical energy into thermal energy.

    The pavilion also hosts the “Atom Children’s Academy” project, where 10–12 year olds take classes in physics and chemistry, instilling an interest in the world around them through scientific experiments.

    From “Cosmos” to “Atom”: how the VDNKh Museum City is organizedGet in the mood for studying: VDNKh invites schoolchildren and students to the Museum City on the eve of the academic year

    How Bees Live and Why Butterflies Are Needed

    It is important not only to learn about the world around us, but also to preserve it. Pavilion No. 29 will tell you how you can take care of the environment even at a very young age. “Floriculture and landscaping”. For example, on the excursion “Fluttering Flowers” guests will be able to study butterflies, learn about their role and careful attitude to nature. And participants of the quest “What does a seed dream about?” will figure out how butterflies are connected with other insects and what seeds are for.

    During the “Immersion in Nature” and “Flower Stories” sightseeing tours, young visitors will learn about the pavilion’s exhibition spaces, the theory of plant origins, and the most unusual representatives of flora. Participants in the “Incredible Insects” tour will learn how ants live. You can sign up for these events by calling: 7 495 966-09-27.

    Pavilion No. 28 is dedicated to the hard-working insects without which life on our planet would be impossible. “Beekeeping”. In it you can learn how an apiary is arranged, what types of hives there are and how bees differ from each other. Participants of the excursion “About bees and not only” will be told how people managed to tame these insects and how they live in an apiary. You can visit the pavilion with an entrance ticket, and to sign up for a tour, call: 7 499 252-36-81.

    For future astronauts

    Those who are attracted by the mysterious expanses of the Universe are awaited in the center “Cosmonautics and Aviation” (Pavilion No. 34). Here, guests travel through the solar system, learn about the history of space exploration, and even learn how to operate aircraft.

    Children will be interested in quest excursions “School of Young Cosmonauts” And“Agent Cosmo Investigates. The Mystery of the Little Green Men”, where they will learn how a rocket works and help aliens in trouble.

    The pavilion also features interactive exhibits such as flight simulators, the 5D cinema “Space Sphere”, and many others, optical binoculars and a star room, and guests are greeted by the robot Fedor. In addition, the center collaborates with Moscow schools and conducts group excursions for its exhibitions for students starting from the fifth grade.

    From the first alphabet to the epic novel

    Schoolchildren who are particularly interested in studying history and literature are invited to attend classes to the Museum of Slavic Literature “Word” (Pavilion No. 58). Here you will learn about the development of writing in Rus’, the first alphabets and the most ancient works.

    Children from eight to 14 years old can take part in a quest excursion “Cyril and Methodius: Mission Possible” and take a trip around Russian cities. And on excursions “Missing Letters” The children will learn what language our ancestors spoke, who invented the alphabet, what a printing press was for, and which letters Peter I abolished.

    In addition, the museum holds classes for school groups. For example, on an excursion “Cyrillic in Space and Time: From the Moment of Creation to the Present Day” Participants are told about the first alphabets and ancient works. Interactive exhibits such as a monastery cell, a zemstvo school and a printing workshop will help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the distant past.

    You can learn interesting facts about writers and immerse yourself in the world of Russian literature of the early 19th century in Pavilion No. 61 “Tsentrosoyuz”. Here the L. N. Tolstoy State Museum opened an exhibition “Leo Tolstoy. “War and Peace”. Living Pages”. It is dedicated to the life of the classic and his work on the novel of the same name. The exhibition features unique exhibits, including cannonballs from the Borodino field, the Masonic ring of the Tolstoy family, and drawings by participants in the military campaign of 1812.

    For young creators and artists

    Children who are interested in creativity will find it interesting to visit workshops “Cascade digital” (Pavilion No. 49). This is a school of contemporary art for teenagers aged 13 to 18. Here, high school students, together with professional artists, develop projects in the fields of journalism, design and architecture, and also come up with ideas for exhibitions and city festivals.

    Last year, nine areas were opened in the “Cascade Digital” workshops. For example, in the “Art is Dead, but We Are Not Yet” section, teenagers learned to notice unusual phenomena around them and analyzed significant works of art, while participants in the “Oscillations Laboratory” explored the nature of sound and the peculiarities of its perception.

    This academic year, which will run from October to May, will feature the “Cascade of Regions” section. Its participants will focus on the work of local artists and their impact on the urban environment. In addition, the “Performance as an Algorithm (Please Don’t Dance)” and “Textiles, Costume, and Fashion” sections will open, dedicated to the professions of performer and designer. Classes will be held both in person and online. Applications are open on the project website will end on October 24.

    VDNKh is a center of education: what can you learn at the country’s main exhibitionLearning is interesting: what educational projects for children and teenagers are there at VDNKh

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144376073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pond Bykovo Boloto in Zelenograd was put in order

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Specialists from the city economy complex have completed the rehabilitation of the Bykovo Boloto pond in Zelenograd. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “The pond, located in the recreation area, was in an unsatisfactory condition: large volumes of silt deposits had accumulated on the bottom, which led to a decrease in depth and active overgrowth of algae, and destruction of the coastal strip was observed. In connection with this, a decision was made to carry out a comprehensive rehabilitation of the pond, and the work has now been fully completed,” said Petr Biryukov.

    At the first stage of the work, specialists removed silt deposits with a total volume of over 2.5 thousand cubic meters from the pond, the area of which is 0.9 hectares. This allowed to increase its maximum depth. Then they renewed 425 meters of destroyed sections of the coastal strip and made a new operational path. At the final stage, they arranged two bioplateau zones with a total area of 60 square meters, where they planted about one thousand different aquatic plants.

    Specialists from the city’s municipal services complex regularly inspect the capital’s water bodies, and if problems are identified, a decision is made on rehabilitation. The list of water bodies is compiled annually, taking into account the opinions of the capital’s residents. In 2024, more than 20 ponds are planned to be renovated in Moscow.

    Work has begun on renovating the Bykovo Boloto pond in Zelenograd

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144385073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Commercial premises with an area of almost 240 square meters will be put up for sale in Ramenki

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The city will put up for sale a large commercial space in Ramenki. Entrepreneurs will be able to buy real estate suitable for almost any business on Mosfilmovskaya Street. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “The West of the capital is among the leading districts in terms of investment in commercial real estate. In the first half of the year alone, the city sold 140 non-residential properties located in 13 districts of the Western Administrative District. In the near future, a non-residential property in Ramenki with an area of almost 240 square meters is planned to be put up for open auction. The premises can be used for various types of business aimed at a wide range of clients,” said Maxim Gaman.

    Thanks to high ceilings (from three to six meters), display windows, separate entrances and parking, the property is suitable, for example, for a store or restaurant.

    All information about the premises put up for auction is presented on the capital’s investment portal. You can learn more about the property being sold, study the documentation for the lots and the rules for holding auctions in the section “Property from the city”.

    Development of electronic services for business corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Digital Economy”. You can find out more about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow on a special page.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144368073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Manufacturer of ATMs and charging stations became a resident of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Another capital enterprise has received the status of a resident of a special economic zone (SEZ) “Technopolis Moscow”. Now, significant benefits and a special tax regime apply to JSC SAGA Technologies. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    “Development of service infrastructure remains our priority. On behalf of the Mayor of Moscow, we are developing the world’s best contactless payment technologies, including through new solutions from Moscow companies. Assigning resident status allows enterprises to implement the most modern developments and implement new high-tech projects. For example, in the first half of 2024, private investments by SEZ residents amounted to about 30 billion rubles, which is almost 10 billion more than in the same period last year. Microelectronics and photonics manufacturers have become leaders,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    The company “SAGA Technologies” produces banking equipment, high-tech self-service machines and equipment for automation of production. One of the company’s products is ATMs with a money recycling function. Self-service machines can now be found all over the city – from large retail chains to parking lots with parking meters.

    In the first half of the year alone, the company delivered more than five thousand units of this product to customers. According to Oksana Kalashnikova, Commercial Director of JSC SAGA Technologies, the launch of additional lines will allow expanding production and satisfying growing demand. With the opening of workshops in the Technopolis Moscow SEZ, the company plans to increase its staff, increase the number of machines and finance the development of new products.

    In addition to ATMs, the company produces charging stations for electric vehicles, which are already operating on the streets of the capital and other regions.

    “Today, more than 200 companies operate in the capital’s SEZ, over 100 of which have resident status. This gives them the opportunity to use city support measures, in particular a number of tax preferences. We are interested in increasing the number of residents of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ. Thanks to this status, companies can invest more in their projects, expand and localize production, increase production and increase the number of jobs,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of Investment and Industrial Policy

    Anatoly Garbuzov.

    SEZ “Technopolis Moscow”— a territory with a special legal status, where a preferential regime of entrepreneurial activity for investors operates. The area of six sites (Pechatniki, Alabushevo, Mikron, MIET, Angstrem, Rudnevo), where high-tech enterprises are located, exceeds 280 hectares. SEZ Technopolis Moscow has been a leader in international and national industry ratings for several years.

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

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

    http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/144344073/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:04 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:04

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:04 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 138.57) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 148,895 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 21.25%) of the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

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

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

    https://www.moex.com/n73352

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:06 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor for SWAP transactions and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the TRYRUBTODTOM instrument were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:06

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the foreign exchange market and the precious metals market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by the NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:06 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor for swap transactions (up to 0.002117 rubles) and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to 0.002959 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 122.73%) for the TRYRUBTODTOM instrument 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/n73353

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10-10 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JUKX4 (DOM.RF30ob) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:10

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 10-10 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 102.98) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1070.44 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.13%) of the RU000A0JUKX4 security (DOM.RF30ob) 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/n73356

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10-39 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the ABIO (iARTGEN ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    10:39

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 10:39 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with the settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -36.01%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.121 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 59.86%) of the ABIO security (iARTGEN ao) 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/n73360

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:48 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JVD25 (RusHydro09) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:48

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:48 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 94.53) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 971.63 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A0JVD25 (RusHydro09) 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/n73362

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:58 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXXD3 (Rosnft1P6) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    10:58

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 10:58 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 108.1) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1161.37 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A0JXXD3 (Rosnft1P6) 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/n73364

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 10:58 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXXE1 (Rosnft1P7) were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09/24/2024

    10:58

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on September 24, 2024, 10:58 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 107.34) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 1148.32 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 10.0%) of the security RU000A0JXXE1 (Rosnft1P7) 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/n73365

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 12-07 the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor, the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment for the ABIO (iARTGEN ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    12:07

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 12:07 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the repo price corridor with settlement code Y0/Y1Dt (up to -48.61%), the transfer rate and the range of interest rate risk assessment (up to -0.162 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 73.72%) of the ABIO security (iARTGEN ao) 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/n73368

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A project by historians from the St. Petersburg Higher School of Economics on scientific and technical clusters has won a grant from the Russian Science Foundation

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The Russian Science Foundation has summed up the results of a competition for group research led by young scientists. Grant support was received by a project led by Timofey Rakov from Visual History Labs. The study is devoted to scientific and technological clusters in the late Soviet and post-Soviet periods using the example of Zelenograd, Troitsk, Dolgoprudny and Peterhof. The project is designed for three years with a budget of 6 million for each year of grant implementation.

    The aim of the project is to study scientific and technological clusters in the suburbs of Moscow and St. Petersburg in the period from 1960 to 2010. The scientists will pay special attention to four specific cases: Zelenograd, Dolgoprudny, Troitsk and the campus of St. Petersburg State University in Peterhof. The structure of the scientific and technological cluster includes various organizations, such as universities, research institutes, design bureaus, enterprises and local authorities. All of them are connected by economic relations, social ties, organizational contacts, etc.

    “The geography of the project is built taking into account the specifics of the research field of various scientific spaces in the USSR. As a rule, researchers study either science cities and nuclear cities (Obninsk, Dubna, Ozersk), or Siberian academic towns,” said Timofey Rakov, a research fellow at the Laboratory of Visual History. “The objects we selected differ significantly from academic towns and science cities in their trajectory. Troitsk, for example, was initially called an academic town, and then received the status of a full-fledged city, which did not happen with any of the Siberian academic towns. Dolgoprudny and Peterhof are examples of an educational, rather than scientific cluster, where the key role is played by universities rather than scientific institutes, as in science cities. Zelenograd is also an interesting space. It was originally conceived as a satellite city of Moscow, but at the same time it was focused on science and education. Thus, each of the spaces we have chosen differs from those already studied and has its own characteristics, which, in our opinion, can best be described through the clustering framework.”

    The term “clustering” is borrowed from economics, based on the approaches of American economist Michael Porter. According to his theory, the process of cluster formation is a sign of a developed and complex economy. The project considers the selected objects in the long term – from the design stage to the current state. This approach will determine what makes clusters successful, how they are affected by the proximity of capitals and according to what scenarios they develop.

    “Relying on Michael Porter’s approach is a certain challenge for us. He writes about market economies, while in the Soviet Union it was planned. Moreover, Porter believed that one of the reasons for the failure of clusters was the participation of the state in their creation,” says Timofey Rakov. “At the same time, the Soviet state was often the only actor in the formation of clusters. We hope for a broad discussion with interested colleagues about the very idea of clustering, its application to a planned economy and a post-socialist market economy. In addition, we take a long chronological period, which will allow us to look at the formation of clusters in dynamics. Thanks to this, the results of the study can be useful to those responsible for the management and development of the cases we have selected.”

    Over the course of the year, the researchers will interview former and current cluster employees and study their ego-documents. They will also analyze archival and library materials covering the history and modern times of Dolgoprudny, Zelenograd, Peterhof, and Troitsk. Historians, anthropologists, sociologists, and economists from Moscow universities — MVSES, RANEPA, and MIPT — as well as from the European University in St. Petersburg, will join the project.

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

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

    http://vvv.hse.ru/nevs/scene/965970100.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 09/24/2024, 13-27 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    09.24.2024

    13:27

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on September 24, 2024, 13-27 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 143.79) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 154.114 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 25.5%) of the GAZP (GAZPROM ao) security were changed.

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

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

    https://www.moex.com/n73370

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Reportage: From red roses to red flags – BNZ warns of increase in relationship scams ahead of Valentine’s Day

    Source: BNZ statements

    On Valentine’s Day eve, BNZ is warning Kiwis to be wary of scammers with its customers reporting a 43% increase in relationship and romance scams over the past year.

    “There were 167 reported cases in 2023 – and they’re only the ones that we know about as many of these sorts of scams go unreported,” says BNZ’s Head of Financial Crime Ashley Kai Fong.

    This is up from 117 reported cases in 2022.

    “This shows that despite the headline grabbing nature of these types of scams, relationship scams are still very fertile ground criminals are using to exploit vulnerable Kiwis,” says Kai Fong.

    Relationship scams are a type of fraud where criminals pretend to be interested in a relationship with another person, sometimes for romance and occasionally simply for companionship, most commonly online, and then victims are conned out of their money or tricked into sharing personal details.

    “All scams can be devastating for victims, but relationship scams are particularly heinous given the time criminals invest in building the relationship with their victims. It can be months before the scammer hints or asks directly for money. They steal your heart, then they steal your money,” says Kai Fong.

    In a recent romance scam case, Barry (details have been changed) came to a BNZ branch wanting help to make an international payment to Italy. Barry revealed that the funds were going to his girlfriend’s friend for an airline ticket to New Zealand. They had been dating online for almost a year and he recently started sending his “girlfriend” money. The girlfriend had asked for the money to be sent to her “friend’s account” as her friend had the credit card to purchase the airline ticket.

    “There is so much social engineering involved in romance scam cases, and victims often don’t believe that they are caught up in a scam. That is what has happened in this case. Barry refused to believe this was a scam and despite being warned of the risks, he sent the money,” says Kai Fong.

    In another case, romance scam victim Sally (details have been changed) believed she was sending money to her US Army surgeon boyfriend stationed in Syria. But Sally’s “boyfriend” said he couldn’t access his bank account due to a poor internet connection and needed the money urgently to fly to NZ. This customer had already sent considerable funds to her “boyfriend” from a number of banks, despite being warned of the risks. The funds for the latest transaction were the proceeds of a personal loan from a finance company.

    “As in this case, criminals can go to great lengths to provide evidence to support their fake personas,” says Kai Fong.

    “They set up bogus social media profiles, and often share doctored documents such as boarding passes or letters from fake employers. While relationship scams primarily involve romantic relationships, criminals can also exploit friendships built up online too.

    “So, while we’ve got an eye out for red roses this Valentine’s Day, and I know it’s not very romantic, my plea is that New Zealanders keep an eye out for the red flags of romance scams this year too.”

    How to recognise a romance scam: 

    • Strong emotions are expressed within a short timeframe.
    • The scammer gives you excuses as to why they cannot meet in person or video call.
    • They’ve asked you to keep the relationship a secret.
    • You’re asked to provide financial assistance.
    • You’re asked to receive money on their behalf and forward it to them.

    Top tips to protect yourself from romance scams: 

    • Never send money or give personal or financial information to someone you have just met or have not met in person.
    • Do not trust someone who claims to be in love with you after a short time without meeting you.
    • Do not trust someone who asks you to communicate only through email, phone, or chat apps and avoids video calls or social media.
    • Do not trust someone who has a lot of excuses for not meeting you in person or who cancels plans at the last minute.
    • The internet is your friend – use reverse image search to check if their photos are stolen from someone else. Search for their name, email, phone number, or other details on the internet and see if they match what they have told you.
    • A great relationship isn’t a secret! Talk to your friends and family about your new relationship. They may be able to spot the signs of a scam that you may have missed.
    • Report any suspicious or fraudulent activity to the online platform where you met the person.  If you’ve sent any funds, contact your bank immediately.

    The post From red roses to red flags – BNZ warns of increase in relationship scams ahead of Valentine’s Day appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Sixth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for Guinea-Bissau and Approves US$7.3 Million Disbursement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    August 28, 2024

    • The IMF Executive Board today completed the sixth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Guinea-Bissau. This decision allows for an immediate disbursement of SDR5.44 million (about US$7.3 million) to help meet the country’s financing needs.
    • The authorities’ commitment to a range of challenging policy reforms is starting to show some results. They should persevere with their ambitious structural reform agenda to improve domestic revenue mobilization, strengthen expenditure controls, and enhance governance.
    • Economic growth is expected to reach 5 percent in 2024, while inflation should slow to 4.2 percent compared to 7.2 percent in 2023. However, the economic outlook remains subject to significant near-term risks.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the sixth review under Guinea-Bissau’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The three-year arrangement, approved on January 30, 2023, aims to secure debt sustainability, improve governance, and reduce corruption while creating fiscal space for inclusive growth. The Executive Board granted an augmentation of access (140 percent of quota or SDR 39.76 million) on November 29, 2023.

    The completion of the sixth review enables the disbursement of SDR 5.44 million (about US$7.3 million) to help meet the country’s balance-of-payments and fiscal financing needs. This brings total disbursement under the arrangement to SDR 24.88 million (about US$ 33.44 million). In completing the sixth review, the Executive Board granted a waiver of nonobservance of the end-April 2024 quantitative performance criterion on the floor on social and priority spending and the continuous quantitative performance criterion on the ceiling on the accumulation of new external payment arrears. Furthermore, the Executive Board also completed the financing assurances review.

    Economic growth is projected at 5 percent in 2024 and inflation should decline significantly from last year to reach 4.2 percent. The current account deficit is expected to narrow and reach 6.1 percent of GDP. The authorities remain committed to achieving the domestic primary deficit target of 1.2 percent of GDP in 2024 to put public debt on a firm downward trajectory. The authorities’ commitment to a range of challenging policy reforms is starting to show some results, but the economy remains subject to important near-term risks, including a challenging socio-political climate.

    At the conclusion of the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Li, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

    “Guinea-Bissau continues to face very challenging external and domestic environments. Terms-of-trade shocks and high inflation continue, while the tightening of regional financial conditions have raised borrowing costs. Despite these challenges, the Guinea-Bissau authorities continued to build consensus on critical reforms and maintained political and macroeconomic stability. It is also commendable that the authorities have restored orderly export processes of cashew nuts, which are essential for growth and fiscal revenue, and maintained strong fiscal consolidation measures. Continued commitment to the implementation of structural reforms and policies under the ECF arrangement will be critical to ensure debt sustainability, macroeconomic stability, and address the country’s vast developmental needs.

    “Program performance in the sixth review has improved. Seven out of nine Quantitative Performance Criteria (QPC) as well as all two Indicative Targets were met for April 2024. The QPC on external payment arrears as well as the continuous structural benchmark (SB) on debt service were missed due to technical arrears in external debt service. To avoid recurrence of external arrears, the authorities should strictly adhere to the revised continuous SB which incorporates a corrective action. The QPC on social priority spending was missed due to delayed external project grants, which are expected to materialize in coming months.

    “Fiscal consolidation remains critical to reduce vulnerabilities and ensure debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability. This should be underpinned by strict rationalization of non-priority expenditure and revenue mobilization. To control spending pressures ahead of the legislative election in November 2024 and ensure achievement of the fiscal consolidation targets, expenditure controls through the Technical Committee of Arbitration of Budgetary Expenditure (COTADO) should be strengthened, and the containment of wage bill spending should continue. Revenue mobilization should focus on reducing tax expenditures and strengthening of revenue administration. The authorities should also continue to engage donors for additional budget support and grants to finance social priority spending. Moreover, it is important to strengthen debt management procedures to avoid the incurrence of technical arrears.

    “The authorities are implementing structural reforms which are pivotal to the program’s success. Urgent actions should be taken to mitigate fiscal risks from the public utility company. The authorities should also continue advancing the disengagement of the undercapitalized bank, including through contingency planning. Moreover, further efforts are needed to improve governance, especially transparency in public procurement and beneficial ownership information, which are the essential steps to improve the anti-corruption and AML/CFT effectiveness.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/08/28/pr25312-guinea-bissau-imf-exec-board-completes-6th-rev-ecf-arr-approves-us7m-disbursement

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Third Reviews under the Precautionary and Liquidity Line and the Arrangement Under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility with Jamaica

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    August 30, 2024

    • The IMF Executive Board concluded today the third reviews under Jamaica’s Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The PLL continues to be treated as precautionary and the completion of the reviews allow for an immediate disbursement of SDR191.45 million (US$258million) under the RSF.
    • Jamaica’s response to recent shocks has strengthened the credibility of policy frameworks, supporting an economic environment characterized by sustained growth, declining debt, low inflation, and a strengthened external position.
    • Jamaica has continued to implement an ambitious reform agenda that strengthened the fiscal and financial policy frameworks and the climate policy agenda to make the economy more resilient to climate change.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the third reviews of the Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement on a lapse-of-time basis.[1] The PLL and the RSF were approved in March 2023, with access of SDR 727.51 million and SDR 574.35 million respectively. The completion of third reviews makes available the remaining SDR191.45 million (about US$258 million) under the RSF and SDR 727.51 million (about US$980 million) under the PLL. The authorities continue to treat the PLL as precautionary.

    The response to recent shocks has strengthened the credibility of Jamaica’s fiscal and monetary policy frameworks. In FY 2023/24, Jamaica’s economy is estimated to have grown at about 2 percent with tourism above pre-pandemic levels and a continued recovery in mining. Unemployment has fallen and the economy is in a strong cyclical position. Inflation has returned to the Bank of Jamaica’s target band and the external position has strengthened with a current account surplus, rising FDI, and ample international reserves—which at end-March 2024 reached about US$5.2 billion, the highest level in Jamaica’s history.

    Going forward, GDP growth is expected to converge to potential and inflation to return to the mid-point of the target band. The external position is expected to remain strong. Guided by the authorities’ Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), public debt is expected to fall below 60 percent of GDP by FY2027/28. Risks to the outlook are arising from potential global economic and financial shocks and natural disasters, which are mitigated by strong policy frameworks, the authorities’ excellent track record managing shocks, and their commitment to reforms. The impact of Hurricane Beryl raises downside risks to growth and upside risks to inflation in the near term.

    The PLL has supported the authorities’ efforts to enhance financial supervision, the crisis resolution and AML/CFT frameworks, and data adequacy. Program performance has remained strong, and Jamaica continues to meet the PLL qualification criteria. All structural benchmarks were met and the BOJ overperformed on the indicative target on net international reserves. The indicative target on the fiscal balance—with a smaller than expected surplus—was marginally missed with a negligible impact on the debt consolidation plan. The authorities have made progress with the action plan to improve data, including on the fiscal and external sectors.

    The RSF has supported Jamaica’s ambitious agenda to make the economy more resilient to climate change, including reforms to accelerate the transition to renewables, increase resilience to climate change, enhance the climate focus in policy frameworks, strengthen the management of climate risks by financial institutions, and create an enabling environment for green financial instruments. All RSF reform measures were met, comprising the analysis of climate-related fiscal risks, incentives for renewable energy, reporting requirements of climate risks for financial institutions, and a framework for green-bond issuance. These efforts have the potential to catalyze climate financing going forward.

    [1] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Brian Walker

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/08/29/pr24314-jamaica-imf-exec-board-completes-3rd-rev-pll-arr-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Vanuatu

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 3, 2024

    Washington, DC: On August 28, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Vanuatu.

    As Vanuatu was recovering from the natural disasters of 2023 and prolonged disturbance from the pandemic, the voluntary liquidation of Air Vanuatu in May 2024 created a major shock to the economy with substantial implications for growth and confidence. The loss of air connectivity has significant direct effects on economic activity through the decline in tourism and services, and on domestic and international labor mobility and cargo networks. Adverse developments in the Economic Citizenship Program (ECP) are also creating significant impairments to fiscal revenue and financial integrity.

    Assuming a resumption of international air connectivity by 2024Q3 and domestic connections to be restored gradually by end-2024, real GDP growth is expected to slow to 0.9 percent y/y in 2024 and recover to 1½ percent y/y in 2025 (from an estimated 2.2 percent y/y in 2023). Limited fiscal revenue and high costs associated with the airline liquidation are expected to exacerbate the deficit and reduce the government’s fiscal space. Consequently, capital spending will likely decline as expenditures are reprioritized, affecting medium- and long-term growth. Although foreign reserves will remain above the RBV’s benchmark, they are forecast to decline due to lower tourism earnings and remittances.

    While the loss of connectivity may produce price shocks, inflation, which peaked in 2023, will continue to decelerate as internal and external price pressures ease, supported by reduced demand from tourism and investment. Risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside, including a worse-than-expected resolution of Air Vanuatu’s liquidation, political instability, geopolitical tensions, China’s slowdown, and severe natural disasters.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They noted the significant economic shock created by the voluntary liquidation of Air Vanuatu just as the economy was recovering from the multiple natural disasters of 2023. With real GDP growth expected to decelerate markedly in 2024, and the balance of risks tilted to the downside, Directors called for urgent measures to address the immediate risks to growth and stability, and then to rebuild buffers and tackle structural issues with accelerated policy reforms.

    Directors agreed that in the near term targeted and strategic support is needed to help stabilize the economy. Starting in 2025, they called for urgent fiscal consolidation to reduce sustainability concerns, including re‑establishing and adhering to the fiscal anchor. Against the backdrop of the voluntary liquidation of Air Vanuatu, as well as declining Economic Citizenship Program (ECP) proceeds, Directors also highlighted the structural revenue weakness in Vanuatu and supported calls to strengthen public finances. They emphasized the importance of stronger revenue mobilization, expenditure rationalization, efficiency enhancements for spending, and a strong adherence to the principles of responsible public financial management.

    Directors agreed that monetary policy remains appropriately accommodative, but fiscal dominance needs to be reduced. While recognizing that the exchange rate has acted as a buffer, they noted that it requires close monitoring, and welcomed the authorities’ efforts to review the currency basket.

    Directors stressed the importance of addressing bank asset quality concerns and enhancing safeguards against financial vulnerabilities, including through upgrading regulatory, supervisory, and monitoring practices. They also agreed that improving governance and reducing vulnerabilities to corruption should remain a priority. In this context, Directors emphasized the crucial importance of enhancing anti‑corruption frameworks and the transparency and supervision of SOEs, including through ensuring an expedited approval of the Commercial Government Business Enterprises Act.

    Directors commended the authorities’ efforts to adapt to climate impacts and build resilience against future disasters and called for these efforts to be accelerated. They agreed that investing in quality education and skills training and improving the ease of doing business are crucial to addressing labor and skills shortages in Vanuatu.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/03/pr24315-vanuatu-imf-exec-board-concludes-2024-art-iv-consult

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: MIL Analysis – The five best articles in Russian language for 03.09.2024

    MIL Analysis : Here are the top five Russian language articles published today. The analysis consists of five articles that are currently being prioritised.

    In today’s analysis, trends such as the economic performance of the Moscow Exchange are noticeable. In addition, the Moscow Metro has unveiled a new mock-up of the White Gyrfalcon train for the high-speed railway, which contributes to future trends and railway development. The new trend of ‘Chrono-work’ is gaining more and more popularity, which shows how the workforce can change. The training and culture of society is stable and improving.

    You can read one of the articles below.

    1. Financial news: ‘Portfolio’ of a student: shares take 66% in the portfolios of young investors

    Moscow Exchange has compiled an investment portfolio of ‘student’ on the stock market – the analysis was carried out among private investors aged 18 to 22 years, making transactions on the stock market of the Moscow Exchange.

    The most popular among young investors are shares. According to Moscow Exchange data, 66 per cent of the student’s ‘portfolio’ is held by shares, 22 per cent by bonds, and 12 per cent by units of investment funds. At the same time, the average market share of shares in investors’ portfolios is at the level of 35%.

    2. Maxim Liksutov: the first carriages of the newest Russian train ‘White Gyrfalcon’ will go to St. Petersburg along the high-speed railway by 2028

    Moscow Metro

    Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin presented a model of the newest Russian train ‘White Gyrfalcon’ for the high-speed railway Moscow – St. Petersburg, the project initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, at the exhibition ‘Manezh Station: Moscow Transport 2030’. The train will reach speeds of up to 400 kilometres per hour.

    3. ‘Rosneft’ opened a master’s programme for foreign students in Ufa

    The Rosneft Scientific Institute in Ufa has opened a Master’s programme for international students on the basis of the Ufa State Petroleum Technical University (USPTU) in Petroleum Engineering. The first students of the programme were 10 applicants from Egypt, Nigeria and Cameroon.

    4. The ‘Street of the Far East’ exhibition opened on the starting day of the WEF

    ‘We are reopening the ‘Street of the Far East’ together again. It was born 9 years ago as a dream that we could show the vast Far East in one place, all the 11 regions that are quite different. Every year we show new projects at the exhibition: roads, hospitals, social and economic initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of Far Easterners – everything about how our Far East is developing. We tell you what we are dreaming of and what we are achieving. I am confident that with our joint efforts we will achieve all our goals,’ said Yury Trutnev, Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.

    5. Introducing chrono-working: A new trend in flexible working that experts say could completely transform the workforce

    Robert Walters

    Experts talk about a new trend that has the potential to change the way the workforce is used to working.
    Almost half of respondents believe that being able to choose their own working hours would have a positive impact on their mental health
    35% of people feel that their organisation’s flexible working hours policy does not meet their specific needs.

    Find out more about MIL’s content and data services by visiting milnz.co.nz.

    Regards MIL!

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes Post Financing Assessment Discussions with South Africa

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 4, 2024

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Post Financing Assessment (PFA)[1], and endorsed the Staff Appraisal on a lapse-of-time basis. South Africa’s capacity to repay the Fund is assessed as adequate.

    The new government of national unity that took office in June faces significant challenges, including declining real per capita growth, high unemployment, poverty, and inequality, and a rising level of public debt. The new administration has committed to address these challenges by continuing ongoing structural reforms aimed at addressing supply constraints and bolstering inclusive growth, while maintaining fiscal discipline.

    Growth slowed to 0.7 percent in 2023, depressed in part by widespread power shortages and disruptions at rails and ports. Unemployment remained elevated, reaching 32 percent at end-2023. Following decisive monetary policy tightening during 2022 and early 2023, inflation fell within the SARB’s 3–6 percent target range last year, moderating further to 5.1 percent in June 2024. The current account deficit widened to 1.6 percent of GDP in 2023 (from
    0.5 percent in 2022), driven by higher imports. The budget deficit remained in line with the revised budget target thanks to robust revenues and expenditure restraint, although public debt continued to rise to just above 74 percent of GDP.

    Looking ahead, growth is expected to reach 1 percent in 2024, on the back of improved investor sentiment and electricity generation, stabilizing at 1.4 percent in the medium term, as structural bottlenecks ease only gradually. Inflation is projected to decline toward the midpoint of the target range 2025Q2. The current account deficit is expected to increase modestly to 2.2 percent of GDP by 2029, as imports accelerate in line with domestic demand. The fiscal deficit is projected to remain elevated over the medium term, given rising debt service, support to state-owned enterprises, and sizeable spending on public wages and transfers. As a result, public debt is not expected to stabilize. Risks to the outlook are broadly balanced, with faster reform implementation under the new government of national unity representing an upside risk to growth, while downside risks largely relate to the uncertain external environment and an inability of the new government to agree on needed fiscal and structural reforms.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    South Africa’s economy has shown resilience in the face of massive disruptions, but persisting structural challenges risk a further erosion of living standards. Despite unprecedented electricity shortages and bottlenecks at rails and ports last year, growth stayed positive, as economic agents adapted. However, per-capita income growth continued to decline, public debt rose further, and unemployment and poverty rates remained at unacceptably high levels.

    The new government should use the opportunity of a new mandate to implement bold reforms to address long-standing challenges and achieve the economy’s full potential. Such a mandate can turn the economy around from the path of weak growth, high debt, and deteriorating living standards toward high growth, fiscal sustainability, and shared prosperity. This requires determined structural and fiscal reforms, complemented by prudent monetary and financial policies. The new administration should build on the existing reform agenda but increase its ambition and accelerate implementation to put the economy on a permanently higher and more inclusive growth path.

    Structural reforms are paramount to support job creation, growth, and prosperity. Wide-ranging electricity and transportation-sector reforms, including to foster private sector participation, are indispensable to reinvigorating activity, boosting exports, and supporting the green transition. Product-market reforms improving business environment and removing obstacles to trade, complemented by labor-market reforms, are essential to boost investment and employment. Strengthening governance and reducing corruption are essential to reap reform gains, which should be broadly distributed.

    An ambitious fiscal consolidation is essential to restore the sustainability of public finances. Durable expenditure-based consolidation of at least 3 percent of GDP over the next three years is required to place debt on a sustained downward path, while protecting vulnerable groups. Reliance on gains on foreign reserves has helped lower borrowing needs but does not substitute for the needed fiscal consolidation. Any additional spending initiatives to lower inequality and improve health should be financed in a deficit-neutral way. Improving the institutional fiscal framework by adopting a debt rule, bolstering the procurement framework, and improving public-investment management can support the adjustment and mitigate fiscal risks.

    Monetary policy should carefully manage the descent of inflation to the mid-point of the target range and stay data dependent. Given continued uncertainty about the inflation outlook, rate cuts should be considered only once inflation declines sustainably towards the mid-point of the target range. Any change to the monetary policy framework should be carefully timed, well-coordinated and communicated to manage expectations and safeguard credibility.

    Financial policies should continue to support financial stability. Ongoing banking resolution and safety-net reforms, together with the new loss-absorbing capacity requirement, significantly strengthen crisis management tools and enhance depositors’ protection. Continued monitoring of risks remains critical, given the sovereign-financial sector nexus. Implementation of prudential regulations, along with the countercyclical buffer, could play a vital role.

    Staff assess that South Africa’s capacity to repay the Fund is adequate under the baseline and downside scenarios. South Africa is expected to be able to repay the Fund by end-2025 given ample reserves and manageable external debt service. Capacity to repay is also assessed as adequate under a downside scenario, where policies will need to be tightened to contain inflationary pressures and safeguard debt sustainability, while protecting vulnerable groups. The flexible exchange rate is expected to act as a shock-absorber. 

    South Africa: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–26

    Social Indicators

    GDP               

     

    Poverty (percent of population)

    Nominal GDP
    (2022, billions of US dollars)

    407

    Lower national poverty line (2015)

    40

    GDP per capita
    (2022, in US dollars)

    6,712

    Undernourishment (2019)

    7

    Population characteristics

     

    Inequality
    (income shares unless otherwise specified)

    Total (2022, million)

    62

    Highest 10 percent of population (2015)

    53

    Urban population
    (2020, percent of total)

    67

    Lowest 40 percent of population (2015)

    7

    Life expectancy at birth
    (2020, number of years)

    64

    Gini coefficient (2015)

    65

    Economic Indicators

     

    2022

    2023

     

    2024

    2025

    2026

     

     

    Proj.

    National income and prices
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

       Real GDP

    1.9

    0.7

    1.0

    1.3

    1.4

       Domestic demand

    3.9

    0.8

    1.2

    1.5

    1.5

         Private Consumption

    2.5

    0.7

    0.9

    1.2

    1.3

         Government Consumption

    0.6

    1.9

    1.2

    1.2

    1.3

         Gross Fixed Investment

    4.8

    3.9

    3.1

    2.8

    2.7

         Inventory Investment
    (contribution to growth)

    1.5

    -0.6

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

       Net export
    (contribution to growth)

    -2.1

    -0.1

    -0.3

    -0.2

    -0.1

       Real GDP per capita 1/

    1.1

    -0.8

    -0.6

    -0.2

    -0.1

       GDP deflator

    5.0

    4.8

    4.9

    4.5

    4.5

       CPI (annual average)

    6.9

    5.9

    5.2

    4.6

    4.5

       CPI (end of period)

    7.4

    5.5

    4.8

    4.6

    4.5

    Labor market
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

       Unemployment rate
    (percent of labor force, annual average)

    33.5

    33.1

    33.8

    34.2

    34.5

       Unit labor costs
    (formal nonagricultural)

    2.1

    -0.8

    -0.6

    -0.2

    -0.1

    Savings and Investment
    (percent of GDP)

    Gross national saving

    14.4

    15.0

    13.9

    13.7

    13.7

    13.7

    Investment (including inventories) 2/

    12.4

    15.4

    15.5

    15.4

    15.7

    15.8

    Fiscal position
    (percent of GDP unless otherwise indicated) 4/

    Revenue, including grants 4/

    25.0

    27.6

    26.8

    27.0

    27.0

    27.1

    Expenditure and net lending 5/

    34.6

    31.9

    32.7

    33.2

    33.4

    32.6

    Overall balance

    -9.6

    -4.3

    -5.9

    -6.3

    -6.4

    -5.5

    Primary balance

    -5.4

    0.3

    -0.9

    -0.9

    -0.8

    0.2

    Gross government debt 6/

    69.0

    70.8

    73.4

    75.0

    77.6

    79.3

    Government bond yield (10-year and over, percent) 7/

    9.7

    11.3

    11.6

    …

    …

    …

    Money and credit
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

    Broad money

    9.4

    8.3

    6.5

    7.5

    7.5

    7.5

    Credit to the private sector 8/

    1.0

    8.9

    4.4

    5.9

    5.9

    5.9

    Repo rate (percent, end-period) 7/

    3.5

    7.0

    8.25

    …

    …

    …

    3-month Treasury bill interest rate (percent) 7/

    3.9

    6.5

    7.9

    …

    …

    …

    Balance of payments
    (annual percentage change unless otherwise indicated)

    Current account balance (billions of U.S. dollars)

    6.7

    -1.8

    -6.1

    -6.9

    -7.7

    -8.6

    percent of GDP

    2.0

    -0.5

    -1.6

    -1.8

    -1.9

    -2.0

    Exports growth (volume)

    -11.9

    7.4

    3.5

    3.5

    3.6

    3.7

    Imports growth (volume)

    -17.4

    14.9

    4.1

    4.0

    3.9

    3.8

    Terms of trade

    9.3

    -8.6

    -4.8

    -1.2

    -1.4

    -0.3

    Overall balance (percent of GDP)

    -1.0

    0.0

    0.5

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Gross reserves (billions of U.S. dollars)

    55.5

    60.6

    62.5

    62.5

    62.5

    62.5

    in percent of ARA

    78.1

    88.9

    97.0

    95.3

    …

    …

    Total external debt (percent of GDP)

    50.5

    40.4

    41.5

    42.2

    43.6

    44.9

    Nominal effective exchange rate (period average) 7/

    -11.6

    -4.9

    -7.7

    …

    …

    …

    Real effective exchange rate (period average) 7/

    -10.1

    -1.4

    -9.0

    …

    …

    …

    Exchange rate (Rand/U.S. dollar, end-period) 7/

    14.7

    17.0

    18.4

    …

    …

    …

    Sources: South African Reserve Bank, National Treasury,
    Haver, Bloomberg, World Bank,
    and Fund staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Per-capita GDP figures are computed using
    STATS SA mid-year population estimates.                                                                                                                                                                                   

    2/ Inventories data are volatile and excluded from the
    investment breakdown to help clarify fixed capital formation developments.                                                                                                         

    3/ Consolidated government as defined in the budget unless otherwise indicated.                                                                                                                                                                       

    4/ Revenue excludes “transactions in assets and liabilities” classified
    as part of revenue in budget documents.  This item represents proceeds
    from the sales of assets, realized valuation gains from holding of
    foreign currency deposits, and other conceptually similar items,
    which are not classified as revenue by the IMF’s Government Finance Statistics Manual 2014.                              

    5/ The Eskom debt relief is treated as capital transfer above-the-line item.                                                                                                                                                                                                            

    6/ Central government.                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

    7/ Average January 1- April 19, 2023. For nominal and effective
    exchange rate, year on year change of average January 1-April 19.                                                                                                          

    8/ Other depository institutions’ “loans and securities” in all currencies.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

    [1] After completing an IMF lending program, a country may be subject to a Post Financing Assessment (PFA). It aims to identify risks to a country’s medium-term viability and provide early warnings on risks to the IMF’s balance sheets. For more details click here.

    [2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when it is agreed by the Board that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/04/pr24317-south-africa-imf-exec-board-concludes-post-fin-assess-discuss

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Kingdom of Bahrain Implements the International Monetary Fund’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    September 5, 2024

    Washington, DC: With the successful launch of the new data portal, the National Summary Data Page (NSDP) today, Bahrain has implemented a key recommendation of the IMF’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System (e-GDDS) to publish essential macroeconomic and financial data. The e-GDDS is the first tier of the IMF Data Standards Initiatives that promote transparency as a global public good and encourage countries to voluntarily publish timely data that is essential for monitoring and analyzing economic performance.

    The implementation of the e-GDDS recommendations and the launch of the new data portal – ­ are a testament to Bahrain’s commitment to data transparency. The publication of the data through the NSDP will enable national decision-makers, domestic and international stakeholders, investors, and rating agencies to have easy access to information that the IMF’s Executive Board has identified as essential for monitoring a country’s economic and financial developments. More broadly, having data in line with the e-GDDS means it should be accessible in a standardized way to facilitate analysis of economic trends across countries and to provide an early detection of risks to help avert economic crises, thus supporting sustainable economic growth and development.

    Bert Kroese, Chief Statistician and Data Officer, and Director of the IMF’s Statistics Department, welcomed this major milestone in the country’s statistical development. “I am confident that Bahrain will benefit from using the e-GDDS as a framework for further development of its statistical system,” Mr. Kroese stated. The benefits, including better sovereign financing conditions for countries participating in the e-GDDS, have recently been reviewed by the IMF Executive Board in the context of the Tenth Review of the IMF Data Standards Initiatives.

    The NSDP will serve as a one-stop publication for disseminating data covering national accounts and prices, government operations and debt, the monetary and financial sector, and the external sector. Making this information easily accessible in one place and following a predetermined schedule, including in a format that allows machine-to-machine readability and transfer, will enable all users to simultaneously access timely data, ensuring greater transparency.

    A link to Bahrain’s NSDP is available on the IMF’s Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board. The data is provided by the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, the Central Bank of Bahrain, and the Information and eGovernment Authority. Today’s launch of the NSDP shows the country’s commitment to subscribe to the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) in the near future.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Mayada Ghazala

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/09/05/pr-24318-bahrain-bahrain-implements-imfs-enhanced-general-data-dissemination-system

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –