NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresh action in London’s town centres to build on crime reductions achieved in capital

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    London’s town centres, high streets and communities will see an enhanced police and local authority presence this summer as part of partnership work to build on reductions in theft, burglary, robbery, ASB and retail crime achieved in the capital so far this year.

    The Met Police have identified the top 32 town centres and high street locations3 across London that have the biggest challenge with anti-social behaviour, theft and street crime and they will be the focus for enhanced partnership action with local authorities, businesses and communities to tackle crime.

    Every single borough will see increased police and partner activity in the hotspot areas including Stratford, Woolwich Town Centre, Finsbury Park, Croydon Town Centre, Shepherds Bush Green, Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters and London’s West End.

    London is a global destination, particularly over the summer months with five million additional visitors expected over the peak tourism season and with school summer holidays beginning soon, our town centres will be very busy. At a time of high demand for policing, the Mayor of London, Met police, local authorities and partners are strengthening their joint work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour impacting our town centres and high streets.

    The top twenty town centre and high streets being focused on by police, MOPAC, local authorities and community partners as part of Safer Summer Streets make up only a small percentage of London overall, but account for almost 10 per of knife crime, 24 per cent of theft person offences and 6 per cent of all ASB calls.*

    There will be increased police patrols, intelligence-led plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, and officers will relentlessly target wanted and prolific offenders who commit multiple offences, particularly shoplifting and ASB, seeking long sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders.

    These summer plans are based on strong partnership working, with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the Met, local authorities, businesses, community organisations sharing information using a new approach so issues can be identified and acted upon quickly. Local solutions will include the designing out of offences through local authority powers related to licensing, parking, waste management and trading standards.

    Thanks to the hard work of the police, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), local authorities and partners, the first six weeks of this financial year have seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year.

    • Knife crime – down by 18.1 per cent
    • Residential burglary – down by 17.7 per cent
    • Theft from the person – down by 15.6 per cent
    • Personal robbery – down by 12.8 per cent.
    • Shoplifting – the Met have solved 163 per cent more cases this year than in the same period as last year.

    These reductions are in addition to the latest Office for National Statistics Crime stats which show that overall, the violent crime with injury rate is lower in London than in the rest of England and Wales1. Gun crime with lethal barrel discharges, knife crime with injury for those aged under 25 and homicides in the capital have all fallen since 2016.2

    Through more precise targeting of the most dangerous offenders and greater focus on the issues that matter most to Londoners, the Met are arresting more than 1,000 more criminals each month.

    Whilst there have been significant reductions in some crime types since the start of the financial year and since 2016, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure everyone in the capital is safe and feels safe.

    The intensified action to tackle anti-social behaviour and theft is part of ongoing work by the Met and Mayor of London to boost local neighbourhood teams and put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuild community confidence. It is backed with record funding from City Hall which has helped to London’s Safer Neighbourhood teams. Over the last two years the Met has put an additional 500 Met officers and staff ranging from Superintendent to PCSOs into neighbourhood teams and continue to increase officers in these teams, working closer than ever with communities to understand and deal with local priorities.

    It also forms part of the Home Office’s national Safer Streets Summer Initiative running from 30 June until the end of September 2025, which will see officers in London focusing on reducing town centre criminality including shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour.

    On Wednesday morning, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Kaya Comer-Schwartz will join Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes, Enfield Council Leader Cllr Elgin Erbil and neighbourhood officers in Enfield to see the ‘Safer Streets Summer’ in action.

    Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “The safety of our town centres is more than just policing – it’s about building stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure.

    “That’s why I was really pleased to meet with local partners and community groups today – along with the police – to strengthen our collaborative work to tackle shoplifting, theft and anti-social behaviour in all its forms.

    “We have seen this in action today in Enfield, with officers speaking with local people and business owners addressing their concerns. Across our city there will be partnership led operations to tackle shoplifting and clear, visible neighbourhood officers out on patrol, keeping our communities safe and working to build safer town centres and a safer London for everyone.”

    Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Matt Jukes, said: “Our intelligence and data-led approach to tackle the crimes that matter most to Londoners – such as shoplifting, robbery and anti-social behaviour – is already working.

    “We’re arresting 1,000 more criminals each month, neighbourhood crime is down 19 per cent and we’ve solved 163 per cent more shoplifting cases this year.

    “In 32 of the hardest hit areas, we’re working with the community, councils, businesses and partners, to focus our resources and bear down on prolific offenders and gangs who blight too many neighbourhoods across the capital.”

    Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council, said: “Creating a safer Enfield is our priority. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood and community, and here in Enfield we’re proud to be working closely with the Met Police, the Mayor of London and our partners to make that a reality. Safer Streets Summer is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together to cut crime and antisocial behaviour.

    “Alongside improved policing, Enfield Council is spending time and money towards making our streets safer for those who live and work in Enfield. For example, our dedicated summer parks patrols, launched last month, are helping to stop and prevent antisocial behaviour by providing a visible presence and reassurance. Police officers and our council teams are patrolling our parks and town centres side by side.

    “Likewise, our partnership with local policing teams and other partners in Upper Edmonton and Edmonton Green has meant we are tackling serious organised crime and the causes of crime through three steps called Clear Hold Build. Our residents on the most affected estates are telling us they feel safer and better protected. Consequently, they are working with us to combat crime and improve our neighbourhoods.

    “We’re committed to building safer, stronger town centres where residents, businesses and visitors can feel safer and can thrive.”

    Hannah Wadey, CEO, Safer Business Network said: “Businesses across London have a crucial role to play in keeping our public spaces safe, and Safer Streets Summer is a great example of what we can achieve when we all work together. From preventing crime and anti-social behaviour to creating welcoming environments, this work is vital for our communities and businesses are proud to play their part. When people feel safe, our town centres thrive.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Skip company to pay over £48,000 for operating illegal waste site

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Skip company to pay over £48,000 for operating illegal waste site

    A Birmingham skip hire company must pay financial penalties of more than £48,000 after the Environment Agency brought a prosecution for operating illegally.

    • Investigation by Environment Agency finds company without necessary environmental permit
    • Court issues remediation order for site to be cleared of waste within 3 months
    • Case heard at Birmingham magistrates on Monday 7 July 2025.

    At Birmingham magistrates’ court on 7 July 2025, Action Skip Hire Limited of Trent Street, Digbeth, were found guilty of 2 offences and admitted another.

    The court imposed a fine of £12,000 for operating a regulated facility in Oxford Street, Birmingham, without the necessary environmental permit. They were also ordered to pay a surcharge of £190 and costs of £26,376.58.

    The company was fined a further £6,000 for failing to comply with a Notice to provide waste transfer notes. They were ordered to pay a £2,000 surcharge and costs of £1,522.38.

    The court was told that the company held an environmental permit for a waste site at Trent Street, Digbeth. However, not for land off Oxford Street where the company illegally stored and processed wastes.

    Officers from the Environment Agency visited the Oxford Street site on 10 August 2023 following reports of waste activity taking place.

    Investigations found the site were storing mixed general and construction and demolition wastes including trommel fines, tyres, mattresses and wood.

    Further investigations revealed that the land was leased to Action Skip Hire Limited. Inspections by Environment Agency Officers during September and October of 2023 showed that the Oxford Street site was still being used for waste activities.

    This resulted in the Environment Agency serving a Section 59 (1) (a) Enforcement Notice on 20 November 2023 requiring the company to remove waste from the land. The notice was not complied with.

    Further visits were carried out throughout 2024 which found wastes remaining on the site.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

    We welcome this outcome and will continue to work tirelessly to pursue and prosecute those involved in illegal waste activities.

     Failure to comply with these legal requirements is a serious offence that can damage the environment and undermine legitimate businesses.

     Anyone with suspicions of waste crime can call our incident hotline, 0800 807060, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.

    Background

    • Between 1 February 2021 and the 16 July 2024, at a site off Oxford Street, Birmingham, B5 5NY, did operate a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the deposit, treatment, and storage of waste, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit. Contrary to Regulations 12 (1) (a) and 38 (1) (a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

    • On and after 29 February 2024 Action Skip Hire Limited failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a notice dated the 20 November 2023 and served on the company pursuant to Section 59 (1) (a) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in that the company failed to remove controlled waste from land off Oxford Street, Birmingham, B5 5NY.

    • On 28 November 2024 Action Skip Hire Limited failed to comply with the requirements of a Notice dated 20 November 2024, which required that written descriptions of waste removed from 39 Trent Street, Birmingham, B5 5NL, covering the period 5 August 2024 to 19 November 2024, be provided to the Environment Agency within 7 days, contrary to Section 34(5) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Regulation 35 of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011.

    Remediation Order:

    A Regulation 44 Remediation Order was issued to the Company requiring them to remove all waste from the site within 3 months.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations Opens in East China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    JINAN, July 9 (Xinhua) — The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations opened in Qufu, east China’s Shandong Province on Wednesday.

    The two-day event, titled “Beauty in Diversity: Strengthening Mutual Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization,” is taking place in the birthplace of Chinese philosopher Confucius and has attracted more than 560 guests from over 70 countries and regions.

    The forum agenda includes the following issues: the origin and prospects of civilizations, Confucian culture and its significance for the modern world, mutual assistance in the course of global modernization, the importance of family and social development through the prism of civilization, artificial intelligence and the future of human civilizations, traditional culture of the ancient Chinese kingdoms of Qi and Lu and world civilizations.

    Dedicated to dialogue among world civilizations, the Nişan Forum serves as a platform for enhancing international cultural exchanges and cooperation. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia and China’s interaction within BRICS is constructive in nature — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Moscow, July 9 /Xinhua/ — Russia and China’s interaction within the BRICS framework is constructive in nature and is aimed at resolving issues of developing countries, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Wednesday, answering a question from a Xinhua correspondent about US President Donald Trump’s threats against countries supporting BRICS.

    “The cooperation between Russia and China, both in BRICS and in general, is not directed against anyone. I would like to emphasize that our cooperation – between Russia and China – is of a constructive nature, it is aimed at strengthening the socio-economic, innovative and human potential of its participants, as well as at supporting the solution of real pressing problems and issues of developing countries,” she said, commenting on the results of the 17th meeting of the BRICS leaders that recently ended in Rio de Janeiro.

    As M. Zakharova noted, the activities of the association are of keen interest, including among Western countries, for whom BRICS has become a “red rag”. “Not because we want to anger anyone, but because they themselves were initially aggressively inclined and, apparently, realized that their aggressive attitude was not justified. We have something to respond to. We are strong, and we have demonstrated this strength, but not in aggression, but in a constructive, creative approach,” the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized.

    She recalled that Russia and China stood at the origins of BRICS and made an important contribution to its development and the creation of favorable conditions for the progressive sustainable economic growth of all states of the association, as well as the formation of a more just and balanced multipolar world order that would meet the needs of all countries and peoples without exception.

    The Russian diplomat added that in matters of further expansion of bilateral cooperation within the BRICS framework, Russia and China are looking in the same direction and are ready to overcome all challenges shoulder to shoulder.

    “We are focused on joint consistent work with Beijing to strengthen the authority of the association as one of the core mechanisms of global governance. Among the main tasks, of course, we see an increase in the role of developing countries and emerging market countries in multilateral institutions,” M. Zakharova specified, noting that in the context of a radical transformation of the global geopolitical landscape, Russian-Chinese relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction continue to develop dynamically and demonstrate high adaptability and stress resistance. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Former Xinjiang Uyghur CPPCC Vice Chairman Sentenced to Death with Suspension for Bribery

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    NANNING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Dou Wangui, a former Party member and vice chairman of the CPPCC (Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference) Committee of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Wednesday for accepting bribery.

    Dou Wangui was also stripped of his political rights for life and all his personal property was to be confiscated.

    Dou Wangui was sentenced by the Second People’s Court of Liuzhou City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China. The investigation against him began in March 2024 and he was arrested in October of the same year.

    The court found that between 2003 and 2022, Dou Wangui, while holding various leadership positions in Xinjiang, used his authority to benefit relevant entities and individuals by providing them with “favors” in matters related to contracting, mining, corporate business operations and career advancement, and received in return money and material goods totaling 229 million yuan (about $32 million).

    By his actions, Dou Wangui caused serious damage to the interests of the state and the people, but the court recognized his admission of guilt and repentance, as well as the return of illegally obtained income, as mitigating circumstances, follows from the court ruling. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Should the UK name heatwaves like storms? It won’t make people take them more seriously

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrea Taylor, Associate Professor in Risk Communication, University of Leeds

    The UK Met Office has given storms forenames for the past decade as part of an effort to raise public awareness of extreme weather before it strikes. Heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly from burning fossil fuel, which are raising global temperatures by trapping more heat in Earth’s atmosphere.

    These extreme heat events aren’t named in the UK. Should that change?

    Effective communication strategies are necessary to make people aware of upcoming heatwaves and help them understand how to reduce their risk. Spain started naming them in 2023, with Heatwave Zoe. Italy has a longstanding but unofficial tradition of naming heatwaves according to mythology and classical history.

    The results include Lucifero (Lucifer, another name for the devil) and Cerbero (Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the underworld in Greek myth), popularised by the private weather service il Meteo (ilmeteo.it).

    Severe heatwaves in summer 2023 and 2024 prompted a campaign to name heatwaves after fossil fuel companies, to increase awareness of their role in climate change.

    However, there is limited evidence to indicate whether this would be effective in encouraging people to take proper safety precautions during heatwaves, such as staying in the shade between 11am and 3pm, closing the curtains of sun-facing windows during the day and making sure to have enough water if travelling and looking out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated, such as elderly people living alone.

    To explore how effective naming heatwaves might be, my research team conducted online experiments with 2,152 people in England and 1,981 people in Italy.

    Lucifer is scarier than Arnold

    Participants were asked to imagine that next summer, they were to receive a warning that a heatwave was about to affect their country. Participants were randomly assigned information about an event that was was either unnamed, given a threatening name (Lucifer/Lucifero), or a more neutral name (Arnold).

    Then they were asked how much of a risk they though that the event would pose and the actions they would anticipate taking. English participants were also asked about their thoughts on storm-naming practices in the UK and whether they felt that this should be extended to heatwaves.

    We found that naming a heatwave had no effect on the intention of people to take protective measures against it in either country. In Italy, there was no difference between how people perceived the unnamed heatwave and Lucifero, but Arnold was judged to be slightly less concerning and severe.

    This suggests that, while naming a heatwave does not increase concern, departing from Italy’s established convention of using threatening names does reduce it slightly.

    Isolated older people are typically most at risk during heatwaves.
    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    Our participants in England rated Lucifer as more severe and concerning than an unnamed heatwave, though not by much. When asked about their thoughts on naming weather events more broadly, English participants tended to agree that naming storms made people more likely to engage with weather warnings, but only a minority were in favour of naming heatwaves. Overall we found that, while some people were generally supportive of naming weather events, others worried it could sensationalise them.

    It probably won’t help much

    We did not find enough evidence to support naming heatwaves in the UK.

    Despite a large sample, we found only a very small effect on perceived risk and did not detect any greater intention to take safety precautions for a named heatwave. We also found that responses differed between England and Italy.

    Heatwaves can cross national borders. The fact that there are national differences in how people respond to naming them could lead to unintended differences in how people interpret the risk in different places.

    And unlike storms, which usually take place over a single day with a clearer start and end, heatwaves can last from days to weeks – it’s not always clear whether a prolonged hot spell is one heatwave or a series of them, which could lead to confusion if named.

    Heatwaves are an opportunity to discuss the risks posed by climate change. But naming heatwaves risks coming across as sensationalist to some members of the public. This might have the opposite effect, and make people less likely to heed safety messaging about severe heat.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Andrea Taylor receives funding from The Lloyds Register Foundation, UKRI and Horizon Europe.

    – ref. Should the UK name heatwaves like storms? It won’t make people take them more seriously – https://theconversation.com/should-the-uk-name-heatwaves-like-storms-it-wont-make-people-take-them-more-seriously-260635

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Discover hidden Island treasures at the Festival of Archaeology 9 July 2025 Discover hidden Island treasures at the Festival of Archaeology

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Residents and visitors are invited to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of the Isle of Wight at a special event hosted by the Museum of Island History in Newport’s Guildhall.

    As part of the national Festival of Archaeology, the museum will open its doors free of charge from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, 19 July.

    A highlight of the event is a new display featuring artefacts unearthed by The Vectis Searchers, the Island’s long-standing metal detecting club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

    These fascinating finds — often held in private collections — offer a rare glimpse into the Island’s past, with objects discovered in fields and gardens across the community.

    Visitors are encouraged to bring along their own archaeological discoveries for expert identification by the Isle of Wight’s finds liaison officer.

    There will also be a chance to learn more about the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a British Museum initiative that records archaeological finds made by the public.

    “This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to get hands-on and discover more about our special Island history,” said a spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Heritage Service.

    “With handling artefacts to explore and a free museum trail for families, it’s a perfect day out for all ages.”

    The Festival of Archaeology, organised by the Council for British Archaeology, runs from 19 July to 3 August and features hundreds of events across the UK, both in-person and online.

    The Newport event is part of this nationwide celebration of heritage and discovery.

    The Museum of Island History is located at the Guildhall, High Street, Newport, PO30 1TY, and is normally open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Revised designs submitted for the Castle and Eye of York area

    Source: City of York

    A new flythrough has revealed what the Castle Car Park and the Eye of York could look like.

    Amendments to the existing Castle car park and Eye of York planning application have now been submitted.

    The key changes include:

    • a new green park
    • introducing a dedicated space for children to play
    • replacing the paved event space with 30 Blue Badge parking spaces to replace existing parking – two of which will have electric vehicle charging points
    • reducing the costs of the overall scheme to ensure it is deliverable.

    This follows public engagement on the revised concept designs which took place during summer 2024. Design consultancy, BDP, reflected priorities including accessibility, heritage and maintenance in the updated design.

    Councillor Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, said:

    “This is an important step forwards for the project which aims to transform one of the most historic parts of the city centre.

    “These plans seek to create a versatile public space where people of all ages want to spend time, making it greener and more accessible, as well as more affordable and deliverable, when compared to previous plans.  We are sensitive to the area and its history and that is reflected in the plans which honour some of the more difficult aspects of our past.

    “We also want this to be a space for all and as well as a number of accessible features, these plans include retaining 30 blue badge parking spaces, following public feedback.

    “We will continue to listen as this project moves through the planning process.”

    Councillor Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy and Culture said:

    “We are working to transform this area from a car park to a people park.

    “These plans have been shaped by comments from local people, disabled groups, businesses and other stakeholders.

    “Our proposals include new play areas for families – something people have been asking for more of in the city centre, and green open space for people to relax and take some time out.

    “Our aspiration is for this historic site to be a free, welcoming place for residents and visitors to enjoy, away from the bustle of the city”.

    Matthew Costa, Landscape Architect Director at BDP, said:

    “We’ve listened carefully to what people want from this space and continue to shape the design around the community vision.

    “The updated plans aim to make the area greener, easier to get around, and more enjoyable for everyone – whether you’re coming to relax, play, or meet others. It’s about turning the Castle Gateway into a place that feels like an inclusive, cultural and nature-rich part of the city again.”

    The revised designs can be viewed in the updated flythrough video.

    The planning application can be found using this reference 22/00209/FULM and comments can be made via the statutory planning process before at the Planning Portal. People can also email comments to planning.comments@york.gov.uk or post to Development Management, City of York Council, West Offices, York YO1 6GA.

    A report will be taken to the council’s Executive later this year, seeking a decision to close Castle car park, approval to procure a contractor to deliver the scheme, setting the delivery budget and timeframe, plus provide updates on other Castle Gateway schemes.

    Read the latest My Castle Gateway blog and find out more about the scheme.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report warns of rising health risks in Leeds from increasing temperatures due to climate change

    Source: City of Leeds

    A new report has warned rising temperatures due to climate change pose serious health risks to the city’s population.

    ‘Heat in the City: Our Health in a Warming Leeds’ – this year’s annual report by Director of Public Health, Victoria Eaton – highlights the growing threat of heat-related illness and calls for collective city-wide action to protect residents now and in the future.

    Leeds has seen record-breaking temperatures in recent years, including the 2022 heatwave when the city hit 40 degrees Celsius (C) for the first time.

    The report warns of the link between hot weather and a rise in hospital admissions and deaths – as seen in the 2022 heatwaves, when an estimated 2,985 died in England during the hottest periods.

    Extreme heat can make breathing harder and put extra strain on the heart, circulatory system and kidneys as they work to cool the body, with vulnerable groups – such as older adults, children, pregnant woman, people with long-term health conditions – most at risk.

    Densely-populated, inner-city areas, where manmade surfaces such as concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, greenspace is reduced and tall buildings block airflow, creates a phenomenon known as the ‘urban heat island effect’, where temperatures can be up to 8 degrees Celsius (C) hotter than in rural areas.

    Increasing temperatures due to climate change also introduce new threats such as longer pollen seasons, increased asthma cases during thunderstorms and the potential spread of diseases such as Lyme disease from ticks and mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and Zika.

    The report highlights some of the creative projects and initiatives already happening across the city to combat climate change, including work to enhance biodiversity such as through the creation of the city centre ‘Aire Park’ and the planting of 100 community orchards – with Leeds set to reach the most in the UK outside of London – as well as the distribution of hot weather packs for people most at risk.

    Key recommendations for city-wide action within the report include:

    • Expanding access to cool spaces;
    • Integrating more heat resilience into urban planning;
    • Continuing to prioritise investment in energy-efficient housing;
    • Raising public awareness of the impacts of heat on health as well as ensuring frontline workers have the tools they need to support vulnerable groups.

    Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, said “Rising temperatures affect everyone but the health risks aren’t equal.

    “People in our most deprived and densely-populated areas – especially older adults, young children, pregnant women and those with long-term conditions – face the greatest risks.”

    Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for equality, health and wellbeing, said “Climate change is a health crisis. The choices we make today will shape the wellbeing of future generations.

    “Together we can create a Leeds that not only adapts to rising temperatures but thrives in spite of them.”

    The report was praised by the Association of Directors of Public Health as “particularly innovative,” and supports Leeds’s ambition to become the UK’s first net-zero city by 2030.

    To view the report and accompanying film, visit https://observatory.leeds.gov.uk/dph-report/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Partners With UNTOLD Festival, Where Web3 Takes The Main Stage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bitget headlines the global stage as UNTOLD’s exclusive Web3 partner

    CLUJ-NAPOCA, Romania, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has collaborated with UNTOLD – one of the top three music festivals in the world to sync pop culture with Web3. With this, Bitget is now the official sponsor of UNTOLD X this August, with the partnership continuing at UNTOLD Dubai later this year. Over 400,000 music lovers will be attending the music festival, taking Bitget’s message to the mainstage and inviting the world to—Feel the ₿eat.

    This partnership marks Bitget’s boldest move yet into the world of music and youth culture. Following headline-grabbing deals with LALIGA and MotoGP, the UNTOLD collaboration proves that Bitget isn’t just showing up; it’s stealing the spotlight. The goal? Bring Web3 to the front row, backstage, and every bass drop in between.

    “We’ve partnered with athletes, champions, and now rockstars,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “UNTOLD speaks the language of the next generation. And so do we. Whether you’re vibing in the crowd or trading on the go, Bitget is there to make every moment count. We’re here to connect, to move with the rhythm of pop culture, and to show that Web3 is the gateway to broadening horizons.”

    Ranked #3 globally in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals, UNTOLD has become a cultural landmark. It hosts live acts like Imagine Dragons, Lenny Kravitz, Bebe Rexha, Major Lazer, Charlie XCX, and Jason Derulo. Electronic giants like Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Solomun, and Amelie Lens will also entertain the audience.

    “We’re excited to welcome Bitget as a global partner of UNTOLD. This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it’s about building bridges between the world of music, culture, and the future of finance,” said Bogdan Rădulescu, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer of UNTOLD Universe. “Together, we’ll create experiences that redefine how communities connect and celebrate across continents.”

    The 10th anniversary edition promises to be legendary, with Post Malone, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, and Martin Garrix leading the lineup. Bitget will be there every step (and step count) of the way, from immersive events to exclusive VIP experiences.

    With front-row seats at UNTOLD, Bitget is turning up the volume on what it means to be a VIP. Think backstage access, ultra-exclusive lounges, and unforgettable moments, all reserved for those who live louder and demand the best.

    The partnership kicks off at UNTOLD’s 10th anniversary in Cluj-Napoca. It will carry through to UNTOLD Dubai, where Bitget will once again bring the energy of emerging Web3 to one of the world’s most dynamic cultural stages.

    As UNTOLD celebrates a decade of unforgettable music moments, Bitget steps into the spotlight to amplify what’s next. This partnership is about resonance. From Cluj to Dubai, Bitget is reimagining how a new generation connects with finance, culture, and each other.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. It also offers real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices.

    Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist), and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    About UNTOLD

    UNTOLD Festival is one of the world’s largest music festivals, celebrating a decade this summer. Born in the heart of Transylvania, Romania, UNTOLD now ranks 3rd in the Top 100 Festivals by DJ Mag. In 2015, UNTOLD Festival won the award for the Best Major Festival in Europe, a premiere for a festival to receive this recognition after the first edition.

    In 2025, UNTOLD celebrates 10 years with Post Malone, Metro Boomin, Anyma, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix with UNTOLD Special Set, FISHER, Tiësto Extended Set, Don Diablo Extended Set, Dom Dolla, Adriatique, and more. Over 430,000 fans worldwide are expected in Cluj-Napoca, from August 7 – 10, for the 10th anniversary of UNTOLD.

    About UNTOLD Universe

    UNTOLD Universe is one of the leading entertainment and live events groups in the world. Its portfolio includes UNTOLD Festival (ranked #3 in the Top 100 Festivals by DJ Mag), Neversea (#21), UNTOLD Dubai (#40), and Massif, a winter music experience in the Romanian mountains. Beyond festivals, UNTOLD Universe also creates cultural events, including Christmas markets, international partnerships, brand activations, communication, and movies.

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45253b75-d3b8-4f34-ae98-50aaef502438

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage, 100% Deposit Bonus, No slippage, No Spread- No KYC Required

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BexBack, a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform, is offering an unbeatable opportunity for traders with 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus, with no KYC required. This platform is designed to help traders take advantage of the ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market and maximize their potential returns.

    Why Choose BexBack?

    • 100x Leverage: Amplify your potential profits by trading with leverage. For example, a 1 BTC deposit could allow you to trade 100 BTC.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds with a 100% deposit bonus. Use this bonus to increase your trading position and potential profits.
    • No KYC: Start trading immediately with no complex identity verification processes.
    • $50 Welcome Bonus: Available after depositing more than 100 USDT or 0.001 BTC and completing a transaction.
    • Fast and Easy Trading: No slippage, no spread, and fast execution make BexBack a top choice for experienced and new traders alike.

    Why BexBack Stands Out

    • Global Presence: With offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack is trusted by over 500,000 traders globally.
    • Secure and Efficient: BexBack is licensed as a U.S. MSB (Money Services Business) and offers 24/7 multilingual support.
    • Comprehensive Trading Options: Trade more than 50 digital assets, including BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP, all with up to 100x leverage.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Out!

    If you missed the previous bull run, don’t let this opportunity slip by. Sign up on BexBack now to unlock the full potential of 100x leverage, the 100% deposit bonus, and the $50 welcome bonus. Start trading today and capitalize on the market’s volatility.

    Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8ed431c-25b9-46ae-a2ee-65c36e031bd0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/675ce4ac-e620-4bc9-8c55-9a9d7845f337

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72d43599-bef1-449a-b7e2-bd15d60ff442

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf8b6872-16b1-40f3-93eb-47760cd7446b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recovered appeal: Woodlands Park landfill site, land south of Slough Road, Iver, Buckinghamshire (ref: 3347353 – 9 July 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Recovered appeal: Woodlands Park landfill site, land south of Slough Road, Iver, Buckinghamshire (ref: 3347353 – 9 July 2025)

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Recovered appeal: Woodlands Park landfill site, land south of Slough Road, Iver, Buckinghamshire (ref: 3347353 – 9 July 2025)

    PDF, 1.06 MB, 123 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@communities.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal for the redevelopment of the former landfill site to comprise a Data Centre development (B8 (Data Centre)) of up to 72,000 sqm (GEA) delivered across 2 buildings. The scheme includes site wide landscaping. The Data Centre buildings include ancillary offices, internal plant and equipment and emergency back-up generators and associated fuel storage.

    The development will also include cycle and car parking, internal circulation routes, soft and hard landscaping, security perimeter fence, lighting, earthworks, sustainable drainage systems, ancillary infrastructure and a substation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: I’m a statistics professor who became embroiled in the world of online chess drama

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, Professor of Statistics, University of Toronto

    As a mild-mannered statistics professor, it’s not often that I get
    contacted directly by the CEO of a multi-million-dollar company, much less regarding allegations of cheating and malfeasance among world champions.

    But that’s precisely what happened last summer. Erik Allebest, CEO of the world’s largest online chess site, Chess.com, asked me to investigate former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik’s concerns about the long winning streaks of top player Hikaru Nakamura.

    Kramnik argued that these streaks had very low probability and were therefore very suspicious and “interesting.” He didn’t quite accuse Hikaru of cheating, but the implication was clear. Feelings were running high, with Kramnik’s supporters posting angry comments (often in Russian) about cheating as many Chess.com players and Hikaru partisans dismissed the accusations.

    Who was right? Who was wrong? Who could say?

    Allebest asked me to conduct an independent, unbiased statistical analysis to see just how unlikely those chess winning streaks actually were.

    Now, I am no stranger to public statistical disputes, having published a
    best-selling book about everyday probabilities and conducted the statistical analysis for the high-profile lottery retailer scandal. But could statistical analysis really help to clarify this simmering controversy on the world’s biggest chess stage?

    Statistician Jeffrey Rosenthal responds to questions about statistics for WIRED in a video that has received 2.4 million views since February 2022.

    Calculating probabilities

    To sort this out, I first had to calculate the probability of each player winning or tying each game. Different players can have very different abilities, and more advanced players have a greater chance of defeating less experienced opponents. But just how great?

    Chess.com assigns a chess rating to each player after each game, and these ratings were shared with me. My analysis suggested that a certain logistic — or s-shaped — curve function provided an accurate estimate of each game’s probabilities.

    Furthermore, deviations from this probability in successive game results were approximately independent, so the influence of one game on the next could be safely ignored. This gave me a clear probability of each player winning each game.

    I could then analyze those winning streaks that had provoked so much ire. It turned out that Hikaru, unlike most other top players, had played lots of games against much weaker players. This gave him a very high probability of winning each game. But even so, should he have such long winning streaks, sometimes more than 100 games in a row?

    Testing randomness

    To check this, I conducted some Monte Carlo simulations, which repeat a test with random variations.

    I wrote computer programs to randomly assign wins and losses and draws to each of Hikaru’s games, according to the probabilities from my model. I had the computer measure the most surprising winning streaks each time. This allowed me to measure how Hikaru’s actual streaks stacked up against what we should expect.

    I found that in many of the Monte Carlo simulations, the
    simulated results included streaks just as unlikely as the actual ones.
    This demonstrated that Hikaru’s chess results were just about what might
    be expected. He had such a high probability of winning each game, and had played so many games on Chess.com, that such long winning streaks were likely to emerge according to the rules of probability alone.

    Responses to findings

    I wrote up a brief report of my findings, and sent it to Chess.com.
    It ran a news item on its site, which elicited many comments, mostly supportive.

    Hikaru then posted his own video commentary, also supporting my analysis. But meanwhile, Kramnik posted a 29-minute video criticizing my research.

    Kramnik did include some substantive points, so I wrote an addendum to my report to address his concerns and show that they would not effect the conclusion. I also converted my report into a formal paper, which I submitted to a research journal.

    I then got busy with my teaching duties and put the chess controversies
    out of my mind until I received a response in December. It consisted of three referee reports and editor comments, with detailed comments totalling six single-spaced pages.

    I also then discovered that Kramnik had posted a second 59-minute video critiquing my addendum and raising additional points, too.

    I addressed Kramnik’s and the referees’ additional points while revising my article for publication. My paper was finally published in the Harvard Data Science Review.

    I was glad to have my findings published in a prestigious statistics journal, thus giving them a formal stamp of approval. And perhaps, at long last, to settle this particular champion-level chess controversy.

    Jeffrey S. Rosenthal receives research funding from NSERC of Canada, but received no compensation from Chess.com or anyone else for this work.

    – ref. I’m a statistics professor who became embroiled in the world of online chess drama – https://theconversation.com/im-a-statistics-professor-who-became-embroiled-in-the-world-of-online-chess-drama-256294

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Minister Dion George on 47th World Heritage Committee session

    Source: APO


    .

    The Minister, Dr Dion George, has wished the South African delegation negotiating for the proposed extension of iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Maputo National Park in Mozambique well, as they participate at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, France.

    South Africa is among 195 other countries participating in the 47th Session currently taking place at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Headquarters until 16 July 2025. The delegation is led by the Director-General of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Nomfundo Tshabalala, who is supported by South Africa’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Dr Phil Mjwara, and the Chief Executive Officer of iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, Mr Sibusiso Bukhosini.

    “In line with our strategy to elevate our iconic natural sites into world class destinations, the expansion of iSimangaliso into Maputo National Park would translate into ecological protection, job creation, and inclusive tourism, benefitting both South Africans and Mozambicans,” said Minister George.

    The proposed extension of iSimangaliso has been recommended for listing on the UNESCO World Heritage List by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Through the negotiations, team South Africa will propose strong recommendations for sustainable development and reporting, guided by environmental legislations, joint governance structures, as well as matters of a joint management framework for the proposed Transboundary World Heritage Site, should it be successfully listed.

    The World Heritage Committee is an intergovernmental structure that oversees the implementation of the 1972 World Heritage Convention. South Africa has been a member of this Convention since 1997.

    The two week-long Session will discuss, amongst others, statutory matters such as a report of the World Heritage Centre and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Advisory bodies; State of Conservation (SoC) reports of sites on the World Heritage List and World Heritage List in Danger; Nominations to the UNESCO World Heritage List; and World Heritage Fund requests.

    It is important to also note that ahead of the tabling of the proposed extension of iSimangaliso into Maputo National Park, the South African government undertook a stakeholder consultation process in the month of June 2025. This process was made possible through financial support received from Peace Parks Foundation.

    “The consultation process is an integral part of the process and subsequent tabling of the possible extension at the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee,” said Minister George.

    As per the timetable, the proposed extension of iSimangaliso Wetland Park into Mozambique will be discussed by the World Heritage Committee between the 11 – 13 July 2025.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa: Countries unite to scale up South-South cooperation for agrifood systems transformation

    Source: APO


    .

    A regional event on strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) in Africa opened today with a call for greater collaboration to unlock shared benefits. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and hosted by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, the two-day event has brought together government ministers, technical experts, private sector leaders and development partners to promote more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems in Africa through South-South and Triangular Cooperation.

    South-South Cooperation is the exchange of resources, technology, and knowledge between developing countries in the Global South, while Triangular Cooperation involves a third party, often a resource partner or multilateral organization, that facilitates or supports these exchanges. Together, SSTC provides an innovative model to accelerate progress on agrifood systems transformation. 

    A strategic moment for collaboration

    As FAO marks its 80th anniversary, the Regional Policy Dialogue on Strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) for Agrifood System Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa offers a timely opportunity to advance partnerships that deliver concrete results at scale.

    Speaking at the opening session, Stephen Justice Nindi, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture of the United Republic of Tanzania, highlighted the value of African-led solutions and inter-regional collaboration. “It is my great pleasure and honour to welcome all of you,” he said. “Accelerating sustainable food systems and agricultural transformation is a top priority for the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.”

    FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa Abebe Haile-Gabriel highlighted FAO’s long role in South-South Cooperation. “This dialogue is especially meaningful as FAO marks its 80th anniversary this year. SSTC is an expression of the solidarity and shared responsibility that FAO was founded upon.” He then shared three priorities to guide SSTC work: “One, SSTC needs to be embedded directly into national plans, budgets, and policies to ensure it is a core strategy, not a side project. Two, we must look beyond traditional donors to the private sector, academia, and farmer organizations to bring new energy and resources. And three, we should rigorously measure our results to prove their value and secure future investment.”

    Director of FAO’s SSTC Division Anping Ye highlighted that FAO Member Nations hold the solutions to many of the challenges the world faces, and FAO’s role is to support countries to work together. “It is the goal and the responsibility of the FAO South-South and Triangular Cooperation team to provide qualified or high-quality services to our member countries,” he said.

    A powerful solution in uncertain times

    The dialogue focuses on six key priorities: strengthening institutional coordination to consolidate SSTC policy frameworks and mobilise resources; promoting scalable innovations in agriculture through cross-country collaboration; enhancing climate resilience and food systems through SSTC mechanisms; facilitating multi-regional partnerships across Africa, Asia and Latin America; aligning SSTC with national strategies and FAO’s Country Programming Frameworks; and formulating practical roadmaps to support the institutionalisation of SSTC and improved inter-ministerial collaboration.

    Day one features country case studies and panel discussions on institutionalising SSTC in national and regional frameworks, including models from Uganda, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Financing strategies and partnership models are also under discussion, including the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme, which has directly benefited over 100,000 people so far.

    Day two will focus on aligning SSTC with national plans, technology transfer and action planning. Breakout groups will work on monitoring, evaluation, and roadmaps for scaling up SSTC efforts within country frameworks.

    Expected outcomes include concrete policy recommendations, strengthened country partnerships, and commitments to follow-up actions such as the creation of inter-ministerial platforms or joint initiatives.

    FAO’s strong track record in Africa

    Sub-Saharan Africa is the region where nearly 80 percent of FAO’s SSTC efforts have taken place. Through partnerships with countries including Brazil, China, Morocco, Venezuela and Viet Nam, FAO has helped transfer knowledge, tools and technologies tailored to African priorities.

    Examples include the deployment of over 290 Chinese experts and 200 scalable technologies in Africa through the FAO-China Trust Fund; technology and knowledge sharing from Viet Nam, supported by Spain, to boost Namibia’s aquaculture sector; Brazil’s successful school meals model adapted in countries such as Senegal and Ethiopia; Moroccan technical support that helped Guinea and Eswatini improve agricultural monitoring and investment planning; and Venezuela-funded rice systems development projects that improved rice production in 10 African countries including Guinea and Nigeria.

    These projects demonstrate how SSTC can drive productivity, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen national institutions. As the Dialogue continues, FAO and its partners remain committed to expanding SSTC as a key mechanism for achieving sustainable development and resilient agrifood systems in Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft expands geography of its own contactless fuel payment service at gas stations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Rosneft continues to introduce the service of paying for fuel through its own mobile application “Rosneft AZS” at its filling stations. Contactless payment has become available for participants of the loyalty program “Family Team” in 41 subjects of the Russian Federation.

    The Rosneft AZS mobile app allows you to pay for refueling without leaving your car. The service is already available to customers of 1,810 of the Company’s gas stations in the regions of the Central, Northwestern, Southern, Ural, Volga and Siberian Federal Districts. Rosneft plans to expand the contactless fuel payment service in the Rosneft AZS mobile app to the entire retail network of the Company in Russia.

    Payment via the application has a number of advantages, including saving time and comfort for car owners. To pay in the Rosneft AZS mobile application, you need to open the “Gas Station” tab, click the “Fill Up” button, select a pump, type of fuel and specify the desired amount in rubles or volume in liters, or specify refueling “to a full tank”. Payment for the order is available both at gas stations operating on a prepayment system and on a postpayment system.

    The application is available for IOS and Android operating systems.

    Reference:

    Rosneft’s retail network is the largest in the Russian Federation in terms of geographic coverage – it covers 62 regions of Russia. The Company’s network of petrol stations includes about 3,000 stations. The Rosneft petrol station brand is one of the leaders in Russia in terms of recognition and fuel quality.

    The Rosneft Gas Station mobile app is a convenient user tool that makes your trip more comfortable and economical, allows you to find the nearest gas station on the route, and find out the cost of the fuel you are interested in. The main screen contains all the necessary information, including the virtual card of the Family Team loyalty program, the balance of points, and the level of participation in the program.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 9, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Historic First – U.S. Nuclear-Powered Submarine Conducts Port Visit in Iceland

    Source: United States Navy

    GRUNDARTANGI, Iceland  – The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) conducted a port visit in Iceland, marking the first time a nuclear-powered submarine pulls into port on Iceland’s shores, July 9, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Ti Cold and Karis Cold Building $60 Million Facility in McIntosh County

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Ti Cold and Karis Cold have officially broken ground on a new $60 million cold storage facility for PermaCold Logistics in Darien, McIntosh County. The industrial cold storage construction company’s latest project will support 50 jobs upon completion of phase one.

    “Today’s announcement is the largest known economic development win for McIntosh County, marking another success for rural Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Companies like Ti Cold, Karis Cold, and PermaCold Logistics, as well as our reliable and fast-growing ports and highway systems, support logistics industry jobs in every corner of the state. I’m grateful for the decision to open this facility and bring even more jobs to hardworking rural Georgians.”

    Ti Cold provides a full suite of cold storage construction and development services, including, but not limited to, complete design and engineering, master site planning, operations guidance, and consulting services to help companies navigate the unique challenges associated with a rapidly changing cold storage industry. 

    “We’ve had the privilege of building in Georgia many times over the years, and we’re thrilled to be working in McIntosh County,” said Sam Tippmann, Founder and CEO of Ti Cold. “The support we’ve received has been incredible – from the state officials to the team in McIntosh County, and the City of Darien. We are truly excited to bring this beautiful facility to your community and look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”

    The new facility is located at Tidewater Industrial Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site, in Darien. This advanced cold storage complex will have a clear height of 50 feet and feature a flexible, convertible design that maintains temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The facility will also incorporate an environmentally friendly refrigeration system. Additionally, structural steel pallet racks will accommodate over 30,000 pallet positions. The facility will post more information regarding open positions throughout the construction process. 

    “This groundbreaking marks a transformational moment for McIntosh County,” said Chairwoman Kate Pontello Karwacki, McIntosh County Board of Commissioners. “Ti Cold and Karis Cold’s investment in our community is a strong endorsement of the assets we offer from our strategic location along the I-95 corridor and proximity to the Ports to the welcoming business climate we’re committed to fostering. This project not only brings high-quality jobs and economic opportunity but also strengthens the industrial foundation we’ve been working hard to build. We’re proud to welcome Ti Cold and look forward to a long, productive partnership.”

    Senior Regional Project Manager Dorie Bacon represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this project in partnership with the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia EMC, and Georgia Power.

    “Cold storage plays a vital role in Georgia’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure, ensuring that agricultural and food products reach markets efficiently,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Innovative companies like Ti Cold, Karis Cold, and PermaCold Logistics are helping to fuel economic growth across the state. Congratulations to the companies, the City of Darien, and McIntosh County on this exciting new chapter.”

    About Ti Cold

    Ti Cold is known as a specialty, award-winning industrial cold storage builder and developer with decades of experience in designing and building state-of-the-art facilities. They utilize time-honed expertise and advanced technology solutions to create efficient buildings that scale with a business and maximize profitability by fully integrating operations and supply chains. Learn more at www.ticold.com.

    About Karis Cold

    Karis Cold is a private investment and development company with expertise in the cold storage industry. The company invests in and develops properties across the U.S., with a platform covering the entire spectrum of cold storage development and investment, including build-to-suit solutions, sale-leaseback financing, and expansions and redevelopment of existing facilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: Ti Cold and Karis Cold Building $60 Million Facility in McIntosh County

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Ti Cold and Karis Cold have officially broken ground on a new $60 million cold storage facility for PermaCold Logistics in Darien, McIntosh County. The industrial cold storage construction company’s latest project will support 50 jobs upon completion of phase one.

    “Today’s announcement is the largest known economic development win for McIntosh County, marking another success for rural Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Companies like Ti Cold, Karis Cold, and PermaCold Logistics, as well as our reliable and fast-growing ports and highway systems, support logistics industry jobs in every corner of the state. I’m grateful for the decision to open this facility and bring even more jobs to hardworking rural Georgians.”

    Ti Cold provides a full suite of cold storage construction and development services, including, but not limited to, complete design and engineering, master site planning, operations guidance, and consulting services to help companies navigate the unique challenges associated with a rapidly changing cold storage industry. 

    “We’ve had the privilege of building in Georgia many times over the years, and we’re thrilled to be working in McIntosh County,” said Sam Tippmann, Founder and CEO of Ti Cold. “The support we’ve received has been incredible – from the state officials to the team in McIntosh County, and the City of Darien. We are truly excited to bring this beautiful facility to your community and look forward to contributing to its continued growth.”

    The new facility is located at Tidewater Industrial Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site, in Darien. This advanced cold storage complex will have a clear height of 50 feet and feature a flexible, convertible design that maintains temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The facility will also incorporate an environmentally friendly refrigeration system. Additionally, structural steel pallet racks will accommodate over 30,000 pallet positions. The facility will post more information regarding open positions throughout the construction process. 

    “This groundbreaking marks a transformational moment for McIntosh County,” said Chairwoman Kate Pontello Karwacki, McIntosh County Board of Commissioners. “Ti Cold and Karis Cold’s investment in our community is a strong endorsement of the assets we offer from our strategic location along the I-95 corridor and proximity to the Ports to the welcoming business climate we’re committed to fostering. This project not only brings high-quality jobs and economic opportunity but also strengthens the industrial foundation we’ve been working hard to build. We’re proud to welcome Ti Cold and look forward to a long, productive partnership.”

    Senior Regional Project Manager Dorie Bacon represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this project in partnership with the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Ports Authority, Georgia EMC, and Georgia Power.

    “Cold storage plays a vital role in Georgia’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure, ensuring that agricultural and food products reach markets efficiently,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Innovative companies like Ti Cold, Karis Cold, and PermaCold Logistics are helping to fuel economic growth across the state. Congratulations to the companies, the City of Darien, and McIntosh County on this exciting new chapter.”

    About Ti Cold

    Ti Cold is known as a specialty, award-winning industrial cold storage builder and developer with decades of experience in designing and building state-of-the-art facilities. They utilize time-honed expertise and advanced technology solutions to create efficient buildings that scale with a business and maximize profitability by fully integrating operations and supply chains. Learn more at www.ticold.com.

    About Karis Cold

    Karis Cold is a private investment and development company with expertise in the cold storage industry. The company invests in and develops properties across the U.S., with a platform covering the entire spectrum of cold storage development and investment, including build-to-suit solutions, sale-leaseback financing, and expansions and redevelopment of existing facilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hope Rowe jailed for murdering woman at child’s birthday party

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A woman has been jailed for murdering a woman at a child’s birthday party following a Metropolitan Police investigation.

    Hope Rowe, 33 (30.12.1991), of Piazza Walk, Aldgate, attacked Charlotte Lawlor, 31, with a knife at a property in Stepney Green on Sunday, 15 September, 2024. The stabbing was witnessed by some of Ms Lawlor’s family, children and guests at the party.

    On Thursday, 9 July, 2025, a judge at Inner London Crown Court jailed Rowe for life, with a minimum term of 23 years. This follows her conviction at the same court on Friday, 13 June.

    Rowe’s partner was also jailed for perverting the course of justice.

    Witness testimony and phone evidence – including an incriminating voicemail – were used by Met Police investigators to bring the defendant to justice. She was convicted in the absence of a murder weapon.

    Detective Sergeant Dean Musgrove, from the Met Police’s Specialist Crime North unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Ms Lawlor, many of whom personally witnessed the murder. We hope that this sentence gives them some closure.

    “Rowe and her partner behaved despicably. This sentence shows that killers will be pursued even in cases where they attempt to mislead investigators.”

    At the same hearing, Leigh Holder, 38 (15.11.1986), of Piazza Walk, Aldgate, was jailed for 16 months for perverting the course of justice. He encouraged Rowe not to surrender to the police, and helped her dispose of the murder weapon.

    Just after 01:00hrs on Sunday, 15 September, Met officers attended a property in Duckett Street, Stepney Green, following reports of a serious assault. Charlotte Lawlor – who had been attending a birthday party at the property the previous evening – had been stabbed, and was being assisted by friends and family.

    After administering first aid, police were joined by a London Ambulance Service crew, but, despite the efforts of paramedics, Ms Lawlor was pronounced dead within an hour.

    Having spoken to witnesses at the property, officers established that Ms Lawlor had been stabbed by Hope Rowe following an argument at the party, who then drove away from the scene with her partner, Leigh Holder.

    Around 02:10hrs, Holder’s vehicle was stopped by armed police in Tower Hamlets. He told them that Rowe had jumped out of the vehicle shortly after leaving the crime scene, and claimed he had no knowledge of her location. Holder was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

    At 07:00hrs, Rowe attended Bethnal Green Police Station, where she was arrested on suspicion of murder. At interview, she provided no comment – and she later claimed in court that her actions were due to a momentary loss of control.

    Rowe’s phone was seized and analysed by forensic experts. A voicemail – accidentally left by Holder on Rowe’s phone while he was sitting next to her and driving away from the scene – was recovered. In the recorded conversation, Rowe told Holder that it was “good” she had killed Ms Lawlor, while Holder instructed his partner to dispose of the knife and to avoid the police.

    In addition to witness evidence from those present at the scene of the murder, the voicemail proved vital in implicating both Rowe and Holder in their crimes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Fortinet Report: OT Cybersecurity Risk Elevates within Executive Leadership Ranks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced the findings from its global 2025 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report. The results represent the current state of operational technology (OT) cybersecurity and highlight opportunities for continued improvement for organizations to secure an ever-expanding IT/OT threat landscape. In addition to trends and insights impacting OT organizations, the report offers best practices to help IT and OT security teams better secure their cyber-physical systems. 

    “The seventh installment of the Fortinet State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report shows that organizations are taking OT security more seriously. We see this trend reflected in a notable increase in the assignment of responsibility for OT risk to the C-suite, alongside an uptick in organizations self-reporting increased rates of OT security maturity,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President, Products and Solutions, at Fortinet. “Alongside these trends, we’re seeing a decrease in the impact of intrusions in organizations that prioritize OT security. Everyone from the C-suite on down needs to commit to protecting sensitive OT systems and allocating the necessary resources to secure their critical operations.”

    Key findings from the global survey include:

    • Responsibility for OT security continues to elevate within executive ranks: There has been a significant increase in the global trend of corporations planning to integrate cybersecurity under the CISO or other executives. As accountability continues to shift into executive leadership, OT security is elevated to a high-profile issue at the board level. The top internal leaders who influence OT cybersecurity decisions are now most likely to be the CISO or CSO by an increasingly wide margin. Now more than half (52%) of organizations report that the CISO/CSO is responsible for OT, up from 16% in 2022. For all C-suite roles, this has spiked to 95%. Additionally, the number of organizations intending to move OT cybersecurity under CISO in the next 12 months has increased from 60% to 80% in 2025.
    • OT cybersecurity maturity is affecting the impact of intrusions: Self-reported OT security maturity has made notable progress this year. At the basic Level 1, 26% of organizations report establishing visibility and implementing segmentation, up from 20% in the previous year. The largest number of organizations state their security maturity is at the Level 2 access and profiling phase. The report also found a correlation between maturity and attacks. Those organizations that report being more mature (higher of Levels 0–4) are seeing fewer attacks or indicate that they are better able to handle lower-sophistication tactics, such as phishing. It’s worth noting that some tactics, such as advanced persistent threats (APT) and OT malware, are difficult to detect, and less mature organizations may not have the security solutions in place to determine they exist. Overall, although nearly half of organizations experienced impacts, the impact of intrusions on organizations is declining, with a noteworthy reduction in operational outages that impacted revenue, which dropped from 52% to 42%.
    • Adopting cybersecurity best practices is having a positive impact: In addition to the Levels of maturity affecting the impact of intrusions, it appears that adopting best practices such as implementing basic cyber hygiene and better training and awareness are having a real impact, including a significant drop in business email compromise. Other best practices include incorporating threat intelligence, which spiked (49%) since 2024. Additionally, the report saw a significant decrease in the number of OT device vendors, which is a sign of maturity and operational efficiency. More organizations (78%) are now using only one to four OT vendors, which indicates that many of these organizations are consolidating vendors as part of their best practices. Cybersecurity vendor consolidation is also a sign of maturity and corresponds to Fortinet customer experiences with the Fortinet OT Security Platform. Unified networking and security at remote OT sites enhanced visibility and reduced cyber risks, leading to a 93% reduction in cyber incidents vs. a flat network. The simplified Fortinet solutions also led to a 7x improvement in performance through reductions in triage and setup.1

    Best Practices
    Fortinet’s global 2025 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report provides actionable insights for organizations to strengthen their security posture. Organizations can address OT security challenges by adopting the following best practices:

    • Establish visibility and compensating controls for OT assets: Organizations need the ability to see and understand everything that’s on their OT networks. Once visibility is established, organizations then need to protect critical devices and ones that may be vulnerable, which requires protective compensating controls that are designed for sensitive OT devices. Capabilities such as protocol-aware network policies, system-to-system interaction analysis, and endpoint monitoring can detect and prevent compromise of vulnerable assets.
    • Deploy segmentation: Reducing intrusions requires a hardened OT environment with strong network policy controls at all access points. This kind of defensible OT architecture starts with creating network zones or segments. Standards such as ISA/IEC 62443 specifically call for segmentation to enforce controls between OT and IT networks and between OT systems. Teams should also evaluate the overall complexity of managing a solution and consider the benefits of an integrated or platform-based approach with centralized management capabilities.
    • Integrate OT into security operations (SecOps) and incident response planning: Organizations should be maturing toward IT/OT SecOps. To get there, OT needs to be a specific consideration for SecOps and incident response plans, largely because of some of the distinctions between OT and IT environments, from unique device types to the broader consequences of an OT breach impacting critical operations. One key step in this direction is to have playbooks that include your organization’s OT environment. This kind of advanced preparation will foster better collaboration across IT, OT, and production teams to adequately assess cyber and production risks. It can also ensure that the CISO has proper awareness, prioritization, budget, and personnel allocations.
    • Consider a platform approach to your overall security architecture: To address rapidly evolving OT threats and an expanding attack surface, many organizations have assembled a broad array of security solutions from different vendors. This has yielded an overly complex security architecture that inhibits visibility while placing an increased burden on limited security team resources. A platform-based approach to security can help organizations consolidate vendors and simplify their architecture. A robust security platform with specific capabilities for both IT networks and OT environments can provide solution integration for improved security efficacy while enabling centralized management for enhanced efficiency. Integration can also provide a foundation for automated responses to threats.
    • Embrace OT-specific threat intelligence and security services: OT security depends on timely awareness and precise analytical insights about imminent risks. A platform-based security architecture should also apply AI-powered threat intelligence for near-real-time protection against the latest threats, attack variants, and exposures. Organizations should ensure their threat intelligence and content sources include robust, OT-specific information in their feeds and services.

    Report Overview

    • The Fortinet 2025 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report is based on data from a global survey of more than 550 OT professionals, conducted by a third-party research company.
    • Survey respondents were from different locations around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mainland China, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and the United States, among others.
    • Respondents represent a range of industries that are heavy users of OT, including: manufacturing, transportation/logistics, healthcare/pharma, oil, gas, and refining, energy/utilities, chemical/petrochemical, and water/wastewater.
    • Most of those surveyed, regardless of title, are deeply involved in cybersecurity purchasing decisions. Many respondents are responsible for operations technology at their organization and/or have reporting responsibility for manufacturing or plant operations.

    Additional Resources

    1 Fortinet, Fortinet OT Security Platform Customer Success Stories, November 5, 2024.

    About Fortinet
    Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.

    Copyright © 2025 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAgent, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAgent, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiCNP, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortiDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiDLP, FortiEdge, FortiEDR, FortiEndpoint FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPAM, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiScanner, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiSRA, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM, FortiXDR and Lacework FortiCNAPP. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EGGER Group Achieves 99.99% Uptime Across Global Operations with SIOS LifeKeeper for Linux

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN MATEO, Calif., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SIOS Technology Corp., a leading provider of application high availability (HA) and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, today announced that EGGER Group, a global leader in wood-based materials manufacturing, has achieved 99.99% uptime for its mission-critical applications using SIOS LifeKeeper for Linux. With SIOS, EGGER has ensured uninterrupted operations across its 22 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries, safeguarding essential SAP, Oracle, and custom applications from downtime.

    EGGER, headquartered in St. Johann, Tyrol, Austria, operates over 5,000 virtual machines on 350 physical servers, supporting a wide range of systems including delivery logistics, inventory management, and enterprise resource planning. To meet its demanding uptime requirements, the company selected SIOS LifeKeeper for its exceptional reliability, simplicity, and ability to support both off-the-shelf and custom services within a Linux-based enterprise infrastructure.

    “We have nearly zero downtime and have improved system robustness. One of the key points is that the solution is easy to use and nearly maintenance-free. I can’t even remember when I hit the last bug,” said Oliver W., Manager Datacenter Operations team at EGGER Group.

    More than 20 years ago, the EGGER IT team began its search for an HA solution that could scale with its growing global footprint while minimizing system complexity. After evaluating several alternatives, including open source and traditional clustering tools, the team chose SIOS LifeKeeper. The solution provided seamless support for complex database environments, including SAP HANA, Oracle, and customized PostgreSQL, as other internal services.

    A critical advantage was the SIOS Application Recovery Kit (ARK), which enabled EGGER to tailor HA protection for its custom applications and services. Combined with a user-friendly GUI and powerful command-line capabilities, SIOS LifeKeeper has allowed EGGER to simplify configuration, reduce setup errors, and streamline management across two-node clusters in its virtualized environment.

    “EGGER Group’s long-term success with LifeKeeper is a powerful testament to the scalability, reliability, and versatility of our solution,” said Masahiro Arai, COO of SIOS Technology. “We are proud to support EGGER’s mission-critical operations and global growth with a high availability platform that adapts to their needs today and into the future.”

    With SIOS, EGGER has not only reduced downtime risk but also gained the ability to perform maintenance and upgrades without taking systems offline. The company continues to evolve its infrastructure strategy, with SIOS LifeKeeper remaining a key pillar in its ongoing innovation.

    About SIOS Technology Corp.

    SIOS Technology Corp. high availability and disaster recovery solutions ensure availability and eliminate data loss for critical Windows and Linux applications operating across physical, virtual, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments. SIOS clustering software is essential for any IT infrastructure with applications requiring a high degree of resiliency, ensuring uptime without sacrificing performance or data, protecting businesses from local failures and regional outages, planned and unplanned. Founded in 1999, SIOS Technology Corp. (https://us.sios.com) is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with offices worldwide.

    SIOS, SIOS Technology, SIOS DataKeeper, SIOS LifeKeeper, and associated logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of SIOS Technology Corp. and/or its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:

    Beth Winkowski
    Winkowski Public Relations, LLC for SIOS
    978-649-7189
    bethwinkowski@US.SIOS.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Action is the antidote to ecological grief and climate anxiety – an ecotherapist explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louise Taylor, Early Career Researcher and Ecotherapist, Queen’s University Belfast

    Brussels, Belgium. 21st February 2019. High school and university students stage a protest against the climate policies of the Belgian government. Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com

    There’s a popular quote by the 13th-century poet and spiritual teacher Rumi: “The cure for the pain is in the pain.” This line often echoes through my mind when I’m working with clients, especially those experiencing ecological grief and climate anxiety.

    As an ecotherapist – a therapist guided by nature and nature-based therapeutic approaches – and environmental researcher, I work with people who are navigating the emotional weight of ecological breakdown.

    Ecotherapy helps people reconnect with the natural world as a way to support mental and emotional wellbeing. It might involve walking in green spaces, mindfulness practices in nature, working with natural materials, or nature-based rituals.

    Whether it’s planting a garden, sitting under a tree, or engaging in conservation efforts, ecotherapy helps people feel more grounded, more connected and more resilient both emotionally and spiritually.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    In my practice, I’ve noticed that younger people are more likely to experience climate anxiety, while older generations tend to experience ecological grief. The difference is subtle but important. Anxiety often relates to what lies ahead and a sense of powerlessness. Grief is about what has already been lost.

    This emotional divide makes sense when we consider what has happened to the natural world over recent decades. Older adults have witnessed the loss of species, habitats and biodiversity in real time. Many have rich memories and relationships with landscapes that no longer exist as they once did. Meanwhile, younger generations face the terrifying uncertainty of a rapidly changing climate and an increasingly unstable future.

    Both grief and anxiety are valid, but they are not the same.

    I have explored these experiences in depth while researching nature connection, mental health and how the climate and ecological crisis is reshaping this relationship.

    At the outset, I assumed that greater connection with nature would always lead to improved mental wellbeing. But that wasn’t the full picture.

    What I found instead was that deepening our connection with the natural world can indeed foster healing, but it can also sharpen our awareness of the damage being done. This heightened sensitivity can trigger emotional pain, despair and even a decline in mental wellbeing.

    Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist Carl Jung once said, “There is no coming to consciousness without pain.” That’s exactly what climate-anxious and ecologically grieving people are expressing: the deep psychological toll of recognising the scale of the crisis we’re facing. For some, it affects their ability to function, to enjoy their lives and to maintain relationships.

    How to stay well

    The question I kept returning to in my work was this: how do we stay well in a time of collapse? My research pointed to one consistent answer: action.

    Engaging in pro-environmental actions emerged as the most effective way people coped with emotional strain. These weren’t merely acts of activism — they became spiritual practices, grounded in care, connection and meaning. Through these actions, people began to reclaim a sense of power and purpose in the face of overwhelming ecological loss.

    For many, this was also a path back to what eco-philosophers call the ecological self: the part of us that extends beyond the individual and identifies with the living world.

    This self isn’t driven by ego or personal gain, but by the impulse to build relationships, nurture communities and support the flourishing of all life. It represents an expanded way of being; one that understands health and healing as collective, not just personal.

    Importantly, these actions don’t have to be large-scale. They might involve growing your own herbs or vegetables, for instance, or joining a local conservation effort, forming a community group to protect waterways or green spaces, or participating in climate strikes and land defence work. What matters is that the action is relational: rooted in reciprocity and care.

    The conclusion of my research was clear: in the face of ecological distress, mental wellbeing is sustained not by thoughts, but by meaningful action.

    Healing through action

    In Northern Ireland, where I live and work, I’ve seen a growing grassroots environmental movement. Communities are stepping up to protect landscapes under threat, from campaigns to defend the Sperrin Mountains from gold mining, to local resistance against the pollution that’s devastating Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in Ireland and the UK.

    This is unpaid, often invisible labour, but it’s powerful. It gives people a way to process their emotions, to feel less helpless and to turn grief into agency.

    Many environmentalists talk about “saving the planet”. But the truth is, the Earth will go on. What’s under threat is us: our ways of life, our communities, our ability to thrive. The dread we feel is rooted in the enormity of this realisation.

    To stay well while caring deeply about the Earth means learning to live with this pain, and still choosing to act. It requires us to show up, to be present and to tend to both the human and non-human world with care and reciprocity. As we do, we become more empowered and less overwhelmed.

    If you are struggling with climate anxiety or ecological grief, know this: the goal isn’t to suppress your feelings. The goal is to acknowledge them, and then use them as fuel for meaningful action.

    Don’t underestimate small acts. The way forward isn’t to wait for hope: it’s to create it through connection, courage and commitment.

    In a time of ecological uncertainty, wellness doesn’t come from thinking differently. It comes from doing differently.

    Louise Taylor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Action is the antidote to ecological grief and climate anxiety – an ecotherapist explains – https://theconversation.com/action-is-the-antidote-to-ecological-grief-and-climate-anxiety-an-ecotherapist-explains-260428

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A special exhibition of works by I. Repin will open at the National Museum of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — A special exhibition of works by the great Russian artist Ilya Repin will open to the public at the National Museum of China (NMC) on July 23. It is jointly organized by the NMC and the State Tretyakov Gallery with the support of the State Russian Museum.

    The exhibition will feature 92 works in such techniques as oil painting and drawing, systematically revealing the creative path of Ilya Repin. It will be the largest and most representative exhibition of its kind ever held in China, according to a statement published on the official website of the NMC on Wednesday.

    According to the NMC, the upcoming exhibition will combine the collections of two leading Russian art institutions and, for the first time in China, a comprehensive picture of the great artist’s work will be presented on a large scale.

    In particular, such famous masterpieces by Repin as “Tsarevna Sophia”, “Religious Procession in Kursk Province”, “They Didn’t Expect Him” and “Sadko” will be delivered to China for the first time and presented to the Chinese public. Among them, the painting “Religious Procession in Kursk Province” with a width of almost 4 meters will be impressively demonstrated to visitors.

    The exhibition consists of 8 creative groups of important works by I. Repin, which reveal the artist’s entire creative path – from field sketches to the creation of monumental canvases. This will allow viewers to more clearly feel the strict methodology of the master’s work.

    In particular, the creative team dedicated to the creation of “Barge Haulers on the Volga” will demonstrate portrait sketches of barge haulers, script sketches, oil sketches and other materials related to this most recognizable famous painting in China. This will provide viewers with a unique opportunity to deeply immerse themselves in the history of the birth of this masterpiece and feel how I. Repin step by step transformed the initial idea into a work that conquered the whole world, the NMC statement notes. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Flights on the Wuhan-Moscow-Wuhan route will resume in September

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    WUHAN, July 9 (Xinhua) — The Wuhan-Moscow-Wuhan direct flight will officially resume on Sept. 9, the branch of China Southern Airlines in central China’s Hubei Province said Wednesday.

    Flights between Wuhan, the capital of Hubei, and the Russian capital will reportedly be operated by wide-body Airbus A350-900 passenger aircraft on Tuesdays and Sundays.

    The aircraft will depart from Wuhan Airport at 15:10 Beijing time and arrive at Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport at 19:15 local time, and depart in the opposite direction from Moscow at 21:15 local time, arriving in Wuhan at 10:30 the following day Beijing time. The one-way flight will take approximately 8 hours.

    Let us recall that this air route was launched on July 30, 2014, becoming the first direct flight in history connecting central China with Russia.

    According to the Hubei branch of China Southern Airlines, along with the recent implementation of a series of measures to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and Russia, the resumption of direct flights will further promote humanitarian exchanges between the two countries. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Heavy rains in southwest China leave 5 missing and over 7,000 evacuated

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KUNMING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Five people are missing after heavy rains hit Zhaotong city in southwest China’s Yunnan Province since 7 a.m. Tuesday, local authorities said Wednesday.

    In one of the villages of Weixing County of this city prefecture, the rampage of the elements caused by heavy rainfall led to the collapse of two buildings. According to preliminary data, five people are missing. Rescuers are looking for them.

    The authorities of Zhaotong city have begun work to eliminate the consequences of the emergency.

    As of 14:00, more than 7,000 local residents had been evacuated to safer places. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The “Dialogue of World Mayors – SCO Summit Cities” was held in the Chinese city of Tianjin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TIANJIN, July 9 (Xinhua) — The “World Mayors – SCO Summit Cities Dialogue” was held in Tianjin, north China, from July 6 to 9, attended by mayors, diplomats accredited in China and experts from think tanks from SCO countries.

    At the event, participants discussed expanding consensus, deepening practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity, trade and economic investment, green development and cultural exchanges.

    At the opening ceremony, Vice Chairperson of the SCO Chinese Committee on Good-Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation Cui Li noted that the unique cultural images of cities, the spirit of inclusiveness and viable cultures of the SCO countries serve as an inexhaustible incentive for strengthening intercity friendly cooperation within the SCO.

    During the event, participants also visited one of the intelligent container terminals of Tianjin Port and Tianjin Light Industry Vocational and Technical College. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress called on deputies to ensure high-quality performance of their duties

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    XINING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), has called on lawmakers to ensure good performance of their legislative, oversight and parliamentary duties, thereby contributing to the successful completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

    Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of northwest China’s Qinghai Province from Sunday to Tuesday.

    During his visit to Xining and Haidong, Zhao Leji visited legislators’ workplaces, enterprises and rural areas, talking with legislators and local residents to solicit their opinions and advice on promoting high-quality development of legislative work.

    Stressing the importance of maintaining the Party’s comprehensive leadership, Zhao Leji called on the legislative organs to comprehensively implement the major principles and policies as well as the important decisions and plans of the Party in their legislative work.

    He called on legislatures at various levels in Qinghai to focus on more effectively protecting the ecological environment in the province in the spirit of the rule of law, especially when it comes to protecting the ecology in the Sanjiangyuan area, which is known as the “water tower of China” and is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow River and Lancang, China’s three largest rivers.

    Stressing the need to uphold a people-centered stance and consciously put the people’s democracy of the whole process into practice, Zhao Leji called on legislators to conduct in-depth research and actively solicit opinions and suggestions from all sectors.

    He stressed that deputies must strictly fulfill their duties in accordance with the Constitution and other laws, stressing the need to strengthen the NPC’s oversight work by fully implementing the revised Oversight Law.

    Zhao Leji also called for strengthening the work of improving the people’s congresses and strictly implementing the eight guidelines issued by the CPC Central Committee to improve the behavior style of party cadres and civil servants. This, he said, will create an atmosphere of purity, honesty and enterprise, thereby continuously strengthening their ability to perform their duties in accordance with the law. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: School of Nursing Class of 2029 Student Profiles: Abigail Griffiths and Katherine Wojtas

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As summer continues, so does orientation. With over 200 students entering the School of Nursing as the class of 2029, the program’s academic advisors make sure every student is equipped with the necessary tools to succeed.

    These students all have a different story to tell, but no matter their journey they all have one thing in common – a passion for nursing.

    Abigail Griffiths (Contributed Photo)

    Abigail (Abby) Griffiths

    From Northeast Ohio, Abigail Griffiths ’29 (NURS) wants nothing more than to be a pediatric oncology nurse. Her experience with friends and family having cancer is what motivates her to be that helping hand when times get tough.

    When Griffiths was younger, her grandmother passed away from cancer, leaving a lasting impact on Griffiths’ life. She also witnessed the effects cancer had on one of her friends from her high school tennis team. Griffiths saw the mental and physical struggles her teammate and grandmother were dealing with and knew how hard that battle had been.

    “To be able to be someone who can help people who are going through similar situations is really important to me,” said Griffiths. “So being able to hopefully make a difference in someone’s life or even being able to make someone smile when they are sick or having a rough time makes me happy and is something I strive to do.”

    The research opportunities that the School of Nursing offers, and UConn’s community and environment is what stood out to Griffiths when choosing where to continue her education.

    Griffiths referred to UConn as “one big family,” and while she’s excited to further her education in nursing, she is also ready to discover herself. During her time as a Husky, she plans on continuing her swimming career by joining UConn Club Swimming. She’s also looking forward to UConn basketball games and meeting new people within her School of Nursing class.

    As she gets ready to become a Husky this fall semester, she’s taking a special piece of advice from her swimming coach with her: “You are just as worthy and capable of everything in life just as much as everyone else – I deserve to be here and I am capable of doing very well in nursing school and even through hard times I can still do great things,” Griffiths said.

    Katherine Wojtas (Contributed Photo)

    Katherine (Katie) Wojtas

    Katherine Wojtas ’29 (NURS), from upstate New York, is no stranger when it comes to traveling. Wojtas has been to the Dominican Republic three times to assist in community development and sustainability projects and doesn’t plan on stopping there.

    While in the Dominican Republic she helped communities in the sugar cane fields. With her fellow students, she laid cement floors in houses, built a running water system, and built latrines. Wojtas plans to continue doing community service abroad as a Husky, where she can hopefully travel with the School of Nursing.

    “The opportunities for local and global service were one of the main reasons why I chose UConn,” she said. “I hope to travel to Ireland or Rwanda with the School of Nursing since it is a meaningful way to learn and make an impact at the same time!”

    Wojtas is entering her first year with experience in the healthcare field. During her senior year of high school, she participated in a medical career program at her local nursing home. She received hands-on experience in various healthcare roles and got to shadow nurses.

    “It helped me confirm my passion for nursing by allowing me to shadow professionals and learn basic clinical skills. It also opened my eyes to the impact nurses have on patient care,” she said.

    Her goal is to become a nurse practitioner and in the future work as a dermatologist or obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN). She’s excited to start clinicals and learn from the School of Nursing faculty.

    Apart from her own academics and studying abroad, Wojtas wants to join the Women’s Club Flag Football team and healthcare affiliated clubs to connect with others who have similar interests.

    “I hope to grow personally and professionally, maintain strong grades, and gain the confidence and skills necessary to become an RN,” said Wojtas.

    Check out our other class of 2029 student profiles:

    Shaunty Mae Vidad and Carlin Sabo

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: School of Nursing Class of 2029 Student Profiles: Abigail Griffiths and Katherine Wojtas

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As summer continues, so does orientation. With over 200 students entering the School of Nursing as the class of 2029, the program’s academic advisors make sure every student is equipped with the necessary tools to succeed.

    These students all have a different story to tell, but no matter their journey they all have one thing in common – a passion for nursing.

    Abigail Griffiths (Contributed Photo)

    Abigail (Abby) Griffiths

    From Northeast Ohio, Abigail Griffiths ’29 (NURS) wants nothing more than to be a pediatric oncology nurse. Her experience with friends and family having cancer is what motivates her to be that helping hand when times get tough.

    When Griffiths was younger, her grandmother passed away from cancer, leaving a lasting impact on Griffiths’ life. She also witnessed the effects cancer had on one of her friends from her high school tennis team. Griffiths saw the mental and physical struggles her teammate and grandmother were dealing with and knew how hard that battle had been.

    “To be able to be someone who can help people who are going through similar situations is really important to me,” said Griffiths. “So being able to hopefully make a difference in someone’s life or even being able to make someone smile when they are sick or having a rough time makes me happy and is something I strive to do.”

    The research opportunities that the School of Nursing offers, and UConn’s community and environment is what stood out to Griffiths when choosing where to continue her education.

    Griffiths referred to UConn as “one big family,” and while she’s excited to further her education in nursing, she is also ready to discover herself. During her time as a Husky, she plans on continuing her swimming career by joining UConn Club Swimming. She’s also looking forward to UConn basketball games and meeting new people within her School of Nursing class.

    As she gets ready to become a Husky this fall semester, she’s taking a special piece of advice from her swimming coach with her: “You are just as worthy and capable of everything in life just as much as everyone else – I deserve to be here and I am capable of doing very well in nursing school and even through hard times I can still do great things,” Griffiths said.

    Katherine Wojtas (Contributed Photo)

    Katherine (Katie) Wojtas

    Katherine Wojtas ’29 (NURS), from upstate New York, is no stranger when it comes to traveling. Wojtas has been to the Dominican Republic three times to assist in community development and sustainability projects and doesn’t plan on stopping there.

    While in the Dominican Republic she helped communities in the sugar cane fields. With her fellow students, she laid cement floors in houses, built a running water system, and built latrines. Wojtas plans to continue doing community service abroad as a Husky, where she can hopefully travel with the School of Nursing.

    “The opportunities for local and global service were one of the main reasons why I chose UConn,” she said. “I hope to travel to Ireland or Rwanda with the School of Nursing since it is a meaningful way to learn and make an impact at the same time!”

    Wojtas is entering her first year with experience in the healthcare field. During her senior year of high school, she participated in a medical career program at her local nursing home. She received hands-on experience in various healthcare roles and got to shadow nurses.

    “It helped me confirm my passion for nursing by allowing me to shadow professionals and learn basic clinical skills. It also opened my eyes to the impact nurses have on patient care,” she said.

    Her goal is to become a nurse practitioner and in the future work as a dermatologist or obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN). She’s excited to start clinicals and learn from the School of Nursing faculty.

    Apart from her own academics and studying abroad, Wojtas wants to join the Women’s Club Flag Football team and healthcare affiliated clubs to connect with others who have similar interests.

    “I hope to grow personally and professionally, maintain strong grades, and gain the confidence and skills necessary to become an RN,” said Wojtas.

    Check out our other class of 2029 student profiles:

    Shaunty Mae Vidad and Carlin Sabo

    MIL OSI USA News –