NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Helping crisis-hit communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

    Source: Scottish Government

    Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund activated.

    Oxfam Scotland and Tearfund have welcomed Scottish Government funding to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where millions of people face hunger, insecurity and the devastating impacts of violence and forced displacement.

    Since January, more than three million people in the DRC have been forced to flee their homes as fighting by armed groups intensifies and humanitarian needs increase exponentially, triggering one of the world’s most urgent and complex crises.

    The £250,000 provided through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) will be distributed to Oxfam Scotland and Tearfund, and through local partners, to support emergency relief efforts across eastern DRC – helping families pay for essentials such as food, fuel, shelter or hygiene items, as well as accessing urgent medical care, trauma services and safe transport.

    External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said:

    “The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on a scale we can hardly imagine here in Scotland. Successive waves of violence are claiming the lives of civilians, including children, with millions forced to flee to temporary accommodation where conditions are deteriorating.

    “The situation is being worsened by the scaling back of humanitarian assistance by other international donors. While our funding may only make a small impact in the face of such overwhelming need, we are determined to stand behind our values and Scotland’s long and proud history of responding to humanitarian crises around the world.”

    Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam Scotland’s Country Director in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said:

    “Every day, our partners and colleagues are meeting mothers who’ve walked for miles with nothing but their children in their arms, desperately searching for safety. They’ve lost everything: their homes, their loved ones, their hope of a normal life. The scale of human suffering here is staggering.

    “The recent cuts to humanitarian funding have been devastating. We’ve had to make impossible choices about who gets clean water, medicine, or even a place to sleep.

    “That’s why support from the Scottish Government is so vital. With our local partner, it’s helping us reach people who would otherwise be left with nothing. But with millions still in desperate need, we urgently need other governments and donors to follow Scotland’s lead. Now is the time to step up, not step back.”

    Poppy Anguandia, Tearfund’s Country Director for the DRC, said:

    “We are incredibly grateful for this vital funding, which arrives at a critical time for communities in North Kivu. The intensification of conflict has led to widespread displacement and immense suffering, with many returnees in Malehe finding their homes destroyed and livelihoods lost.

    “This support will enable us to provide immediate, life-saving assistance where it’s needed most, directly addressing urgent needs for food and basic essentials for 925 conflict-affected households through multipurpose cash assistance, while also tackling the alarming rise in gender-based violence for 9,000 individuals through community awareness and support sessions.”

    Background

    The Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) is an annual £1 million fund provided by the Scottish Government to respond to overseas humanitarian emergencies. The aim of the HEF is to provide immediate and effective assistance to reduce the threat to life and wellbeing (e.g., hunger, disease or death) for a large number of a population caused by disasters, disease or conflict.

    The HEF is administered by the Disasters Emergency Committee, and since its establishment in 2017, has been supported by a panel of representatives from eight leading humanitarian organisations in Scotland; Oxfam, The British Red Cross, Islamic Relief, Tearfund, Save the Children, Christian Aid, SCIAF and Mercy Corps. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Successful Familiarisation Visit at Dan Winter’s Cottage

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray pictured with Colin, Cristine, and their son Robert Winter, Joanne McElmeel, Trade Liaison Officer at ABC Council, alongside representatives from 22 local tourism providers during a successful familiarisation visit to Dan Winter’s Cottage.

    Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council welcomed 22 local tourism providers to Dan Winter’s Cottage, Loughgall as part of its ongoing Familiarisation Visits programme. The tour was titled ‘Mud walls of Memories’ was led by Colin and Christine from Dan Winters Cottage.

    The visit was an opportunity for providers to build confidence in recommending local experiences to their guests, while also encouraging collaboration and connection across the tourism and hospitality sectors. By fostering these relationships, the Council aims to create a more cohesive and compelling destination, driving increased visitor spend, longer stays, and repeat visits to our borough.

    Speaking about the event, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Alderman Stephen Moutray said:

    “It’s inspiring to see so many passionate providers come together to celebrate and support our local tourism offering. Initiatives like this not only showcase the best of our Borough but also build the partnerships that are vital for long-term success. Together, we are shaping a destination that visitors will want to return to time and time again.”

    Colin Winter, Dan Winter’s Cottage welcomed guests:

    “We’re delighted to offer visitors a truly immersive experience that brings our local history to life. With ‘Mud Walls of Memories’, we’re offering more than just a tour—we’re inviting people to step into the past and connect with the stories that shaped Dan Winter’s Cottage. We’re proud to bring its history to life in a way that’s meaningful and memorable.”

    The council is committed to driving tourism for the borough by providing memorable and unique visitor experiences. It is through these initiatives that the council continues to showcase its rich heritage and stories, celebrating local landmarks, historic buildings, and immersive tours — delivering cultural experiences to domestic, national, and international audiences.

    The council provides ongoing support to local tourism and hospitality providers through the Tourism, Arts and Culture Department. For more information and advice contact:

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Study offers hope for healing from spinal cord injuries – UoA
    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Spinal cord injuries are currently incurable, with devastating effects on people’s lives, but now a trial at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland offers hope for an effective treatment.

    Spinal cord injuries are currently incurable with devastating effects on people’s lives, but now a trial at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland offers hope for an effective treatment.

    Spinal cord injuries shatter the signal between the brain and body, often resulting in a loss of function.
    “Unlike a cut on the skin, which typically heals on its own, the spinal cord does not regenerate effectively, making these injuries devastating and currently incurable,” says lead researcher Dr Bruce Harland, a senior research fellow in the School of Pharmacy at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.

    Before birth, and to a lesser extent afterwards, naturally occurring electric fields play a vital role in early nervous system development, encouraging and guiding the growth of nerve tissue along the spinal cord.

    Scientists are now harnessing this same electrical guidance system in the lab.

    An implantable electronic device has restored movement following spinal cord injury in an animal study, raising hopes for an effective treatment for humans and even their pets.

    “We developed an ultra-thin implant designed to sit directly on the spinal cord, precisely positioned over the injury site in rats,” Dr Harland says.

    The device delivers a carefully controlled electrical current across the injury site.

    “The aim is to stimulate healing so people can recover functions lost through spinal-cord injury,” Professor Darren Svirskis, director of the CatWalk Cure Programme at the University’s School of Pharmacy says, “Unlike humans, rats have a greater capacity for spontaneous recovery after spinal cord injury, which allowed researchers to compare natural healing with healing supported by electrical stimulation.

    After four weeks, animals that received daily electric field treatment showed improved movement compared with those who did not.

    Throughout the 12-week study, they responded more quickly to gentle touch.

    “This indicates that the treatment supported recovery of both movement and sensation,” Harland says.

    “Just as importantly, our analysis confirmed that the treatment did not cause inflammation or other damage to the spinal cord, demonstrating that it was not only effective but also safe.”

    This new study, published in a leading journal, has come out of a partnership between the University of Auckland and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. See Nature Communications [live 9pm 26 June].

    “Long term, the goal is to transform this technology into a medical device that could benefit people living with these life-changing spinal-cord injuries,” says Professor Maria Asplund of Chalmers University of Technology.

    “This study offers an exciting proof of concept showing that electric field treatment can support recovery after spinal cord injury,” says doctoral student Lukas Matter, also from Chalmers University.
    The next step is to explore how different doses, including the strength, frequency, and duration of the treatment, affect recovery, to discover the most effective recipe for spinal-cord repair.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • France says it intercepted drones targeting Israel prior to Iran ceasefire

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    France’s military took part in efforts to stop Iranian drones targeting Israel prior to this week’s ceasefire, the country’s defence minister Sebastien Lecornu said late on Wednesday.

    “I can confirm that the French army intercepted less than 10 drones in the last few days during the different military operations conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Israel, either by ground-to-air systems or via our Rafale fighter jets,” Lecornu said during a parliamentary debate on the situation in the Middle East.

    Lecornu said Iran had launched some 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones towards Israel during the 12-day conflict.

    Israel started attacking Iran on June 13, saying it aimed to destroy its arch-enemy’s nuclear capabilities. Its strikes wiped out a senior echelon of Iran’s military command and killed several nuclear scientists. Iranian authorities said 610 people were killed and nearly 5,000 injured in the country.

    Tehran’s retaliatory missiles killed at least 28 people in Israel and damaged hundreds of buildings, until a ceasefire came into effect on Tuesday.

    (Reuters)

  • North Korea may send more troops to Russia in July or August for Ukraine war, Seoul says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    North Korea may deploy additional troops to Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine in July or August and Pyongyang is continuing to supply arms to Russia, South Korean lawmakers said on Thursday, citing a briefing by the intelligence agency.

    The National Intelligence Service (NIS) believes Russia may be readying to mount a large-scale assault against Ukraine in July or August, South Korean member of parliament Lee Seong-kweun told reporters after the closed-door briefing.

    “The timing of the additional deployment is that it could be as early as July or August,” Lee said, adding the agency cited a new round-up of troops for the dispatch by North Korea and a recent visit to Pyongyang by a top Russian presidential security official as grounds for its assessment.

    In return for North Korea sending artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia, Pyongyang is likely receiving technical advice on satellite launches and missile guidance systems, Lee said, citing the NIS briefing.

    After months of silence, both North Korea and Russia have disclosed the deployment of North Korean troops and the role they played in Moscow’s offensive against Ukraine to reclaim the Kursk region.

    The two countries said the cooperation is based on the treaty signed by their leaders in June last year that includes a mutual defense pact.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AAIB Report: Piper PA-23-250, G-BKJW

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    AAIB Report: Piper PA-23-250, G-BKJW

    Fatal accident involving a Piper PA-23-250, G-BKJW, 1 nm south-west of Bagby Airfield, North Yorkshire, 6 July 2023

    Composite CCTV image of G-BKJW descent into terrain

    The pilot had departed Bagby airfield in the morning and flown to Deauville in France where he collected five passengers and delivered them to Abbeyshrule in Ireland. The accident occurred at the end of the return flight to Bagby, with the pilot the sole occupant of the aircraft. After the pilot made a normal radio call to Bagby to say that he was four miles from the airfield, the aircraft was seen on radar and CCTV to join right base for Runway 06. The CCTV video showed the aircraft’s descent angle start to steepen while it was on right base. There was then a slight reduction in descent angle before the descent angle steepened sharply and the aircraft struck trees and then the ground at an angle of about 35° to 40° nose-down, with no indication that the aircraft was starting to recover. The ground impact caused a fire, and the accident was not survivable.

    The post-impact fire destroyed a significant amount of physical evidence, but that which remained contained no identifiable defects that could have caused or contributed to the nose-dive. The one anomaly found was the position of the pitch trim drum which was 3 mm from the full nose-down position. Evidence from a flight trial on the same type of aircraft revealed that this was more nose-down than would be expected for any flap configuration in the speed range determined from the CCTV. However, the possibility of the trim having moved during the post-impact break-up could not be discounted, so other theories of what could have caused the final nose-dive were considered. Of all the causes reviewed, a pitch trim runaway was considered to be the most likely, but there was insufficient evidence to determine that it was the definitive cause of the accident.

    In conducting the investigation, it was apparent that although occurrences of pitch trim runaway are rare, when they do occur the results can easily be catastrophic, particularly if it occurs at low altitude where there is limited time to respond. Irrespective of whether a pitch trim runaway was the cause of the accident to G-BKJW, the investigation identified ways to reduce the risk of such an event. Consequently, the CAA plan eight safety actions which concern:

    1. Training for a pitch trim runaway.
    2. Deactivating inoperative autopilots.
    3. Making autopilot and electric trim circuit breakers more visible.
    4. Providing clearer information regarding differences training requirements.

    Read the report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: World leaders recommit to immunisation amid global funding shortfall

    Source: Council of the European Union

    At the Global Summit: Health and Prosperity through Immunisation in Brussels, world leaders pledged support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, leading to a total of more than $9 billion secured against a targeted $11.9 billion budget for its next five-year strategic period from 2026 to 2030 (Gavi 6.0). Additional donor commitments are expected in the coming months. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: World leaders recommit to immunisation amid global funding shortfall

    Source: Council of the European Union

    At the Global Summit: Health and Prosperity through Immunisation in Brussels, world leaders pledged support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, leading to a total of more than $9 billion secured against a targeted $11.9 billion budget for its next five-year strategic period from 2026 to 2030 (Gavi 6.0). Additional donor commitments are expected in the coming months. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: World leaders recommit to immunisation amid global funding shortfall

    Source: Council of the European Union

    At the Global Summit: Health and Prosperity through Immunisation in Brussels, world leaders pledged support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, leading to a total of more than $9 billion secured against a targeted $11.9 billion budget for its next five-year strategic period from 2026 to 2030 (Gavi 6.0). Additional donor commitments are expected in the coming months. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Homes England 2024 to 2025 housebuilding statistics published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New Homes England 2024 to 2025 housebuilding statistics published

    Today’s statistics show the number of housing starts on site and completions delivered by Homes England between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.

    Housing programmes delivered by Homes England resulted in 38,308 new houses starting on site and 36,872 new homes completed between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. This represents an increase in both starts (by 5%) and completions (by 12%) compared to the same period the previous year.   

    30,087 of new starts on site were for affordable houses — a 0.6% increase on the previous year, and representing 79% of all starts.  

    Of the affordable homes started in this period:  

    • 5,680 were for social rent, an increase of 43% on the previous year  

    • 2,800 were for intermediate affordable housing schemes, including shared ownership and rent to buy — a decrease of 27% on the previous year 

    • 2,665 were for affordable rent, a decrease of 18%.  

    • The tenure is still to be confirmed for a further 18,942 of the affordable homes starts (a 1% increase on this figure for the same period last year). 

    Of the affordable housing starts delivered, 96% were delivered from the Affordable Homes Programme 2021 to 2026, up from 74% on the same period last year. This is because the Shared Ownership and Affordable Housing Programme (SOAHP) 2016 to 2021 closed to new business and finished delivering housing starts in March 2024. Over its lifetime, it exceeded its target of 130,000, delivering 136,169 affordable starts on site. It is due to finish delivery of completions by March 2026.  

    28,370 of the housing completions for this period were for affordable homes. This is a 15% increase on the previous year, and represents 77% of all completions. This increase can be attributed to the maturing of the Affordable Homes Programme 2021 to 2026, where the starts from the first couple of years develop into completions. 

    Of the affordable homes completed in this period:  

    • 10,755 were for affordable rent, an increase of 15% on the same period last year  

    • 11,883 were for Intermediate Affordable Housing Schemes, an increase of 13%  

    • 5,732 were for social rent, an increase of 33%. 

    Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said:  

    The statistics published today demonstrate the commitment and determination of the sector to build the new homes and communities the country needs.  

    It also shows the importance of programmes like the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) to enable the delivery of these much-needed homes — and comes hot on the heels of the government committing a further £39 billion in funding to affordable homes over a 10 year period, giving confidence and certainty to the sector.  

    We’ll be working closely with the government on the operationalisation of this funding over the coming months, alongside other new initiatives such as the creation of the National Housing Bank, whilst continuing to work closely with local leaders to understand local needs, and providers to ensure they have the support to meet that need.

    Notes to Editors  

    All ‘tenure to be confirmed starts’ originate from Strategic Partnerships (SP) where providers are not contractually required to identify the tenure of a unit until completion. These starts will be restated under their specified tenure headings in future national statistics updates once the tenure has been established at completion. Homes England also manages the Help to Buy equity loan scheme in England (including in London on behalf of the GLA). However, the completions are reported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and, therefore, are excluded from these statistics. 

    National housing statistics are published twice a year showing half and full year starts and completions as part of planned national statistical releases. The next release is half year starts and completions, which are due to be published in November or December 2025. Housing figures cannot be provided outside of these official releases.  

    Homes England programmes are funded by central government to enable private registered providers, house builders, community groups and local authorities to deliver affordable housing.  

    This release presents the housing starts on site and housing completions delivered by Homes England between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 in England excluding London (for both the current and historical series) with the exception of the Build to Rent (BtR), Builders Finance Fund (BFF), Get Britain Building (GBB), the Home Building Fund – Short Term Fund (HBF-STF) and the Home Building Fund (HBF) programmes which are administered by Homes England on behalf of the Greater London Authority (GLA) and where delivery covers all of England including London.  

    Since April 2012, the Mayor of London has had oversight of strategic housing, regeneration and economic development in London.  

    The list of programmes included in these totals are detailed in the official housing statistics report.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Synergy of Practice and Science: IPMET at the Main Economic Forum of the Country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Teachers, scientists, postgraduates and students of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade took an active part in the work of the XXVIII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Polytechnic representatives conducted professional examinations, spoke at panel sessions, attended open lectures, master classes and platforms of industrial partners.

    IPMEiT employees worked as accredited experts of the Roscongress Foundation. Dmitry Rodionov, Director of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics, acted as an expert in two sections that were in the sphere of professional and scientific interests of VIES: “Development of Russian Regions: Partnership between the State and Business to Achieve National Goals?” and “Universities on the Path to a New Model of Higher Education”. Analytical expertise of discussions related to strengthening the financial culture in terms of long-term savings, as well as ensuring the development of technological leadership in cooperation between universities and industry, was carried out by VIES Associate Professor Daria Krasnova. Olga Kalinina, Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management, worked as an expert in the specialized sections “Cooperation of Universities and Industries to Achieve Technological Leadership Goals” and “Modern Labor Market: Search for Answers to Global Challenges”.

    SPIEF gives the university a key advantage – an exit from the academic environment into the real sector. Collaborations are born here that translate theoretical research into the practical plane, – notes VIES Director Dmitry Rodionov.

    A regular participant of the SPIEF, director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technologies and Business Analysis of Gazprom Neft, and professor at VIESH Irina Rudskaya noted that participation in the forum for the university is not just a status event, but a strategic opportunity.

    The forum allows us not only to evaluate our competencies, but also to integrate into the global expert-business agenda, find practical application for scientific developments and form long-term partnerships with industry leaders, says Irina Andreevna.

    Head of the System Dynamics Research Laboratory Angi Skhvediani conducted expert work in the sections “Bioeconomics in the global agenda” and “Artificial intelligence: from discussion to implementation”. Professor Tatyana Kudryavtseva carried out expertise in sections devoted to the digitalization of the contract system of Russia and discussion of forms of financing infrastructure projects necessary to maintain economic growth. Senior researcher of the laboratory Valeria Arteyeva acted as an expert in sections where the current state of the labor market and prospects for the emergence of new professions were discussed.

    During the work at the forum, we identified relevant and promising areas for conducting fundamental and applied research in areas such as the implementation of AI, analysis and forecasting of the labor market, and the development of the public procurement system. This knowledge will make the results of the laboratory’s work more in demand both in the academic and business environments, – comments the head of the Scientific Research Laboratory “System Dynamics” Angi Skhvediani.

    Professor of the Higher School of Service and Trade Sergey Barykin worked as an expert in two sections: “Cross-border electronic trade: launching new rules” and “Cyclic industries in the Russian economy and its development”.

    The results of the examinations will be published in the Roscongress Information and Analytical System, as well as on other information resources of the Roscongress Foundation and public publications.

    Director of the Higher School of Political Science Olga Kalinina and Associate Professor of the Higher School of Economics Daria Krasnova took part in the panel discussion as experts from the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) with the aim of collecting feedback on the main substantive and organizational aspects of the forum, where they shared their experience of conducting examinations, and also conducted an analysis of the activity and demand for visiting youth sections.

    Professor of the Higher School of Service and Trade Sergey Barykin took part in the session of the section “Neoethics in the era of neurotechnology” with the aim of developing theoretical approaches for socio-economic development based on neural network technologies for the development of the scientific school of the Higher School of Service and Trade “Socio-economic forecasting and improving the quality of life of the population”. He took part in the discussion about the importance of robotics for improving the quality of life of the population at the stand of the Association of Data Processing Centers, and also took part in the meeting with the delegation of Turkmenistan on the issue of expanding international cooperation of the scientific and pedagogical school of the Higher School of Service and Trade.

    Deputy Director of the Institute of Economics and Technology for work with students, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Economics and Technology Maxim Ivanov took part in several events of the SPIEF as part of the development of cooperation between the university and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SPbCCI) and the city’s executive authorities.

    For the forum, the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry prepared a special issue of the magazine “Guide to Russian Business in St. Petersburg”, which was distributed throughout the event at the St. Petersburg stand. In the special issue “St. Petersburg: City of Meanings, Solutions and the Future”, the authors of the Polytechnic University, including Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova, Director of the Higher School of Management Olga Kalinina, Deputy Director of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology Maxim Ivanov, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Management Tamara Selentyeva and Professor of the UNESCO Department “Quality Management in Education for Sustainable Development”, Chairman of the Human Resources Committee of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladislav Raskovalov prepared a publication “The Role of Mentoring at the University for the Development of the Region’s Human Resource Potential”, which revealed the main trends in the formation of the mentoring institution at the university level and its impact on the sustainable socio-economic development of the region.

    IPMEiT also actively participated in the International Youth Economic Forum “Day of the Future”, held as part of SPIEF-2025. The delegation of the Higher School of Industrial Management, consisting of Director Olga Kalinina, teachers Victoria Vilken, Anton Shaban, Anna Timofeeva, Artem Ivaschenko and twenty students and postgraduates, visited the exhibition stands of the largest companies, got acquainted with new technologies and initiatives in the field of digital economy, sustainable development and regional entrepreneurship. Of particular interest were the discussion sessions: “Marketplaces as a factor in sustainable economic development of regions” and “Hype Economy: Trends vs. Strategies”, where students not only broadened their horizons, but were also able to ask questions to market experts.

    Such events are more than just a forum. They are an environment in which the thinking of future managers is formed. We see how quickly the economic agenda is changing, and it is important that our students are not observers, but active participants in these changes. We are confident that each member of our team took away from the forum new ideas, contacts and motivation for development, – comment GSPM teachers Victoria Vilken and Anton Shaban.

    The Higher School of Business Engineering was represented by Master’s students in the Business Informatics program, Zhasurbek Toshkanov and Alexander Shtern. The students passed the competitive selection at Roscogress and got to the SPIEF as part of the business program “EAEU Model”, the sessions “Dialogue without Borders: Youth Cooperation for the Future” and “Formation of Personal Brand Value: New Tools with the Support of RWB”.

    The forum atmosphere charged us with motivation and inspired us to develop further, opening up new perspectives on personal growth and opportunities! We can confidently say that such events provide a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, make new contacts and get a fresh look at current issues of business development and international cooperation, – note Zhasurbek and Alexander.

    Bachelors of the Higher School of Business Engineering in the Business Informatics program also took part in various events of the forum: Ivan Golikov became a participant of the SPIEF and a resident of the SPIEF Academy, Elena Novokhatskaya took part in the youth day, including the session “Business does not sleep: 360 reviews”, Andrey Shestopalov was a forum employee, and Daria Dolgushina took part in the youth day as part of the Severstal delegation.

    Students of the Higher School of Public Administration also took part in the Youth Day of the forum.

    Participation in SPIEF has become an invaluable experience for me and a real driver of development! This is a unique platform where I was able to immerse myself in the atmosphere of large-scale discussions, meet leading experts and top managers, representatives of business and government, – Arina Shikhova, a master’s student in the direction of “State and Municipal Administration”, shares her impressions.

    Students of the Higher School of Service and Trade, majoring in Trade: Alexander Goncharenko participated in the work of the negotiation rooms, and Alexander Dronov participated in open dialogues at youth meetings.

    The organizers of the SPbPU Case Club, students of the “State and Municipal Administration” and “Management” programs Daria Tomishinetz and Tatyana Izidorova, worked in the sections “Industrial City of the Future: How the Young Can Change Reality” and “Youth Communities as a Tool of HR Policy”. Activists of the “Keen On” conversation club, led by the head of the club, a student of the “Management” program Elina Goricheva, attended the events “Lessons Learned: Successes and Failures in the Business Environment”, “Business Doesn’t Sleep: 360 Analysis” and others.

    Students of IPMEiT also took part for the first time in the SPIEF Academy project, a special platform for students aimed at developing professional skills and leadership potential, as well as creating a dialogue between young professionals and representatives of government, business, culture, sports and other areas.

    For our students, participation in the events of the SPIEF Youth Day becomes an important event every year. This is not just an opportunity to see large-scale business processes from the inside, but also a chance to prove yourself, to communicate with professionals from all over the country and the world. It is important to note that the participation of final-year students opens up additional prospects for employment and professional growth for them, – emphasizes Tamerlan Tuganov, responsible for work with youth and graduates of IPMET.

    Our institute annually takes part in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. We approach this event systematically in order to conduct high-quality expert assessment work, speak at panel discussions, and prepare our students and postgraduates for the Youth Day. Students’ interest in the forum is growing from year to year. The forum events have truly become a point of attraction for proactive and talented young people who strive to realize themselves in economics, management, technology, sustainable development, and international cooperation. I would also like to note that the active participation of all Higher Schools indicates high professional interest and demand for the events held at SPIEF-2025. For our institute, the forum has also become a platform for establishing contacts with representatives of business, specialized communities, and government bodies, — Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of the IPMEiT, summed up the results of the institute’s participation in the forum.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH publishes fire safety remediation report for Q4 2024/2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    RSH publishes fire safety remediation report for Q4 2024/2025

    All social landlords are required to submit quarterly data to RSH and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on the fire safety remediation of relevant buildings for which they are responsible. 

    Today (26 March 2025) the Regulator of Social Housing published the findings from its latest quarterly survey on the fire safety of 11 metre plus buildings in the social housing sector.

    Of the 17,391 relevant buildings reported, 99.9% had fire risk assessments undertaken and 1,897 (10.9%) were reported as currently having a life critical fire safety defect relating to the external wall system.  

    79.4% of relevant buildings with a LCFS EWS defect are expected to be remediated within five years.  

    Landlords must ensure that tenants are safe in their homes. A key aspect of this is delivering remediation programmes underpinned by robust and accurate systems, processes and data. 

    Since 14 June 2017 a total of 2,578 buildings have been identified as having an EWS-related LCFS defect, with 818 (31.7%) of these buildings having been remediated historically and 137 buildings having work completed but awaiting a new building works assessment.  

    RSH  will continue to monitor the performance of landlords in remediating 11 metre plus buildings and the progress they are making against their plans.  

    Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:  

    Boards and councillors have a responsibility to keep their tenants safe and remediate their buildings. 

    We expect all landlords to take this responsibility with the utmost seriousness. They must continue to work at pace to address any fire safety risks in buildings, progressing permanent solutions and putting in place any necessary interim measures.  

    This quarterly survey is just one of the ways we monitor fire safety. We also look at how landlords ensure health and safety through our proactive inspections and other regulatory engagement, and we take action if there is an unacceptable risk to tenants.  

    Notes to editors

    1. The data referred to in this publication were reported in the Q4 2024/2025 survey, which ran from 25 March 2025 to 23 April 2025, with data being reported as at 31 March 2025.  

    2. The majority of relevant buildings reported (85.1%) have been assessed to have no outstanding or historic† EWS related LCFS defects in any building works assessment since 14 Jun 2017.​ 

    3. Landlords reported that work had already started or is complete on 21.0% (399) of affected buildings.​ 

    4. 29.1% (433) of landlords reported being responsible for at least one relevant building in this quarter. The majority of these were large landlords (those with 1,000 or more units).    

    5. 18.1% (344) of affected buildings have a completion date that is beyond ten years or is unclear from the survey response. 

    6. LCFS are defined as defects, shrinkages, faults or other failings in a building that give rise to fire safety risks identified by a Fire Risk Appraisal of External Wall construction or a fire risk assessment (or equivalent) undertaken to industry standards.  

    7. We advise caution in interpreting data changes over time as they may be influenced, at least in part, by a change in the number of reported buildings and their assessment status at each quarter end.

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How to choose a business rates agent

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    How to choose a business rates agent

    New advice to help you choose a business rates agent.

    The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has published a new guide if you’re thinking about using an agent to manage your business rates.

    You can manage your business rates yourself by creating a business rates valuation account.

    If you want to appoint an agent, you can use the information below to help you make a decision about who to choose. Don’t let an agent choose you.

    The vast majority of business rates agents are reputable and provide a good service. But a small minority act in bad faith. Our new guide and video can help you avoid them.

    Choosing a business rates agent

    Do your research

    • Check reviews that other customers have posted online.
    • A firm or individual may refer to themselves as a ‘surveyor’, ‘rating advisor’, ‘rating consultant or similar’. This does not mean that they are members of a professional body.
    • Some rogue agents may change their name often to avoid poor reviews or complaints. Find out how long an agent has been using their current business name for free.
    • Speak with other local businesses like yours, particularly when agents make unexpected visits to your property.
    • Ask your local business network or trade body for advice.
    • Appointing an agent who is a member of a professional body may provide extra reassurance as they will be subject to that body’s rules and regulations.

    Beware of big promises

    • Be cautious. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some agents may promise large savings in your business rates, but they do this by submitting inaccurate information. This could result in penalties or increased rates bills for you.
    • Be wary of any agent who says they are acting on behalf of the VOA or who forwards emails they claim are from the VOA.
    • Read our guidance on identifying and reporting misrepresentation by agents for more on what to look out for.

    Understand your contract

    • Before signing a contract, read the small print and contract terms very carefully.
    • Check how long you’re signing up for.
    • Make sure you know what the total cost is over the full contract period, not just the introductory fees.
    • Make sure you understand all the information presented to you. If you have any doubts, do not sign the contact.
    • Reputable agents should not pressure you into signing a contract.
    • Be cautious of any agent who demands large sums of money up front.
    • Rogue agents may charge substantial fees for providing poor quality submissions using our online Check and Challenge service, which is free to use.

    Appointing an agent

    • You will need to sign up for your own business rates valuation account before you appoint an agent.
    • Use your business rates valuation account to appoint your agent using the code they give you.
    • If the agent’s name in our service does not match the name on your contract, you should be cautious. You should tell us by contacting agentstandards@voa.gov.uk.
    • Do not allow anyone, including agents, to use your business rates valuation account login details. They must have their own account.
    • Read our guidance on appointing an agent for more information.

    After you appoint an agent

    • Keep up to date with what your agent is doing.
    • Use your business rates valuation account to view correspondence between the VOA and your agent.
    • Remember, your business rates are your responsibility. If your agent provides inaccurate information, you might have to pay a penalty or pay any additional rates you owe.
    • If your agent changes or is suspended, it is your responsibility to update the account.
    • Check your account regularly to make sure your details are up to date and that you still authorise the agent to work on your behalf. You should do this every year at least.

    You can read more about the VOA’s agents standards and how to report poor agent behaviour. Our standards set out clear expectations of agents regarding their behaviour and professional practice, and the service they provide to their customers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Graduation of the Presidential Program: Polytechnic University Trained 60 Top Managers for Russian Industry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A ceremony of awarding diplomas to graduates of the Presidential Program for training management personnel for organizations of the national economy of the Russian Federation in St. Petersburg was held in Smolny. This program is implemented by Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University on the basis of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of SPbPU, which is part of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” (AES).

    The program is conducted in leading Russian universities on the terms of co-financing from the state budget and is aimed at achieving the key goals of the national project of the Russian Federation “Digital Economy” to ensure technological independence in the field of end-to-end digital technologies that are competitive at the global level, and national security. Students are enrolled based on the results of a competitive selection within the framework of regional quotas. The customer of the program on the part of the state is the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the executor is the Federal Resource Center subordinate to it.

    This year, the program’s graduates included 60 heads of research centers and large companies from St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region and Samara, such as Sberbank, Fuel and Energy Complex of St. Petersburg, Rosseti Lenenergo, Gazprom Transgaz Samara, Concern TsNII Elektropribor, Central Marine Design Bureau Almaz, Gazstroyproekt, Central Research Institute Electron, National Research Center Kurchatov Institute – PNPI, Krylov State Research Center, Central Research and Experimental Design Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics, Corporate University of St. Petersburg, etc.

    Training at SPbPU within the framework of the Presidential program is conducted in two areas: “Enterprise Management in the Context of Digital Transformation” for senior and middle managers implementing large-scale projects, and “Innovation Management in the Context of the Digital Economy” for specialists and managers implementing operational management of enterprise activities.

    The main objectives of the program: development of skills for implementing innovations in the context of the digital economy and managing the digital transformation of a company, their adaptation to the requirements of the digital industry and digital production, the formation of a system of knowledge on the use of end-to-end digital technologies, a relevant individual leadership style, and management thinking of the 21st century.

    Throughout training period Since September 2024, students have been acquiring new knowledge through lectures and practical classes, trainings, and also participated in meetings with representatives of the real business sector, completed practical training in the laboratories of the SPbPU PISh and at leading enterprises in St. Petersburg. The educational process widely used modern hardware and software, interactive technologies, including the use of computer business simulators “New Industrial Challenge” and “Lean Manufacturing”. Classes were held in modern classrooms, fully equipped for video conferencing and training.

    These digital simulators are included ina range of innovative tools for training and assessment of competencies, developed by the SPbPU PISh on the CML-Bench®.EDU Digital Platform, which represents a separate educational direction Digital platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench®. Since its launch, the developed digital simulators have been highly appreciated by experts and have received a number of awards and prizes. Thus, on December 12, 2024, the computer business simulator “New Industrial Challenge” won the All-Russian competition of best practices in management education among business schools. The jury members noted the digital simulator in the nomination “Development of Leaders” under the Presidential Program.

    The educational process took place in a convenient percentage ratio of three formats for the students: in-person, distance and mixed. The program participants also improved their skills in configuring management and project teams, developed projects relevant to specific organizations aimed at solving business problems.

    Graduates received diplomas of professional retraining of the established form, which give the right to engage in management activities regardless of basic education, and badges of SPbPU graduates. The best graduates were awarded memorable gifts from the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. After training in the Presidential Program, managers can undergo an internship at leading enterprises in Russia and in foreign companies of the EAEU, SCO and BRICS countries. This is an opportunity to apply new competencies in practice, study best practices and establish new business contacts.

    The head of the Presidential Program at the Polytechnic University, professor of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh Olga Kolosova summed up the results of the training:

    This academic year, a new mandatory requirement was introduced for the participants of the Presidential Program: their individual projects must be related to the main priorities of the development of the Russian Federation. The students had to create socially significant projects aimed at achieving technological leadership of our country. I would like to emphasize that SPbPU graduates successfully coped with this difficult task. In addition, I thank our graduates for their active life position, responsibility towards the business, society and themselves personally. This year, despite being scattered across the regions, you managed to unite into a team of like-minded people, professionals in their field. On behalf of the entire team, we wish you further success!

    The students thanked the teachers and developers of the Presidential Program for the Training of Management Personnel at the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh and shared their impressions.

    “The main result of the program was the formation of a systemic approach to management activities,” said Alexander Yazhuk, Head of the Interplant Cooperation Department of the Central Research and Experimental Design Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics. “No less valuable were the new professional contacts and friendly connections acquired at lectures, seminars and practical classes. The presidential program became for me not only a source of knowledge and skills, but also a platform for forming a professional community. It taught me to think strategically, manage effectively, build communication and use modern tools. I would recommend this program to anyone who strives for professional growth and is ready to actively develop. The program gives a powerful boost to a career, expands horizons and opens up new opportunities, and also allows you to find like-minded people and make valuable acquaintances, which was very important for me personally. This is an investment in yourself, which pays off not only in knowledge, but also in new connections and opportunities.”

    The program was also mastered by representatives of the departments of the Ecosystem of Technological Development of SPbPU. Head of the Intellectual Property Management Department SPbPU Technology Transfer Center Ismail Kadiev spoke about his training under the Presidential Program in the direction of “Innovation Management in the Digital Economy”, during which he worked on a project to develop a digital mechanism for managing intellectual property:

    The project is a step-by-step substantiated plan for the implementation of a digital platform for intellectual property management in higher education institutions. The main objective of the project is to digitalize the processes of ensuring legal protection of the results of intellectual activity and commercialization of rights to intellectual property of SPbPU. The implementation of the platform will speed up the process of ensuring legal protection of the results of intellectual activity and increase the receipt of funds for the commercialization of rights to intellectual property. I would like to express my gratitude to the head of the implementation of the Presidential Program at SPbPU and my academic supervisor, SPbPU professor Olga Vladimirovna Kolosova, for her mentoring and professionalism, and to the entire teaching staff for their assistance in preparing the project and their attention and support throughout the training.

    Letters of gratitude for active participation in the implementation of the Presidential Program from the Committee on Labor and Employment of the Population of the Leningrad Region were received by the employees of the Higher School of Technological Entrepreneurship of the SPbPU PISh: the head of the implementation of the Presidential Program at SPbPU, Professor Olga Kolosova, Acting Director Artur Kireev, as well as the leading manager, associate professor of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PISh Olesya Leonova. In addition, Olga Kolosova received gratitude from the Federal Resource Center. The Administration of the Governor of St. Petersburg noted with a letter of gratitude the contribution of the senior lecturer of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PISh Vladislav Tereshchenko to the training of students of the Presidential Program.

    Specialists from other Polytechnic departments also received awards for their participation in the implementation of the Presidential Program. Associate Professor of the Higher School of Public Administration of SPbPU Tamara Selentyeva was awarded a letter of thanks from the Administration of the Governor of St. Petersburg. The Corporate University of St. Petersburg awarded the Director of the Center for Corporate and Network Additional Professional Programs of SPbPU Tatyana Savekina and the Head of the Directorate of Basic Educational Programs of SPbPU Nadezhda Grashchenko.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The most obedient dogs will compete for the Capital Cup

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The first championship for dog owners will be held as part of the Summer in Moscow project “Capital Cup” in obedience. The competition will be held on June 28 from 10:00 in the canine park on Kolskaya Street (property 16a). They will be part of the all-Russian sports competitions and the Russian Cynological Federation (RKF) championship in obedience. In addition, the championship is included in the program of the series of events “Friend, savior, protector”, aimed at highlighting the role of dogs in the life of modern society.

    Sports discipline “obedience”

    Obedience is an international sport discipline in which a dog, under the guidance of a handler, must perform exercises with maximum precision, speed, and initiative. It arose from the basic skills of animal training: calling, moving close, endurance, control at a distance.

    Inna Baranova, chief judge of the RKF championship “Cup of the Capital”, RKF judge for working qualities of dogs of national certification competitions, sports judge of the first category, says that at the competitions not only the correctness and technique of completing tasks are assessed, but also the nature of the interaction between a person and a pet during the performance.

    Russian athletes remain among the leaders in obedience in the world. In 2016, the Moscow region hosted the World Championship, which brought together participants from 25 countries. The Russian team then took second place, and in 2021, they won gold at the World Championship in Switzerland.

    This discipline is currently experiencing a period of growth in our country. Almost every subject of the Russian Federation has a section in which athletes take their first steps under the guidance of experienced instructors. Five or six all-Russian competitions are held annually. Trainers from Russia are in demand in neighboring countries.

    The first “Capital Cup” championship in obedience together with the RKF championship in Moscow is aimed at developing and popularizing the culture of systematic dog training based on mutual understanding between the animal and the person. The focus is not only on sports achievements, but also on the social significance of the discipline: it clearly demonstrates the importance of ethical treatment of animals, a careful and thoughtful approach to their training. The higher the level of training, the safer the dog is for both others and the owner.

    Such events help to strengthen the culture of responsible dog ownership, reduce the level of conflicts between pet owners and local residents, and also become a good factor in the development of a comfortable urban environment – a priority goal of the “My District” program.

    Sergei Sobyanin: Full-fledged canine parks will be created in MoscowA large canine park has appeared in the south of Moscow

    Features of the competition

    Sports pairs compete in three difficulty classes: Obedience 1, Obedience 2 and Obedience 3. The latter is the most difficult, and it is in this class that major international competitions and world championships are held under the auspices of the International Cynological Federation (FCI).

    “The pair (human and dog) must demonstrate a set of exercises, the number and complexity of which depend on the class in which they perform. Points from five to 10 are awarded for each exercise, where five is the minimum positive assessment, and 10 is the ideal performance of the exercise. The accuracy of command execution, the speed of the dog’s reaction, and its ability to maintain concentration throughout the entire exercise are taken into account. The overall impression of the work during the entire performance is also assessed: contact with the handler, desire to work, and positive mood,” says Inna Baranova.

    Championship program

    The championship in the canine park on Kolskaya Street will also be held in the highest difficulty class. Athletes will compete in two parallel rings. 12 sports pairs from Moscow, Moscow, Voronezh, Kostroma and Vladimir regions will compete for the title of RKF champion and the sports title of “Master of Sports of Russia”. The overwhelming majority of participants in the “Obedience-3” class perform with border collie dogs, but this championship will feature a pair that includes a Russian black terrier – the pride of Russian cynology.

    After lunch, the program will continue with all-Russian competitions in the Obedience-2 and Obedience-1 classes, where there will be a fight for sports ranks.

    The Obedience 2 class will feature 12 sports pairs from Moscow, Moscow, Voronezh and Nizhny Novgorod regions. Spectators will see such breeds as the Labrador Retriever, Russian Hunting Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Belgian Shepherd and Australian Kelpie.

    The largest class, “Obedience-1,” will bring together newcomers: 20 sports pairs from five regions of Russia with a wide variety of dogs, from a tiny Pomeranian to a giant Great Dane.

    Each participant will perform eight exercises, and their performance will be assessed by a panel of judges consisting of two sports judges and two stewards, who work in two parallel rings.

    Accessibility of the discipline and requirements for participants

    The discipline “obedience” is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes, including mongrel animals. The main requirements are the absence of aggression, physical and mental health, readiness to interact with the handler. You can try your hand at the initial level from the age of 10 months.

    Most often, border collies participate in such competitions, but animals of other breeds, from small to large, including service and decorative ones, regularly join them. The level of training of the handler plays a significant role. The discipline requires systematic work, a consistent approach and a long training process.

    Obedience demonstrates the possibilities of effective interaction between humans and dogs, being one of the most universal and accessible areas in modern sports cynology.

    Master classes on training and expert advice

    An additional program has been prepared for guests. There will be master classes on training, as well as consultations with specialists – dog handlers, groomers, veterinarians. A separate area will be made for children, where creative activities will be held. Quizzes and a photo zone will be organized for visitors with animals.

    The series of events “Friend, Rescuer, Defender” will begin in the capital on May 24

    “Pets in Moscow” — a project of the Moscow Mayor’s “My District” program aimed at creating new types of dog walking areas. Today, the capital has 79 such spaces, including two dog parks. They are suitable not only for free walks with pets and effective training, but also for large dog events — competitions and exhibitions.

    “My area” — a comprehensive program of the Mayor of Moscow for the development of the urban environment. Its goal is to create comfortable living conditions in all areas of the capital. Convenient courtyards, landscaped parks, modern social infrastructure facilities within walking distance are important components of the program.

    Cycle “Friend, savior, protector” — a project covering more than 200 events, is a platform for a full-fledged dialogue between professionals — dog handlers, veterinarians, groomers, zoopsychologists — and dog owners, as well as for anyone who is just thinking about getting a four-legged friend. The series is aimed at popularizing a responsible attitude towards animals and raising the level of knowledge of city residents about the maintenance, upbringing and role of dogs in society. This year, the events are held from May 24 to September 14.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A plot of land will be allocated in Krasnopakhorsky District for the construction of a logistics complex

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A new enterprise will appear in TiNAO as part of the implementation of a large-scale investment project (MaIP). For this, the city will allocate a large land plot in Krasnopakhorsky District to the investor, said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “A universal high-tech multi-temperature logistics complex will be built in Krasnopakhorsky District. To implement this large-scale investment project, the city will allocate 10 hectares of land to the investor on the territory of the emerging food cluster. The enterprise will be able to employ 900 people. The investment amount will exceed 10 billion rubles,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    Large-scale investment projects have been implemented in the capital since 2016. Moscow allocates land plots for lease for the construction of such facilities.

    “On the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the capital continues to form sustainable cooperation links between industrial enterprises. Clustering plays a key role in this process. For example, thanks to the food cluster in the Krasnopakhorsky District, the industrial area of which will be more than 800 thousand square meters, more than 11.4 thousand new jobs will be created,” added the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    Investors who invest in the creation of jobs and the development of the city’s infrastructure can obtain the status of MAIP.

    According to Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property, the logistics complex will appear near the village of Troitskoye, where a large food cluster is currently being created. The land lease agreement is planned to be concluded for four years after the formation of the site and its registration with the state cadastral register. This is the period during which the investor must complete the construction of the facility with an area of 80 thousand square meters. The city will monitor the implementation of the large-scale investment project at all stages.

    Investors have already been provided with plots of land in the emerging food cluster for the construction of a distribution center for a meat processing plant, enterprises for the production of ready meals, bakery, dairy, confectionery and other products.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin said that Moscow is actively developing its own production complexes.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mountain hares released into the wild in Losiny Ostrov National Park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Moscow part of the Losiny Ostrov National Park, six young white hares were released. The event was part of the work to restore rare species of animals with the support of the Moscow Government andDepartment of Nature Management and Environmental Protection.

    The white hare is one of the native species of the fauna of Losiny Ostrov. Today, its numbers have decreased here. According to experts, this happened about 25 years ago due to viral infections. The species is listed in the Red Book of the city of Moscow.

    “Last year, the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection of the capital, together with the scientific community, conducted a unique ecological and biological survey of the territory of the Moscow part of the Losiny Ostrov National Park. Scientists discovered more than 1.5 thousand species of plants and animals. Today’s event on the release of the mountain hare is dedicated to the restoration and conservation of rare species. The natural environment of Losiny Ostrov is suitable for the mountain hare, it will be good here, since it is a forest species and the park has all the conditions for it to survive, reproduce and its population to become sustainable. The return of animals to the natural environment became possible thanks to the systematic work of the rehabilitation center and scientific support. We hope that monitoring with camera traps will confirm the successful adaptation of the hares, and the data from genetic analysis will help in further work to preserve the population,” said Natalya Chukhrayeva, Deputy Director of the State Nature Conservation Center.

    The baby hares released into the wild were born in the specialized rehabilitation center “Hare’s House”. Adult individuals who ended up there for various reasons regularly give birth to offspring. Grown-up animals adapted to independent life are released into a natural environment suitable for their survival.

    Scientific support for the release of the white hares was provided by employees of the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Before this, specialists took blood samples from the animals. The immune analysis data will allow us to study what infections the animals encounter during their lives, understand whether there are potential carriers of diseases dangerous to humans among them, and establish family ties in the future if new individuals are recorded in the park.

    “Losiny Ostrov” is a unique natural complex, one of the main assets of Moscow. Rich biodiversity is preserved here, including due to systematic scientific work. Thus, in 2024, a large-scale ecological and biological survey was conducted in the park, in which more than 80 scientists from five scientific institutes took part. They identified over 1.5 thousand species of animals and plants. More than 200 of them are rare and protected. Based on the results of the survey, experts gave recommendations for supporting vulnerable animal species, and programs for the conservation and restoration of rare species were developed.

    In addition, field research continues in Losiny Ostrov. In April, scientists began studying the biodiversity of water bodies using the Babaevsky Pond as an example. During the first surveys, specialists took samples of phyto- and zooplankton, and also selected benthic organisms living in the soil of the reservoir.

    Field environmental research has begun in the urban part of Losiny Ostrov

    Comprehensive monitoring of the nature of the Moscow part of Losiny Ostrov is carried out in order to assess the well-being of ecosystems, their condition and dynamics.

    The city part of the national park is home to species listed in the Red Book of Moscow, including the kestrel, the great crested newt, the red forest ant, the emperor dragonfly and others. Educational work in this area is carried out by the eco-center of the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection “Krasnaya Sosna”. Ecological walks and excursions are organized for visitors.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Visitors to the Moscow Estates festival can take quizzes in the Russpass game

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Residents and visitors of the capital will be able to test their knowledge of Moscow in quizzes of a virtual game, which is available in a mobile application tourist service Russpass. Completing them will help you earn bonuses faster to buy tickets to museums and other venues with a discount of up to 99 percent within the Russpass bonus program. You can go on your first game journey to the festival venues of the Moscow Estates project.

    How to participate in the quiz

    Virtual characters of the game – cartoons – live near historical landmarks, on the capital’s streets and in parks. You can find them using your smartphone and explore the city from a new angle. It is absolutely necessary to complete a quiz if such a task is offered by a cartoon. But in this case, more bonuses are awarded than just for catching cartoon characters.

    The quiz questions are about museum exhibits, the histories of masterpieces, architectural innovations and features of estates. For example, where does the name “Basmanny” come from? What architectural innovation emphasized the status of houses in the Arbatsky district in the 19th century? What is unique about the building of the Leo Tolstoy Museum-Estate in Khamovniki?

    To get a bonus, it is enough to answer at least two questions correctly. One quiz can be taken three times. Hints are available – the correct answers are on the exhibition stands inside the estate clusters. Hints can also be found on a special page of the service Ruspassdedicated to the festival. In order not to miss new quizzes, on the map with cartoons in the filter you should put a tick next to the swan icon.

    Residents of the capital and tourists over the age of 14 can take part in the game. To do this, you need to download the application Ruspass. After registration, a map of Moscow will open with the habitats of cartoons in different districts. The game sites are constantly changing so that the characters can visit different iconic places of the city. Bonuses received in the game can be spent on buying tickets to museums – partners of Russpass, on attractions, trips to master classes and more. Recently, the game became interregional: cartoons can be caught in St. Petersburg and Kazan.

    In addition, the augmented reality game based on the Russpass mobile application has been replenished with new summer cartoons that can be caught on the streets of the capital near the sights. They are created in the special style of the Summer in Moscow project. Among them are a butterfly, a bird, a squirrel, a robot and a cat — the mascot of the Russpass service. The cartoons will appear at more than 90 sites of the main project of the season — in parks, swimming pools, near the Made in Moscow art pavilions, on boulevards and central streets.

    Interesting Moscow

    The large-scale project “Moscow Estates”, which is held as part of the “Summer in Moscow” project, introduces city residents and tourists to the rich history and cultural heritage of the capital. In the new season, visitors will enjoy masterpieces of classical music, immersive performances, master classes for the whole family and other interactive formats that will help immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient estates – more than two thousand events in total. This summer, the number of venues increased to 50, and the festival program united three estate clusters in Khamovniki, on Arbat and in the Basmanny District.

    In 2020, the digital tourism service Russpass began operating. It was created on the initiative of the Moscow Government. The project is supervised by the capital Tourism Committee together withDepartment of Information Technology.

    Since its creation, the Russpass service has grown into a full-fledged ecosystem. Thanks to the service, it is easy to plan a trip, book tickets and a hotel, and select excursions. The online publication “Russpass-magazine” will help you learn everything about traveling around Russia. And for representatives of the tourism industry, the portal “Russpass. Business” has been operating since June 2023.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Children will be able to explore the capital’s sights as part of “Summer in Moscow”

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Indian Culture Festival to be held in Moscow from July 5 to 13

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From July 5 to 13, Manezhnaya Square, one of the central sites of the project, “Summer in Moscow”— the festival of India will be held in Moscow. Residents and guests of the capital will be able to learn more about the culture and traditions of this friendly state, reported Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    The organizers are the Government of Moscow and the Embassy of the Republic of India in the Russian capital.

    The site, decorated with hundreds of exotic plants, will house chalets with national treats and souvenirs.

    “As part of the cultural program, hundreds of events will be prepared for visitors: colorful performances, dance master classes, Hindi lessons and much more. Every day, morning and evening, there will be performances by Russian and Indian groups,” said Natalia Sergunina.

    During the festival, foreign masters will organize creative classes for everyone. For example, participants will try to play the double drum tabla, get acquainted with the movements of Kathak and Kuchipudi dances, and master the basics of spoken Hindi. In addition, an exhibition of art objects from several regions of India will open on Manezhnaya Square.

    Attracting tourists

    Moscow cooperates with India in all key areas, from trade and creative industries to tourism.

    “India ranks second in terms of tourist flow to the Russian capital among foreign countries. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, about 18 thousand Indian travelers visited our city – 1.5 times more than a year earlier,” added Natalia Sergunina.

    “Summer in Moscow” is the main project of the warm season, which will unite over 400 venues. Its program includes large-scale festivals, charity and sports events, concerts, master classes, film screenings, theatrical performances and much more.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Watch a movie and listen to jazz: the Moskino cinema park program on June 28 and 29

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On June 28 and 29, the Moskino Cinema Park will host master classes, performances by jazz bands, circus shows, a musical quest and other events.

    Master classes

    On Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 19:00, three creative classes for children and adults will be held on the central square: “Spoon Stylization,” “Art Guitar,” and “Mini Xylophone.”

    Participants will be offered to paint an old musical instrument – a wooden spoon, decorate a mini-xylophone with sticks and acrylic paints, and also make a mini-guitar or drums from cardboard and music discs. Participation in the master classes is included in the price movie park ticketCash payment is not accepted.

    Concerts

    Concerts will be held at three venues: the Pitersky Bar, the Gonzaga Theatre and the central square. You can attend them atentrance ticket to the cinema park or pay by QR code at the information center. Cash payments are not accepted.

    On June 28 and 29 at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, the Gonzaga Theatre will host Kors Band duet. At 14:30 and 16:30 the Melody-Harmony trio under the direction of Olga Vesnina will perform famous jazz compositions, and at 18:00 the singer will perform Eteri Beriashvili.

    On June 29 at 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM the Gonzaga Theatre will host a concert by the Horizons group under the direction of saxophonist Mikhail Shumakov.

    On Saturday and Sunday, the central square will host street performances by the drum group Las Venturas from 12:00 to 18:30. They will perform dynamic melodies on metal tanks. At the Pitersky Bar venue at 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00 there will be light show with drums. And at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00 the jazz quartet Jazz B’S Poems will perform here. The musicians will perform works onsaxophone, drums, trumpet and trombone.

    Concert attendance is included in the price of admission to the cinema park. Tickets can be purchased online atwebsite or at the information center of the cinema park using a QR code, cash payment is not accepted.

    More details about the program can be found atwebsite.

    Musical quest

    An interactive quest will be held at the sites “County Town”, “Moscow of the 1940s”, “Moscow Yard” and “Natural Chromakey” “In the rhythm of the cinema park”. You can take part in it during the weekend from 11:00 to 19:00. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the culture of jazz, rock and roll, blues and swing, learn about these genres and their history, and also become part of one of the dance teams.

    You can purchase tickets online atwebsite or at the information center of the cinema park using a QR code, cash payment is not accepted.

    Film screenings and circus performances

    On the big screen, guests will see the comedies “Little Chef”, “To the Village with Grandfather”, “Materialist”, the fantasy “Artek. Through the Centuries”, as well as the animated film “Three Bogatyrs. Not a Day Without a Feat – 2”. Tickets are paid separately and are not included in the price of the entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    On weekends, visitors to the circus tent will see dizzying gymnastic tricks, funny clown skits and performances involving lions. The performances will take place in a tent on the festival site at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The event is not included in the price of admission to the cinema park. You can buy tickets to the circus atwebsiteWhen visiting only the circus, you do not need to buy an entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    The Moskino cinema park program contributes to the implementation of the goals and objectives of the national project “Family” in the city of Moscow.

    The Summer in Moscow project is the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events in the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports programs are held in all areas of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful events will be added to the traditional festivals and events.

    The Moskino cinema park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s “Moscow – City of Cinema” project and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed by the capital Department of CultureThe first stage of development has already been completed here: 24 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built, including the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow in the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Yurovo Airport”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “Deaf Village”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “St. Petersburg Bar” and others.

    The Cinema Park is actively developing as a cultural and leisure venue. Exhibitions, master classes, lectures, meetings with famous actors and other events for Muscovites and guests of the capital are held here.

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

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino Film Park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino Film Factory, the Moskino Cinema Network, the Film Commission and the Moskino Film Platform.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155861073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: /China Focus/ 2025 Summer Davos Discusses Interaction of Sustainable Development and AI in Global Cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    TIANJIN, June 26 (Xinhua) — Summer Davos 2025, a leading barometer of global economic trends and industrial transformation, has attracted a record number of participants in recent years, with more than 1,700 representatives from around the world.

    Its popularity is a testament to both the influence of the forum, which runs from Tuesday to Thursday in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin, and the unprecedented appeal of China’s mega-market.

    The forum, also known as the 16th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) of emerging global leaders, is being held this year under the theme “Entrepreneurial Spirit for a New Era”.

    “This theme, which has been at the core of the meeting’s DNA since its inception, places particular emphasis on how innovation, entrepreneurship and technological advancement can unlock the potential for growth, competitiveness and productivity,” WEF Managing Director Mirek Dušek said at the forum’s opening press conference on Tuesday.

    This year’s event focuses on five key areas: interpreting the global economy, China’s prospects, industries in a changing world, investing in people and the planet, and new energy and materials.

    Unlike the WEF’s annual meeting in January in Davos, Switzerland, “Summer Davos” focuses more on the future of business and technological progress. This year’s forum not only showcases China’s achievements in high-quality economic development and its strong commitment to high-level opening up to the outside world, but also serves as a platform for actively sharing the opportunities and dividends of its development with the rest of the world.

    GREEN TRANSFORMATION

    On the roof of the Tianjin National Exhibition and Convention Center, where Summer Davos is being held for the first time, solar panels provide a continuous supply of clean energy to power the event site.

    According to State Grid Corporation of China, the forum achieved 100 percent green power supply for its facilities, using a total of 800,000 kWh of renewable electricity, equivalent to saving about 300 tons of standard fuel and reducing carbon emissions by about 600 tons.

    The event venue uses photovoltaic energy generation and sponge city technologies to replace traditional energy sources with renewable ones, reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure and significantly improve the efficiency of energy, water and materials use.

    Sustainability is at the heart of WEF events, said Severin Podolak, Head of Event Management at WEF, adding that sofas and other furniture at venues are made from materials recycled in 2023, and some of the paint used in decoration comes from renewable resources such as fishing nets.

    In addition, a fleet of hundreds of electric vehicles from six leading car manufacturers, including Audi FAW, provides clean and low-carbon transportation for forum participants, contributing to the event’s carbon neutrality goals.

    The concept of green development was carefully and comprehensively integrated everywhere: from the design of the venues to the brochure with the forum agenda, where key topics such as Asian carbon markets and further steps in climate change adaptation became central points of discussions directly related to sustainable development.

    Green nitrogen fixation has been included in the WEF’s “Top 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025” list, alongside innovations such as participatory sensing and autonomous biosensing, further highlighting the trend towards sustainable development becoming a global priority.

    Today, China is the world leader in renewable energy investment and has pioneered transformative technologies in batteries and electric vehicles, creating millions of quality jobs in these promising sectors, said WEF Managing Director Jim Hui Neo.

    “I think there is huge potential in this area to learn from the Chinese experience, where constructive partnerships can be formed between China and other parts of the world to support the global energy transition,” she said, adding that “the climate emergency and the planetary crisis cannot be resolved unless everyone is united in this journey.”

    AI REVOLUTION

    The futuristic exhibition area has become a major attraction, where cutting-edge AI products such as humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and fully autonomous drone inspection systems attract numerous visitors. These innovations vividly showcase the technological breakthroughs of Chinese enterprises and the pioneering application of AI.

    “China may have found the key to restarting global economic growth – its ‘AI Plus’ strategy,” said Liu Gang, chief economist at the China Institute of Next-Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies.

    He explained that the integration of artificial intelligence with the real sector of the economy provides remarkable economic advantages. For example, his team’s research shows that the use of AI in the development of new materials can increase efficiency by 100-1000 times.

    Discussions on AI are unfolding with unusual intensity across the various sessions at Summer Davos 2025, mirroring the heated debates at other leading global forums. Notably, a special session on “Understanding China’s Approach to AI” will be convened, highlighting the growing international recognition of China’s key role in global AI development.

    “It will be like an industrial revolution,” former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, speaking about new technologies at the forum. Countries that embrace it go up, and countries that don’t go down, he said.

    “I think understanding, harnessing and using the technological revolution is the greatest government challenge of the 21st century,” he said.

    GLOBAL SYNERGY

    Global growth forecasts are at their lowest in decades, according to the WEF. Reviving the spirit of cooperation will require unprecedented commitment and creativity.

    Nankai University Professor Tong Jiadong, who has long led the China Agenda Research Team for the Tianjin Summer Davos, noted that the event has evolved from a leading global summit of thought leaders into a dynamic platform for promoting international exchange and cooperation.

    Zhao Yan, Chairman and CEO of China’s Bloomage Biotech, is a regular participant in Summer Davos. Over the years, the company has built a global supply network in more than 70 countries and regions around the world.

    “Despite complex uncertainties, the enterprise has never resorted to isolationism, but instead strives to reformat the global rules of competition through open innovation,” Zhao Yan said.

    In the first five months of this year, China’s total import and export volume of goods grew by 2.5 percent year on year, and the consumption enthusiasm of foreign visitors to China increased significantly.

    “We value our cooperation with China very much. We are seeing increasing interest and engagement here,” said WEF President Borge Brende. “I am relatively optimistic about the Chinese economy in both the medium and long term,” he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian woman becomes famous on social media after saving drowning elderly Chinese woman in eastern China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HANGZHOU, June 26 (Xinhua) — Russian citizen Shahnaz Gubaidullina saved an elderly Chinese woman from drowning in the city of Shaoxing in east China’s Zhejiang Province on Monday morning.

    According to local media, Shahnaz was walking on a bridge in Yuecheng District when she saw an elderly woman who had fallen into a river. Without hesitation, she jumped into the water to save the drowning woman. “I have been able to swim since I was a child, so I jumped into the river without thinking twice,” she said.

    According to Shahnaz’s recollections, the elderly woman was choking on a large amount of water and was already unconscious when the Russian woman grabbed her. The girl tightly grabbed the elderly woman from behind with her arms and tried with great difficulty to reach the shore.

    At this time, passers-by noticed them and extended a long rescue pole to them. With the help of passers-by, the woman was successfully rescued.

    Shahnaz, who came to China in 2016 and recently graduated from Huzhou University in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, was traveling in Shaoxing when the incident occurred.

    After the incident, the relatives of the rescued woman invited the girl to their place so that she could rest and change into new clean clothes that they bought for her.

    “They still kept my contacts and invited me to visit them the next time I come to Shaoxing,” the Russian woman said.

    The rescue process was filmed on video, which immediately went viral on social media. After that, many locals met Shahnaz.

    “Kindness knows no national borders! What a responsive and brave girl,” one Internet user wrote in the comments under the post about the incident.

    “Well done, Russian girl!”, “Cool!” – read the most frequent comments praising the girl and her feat.

    By Monday evening, Shahnaz, who had completed her heroic deed, entered a store in the city of Shaoxing, where the shop assistants immediately recognized her. “They gave me free fruit as a token of gratitude,” the Russian woman told Xinhua News Agency.

    According to Shahnaz, this is a trivial matter for her and she does not consider herself a heroine at all. “This is an event in life that can happen to anyone. I could not leave my grandmother without help… This is a natural human reaction,” the girl said.

    “People in Russia are very kind and responsive. They are always ready to help,” Shahnaz emphasized.

    The girl has already entered the master’s program at Huzhou University. “After graduating, I would like to find a job in China and continue my life here,” the Russian summed up. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese surgeons operate on 120 Mongolian patients with cataracts in four days

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — Chinese doctors successfully operated on 120 Mongolian patients with cataracts in Ereenhot City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, from June 20 to 24, the city’s official website reported.

    The operations were carried out in accordance with the bilateral cooperation protocol on the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” concluded between the Red Cross societies of the Chinese Autonomous Region.

    In order to provide medical care to patients from Mongolia, the Red Cross Society of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region conducted a screening in Ulaanbaatar in May. Thanks to the close cooperation between the Ereenhot city administration and the Mongolian side, Mongolian patients with eye diseases safely crossed the border and were successfully operated. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two people killed in explosion in residential building in Sverdlovsk region — media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, June 26 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed in an explosion, presumably of a gas cylinder, in a residential building in the Russian city of Ivdel in the Sverdlovsk region, TASS reported on Thursday, citing the regional Emergencies Ministry.

    On Thursday night, a gas explosion with subsequent fire occurred in a five-story building. Two people who lived in the apartment where the emergency occurred died. Five people were injured. Firefighters rescued 10 people, 19 evacuated on their own, including seven children. At 03:40 local time, the open fire was extinguished. The area of the fire was 80 square meters.

    The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation for the region reported that a criminal case had been opened on the fact of the incident. The head of the municipality declared a state of emergency. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: D. Trump Calls on Congress to ‘Do Away’ Voice of America Radio Station

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    WASHINGTON, June 26 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Congress to “end” the Voice of America radio station, marking his administration’s second attempt since returning to the White House.

    “Why would Republicans want the Voice of America, the Democrats’ mouthpiece, to continue to exist?” the US president wrote on the social network Truth Social. “It is a complete disaster for the left. No Republican should vote for its survival. End it!”

    Calling for the VOA shutdown back in February, Elon Musk, then head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), wrote on social media site X: “These are just left-wing crazy people talking to themselves while burning $1 billion a year in US taxpayer money.”

    The Trump administration issued a statement in March calling the station “the voice of radical America,” accusing it of spreading “radical propaganda” and promoting “anti-American” stories. The statement cited “anti-Trump content on social media” and instructed the station’s staff “not to refer to Hamas or its members as terrorists, except when quoting statements.”

    About 1,400 Voice of America employees have reportedly been laid off since March. On Friday, the latest round of layoffs occurred, with more than 600 employees receiving layoff notices, bringing the workforce down to fewer than 200.

    Echoing Trump’s close ally and senior adviser to the Agency for Global Media, Kari Lake, also called on Congress on Wednesday to shut down the station.

    At a congressional hearing, Lake called the Voice of America “outrageous,” “deeply corrupt,” “politically biased,” and “a grave threat to our national security.”

    The Voice of America, founded in 1942 to combat Nazi propaganda, has long been seen as an important vehicle for delivering “voices from America.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Norway: Staff Concluding Statement for the 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 26, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Norway’s economy has shown resilience amid global uncertainty, supported by strong fiscal buffers and credible policy frameworks. Mainland real GDP growth is forecast to increase to 1.5 percent in 2025 (from 0.6 percent in 2024) and is projected to remain steady at around that level over the medium term. The labor market has held firm. Despite contractionary monetary policy, inflation remains above target; bringing inflation back to target is the most pressing near-term policy priority. The financial system is sound, and buffers are robust, but systemic vulnerabilities remain elevated, reflecting high levels of household debt and concentrated exposures to real estate. At the same time, macroprudential policy settings have been eased with the increase in the loan-to-value limit for mortgages earlier this year. Risks to the growth outlook are to the downside, driven by rising global policy and trade uncertainty; risks to the inflation outlook are balanced. The IMF staff’s main policy recommendations are: i) maintain the restrictive monetary policy stance until there is additional evidence that the recent easing of inflation has fully solidified; ii) do not ease macroprudential policy settings further, as financial stability risks could increase if downside risks to growth or upside risks to inflation materialize; iii) move towards a broadly neutral fiscal stance to enhance the coherence of the macroeconomic policy mix and lower the burden on monetary policy; and iv) continue advancing structural reforms aimed at increasing labor supply and inclusion.

    Context

    Norway’s economy has remained resilient despite tight financial conditions and ongoing global uncertainty. GDP continued to expand moderately last year, supported by high employment and supportive fiscal policy. Inflation has declined, though it remains above target, and financial stability risks, while elevated due to high household debt levels and concentrated exposures to the real estate sector, remain contained.

    Recent developments, outlook, and risks

    Economic activity strengthened in 2024. Overall real GDP grew by 2.1 percent, driven by record-high natural gas extraction. Mainland GDP expanded by 0.6 percent, primarily due to increased public spending, as activity in the construction and fishing sectors contracted, reflecting high borrowing costs and sector-specific challenges. Employment and hours worked increased, although the unemployment rate edged up to 4 percent. National accounts data and high frequency survey indicators point to resilient activity in the first part of 2025. Mainland GDP growth is forecast to rise to 1.5 percent in 2025, supported by easing financial conditions, an expansionary fiscal stance, and recovering real incomes. Over the medium-term, mainland GDP growth is expected to remain around its potential (1.5 percent).

    Inflation, despite a steady decline, remains above target. Services inflation and wage pressures have contributed to keeping inflation above the 2 percent target. However, recent developments point to slower-than-expected momentum in both headline and core inflation, partly due to one-off and base effects. Fiscal measures—such as those to stabilize electricity prices and reduce childcare costs—could lower inflation in the second half of the year. Under staff’s baseline scenario, headline and core inflation will fall to 2.2 and 2.6 percent by end-2025 and return to target by 2027. After holding the policy rate steady at 4.5 percent from January 2024, Norges Bank began normalizing monetary policy by lowering the rate to 4.25 percent in June and signaled that the policy rate will be reduced further in the course of 2025.

    The fiscal stance has become increasingly expansionary. While additional support to Ukraine in the revised budget is not expected to provide stimulus to the economy, overall, the 2025 budget implies a significant fiscal impulse. The structural non-oil deficit is projected to reach about 13 percent of trend mainland GDP, even as withdrawals from the Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) are expected to remain below the fiscal rule’s 3 percent guideline (at around 2.7 percent of the GPFG’s 2024 market value). The government has also signaled alignment with NATO discussions to progressively increase defense spending toward 5 percent of GDP over the medium term.

    Risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside, while inflation risks are balanced. On growth, global tensions, including higher trade tariffs, could weigh on exports and investment, and continued tight financial conditions could further pressure highly indebted households and firms at a time when financial risks are elevated. Over the longer term, demographic headwinds and the expected structural erosion of oil-related revenues will weigh on economic resilience. Inflation could take longer to converge to target if domestic demand recovers faster than expected or higher oil prices put pressure on headline inflation. By contrast, further currency appreciation and higher productivity gains (e.g., from a faster-than-anticipated uptake of AI or automation) could bring inflation back to target more rapidly.   

    Policy recommendations

    Norges Bank should proceed cautiously with monetary policy normalization, ensuring there is further evidence that underlying inflation is firmly on a path back to target. Under staff’s baseline scenario, the current restrictive monetary policy is broadly appropriate to bring core inflation to target by 2027, even as medium-term inflation expectations and underlying inflation remain above target. The output gap is broadly closed, and inflation risks are balanced. While recent inflation developments are encouraging, further evidence of a decline in the trend of underlying inflation is needed to continue with the normalization of monetary policy.

    Norway’s strong monetary policy framework has served the economy well. After the adoption of inflation targeting in 2001, Norges Bank has operated with a high level of credibility and ranks among the most transparent central banks in the world. However, the current highly uncertain global outlook can present challenges for monetary policy formulation and implementation. Navigating rapidly evolving global developments and volatile data may require enhancements to the policy process. This could include expanding the use of scenario analysis—an approach Norges Bank has employed in the past—and refining communication strategies to maintain well-anchored expectations.

    The recent relaxation of the loan-to-value (LTV) limit for mortgages could increase financial vulnerabilities. Although households’ debt burden has stabilized, it remains high. A higher LTV limit may fuel further increases in house prices and household indebtedness, contributing to higher financial stability risks, particularly if downside risks to growth or upside risks to inflation materialize. Lasting improvements in housing affordability will require structural measures to address factors that keep prices elevated, including a relatively small rental market, limited land availability in urban areas, high construction costs, and a tax system that encourages mortgage debt. Gradually phasing-out mortgage interest deductibility (starting with a cap on income-tax deductions) would help curb speculative housing demand and enhance tax efficiency. Tightening eligibility for subsidized mortgages would also help manage housing demand and public spending.

    The financial system is sound with strong buffers, but further macroprudential easing should wait until systemic risks recede or financial disintermediation risks emerge. Continued close financial system monitoring is essential. Participation in the initiative to undertake a Nordic-Baltic regional stress test exercise would enhance the assessment of cross-border financial interlinkages and risks. Measures to address increased bank reliance on covered bonds are also welcome and would help mitigate interconnectedness risks. The current countercyclical capital buffer setting remains appropriate, but Norges Bank should be prepared to raise it if cyclical vulnerabilities increase. Priority should be given to preserving capital buffers, including by ensuring that banks’ models properly reflect credit risks and to strengthening contingency planning amid continued pressure on the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. Over the medium term, broadening the toolkit for CRE vulnerabilities could help address these in a more targeted manner during future upswings, and borrower-based-measures on CRE lending, as well as sector-specific capital surcharges to address risks from the insurance sector’s CRE exposures could be considered. Work to address the findings of the 2024 Nordic-Baltic crisis management exercise and the 2020 FSAP recommendations should continue.

    Moving towards a broadly neutral fiscal policy stance would support the disinflation effort and improve the coherence of the overall macroeconomic policy mix. The 2025 budget further expands the fiscal stimulus, with an estimated fiscal impulse of about 2.5 percent of trend mainland GDP. While the impact on domestic activity may be dampened by the composition of spending (including through imports and transfers abroad), the stimulus is still expected to provide a significant boost to the domestic economy.

    Enhancements to Norway’s robust fiscal framework would help ensure continued delivery of strong economic and social outcomes. Reinforcing countercyclicality and spending discipline would enhance fiscal resilience. Complementing the fiscal rule with explicit medium-term expenditure limits could reduce exposure to volatility from market-driven changes in the large and growing value of the GPFG and improve fiscal planning. Strengthening multi-year budgeting, improving public investment management, conducting more systematic spending reviews and setting efficiency targets would support more strategic resource allocation and enhance public service delivery. Benchmarking the setup of the Advisory Panel on Fiscal Policy Analysis against best international practices for independent fiscal councils and expanding its mandate would help further enhance the fiscal framework.

    Advancing fiscal reforms is essential to bolster resilience and support long-term growth. Tax reforms aimed at improving efficiency and broadening the revenue base remain a priority. Consolidating multiple VAT rates and enhancing incentives for work and investment would improve resilience of the tax system. Further measures to reform disability and sickness benefits, along the lines of past IMF recommendations, are needed to reduce work disincentives, increase labor force participation, and contain long-term fiscal costs. Sustained reform efforts are crucial to ensure long-term sustainability of fiscal policy in the face of rising structural spending pressures.

    A broad and ambitious reform agenda is essential to accelerate productivity growth and mitigate the effects of geoeconomic fragmentation. Advancing the “reinforced work line” agenda would reduce reliance on disability benefits, raise labor force participation among underrepresented groups—including youth and immigrants—and increase total hours worked. Strengthening education-to-work transitions, promoting full-time employment, and accelerating digitalization would further support productivity. Finally, further measures are likely to be needed to achieve Norway’s 2035 emission reduction targets.

    The IMF team thanks the Norwegian authorities and other counterparts for their hospitality and the constructive and insightful discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva-Maria Graf

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/25/norway-staff-concluding-statement-for-the-2025-article-iv-consultation-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: CloudBees accelerates European momentum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  CloudBees, a world-leading enterprise DevOps development solution, has reached significant milestones in its European expansion, following the 2022 appointment of CEO Anuj Kapur.

    With more than 110,000 developers using CloudBees across its EMEA business, the region now accounts for about a quarter of the global ARR and customer base, cementing the company’s position as a key player in the region. This presence builds on the sustained investment from CloudBees across the region, where there are now over 160 employees and the business continues to actively hire across main hubs in the UK, France, Germany, and the Middle East region.

    As of March 2025, the company supports over 100 enterprise customers across Europe, including HSBC, BNP Paribas, DZ Bank, Worldpay, and Tesco Bank. It continues to attract marquee ‘Global 2000’ brands from a wide range of industries, reflecting growing demand for enterprise-ready DevOps solutions in the region.

    “EMEA is one of the fastest-growing regions for enterprise software delivery, and CloudBees is making an important investment to meet that momentum,” said Philippe Van Hove, VP, Sales EMEA at CloudBees, who joined in April 2024 in this newly created role.

    “We’re building an expert team across the region to support our customers’ most complex DevOps challenges, from hybrid cloud environments to AI-enhanced delivery. This expansion marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to helping organizations scale securely, ship faster, and stay ahead.”

    Global momentum
    15 years since its founding, CloudBees has grown into a team of over 500, surpassed $150 million USD in global ARR, achieved profitability, and now supports over 500,000 developers.

    Today, the company enables hundreds of enterprises to accelerate innovation, improve efficiency, and reduce security risks. As part of its go-to-market strategy, CloudBees has built a robust global partner network, including AWS, Perficient, Aliado, Cognizant, and SPKAA and a global customer base, such as Salesforce, Adobe, Accenture, Mount Sinai Health System and others.

    In recent weeks, CloudBees announced CloudBees Unify, the industry’s most open and flexible DevOps solution, which enables organizations to consolidate governance, standardise security, and accelerate delivery without discarding existing systems. Unlike traditional DevOps platforms, CloudBees Unify acts as an operating layer on top of any existing toolchain, using an open and modular architecture that connects seamlessly with popular tools like GitHub Actions and Jenkins.

    Pioneering AI-powered software development
    Following its 2024 acquisition of AI-driven testing company Launchable, CloudBees launched “CloudBees Smart Tests”, an AI-augmented QA testing tool. Early customers, including LY Corporation and GoCardless, have reported dramatic improvements in testing efficiency – including a 50% reduction in machine hours, 90% decrease in test execution time, and 40% reduction in build times.

    The acquisition saw former CloudBees employee Jenkins-creator Kohsuke Kawaguchi return to the company at this critical growth stage.

    “We’re proud to be helping some of Europe’s leading enterprises solve their most complex development challenges. As developer demands grow, our focus remains on delivering scalable, secure, and compliant solutions that help teams move faster and thrive in the AI era,” said Anuj Kapur, CEO of CloudBees, who served as Chief Strategy Officer at Cisco and President at SAP before taking the helm at CloudBees in 2022.

    In 2024, Forrester reported that using CloudBees’ product suite brought its customers’ downtime to almost zero, and efficiency and security gains saw an ROI of 426%. By year two of partnering with CloudBees, total lost developer hours reduced by 99%, saving $4.5 million, which reached $10.6 million by year three. Software pipelines also increased by as much as 60% over a five-year period.

    About CloudBees

    CloudBees is a leading DevOps solution for enterprises navigating the complexity of modernizing software development at scale. Built for global enterprises, CloudBees bridges the gap between legacy systems and emerging technologies, helping organizations innovate securely, intelligently, and on their own terms.

    As the industry’s most open and flexible DevOps solution, CloudBees integrates with any developer tool, allowing teams to build better, faster, and safer across any environment. CloudBees automates and optimizes software delivery at scale with continuous compliance and enterprise-grade governance built-in, accelerated with AI capabilities.

    Founded in 2010, CloudBees is backed by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bridgepoint Capital, HSBC, Golub Capital, Delta-v Capital, Matrix Partners, and Lightspeed Venture Partners.

    Visit us at www.cloudbees.com.

    Contact

    Toby Andrews – Ballou PR
    cloudbeeseu@balloupr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: If you take a GLP-1 medicine and have been hospitalised by acute pancreatitis, the Yellow Card Biobank wants to hear from you 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    If you take a GLP-1 medicine and have been hospitalised by acute pancreatitis, the Yellow Card Biobank wants to hear from you 

    GLP-1 medicines are licensed for Type 2 diabetes and weight management, and include the branded products Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy 

    The pioneering Yellow Card Biobank, launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and Genomics England, will start investigating whether the risk of acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas) from GLP-1 injections for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes may be influenced by an individual’s genes.   

    Patients who have been hospitalised with acute pancreatitis suspected to be related to glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 medicines), such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, are being asked to report it to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme. These medicines are sometimes referred to colloquially as “skinny jabs” although they are licensed for both weight loss and Type 2 diabetes.   

    Healthcare professionals are also being asked to help recruit for the study by reporting Yellow Cards on behalf of patients experiencing acute pancreatitis while taking GLP-1 medicines.    

    When a Yellow Card report is received, the MHRA will contact patients to ask if they would be willing to take part in the Biobank study. This would involve providing further information and submitting a saliva or spit sample which will be used to explore whether some people are at a higher risk of acute pancreatitis when taking these medicines due to their genetic makeup, with the overall aim of reducing the occurrence of these side effects in the future.  

    Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: 

    Evidence shows that almost a third of side effects to medicines could be prevented with the introduction of genetic testing. It is predicted that adverse drug reactions cost the NHS more than £2.2 billion a year in hospital stays alone.    

    Information from the Yellow Card Biobank will help us to better predict those most at risk of adverse reactions – enabling patients across the UK to receive the safest medicine for them, based on their genetic makeup.  

    To help us help you, we’re asking anyone who has been hospitalised with acute pancreatitis while taking a GLP-1 medicine to report this to us via our Yellow Card scheme.   

    Even if you don’t meet the criteria for this phase of the biobank study, information about your reaction to a medication is always extremely valuable in helping to improve patient safety.

    Professor Matt Brown, Chief Scientific Officer of Genomics England, said:     

    GLP-1 medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy have been making headlines, but like all medicines there can be a risk of serious side effects. We believe there is real potential to minimise these with many adverse reactions having a genetic cause.   

    This next step in our partnership with the MHRA will generate data and evidence for safer and more effective treatment through more personalised approaches to prescription, supporting a shift towards an increasingly prevention-focused healthcare system.

    Although infrequent, acute pancreatitis has been reported with GLP-1 medicines. This can be serious. The main symptom of this is severe pain in the stomach that radiates to the back and does not go away. Anyone who experiences this should seek immediate medical help.  

    The Yellow Card Biobank aims to help understand how a patient’s genetic makeup can impact the safety of their medicines and forms part of a long-term vision for more personalised medicine approaches. Approved scientists will use the genetic information in the Yellow Card Biobank to investigate whether a side effect from a medicine was caused by a specific genetic trait. Ultimately this will enable healthcare professionals to personalise prescriptions using rapid screening tests, so patients across the UK will receive the safest medication for them, based on their genetic makeup.  

    Side effects continue to be a significant burden on the NHS and studies have shown they account for one in six hospital admissions. Screening tests provide the opportunity to reduce the likelihood of these adverse drug reactions from happening.  

    The MHRA will request a saliva sample from everyone who takes part in the Yellow Card Biobank study. Saliva testing kits will be posted to participants at their home. It is quick and easy to provide a sample. Instructions will be provided along with a prepaid postage envelope.   

    Notes to Editors  

    • Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 or GLP-1 RAs) are medicines that help people feel fuller by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating. Some newer medicines, like Mounjaro, also act on a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control. These have been referred to in the media as “weight loss injections” or “skinny jabs”, but not all are authorised for weight loss.    

    • The Yellow Card Biobank is looking to recruit patients across the UK aged 18 or over who were hospitalised after experiencing acute pancreatitis after taking a GLP-1 medicine. If you are unsure whether you are or were taking one of these medicines, check the label to see what the active ingredient is – it should say semaglutide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, dulaglutide, exenatide or trizepatide. Alternatively, speak to a healthcare professional.  

    • Healthcare professionals are asked to report Yellow Cards on behalf of patients who are taking GLP-1 medicines (including dual GLP-1 and GIP agonists) and experience acute pancreatitis. While completing the Yellow Card, select “Yes” when asked if you agree to be contacted about the Yellow Card Biobank. If the patient is eligible, the team will be in touch to ask for your help in contacting the patient. The Yellow Card Biobank also works directly with healthcare professionals to refer patients, please see the website for more information or to get in touch with the team.    

    • The MHRA has issued recent guidance on how to use these medicines safely.   

    • The first phase of the Biobank campaign was to recruit patients who experienced severe reactions to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and allopurinol.    

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.  

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.  

    • Genomics England is a company established and wholly owned by the Department for Health and Social Care. It is a global leader in enabling genomic medicine and research, focused on creating a world where everyone benefits from genomic healthcare. Building on the 100,000 Genomes Project, it supports the NHS’s world-first national whole genome sequencing service and runs the growing National Genomic Research Library alongside delivering numerous major genomics initiatives.  

    • This project forms part of the Government’s Life Sciences Vision.    

    • For media enquiries, please contact the newsdesk@mhra.gov.uk or call 020 3080 7651

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York has the least pregnant smokers in Yorkshire

    Source: City of York

    York has the lowest rate of pregnant women smoking in Yorkshire and the Humber at the time of delivery, new figures have revealed.

    According to new data published by NHS England Statistics on Women’s Smoking Status at Time of Delivery: Data tables – NHS England Digital only 4.6 per cent (65 women) smoked in York, at the time of their delivery. This shows a significant drop, when compared to figures in 2020, which were 10.4 per cent (167 women).

    Many women have been supported to help quit for good through help from the Health Trainers.

    Cllr Lucy Steels- Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said “Stopping smoking during pregnancy is a positive step you can take for the health of you and your baby.

    “Stopping smoking can be challenging, but you do not have to face this alone. The council’s health trainers can offer support tailored to your needs and look at techniques and strategies to keep you motivated on your journey to becoming smoke free”.

    The Health Trainers offer an incentive scheme of £170 in shopping vouchers which are offered, if they continue to quit during their pregnancy and quit for good.

    Lucy Evans, from Acomb, gave birth at full term to a 7lb 14oz healthy baby girl, Violet, 12 weeks ago. She stopped smoking a week after her first health trainer appointment early in her pregnancy, and received free nicotine gum and patches as well as one-to-one support sessions.

    She has just received her final voucher this week, which she plans to spend on clothes for Violet and a treat for herself.

    She said: “I wanted to quit to make sure my baby was healthy and would definitely recommend this scheme, you get so much support and help and it makes you want to quit even more.

    “I feel a lot healthier, I’m not coughing as much and am breathing better, and I feel like I can handle stress a lot better as I’m not relying on smoking.”

    The service offers personalised, individual support and advice, and signing up is really simple.

    Visit York Health Trainers and complete the online referral form, call 01904 553377 or email cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk

    Across the region, the Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) data shows that 7.5 per cent (3,901) of pregnant women across Yorkshire and the Humber were recorded as smoking in 2024/25.

    This is 1.8 per cent lower than the previous year, when maternal smoking rates were 9.3 per cent across the region. This equates to 642 fewer women smoking compared to last year.

    This is the lowest rate of smoking during pregnancy recorded in Yorkshire and the Humber since data began to be collected. This also reflects improvement across England as a whole, where SATOD rates fell to 6.1 per cent from 7.4 per cent last year.

    Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of harm to both mother and baby. It increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and sudden infant death. Children born to parents who smoke are also more likely to experience respiratory illness, learning difficulties, and diabetes, and are more likely to grow up to be smokers when compared to children born into smoke-free households.

    As well as the health harms caused by smoking during pregnancy, it also adds to the cost of living and pushes families further into poverty. The average smoker spends £3,000 per year on tobacco, with younger women from the most deprived areas being the most likely to smoke and be exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • UP CM Yogi Adityanath congratulates Shubhanshu Shukla on Axiom Mission 4 launch

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday congratulated Indian Air Force officer Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is serving as the pilot on board the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS).

    In a post on social media platform X, the chief minister called it a “proud moment for India” and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for enabling India’s participation in the international space mission.

    “Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India’s participation in this international space mission showcases our unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and global collaboration,” Yogi said.

    The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-4 crew — including Shukla — lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Wednesday afternoon (IST). The crew includes commander Peggy Whitson, a former NASA astronaut, along with mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

    The spacecraft is expected to dock with the space-facing port of the ISS Harmony module at around 4:30 pm IST on Thursday. NASA flight engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers will oversee the automated approach and docking process.

    Once aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 astronauts will be welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 crew and will undergo safety protocols before beginning their scientific, commercial, and outreach activities over the two-week mission.

    For Shukla, the mission marks a historic return of an Indian Air Force officer to space after more than four decades. The last IAF officer to travel to space was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 in April 1984.

    From aboard the Dragon capsule, Shukla addressed the nation in a recorded message. “We are back in space once again after 41 years,” he said. “The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me I am with you all… This journey of mine is not just a beginning to the International Space Station but to India’s Human Space Programme.”

    “Your chest, too, should swell with pride,” he added, signing off with “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”

    IANS