Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “The situation in Nairobi is tense. There are roadblocks everywhere and shops are closed. Young protesters have taken to the streets, while the police have erected barricades along the roads leading to the center of Nairobi,” Fr. Bonaventura Luchidio told Fides. The National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya is referring to today’s demonstration in memory of the victims of last year’s demonstrations against the finance law (see Fides, 21/6/2024, 25/6/2025, and 26/6/2024), which left more than 60 dead and 300 injured.On the eve of the demonstration, the Kenyan bishops issued a joint appeal to the authorities and the demonstrators, calling for peace and the protection of life (see Fides, 24/6/2025).This appeal, according to Father Luchidio, is all the more necessary given that, as emphasized, “there have been some serious incidents recently that are further worsening the mood among young people. In particular, the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in a security cell at the Nairobi police station and the close-range shooting at a previous demonstration of young Boniface Kariuki, who is still fighting for his life in the hospital.” “Added to this is the death of two Catholic priests under unclear circumstances,” says the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, citing the murder of Father Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett, who was shot dead on May 22 in the Tot (Elgeyo Marakwet) area of the Kerio Valley in the western highlands of Kenya (see Fides, 23/05/2025), and Father John Ndegwa Maina, parish priest of St. Louis Church in Igwamiti, who died in hospital on May 15 after being found seriously injured on the side of the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, several kilometers from his parish (see Fides, 21/5/2025). “The bishops have called for a rapid investigation to bring those responsible for the deaths of the two priests to justice, but at the moment there is no further information on the two cases,” Father Luchidio concludes.In addition to the capital Nairobi, clashes have also been reported in other Kenyan cities. Police are using tear gas canisters to disperse the demonstrators. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)
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Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The plea for “authentic peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula” is at the heart of the initiative of the Korean Catholic Church, which annually celebrates June 25, the anniversary of the Korean War, as a “Day of Prayer for National Reconciliation and Unity.” At Myeongdong Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul, Msgr. Chung Soon-Taick, Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, and President of the “Committee for reconciliation” in the Archdiocese, presided over a Mass attended by over a thousand priests, consecrated persons, and faithful, who prayed together for peace on the Korean peninsula.In his homily, the Archbishop recalled that “this year marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and 80 years since the division of the country. North and South have lived in a state of division, nurturing hatred and hostility in a context of constant tension and confrontation.” He added: “North and South Korea have previously lived as one country, one nation, and one culture for centuries. To overcome conflict and division, we must first reach out, as Jesus told us: ‘Give them something to eat.’” Archbishop Chung also emphasized in this context that “a small but significant change has begun in inter-Korean relations.” He pointed out that “as soon as our government stopped broadcasting messages to North Korea over loudspeakers, North Korea immediately stopped broadcasting its messages over loudspeakers,” which he considers a reduction in tensions. “Peace on the Korean Peninsula and a new relationship between the two Koreas begins with the renunciation of hostility and hatred. Let us pray that each of us can be the one to bring about small changes.”Following the Mass, a symposium commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the “Committee for Reconciliation in Korea” in the Archdiocese of Seoul was held at the Spirituality Center of Myeongdong Cathedral. Archbishop Chung Soon-Taick recalled the committee’s objectives and working methods: “The committee, established on March 1, 1995, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, is intended to be the Church’s executive arm for national reconciliation and unity on the Korean peninsula and is committed to working on the basis of three main pillars: prayer, sharing and formation. “Since the first Mass for Reconciliation and Unity in Korea, celebrated on March 7, 1995, the Mass for Reconciliation has been celebrated every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The foundation of every pastoral activity of the committee is prayer,” the Archbishop added. He recalled Pope Francis’s call in the ncyclical “Fratelli Tutti” to be “peacemakers” and the appeal of Pope Leo XIV, who “calls for peace and denounces all violence and horror in the world.” “Every single member of our Church,” the Archbishop hoped, “must remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in North Korea and feel part of the efforts toward reconciliation and unity by reinventing the sense of solidarity based on fraternity.” He concluded with the hope that “our Church will take the initiative to overcome hostilities and promote mutual respect and understanding.” The committee’s vice-chairman, Fr. Chung Soo-yong, said: “Over the past 30 years, we have taken two steps forward and one step back: With the Gospel in mind, we must therefore find the strength to overcome divisions and conflicts and work for peace on the Korean Peninsula.” He added: “In the international context, given the armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Iran, it is fundamental that the Korean Peninsula, which has been divided for more than half a century, lays the foundations for peace.” Father Chung concluded with an appeal to the new generations: “Young people must now take the initiative, with discussions and activities on the practice of peace, also with regard to World Youth Day 2027.” In this spirit, the Archdiocese of Seoul organizes an annual youth pilgrimage to the demilitarized zone on the border between the two Koreas, entitled “The Wind of Peace.” Launched in 2012, the initiative, aimed at young people around the world, will take place next month as part of the Jubilee Year. Participants will walk along the border, also dedicating themselves to meditation and prayer. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)
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by Gianni ValenteBaghdad (Agenzia Fides) – The so-called “12-Day War” has also caused concern and fear in Iraq. This was confirmed by the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, in a brief interview with Fides. The Iraqi Cardinal sees recent events as a further sign of the crisis in the international order. Faced with the scenario of an “endless war” and the bombings justified as instruments to bring about regime change, the Cardinal recalls the Iraqi experience, emphasizing that “regime change is a matter for the citizens of the country” and that such “regime change” strategies “can only worsen the situation.”Bombs from Israel and the US on Iran, Iranian missiles against Israel and US military bases. Patriarch Sako, how do you view the events in neighboring countries or on the border with Iraq, and how are the Iraqi people experiencing all this?CARDINAL SAKO: What has happened is sad. We have all experienced difficult moments of worry and fear. The world has lost its international order. Now we must regain common sense and reject the discourse of hatred, violence, and war. It is a pity if we destroy life and what has been built. Peace is a gift; we must welcome it and preserve it with enthusiasm, making the defense of peace an authentic life commitment.In recent days, the bombing on Iran has been portrayed as an operation designed to weaken Iranian power and lead to the country’s collapse. What do you think of such hypothetical strategies, also in light of the experiences in Iraq?CARDINAL SAKO: The sovereignty of countries must be respected, and problems should be resolved through sincere and courageous dialogue. Regime change is a matter for the citizens of a country. Imposing another regime would only worsen the situation. Change must come from within, if the citizens deem it necessary. Twenty-two years after the fall of the regime in Iraq, there is still no true citizenship, no law, no security, and no stability. Corruption and sectarianism persist.What can Christians in Iraq place their hope in at this time and in the face of these scenarios?CARDINAL SAKO: Christians, like all Iraqis, have suffered greatly because of ISIS. Such suffering leads to exodus and emigration. To this day, we are marginalized, our villages are occupied by militias, and the parliamentary seats reserved for Christians are being usurped… For all these reasons, a better future for Christians seems elusive. But despite what we have suffered, we feel we have a vocation in this land, with our faith. Therefore, we can remain confident and look toward a better future. (Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)
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Join the Future Combat Air System programme at Dstl
Play a pivotal role in safeguarding the UK’s future and shape the next generation of combat air technology, by joining the FCAS programme.
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) encompasses a series of highly integrated and aligned programmes and military capabilities.
This system will have a crewed aircraft at its heart. It will network and collaborate with a range of wider air and broader domain capabilities, including F-35, and use information systems, weapons and uncrewed collaborative combat air platforms to complete the capability.
Be part of a joint international programme
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a trilateral acquisition programme launched with Japan and Italy to develop the core platform (aircraft) which will be at the heart of the UK’s and our partners’ future Combat Air systems. This joint international programme is a jointly funded and delivered international programme to develop and deliver a new fighter aircraft.
To put this challenge into context, when the current UK constructed fast jet, the Eurofighter (a fourth generation type) was being designed in the 1980s, the European car of the year was the Ford Escort. Our other current fast jet, the US-Built F-35 Lightning II (a fifth generation type) was designed in the 1990s, when the Fordo Mondeo was car of the year. The F-35 though has been described as a ‘Flying Software Testbed’ with significant PE and approximately 8 million lines of code.
What’s at the core of FCAS and GCAP
Programmable Elements (PE), especially software, are at the heart of FCAS and GCAP. The ability to perform frequent, sometimes rapid, software updates is also a critical part of achieving and sustaining operational effectiveness.
What the MOD PE team do
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) PE team has wide ranging responsibility, covering:
artificial intelligence (AI) and data
applications
operating systems
virtualisation
complex electronic hardware
Working with industry and international partner governments, they also strive to create and promote the environment in which quality PE are effectively delivered at pace.
Be part of building the sixth generation fast jet
GCAP will be a sixth generation fast jet, which will build on fifth generation properties, such as, low observability and systems integration, adding autonomy, but the key will be fast adaptability. And the only way to achieve this is through its PE quality to do so.
If you are interested in a challenging opportunity to use your PE skills to benefit one of the MOD’s highest priority acquisition programs and help get the UK’s next manned and unmanned fast jets flying safely and securely, we want to hear from you.
As part of the FCAS team, you’ll contribute to one of the most complex and fast-paced acquisition defence programmes to date. With the groundbreaking GCAP collaboration between the UK, Japan, and Italy, this initiative is set to deliver the state-of-the-art fighter jet, Tempest, by 2035.
This is an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a programme that is revolutionizing the UK’s combat air industry, supporting national security and economic growth. You’ll work at the cutting edge of technology, surrounded by a passionate team committed to excellence.
Apply to work for the (FCAS) programme
We will keep this page updated and add links when roles are available to apply for.
As well as a rewarding career in defence science and technology, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) offers a wide range of benefits and training opportunities in a supportive, encouraging and flexible environment.
French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2.
The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually to an undisclosed list of recipients and June 24.
The talks follow a series of roundtables fostered earlier this year by French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls.
But the latest talks, held in New Caledonia under a so-called “conclave” format, stalled on May 8.
This was mainly because several main components of the pro-France (anti-independence) parties said the draft agreement proposed by Valls was tantamount to a form of independence, which they reject.
The project implied that New Caledonia’s future political status vis-à-vis France could be an associated independence “within France” with a transfer of key powers (justice, defence, law and order, foreign affairs, currency ), a dual New Caledonia-France citizenship and an international standing.
Instead, the pro-France Rassemblement-LR and Loyalistes suggested another project of “internal federalism” which would give more powers (including on tax matters) to each of the three provinces, a notion often criticised as a de facto partition of New Caledonia.
Local elections issue In May 2024, on the sensitive issue of eligibility at local elections, deadly riots broke out in New Caledonia, resulting in 14 deaths and more than 2 billion euros (NZ$3.8 billion) in damage.
In his letter, Macron writes that although Valls “managed to restore dialogue…this did not allow reaching an agreement on (New Caledonia’s) institutional future”.
“This is why I decided to host, under my presidency, a summit dedicated to New Caledonia and associating the whole of the territory’s stakeholders”.
Macron also wrote that “beyond institutional topics, I wish that our exchanges can also touch on (New Caledonia’s) economic and societal issues”.
Macron made earlier announcements, including on 10 June 2025, on the margins of the recent UNOC Oceans Summit in Nice (France), when he dedicated a significant part of his speech to Pacific leaders attending a “Pacific-France” summit to the situation in New Caledonia.
“Our exchanges will last as long as it takes so that the heavy topics . . . can be dealt with with all the seriousness they deserve”.
Macron also points out that after New Caledonia’s “crisis” broke out on 13 May 2024, “the tension was too high to allow for a dialogue between all the components of New Caledonia’s society”.
Letter sent by French President Emmanuel Macron to New Caledonia’s stakeholders for Paris talks on 2 July 2025. Image: RNZ Pacific
A new deal? The main political objective of the talks remains to find a comprehensive agreement between all local political stakeholders, in order to arrive at a new agreement that would define the French Pacific territory’s political future and status.
This would then allow to replace the 27-year-old Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998.
That pact put a heavy focus on the notions of “living together” and “common destiny” for New Caledonia’s indigenous Kanaks and all of the other components of its ethnically and culturally diverse society.
It also envisaged an economic “rebalancing” between the Northern and Islands provinces and the more affluent Southern province, where the capital Nouméa is located.
The Nouméa Accord also contained provisions to hold three referendums on self-determination.
The three polls took place in 2018, 2020 and 2021, all of those resulting in a majority of people rejecting independence.
But the last referendum, in December 2021, was largely boycotted by the pro-independence movement.
‘Examine the situation’ According to the Nouméa Accord, after the referendums, political stakeholders were to “examine the situation thus created”, Macron recalled.
But despite several attempts, including under previous governments, to promote political talks, the situation has remained deadlocked and increasingly polarised between the pro-independence and the pro-France camps.
A few days after the May 2024 riots, Macron made a trip to New Caledonia, calling for the situation to be appeased so that talks could resume.
In his June 10 speech to Pacific leaders, Macron also mentioned a “new project” and in relation to the past referendums process, pledged “not to make the same mistakes again”.
He said he believed the referendum, as an instrument, was not necessarily adapted to Melanesian and Kanak cultures.
In practice, the Paris “summit” would also involve French minister for Overseas Manuel Valls.
The list of invited participants would include all parties, pro-independence and pro-France, represented at New Caledonia’s Congress (the local parliament).
But it would also include a number of economic stakeholders, as well as a delegation of Mayors of New Caledonia, as well as representatives of the civil society and NGOs.
Talks could also come in several formats, with the political side being treated separately.
The pro-independence platform FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) has to decide at the weekend whether it will take part in the Paris talks.
FLNKS leader Christian Téin . . . still facing charges over last year’s riots, but released from prison in France providing he does not return to New Caledonia and checks in with investigating judges. Image: Opinion International
Will Christian Téin take part? During a whirlwind visit to New Caledonia in June 2024, Macron met Christian Téin, the leader of a pro-independence CCAT (Field Action Coordination Cell), created by Union Calédonienne (UC).
Téin was arrested and jailed in mainland France.
In August 2024, while in custody in the Mulhouse prison (northeastern France), he was elected in absentia as president of a UC-dominated FLNKS.
Even though he still faces charges for allegedly being one of the masterminds of the May 2024 riots, Téin was released from jail on June 12 on condition that he does not travel to New Caledonia and reports regularly to French judges.
On the pro-France side, Téin’s release triggered mixed angry reactions.
Other pro-France hard-line components said the Kanak leader’s participation in the Paris talks was simply “unthinkable”.
Pro-independence Tjibaou said Téin’s release was “a sign of appeasement”, but that his participation was probably subject to “conditions”.
“But I’m not the one who makes the invitations,” he told public broadcaster NC la 1ère on 15 June 2025.
FLNKS spokesman Dominique Fochi said in a release Téin’s participation in the talks was earlier declared a prerequisite.
“Now our FLNKS president has been released. He’s the FLNKS boss and we are awaiting his instructions,” Fochi said.
At former roundtables earlier this year, the FLNKS delegation was headed by Union Calédonienne (UC, the main and dominating component of the FLNKS) president Emmanuel Tjibaou.
‘Concluding the decolonisation process’, says Valls In a press conference on Tuesday in Paris, Valls elaborated some more on the upcoming Paris talks.
“Obviously there will be a sequence of political negotiations which I will lead with all of New Caledonia’s players, that is all groups represented at the Congress. But there will also be an economic and social sequence with economic, social and societal players who will be invited”, Valls said.
During question time at the French National Assembly in Paris on 3 June 2025, Valls said he remained confident that it was “still possible” to reach an agreement and to “reconcile” the “contradictory aspirations” of the pro-independence and pro-France camps.
During the same sitting, pro-France New Caledonia MP Nicolas Metzdorf decried what he termed “France’s lack of ambition” and his camp’s feeling of being “let down”.
The other MP for New Caledonia’s, pro-independence Emmanuel Tjibaou, also took the floor to call on France to “close the colonial chapter” and that France has to “take its part in the conclusion of the emancipation process” of New Caledonia.
“With the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, and the political forces, we will make offers, while concluding the decolonisation process, the self-determination process, while respecting New Caledonians’ words and at the same time not forgetting history, and the past that have led to the disaster of the 1980s and the catastrophe of May 2024,” he said.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order of June 23, 2025 No. 1618-r
The funds of the universal service reserve, which is formed from deductions of a portion of the revenue of telecom operators, will be used to create fiber-optic communication lines in up to 70 settlements in the country. Their list has been approved by a Government order.
We are talking about populated areas, including those located in hard-to-reach areas.
The decision that the creation of fiber-optic communication lines for a number of territories can be financed from the universal service reserve was made at the end of May 2025 to implement the new provisions of the federal law “On Communications”. It will increase the availability of communication services for local residents and open access to digital services for businesses.
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.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“We are carrying out systematic work across the country to expand and modernize roadways on key highways and city roads where this is necessary to improve transport accessibility. These measures allow us to increase the capacity of the road network, reduce travel time, reduce accidents and minimize logistics costs. In particular, we are reconstructing the M-1 Belarus high-speed highway from the 66th to the 84th km. We will expand this section from four to six lanes. Currently, specialists are constructing the roadbed at the site; 80% of the excavation work has been completed to date, amounting to about 440 thousand cubic meters. At the same time, work is being carried out to install the road surface. 178 thousand tons of asphalt concrete have already been laid, which is almost half of the planned volume. As of today, the overall readiness of the site is more than 50%. There is still a lot of work ahead, it is important to maintain the current momentum,” said Marat Khusnullin.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that work is underway at the site to install a cable duct for the installation of an automated traffic control system. Barrier and reinforced concrete parapet fencing are being installed; 10 km and 14 km, respectively, have been installed so far. In addition, for safe travel at night, it is planned to install outdoor lighting lines in the dividing strip of the road throughout the site. Currently, the foundations of lighting poles are being installed on the section from the 66th to the 71st km.
According to the Chairman of the Board of the state company Avtodor, Vyacheslav Petushenko, construction and installation work is being carried out on the reconstruction site to erect 12 artificial structures. These are bridges, overpasses and overground pedestrian crossings.
“The main artificial structures at the site are two bridges across the Nara and Kapanka rivers. The bridge across the Nara river is 45% complete. A reinforced concrete monolithic superstructure has already been installed here, the embankment is being filled on the approaches with subsequent installation of transition slabs. The bridge across the Kapanka river is half ready, now it is being prepared for laying asphalt concrete on the junctions and the bridge deck. Also among the key structures are two overpasses. One is part of the interchange at the 74th km, and the other is in the turnaround loop from the village of Lyakhovo at the 72nd km. Their readiness is 70 and 50%, respectively. Small artificial structures are also being built in parallel. These include culverts necessary to ensure uninterrupted water flow under the roadway and prevent flooding, which directly affects road safety,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko.
For the convenience of drivers and passengers, a rest area is being set up at the 74th km of the M-1 “Belarus”. Here, excavation work, road surface construction and storm sewer installation are nearing completion. At the moment, the site is being prepared for the installation of asphalt concrete pavement.
In total, 355 units of equipment and approximately 1,080 people are involved in the reconstructed section.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Moscow will host the Day of India festival for the 10th time. It will be held from August 14 to 17 in the Dream Island landscape park. More than 25 thematic zones and 150 participants of the traditional fair, over 40 gastronomic points are planned. At the large-scale festival, you can get acquainted with Indian culture – from cinema to chess, from yoga to the Holi festival.
This year’s themes are Indian Heritage in the Heart of Russia and the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Festival program
Professional teachers will hold seminars on yoga and Ayurveda at thematic sites, and will teach how to cook traditional Indian dishes at culinary master classes. A Holi color zone will be open all four days.
In addition, guests will enjoy dance and vocal performances. Children and adults will try their hand at a chess championship. Every day there will be screenings of Bollywood masterpieces and new releases.
Janmashtami is scheduled for Saturday and the Rathayatra chariot festival will conclude the programme on Sunday.
An obligatory part of the festival is gastronomy and a fair of goods, including handicrafts. More than 150 participants will offer visitors to the festival spices, decorations, fabrics, cosmetics. The wealth of national dishes will be presented in 40 restaurant zones. A special item on the menu is ripe mango straight from India.
Distinguished guests and competitions
The anniversary will be marked with a symbolic ceremony of cutting a huge cake with the participation of honored guests, diplomats and cultural figures of both countries. For the first time, the Day of India will feature a ceremony to present special awards in 10 nominations. Among the invited members of the jury are Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov and Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Chairman of the Board is Dmitry Kiselev, Director General of the International Information Agency “Russia Today”, Deputy Director General of the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.
The opening of the Maha Kumbh Mela zone in Moscow will be a major event: guests will have a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and rituals of one of the largest religious holidays in India, during which millions of pilgrims bathe in the waters of the Ganges River.
Schoolchildren from first to 11th grade will be able to take part in the all-Russian drawing competition “Maha Kumbh Mela in Moscow: a child’s view”. Applications are open from June 1 to July 31. The winners will receive memorable prizes.
“India Day 2025 marks 10 years of Indo-Russian cultural relations. This year, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of India Day and the 80th anniversary of Russia’s historic victory in the Great Patriotic War, we honour our shared values of peace, friendship and mutual respect. This festival is a living bridge between countries, uniting communities through culture, heritage and dialogue,” said Sammy Kotwani, founder of the India Day festival and president of the Indian Cultural and National Centre Sita.
The organizer of the 10th India Day festival is the Indian Cultural and National Center Sita. Guests who registered for festival website, will receive a gift.
All events are free, admission to the festival is free.
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.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The State Services portal now offers the opportunity to obtain a set of permits through a single application. An entrepreneur only needs to select the type of activity, fill out the form, and the system will send his application to the relevant departments. The new approach to issuing permits was developed as part of the optimization of permitting activities in Russia.
On the portal, permits are grouped according to the principle of conducting a certain activity. Each activity has its own set of permits. The first such comprehensive service available to organizations and individual entrepreneurs is “Opening a Pharmacy”. It includes permits that are necessary for carrying out pharmaceutical activities, a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion, and a sanitary and epidemiological examination. Previously, an application for each of them was submitted in turn. The entrepreneur had to independently monitor the readiness of each permit in order to apply for the next one. Now he can fill out one comprehensive application. This takes an average of 10 minutes, the system automatically sends it to the relevant departments. If approved, the entrepreneur receives the entire set of permits within three months.
The list of such complex scenarios for filing applications is being expanded as part of the project to optimize and automate permitting processes.
“We are working consistently to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, including in permitting activities. We have already halved the time it takes to issue permits and the number of documents requested. Our main task today is to combine various types of permits for a typical situation. That is, we are talking about the fact that through one application it is possible to obtain several types of permits at once,” commented Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.
The Government proposes to enshrine the possibility of obtaining comprehensive permits electronically through the State Services portal in legislation. To this end, a corresponding draft law was submitted to the State Duma in June. In addition, the document provides for the proactive provision of permit issuance services. It is planned that an entrepreneur will receive a notification from the state on the State Services portal with an offer to extend the permit. The application for extension will already be pre-filled.
The bill also proposes to amend (approximately) 70 industry laws to consolidate the reduction in the timeframes and number of documents required to obtain permits for each type separately. On average, the number of documents required to be submitted for a permit has been reduced by 2 times – from 8 to 4. The timeframe for reviewing all types of permits has also been reduced by 2 times on average – from 43 to 19 days.
More than 400 types of permits can now be obtained on “Gosuslugi”. In total, over 1 million applications were submitted through the government services portal in Russia in 2024, and over 408 thousand in the first five months of 2025.
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.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev, the progress of work on the creation of a camp and memorial complex on Shumshu was inspected. The Kuril Island was visited by Deputy Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Denis Andreyev and First Deputy Governor of the Sakhalin Region Sergei Baidakov.
“Shumshu is a significant page in our history. In fact, World War II ended on this island. Our soldiers defeated superior enemy forces and demonstrated mass heroism. At the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a military-historical memorial complex dedicated to the Kuril landing operation is being created on the island. It will perpetuate the feat of the Red Army soldiers who, in August 1945, at the cost of their lives, snatched victory from a superior enemy – the Imperial Japanese Army,” said Yuri Trutnev.
A search expedition will be launched on July 1st. About 100 patriots from different regions of Russia will take part in it. An expedition of such a scale has never been conducted on the island. Thanks to this, many fallen heroes will find a name and will be buried with military honors.
“We have assessed the readiness to open the search camp and memorial complex. The work is proceeding at a good pace. Shumshu Island is a heroic place where one of the most important battles took place, which put an end to World War II. Here you can literally touch history, and thanks to the implementation of the project on the instructions of the President, young people from different regions of Russia will soon have such an opportunity. A large-scale search expedition is also ready to begin work, which, I am sure, will open many heroic pages in the history of our country,” Denis Andreev noted.
“The camp is now almost 100% deployed. On June 30 and July 1, the participants of the search expedition will arrive. The reenactors’ camp will be deployed in the area of Mys Kurbatov. Sappers from the Eastern Military District and specialists from the Pacific Fleet are currently working there, and the military is also tidying up the lighthouse. We assess the readiness as high. Everything is on schedule, but the task is very ambitious. Every day we solve many issues related to equipment, materials, and logistics. But we will do everything to ensure that the order of the head of state Vladimir Putin to perpetuate the feat of the participants of the Kuril landing operation is fulfilled. Our governor Valery Limarenko also puts this task as a priority,” said Sergey Baidakov.
Sakhalin searchers have already begun reconnaissance work on the island.
“Spring came early this year, the weather is good, and the mood is fighting. The goal of the reconnaissance is to find the supposed places of death of the soldiers, mark the points on the ground. And when all the searchers arrive, we will conduct targeted excavations. We have already managed to find buttons from military uniforms, personal belongings of soldiers. We are studying all the finds and working with them,” said Artem Bandura, head of the regional branch of the Search Movement of Russia.
Shumshu is also currently preparing to welcome youth tourist groups. Participants in patriotic movements from different parts of Russia will see with their own eyes the places where history unfolded and will become ambassadors of this Far Eastern victory in their regions.
The first group is expected to arrive on July 15. Each day the children will have a schedule – lectures, meetings with historians, writers and SVO members, walks along tourist trails, search work.
“We are developing four tourist routes called “Roads of Shumshu Island”. The longest one is a ring route – 50 km. It goes through the entire island and through the most iconic battle sites. There are also three radial routes from 5 to 8.5 km long, so that groups can comfortably move around the island and touch history,” said Artem Lazarev, Minister of Tourism of the Sakhalin Region.
Let us recall that the key events dedicated to the opening of the memorial complex – the competition in sports triathlon “Height 171” and military-historical reconstruction – will take place in the second half of August, on the day of the beginning of the Kuril landing operation. About 150 people from two dozen regions of Russia and friendly countries will take part in the reconstruction.
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.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev spoke at the Rector’s Club discussion on the topic of “Educational policy in the context of the Priority 2030 program”, which was held as part of the Fourth All-Russian IOT-meeting in the studio of the Russian Society “Knowledge”.
Vladimir Stroyev shared his opinion on regulating the volume of paid admission to study at universities:
“While the mechanism of changes has not been officially announced, it is only known that the reduction will take place on September 1. Now we continue to work as usual, understanding that our situation may be simpler than that of many colleagues, because the State University of Management grew out of the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute and has strong engineering competencies along with training managers of various profiles – not only civil servants, but also managers of specific industries.
We have a wide range of engineering specialties: electric power engineering, mechanical engineering, transport, construction, chemical industry. The recently published rating of the Ministry of Labor confirmed the demand for our graduates – GUU took 11th place, which is not bad, although we can strive higher. Our system of cooperation with industry partners helps to create competitive developments and form practical competencies of future engineers and managers,” concluded Vladimir Vitalievich.
The rector also emphasized that in addition to its main educational activities, the State University of Management is actively developing the scientific sphere, supporting projects of the Student Design Bureau, which regularly wins competitions and receives state grants.
During the discussion, the President of SFedU Marina Borovskaya, the Director of the Mashuk Knowledge Center, Deputy General Director of the Russian Society “Knowledge” Anton Serikov, the Rector of Tyumen State University Ivan Romanchuk, the Rector of Cherepovets State University Olga Lyaginova, the Director of the Department for Work with Educational Organizations of the Russian Society “Knowledge” Albina Bikbulatova, the Chairman of the Council of the IOT Consortium of Universities, General Director of CUSTIS Vladimir Rakhteenko, the Director of the Odintsovo Branch of MGIMO Elena Kozlovskaya and others shared their vision of various aspects of modern education.
The All-Russian IOT-meeting is one of the key annual events of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia in the track “Designing the Future”. The IOT-meeting is focused on discussions and exchange of experience of rectors, vice-rectors, heads of PIS and IT teams of universities that are planning and already implementing flexible educational models.
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.
Plans for UK to become sustainable finance capital of the world
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband outlines plans to support banks and large companies in developing climate transition plans.
Government welcomes views on supporting banks and large companies to set out their climate transition plans
Energy Secretary announces plans will “help unlock billions in clean energy investment” and grow the economy
delivers on commitment to make the UK the “sustainable finance capital of the world” as part of the Plan for Change
To help “unlock billions in clean energy investment”, the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today outlined plans to support banks and large companies in developing climate transition plans when addressing the Climate and Innovation Forum as part of London Climate Action Week (25 June).
The UK is consistently ranked first in the world for sustainable finance, and 70% of FTSE 100 companies have already voluntarily developed many of the key elements of a transition plan. Widespread transition planning will help provide long-term certainty and clarity to help scale the sustainable finance industry as part of our modern industrial policy.
The government’s clean energy superpower mission is already delivering economic growth, with net zero sectors growing 3 times faster than the overall economy last year, according to CBI Economics. Since July, over £40 billion of private investment has also been announced into the UK’s clean energy industries – creating good jobs for working people and driving long-term growth.
As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the government wants to help stimulate billions of pounds a year of private investment to deliver the government’s clean energy superpower mission and make the UK the “sustainable finance capital of the world”.
To support this growth, the government will take forward recommendations from last year’s Transition Finance Market Review to consult on transition plan requirements in order to catalyse the growing transition finance market. The design of any future transition plan requirements will be aligned with the Prime Minister’s commitment to reduce regulatory compliance costs by 25%.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
This government is determined to make the UK the sustainable finance capital of the world as we seize the huge economic opportunities provided by clean energy.
Through our clean energy superpower mission and industrial strategy, we can win this global race and accelerate investment into these sectors – growing the economy, turbocharging the transition to net zero and delivering on our Plan for Change.
Our plans will transform our leading financial services sector into a global hub for green investment.
Minister for Competition and Markets Justin Madders said:
We want to work with businesses to develop a “common sense” sustainable reporting framework that is transparent, clear and proportionate for those investing in the UK.
These measures will enhance competition in the sustainability assurance sector, helping to deliver on our Plan for Change and kickstart economic growth.
Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma KCMG, Chair of the UK Transition Finance Council said:
A clear message from the Transition Finance Market Review was that high quality disclosure and information are vital for investors and a pre-condition to a flourishing sustainable and transition finance market.
I therefore very much welcome the government taking forward recommendations from the Review to consult on corporate transition plan requirements.
The UK can become the pre-eminent global financial centre for raising transition finance, but this is a time-limited opportunity, and that is why it will be vital to move quickly from consultation to implementation.
The government is publishing 3 consultations on:
how to take forward the government’s commitment on transition planning to support the market to invest in sectors that will deliver the clean energy superpower mission
new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards to provide clear, comparable information for investors on sustainability related financial risks and opportunities to enable them to make informed investment decisions
the development of a voluntary registration regime for the providers of assurance of sustainability reporting, supporting growth in this important sector
Transition planning means businesses set out a roadmap that outlines how they intend to adapt and transform their operations, strategies, and business models to align with their climate goals.
This is a vital part of the government’s commitment to secure Britain’s position as the sustainable finance capital of the world and will help businesses and investors seize the opportunities from the clean energy transition.
A recent survey of financial institutions conducted by South Pole found that 84% of UK-based financial institutions find companies with transition plans more attractive to invest in.
Supporting British industry and creating good, skilled jobs up and up down the country is core to the government’s industrial strategy and plan to grow the economy, ensuring businesses can take advantage of the transition to new low carbon technologies as they reduce their emissions. This will allow UK industry to remain competitive globally and support the millions of manufacturing jobs in regions across the UK – as well as future-proofing existing sectors, and increasing economic resilience to climate impacts.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive at SSE plc said:
SSE has long been a firm supporter of credible, transparent transition planning. As an early adopter of climate transition plans, we’ve seen first-hand how they can build investor confidence and accelerate progress toward net zero.
We welcome the UK Government’s ambition to become the sustainable finance capital of the world and fully support the work of the Transition Plan Taskforce and the Transition Finance Market Review.
As the UK’s clean energy champion, we want to see the UK remain the best place in the world to attract transition finance and deliver the investment needed for a just and ambitious energy transition.
Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said:
The Aldersgate Group welcomes today’s announcement as a significant step forward in creating a first-in-class green regulatory framework.
Using the feedback from these consultations to develop clear financial guardrails will help strengthen the transparency, interoperability, and credibility of climate-related financial disclosures. This is essential to support the measures in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, unlocking private sector investment in the UK’s low carbon economy.
We are particularly pleased to see the consultation on how best to take forward the government’s commitment on transition planning. Climate transition plans are a vital tool to help real economy companies integrate climate into strategic and operational decision-making, while also enabling financial institutions to align capital allocation, stewardship, and risk management with the transition to net zero.
James Alexander, CEO of UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), said:
We welcome the government’s commitment to bringing forward the consultation on climate transition plans for banks and large companies. These are essential for enhancing growth and global competitiveness as the UK and other countries decarbonise.
Further dialogue between the government and industry on the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards is also very encouraging. We look forward to ministers taking forward these commitments, which will help future-proof our economy over the coming years.
Heather McKay, Programme Lead, UK Sustainable and Resilient Finance at E3G, said:
The delivery of the government’s growth mission relies on ensuring Britain is a world-class destination for green and transition finance.
The clean economy is our ticket to a high-growth future, and credible transition plans – as part of a future-fit regulatory regime – are fundamental to unlocking the investment required to seize this opportunity.
The release of this highly anticipated consultation package is a welcome step towards turning this vision into reality.
Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aviva, said:
We welcome this consultation as an important next step in understanding how transition planning is rolled out across the UK economy, helping businesses understand the steps needed to transition, supporting a greener, more prosperous future.
Andrew Ninian, Director for Stewardship, Risk and Tax at the Investment Association, said:
We want the UK to remain at the forefront of sustainable finance. Ensuring that reporting standards are focused on the issues that impact the financial performance of companies is vital to achieve this.
Transition planning should enable investors to understand how climate risks and opportunities affect a company’s value and how they are adapting their business strategy to reduce their climate impact, in order to provide a sustainable future and grow the UK economy.
International comparability is also key, and with companies already preparing for reporting in line with ISSB, endorsing the standards will allow investors in UK companies to fully understand their long-term sustainability risks and simplify reporting expectations in the UK and globally.
Ian Bhullar, Director, Sustainability Policy, UK Finance said:
The financial services industry backs proportionate, internationally aligned sustainability reporting. Many firms have already published transition plans and use their customers’ plans to make low-carbon financing decisions.
Better reporting by a range of companies will provide information that lenders and investors can use to increase green finance flows. UK Finance welcomes these consultations and will work with government to ensure they support growth in the UK economy.
Faith Ward, Chief RI Officer, Brunel Pension Partnership said:
I hugely welcome the HMG announcements today. Having been deeply involved in supporting the International Sustainability Standards Board and Transition Plan Taskforce, I am delighted to see the UK take this vital step to regain its leadership role as global centre for green finance.
Investors want to allocate capital to growing businesses that are taking action to address climate and sustainability risks – and that are looking to business opportunities so that they deliver financially over the long term. They need globally consistent reporting on climate and sustainability actions, alongside critical insights into corporate plans for the transition.
Bruno Gardner, Head of Climate Change and Nature, Phoenix Group said:
As a long-term investor, policy developments that provide greater certainty around the net zero transition enhance the UK’s role as the leading centre of sustainable finance.
Transition plans are critical to helping investors like Phoenix Group manage the risks of climate change and direct capital towards companies that are best equipped to navigate the transition to net zero, ensuring the best outcomes for our customers.
We welcome all three consultations and the government’s engagement with the private sector, which is a significant step towards giving investors greater policy certainty and enabling us to being net-zero by 2050.
Notes to editors
DESNZ analysis of Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) data showed that global investment into low carbon sectors amounted to £1.6 trillion in 2024, with total investment in UK low carbon sectors representing 1.8% of GDP, the second highest share within the G7.
Sellafield Ltd engineers win IChemE Young Engineers Awards
Graduate engineers at Sellafield Ltd have won a prestigious award at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Young Engineers Awards.
Sellafield Ltd’s winning team at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability 2025
A team of design engineer graduates from Sellafield Ltd won the the Quality Education category at the prestigious Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability.
The IChemE awards celebrate groundbreaking ideas in chemical engineering and supports IChemE’s vision for a more sustainable world.
The winning team—Joseph Carter, Alana Prior, Lara Hill, and Ben Hilton—were recognised for their project, A Novel Approach to Chemical Engineering Work Experience, which enhances Sellafield Ltd’s design engineering work experience programme.
Since taking charge of the programme’s process engineering section last September, the team introduced a practical phase separation activity, improved guidance for volunteers, refined the volunteering process to cover all 10 annual work experience weeks, and developed new resources for West Cumbria’s newly established design engineering work experience.
Their initiative aims to inspire future engineers by making chemical engineering more accessible, addressing skills shortages in the industry. Demand for chemical engineers in the UK has surged by 55% in the last five years, with an annual shortfall of up to 59,000 engineering professionals.
Team member, Ben Hilton, said:
We’re thrilled to have received this recognition from IChemE. Sellafield has great early careers programmes, and their work experience initiative is a fantastic way to get young people interested in engineering careers. We’ve been lucky to be part of the graduate programme, and it’s great to see young professionals getting the opportunity to shape and lead these schemes
On behalf of the rest of the team, I’d like to thank all of the volunteers and colleagues who supported this initiative. Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable in making the work experience programme as engaging and impactful as possible. Without their commitment, none of this would have been possible.
Head of education, skills and social mobility, Michelle Lambon-Wilks, said:
We are immensely proud to see this talented group of graduates receive recognition from IChemE. Their dedication and hard work have been truly outstanding, and this achievement is well deserved.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to delivering high-quality early careers programmes that provide a strong foundation for professional success. We actively listen to those taking part, value their insights, and continuously refine our initiatives based on their feedback—ensuring they are as impactful and effective as possible.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
URUMQI, June 25 (Xinhua) — The ongoing summer heat wave has increased the risk of forest and grassland fires in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which borders Kazakhstan, with fires most common in the border areas of the two countries, which are rich in wetlands, mountains and dense vegetation.
The Xinjiang General Forest Fire Brigade accredited in the above-mentioned county (hereinafter referred to as the “Ili Fire Brigade”) is responsible for internal fire safety along the 800-km border line. In order to prevent fires from breaking out, the fire brigade is currently actively practicing various firefighting scenarios. They are equipped with special-purpose equipment, including helicopters and armored tracked fire trucks.
Under the influence of various factors, forest and steppe fires on the borders of the two countries can pose a threat to both environmental safety and human safety. In recent years, the Ili fire brigade, consisting of 200 people, has taken part in fire and rescue operations in the border area three times.
The last fire on the border occurred late at night three years ago. More than 130 people and over 30 vehicles, as well as 800 units and sets of firefighting equipment and communication and command devices were sent to the scene. As a result of their coordinated actions, the large fire was extinguished within 4 days.
In early June this year, the Ili Fire Brigade and representatives of the firefighters of Kazakhstan took part in joint exercises near the Dulat checkpoint, which involved numerous forces. Six years ago, a secondary forest caught fire in the area adjacent to the same border crossing on the territory of Kazakhstan. As was established following a meeting between the border guards of the two countries, the fire was caused by grass burning and did not require the participation of the rescue forces of China to extinguish it. Thus, the fire brigade simply broke through a fire barrier 63 km long and about 50 m wide along the border line on the Chinese side, effectively preventing the indiscriminate spread of the fire.
“If a fire breaks out on the border between China and Kazakhstan, our side must take the initiative and actively participate in the rescue operation, and if necessary, at the request of the Kazakh side, a cross-border firefighting operation can be carried out” – this is the principle that prevails in the actions of the Ili Fire Brigade.
To combat forest and grassland fires in border areas, China has set up several teams ready to go to fight similar cross-border fires, said Cao Lihong, a research fellow at the Belt and Road Development Research Institute at Ili Normal University.
She stressed that China and Kazakhstan’s joint response to common natural disasters is a concrete embodiment of the good-neighborliness and friendship between the two countries. According to her, China and Kazakhstan are continuously exploring ways to resolve problems arising in cooperation in firefighting and rescue work, thereby deepening mutual trust and cooperation, which can provide wisdom and useful experience for other countries in dealing with similar border fires. -0-
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 25 (Xinhua) — The BRICS countries are progressive forces in maintaining world peace and stability and upholding international fairness and justice. China stands ready to continue efforts with other BRICS countries to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing on a joint statement issued by Brazil, which holds the BRICS presidency, in which the grouping countries expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the region following the military strikes on Iran.
The BRICS countries, by calling in a joint statement for a ceasefire and ceasefire, dialogue and consultation, are playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation in the Middle East, Guo Jiakun said.
The diplomat cited the words of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who in his speech at last year’s BRICS summit in Kazan stated the importance of “promoting the BRICS peace agenda in the name of protecting common security.” -0-
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 25 (Xinhua) — The Chinese mainland will make every effort to help evacuate Chinese citizens, including Taiwan compatriots, affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Wednesday.
The Chinese Embassy in Israel recently issued an announcement asking Chinese citizens, including Taiwanese compatriots, who hold a mainland entry card to register for evacuation assistance due to rising tensions in the region.
Zhu Fenglian said at a press conference that some Taiwanese compatriots have now been safely evacuated to neighboring countries.
“We always reach out to our Taiwanese compatriots in a timely manner to provide them with the necessary assistance, whether it is during natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, or emergency evacuations related to conflicts and wars,” she stressed. -0-
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 25 (Xinhua) — China has launched a three-year special campaign against illegal dumping and disposal of solid waste, Ministry of Ecology and Environment spokesperson Pei Xiaofei said at a press conference on Wednesday.
It will include thorough checks and enforcement actions against illegal activities of this kind, he added.
The series of activities will focus on combating the illegal dumping of hazardous waste, solid industrial waste and construction waste. The campaign will also target the illegal dismantling and processing of scrapped motor vehicles, unusable electrical and electronic equipment, waste new energy equipment and batteries that have reached the end of their service life.
The ministry representative stressed that those persons whose guilt in illegal dumping, burial and disposal of solid waste that will cause serious environmental pollution or economic losses to state property is proven and subject to criminal liability in accordance with the law will be brought to trial as soon as possible.
Pei Xiaofei also called on the public to participate in the campaign, asking people to report cases of illegal dumping and disposal of waste on official websites, by phone numbers or by email. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MINSK, June 25 (Xinhua) — The Belarusian-Chinese Youth Forum was held in Minsk on Tuesday. The opening ceremony was held at the National Children’s Technopark.
The forum was organized by the Belarusian State University /BSU/ and Peking University as part of the celebration of the “Days of Friendship and Unity” of the two universities. The event was attended by about 200 students from 36 Belarusian and 11 Chinese universities, as well as postgraduate students and young scientists.
As the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan noted during the forum, education is one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two countries.
In turn, the press service of BSU emphasized that this large-scale event will help strengthen partnership, bring Belarusian-Chinese cooperation in the field of youth policy to a new level and create a platform for intercultural exchange. –0–
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Tashkent, June 25 (Xinhua) — The volume of trade between Uzbekistan and China in January-May 2025 amounted to 5.4 billion US dollars, and China retained its position as the main trading partner of Uzbekistan, Uzbek media reported on Tuesday, citing data from the National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
This figure is reported to be 8 percent higher than last year.
The report says that after China on the list are Russia and Kazakhstan, with USD 4.8 billion and USD 1.7 billion, respectively.
It is noted that Uzbekistan’s total exports amounted to $14.8 billion, while imports amounted to $16.4 billion. The country mainly imports machinery and equipment for vehicles, as well as various industrial goods from abroad. –0–
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 25 /Xinhua/ — Russia is closely monitoring the situation around the conflict in the Middle East and maintains contacts with Iran, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said at a briefing on Wednesday.
“We are closely monitoring this situation, but we also maintain contacts with our partners from Tehran,” TASS quotes him as saying.
Asked whether Russia has information about the state of Iran’s nuclear facilities after the Israeli and US attacks, the Kremlin spokesman stressed that it is unlikely that anyone has realistic data at this time. “It is probably too early, we need to wait until such data appears,” he said.
D. Peskov also noted that Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cannot but cause concern in Russia. At the same time, he considers this step by Tehran understandable. “Of course, such a decision is a direct consequence of the unprovoked attack on Iran that occurred, a direct consequence of strikes on nuclear facilities, which is quite unprecedented,” the press secretary said.
According to D. Peskov, the IAEA’s inaction during the American attack on Iranian nuclear facilities has seriously affected the organization’s reputation. “Of course, the IAEA’s reputation has been seriously damaged,” he concluded. –0–
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
The Strochenovsky Lecture Hall has opened in the Moscow State Museum of S.A. Yesenin, where scholars talk about little-known pages of the poet’s biography. The first lecture by Professor Yaroslav Leontyev of the Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, which opens the cycle, is dedicated to Yesenin’s political quest in the 1910s.
1918. At the height of the Civil War, Sergei Yesenin writes the poem “The Jordanian Dove,” which contains the following lines:
The sky is like a bell,
The moon is the language,
My mother is my homeland,
I am a Bolshevik.
For many, such a statement comes as a surprise, but Professor Yaroslav Leontiev came to the conclusion that this was a peculiar attempt to obtain an indulgence from the victorious Bolsheviks.
Unlike his peers, who were passionately interested in political ideas, Sergei Yesenin was not fanatical, but he did not escape the political temptations of the era. In his youth, he was close to the ideas of Leo Tolstoy, but this interest quickly faded away. Later, while working in the printing house of Ivan Sytin, the poet came into contact with social democrats, socialist revolutionaries, anarchists – and even came under police surveillance.
Having moved to Petrograd, Yesenin found himself in the editorial office of Severnye Zapiski, a magazine with a liberal-populist orientation. Here he met Leonid Kannegiser, the publisher’s nephew, also an aspiring poet, who in 1918 would shoot the chairman of the Petrograd Extraordinary Commission, Moisei Uritsky. They became close friends – Kannegiser even came to visit Yesenin in Konstantinovo.
Zinaida Reich is a career Socialist Revolutionary
Another fateful meeting took place in the editorial office of the newspaper “Delo Naroda” (People’s Cause), the central organ of the Socialist Revolutionary Party (SRs). Here Yesenin met Zinaida Reich, a technical employee of the editorial office. But she was not just a typist – already in high school, Zinaida participated in the SR circle, and in 1917 she headed the party distribution society.
Through his wife, Yesenin found himself in the very center of the party’s activities, met its leaders, Maria Spiridonova and Boris Kamkov, and also spoke at rallies and published in Socialist Revolutionary publications. In his 1923 autobiography, Yesenin claimed: “I worked with the Socialist Revolutionaries not as a party member, but as a poet.”
An unexpected political turn
After the armed conflict between the Left Socialist Revolutionaries and the Bolsheviks in July 1918, Yesenin abruptly changed course. The very line “I am a Bolshevik” appeared, and the poet began to get closer to the communists – for example, he spoke with Lev Kamenev at the opening of a monument to the poet A.V. Koltsov. Yesenin even wrote an application to join the RCP(b), to which the journalist Georgy Ustinov persistently persuaded him. But at the last moment, Sergei Alexandrovich changed his mind and annulled the application. “He claimed that he was to the left of the Communist Party,” notes Yaroslav Leontyev.
Trotsky, Dzerzhinsky and others
Thanks to his acquaintance with Yakov Blumkin (a former Left Socialist Revolutionary who had gone over to the Bolsheviks and who had murdered the German ambassador Wilhelm von Mirbach), Yesenin gained access to the highest echelons of power – he met with Lev Trotsky, Anatoly Lunacharsky, Mikhail Kalinin, Felix Dzerzhinsky, and the People’s Commissar of Food Alexander Tsyurupa.
But the poet does not break old ties: he continues to perform in Left SR clubs, works on the poem “Pugachev”. Even abroad, traveling with Isadora Duncan, he clashes with representatives of the White émigrés, and in New York he visits an old friend – a member of the Central Committee of the Left SRs, Veniamin Levin.
Decembrist parallel
Of particular interest is Yesenin’s connection with the Decembrist theme. On December 14, 1917, he spoke at an evening in memory of the Decembrists, organized by the Left Socialist Revolutionaries. And his last visit, now to Leningrad, was in December 1925 – exactly 100 years after the uprising on Senate Square.
“How can one not draw parallels between two national geniuses – Pushkin and his friendship with the Decembrists and Yesenin with his friends, who were actively involved in politics, and some of them even created it themselves,” Yaroslav Leontyev reasons.
A New Look at the Poet
The Strochenovsky Lecture Hall, named after the address of the house-museum on Bolshoy Strochenovsky Lane, is intended as a place where Yeseninists can share not only their knowledge of the poet, but also their Yesenin spirit. Museum director Oleg Robinov emphasizes: these are people for whom Yesenin is a guide in life.
The poet’s political connections are just one of the pages of his biography that they plan to reveal in the new lecture hall. The next lectures will be devoted, for example, to his political contacts in the 1920s and other mysterious parallels with the Decembrists.
You can attend the meetings of the Strochenovsky lecture hall with an entrance ticket to the museum. The first lecture will take place on June 26 at 19:00.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
MADRID and HOLMDEL, N.J., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BIO-key International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKYI), a global leader in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and biometric authentication solutions, today announced that it has joined ISMS Forum, Spain’s leading cybersecurity association dedicated to promoting information security, data protection, and risk management best practices. This collaboration reinforces BIO-key’s expanding presence and commitment to enhancing cybersecurity resilience and contributing to the development of robust security strategies for organizations across Spain.
Through its ISMS Forum membership, BIO-key will actively participate in a range of initiatives seeking to drive innovation in identity and access management, Zero Trust security, and regulatory compliance. BIO-key will:
Collaborate with members in shaping cybersecurity and identity management standards.
Support compliance with European regulations such as the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Engage with cybersecurity leaders to address evolving threats and compliance challenges.
Participate in ISMS Forum events, workshops, and working groups focused on digital identity security.
ISMS Forum President, Roberto Barata, stated, “We are pleased to welcome BIO-key to ISMS Forum as a valued member. Their expertise in identity and access management, including biometric authentication and Zero Trust security, will add significant value to our cybersecurity community. Strengthening collaboration with industry leaders like BIO-key helps us advance cybersecurity best practices and promote a secure digital ecosystem in Spain.”
Alex Rocha, International Managing Director at BIO-key, commented, “We believe collaboration is key to advancing cybersecurity resilience and protecting digital identities. Joining the ISMS Forum allows us to work closely with industry leaders, policymakers, and cybersecurity professionals to strengthen identity and access management strategies in Spain. We look forward to contributing to ISMS Forum’s mission and to driving innovation in identity security.”
About ISMS Forum (www.ismsforum.es) ISMS Forum is the leading association for cybersecurity, information security, and data protection professionals in Spain. The organization promotes best practices, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to strengthen cybersecurity resilience across industries. Through working groups, research initiatives, and conferences, ISMS Forum plays a key role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape in Spain.
About BIO-key International, Inc. (www.BIO-key.com) BIO-key is revolutionizing authentication and cybersecurity with biometric-centric, multi-factor identity and access management (IAM) software securing access for over forty million users. BIO-key allows customers to choose the right authentication factors for diverse use cases, including phoneless, tokenless, and passwordless biometric options. Its cloud-hosted or on-premise PortalGuard IAM solution provides cost-effective, easy-to-deploy, convenient, and secure access to computers, information, applications, and high-value transactions.
Engage with BIO-key
Investor Contacts William Jones, David Collins Catalyst IR BKYI@catalyst-ir.com or 212-924-9800
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, today announced that Samsung Wallet will support digital key compatibility for Mercedes-Benz vehicles starting in July 2025. With this new integration, Galaxy users1 can now experience a more seamless way to lock, unlock and start their Mercedes-Benz2 vehicle from their smartphone.
“We’re excited to bring Mercedes-Benz drivers the incredible convenience that comes with Samsung Digital Key access,” said Woncheol Chai, EVP and Head of Digital Wallet Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our collaboration with Mercedes-Benz advances our vision of providing effortless access to tech-enabled experiences across the Galaxy ecosystem.”
“Bringing convenience and luxury to our customers is our top priority as we strive to bring them the best vehicle experience possible,” said Stefan Blossey, Director of Body-/Comfort-E/E, UX Components at Mercedes-Benz AG. “Samsung Digital Key allows Mercedes-Benz to continue offering our customers convenient access and connectivity to their vehicles.”
Samsung Wallet is a versatile platform that allows Galaxy users to organize digital keys, payment methods, identification cards, and more — all in one secure and easy-to-use application. Launched in June 2022, and backed by defense-grade security from Samsung Knox, Samsung Wallet smoothly integrates across the broader Galaxy ecosystem to offer powerful connectivity and fortified protection for users in their everyday lives.
With the addition of the Mercedes-Benz Digital Key on Samsung Wallet, users can experience a new level of convenience at their fingertips. Once inside the vehicle, Samsung’s Digital Key enables drivers to start their vehicle without using their physical key or even removing their smartphone from their pocket. Users can also securely share the digital key with friends or family, through an easy-to-use interface that lets owners grant or disable access as needed.
The integration of the Mercedes-Benz Digital Key in Samsung Wallet is also backed by Samsung’s commitment to providing a safe, secure and reliable mobile experience for users. Digital keys are securely embedded within the device, meeting rigorous EAL6+3 security standards for protection against unauthorized access. By utilizing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies, a standardized communication protocol set by the Car Connectivity Consortium, the digital key provides precise functionality, significantly reducing the risk of unwanted attempts to access the vehicle.
If a device containing the digital key in Samsung Wallet is misplaced or stolen, users can log in to the SmartThings Find service to remotely lock or delete the device, securing access to the digital key and further safeguarding their vehicle. With biometric or PIN-based user authentication requirements, Samsung Wallet helps to protect vehicles by keeping access private and secure.4
Availability
Digital Key functionality for select Mercedes-Benz vehicles will roll out starting July 2025 in select regions5 worldwide. Users can register their Digital Key through the Mercedes Me application.
Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
Mercedes‑Benz AG is part of the Mercedes‑Benz Group AG with a total of around 175,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes‑Benz Cars and Mercedes‑Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes‑Benz brand with Mercedes‑AMG, Mercedes‑Maybach and G‑Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes‑Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars. In 2024 it sold around 2,4 million passenger cars and vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes‑Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes‑Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes‑Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
1 Samsung Wallet Digital Key support is available on select devices, including: Galaxy S21 Ultra/S21+, S22 Ultra/S22+, S23 Ultra/S23+, S24 Ultra/S24+, S25 Ultra/S25+, S25 Edge, Note20 Ultra, Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Z Fold6, Z Fold Special Edition.
2 Mercedes-Benz vehicles supporting Digital Car Key differ per region, in the US these include: E-Class Sedan W214, E-Class Wagon S214, Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV Z296, EQS Sedan V297, EQS SUV X296, EQE Sedan V295, EQE SUV X294, S-Class Sedan W223, S-Class Sedan Long V223, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Z223, Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé C192, Mercedes-AMG SL R232, Mercedes-Maybach SL Z232, C-Class Saloon W206, C-Class Estate S206, GLC SUV X254, GLC Coupé C254. For the full breakdown per region, please visit https://moba.i.mercedes-benz.com/baix/cars/dck-compatibility/landingpage/index.html.
3 Evaluation Assurance Level6+, for which a product must be evaluated for specific protection against side-channel attacks or other advanced attack vectors, plus additional, more extensive testing and verification of the product’s security functions.
4 Requires compatible device, SmartThings and Samsung account.
5 Available regions include: Abu Dhabi, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, today announced that Samsung Wallet will support digital key compatibility for Mercedes-Benz vehicles starting in July 2025. With this new integration, Galaxy users1 can now experience a more seamless way to lock, unlock and start their Mercedes-Benz2 vehicle from their smartphone.
“We’re excited to bring Mercedes-Benz drivers the incredible convenience that comes with Samsung Digital Key access,” said Woncheol Chai, EVP and Head of Digital Wallet Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “Our collaboration with Mercedes-Benz advances our vision of providing effortless access to tech-enabled experiences across the Galaxy ecosystem.”
“Bringing convenience and luxury to our customers is our top priority as we strive to bring them the best vehicle experience possible,” said Stefan Blossey, Director of Body-/Comfort-E/E, UX Components at Mercedes-Benz AG. “Samsung Digital Key allows Mercedes-Benz to continue offering our customers convenient access and connectivity to their vehicles.”
Samsung Wallet is a versatile platform that allows Galaxy users to organize digital keys, payment methods, identification cards, and more — all in one secure and easy-to-use application. Launched in June 2022, and backed by defense-grade security from Samsung Knox, Samsung Wallet smoothly integrates across the broader Galaxy ecosystem to offer powerful connectivity and fortified protection for users in their everyday lives.
With the addition of the Mercedes-Benz Digital Key on Samsung Wallet, users can experience a new level of convenience at their fingertips. Once inside the vehicle, Samsung’s Digital Key enables drivers to start their vehicle without using their physical key or even removing their smartphone from their pocket. Users can also securely share the digital key with friends or family, through an easy-to-use interface that lets owners grant or disable access as needed.
The integration of the Mercedes-Benz Digital Key in Samsung Wallet is also backed by Samsung’s commitment to providing a safe, secure and reliable mobile experience for users. Digital keys are securely embedded within the device, meeting rigorous EAL6+3 security standards for protection against unauthorized access. By utilizing Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies, a standardized communication protocol set by the Car Connectivity Consortium, the digital key provides precise functionality, significantly reducing the risk of unwanted attempts to access the vehicle.
If a device containing the digital key in Samsung Wallet is misplaced or stolen, users can log in to the SmartThings Find service to remotely lock or delete the device, securing access to the digital key and further safeguarding their vehicle. With biometric or PIN-based user authentication requirements, Samsung Wallet helps to protect vehicles by keeping access private and secure.4
Availability
Digital Key functionality for select Mercedes-Benz vehicles will roll out starting July 2025 in select regions5 worldwide. Users can register their Digital Key through the Mercedes Me application.
Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
Mercedes‑Benz AG is part of the Mercedes‑Benz Group AG with a total of around 175,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes‑Benz Cars and Mercedes‑Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes‑Benz brand with Mercedes‑AMG, Mercedes‑Maybach and G‑Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. Mercedes‑Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of high-end passenger cars. In 2024 it sold around 2,4 million passenger cars and vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes‑Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with more than 30 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes‑Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole. The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes‑Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
1 Samsung Wallet Digital Key support is available on select devices, including: Galaxy S21 Ultra/S21+, S22 Ultra/S22+, S23 Ultra/S23+, S24 Ultra/S24+, S25 Ultra/S25+, S25 Edge, Note20 Ultra, Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5, Z Fold6, Z Fold Special Edition.
2 Mercedes-Benz vehicles supporting Digital Car Key differ per region, in the US these include: E-Class Sedan W214, E-Class Wagon S214, Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV Z296, EQS Sedan V297, EQS SUV X296, EQE Sedan V295, EQE SUV X294, S-Class Sedan W223, S-Class Sedan Long V223, Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Z223, Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé C192, Mercedes-AMG SL R232, Mercedes-Maybach SL Z232, C-Class Saloon W206, C-Class Estate S206, GLC SUV X254, GLC Coupé C254. For the full breakdown per region, please visit https://moba.i.mercedes-benz.com/baix/cars/dck-compatibility/landingpage/index.html.
3 Evaluation Assurance Level6+, for which a product must be evaluated for specific protection against side-channel attacks or other advanced attack vectors, plus additional, more extensive testing and verification of the product’s security functions.
4 Requires compatible device, SmartThings and Samsung account.
5 Available regions include: Abu Dhabi, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom and USA.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Security requires co-operation, dialogue, emphasizes OSCE Secretary General at high-level Annual Security Review
VIENNA, 25 June 2025 – Today OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu addressed the opening plenary session of the high-level Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC), a two-day conference, convened by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary General said,
“The ASRC is a pillar of what here at the OSCE we call the politico-military dimension of security, and I can hardly stress enough the importance of meeting at this moment. We must remember that security cannot – and will not – be guaranteed by military deterrence alone. It should be ensured through co-operation too, and that requires dialogue.”
Over the course of the two-day conference, representatives from across the 57 participating States will engage in critical discussions as they review the current security landscape and the efforts undertaken by the OSCE and its 57 participating States to promote peace and stability across the region.
In his address to the plenary session, the Secretary General emphasized the importance of discussions on security in the current international environment.
“The breaking of fundamental norms and principles is the biggest challenge in front of us today. This cannot become the new normal. Once rules do not matter to some, they won’t matter for anyone. And that becomes a problem for everyone. Therefore, when it comes to principles, they should be applied to everyone. Period,” he added.
The ASRC provides participating States with the opportunity to exchange views on issues related to the OSCE’s politico-military dimension and to promote the exchange of information and co-operation with relevant international and regional organizations and institutions.
A “vibrant and thoughtful” design by Marley Smith, a Primary Six pupil, at Broomhill School, has been selected as the artwork to be printed on 2,000 hand-held flags for Aberdeen’s Armed Forces Day parade on Saturday (28 June).
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron, in his role as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant and the Lady Provost of Aberdeen Hazel Cameron chose Marley’s artwork, from 278 entries.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen, Dr David Cameron said: “The Lady Provost and I found it very difficult to choose the winners and overall winner as the artwork submitted from pupils from across the city was outstanding. We both agreed that Marley’s vibrant and thoughtful design which is now on 2,000 hand-held flags will look great as spectators wave them as the parade goes by.
“The ‘design a flag’ competition not only showcases the creativity of our young people but also highlights the community’s strong support for our Armed Forces.”
Residents and visitors alike are invited to watch the parade, which will feature more than 1,000 serving military personnel, veterans, and cadets, who will parade through the city centre, where they will be joined by massed pipes and drums and vintage military vehicles.
The parade will start at Albyn Place at 11am, then make its way along Union Street, Union Terrace, Schoolhill, Upperkirkgate, Broad Street, and finish at the Castlegate, at approximately 11.30am.
On Broad Street, the Lord-Lieutenant, joined by representatives from the UK’s Armed Forces, will take the salute outside Marischal College in front of the City’s official flagpole.
More information about the parade including details of temporary road closures, can be viewed here.
While Marley Smith was the winner of the 8-10 year age group category and overall winner, Ebonie Ross, from Kirkhill School won the 5-7 year old age group category, and Olivia Munro, from Hazlehead School, was the winner of the 11-12 year old age group category.
The three winners each received a family pass to the Gordon Highlanders Museum and a Hobbycraft gift voucher.
Council Leader Jane Meagher writes in the Evening News today to welcome positive news for Edinburgh’s economy.
Edinburgh has long been Scotland’s economic powerhouse and we’re now ahead of London for the first time.
The value of goods and services produced here in Edinburgh per person has now surpassed London’s. That’s according to economic data recently published by the Office for National Statistics.
The figures reveal gross domestic product per head of £69,809 in Edinburgh, compared to £69,077 in London. This steady growth of Edinburgh’s economy to outperform that of London’s is no small feat. Twenty-five years ago, this same data put London 19% ahead of Edinburgh, highlighting just how well we perform as a city.
This is good news for our local businesses, and it shows that Edinburgh is an environment in which small, local enterprises can thrive. It also demonstrates the confidence global investors have in Edinburgh. In the last year alone, we’ve welcomed 27 instances of foreign direct investment, from shops like Søstrene Grene and MINISO to major renewable energy consultants PSC.
This is impressive and is in part thanks to the city’s resilient business community and strong employment opportunities. The economy in the city has been driven forward by a combination of relying on established sectors such as, financial services and our universities, as well as embracing new and emerging opportunities in areas such as life sciences and technology.
Linked to this, we’ve seen the UK Chancellor commit up to £750 million for the city and the region for a next generation ‘Exascale super-computer’ at the University of Edinburgh. This will be a national asset supporting jobs and investment and reaffirms the region’s role as an economic powerhouse. This is in keeping with the eight growth-driving sectors identified in the new Industrial Strategy, placing Edinburgh and the region in a strong position to continue to receive investment and grow the local economy.
On top of this, £410 million will be shared across the devolved nations for a Local Innovation Partnership Fund and it makes great sense for our City Region to lead on this in Scotland. From artificial intelligence to data and robotics, this money could unlock a huge amount of investment, building on the successful projects we’ve already delivered, including the National Robotarium, the Usher Institute and Easter Bush which is now the global location of ‘Agritech’ excellence.
Given Edinburgh’s longstanding innovation capabilities it is fantastic that we will be able to reap the associated economic, social and environmental benefits. That said, our challenge is to manage Edinburgh’s success and growth, and ensure it is fair and sustainable. To keep thriving, we need to manage the pressures placed on our housing, environment and our residents. This is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with the population expected to increase by 60,000 over the next 20 years and over four million visitors every year.
Everyone should be able to benefit from Edinburgh’s continued economic success. We are clearly contributing more than our share to the Scottish and UK economies and both governments should continue to take note.
On Friday 20 June, over 1,100 children from 22 City of Edinburgh primary schools joined together for the Edinburgh 900 Big Sing event at the prestigious Usher Hall.
Taking to the stage was an orchestra of 70 primary school aged musicians, eight singers from Edinburgh Schools Rock Ensemble and a choir of pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools.
The event showcased collaborative performances from the City of Edinburgh Instrumental Music Service, Youth Music Initiative Music Instructors, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland students and Love Music.
During the event, pupils were invited to join in and sing six songs, taught and led by presenter and choir leader, Stephen Deazley. The event also featured the world premiere of a song written especially for the event by the award-winning Scottish indie-pop band, Sacred Paws, called ‘Better Side Of Town’.
Musicians Ray Aggs and Eilidh Rodgers worked with pupils from Castlebrae Community High School and Tynecastle High Schools to write lyrics and musical material for the song alongside Love Music’s Artistic Director, Stephen Deazley.
This event formed part of the celebration of Edinburgh 900, marking 900 years of formal ‘local democracy’ when, in 1124 King David I created the royal burgh of Edinburgh, one of the oldest in Scotland. This year, a series of events, talks, tours and tales will help to tell the fascinating and diverse stories of Edinburgh’s journey and unique story.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Convener Education, Children and Families Committee commented:
It was a real pleasure to hear the musical talents of Edinburgh primary school children on display in the setting of the Usher Hall. Music has a unique ability to unite and inspire, and it was fantastic to see the way that pupils from across our schools joined together to in a fun and inclusive way. I want to thank our Instrumental Music Service teachers and school staff who made this event possible, and congratulate our young musicians on a brilliant performance.
Stephen Deazley, Love Music Artistic Director said:
Creating space and opportunity for joyful communal singing is so important for our young people and school communities. Nothing lifts your spirit like it, which is why we were delighted to be invited to work alongside amazing musicians from Edinburgh’s instrumental Music Service to bring this ambitious project to the Usher Hall.
A NEW annual membership scheme is being introduced at Leicester’s main bike park, in the city’s Town hall Square.
From Monday 7 July, cyclists using the secure parking offered at the Town Hall Bike Park will need to have an Active Leicester Cycle Hub membership.
Current Active Leicester members can simply add Cycle Hub membership to their existing account.
Membership cards will need to be scanned when leaving a cycle at the Bike Park.
Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “Secure and reliable bike parking is a really important element of encouraging more people to cycle into the city centre. The new membership scheme will make parking quicker and easier and will continue to provide excellent value for money.”
Membership will cost £10 per year but will be free for 12 months for anyone signing up before Monday 7 July.
There will no fee for daily parking for members.
However, there will be a £5 per night charge for any bikes not collected on the same day.
Membership for the Bike Park can also be arranged at any city council leisure centre.
It’s planned that the new membership scheme will be rolled out to all secure cycle parking hubs across the city, including St Margaret’s bus station, Park and Ride sites, the railway station and city leisure centres.
Over 30,000 bikes were parked at the Town Hall Bike Park last year. It is expected that this will increase to over 35,000 this year.
The Town Hall Bike Park is open between 8am to 6.30pm from Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
HUNDREDS of people in a Dundee community are enjoying reliable and robust lighting thanks to more than £1m of investment by the city council.
A total of 93 blocks of flats in Menzieshill are having new communal lighting installed to replace the ageing systems previously in the buildings.
Kevin Cordell, convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee has been in Menzieshill to see the work for himself.
He said: “Quality of life for the people of Dundee remains one of the council’s key priorities, and over many years communities have been transformed. New communal lighting like this helps us to deliver strong communities where people feel empowered, safe and proud to live.
“This type of work benefits hundreds of residents who have external and, in some cases, communal lighting that complies with the relevant British Standards and enhances their quality of life.”
The contract, awarded to the council’s Construction Services division late last year, sees them stripping out and removing general communal lighting, with a team of in-house electricians, including two apprentices.
New systems are being supplied, installed, tested, commissioned and certified within six months at a total cost of £1,046,057.