Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Canterbury bags first look at new national exhibition celebrating stories of migration 

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Image: Dame Zaha Hadid by Michael Craig-Martin © National Portrait Gallery, London

    A brand-new exhibition by the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) exploring the experiences and contributions of people who moved to Britain and made it their permanent or temporary home is set to open for the first time at The Beaney. 

    The Lives in Motion exhibition features 51 stories of migration from the NPG collection, ranging from the 11th century through to the present day, and will kick start its national tour in Canterbury on Saturday 28 June. 

    The display looks at the different reasons people move and explores how leaving home, and finding a new one, presents opportunities but also challenges around personal identity and a sense of belonging.  

    Spanning nearly a thousand years of history, stories are told through a range of vibrant paintings, sculptures, photography, prints, and digital art, including contemporary commissions by NPG.   

    A newly acquired bust of Mary Seacole, a British-Jamaican nurse who cared for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War, will also be on show for the first time in this exhibition since its acquisition by NPG.   

    Local groups including St Peters Methodist Primary School, Kent Refugee Action Network and The Beaney’s Sensing Culture Group for blind and partially sighted people have also helped develop additional interpretation materials for the display. 

    Cllr Charlotte Cornell, Cabinet Member for Culture and Heritage, said: “The stories told in this exhibition are so inspiring and act as an important reminder of what makes Britain such a brilliantly diverse place today.  

    “It’s also exciting to be the first stop of the exhibition’s tour! 

    “Getting the first look at some intriguing new items from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection – that our residents would otherwise have to travel to London to see – is a real privilege, and we’re grateful to the gallery for their continued partnership.” 

    Visitors can find the exhibition in The Beaney’s Special Exhibition Room until Sunday 5 October 2025 (closed Mondays). 

    Admission is free, with donations encouraged. 

    The display was curated by Octavia Tam, an Art Fund Vivmar curatorial trainee, hosted by NPG and Nottingham City Museums and Galleries and organised by the NPG as part of their National Touring Programme. 

    Find out more about the exhibition on The Beaney’s website

    Notes to editors 

    National Portrait Gallery   

    Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery tells the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. From global icons, to unsung heroes, our Collection is filled with the stories that have shaped, and continue to shape a nation. We celebrate the power of portraiture and offer encounters with some of the world’s greatest and most exciting new artists, promoting engagement with portraiture in all media to a wide-ranging public by conserving, growing and sharing the world’s largest collection of portraits.  

    www.npg.org.uk   

    Art Fund  

    Art Fund is the UK’s independent charity for art, helping museums and people to share in great art and culture for 120 years. Art Fund raises millions of pounds every year to help the UK’s museums, galleries and historic houses. The charity funds art, enabling the UK’s museums to buy and share exciting works, connect with their communities, and inspire the next generation. It builds audiences with its National Art Pass opening doors to great culture; and it amplifies the museum sector through the world’s largest museum prize, Art Fund Museum of the Year, and creative events that bring the UK’s museums together. Art Fund is people-powered by 135,000 members who buy a National Art Pass, and the donors, trusts and foundations who support the charity.

    The National Art Pass provides free or discounted entry to over 400 museums, galleries and historic places, 50% off major exhibitions, and Art Quarterly magazine.  

    www.artfund.org 

    Published: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greater Norwich Local Plan Wins Top Regional Planning Award

    Source: City of Norwich

    The Greater Norwich Local Plan (GNLP) has been named Local Plan of the Year at the prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) East of England Awards, held this week.

    The accolade recognises the plan’s outstanding contribution to shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the sub-region.

    In a further celebration of local planning excellence, the Planning Team at South Norfolk and Broadland District Councils received a Highly Commended award in the Planning Team of the Year category—highlighting their innovation, dedication, and collaborative approach.

    This regional success follows national recognition just last week, when the GNLP was Highly Commended at the Planning Awards 2025, cementing its reputation as a leading example of strategic, community-focused planning.

    Both awards celebrate excellence in planning and placemaking, honouring projects that demonstrate innovation, impact, and strong cross-sector collaboration.

    Councillor Daniel Elmer, Chair of the Greater Norwich Development Partnership and Leader of South Norfolk Council, said: “An enormous amount of hard work went into creating this plan, and the teams across all of the councils involved should feel incredibly proud. Being recognised in these awards is a remarkable achievement—and a clear testament to the strength of our partnership. Congratulations to all of our planners who are helping shape the future of Greater Norwich.”

    Adopted in March 2024, the GNLP was developed by the Greater Norwich Development Partnership, comprising Broadland District Council, Norwich City Council, and South Norfolk Council, with support from Norfolk County Council and the Broads Authority.

    The plan sets out a bold and strategic vision for growth across Broadland, Norwich, and South Norfolk—aligning housing delivery with low-carbon economic development, environmental stewardship, infrastructure investment, and climate resilience.

    For nearly two decades, this voluntary partnership has provided a stable and trusted platform for delivering joined-up, strategic planning—making the GNLP a model for sub-regional plan-making in line with the government’s emphasis on collaborative planning.

    The GNLP will now be put forward for the RTPI national final, with finalists announced later this year.

    For more information about the Greater Norwich Local Plan and the partnership, please visit gnlp.org.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds launches the pioneering Aire Resilience Company to tackle flood risk and the climate emergency

    Source: City of Leeds

    On Tuesday, leaders from businesses and institutions across Yorkshire gathered to mark the launch of the Aire Resilience Company (ARC), a new Community Interest Company (CIC) facilitating the delivery of long-term natural flood management (NFM) interventions in the Aire Valley.  

    ARC was created through a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Trust as a direct response to the threat of climate change and increasing flood risk. It will focus on delivering upstream interventions that work with nature to slow the flow of water, reduce pressure on Leeds’ existing flood defences, and bring wider environmental benefits to communities across Leeds and the Aire Valley. 

    By establishing a long-term, sustainable model for funding and maintenance, ARC will ensure these natural interventions continue to protect communities for many decades. 

    ARC’s work will complement and enhance the recently completed £200million Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme which protects the city and surrounding areas from extreme flooding as experienced following Storm Eva at Christmas 2015. 

    The Leeds Natural Flood Management project, delivered by the Environment Agency in partnership with a wide range of organisations, is an integral part of this scheme. This innovative programme has an ambition to provide climate change resilience to the scheme by providing a 5% reduction in peak flows on the River Aire in Leeds up to 2069. 

    ARC will further progress this work and will fund and deliver NFM interventions upstream in the Aire Valley. This includes creating woodlands, wetlands, soil restoration, and other interventions designed to slow and hold water upstream, protecting communities downstream. These nature-based solutions also enhance biodiversity and improve water quality, contributing to a healthier and more resilient environment for both people and wildlife. 

    ARC receives funding through a consortium of local businesses who recognise the importance of acting now to prevent the impacts of climate change. This funding enables NFM delivery partners to collaborate with farmers and landowners in the mid and upper Aire catchment to install and maintain NFM works. 

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport, and sustainable development, said: 

     “Leeds City Council is committed to building long-term resilience to the impacts of climate change, and the launch of the Aire Resilience Company is an important step forward. Flood risk remains one of the most immediate challenges our communities face, and it is essential that we take action now to protect people, homes, and businesses across the city and the wider Aire Valley. 

    “By supporting nature-based solutions alongside our major flood defence schemes, we are not only strengthening flood resilience but also contributing to our wider environmental and net zero ambitions. This collaborative approach will help ensure that Leeds remains a safe, sustainable, and thriving place for generations to come.” 

    Nicola Shaw, CEO of Yorkshire Water, said:  

    “We firmly believe that localised partnerships are the best way to deliver what our region needs. We are delighted to be a lead partner for this innovative and forward-thinking initiative. Climate change affects almost every aspect of how we operate, and it is vitally important that we take action to prepare for the challenges ahead, as well as those we are already facing. 

     “By working with Aire Resilience Company to harness the power of nature, we’re not only building climate resilience in our own business, but also helping to generate new jobs, support nature-friendly farming, and improve water quality and soil health across the catchment of the Aire. The Aire Resilience Company offers a prime example of how working together can unlock sustainable value, build climate resilience, and future-proof Leeds as a place to live and work for many years to come.” 

    Mark Lloyd, CEO of the Rivers Trust, said: 

     “Most human activity in the past few centuries has accelerated water through the landscape with drainage, straightened rivers, deforestation, impermeable surfaces and compacted soils. We need to reverse this process by slowing the flow to make use of this precious resource for people and nature and protect communities and businesses from flooding. 

    “This means taking action at scale throughout the landscape to store and absorb water by restoring natural processes. ARC is a shining example of a community coming together to make space for water and I hope it will be replicated throughout the country.” 

    Jenny Cooke, Flood Risk Manager for the Environment Agency in West Yorkshire, said:  

    “The Environment Agency, alongside a wide range of organisations, have delivered one of the largest NFM programmes in the country, covering an area of around 700km2 across the Upper Aire Catchment. This included planting woodland equivalent to the size of 650 football pitches and managing soil and land management improvements over an area the size of 1200 football pitches, to slow the flow of water and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

    “This not only helps reduce the risk of flooding but provides wider benefits; from supporting biodiversity and enhanced habitats and improved water quality, to richer soil health. 

    “The Aire Resilience Company will continue to maintain the partnerships we have built to carry out this work and allow the initiative to flourish – we’re excited to see what the future holds! 

    “As always, we encourage everyone across Yorkshire to know their flood risk and sign up to flood warnings via Prepare for flooding: Protect yourself from future flooding – GOV.UK.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby City Council secures funding to create over 330 new childcare places

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council is delighted to announce a significant boost to its early years childcare provision, following the allocation of childcare expansion capital grant funding from the Department for Education (DfE). This funding will support the creation of 337 new childcare places across the city by August 2025, addressing the increasing demand generated by the Government’s new expanded childcare offer.

    Derby City Council launched the Early Years Capital Grant application process in Spring 2024. The process was transparent, allowing childcare providers to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs). From these, 16 applications were advanced, representing various types of providers. An approval panel reviewed the applications and granted funding based on evidence of demand.

    The total cost of projects was £1,410,333 with the council’s contribution of £475,002. The investment will create additional places across the city, significantly enhancing accessibility to quality childcare for families.

    By 31 August, the following additional places will have been created across city wards: 

    • Darley: 86 places
    • Mickleover: 90 places
    • Alvaston South: 11 places
    • Sinfin & Osmaston: 6 places
    • Chaddesden East: 25 placesArboretum: 51 places
    • Normanton: 38 places
    • Chellaston & Shelton Lock: 30 places

    Examples of how these grants have been used include:

    The Early Years Academy: Utilised their grant to construct a ‘Hygge Hut,’ an outdoor retreat designed for comfort, calm, and connection. This space has improved accessibility and inclusion, particularly for a child with high sensory sensitivity whose confidence has transformed through calmer transitions into nursery life.

    Little Angels Nursery: Redeveloped an old dining room into a new six-place baby room, investing in high-quality furniture, bedding, resources, and staff training. The grant also funded a sectioned garden area with various play equipment, allowing parents with older children at the nursery to now access care for their baby siblings within the same setting.

    Whitecross Nursery: Used their grant to develop new provision for two-year-olds, creating eight places that accommodate 17 different children throughout the working week, complete with age-appropriate furnishings and facilities.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:

    With this vital funding, we’re building a stronger foundation for families in our city. We’re proud to be creating 337 much-needed new childcare places, demonstrating our commitment to meeting rising demand and making quality childcare accessible to everyone.

    More information about early learning childcare provision in Derby, eligibility criteria for funded places, and how to apply, is available on the Derby City Council website. Information on the Government’s new working parent entitlement offer is available on the Government’s Childcare Choices website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: IPPA Best Book Award for “A Government of Insiders” by William Genieys

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    William Genieys, CNRS Research Professor at the Centre for European Studies and Comparative Politics, has been awarded a Best Book Award by the International Public Policy Association (IPPA) for his latest book: A Government of Insiders. The People Who Made the Affordable Care Act Possible (John Hopkins University Press, 2024). This book is the culmination of his theorization of the role of unelected governmental elites in liberal democracy. 

    The jury noted that the book “presents an impressive, ambitious, and engaging long-term account of the social backgrounds of US elites, backed by considerable research to quantify their number and profile. Genieys offers an original interpretation of Obama’s healthcare reform as an alternative to the mainstream ‘political bargain‘ interpretation and of Heclo’s ‘government of strangers’, explaining the role played in the reform process by senior bureaucrats in the US administration.”

    William Genieys told us about this book in a video interview last year:

    The IPPA Best Book Award is awarded biennially and given to a single- or co-authored monograph that makes an original and significant theoretical, methodological and/or empirical contribution to the field of Public Policy and/or Public Administration. 

    William Genieys is the first political scientist from France to receive the award, that will be presented during the Gala dinner of the 7th International Conference on Public Policy on July 3rd (in Chiang Mai, Thailand).

    In addition to this award, William Genieys has been granted a Book Tour scholarship from Sciences Po’s Transatlantic Research Fund, that will allow him to present his book in several US universities. 

    More information:

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improving mental health nursing care

    Source: Scottish Government

    Review recommendations will benefit patients, staff and students.

    People affected by mental health issues can expect higher and more consistent standards of care following the publication of Scotland’s Mental Health Nursing Review.

    The Review outlines ways to enhance and further support the mental health nursing profession. The paper was developed by mental health nurses and students, academics, with support from carers and people accessing mental health nursing care.

    The Review makes a total of 24 recommendations including:

    • ensuring people accessing services have meaningful involvement in their mental health nursing care
    • improving support for newly qualified mental health nurses and sharing best practice
    • considering specific education needs for rural and island settings
    • improving access to post-registration learning for mental health nurses across all sectors

    A new Mental Health Nursing Review Implementation Group will be established to ensure effective collaboration, delivery, monitoring and evaluation of the Review actions.

    Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said:

    “Through their expert care, compassion and dedication, mental health nursing staff make a significant and positive impact to people’s health and wellbeing every day.

    “The Review focuses on their unique role, and it will ensure the profession is supported and empowered to drive the enhancement of mental health and wellbeing services now, and in the future.

    “I want to thank all the mental health nursing staff and students, academics, carers and those people accessing care who engaged with and supported this work.

    “I am looking forward to working collaboratively to deliver the ambition of ensuring Scotland is the best place for mental health nursing to flourish and where people live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.”

    Chair of Scotland’s first Mental Health Nursing Review, former Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Alex McMahon said:

    “It has been an honour as a mental health nurse to have chaired the review and to have heard from mental health nurses and those that represent people who use services across Scotland. The report and its recommendations, mean that patients and mental health nurses who deliver services now and, in the future, will benefit from the reforms.

    “It will be important to ensure these recommendations are implemented, and one aspiration I and others share is that we will attract and retain even more people into undergraduate nursing degree programmes. I believe being a mental health nurse, is one of the best and most fulfilling careers you can chose.”

    Mark Richards, Associate Chief Nursing Officer said:

    “Our Mental Health Nursing Review highlights the vital role mental health nurses play in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the people of Scotland. During our work on the Review, we heard that mental health nurses are at the heart of care delivery and that their relational expertise often has a transformational impact on people’s lives. Mental health nurses told us they are proud of the work they do. They strive every day to deliver compassionate, high-quality care, and to work with people who need expert support to enable recovery and promote wellbeing.  

    “This Review is important in advancing the contribution of mental health nurses and will help ensure we have a profession that is skilled, well supported and sustainable – now and for many years to come. It was collectively produced by our mental health nurses in Scotland, and I look forward to us working together to deliver our ambitions.”  

    Darren Fullarton, Associate Nurse Director for NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Chair of the Mental Health Nurse Leads Group for Scotland, said:

    “The national review of mental health nursing recognises and celebrates the important role that mental health nurses play in their support and compassionate care for people experiencing mental health issues. 

    “The National Mental Health Nurse Lead Group are delighted to have had the opportunity to support this significant piece of work which captures views from those with lived experience, families and carers and from mental health nurses themselves to develop an ambitious vision for mental health nurses that exemplifies our commitment to care, compassion and connection.”

    Background

    The Mental Health Nursing Review commenced in 2024 and was a key action within the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy’s  Workforce Action plan.

    Mental health and wellbeing strategy – delivery plan and workforce action plan: progress update and next steps – gov.scot

    Mental health and wellbeing strategy – gov.scot

    Mental health and wellbeing : workforce action plan 2023-2025 – gov.scot

    1. The Ministerial Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce – Ministerial Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Taskforce: report and recommended actions – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston City Council commissions research to unlock opportunities for local food producers

    Source: City of Preston

    Preston City Council has funded two new research projects to help better understand the region’s local food supply chain – who produces food in Lancashire, what they produce, and how they can be better supported to access public sector contracts. 

    The research, recommended by the Preston Climate Jury and discussed by the Central Lancashire Procurement Practitioners group, will help map the local food supply system. 

    Researchers from Edge Hill University and Social Research Consultancy, Sustainable Solutions, will lead the work. They will carry out surveys and in-depth interviews with farmers, producers, buyers and public sector organisations.

    The aim is to identify business opportunities, supply chain gaps and procurement challenges across Lancashire. 

    Councillor Sarwar, Cabinet Member for Climate Change at Preston City Council said: 

    ”Food systems are a main driver of climate change in the UK, and I am delighted to see Preston City Council moving forward with the People’s Climate Jury recommendation to increase access to locally produced food. This is a practical step towards a more local, low-carbon food system, and is also about fairness and supporting our farmers to thrive.” 

    Councillor Wise, Cabinet Member for Community Wealth Building at Preston City Council said: 

    ”Preston has long been a leader in Community Wealth Building, this work exploring access to contracts for local food producers will be another area in which Preston is a forerunner.” 

    The findings will support Preston City Council, local anchor institutions and other public sector buyers to improve access for small producers, contributing to climate goals and the council’s Community Wealth Building strategy. 

    Sven Batke, Chair of the Greenhouse Innovation Consortium and one of the founders of EcoEdge at Edge Hill University said:  

    “To support food producers and create pragmatic, tangible outcomes that deliver net benefits for our local economy, it is essential that we work collectively and adopt data-driven approaches that are effective. This initial work will help us better understand key challenges and identify opportunities for the food sector in Lancashire.” 

    John Whitton from Sustainable Solutions said:  

    ”Farmers and growers in Lancashire are keen to support local and sustainable food initiatives that support access to public sector contracts. How to do this in practice remains elusive and is the focus of this project.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Three people missing in underground parking lot after heavy rains in central China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CHANGSHA, June 20 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains have caused severe flooding in Longshan County of central China’s Hunan Province, leaving three people missing after they were trapped in an underground parking lot, local authorities said Friday.

    According to the propaganda department of the CPC Longshan County Committee, the water level of the Guoli River in the county has risen sharply after several days of heavy rain, causing the worst flooding in history and backflow of water into an underground garage in a local community.

    Four locals were reported to have broken into the garage on Thursday, attempting to move their cars. One of them was rescued early Friday morning at 4:35 a.m. and is now in a stable condition. Firefighters are currently continuing search and rescue efforts for the others.

    Recall that heavy rains have hit Longshan County since Wednesday evening, flooding several residential complexes. Local authorities raised their flood emergency response to the second-highest level at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian-Chinese Literary Salon “With a Book Through Time”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    On June 19, 2025, the Russian-Chinese literary salon “With a Book Through Time” was held at the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing, organized by the RCC jointly with the English-language version of the Global Times newspaper.

    The event, held as part of the “China-Russia Year of Culture,” aimed to create a new platform for humanitarian exchange between the two countries through literary dialogue.

    At the opening of the salon, the Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the People’s Republic of China, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the Secretariat of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Natalia Stepkina, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing that the partnership between China and Russia is actively developing in all areas, and humanitarian cooperation is becoming increasingly large-scale.

    Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Global Times newspaper Bai Long noted in his welcoming speech that literary exchange between China and Russia is always a broad road, full of life and mutual aspirations. Today, more and more translations of Russian literature are being published in China, and the best modern Chinese works find their readers in Russia.

    Within the framework of the salon, the director of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing Tatyana Urzhumtseva, the famous Chinese poet, former vice-chairman of the Union of Chinese Writers and chairman of the poetry committee Jidi Madzia, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Capital Pedagogical University and foreign member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Liu Wenfei and the director of the ANO Institute of Translation Evgeny Reznicenko spoke with reports on Russian-Chinese literary relations.

    The salon also included a round table, during which guests animatedly discussed issues of literary influence, modern methods of distribution, and spiritual connections.

    The literary salon ended with Anna Esparza’s exhibition “Russian Literature. History and Modernity.”

    The atmosphere in the hall was filled with the spirit of literature, and many participants noted that the interethnic literary dialogue not only demonstrated the rich cultural heritage of the two countries, but also opened up new horizons for humanitarian cooperation.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: BOC expels Philippine vessel from Chinese territorial waters around Huangyan Dao Island

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — The China Coast Guard (CCG) on Friday expelled Philippine service vessel No. 3006 from China’s territorial waters around Huangyan Island in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, said BCG spokesperson Liu Dejun.

    The Philippine vessel ignored repeated dissuasions and warnings from the Chinese side, insisting on approaching and invading China’s territorial waters around Huangyan Island, Liu Dejun said.

    The BOC took progressively stricter measures, including verbal warnings, tracking, monitoring and expulsion, and water cannon warning shots to drive away the Philippine vessel. All actions taken on the spot were professional, standardized and legal, Liu Dejun said.

    The Philippine vessel’s actions seriously violate China’s sovereignty and constitute a gross violation of international law and relevant provisions of Chinese law, he added, stressing that the Philippines’ frequent provocations and harassment cannot change the fact that Huangyan Dao Island belongs to China.

    The BOC will take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely protect the territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests of the state, Liu Dejun concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s UN envoy calls for addressing root causes of conflicts through development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 20 (Xinhua) — China’s permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong on Thursday stressed the need to address the root causes of conflicts from a development perspective.

    Poverty and underdevelopment are among the most important root causes of conflicts, and many pressing issues remain unresolved for a long time and require comprehensive solutions, he said during an open debate in the UN Security Council on poverty, underdevelopment and conflict.

    The diplomat pointed to the need to help developing countries catch up in development. The global community must return development to the center of the international agenda, invest in poverty reduction, education, employment and capacity building, and ensure that no country or person is left behind, he said.

    Fu Cong called for strengthening global development partnerships and improving global governance.

    Developed countries should faithfully honour their official development assistance commitments and increase financial and technical support to developing countries, the Permanent Representative said.

    It is necessary to advance the reform of the international financial architecture so that it better reflects changes in the global economic landscape, and to strengthen the representation and voice of developing countries, the diplomat added.

    Fu Cong called on countries to promote inclusive and mutually beneficial economic globalization. According to him, countries should advocate for mutually beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, jointly support the multilateral trading system, build an open world economy, and oppose unilateralism, protectionism, and the practice of putting one’s own interests above those of others.

    China has always been a builder of world peace and a defender of international order, contributing to global development, the diplomat noted.

    He said the China-proposed Global Security Initiative advocates common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

    Fu Cong also stressed China’s active role in global development efforts, “aiming to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative and high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative for common development.”

    The Permanent Representative also spoke about China’s domestic policy on these issues.

    China aims to become a more powerful country and realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in all areas through modernization, Fu Cong noted. According to him, China has successfully paved the way for modernization that suits national conditions.

    “With our achievements, we have given other developing countries more confidence in their pursuit of modernization and provided broad opportunities for modernization for all countries in the world,” the diplomat said, adding that China stands ready to work with the international community to build a world of peaceful development, win-win cooperation and common prosperity. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA reviews standardised terminology in relation to payment accounts and concludes it remains fit-for-purpose

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a report, in which it reviewed the standardised terms for the most common services related to payment accounts, as mandated by the Payment Accounts Directive (PAD). These standardised terms, which the EBA had issued in 2018, aim at making it easier for consumers to make informed choices by being able to compare payment accounts fees and offers, including on a cross-border basis. The review finds that the standardised terms remain fit-for-purpose across the European Union.

    The standardised terms are set out in Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) developed by the EBA in line with the requirements in the PAD. The EBA is required to regularly review those standardised terms. The EBA carried out its review in the first half of 2025 using a methodology that involved assessing recent EU payments laws, collecting information from National Competent Authorities (NCAs), consulting with relevant stakeholders such as the EBA Banking Stakeholder Group (BSG), and analysing internal data from recently published EBA reports.

    The findings of the review indicate that the current list of standardised terms remains suitable and does not require immediate changes. In the review process, the EBA acknowledged that there would be potential benefit for the standardised terms to be amended to include instant credit transfers, due to their increasing prevalence following the implementation of the Instant Payment Regulation (IPR). However, the EBA is of the opinion that the benefit is outweighed by the costs involved, for NCAs and for the industry as a result of the need to make available amended disclosure documents to all of their customers and NCAs. The EBA, therefore, concluded not to amend the RTS and instead to revisit the findings in four years’ time or when significant other market or legislative developments occur to ensure the terminology remains relevant and effective.

    Background and legal basis

    Article 3(4) of the Payment Accounts Directive (PAD) mandates the EBA to draft RTS setting out the Union standardised terminology for those services that are common to at least a majority of Member States. Article 3(6) of the PAD requires the EBA to review and, where necessary, update the standardised terminology.

    The PAD mandates the EBA to regularly review if the standardised terminology in the RTS remains fit-for-purpose and provides clarity and consistency for consumers and stakeholders.

    The RTS adopted by the European Commission as a Delegated Regulation are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Committee Corridor, Episode 5 out now 🎧

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    “We live in a country where not a single river is not polluted”

    In episode 5 of Committee Corridor, Feargal Sharkey joins Toby Perkins MP to discuss the issues of our waterways, and how select committees are holding the sector to account.

    Listen and subscribe whever you get your podcasts

    #CommitteeCorridor #WaterCrisis #UKRivers #CleanWaterNow #UKPolitics #SelectCommittee

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nGocJOPapwM

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Oxford City Council publishes results from Annual Housing Complaint Performance & Service Improvement Report

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council has published its annual Housing Complaint Performance & Service Improvement report. 

    The report was discussed at Cabinet this week. It covers all complaints about our function as a landlord to over 8,000 households, and any that would come under the jurisdiction of the Housing Ombudsman, handled from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 by the Council or ODS.   

    It does not include complaints about other Council services which would come under the scope of the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman. 

    Key findings  

    Stage 1 complaints for 2024/25 were down 26.7% but there were more Stage 2 and more Housing Ombudsman determinations. The majority of all complaints were responded to within timescales.  

    Detailed findings from the report are: 

    • The total number of Stage 1 complaints handled in 2024/25 (414), is lower than the previous year (565)
    • The total number of Stage 2 complaints during 2024/25 was higher (51) than the previous year (30)
    • ODS handled 188 (down from 431 in 23/24) and the Council handled 226 (up from 134) Stage 1 complaints
    • ODS handled 13 (up from 11 in 23/24) and the Council handled 38 (up from 19 in 23/24) Stage 2 complaints
    • For ODS, of the complaints responded to within 2024/25 at Stage 1 and 2, 100% were responded to within target
    • For complaints handled by the Council within that period, 48.6% of Stage 1and 83.8% at Stage 2 were responded to within target. This was due to vacancies within the Customer Care & Complaints team, staff absence in the team and in other service areas, and the increased volume of enquiries
    • Seven Housing Ombudsman determinations were received. Within those, there were six findings of service failure, three of maladministration, one of no maladministration, and two of reasonable redress.  

    Learnings and next steps 

    The Council aims to improve its complaints process in 2025/26 with a focus on resident involvement, transparency, and service improvement.  

    As part of a wider review of its Tenant Involvement Strategy, it will explore new ways to involve residents in shaping and monitoring the complaints process — including the formation of a quarterly resident panel to review data, spot trends, and ensure accountability. 

    The Council will also improve how it captures and uses complaints data, with upgraded IT systems. 

    IT improvements made in 2024/25 have already had an impact, particularly within ODS, where clearer processes, improved communication, and better identification of service requests have led to a reduction in complaints.  

    In 2025/26, a more stable staff team will support a new work programme focused on embedding learning and tackling root causes of issues raised through complaints. 

    Comment 

    “We know that when things go wrong, it can be frustrating and complaints are one of the most important ways we can learn, improve, and rebuild trust with our tenants. 

    “I’m pleased to see that fewer residents needed to complain overall, and that changes already made – especially at ODS – are having a real impact. 

    “But we also recognise there’s more to do. We’re committed to improving response times, involving tenants more directly in shaping services, and making sure we act on what complaints are telling us. Every complaint is a chance to get better, and we’re determined to make that happen.” 

    Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Refugee Week: Scotland must stand up for refugees

    Source: Scottish Greens

    The Scottish Government must challenge the UK Labour Government’s plans to extend refugee camps and displace people living in hotels, say the Scottish Greens.

    Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman wrote to the Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, Angus Robertson, calling on him to use his influence to make it clear that Scotland believes the UK Government’s plans for migrant camps are morally wrong.

    The SNP wrote to Westminster last year while the Conservatives were still in power, making clear its position in favour of using hotels over “large sites” such as camps or boats. In the letter, the Scottish Government described these as “unsuitable and entirely counter to integration principles.”

    In her letter to Angus Robertson, Maggie has called on the Scottish Government to stand “firmly and vocally” against these plans, to maintain Scotland’s history as a welcoming, compassionate country for people rebuilding their lives after fleeing their home country.

    Maggie said:

    “We must not surrender to the normalisation of anti-migrant hate. The majority of Scots want to live in a welcoming country, one that values people and community over scapegoating and exclusion.

    “If the Scottish Government means what it says, that it wants to lead a progressive Scotland, then they must show it. It is time they stick to their words, represent the people of Scotland, and tell the UK Labour Government that we say “not in our name” to unsafe, dehumanising camps.

    “Since dropping the commitment to introduce a Human Rights Bill for Scotland, the Scottish Government has to work hard to build back trust and show they really do stand up for people’s freedoms. The bare minimum they must do is prove that they are a cut above this spineless UK Labour Government.

    Text of letter sent by Maggie Chapman to Angus Robertson, Cab Sec for External Affairs

    Dear Angus,

    Scotland has a long history of being a warm and welcoming home to the millions who live here. We have tried to uphold the principles of belonging and sanctuary in the Scottish Parliament, and you and I have both welcomed all that Scotland has done to protect the most vulnerable, including those seeking refuge here.

    It is these shared values that prompt me to write to you today. As Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs and a proud representative of Scotland’s Parliament, I urge you to stand firmly and vocally against the UK Government’s proposals to displace refugees into asylum camps. Refugees have the same rights to dignity, respect and safety as everyone else. And asylum seekers, those fleeing persecution and violence, have the right to seek sanctuary and safety here. The proposed camps are in no way a solution to the issues of underfunded public services, the housing emergency or anti-social behaviour, for which immigrants and refugees are too often blamed.

    It is not certain that these camps would save public money, and even if they do, they are still wrong – in terms of human rights and ethics. The human and social costs of these camps: disruption to local communities, increased threats to those forced into the camps, and negative mental health effects for those made unnecessarily vulnerable, cannot be justified.

    Less than a year ago asylum hotels were attacked. Bricks and mortar served there as something to protect those inside, but they should be protected by a government who stands for them. Shirley-Anne Somerville wrote to the UK Government last year and made clear that the Scottish Government does not support using large sites, such as camps, to house refugees. I ask that you reaffirm that belief, and that you make it clear to this new UK Government.

    The best thing that can be done to support asylum seekers out of hotels is to lower their barriers to integrating into society. From cruel policies like No Recourse to Public Funds and preventing access to work to lack of access to legal aid and other public services, asylum seekers are not supported to contribute to our society, never mind recover from the trauma they will have experienced before arriving in the UK. Asylum seekers want to contribute to public life but are being held back by policies crafted by those who most vocally criticise their inability to give back to the UK.

    The majority of people support the UK being a safe haven for refugees. If we allow other narratives to dominate, we risk stoking the far-right tide that your own party has claimed is a threat to Scotland as we know it. You have the power to stand for something better.

    This is a test of our principles and values. If we do not choose to stand for and with the most vulnerable, then we fail our moral duty as politicians to ensure Scotland is on the right side of history.

    I look forward to your response.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Higher School of Economics and the Government of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug signed a strategic agreement at SPIEF-2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Within the framework of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum – 2025, the Higher School of Economics and the Government of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug signed an agreement on strategic cooperation. The document was signed by the First Deputy Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Irina Novoselova and the Director HSE University – Saint Petersburg Anna Tyshetskaya. The agreement is aimed at developing scientific research activities, improving the quality of education and training personnel in accordance with the priorities of the socio-economic development of the region.

    “The main focus of our agreement is to support school education in Yamal. Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and HSE are long-standing partners, but for the St. Petersburg campus, this is a new stage in building systemic interaction. Starting in September, 120 high school students in the region will be involved in additional education programs in IT and creative industries. In the new academic year, 60 teachers of the humanities and social sciences will take advanced training courses at the Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg. We also plan to organize special shifts for high school students at our university. The success of any region begins with high-quality school education, with the environment where motivated young people are formed. And we are grateful to our partner for trusting us with the most valuable thing – their future,” said Anna Tyshetskaya, Director of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – St. Petersburg.

    The signing of the agreement was a continuation of the strategic cooperation between HSE and the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. In 2024, HSE students were given the opportunity to complete internships in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug authorities as part of the GosVyshka project. In early 2025, the university’s experts took part in developing design solutions for the modernization of the Yamal College in Salekhard, and in the summer, HSE – St. Petersburg held an educational intensive course for 50 students from diplomatic classes in Yamal schools.

    “The Higher School of Economics and Yamal have been linked by years of friendship and effective partnership. We have jointly developed concepts for modern student campuses in Salekhard and Tarko-Sale, and prepared programs for the personnel project “YASHKR. Education”. The signing of the agreement will allow us to strengthen our work to improve the quality of general and vocational education in Yamal. The cooperation will be mutually beneficial. HSE students will be able to complete an internship in our district – they will receive practical skills that will open up career opportunities even before graduating from the university,” said Irina Novoselova, First Deputy Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.

    The HSE University in Saint Petersburg will act as the coordinator of key educational projects. The university will implement specialized and educational programs for Yamal schoolchildren, teachers and managers. The Center for Pre-University Programs and Projects will participate in the project “Educational Certificate for High School Students” aimed at developing talented schoolchildren. In addition, the Saint Petersburg HSE will become a place for exchanging experience and providing methodological support to teaching and management personnel of Yamal.

    The signing of the agreement with the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug confirms the systematic approach of the HSE University to strengthening educational and scientific partnerships with the regions of Russia. Over the past three years, the university has begun implementing strategic projects in the Pskov, Novgorod, Murmansk, Lipetsk, Smolensk regions, the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania and other regions.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • Resilient and rising: India in global economic big league

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    If we compare growth projections with actual data, Indian economy looks all set to achieve milestones well ahead of schedule. The journey to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, to graduate to third-largest and, ultimately, to attain developed-nation status now appears firmly on track for the coming years.

    The projections-versus-reality data confirm the resilience of its economy, putting it on the growth track, be it swift recovery after the COVID-19 crisis and its global after-effects or other global conflict points. The resilience gives Indian economy a positive push needed for the economic surge. India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy, keeping inflation largely in check, even as the price pressure marker climbed worldwide and hit a 40-year high in the United States.

    The economic resilience that helps India endure negative outcomes – headwinds such as persistent trade frictions—including reciprocal tariff measures by the United States and global debate around it—and geopolitical shocks such as the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel–Hamas conflict, and broader West Asian turbulence including the recently started Israel–Iran war.

    While these events are sending aftershocks through a global economy still battered by the pandemic, India’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, strong infrastructure build-out, healthy financial sector and vast domestic market—underpinned by solid consumer demand, consistent policy, and an improving business climate—the underlying factors behind its resilience—have helped it weather the storm.

    While the global economy, on a whole, decelerates, India has managed to sustain a growth rate above 6 per cent year after year—an unparalleled feat for a major economy in the current gloomy economic scenario.

    Remains a Bright Spot

    Borge Brende, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum, remarked in a recent television interview that India remains a bright spot among the world’s major economies, citing its young, tech-savvy workforce. His interview was done after a WEF analysis that warned that the 2025 global economic outlook was clouded by deep uncertainty. Back in January 2024, he had described India as a bright spot amid global doom.

    The International Monetary Fund echoes this view. Its 2023 World Economic Outlook named India the bright spot in an otherwise gloomy global economic scenario, stressing that the country will be a key driver of growth in the years ahead.

    The World Bank is very bullish on India’s economic growth and will remain so, said Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank Country Director for India, in February 2025. India is the shining light in the world, according to World Bank analysts.

    The World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP), a report released by the United Nations on 15 May 2025, states that while the global economy is slowing down, India remains the only bright spot—a point the IMF had made back in 2022.

    Positive projections followed by assessments—that have been reiterated in credible analytic reports by different global agencies.

    An Economic Resilience that Performs

    According to an EY projection, India is expected to surpass Germany to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The assessment, “India — towards becoming the third-largest economy in the world”, states that India is expected to surpass both Japan and Germany in nominal GDP terms by 2027. The projection to surpass Japan’s economy comes two years in advance—by the 2025 financial year. The EY analysis also estimates that India’s economy will cross the USD 5 trillion mark by that year, with a projected GDP size of USD 5.2 trillion.

    According to the assessment, which compares nominal and PPP international dollar GDPs of six major economies—the United States, China, Japan, Germany, India, and the United Kingdom—from 2022 to projections until 2028—India leads in GDP growth rate. The country is projected to have an 8.7% compound nominal growth rate (between 2022 and 2028), outstripping China’s growth rate of 7.2%, and more than double the United States’ growth rate of 4.1% for the same period.

    In PPP international dollar terms, India is already the third-largest economy, ahead of Japan and Germany, and is fast closing the gap with the United States and China. The EY analysis says India’s PPP economy is expected to register a growth rate of around 8.5% a year and will add nearly USD 7.5 trillion to its economy between 2022 and 2028—equivalent to Japan’s entire current annual PPP output in 2028. By 2028, India will further narrow this gap with China, the country with the largest economy globally in PPP international dollar terms.

    The report further predicts that by 2027, in PPP terms, the United States’ economy will be just 1.7 times larger than the Indian economy, while another EY assessment estimates that by the late 2040s, with a real growth rate of 6 to 7%, India will surpass the United States to become the world’s second-largest economy in PPP terms.

    Another assessment, released by Morgan Stanley in March 2025, suggests India will become the third-largest economy in the world by 2028. According to the global financial services firm, India’s economy is expected to reach USD 4.7 trillion by 2026, overtaking Japan to become the fourth-largest economy. When compared with real data, the country is expected to achieve this milestone sooner.

    By 2028, India is projected to surpass Germany to become the third-largest economy globally, at USD 5.7 trillion. The analysis further states that India’s share in the world’s GDP, currently at 3.5%, is projected to rise to 4.5% by 2029.

    The growth rate of the last quarter—or real GDP growth rate from January 2025 to March 2025—further confirms the resilient nature of the Indian economy. The real growth rate for the last quarter was calculated at 7.4%, outperforming expectations. In nominal GDP terms, the Indian economy was estimated to have expanded by 10.8%. A composite annual growth rate for the year 2024–25, in real GDP terms for the country, was estimated at 6.5%, in line with expectations, while in nominal terms it was estimated at 9.8%.

    According to projections made in another EY analysis, the country’s GDP has the potential to cross the threshold of USD 5 trillion by 2026, USD 10 trillion by 2033, USD 20 trillion by 2042, and USD 30 trillion by 2047 in market exchange terms—a dataset that matches with projections made in India on its developmental journey to become a developed nation by 2047. In PPP terms, by 2047, India’s economy is expected to cross the USD 40 trillion-threshold. Its share in the world GDP is expected to reach 19.6% by that financial year.

    India’s per capita GDP in PPP terms, which was 50% of the world’s average per capita GDP in 2022–23, is expected to become equal to it by the 2040s and 1.5 times higher by 2057.

    According to a Goldman Sachs economic research report released in December 2022 on long-term economic forecasts, China, the US, India, Indonesia, and Germany are projected to be the world’s five largest economies in real GDP terms. By 2075, India is expected to replace the United States to become the second-largest economy behind China.

     

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Refugee protection is both a shared responsibility and a legal obligation, OSCE human rights head says

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Refugee protection is both a shared responsibility and a legal obligation, OSCE human rights head says

    Refugees, digital watercolour, 2025. (Shutterstock )

    WARSAW, 20 June 2025 – Greater joint efforts and international co-operation are crucial to safeguard the protection of refugees guaranteed in international law, with the challenges displacement and migration pose both unique and fundamental to our common future, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) said on today’s World Refugee Day.
    “Refugee protection is our shared responsibility. And closer international co-operation is vital to protect human lives and ensure the right to seek asylum is respected,” said ODIHR Director Maria Telalian. “States must uphold the legal obligation to protect those fleeing conflict, persecution, and violence. Despite the challenges, we must work together to find sustainable solutions that respect the human rights of every individual.”
    Forced displacement has doubled over the past decade, with more than 122 million people displaced worldwide in mid-2024. Within the OSCE region alone, there were almost 25 million people forcibly displaced or stateless. Everyone has the right to seek safety in another country, no matter where they come from or who they are. All OSCE participating States must uphold this right as well as the principle of non-refoulement, which is the obligation not to return anyone to a country where they may face persecution or worse. At the same time, a safe and supportive environment is needed for human rights defenders working to help refugees and displaced people.
    ODIHR supports countries across the OSCE region to ensure the human rights of people crossing borders is respected and to uphold the right to seek asylum. The Office’s work in this area includes targeted publications as well as events to foster international co-operation on refugee issues. This year’s courses include training for National Human Rights Institutions on human rights at borders, and a series of training courses for local authorities on good practices in migrant and refugee integration.
    All OSCE participating States have committed “to respect the right to seek asylum and to ensure the international protection of refugees” and to promote the “dignified treatment of all individuals wanting to cross borders”.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Think before you drive — alcohol can linger until morning 20 June 2025 Think before you drive — alcohol can linger until morning

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Festival-goers are being urged to think carefully before getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking, as part of a summer safety campaign.

    With the Isle of Wight Festival underway and other summer events just around the corner, the Isle of Wight Council is reminding drivers that alcohol can remain in your system well into the next day — and that driving while still over the limit can have serious consequences.

    Partners from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safer Roads Partnership, will be raising awareness through targeted messaging and face-to-face engagement at ferry terminals in Lymington, Portsmouth and Southampton.

    As part of the campaign, drivers are being introduced to the Morning After calculator — a free online tool designed to help people estimate how long it takes for alcohol to leave their system.

    Lewis Campbell, the council’s road safety officer, said: “We know many people wouldn’t dream of drink driving on a night out — but they may not realise they’re still over the limit the next morning.

    “The Morning After calculator is a helpful tool for understanding how long alcohol can remain in your system. But it’s not a guarantee — and it certainly shouldn’t be used to justify getting behind the wheel.

    “If you’re drinking any amount of alcohol — even just one drink — you should leave the car at home and plan alternative transport. And remember, the calculator won’t help you if you are caught drink driving.

    “What it can do is give you a rough idea of when it might be safe to drive the next day. It can also help you decide when to stop drinking if you know you’ll need to drive in the morning. However, to be clear, there is no safe level of alcohol when it comes to driving.”

    The consequences of drink driving can be severe. Offenders face fines, driving bans, and even prison. And it’s not just about being caught while driving — simply being found in a stationary vehicle while intoxicated, with the keys in the ignition, could result in a £2,500 fine, a three-month prison sentence, and a driving ban.

    Red Funnel and Wightlink support this campaign by offering the vehicle ferry ports as engagement venues. And this year, Red Funnel is providing additional support by offering free advertising space on screens at terminals and onboard vessels, helping to spread the message to both residents and visitors.

    Nigel Lane, operations manager for Red Funnel, said: “We’re proud to support this important campaign. With so many people travelling to and from the Island for events, it’s vital that everyone understands the risks of morning-after drink driving.”

    Colin Evans, road safety programme manager for National Highways South-East, added: “We want people to enjoy the festival season, but we also want everyone to get home safe and well and that means making smart choices about when to stop drinking if you plan to drive the next day.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK envoy celebrates King Charles’ birthday in Malaysia

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    UK envoy celebrates King Charles’ birthday in Malaysia

    High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma CMG hosted a grand reception in Kuala Lumpur today to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s 77th birthday.

    British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma CMG delivering his welcome remarks.

    The reception also celebrated the deep connection between UK and Malaysia. YB Dato’ Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, was the guest of honour representing the Malaysian Government at the event.

    This was the first King’s Birthday Party reception hosted by High Commissioner Ajay Sharma in Malaysia – having arrived in the country only a few weeks ago.  The reception was attended by over 700 guests including members of the Malaysian royalty, senior government officials, the diplomatic corps and the business community.

    The reception kicked off with Minister Dato’ Seri Johari leading a toast to the good health and wellbeing of His Majesty King Charles III. The High Commissioner then reciprocated with a toast to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.   

    In his speech, High Commissioner Ajay Sharma spoke about the strategic partnership between the UK and Malaysia:

    Our two Prime Ministers share an ambitious vision and have agreed to elevate the relationship between the UK and Malaysia to a Strategic Partnership, in particular in the areas of education, energy, defence and trade.

    The list of our bilateral co-operation is endless. And most importantly, we shouldn’t take the relationship between our two countries for granted. We need to keep working at delivering for our people through this relationship.

    The High Commissioner concluded his speech by expressing his hope for more shared success in the UK-Malaysia relations.

    The theme of the celebration this year is the Great British Fantasia, inspired by King Charles’ interest in literature, and drawing inspiration from the fantastic and magical in UK literature – from the Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, from Alice in Wonderland to The Chronicles of Narnia. Guests were treated to the best of British food; and were entertained by the UK’s Royal Marine Band and the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Groceries Code Adjudicator launches investigation into Amazon

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Groceries Code Adjudicator launches investigation into Amazon

    Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) investigation into whether Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon) has breached paragraph 5 of the Code (No delay in Payments) in relation to certain of its practices.

    The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) has today launched a targeted investigation into whether Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon) has breached paragraph 5 (No delay in Payments) of the Groceries Code.

    The GCA has reasonable grounds to suspect that Amazon has breached paragraph 5 of the Code (No delay in Payments) from 1 March 2022 to 20 June 2025. This is based on evidence from a range of sources.

    The investigation will cover the extent to which paragraph 5 of the Code may have been breached; any impact of Amazon’s conduct on suppliers; and the root causes of any issues. In particular it will focus on the nature, extent and impact of practices which may have resulted in delays in payments including Amazon’s receipt of goods and payment processes, its processes for managing supplier concerns relating to deductions from payments, and its use of settlements of deductions in its commercial negotiations with suppliers.

    The investigation will cover the period between Amazon’s designation (1 March 2022) and 20 June 2025 but will focus on the period since 1 January 2024, in order to have the fullest understanding of Amazon’s contemporaneous practices.

    The Adjudicator Mark White said:

    Delays in payment can significantly harm suppliers. The alleged delays could expose Amazon suppliers to excessive risk and unexpected costs, potentially affecting their ability to invest and innovate.

    I decided to launch this targeted investigation based on the range of evidence I have seen from multiple sources. It will allow me to determine whether Amazon has breached paragraph 5 of the Groceries Code and the root cause of any breach.

    I encourage all direct suppliers and other stakeholders to respond to my call for evidence and provide information about your experiences with Amazon. All responses will be completely confidential.

    Prior engagement with Amazon

    Having heard from suppliers reporting Code issues, the Adjudicator, Mark White, told Amazon in 2024 that it must take swift and comprehensive action to demonstrably comply with the Code.

    The GCA then monitored actions taken by Amazon and heard further detailed evidence about experiences with Amazon. Based on this evidence it was clear that an investigation into compliance with paragraph 5 of the Groceries Code specifically was required.

    Other Groceries Code issues at Amazon

    The GCA has also received information about other issues at Amazon. The GCA is continuing to engage with Amazon as part of its ongoing collaborative approach and expects Amazon to take action to address these issues.

    If a further investigation is necessary to resolve these issues, the GCA will not hesitate to launch one.

    Next steps

    The Adjudicator has called for direct suppliers and other stakeholders to respond to the GCA’s call for evidence to share experiences of supplying Amazon.

    Submissions may be made by completing the GCA’s confidential questionnaire, or on paper or in electronic form submitted to the GCA at:

    Groceries Code Adjudicator
    7th Floor, The Cabot
    25 Cabot Square
    Canary Wharf
    London
    E14 4QZ
    E-mail to: enquiries@GroceriesCode.gov.uk

    The call for evidence will close on 8 August 2025. All responses to the call for evidence will be treated as completely confidential.

    Confidentiality and data protection

    The GCA has a statutory duty to keep information, including information provided in response to its call for evidence confidential. The statutory guidance provides that information which identifies a supplier will be confidential unless that supplier waives confidentiality.

    This means that no individual supplier or respondent to the call for evidence will be named, or otherwise be identifiable either in the report or in any other way to Amazon.

    The GCA may refer in its investigation report or elsewhere to evidence from submissions in an anonymised way. That means that the GCA might refer to evidence provided, but not in any way that makes individuals or businesses identifiable. 

    The GCA may, under its statutory powers, request further information from respondents arising from the call for evidence.

    Please be aware that information provided in response to the call for evidence may be the subject of a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (or other UK legislation). 

    The GCA will process personal data in accordance with all applicable data protection laws and its privacy notice.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofqual launches public consultation on apprenticeship assessment regulation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ofqual launches public consultation on apprenticeship assessment regulation

    Ofqual launches consultation on new regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessments, seeking views from employers, providers and apprentices.

    Ofqual is today launching a public consultation seeking views on its proposed approach to regulating apprenticeship assessments, including those for foundation apprenticeship assessments.

    The consultation, titled “Regulatory framework for apprenticeship assessment”, invites awarding organisations, colleges and training providers, employers and apprentices to comment on the future regulatory framework.

    The framework has been developed to reflect the new apprenticeship assessment principles published by the Department for Education earlier this year. It has been designed to accommodate the new apprenticeship assessment plans being put in place by Skills England.

    The proposed framework would allow awarding organisations more flexibility in assessment design and delivery to enable them to be more responsive to the needs of employers. This includes greater responsibility for decisions about how assessments are structured, delivered and marked.

    Ofqual will regulate both the assessments and the awarding organisations that develop and deliver them.

    Catherine Large, Executive Director for Vocational and Technical Qualifications at Ofqual, said:

    We want to hear from everyone with an interest in apprenticeships to ensure our regulatory approach is effective, proportionate and supports the development of valid and reliable assessment.

    Ofqual understands the significance of potential changes to the current end point assessment model, and the important role that employers and providers play in the system. We are working to ensure quality is upheld throughout this transition.

    The consultation opens on Friday 20 June and will run until Wednesday 27 August.

    Interested parties can contribute by completing the online consultation form available on GOV.UK or by emailing their responses directly to consultations@ofqual.gov.uk.

    Following the consultation, Ofqual will publish a summary of responses and outline next steps for implementing the regulatory framework.

    Background information:

    1. Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for England.

    2. The Department for Education is responsible for the introduction and overall implementation of the reform to apprenticeships, including the assessment principles.

    3. Skills England is responsible for the streamlining of assessment plans and ensuring that the views of employers are represented.

    4. The consultation document is available here at GOV.UK.

    5. Subject to the outcome of this consultation, Ofqual will consult later in 2025 on the detail of the rules and guidance that will put our proposals into effect.  

    6. For further information, please contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3344 or press.office@ofqual.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbPU discussed the creation of mirror laboratories to assess the damage to African countries from colonialism

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Polytechnic University and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education held a meeting dedicated to the activities of the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) and the creation of mirror laboratories to assess the damage caused to African countries during colonialism. Representatives of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science and leading Russian universities, including the Saint Petersburg State University of Economics (SPbSEU), the Russian State Geological Prospecting University (MGRI), and the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences, took part in the discussion.

    The main topic of the meeting was the development of a methodology for calculating damage, including economic, environmental and cultural losses. As noted by the Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev, this project has not only scientific but also important political significance: We must unite the efforts of universities with expertise in this area and offer African countries a tool for an objective assessment of the consequences of colonialism.

    Saint Petersburg State University of Economics, by agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science, will head the working group to create the laboratory. Vice-Rector for International Work at Saint Petersburg State University of Economics Elena Gorbashko emphasized: We will have to develop a comprehensive methodology that takes into account not only direct economic losses, but also indirect factors – lost profits, environmental damage, consequences for human capital.

    Rector of MGRI Yuri Panov shared preliminary calculations: We have already estimated the damage to Zimbabwe and Mozambique – 52 and 74 billion dollars respectively. At the same time, direct export of resources gave only 3-4% of the total amount, the main part is lost profits and environmental consequences.

    The Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Russian Academy of Sciences proposed to include digital archives of cultural heritage in the study. Deputy Director Natalia Sokolova noted: Digital twins of monuments will help to record the destruction and prove the scale of the damage. We already have successful experience of such work in Syria, and we are ready to replicate it in Africa.

    The next steps are to form a working group, prepare a concept and select countries for pilot projects. The final proposals will be presented to the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov in July.

    This project is not only a scientific task, but also an important step in strengthening cooperation between Russia and African countries, said Stepan Sokolov, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, summing up the meeting.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University strengthened its position in the international QS World University Rankings

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The results of the QS World University Rankings by the British company Quacquarelli Symonds have been published. This year, 1,501 universities from 106 countries of the world were included in the ranking. It is worth noting that at the moment, the general trend of participation of Russian universities shows negative dynamics. Currently, Russia is represented in the ranking by 40 universities, which is 7 universities less than last year. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University retained its position among domestic universities, ranking 12th in Russia and 609th in the world.

    Peter the Great Polytechnic University showed steady growth in all rating indicators, with a particularly strong jump noted in the Sustainable Development criterion — plus 40.4 points. It was this positive dynamic that led to an increase in SPbPU’s overall score and allowed it to strengthen its position in the rating.

    Sustainable development is the university’s contribution to the quality of life of society, and our Polytechnic University is really successful in this. It is gratifying that experts note our progress in criteria directly related to the social sphere, technological development and improving people’s living standards. Recognition by QS, as well as other rating agencies, assessing the contribution of universities to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), confirms the effectiveness of our work, noted SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy.

    The growth of Polytechnic University’s indicators in the QS WUR ranking is the result of the coordinated and systematic work of all institutes and departments of our university. I would like to note that despite the global difficulties, our academic reputation is growing, that is, researchers from other countries recognize the contribution of our university to science and education, – comments Vice-Rector for Human Resources Policy Maria Vrublevskaya.

    The QS World University Rankings assess universities based on a number of indicators, each of which to varying degrees determines a university’s position in the ranking. The main indicators include the academic reputation of the university, the ratio of faculty to students, and the university’s reputation with employers. In addition, the ranking evaluates citation indicators, sustainability, the proportion of international students and international faculty.

    You can find more detailed information about the rating results follow the link.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: It’s time to become the main character! Start of the 2025 admission campaign

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 20, the acceptance of documents for admission to secondary vocational education programs, bachelor’s, specialist and master’s degrees at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University began.

    Graduates of grades 9 and 11 can enroll in the college at the Polytechnic University. This year, 530 budget and 481 contract places have been allocated for 9 full-time SPO specialties and 90 contract places for 3 correspondence specialties.

    When submitting documents, applicants select no more than 3 specialties for admission to budget places and no more than 1 specialty for contract places, which are arranged in order of priority for enrollment. Enrollment in the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education is carried out based on the results of the competition, based on the average grade point average of the certificate of applicants on the basis of basic or secondary general education. In 2025, a new specialty 09.02.09 “Web Development” was opened, which trains specialists in the creation and support of websites and web applications.

    For applicants to full-time bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs in 2025, 3,395 budget places and 3,399 fee-paying places have been prepared. Within the target quota, 535 places have been prepared, 359 places for special quota places and the same number for applicants to separate quota places. Applicants can choose up to five areas of preparation for admission, which must be arranged in order of priority in the application.

    One of the innovations in admission to the first level of higher education was the “Petrovskaya Wave”, which gives applicants an additional opportunity to enroll in the university. Applicants whose scores exceed the indicator set by the university are guaranteed admission. The passing score will be regularly updated on the official website, and it can only decrease during the admission campaign, making the conditions for admission more accessible. Even if an applicant does not get a state-funded place, but exceeds the “Petrovskaya Wave” score, the university guarantees him a place at its own expense.

    To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to follow three steps.

    Select in the application directions, participating in the Petrovskaya Wave. Collect the sum of competition points higher than the announced passing score of the “Petrovskaya Wave”. Submit consent for enrollment before August 5, 12:00 Moscow time and do not withdraw it until the end of August.

    In addition, in 2025, to confirm the intention to study at SPbPU, it is necessary to submit consent for enrollment (in electronic form via the State Services portal or in person to the Admissions Office). This replaces the submission of the original educational document, which makes the process more convenient and modern. The innovation also applies to admission to master’s programs.

    The Polytechnic University maintains and expands its program to support talented applicants. In 2025, first-year students can apply for grants of two levels. Winners and prize winners of Olympiads, as well as applicants with USE results of 290-300 points upon admission to the Polytechnic University, receive a one-time payment of 120,000 rubles. And students of engineering, natural sciences, and information technology with USE results of 270-289 points – 50,000 rubles. An additional motivation for such students will be a grant for excellent academic performance after the first session in the amount of 50,000 rubles.

    Those wishing to continue their career at the Polytechnic University can apply for more than 170 master’s programs, for which 2,376 budget places have been allocated. There are four ways to enroll: win the SPbPU Portfolio Competition, become a winner or medalist of the All-Russian Olympiad “I am a Professional”, become a winner of the All-Russian Engineering Competition, or successfully pass the interdisciplinary exam. This year, 20 new programs have been developed for future masters, including the digital master’s programs “Industrial and Civil Engineering” and “Russian as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Communication”, as well as the program for training teaching staff “Physics and Applied Mathematics in Science and Education”. This year, the Polytechnic University is also accepting applications for 15 partner programs jointly with PJSC Gazprom Neft, Rosatom State Corporation, JSC UEC-Klimov, etc.

    To enter the Polytechnic University, you need to complete 3 steps.

    Prepare required documents— an education document, a passport (along with the registration page), SNILS (if available), documents confirming individual achievements, Olympiads, benefits (if available), a photograph. Submit an application in one of the convenient ways in set deadlines. Through the super service “Online University Admission” on Gosuslugi (mandatory for citizens of the Russian Federation). Through your personal account on the university website. In person at the Main Academic Building (29 Politekhnicheskaya St., Main Academic Building) for admission to higher education programs. In person at the ISPO Academic Building (23 Engels Ave.) for admission to secondary vocational education programs. By mail (address: 195251, St. Petersburg, 29 Politekhnicheskaya St., Admissions Committee). Monitor the competition situation and provide consent for enrollment in the university within the established time frame.

    Dear applicants! Admission is an important stage in your life. This is not only a step towards knowledge, but also a chance to open the doors to new opportunities and self-realization at Peter the Great Polytechnic University. Strive for high goals, believe in yourself and take the initiative. Remember that persistence and perseverance will definitely lead to success! Now the process of admission to the university for bachelor’s, specialist, master’s and postgraduate programs is increasingly moving to a remote format. This is a wonderful opportunity for the most talented students from all over the country and from anywhere in the world to apply for admission, monitor the competition situation, receive advice from the admissions committee, and submit consent for enrollment. Which, by the way, is an innovation this year, to which we ask you to pay close attention. We sincerely wish you good luck and outstanding exam results. Remember that the admissions committee is always there to help you go through this important and difficult path! — the responsible secretary of the admissions committee of SPbPU Vitaly Drobchik supported the applicants.

    For a personal consultation on admission issues, applicants can come to the Main Academic Building of SPbPU at 29 Politekhnicheskaya St. and ask questions to the admissions committee staff, as well as representatives of the Polytechnic institutes.

    on weekdays – from 10.00 to 16.00 on Saturday – from 10.00 to 14.00

    All up-to-date information about admission is presented on a special section of the university website. Admission 2025″, and also inVKontakte group Polytechnic Applicants.

    For all questions, applicants can also contact the call center at the following numbers:

    8 (812) 775-05-30 (for calls from St. Petersburg), 8 (800) 707-18-99 (calls from any region of the Russian Federation are free), 8 (812) 294-06-98 (secondary vocational education).

    The Admissions Office accepts calls from 9:00 to 17:30 on weekdays, from 9:30 to 14:00 on Saturdays.

    The application process for admission to higher and secondary vocational education programs has started! This is a time of opportunities and hopes. May your path to knowledge be filled with courage and determination. This year, Polytechnic University announced unprecedented support measures for talented youth — grants for applicants based on Olympiad results, as well as for those applying to the university with high Unified State Exam results, have increased significantly. The “Petrovskaya Wave” has appeared, which gives applicants a chance for guaranteed admission to our university. Be sure to use these opportunities to start your professional career. Believe in yourself, set ambitious goals and strive to achieve them. Your efforts and persistence will definitely lead to success! I wish you good luck in this important step towards your dream, — Varvara Sotova, Director of the Center for the Formation of the Contingent of Students, gave her parting words.

    The concept of this year’s admission campaign is “You are the main hero!” And this is a new season, in which new heroes create their future, make discoveries and change the world for the better! Polytechnic University provides students with a huge number of opportunities, among which everyone chooses their own path to success.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI model developed to unlock the potential of satellite imagery for land cover mapping A research team led by the University of Aberdeen has developed a pioneering AI model to improve accuracy and reduce computational time in land cover mapping, particularly for vegetation.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj (left), Baoling Gui (centre) and Dr Lydia Sam

    A research team led by the University of Aberdeen has developed a pioneering AI model to improve accuracy and reduce computational time in land cover mapping, particularly for vegetation.
    Detailed understanding of land cover, topographical features, and how land is used is central to tackling climate change impacts, food security, and sustainability.
    Traditional vegetation mapping methods analyse satellite images pixel by pixel, which can be inefficient and prone to error – especially in diverse or complex terrains.
    The new model developed by the research team, SAGRNet (Sampling and Attention-based Graph Convolutional Residual Network), uses advanced deep learning techniques to classify vegetation types with greater speed and accuracy. It can analyse entire landscape objects—such as fields and forests—providing better understanding of the shape, context, and relationships within the landscape, leading to more reliable and scalable mapping.
    The study is published in the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, the official journal of International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.
    SAGRNet was developed using satellite images covering the diverse landscape of north-east Scotland to sufficiently facilitate result validation.
    The study focuses on areas comprising woodlands, farmlands, and grasslands situated adjacent to other landcover classes such as built-up areas and water, located in and around Aberdeen, Dundee, and the Highlands.
    To further evaluate the generalisation capability of the proposed SAGRNet model, the team conducted additional experiments across five globally distributed urban fringe areas: Guangzhou (China), Durban (South Africa), Sydney (Australia), New York City (United States), and Porto Alegre (Brazil). These areas were carefully selected to represent diverse ecological backgrounds, vegetation structures, urbanisation intensities, and land cover complexities, providing a robust basis for assessing the transferability of the model.
    SAGRNet, which has been made openly available, could help decision-makers to quickly visualise and understand the impact of major events such as floods, forest fires, drought or heavy rainfall on large areas of land as well as the crops they produce.
    Project lead Dr Lydia Sam, Lecturer in Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Accurate dimensional and topographic information on arable land is the foundation for further developing sustainable land management strategies. We have a multitude of earth observation satellites in orbit today providing images of our planet at very high resolutions. Models like SAGRNet provide a comprehensive vegetation mapping and characterisation framework, allowing users to unlock the true potential of their imagery data.
    “Our system of deep learning algorithms can immediately and accurately recognise the different types of land cover, vegetation or crops in an area.
    “This method addresses the inefficiencies of current systems by improving accuracy and reducing computational time, which is critical in responding to global challenges like climate change, deforestation, and food scarcity.”
    Dr Anshuman Bhardwaj, Senior Lecturer in Geosciences at the University and co-lead of the project, added: “Our model is quite transferrable and can even provide rapid and accurate answers to questions about how the landscape has changed.
    “This is vital for further understanding the impact of climate change from coastal erosions and landslips to shifts in plant or crop distribution.
    “It can also be used to monitor crop growth to facilitate more accurate harvest predictions or to look at how crops grown in a particular area have changed over time and to make better informed decisions of the sustainability of land use.
    “Our study lays a solid foundation for real-world applications in land monitoring, agriculture, and environmental management.”
    PhD student and research assistant on the project Baoling Gui added: “SAGRNet is suitable for integration into large-scale applications such as land resource surveys, ecological monitoring platforms, national land cover mapping programs, and environmental change analysis frameworks.”
    The project was funded by the BBSRC International Institutional Award scheme, in which the Aberdeen team worked in collaboration with international partners including Dr Diego Soto Gómez, University of Burgos (Spain), Dr Félix González Peñaloza, Evenor-Tech (Spain) and Professor Manfred F. Buchroithner, Technische Universität Dresden (Germany). Dr. David R. Green, Reader in Geosciences at the University of Aberdeen was also involved in the development of the published research article.
    The project was funded by the BBSRC International Institutional Award (BB/Y514172/1)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First students graduate from Aberdeen and South China Normal University joint institute The first cohort of students from the University of Aberdeen and South China Normal University’s Joint Institute have graduated at a special ceremony.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The first cohort of students from the University of Aberdeen and South China Normal University’s Joint Institute have graduated at a special ceremony.
    Around 180 students from the Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at South China Normal University (SCNU) received their degrees during the event held in Guangdong Province on June 19.
    The students graduated from three four-year undergraduate BSc programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Computing Science, and Business Management and Information Systems while friends and family watched on.
    The Joint Institute, located on SCNU’s vibrant Foshan campus, was the result of long-established links between the two universities, having collaborated on joint programmes in Real Estate, Finance and Computing Science over almost 20 years.

    The Joint Institute was set up after years of successful collaboration and partnership with SCNU and supports the University of Aberdeen’s ambitions to expand our international networks and partnerships.” Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya

    The Joint Institute has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2021 reflecting its commitment to high-standard education and cutting-edge research.
    Professor Peter Edwards, Acting Senior Vice-Principal said: “Having been involved from the earliest days of the design and planning of the Aberdeen Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at South China Normal University, and as a Computer Scientist myself, it was wonderful to be able to join our new graduates as they celebrated the outcome of four years of hard work.”
    Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Vice-Principal (Global Engagement) said: “The Joint Institute was set up after years of successful collaboration and partnership with SCNU and supports the University of Aberdeen’s ambitions to expand our international networks and partnerships.
    “We have already seen excellent growth here, with students attracted to our collaborative, interdisciplinary approach and industry engagement which ensures our graduates are well-prepared to tackle global challenges and drive future technological advancements. We look forward to its continuing success.”

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Allocation of £1million for cost-of-living support approved

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    City initiatives that provide cost-of-living support will benefit from a share of £1million, after allocations were approved at last week’s (11 June) Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee.

    Organisations including Food Poverty Action Aberdeen (£271,197) AberNecessities (£175,242), Aberdeen Cyrenians (£48, 600) and Bethany Christian Church (£4,364) will all receive funding to help tackle issues such as infant formula shortages, food procurement and supporting vulnerable women.

    Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “A total of 14 initiatives will receive an allocation of £1million to help tackle poverty and alleviate the cost-of-living crisis.

    “The range of community groups and charities receiving funding will ensure that they can make a real difference within communities across Aberdeen.”

    Anti-Poverty and Inequality Vice-Convener Councillor Desmond Buchanan said: “We thank the External Advisors for undertaking this work on behalf of the committee to ensure the fair allocation of funding to organisations and initiatives across the city.  This approach further demonstrates what successful partnership working can achieve.”

    The committee’s External Advisors met to review potential recipients and agree on the allocation of the £1million funding.  The advisers also considered suggestions identified through the previous year’s Committee visits.

    Full list of allocated funding:

    • AberNecessities (support for underprivileged children), £161,113
    • AberNecessities (infant formula), £14,129
    • Food Poverty Action Aberdeen (food procurement), £271,197
    • Aberdeen City Council, Revenues & Benefits (winter clothing), £130,000
    • Aberdeen City Council, Revenues & Benefits (discretionary housing payments), £100,000
    • Aberdeen Cyrenians (Community Hub rent and energy costs), £48,600
    • Aberdeen Performing Arts (Christmas panto package for low income families), £10,000
    • Bethany Christian Church (supporting vulnerable women in Torry), £4,364
    • SCARF (fuel poverty), £95,000
    • Aberdeen Care and Repair (financial advice for elderly and disabled people and unpaid carers), £38,359
    • CFINE (Cash First infant formula). £12,000
    • CFINE (community pantries), £66,500
    • CFINE (SAFE financial advice outreach), £28,738
    • SHMU (poverty awareness), £20,000

    Phil Mackie, External Advisor said: “In developing the proposals, the External Advisors sought to strike a balance between allocating funds that can minimise harm by providing immediate support to those in need, whilst also supporting action that advocates for long-term systemic change.

    “This has not been without its challenges; for example, we recognise that this means reducing the level of direct support for people in the short term, but this is balanced by allocations that will help to reduce the overall need for support in the longer term.”

    As well as agreeing the Cost-of-living Fund allocations for 2025/26, the committee also reviewed a full year evaluation of the outcomes achieved from the Cost-of-Living Funding allocated for 2024/25 which highlighted the good work that the fund supported last year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council’s High School Litter Initiative launched

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A new Take Pride in Your City project is harnessing partnership working to tackle litter and raise recycling awareness at the city’s secondary schools.

    The beginning of the collaboration, between the Council’s Neighbourhood Services and Children & Families Services, has been marked with a litter pick led by St. Paul’s RC Academy staff and pupils.

    The Council’s Environment team are working with a pilot group of secondary schools, including St. Paul’s RC Academy and St. John’s RC Academy, by providing litter picking equipment, reviewing bin provision and ongoing advice.

    These actions are supporting school communities to lead their own events and activities which focus on litter and recycling while building on the work already being done by schools.

    Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Depute Convener Cllr Nadia El-Nakla said: “The Take Pride in Your City campaign is a call to take action on environmental issues that afflict our neighbourhoods, such as litter.  

    “The introduction of the High School Litter Initiative is yet another method being rolled out to tackle littering, and to foster the responsibility of keeping our streets & green spaces clean.

    “Considerable council resources go into regularly removing litter from our shared spaces. Litter is both unpleasant and negatively impacts our local environment. It also presents a missed opportunity for items to be recycled.”

    Children, Families & Communities Convener Cllr Stewart Hunter said: “A collaborative approach is vital in realising the positive effects we all want to see. Through litter prevention education, we can reach young people about the issues of littering at primary school level and continue as children transition into young adulthood.

    “I look forward to seeing this piloted in the city’s secondary schools bringing the equipment and advice to staff and pupils who are eager to get involved.”

    Disposing of items in any public open space is classed as littering and is a criminal offence.

    Offenders can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £80 or potentially prosecuted, risking a fine of up to £2,500.

    More information about the Take Pride in Your City campaign is available on the Dundee City Council website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Enters Final Weeks of Presale with Explosive Growth and Mobile Mining Breakthrough

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), a next-generation blockchain project focused on scalability, energy efficiency, and mobile accessibility, has officially entered the final weeks of its presale, marking a pivotal moment for early adopters. With the presale set to close on July 31, momentum is surging as thousands of users join what’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about launches in the crypto space.

    At the heart of Bitcoin Solaris is a mission to create a blockchain that’s not only high-speed and secure but also accessible to everyday users. Designed with mobile-first infrastructure and built on a dual-consensus model, BTC-S is setting the stage for a blockchain ecosystem capable of supporting real-world use cases—from decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs to tokenized real estate and e-voting.

    The Engine Behind Bitcoin Solaris: Power Meets Practicality

    Bitcoin Solaris doesn’t just promise innovation, it delivers it at the protocol level. By combining a dual-consensus mechanism and mobile-first scalability, BTC-S brings a completely modernized architecture to the table.

    Here’s how it breaks away from outdated networks:

    • Hybrid Consensus: The network integrates Proof-of-Work (PoW) for security and decentralization, while its Solaris Layer uses Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) to accelerate throughput and reduce energy usage.
    • Validator Rotation: The system replaces validators every 24 hours, using a slashing mechanism to penalize underperformers, which ensures network health and prevents centralization.
    • Energy Efficient by Design: With lower block production costs and sustainable mobile mining through the upcoming Solaris Nova app, Bitcoin Solaris is aligned with the future of eco-conscious crypto.

    The performance is unmatched in its tier:

    • Up to 100,000 TPS on the Solaris Layer with 2-second finality
    • Base Layer supports 3,000 TPS, optimizing smart contract and cross-layer interactions

    Smart Contracts at Lightning Speed See Why Developers Love BTC-S

    A Wealth-Building Engine for the Mobile Generation

    At the core of BTC-S’s mass appeal is its accessibility. The upcoming Solaris Nova app introduces mobile mining, allowing users to participate using just their smartphones, no expensive rigs, no complicated setups. You can estimate potential earnings through their mining calculator, showing exactly how BTC-S plans to bring mining rewards back to the people.

    This seamless user experience is one of the key reasons the project is catching fire. Unlike Bitcoin, which requires industrial-scale hardware to earn a fraction of a coin, Bitcoin Solaris is opening the gates for everyday investors to benefit directly from the network’s growth.

    Real-World Utility Backed by Robust Infrastructure

    Bitcoin Solaris is more than just a fast network. It’s built for real-world adoption, including support for:

    • Smart contracts built on a Rust-based environment
    • DeFi, NFTs, tokenized real estate, healthcare data, and even e-voting mechanisms
    • Seamless integration with Solana tools to drive early dApp development and adoption

    The dual-layer architecture also enhances privacy via optional Zero-Knowledge Proofs and protects against 51% and long-range attacks, making BTC-S a secure, high-speed alternative for serious developers and investors alike.

    Security and transparency are reinforced by successful audits from both Cyberscope and Freshcoins, giving investors confidence in its infrastructure.

    The Presale Frenzy: Numbers Don’t Lie

    Bitcoin Solaris is currently in Phase 8 of its presale, priced at just $8. With a launch price set at $20, and less than 7 weeks left until it ends on July 31, the clock is ticking.

    • Over $5M raised
    • 150% potential return
    • 11,500+ users have already joined
    • One of the shortest and most explosive presales in crypto history

    Visit the Bitcoin Solaris site now before it enters Phase 9. Momentum is growing fast, just check crypto YouTube channels. Influencers like Ben Crypto and 2Bit Crypto have each done a full breakdown of why this is one of the most exciting crypto launches this year.

    Why Bitcoin Solaris Could Make Its Early Backers Rich

    There’s no one-size-fits-all in crypto, but Bitcoin Solaris is checking all the right boxes for those hunting high-upside projects:

    • Groundbreaking architecture with scalability, security, and efficiency
    • A mobile mining model designed for mass adoption
    • A reward system structured to benefit long-term participants
    • Backed by solid audits, a fast-growing community, and transparent development

    More than just a presale buzzword, BTC-S represents the kind of practical, accessible crypto opportunity that’s been missing from the market for years. The fact that the network is designed to reward real usage, not just holding, means that early adopters stand to gain much more than just token appreciation.

    As excitement builds and new features continue to roll out, Bitcoin Solaris is proving it’s not here to follow Bitcoin, it’s here to outshine it.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
    X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at :

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d06364b-8c2e-400e-b903-99f868837c35

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be1e4f4a-1109-4367-9a7e-0182cbdf6fe9

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/056cf9bc-bdd2-4be5-b551-6fa97d6f8bc1

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c1109e5e-720a-421f-aab5-8f1a2b10df9d

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