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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Samotlorneftegaz’s new special solution production unit increases oilfield service efficiency

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Samotlorneftegaz, one of Rosneft’s key production assets, has commissioned a mobile unit for the production of a specialized solution for geological and technical activities and well repair. The unit improves the economic efficiency of oilfield services and environmental performance, including by eliminating the need to take water from natural sources.

    The unit with a capacity of 350 m3 per day is integrated into the reservoir pressure maintenance system for using produced water instead of natural water. The modular design includes specialized units with pumps, equipment for preparing solutions and dosing reagents, mixing and storage tanks, and a trestle for unloading the finished solution.

    The production cycles are fully automated. This allows to significantly reduce the preparation time and improve the quality of the solution. All equipment is domestically produced and has high resistance to temperature changes in the climatic conditions of Siberia.

    Rosneft prioritizes innovation and defines technological leadership as a key factor in competitiveness in the oil market. The company also implements a number of large-scale environmental programs, minimizes its environmental impact, and improves the environmental friendliness of its production.

    Reference:

    Samotlorneftegaz, one of Rosneft’s key production assets, is developing Russia’s largest Samotlor field in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra. The total area of the company’s licensed sites is 2.9 thousand square kilometers.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 22, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan expels Indian diplomat for ‘misconduct’

    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

    ISLAMABAD, May 22 (Xinhua) — Pakistan on Thursday expelled an employee of the Indian High Commission (Embassy) in Islamabad, declaring him persona non grata and ordering him to leave the country within 24 hours.

    India’s Charge d’Affaires was summoned to Pakistan’s Foreign Office to be informed of the decision.

    Pakistan’s move came hours after India expelled a Pakistani diplomat, the second such expulsion in a week. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The NSU campus hosted the All-Russian competition “Russian Azimuth”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Every year in May, the All-Russian mass orienteering competition “Russian Azimuth” is held throughout the country. Almost 100,000 people took part in the competition in 60 cities of the country at the same time. In Novosibirsk, this event was held for the third time on the campus of the Novosibirsk State University. About 400 people took part in them, more than half of whom were NSU students.

    The start and finish were set up at the stadium, and the participants ran along the student campus and forest area to Lavrentyev Avenue. There were 26 checkpoints (CP) on the ground, and depending on the age group, it was necessary to find a certain number – from 10 to 26. The participants chose the order in which to look for CPs themselves.

    The winners among students were: 1st place – Andrey Ershov (VKI NSU) and Liliya Aksenova (FEN)

    2nd place – Dmitry Alimov (FF) and Alina Brysina (FIT)

    3rd place – Dmitry Parfenov (MMF) and Diana Salina (FIT)

    We congratulate the winners of the competition and thank all the students for their participation, and the teachers of the Department of Physical Culture and Sports Sofya Zakharova and Andrey Tolstoy for organizing the event.

    Photos from the competition by link 

    Competition results on the page 

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and Sichuan University Sign Cooperation Agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On May 20, a delegation from Sichuan University headed by Rector Mr. Wang Jinsong paid an official visit to HSE. During the meeting, an agreement on cooperation between the universities was concluded.

    Participants discussed key areas of partnership, including the launch of a joint double degree program in Eurasian studies, as well as prospects for cooperation in the fields of international relations, mathematics, pedagogy, teaching Russian language and academic mobility.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of Sichuan University and HSE in relevant areas – faculties world economy and world politics, mathematicians, Humanities, Institute of Education and others.

    The agreement was discussed in a constructive atmosphere. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing cooperation and emphasized the need to move to the substantive implementation of the agreements reached.

    Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Head BRICS-Russia Expert Council Victoria Panova noted the high international status of Sichuan University, one of the oldest universities in southwestern China, and emphasized the symbolism of the meeting against the backdrop of the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow. During this visit, 28 bilateral agreements were signed, three of which were concluded between HSE and leading Chinese universities.

    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: British High Commissioner presents credentials to the President

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    British High Commissioner presents credentials to the President

    The new British High Commissioner to Namibia, Neil Bradley, presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

    The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Namibia, Mr Neil Bradley officially presented his Letter of Credence to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, marking the formal beginning of his diplomatic mission in the country.

    The presentation of credentials is a significant diplomatic tradition, symbolising mutual respect and the commitment to continued cooperation between nations.

    Mr Bradley’s appointment comes at a time of growing collaboration between the UK and Namibia, particularly in areas such as trade and economic growth, climate change and education.

    As High Commissioner, Mr Bradley will lead the UK’s efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with Namibia, working closely with government, civil society, and the private sector.

    You can read his full biography here.

    The British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia, Neil Bradley arrives at statehouse to deliver his letter of credence to president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

    The British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia, Neil Bradley hands over his credentials to the President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

    The President of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah and members of her cabinet met with British High Commissioner Neil Bradley and representatives of the British High Commission.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pro riders, stunts and thrills coming to city – and you can have a go, too

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The free, family friendly event promises two days of fun for all, featuring stunt demonstrations by professional riders and skateboarders, food stalls, funfair rides and inflatable games.

    And visitors aged 9 and over will be able to get in on the action by taking part in sessions including skateboarding, drift trikes and KMX karts.

    The Extreme Wheels Weekender takes place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 June, from 10am to 4pm and will be hosted by Wolverhampton’s very own Dicky Dodd.

    Councillor Chris Burden, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “We’re thrilled to bring the Extreme Wheels Weekender to Wolverhampton.

    “It’s promises to be a great day out for all the family, giving people the chance to experience a sport that is on the rise, and watch jaw dropping and exciting stunts in a safe environment.

    “You will even be able to have a go yourselves by taking part in the mobile skate park, drift trikes and KMX karts.”

    Participants are welcome to bring their own bikes, scooters and skateboards. Helmets and appropriate footwear (no crocs or sandals) are mandatory for all activities and e-bikes or e-scooters are not permitted within the event site. To take part, simply register on arrival and please note, once capacity has been reached, there will be a time limit on activities.

    Councillor Burden added: “It’s great that we are able to continue to put on free family friendly events like this in the city, and I strongly encourage everyone to save the date in their diaries.”

    The council is working in partnership with Extreme Wheels Roadshow to bring the Extreme Wheels Weekender to the city. The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 11 Polytechnic University postgraduate students become presidential scholarship recipients

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Following the competitive selection, 11 Polytechnic postgraduate students became recipients of the Russian Presidential Scholarship. All of them study full-time and conduct scientific research in priority areas of the country’s scientific and technological development.

    Young scientists represent five institutes of the university.

    IMMiT – Artyom Borisov, Pavel Vishnyakov and Vladislav Chernyavsky ISI – Ksenia Velmozhina, Polina Tyapkina and Polina Shinkevich IPMEiT – Mark Solovyov and Egor Shchenikov IBSiB – Ksenia Marinina and Alisa Postovalova IKNK – Stanislav Kirpichenko

    A total of 500 young scientists from all universities in the country became recipients of the presidential scholarship, including 77 postgraduate and adjunct students from St. Petersburg universities. I congratulate our winners of the competition, whose research, according to experts, is aimed at achieving technological leadership in Russia. I would like to note that 82 applications were submitted by our postgraduate students for the competition. And although 11 of the best researchers were selected, I am sure that others also have relevant and promising scientific projects. I wish everyone good luck in other competitions, receiving grants and scholarships of various levels and, most importantly, the practical implementation of their ideas in the real sector of the economy, – noted Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU Yuri Fomin.

    The monthly stipend is 75 thousand rubles. The payment is assigned for a period of 1 to 4 years. The research of scholarship applicants must be based on the priorities defined by the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation, approved by Vladimir Putin on February 28, 2024. In total, more than 4.6 thousand applications from 73 subjects of Russia were received for the competition. The largest number of applications were submitted in the direction of “Engineering Sciences”.

    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: Four killed in coal mine accident in southwest 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

    CHENGDU, May 22 (Xinhua) — Four people have been confirmed dead after a roof collapsed at a coal mine in southwest China’s Sichuan Province on May 17, local authorities said Thursday.

    The incident occurred at around 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the Changsha Coal Mine in Wanyuan County-Level City, which is under the jurisdiction of Dazhou Prefectural-Level City. The four people were still missing at the time.

    After several days of search and rescue operations, all of them were found, but none of them showed signs of life, rescuers noted.

    The mine owner was detained by police. An investigation into the incident is underway.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: HS2 Ltd response to Residents’ Commissioner’s report 22

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    HS2 Ltd response to Residents’ Commissioner’s report 22

    High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Mark Wild, responds to the twenty-second Residents’ Commissioner’s report.

    Documents

    HS2 Ltd response to Residents’ Commissioner’s report 22

    PDF, 177 KB, 2 pages

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

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    In this letter, High Speed Two (HS2) Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Mark Wild, responds to the twenty-second Residents’ Commissioner’s report.

    The Residents’ Commissioner’s report explains what activity has taken place since the previous report and looks in particular at HS2 property schemes and complaints process.

    The Residents’ Commissioner acts as an impartial monitor, ensuring that HS2 Ltd is open and transparent in it’s communications with residents affected by HS2.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Dialogue of Generations”: Veterans Share Stories of War

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The annual social and educational seminar “Dialogue of Generations” was held at the SPbPU History Museum. This year the event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, and veterans, students and children from the city’s social institutions took part in it.

    The meeting was attended by more than 60 participants, for whom this day became not only an educational event, but also a significant event in their personal lives.

    Honorary citizen of besieged Leningrad Zinaida Matveyevna Filina told the children about the events of the war and post-war years, shared stories that cannot be found in textbooks, but are important to know and remember.

    The most important thing is friendly relations. We were all very friendly and helped each other. Now it is important for students to support each other, study hard and use their opportunities, because today many doors are open for them, Zinaida Filina advised the youth.

    Polytechnic students are mentors for the pupils of the St. Basil Center, the Masha social center, and the Center for Assistance to Family Education No. 5, who also took part in the meeting.

    Such events are important for raising patriotism in young people. They strengthen the connection between generations. The children heard first-hand the story of one family that had gone through the trials of war. They were amazed by the strength of spirit, wisdom, fortitude and great desire to live and love life. Zinaida Matveyevna made an indelible impression, touching our hearts. We thank the organizers for holding the meeting, – shared the educator of the Center for Assistance to Family Education No. 5 Irina Petrova.

    A special gift for the guests was a musical and poetic number performed by activists of the author’s club “PoliNova”. Maria Guner, Alexandra Ukhvatova and Olga Shvets read poems, including their own, accompanied by Victoria Kuibysheva.

    The team of the Dobro.Center “Harmony” of SPbPU presented Zinaida Matveyevna and the young participants with memorable gifts. The meeting ended with an excursion to the Museum of the History of the Polytechnic University, which was conducted by the leading specialist Maria Zavyalova and activist Artem Kuzmin.

    Such events will never lose their significance. It is important to help children realize that the memory of war heroes should live not only on the pages of history textbooks, but also in people’s hearts. It was a very touching, warm and inspiring meeting, it is always nice to be part of such events, – shared first-year student of the Humanitarian Institute Polina Meshalkina.

    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: Tianjin to host SCO Digital Economy Forum 2025

    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, May 22 (Xinhua) — The 2025 SCO Digital Economy Forum will be held in Tianjin, northern China, from July 10 to 11, the State Data Administration of China said.

    The event will bring together representatives of political and business circles, experts, scholars and figures from various walks of life of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries in the field of digital economy, who will work together to further deepen practical cooperation between China and the SCO countries in the field of digital economy.

    According to the agency, the forum, which will be titled “New Links in the Digital Economy, Joint Expansion of New Space for Cooperation,” will discuss issues such as the integration of the digital economy and the real sector of the economy, innovations in digital technology, the construction of digital infrastructure, as well as the development and use of digital data resources.

    Efforts will be aimed at facilitating the creation of an ecosystem of cooperation in the field of digital economy between SCO countries and the development of pragmatic cooperation in the field of digital economy between industries, cities, universities and think tanks, the report says.

    The event will be organized by the State Data Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Tianjin. Let us recall that the next SCO summit will be held in Tianjin this fall. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two Israeli Embassy Employees Killed Near Jewish Museum in Washington

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    WASHINGTON, May 22 (Xinhua) — Two Israeli embassy employees were killed late Wednesday outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

    “Two Israeli embassy employees were senselessly murdered this evening outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC,” she wrote on social media X.

    According to media reports, the people mentioned died from gunshot wounds. “We are actively investigating and working to obtain additional information to release,” K. Noem said.

    American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutsch said the museum hosted an event Wednesday evening.

    At least one of the victims was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but later died from his injuries.

    Police are currently questioning a person in connection with the incident. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: experts comment on the Enhanced Games

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the Enhanced Games and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

    Dr Martin Chandler and Professor Ian Boardley from the University of Birmingham said:

    “The organisers of the Enhanced Games are promoting the idea that performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) can be used safely, and that humanity has a duty to explore their potential to maximise human performance. To advance this agenda, they propose an alternative to the Olympic Games — the Enhanced Games — in which athletes will be actively encouraged to use substances and methods that are prohibited in the Olympics and most professional sports. They claim athlete safety can be ensured through health monitoring and other support measures, although details on these remain limited.

    “A major issue with implementing health safeguards for athletes using substances such as anabolic steroids or erythropoietin is the lack of a reliable evidence base to inform these measures. This includes insufficient data on the potential side effects of these drugs and how to mitigate them. In our recent paper (see below) we argue that such an evidence base does not currently exist, and that crucial information on the effects of commonly used PEDs is missing. For instance, it is known that anabolic steroid use can lead to heart enlargement, often accompanied by stiffening of the heart wall and thickening of the blood. These changes can impair heart function and increase the risk of heart attacks. However, we lack detailed knowledge about how different types of anabolic steroids, specific dosing regimens, and usage patterns relate to these cardiac effects.

    “The limited evidence available — mostly observational rather than experimental — suggests that while some individuals experience severe side effects, others do not, and we have little understanding of why. Similarly, some users develop long-term issues that progress slowly, while others experience short-term effects that resolve quickly. Again, we lack sufficient data to predict these outcomes. The situation is further complicated when athletes use novel substances with minimal human data (e.g., research peptides, selective androgen receptor modulators [SARMs]) or combine multiple PEDs — a common practice among users. As such, there is currently no robust evidence base to support the Enhanced Games’ proposed safety protocols.

    “Another concern is that the performance-enhancing effects of PEDs take time to develop, requiring use well in advance of competition. If the Enhanced Games are serious about athlete safety, they would need to provide comprehensive medical oversight starting now and continuing well beyond the conclusion of the Games. It is unclear how they plan to manage this, or how they intend to address serious side effects in athletes to whom they have provided PEDs. As it stands, the Enhanced Games resemble a poorly designed drug trial lacking ethical oversight, rather than a credible alternative to the Olympic Games.”

    Reference:

    Martin Chandler and Ian Boardley (2025) ‘Harm reduction in the Enhanced Games: Can performance enhancing drugs be ‘safe’?’ Performance Enhancement & Health

    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peh.2025.100341

    https://www.enhanced.com/

    Declared interests

    Professor Ian Boardley has received funding for research from WADA, UKAD, and Dr Martin Chandler is on UKAD’s Innovation Commission.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese automaker unveils new lightweight SUV model in Egypt

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    CAIRO, May 22 (Xinhua) — Chinese auto brand Jetour Auto on Tuesday unveiled its new lightweight SUV model T1 at a launch near Egypt’s pyramids as part of its international expansion strategy.

    The event, held under the motto “Time to Wake Up,” attracted about a thousand participants, including car dealers, industry experts and media representatives.

    “During our global development, Jetour has received many travel stories from users around the world. We are committed to developing world-class products with world-class technology to serve our customers,” said Dai Lihong, president of Jetour Auto.

    In recent years, Jetour has become one of the fastest growing brands in the automotive sector. The company’s cumulative sales worldwide in the six years of its existence have exceeded 1.7 million units. In 2024 alone, sales volume exceeded 560,000 units, an increase of 80 percent compared to 2023, Dai Lihong noted.

    Jetour also signed an agreement with Egypt’s KASRAWY Group to supply assembly kits for its T1 and T2 models. These will be used to assemble cars in Egypt, increasing local production and creating new jobs. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Drummond Arms Hotel

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Works to make the Drummond Arms safe in accordance with Dangerous Building Notice (DBN) will commence week beginning 26 May. The Contractor will be setting up their site compound with removal works commencing on 2 June 2025.

    The first stage will be to remove the partially collapsed outbuilding to the rear. The contractor will then commence the second stage of DBN works, which is to remove unsafe parts of the roof and chimney stack of the former bank building.

    All due diligence in relation to the work has been carried out there will be no road or footpath closures whilst the DBN works are underway.

    We are having to clear some vegetation/scrub which is lying against the boundary to the west for the wall to be surveyed.

    This work will also begin on Monday 26 May 2025 and will be carried out by Perth and Kinross Council. All scrub/vegetation will be removed from the site upon completion.

    Last modified on 22 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Contributes to the Preservation of Biodiversity

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    May 22 marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, which helps draw attention to the need to preserve the richness of flora and fauna.

    Preservation of biodiversity is one of Rosneft’s key objectives in the regions where it operates. The company and its subsidiaries also implement numerous grant programs to support scientific and applied projects aimed at studying and protecting rare species of animals and plants.

    Earlier this year, the East Siberian Oil and Gas Company supported a grant project to assess the populations of rare predators in Evenkia. As part of the project, employees of the Tunguska State Nature Reserve will study how the current state of the Evenk taiga affects the populations of bears, wolves, sables, and lynxes of a species that has not previously been seen in the region. Based on the research results, a set of recommendations will be developed for organizing rational nature management in the region. Earlier, with the support of Vostsibneftegaz, the Siberian Federal University published the Red Book of Evenkia. The publication contains brief information about the appearance, habitats, lifestyle, and numbers of 45 rare and small animals in the region.

    Oilmen of RN-Vankor supported projects on the creation of a teaching aid on the key species-bioindicator of Arctic ecosystems – the wild reindeer of Taimyr, the study of the current state of the musk ox population on the peninsula, as well as the study of the state and well-being of the populations of the main commercial fish of the Taimyr reservoirs. Research of commercial fish populations is extremely important, first of all, for the indigenous peoples of the North, for whom fishing is an integral part of their traditional way of life.

    With the support of the Samara group of Rosneft enterprises – Samaraneftegaz, Kuibyshev, Novokuibyshevsk and Syzran Oil Refineries, Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company, Novokuibyshevsk Oil and Additives Plant in the Samarskaya Luka National Park, ornithologists are implementing a project aimed at preserving the white-tailed eagle. This is the largest and rarest bird in the Volga region, the species is listed in the Red Book of Russia and the International Red Book. Monitoring of nesting sites has been organized on the territory of the national park, which has made it possible to identify areas with a special nature conservation regime and take measures to control the tourist flow.

    Tyumenneftegaz supports projects aimed at preserving the ecosystem of Lake Solenoye. For three years, scientists from Tyumen State University conducted comprehensive ecological and biological research. As a result, more than 450 species of animals and plants were discovered, some of which are rare and protected. Oil workers also improved the coastal area, laid eco-trails, and installed containers for household waste.

    With the support of RN-Uvatneftegaz, scientists from the Tobolsk Scientific Station of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences are studying the population of forest reindeer in the Tyumen Region. In 2022-2024, large-scale monitoring was carried out, camera traps were installed, which confirmed the presence of the endangered animal in the region. A set of measures has been developed to preserve the habitat and create conditions for the preservation and subsequent growth of the population.

    Earlier, with the support of the enterprise, the Scientific and Analytical Center for Rational Use of Subsoil named after V.I. Shpilman monitored the condition of 390 large lakes in the region, and scientists from the Tyumen Scientific Center of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences developed an electronic database of rare plants in the Uvatsky District, which included data on more than 50 species. Ornithologists from the Tyumen State University developed measures to increase the population of rare bird species and created an electronic reference book “Birds of the South of the Tyumen Region”.

    Komsomolsk Oil Refinery together with scientists from Zapovednoye Priamurye continue to implement the project “Under a Strong Wing” to preserve the Steller’s Sea Eagle listed in the Red Book. As part of the project, ornithologists installed photo and video recording devices that allow observing bird families in the reserve. In addition, during the summer, scientists will conduct research on river water samples and fish, which are the food source for birds. The information collected will form the basis for developing a set of measures to protect this rare bird, which is listed in the Red Book of Russia as vulnerable.

    During the implementation of the Sakhalin-1 project, annual monitoring of the Okhotsk population of gray whales on the north-eastern shelf of Sakhalin Island is carried out. Since 1997, the program has included census and photography of whales, acoustic monitoring, observation of the behavior of mammals, and study of their food supply. All research is carried out jointly with the country’s leading scientific organizations.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 22, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Defense Contractor Pleads Guilty to Tax Crimes

    Source: US State of California

    Defendant Admits Concealing 50% Ownership of $7B Defense Contracting Business to Evade Taxes

    A former defense contractor pleaded guilty today to tax crimes related to his scheme to defraud the United States and evade taxes on income that he earned from his contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Douglas Edelman founded and owned 50% of Mina Corp. and Red Star Enterprises (Mina/Red Star), a defense contracting business that received more than $7 billion from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense to provide jet fuel in the United States’ post-9/11 military efforts in Afghanistan and the Middle East.

    Working with others, Edelman engaged in a lengthy scheme to hide his Mina/Red Star profits to evade U.S. taxes, including by concealing his income in undisclosed foreign bank accounts, creating false documents and making false statements that one of his co-conspirators — a French citizen residing abroad and without U.S. tax obligations — founded and owned Mina/Red Star.

    For example, when the company became profitable in 2005, Edelman began taking distributions which he deposited into Swiss bank accounts, primarily at Credit Suisse, in the name of other companies he owned. In 2008, Credit Suisse informed Edelman that he had to either close his accounts or disclose them to U.S. authorities. Rather than come into compliance with his tax and reporting obligations, Edelman closed his accounts and opened new ones at Bank Julius Baer in Singapore in the name of a nominee entity, the beneficiaries of which were purportedly Edelman’s daughters. He then directed the subject income he earned from Mina/Red Star to those bank accounts.

    In 2010 the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs began investigating allegations of corruption in connection with Mina/Red Star’s contracts with the Department of Defense. As part of this inquiry, the subcommittee became interested in the identity of Mina/Red Star’s owners. At this time, Edelman had not filed U.S. tax returns to report the millions of dollars he had earned from Mina/Red Star and had not paid U.S. taxes on his income.

    Rather than disclose his ownership, Edelman caused his attorneys to tell Congress a false story that a French co-conspirator who had no U.S. tax or reporting obligations founded and co-owed Mina/Red Star with another individual. To corroborate the false story, Edelman and a co-conspirator caused false and backdated paperwork to be created.

    To continue the scheme, Edelman conveyed the false story about Mina/Red Star’s ownership to other arms of the U.S. government, including to the Department of Defense during contract negotiations in 2010 and 2011, to the IRS in a 2016 application to the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program, and to the Justice Department in a 2018 presentation.

    In conjunction with his 2016 application to the IRS’s Voluntary Disclosure Program, Edelman filed false tax returns for several prior years that only reported income from gifts or purported consulting payments, continuing to conceal the millions he had earned from his company. On the returns, he  also concealed profits he had earned from a separate business to provide internet service to members of the armed forces at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan.

    Instead of paying the taxes that he knew he owed, Edelman used the money to fund his lifestyle and additional investments. He invested in a music television franchise in Eastern Europe, a land venture in Tulum, Mexico, and a farm in Kenya, and purchased property around Europe, including a home in Ibiza, Spain, and a townhouse in London.

    Edelman faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count to which he has pleaded. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.

    Special agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., that is dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, along with the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted in the investigation. Also providing assistance were His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs of the United Kingdom; the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), which brings together the taxing authorities of Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States; and authorities from Belize, Israel, and Cyprus.

    The Government of the Kingdom of Spain arrested and extradited Edelman to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance in securing Edelman’s arrest and extradition.

    Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 80 arrests and more than 37,700 cultural goods seized in major art trafficking bust

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    22 May 2025

    Europol, INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported investigators from 23 countries in the fight against criminals who exploit humanity’s cultural heritage

    LYON, France – The ninth edition of Operation Pandora, an international operation targeting the trafficking of cultural goods, has led to 80 arrests and the seizure of 37,727 items including archaeological pieces, artworks, coins and musical instruments.

    Codenamed Pandora IX and carried out throughout 2024, the operation involved law enforcement and customs authorities from 23 countries. It was coordinated by Spain (Guardia Civil), with operational support from Europol, INTERPOL and the WCO through its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe. 

    Authorities also confiscated 69 metal detectors and 23 tools commonly used for illegal excavations, underlining the persistent threat of looting to cultural sites.

    In total, 258 cases were reported by the participating countries. Many investigations are still ongoing, with further arrests and seizures expected.

    Operational highlights

    The Italian Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage (TPC) in coordination with the Italian Customs and Monopolies agency (ADM) seized a painting attributed to renowned artist Jannis Kounellis during a joint border operation. Upon inspection, it was determined to be inauthentic. Had it been genuine, its estimated value would have been around EUR 100,000. In a separate investigation, the Carabinieri TPC seized more than 300 items, including coins, metal and ceramic fragments such as arrowheads and spearheads dating back to the Roman and Punic periods. These artifacts were being offered for sale on e-commerce platforms and were discovered in a private apartment.

    Two icons of Saint Seraphim of Sarov were discovered by Ukraine Customs.

    Both icons of Saint Seraphim were found in the luggage of a passenger travelling by bus during a control at the border with Poland.

    One of 36 coins found by Ukraine Customs while controlling a private vehicle at the border with Poland.

    The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting

    Spanish Guardia Civil: During the operation authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins

    Italian Customs and Monopolies agency (ADM) seized a painting attributed to artist Jannis Kounellis, which turned out to be inauthentic.

    The Carabinieri TPC seized more than 300 items, including coins, metal and ceramic fragments.

    Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora has become a key global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking.

    The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a criminal group involved in archaeological looting in the province of Cáceres. Six individuals were arrested, and three others are under investigation. During the operation authorities recovered 2,500 archaeological items, primarily Roman coins minted in the Celtiberian city of Tamusia. These artifacts had been looted from protected archaeological sites in the province of Caceres using metal detectors and were being sold illegally through social media platforms.

    Also in Spain, the Guardia Civil intercepted a passenger attempting to fly from Palma de Mallorca to Germany carrying 55 ancient coins and a ring. A subsequent investigation led to an indictment for crimes against cultural heritage and plundering underwater wrecks and archaeological sites. In total, 64 objects of historical value and 1,576 ancient coins were confiscated.

    In Greece, the Department of Cultural Heritage and Antiquities of Athens recovered five Byzantine icons. Acting on intelligence and using special investigative techniques, including an undercover officer, three individuals were arrested while attempting to sell the icons for EUR 70,000.

    Ukrainian customs authorities seized 87 cultural goods that were being illegally transported out of the country to Poland, Moldova and Romania.

    Cyber patrols uncover additional cases

    In addition to on-the-ground actions, dedicated cyber patrols were carried out during the operation to identify potential illicit online sales of cultural property. These virtual investigations led to the opening of new cases, demonstrating how digital platforms are quickly becoming a channel of choice by traffickers to market and sell looted artefacts. A total of 4,298 cultural goods were seized as a result of the cyber patrols.

    Built on international cooperation

    Operation Pandora IX was carried out in the framework of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT). Europol facilitated the exchange of information and provided analytical and operational support to the national investigations. Furthermore, one cyber patrol week was hosted by Europol.

    INTERPOL coordinated cross-border actions and offered tools such as its Stolen Works of Art database and on the ground ID-Art mobile application.

    The WCO’s secure communication tool, CENcomm, was made available to all participants while its Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Eastern and Central Europe compiled, refined and shared information provided by Customs administrations

    Since its launch in 2016, Operation Pandora has become a key global initiative to protect cultural heritage from illicit trafficking.

    Participating countries in Pandora IX (2024):

    Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Ukraine, United States.

    Participating agencies:

    Europol, INTERPOL, World Customs Organization

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Jaishankar meets Danish PM Frederiksen, discusses green partnership and anti-terror cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of high-level meetings in Denmark on Wednesday, aimed at deepening Indo-Danish ties and reinforcing strategic cooperation on key global challenges, including counter-terrorism and green partnerships.

    Jaishankar’s visit to Copenhagen is part of his ongoing three-nation tour to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24. After concluding a successful two-day official visit to the Netherlands, where he engaged in bilateral discussions, Jaishankar reached Denmark to further India’s diplomatic outreach in Europe.

    Jaishankar was received by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen, where the two leaders held discussions aimed at advancing the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership. The talks highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to sustainable development and climate action. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Thank PM Mette Frederiksen for warmly receiving me in Copenhagen this evening. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Thank Denmark for its solidarity and support in combating terrorism.”

    A key highlight of the visit was Jaishankar’s meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. The two ministers discussed ways to further strengthen India-Denmark relations and exchanged views on key global developments. Jaishankar lauded Denmark’s consistent support for India’s stand against terrorism. “Delighted to meet FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen in Copenhagen this evening… Our wide-ranging conversation on bilateral ties and global issues testifies to the strength of our relationship,” he said on X.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar also met Morten Bodskov, Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. The meeting explored ways to enhance existing collaborations and identify new areas of economic cooperation between the two countries. “Pleased to meet Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Morten Bodskov in Copenhagen today. We discussed deepening existing areas of cooperation and exploring new possibilities,” Jaishankar said.

    The foreign minister also held talks with Soren Gade, Speaker of the Danish Parliament (Folketing). He expressed appreciation for Denmark’s consistent support and solidarity with India’s counter-terrorism efforts. “A very warm meeting with Speaker Soren Gade in Copenhagen today. Appreciate his solidarity as India resolutely combats terrorism. Also value his sustained support for building India-Denmark relations,” he said.

    Additionally, the external affairs minister interacted with members of the Indian community in Copenhagen. He lauded their role in strengthening people-to-people connections and enhancing India’s image abroad. “Great to meet with Indian community representatives in Copenhagen. They hold the Indian flag high in Denmark and shape our positive image in this country,” he said.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Five First World War Soldiers Buried in Belgium

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Five First World War Soldiers Buried in Belgium

    The remains of Private (Pte) Harry James Birch of the Cheshire Regiment, and four unknown soldiers were recovered during roadworks in the Poelcapelle-Hulsthoutseweg area of Belgium in 2018.

    A musician from The Band of the Mercian Regiment sounds the Last Post (Crown Copyright)

    The service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Poelcapelle British Cemetery near Ypres, Belgium today (21 May 2025).

    The bearer party, standard bearers, and Padre laying Private Birch and his comrades to rest (Crown Copyright)

    Pte Birch, who served with the 16th Battalion The Cheshire Regiment, died on 22 October 1917 during the Third Battle of Ypres. Pte Birch was formally identified using DNA provided by his great-nephew, but the first clue to his identity was a leather belt found with him which bore traces of his regimental number and part of his name.

    Alexia Clark, MOD War Detective said:

    It has been a privilege to organise this burial service for Pte Birch. When you consider the half-a-million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can identify feels like an achievement. I am delighted that Pte Birch’s military family have now been able to give him the dignified burial he had been denied for so long.

    Sadly, despite extensive research, it has not been possible to identify the four men found alongside Pte Birch.  In total 2,068 men lost their lives in Belgium between 22 and 24 October 1917 and more than 1,000 of those remain missing.

    The military party who were involved in the burial service, from 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Crown Copyright)

    Reverend Gary Birch, Senior Chaplain, Head Quarters South West, said:

    It is always a sobering privilege to officiate at any service person’s funeral, but even more so to give a WW1 soldier the proper dignity and respect they deserve. Although we’re not related, the fact that I share two names with Private Harry James Birch brings an even greater poignancy to the service for me, and a reminder that any of us who serve in the armed forces may one day be asked to offer the greatest sacrifice in service to others.

    Although the other men buried next to Pte Birch today remain unnamed, it is important and right that each one is given the same respect and honour. Each one who fell whilst serving their country is worthy of full respect and it is my great honour to lead these moments of reflection and reverence.

    The graves will now be cared for by CWGC. Dr Daniel Seaton, Commemorations Case Officer at the CWGC, said:

    We are deeply honoured to have these four unknown soldiers and Private Birch of the Cheshire Regiment laid to rest at Poelcapelle British Cemetery, after they tragically lost their lives more than a century ago. Their graves will be cared for by us, in perpetuity. We would also like to thank our Belgium Area Operations Team and Recovery Unit for their part in preparing the cemetery – with this ceremony speaking to the Commission’s work of ensuring that those who gave their lives in the world wars continue to be remembered.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Leadership in Economics, Management and Trade: Polytechnic University Creates Platform for Interdisciplinary Dialogue

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade held the All-Russian scientific-practical and educational-methodical conference “Fundamental and applied research in the field of management, economics and trade”. The conference was attended by teachers and scientists, representatives of the business community, government bodies, as well as the young academic generation – postgraduates and masters of universities. The geography of the conference covered ten regions of the Russian Federation and foreign countries: Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan.

    IPMET holds the conference for the ninth year in a row. This year, the main agenda touched upon the current issues of achieving technological leadership of Russia in the economy, management, trade, finance and economic security. Participants shared their research and experience in implementing applied solutions using modern mathematical and statistical tools, progressive digital technologies applicable to different levels of management: state, regional, industry, individual enterprises and organizations.

    The grand opening took place in the White Hall of the Polytechnic Universityplenary session “Artificial Intelligence in the Economy: Cross-Industry Solutions”. The session was moderated by the chairperson of the conference program committee, director of the Scientific and Educational Center for Information Technology and Business Analysis at Gazprom Neft, and professor at the Higher School of Engineering and Economics, Irina Rudskaya.

    The plenary session was held in the format of a panel discussion, at which the speakers touched upon current issues concerning the possibilities and problems of using artificial intelligence in various areas of the economy: industry, telecommunications, medicine, finance, education, and agriculture.

    The discussion turned out to be lively and non-trivial, since both speakers and participants were skillfully involved by the moderator in the discussion of the pressing issues of artificial intelligence, which was continued in other events of the conference.

    Arman Avetyan, Associate Professor of the Department of Management and Business at the Russian-Armenian University, who was invited to participate in the discussion, shared his experience of using artificial intelligence in the educational process during practical classes with students and postgraduates. Khamit Fattakhov, Director of Continuous Improvement of Production at Power Machines JSC, briefly spoke about the specifics of using AI tools to increase labor productivity and optimize operational processes in industry.

    Artificial intelligence goes beyond automation, creating inter-industry synergy: finance, education, industry. AI technologies not only increase efficiency, but also change management strategies, helping businesses adapt to digital challenges. That is why our conference brought together not only economists and IT specialists, but also representatives of business, healthcare, agriculture and science. Only interdisciplinary dialogue allows us to find a balance between innovation and sustainability, – says Irina Rudskaya.

    In addition to the plenary session, there were three round tables and 16 sections, including a section of the student scientific society.

    A separate section of the conference was devoted to educational and methodological issues of training personnel for strategically important sectors of the economy in modern conditions.

    Also, to celebrate the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the conference included a section entitled “The Great Victory: Socio-Economic and Technological Aspects” with presentations on issues of economics, the social sphere and the development of technology in the war and post-war periods.

    An excursion to the Museum of History of SPbPU was organized for the conference guests, which was conducted by the museum director Valery Klimov, as well as a cultural program with a sightseeing tour of the city. The tour guides there were students from the Higher School of Service and Trade of the IPMET, majoring in Tourism and Hotel Business.

    On the last day of the conference, the head of the Department of Economic Theory Svetlana Golovkina gave a lecture on the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, “Science and Education in the Blockaded Polytechnic: a Feat of Intelligence.” The speaker clearly drew a line between human and artificial intelligence, and showed the role and significance of human thought in solving extremely complex problems during the blockade.

    The conference ended with the awarding of the winners of the competition of students’ research papers, as well as the winners and prize-winners of the competition for the support of scientific research of postgraduate students of the Institute of Mechanics and Technology, conducted with the financial support of the target capital “Economic Education” of the endowment fund of SPbPU.

    This year, when planning and organizing the conference, we set ourselves three main objectives. The first was to create a modern congress platform with a broad geographical and representative coverage for exchanging opinions and knowledge. The second was to offer and implement a lively professional discussion on topical issues of the fundamental and applied agenda for achieving Russia’s technological leadership in the economy, management and trade. And the third was to strengthen existing and establish new ties between conference participants, create conditions for effective interaction in the educational, scientific and industrial spheres. I would also like to emphasize the importance of our horizontal collaboration – the coordinated work of all structural divisions of IPMEiT in organizing the conference allowed us to use the scientific, personnel and resource potential of the institute as effectively as possible and expand the scope of participation, – summed up the results of the conference, IPMEiT Director Vladimir Shchepinin.

    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: PISH Polytechnic is in the first group of the best Advanced Engineering Schools of Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The Digital Engineering School of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University entered the first group ranking of leading engineering schools in Russia. It reflects the quality of educational programs, scientific research, the degree of development of the development program and the management system. The rating is a guideline for school teams and their technology partners, in which areas they need to improve and develop their activities.

    The first group consists of:

    Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (Moscow) National Research University ITMO (Saint Petersburg) Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Moscow) Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (Saint Petersburg) National University of Science and Technology MISIS (Moscow) Samara State Medical University (Samara) Southern Federal University (Rostov-on-Don) Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin (Ekaterinburg) Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University (Kazan) National Research Tomsk State University (Tomsk)

    Along with the universities of the Ministry of Education and Science, the first wave of the project included universities of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Digital Development, which already at the start of the project allowed for more comprehensive coverage of key sectors of the economy. The focus of the leading engineering schools and their technology partners was on strategically important areas, including automation and artificial intelligence, digital twins and new materials, optimization of technological processes, and unmanned aircraft systems. It is important that working with leading engineering schools has greatly interested businesses, so while the volume of state funding for the first wave of schools over three years amounted to 25.1 billion rubles, extra-budgetary investments amounted to 33.3 billion rubles, noted the head of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov.

    The PISH rating, formed based on the results of defenses, will allow us to further monitor the dynamics of the development of leading engineering schools.

    Let us recall that on May 15, 2025, the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU at the Council for the consideration of issues and coordination of the activities of the Advanced Engineering School presented the results of its work and development plans for two and a half years.

    The program of the SPbPU PIS “Digital Engineering” allowed us to open many new modern laboratories and scientific and educational spaces at our university, develop and launch new master’s and additional professional education programs in relevant engineering areas. I would like to note that the SPbPU PIS also expanded its effective and systematic interaction with industrial partners – high-tech companies and corporations. In addition, it was in the “Digital Engineering” PIS that the qualified partnership model was successfully tested, which formed the basis of the SPbPU development program until 2030 and in the long term until 2036. Formed teams with competencies and experience in solving breakthrough scientific and technological problems, the created scientific and scientific-technological reserve and the established effective qualified partnership with industry will help us make a breakthrough in the scientific and technological sphere, aimed at ensuring the technological leadership of our country, – commented the rector of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy.

    As a representative of the company – industrial partner of the SPbPU PISh, Director of the Department of Scientific and Technical Activities of JSC TVEL Alexey Shishkin noted: Fuel Company TVEL has been a strategic partner of the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” since the beginning of the federal project Advanced Engineering Schools. Two and a half years of our joint activities have convincingly proven that the synergy of the competencies of the country’s leading polytechnic university and a high-tech company yields outstanding results, both in the field of training engineering personnel and in terms of R & D implementation. Already in 2024, graduates of the Master’s program of the Advanced Engineering School “Digital Engineering” were employed by the company “Centrotech-Engineering”, which is part of the management circuit of Fuel Company TVEL. Training at the SPbPU PISh gives young engineers a unique opportunity to use and implement the latest technologies in their activities, influencing the development of the nuclear industry. We are especially pleased that it was with the specialists of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU that at the end of 2024 we successfully completed a three-year project that was significant for TVEL Fuel Company and the entire nuclear industry – the development of digital twins of fuel assemblies for water-moderated nuclear reactors – TVS-K PWR and TVS WWER.

    The implementation of the strategic initiative of the Government of the Russian Federation “Advanced Engineering Schools” in the period from 2022 to 2024 was carried out within the framework of the federal project “Advanced Engineering Schools” of the state program “Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation”. Since 2025, the continuity of the activities of the project “Advanced Engineering Schools” has been ensured by including them in the federal project “Universities for the Generation of Leaders” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    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: Manchester Arena: message of remembrance from the SIA

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Manchester Arena: message of remembrance from the SIA

    A message of remembrance from the Security Industry Authority, 8 years on from the Manchester Arena attack.

    Today our thoughts are with the people of Manchester.  We remember in particular the families who lost loved ones and those who were injured and had their lives shattered because of the Manchester Arena attack on 22 May 2017. 8 years on you are still very much in our thoughts.    

    We remain committed to playing our part to strengthen public safety, and we are humbled and honoured to be appointed as the Martyn’s Law regulator. We fully appreciate the significance of Martyn’s Law and the important role the Martyn’s Law regulator will have. This is an important responsibility we will discharge with care and diligence.

    As we plan and prepare for this important responsibility with our partners in government, and the wider security landscape, we remain committed to the pursuit of greater public safety for everyone.

    Heather Baily, Chair – Security Industry Authority 

    Michelle Russell, Chief Executive – Security Industry Authority

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Multi-million defence investment creates 700 jobs days after UK-EU security pact

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Multi-million defence investment creates 700 jobs days after UK-EU security pact

    Hundreds of high-skilled jobs created at defence firm MBDA’s expanded Bolton site.

    • Hundreds of high-skilled jobs created at defence firm MBDA’s expanded Bolton site, working on cutting-edge missile system manufacturing technology
    • Announcement comes just days after the Government signs new Security and Defence Partnership that will boost defence procurement opportunities for UK.
    • Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will visit site and hail investment as latest vote of confidence in Government’s upcoming modern Industrial Strategy.

    Britain’s defence industry received yet another boost this week as 700 high-skilled jobs are set to be created following a £200 million investment from European defence company MBDA at its site in Bolton.

    The announcement follows new Security and Defence Partnership signed at this week’s EU-UK Summit which will open the door to the EU’s new weapons scheme, leading to significant opportunities for the UK’s world-leading defence industries, driving growth and supporting 430,000 British jobs and livelihoods.

    This is the latest win for the UK’s leading defence and advanced manufacturing sectors and is further proof the Government’s Plan for Change is working.

    It also represents a major vote of confidence in the upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, which will drive investment in the UK’s high-growth sectors by giving businesses the certainty they need to commit to the UK.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will visit MBDA’s Bolton site today (22 May) to formally announce the investment, which forms part of a wider £500 million commitment from the company to expand its UK manufacturing and technologies.

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This is great news for Bolton and another win for our world-class defence sector, which will create hundreds of good, well-paid jobs and ensure the UK continues to lead the way on the cutting-edge technologies of the future.

    Our new Security and Defence Partnership will unlock access to the EU’s proposed new £150 billion defence fund for UK firms. Coupled with the launch of our upcoming modern Industrial Strategy, communities across the country will see how our Plan for Change is working – delivering growth at home and strength abroad.

    The investment from MBDA, a leading missile systems manufacturer, will more than double its Bolton footprint by 2028 and grow its apprenticeship and STEM outreach programme, which already includes over 400 early-career professionals UK-wide.

    It also supports MBDA’s goal to deliver £10 billion of UK exports by 2032, cementing the UK’s position as a leader in the manufacturing and export of complex weapons systems, and comes after the Government announced a £6.5 billion complex weapons partnership with MBDA in July 2024.

    MBDA UK Managing Director Chris Allam said:

    We are proud and excited to be building a world class engineering and manufacturing campus in the north-west of England, the centre of complex weapons manufacturing for the UK, and our associated recruitment and training will extend our already great workforce.

    MBDA is privileged to have a 10-year Complex Weapons portfolio agreement with the UK Government. This gives us the confidence to invest and better support the UK and its allies. It also helps our supply chain and over 700 SMEs who work with MBDA in the UK. When we expand, they expand with us.

    Megan, a manufacturing apprentice at MBDA’s Bolton site, said:

    It’s great that our site is expanding and there will be more early-careers opportunities for young people. Becoming an apprentice was an obvious choice for me. Having the chance to learn as part of my full-time job and achieve a recognised qualification and career made it a very easy decision.

    Apprenticeships can be unique experience for each person. They provide the chance to excel in industries people are passionate about, and the experiences they get will shape their future. Making the most out of my apprenticeship has led to reward and recognition for my hard work, and I always encourage others to study STEM subjects and do the same.

    UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid said:

    Pioneering companies like MBDA UK investing in their people and technologies for the long-term underscore why we are a world leader in defence.

    Thanks to our multi-billion-pound direct lending uplift, we can support even more defence firms to expand their production lines and take on more international orders from allies – leading to greater economic growth, stronger supply chains and local jobs back here at home.

    The Government is backing the defence sector to deliver skilled jobs and growth across the country as part of its Plan for Change and is providing significant financial support to UK defence companies through UK Export Finance (UKEF).

    In March this year, the Chancellor announced a £2 billion increase in UKEF’s Direct Lending capacity for defence exports, taking its overall lending capability to £10 billion.

    The UK is one of the largest exporters of defence equipment in the world, and in 2023 the UK won defence contracts worth £14.5 billion.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Jonathan Hall KC as independent reviewer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Appointment of Jonathan Hall KC as independent reviewer

    Jonathan Hall KC has been appointed to lead the HMP Frankland Independent Review.

    Following the attacks on 3 prison officers in the separation centre at HMP Frankland on 12 April, the Lord Chancellor announced on 15 May that Jonathan Hall KC will lead the HMP Frankland Independent Review.

    The terms of the independent review are as follows:

    • Consider whether the facts of the incident, as established by HMPPS’ internal review reveal the need for any changes to how convicted terrorists are placed onto Separation Centres.
    • Consider whether the policies, operating procedures, legal framework, and relationships with other agencies that underpin Separation Centres are fit for purpose, including whether an appropriate balance is being struck between security and long-term offender management.
    • Provide findings and recommendations on the basis of the above that can be implemented to reduce the likelihood of any such incident occurring in the future.

    Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said:

    I will do whatever it takes to protect our brave prison officers. I have asked for the review to report back promptly, and to leave no stone unturned so we can prevent such an incident ever happening again.

    Jonathan Hall KC

    Jonathan Hall KC is the current Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation and Independent Reviewer of State Threats Legislation. Mr Hall is an experienced barrister in independent practice and King’s Counsel since 2014. He has been involved in complex and high-profile cases involving fraud, law enforcement, and national security.

    While Mr Hall will be given access to the information he needs to deliver against the terms of reference, the review will be independent of HMPPS. The report on the Review, including any recommendations, will be submitted to the Lord Chancellor and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Justice.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Invalda INVL dividend payment procedure for the year 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 30 April 2025 the General Shareholders Meeting of Invalda INVL (identification code 121304349, address Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius, Lithuania) decided to allocate EUR 1.25 dividend per share.

    Dividends will be paid to the shareholders who were shareholders of Invalda INVL at the end of the tenth business day following the day of the General Shareholders Meeting that adopted a decision on dividend payment, i.e. on 15 May 2025.

    From 23 May 2025 the dividends will be paid in the following order:
    – to the shareholders, whose Invalda INVL shares are accounted by a financial brokerage company or credit institutions, which provide securities accounting services, the amount of dividend, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders’ account held with a respective financial brokerage company or credit institution;
    – to the shareholders whose Invalda INVL shares on behalf of the company are accounted by the authorised custodian AB Artea Bank, the dividend amount, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders’ account with Lithuanian commercial bank as indicated by the shareholders (requests for transfer of dividends to the account specified by the shareholder can be submitted to the nearest customer service department of AB Artea Bank).

    Dividend taxation procedure for the year 2024:
    – dividends paid to natural persons–residents of the Republic of Lithuania and natural persons–residents of foreign countries are subject to withholding Personal income tax of 15%;
    – dividends paid to legal entities of the Republic of Lithuania and legal entities–residents of foreign countries are subject to withholding Corporate income tax of 16%, unless otherwise provided for by the laws.

    The person authorized to provide additional information is:
    Raimondas Rajeckas, CFO of Invalda INVL
    raimondas@invaldainvl.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev and Alexey Teksler discussed the development of the agro-industrial complex and environmental issues in the Chelyabinsk region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Alexey Teksler

    May 21, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Alexey Teksler

    May 21, 2025

    Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexey Teksler

    May 21, 2025

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    Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Alexey Teksler

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the Governor of the Chelyabinsk Region Alexey Teksler. The main issues were the development of the region’s agro-industrial complex, as well as the implementation of national projects in the environmental sphere.

    Alexey Teksler informed about the progress of the sowing campaign and plans for the harvest. This year, the region expects to harvest more than 2 million tons of grain. Farmers expect to produce approximately 260 thousand tons of oilseeds, as well as provide forage for livestock.

    Dmitry Patrushev drew special attention to the importance of providing the region’s farmers with all material resources during the sowing campaign, including plant protection products and mineral fertilizers.

    The head of the region reported on the implementation of major investment projects in the agro-industrial complex, noting the growth in the livestock industry, in particular the production of poultry meat and commercial eggs. In the Chelyabinsk region, construction of a first-order breeding reproducer for the development of the domestic cross of chickens “Smena 9” continues, cooperation has been established with an agricultural university and industrial partners to train specialists in the field of poultry farming.

    Dmitry Patrushev and Aleksey Teksler also discussed the results of the implementation of the national project “Ecology” in the region. The Chelyabinsk region implemented projects to create solid municipal waste disposal facilities, eliminate landfills, reduce the volume of hazardous pollutant emissions into the atmosphere, clean water bodies and reforestation. Within the framework of the new national project “Ecological Well-Being”, which started this year, work in these areas will be continued.

    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: Help make prom night unforgettable for children in care

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The City of Wolverhampton Council is inviting people to make financial donations towards prom outfits so that its 60 children in care in Year 11 can enjoy this important childhood milestone later this summer.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said; “For many of these young people, prom is a significant part of their educational journey, marking the end of their time at school and the beginning of the next chapters in their lives – whether that involves further education, employment, or training.

    “Going to the prom allows them a chance to celebrate their successes with their friends and teachers, creating lifelong memories before leaving school.

    “That is why we are asking for your support so that our young people can attend this milestone event wearing evening gowns, suits, and accessories, which they can wear with smiles on their faces!

    “All donations, no matter how big or small, will be hugely appreciated and will make a remarkable difference to the young people we care for.”

    To make a donation, please email corporate.parenting@wolverhampton.gov.uk, indicating the amount you or your organisation is able to contribute. An invoice will be sent to you so you can process the donation through bank transfer. Donations should be made by Friday 6 June, 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Partnering with Ape2o to reduce plastic waste

    Source: City of Birmingham

    ape2o has installed one of its water refill stations in Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, in a bid help eliminate single-use plastics in the park.

    This is the first installation of a “Big Ape” with Birmingham Council, underlining ape2o’s significant progress in fighting the war on plastic across the UK and emphasizing Birmingham’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and protecting the environment for its communities.

    “Big Apes” don’t monkey around, they aren’t just any refill station, they are a sophisticated technology that gives people the choice of ultra-filtered chilled still or sparkling at a fraction of the cost of plastic bottled water.  Consumers can just tap, choose, refill and go – encouraging people to use refillable bottles, instead of bottles that destroy the planet.

    Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport at Birmingham City Council, said: “We are really pleased to partner with ape2o to bring their innovative water refill stations to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park.

    “This initiative is part of our wider commitment to sustainability, aiming to reduce single-use plastic waste and encourage environmentally friendly practices across the council and city.”

    ape2o is focused on their mission to convert more people to drink water without plastic.

    There is no time to lose: less than 10% of single-use plastic bottles are recycled, the majority ending their journey in our oceans, landfills, or being incinerated, contributing to over a quarter of a million tonnes of CO2e emissions annually.

    ape2o cofounder and CEO, Anthony Newman comments said: “We’re extremely proud to work with Birmingham City Council as our first official government council partnership. And the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is the perfect place to start. ape2o can help consumers across the city refill and ditch the plastic.”

    And ape2o don’t just talk about it, they do it. 10% of all their sales go to ocean, freshwater, and marine life conservation and clean-up projects. The fewer plastic bottles bought, and the more refills done with Big Apes instead, the more these projects receive and the closer we get to a world without single use plastic. ape2o is water that gives back. 

    Partnering with Birmingham City Council is a huge achievement in ape2o’s journey to date, and they hope to install more locations around the city in the future to make it easier for all consumers to ditch the plastic bottle habit.

    For more information, please contact bigapes@ape2o.com.

    Notes to Editors

    ape2o’s vision is to break the habit of single use plastic bottles by creating a more sustainable and affordable system: (1) easy public access to hygienic, trusted pure water refill machines, (2) the means to drink from them and, (3) the motivation to make the change and join the movement. They do this with their “Big Ape” vending network, their “Silverback” and “Turtle” plastic free stainless-steel bottles and their “10% Promise commitment to transparently donate 10% of turnover to ocean, beach and river clean-up and conservation initiatives.

    ape2o is a certified B Corporation and was recognized in 2022 as a Top 5% “Best For The World” B Corp.  This past February ape2o was the winner of the City of London’s Clean City Scheme Awards, 2024 Innovator Award.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU and NSTU students create a universal translator for business and tourists

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    NSU and NSTU students Kirill Voinov and Nikita Bychkov are developing a new application for instant simultaneous translation of spoken speech from Russian into foreign languages and vice versa. The product is intended for both tourists and businesses, and will allow communication with foreigners without a language barrier: the user will hear the translation in headphones, and his words will be voiced in another language through the smartphone speaker.

    The neural network will know Russian, Chinese and English and specialize in translation accuracy and ease of use. To do this, the product will have a complex of neural networks that translate speech and recognize accents, filter noise and synthesize a voice that is 60% similar to the original, and in a conversation of more than two people, the program will voice their words in different voices so that the user understands who is speaking.

    Such technologies are becoming popular against the backdrop of globalization, growth of tourism and international business contacts. Such a solution is becoming necessary in conditions when personal meetings are already half replaced by online negotiations and the dependence on correct translation increases. The development of artificial intelligence and neural networks has made it possible to bring closer the future with one language for the whole world – now it is not science fiction, but a tool that works.

    —This is a step higher than Google Translate voice. Our application will perform full simultaneous translation of speech, with a minimum number of delays and high accuracy. We have already achieved 80% accuracy and continue to improve the program, — emphasized the project manager, a bachelor’s student Faculty of Economics, NSU Kirill Voinov.

    The second developer on the team and project partner, Nikita Bychkov, represents the Faculty of Automation and Computer Engineering at NSTU.

    The developers will launch two versions of the product:

    — for travelers and everyday communication — a translator app for Android;

    — for companies — a complex program with a focus on business translation, taking into account terms and context.

    Kirill notes that the application uses new technologies for Russia – a morpheme tokenizer – a special translator from human to neural network language, which will allow to understand Russian better than Western neural networks. For a month now, the team has been developing the main neural network translator, then will train neural network assistants, and then launch the application by the end of September – beginning of October 2025. A commercial product for business will appear in early 2026. Before the official release, the project will undergo a series of free pilot tests with corporate partners.

    The developers also emphasize that in Russia, only Yandex is developing such technologies. In other countries, such functions are only being implemented and so far work in the subtitle format or are limited to individual devices, as in the future, the Apple application.

    Kirill spoke about the development prospects of the project:

    — We want to determine where our product is needed: either in the app market, then we will focus on expanding the number of languages and adding colloquial expressions and slang, or our translator will be of interest to exporters, then we will expand the dictionary through specialized terminology packages. Most likely, we will start with the oil and gas industry.

    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 –