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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The plan for the Decade of Science and Technology is aimed at achieving technological leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A meeting of the Coordination Committee for the Decade of Science and Technology was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. Participants discussed the interim results of the Decade’s initiatives for 2025 and preparations for the V Congress of Young Scientists.

    “The Decade of Science and Technology, announced by President Vladimir Putin, is aimed at strengthening the role of science and technology in solving key development problems of the country. Its main goal is to achieve technological leadership of Russia. To achieve this, a special plan has been developed, which provides for the popularization of modern scientific knowledge and obtaining a real socio-economic effect. One of the main annual events – the Congress of Young Scientists – has been included in the national project “Youth and Children” since this year. The event will traditionally bring together representatives of the scientific community, business leaders, as well as representatives of state and public organizations from Russia and other countries,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chairman of the Coordination Committee for the Decade of Science and Technology Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Last year, more than 7,000 people from 85 regions of Russia and abroad took part in the Congress of Young Scientists.

    The Decade’s initiatives strengthen the human resources potential of the scientific and technological sphere.

    “Holding the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia is, of course, a very important initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. It is aimed at popularizing scientific achievements and creating conditions for doing science. I believe that the organizers and all participants of the Decade of Science and Technology are, on the whole, successfully coping with these tasks,” said Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov noted that the Decade of Science and Technology forms the correct perception of science and the profession of a scientist. According to surveys, the proportion of parents who welcome their children’s choice of a career in the scientific field is increasing, now there are more than 60%.

    “We also see a growing interest among young people in engineering specialties, which is associated with the extensive work within the Decade of Science and Technology. Compared to 2022, admission to engineering programs in 2024 increased by 7% – from 213 thousand to 228 thousand people,” the minister emphasized.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky reported that scientific volunteering is developing, the study of the legacy of the Soviet scientific school continues, the network of scientific playgrounds for children is expanding – today there are 55 of them in 41 cities in Russia. In the “Science and Innovation” domain, 26 services are available for the research community. In Russia, 12 new routes for popular science tourism have been launched in the regions, and in general, there are 87 of them in the country.

    “Since the beginning of 2025, more than 3,000 events of the Decade of Science and Technology have been held, reaching more than 4 million people. This reflects the scale of the work done and sets a high bar for the second half of the year. The development of existing formats continues, new areas are emerging so that more and more young people see science as an opportunity for professional growth and participation in the future of the country,” he said.

    Sofia Malyavina, Director General, spoke about the work of the operator of the Decade of Science and Technology, ANO National Priorities: “Since the beginning of the Decade of Science and Technology in 2022, we have organized more than a hundred excursions and lectures “Science is Nearby”, created dozens of thematic TV projects and podcasts, and attracted over 100 thousand schoolchildren and students to participate in competitions. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, over 24 thousand publications about science have been published – on television, radio, in the press, and online. Interest in this topic is growing, and our task is to ensure that as many people as possible learn about scientific achievements and the specialists behind them.”

    The head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov noted that the scientific volunteer community consists of more than 60 thousand people, and in 2025, more than 3 thousand volunteers joined it: “Rosmolodezh, together with the “Movement of the First”, is implementing the direction “Science and Technology. “DARE AND DISCOVER”, which helps popularize science among children and young people, including through the flagship project “First in Science”. This year, we plan to launch at least 600 “First” scientific clubs in 30 pilot regions. We support young people who strive to develop in science, we create conditions so that children and young people can implement their ideas and propose innovative projects within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”, launched on the initiative of the President of Russia.”

    Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President and Head of the Interdepartmental Working Group for the Preparation and Holding of the Congress of Young Scientists and Associated Events, spoke about the preparations for the anniversary V Congress of Young Scientists to be held on November 26–28, 2025.

    “Special attention in 2025 is being paid to expanding the international component of the Congress of Young Scientists – active work is underway to invite foreign scientists from friendly countries to participate in the congress. As part of the international promotion, the congress was presented at external communication platforms, including off-site events and presentation sessions of the SPIEF in Mexico, Turkey, India, and Arab countries. Also this year, the partner of the invitation campaign is Friends for Leadership – an association created following the XIX World Festival of Youth and Students, which operates in 130 countries. As a result of the work, to date, more than 1.6 thousand participants have submitted applications to participate in the congress,” said Anton Kobyakov.

    Among the innovations of the upcoming congress, the Presidential Advisor named the holding of the BRICS Social and Humanitarian Research Forum on the sidelines of the congress. In addition, exhibition clusters dedicated to industry, technological development, healthcare, ecology, and digitalization will be organized within the framework of the congress exhibition.

    The Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, spoke about the events of the V Congress of Young Scientists related to the topic of the atom and the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry.

    The Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Dmitry Artyukhov paid attention to the regional experience of implementing the Decade’s initiatives.

    The director of the National Center “Russia” Natalia Virtuozova spoke about the activities of the National Center “Russia” to implement the tasks of the Decade. According to her, one of the strategic areas was the popularization of science fiction – through exhibition projects, international discussion platforms and educational programs. The flagship of this work was the international symposium “Creating the Future”.

    The head of the Educational Foundation “Talent and Success” Elena Shmeleva, the rector of the Lomonosov Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichy, the rector of the Presidential Academy Alexey Komissarov put forward a number of proposals for holding projects and events within the framework of the Decade and the Congress of Young Scientists.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: About 2.5 million square meters of asphalt concrete were laid during the reconstruction of a section of the M-3 “Ukraine” highway

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On the federal highway M-3 “Ukraine” the implementation of a large-scale project to reconstruct the section from the 65th km to the 124th km in the Kaluga region continues

    On the federal highway M-3 “Ukraine” the implementation of a large-scale project to reconstruct the section from the 65th km to the 124th km from the village of Bekasovo in the Moscow region to the city of Maloyaroslavets in the Kaluga region continues. To date, a total of about 2.5 million square meters of asphalt concrete have been laid at the site. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “Road renovation is necessary to improve transport accessibility in the regions. This increases the comfort of people’s lives, road safety and stimulates territorial development. On the M-3 “Ukraine” highway, reconstruction of the section from the 65th to the 124th km from the village of Bekasovo in the Moscow region to the city of Maloyaroslavets in the Kaluga region is ongoing. From the 65th to the 102nd km, three lanes will be arranged in each direction, from the 102nd to the 124th km – two lanes. In addition, secondary passages for local transport will appear in populated areas. During the reconstruction, overhead pedestrian crossings and interchanges will be built to eliminate intersections with other roads at the same level. High-speed traffic without traffic lights will be ensured. This will allow transit transport to pass freely without interfering with the movement of residents of Naro-Fominsk, Balabanovo and Obninsk. The reconstruction work is carried out in two stages and is distributed across the territories of the two regions. A total of about 2.5 million square meters of asphalt concrete has already been laid at the site, which is 553 thousand. t,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister added that the roadbed construction work on the section from the 65th to the 86th km is nearing completion, the road surface is 68% complete – this is 353 thousand tons of asphalt concrete layers. All three interchanges are currently being actively built. The overall readiness on the first section from the 65th to the 86th km within the Moscow Region is 65%, and on the second section on the territory of the Kaluga Region from the 86th to the 124th km, the work has been completed by 25% of the planned volume.

    Also, 28 km of parapet fencing out of the planned 39 km have been installed here today. At the same time, the installation of culverts is at a high level of readiness.

    On the section from the 86th to the 124th km, 1.19 million cubic meters of roadbed were filled, 200 thousand tons of asphalt concrete were installed. Also, specialists began construction of reinforced soil embankments, which pass through the entire city of Balabanovo and partially through the city of Obninsk.

    The head of the state company Avtodor, Vyacheslav Petushenko, specified that a total of 33 artificial structures are being erected at the site. These are bridges, overpasses, an overpass, and overground pedestrian crossings.

    “The first stage of reconstruction in the Moscow Region involves the construction of eight artificial structures, five of which are in a high state of readiness. It should be noted that in general in this region we have reached the final stage of construction and installation works. As for the second stage, on the site within the borders of the Kaluga Region it is planned to build 25 artificial structures, including 15 overpasses, one flyover, three bridges and six overground pedestrian crossings. It is noteworthy that the spans of these overground pedestrian crossings are made of wood-composite materials, ensuring their environmental friendliness. Work is currently underway on 23 structures. At the same time, we are building reinforced soil retaining walls in Balabanovo and Obninsk with overpasses providing passage for local residents,” noted Vyacheslav Petushenko.

    Currently, over a thousand people and more than 300 units of special equipment are involved in the project.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: More than a third of the first wave of industrial competence center projects have been successfully completed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Within the framework of industrial competence centers, the implementation of 66 IT products of the first wave has been completed. They have already been implemented by more than 500 Russian and foreign companies – from chain retailers to airports and nuclear industry enterprises. More than 135 thousand jobs have been transferred to domestic software solutions that were implemented within the framework of the ICC.

    In total, the first wave of particularly significant projects included 150 solutions that replace foreign software used in key sectors of the economy. Among the completed developments are 59 projects implemented using the companies’ own funds, as well as 7 projects implemented with the involvement of grant funds.

    “We are faced with the task of developing, including with government support, IT products that are not inferior in functionality to foreign ones, so that it would be interesting and profitable for businesses to implement them. And judging by the completed projects of the first wave, such mature domestic solutions exist. They have gone beyond the pilot stage and are already used by hundreds of companies,” said Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

    Among the completed solutions that are most actively replicated is the creation of a software and hardware complex (operating system, office software, browser, antivirus) designed to automate the activities of specialists (a project commissioned and funded by Rosatom State Corporation). It is necessary to transfer automated workstations that previously used Microsoft to domestic software. During the project, more than 133 thousand workstations of 150 nuclear industry organizations were transferred to Russian software. The active replication of the project continues.

    Another development within the framework of the ICC, which has already been implemented and is in great demand among Russian companies, is the Russian loyalty system Loyalty 2.0 for retail outlets. It has already been implemented by more than 50 Russian companies, such as Magnit, Domashniy Interier (Hoff), Dixie, Medsi, Rive Gauche, as well as three foreign companies. The solution uses data on customer purchases and preferences to create personalized offers and manage marketing campaigns. The system allows processing more than 6 thousand customer requests every second. The developer’s revenue from sales of the solution amounted to about 1 billion rubles.

    The solutions that showed the best sales revenue figures also included a digital platform for field design commissioned by JSC Rosgeo. The solution was developed with the help of grant funds. It is already being used in 33 companies. The solution’s sales revenue amounted to almost 160 million rubles (340% of the grant amount), and the return on government investment in the form of taxes was more than 72 million rubles (154% of the grant amount).

    In total, about 200 particularly significant projects are currently being implemented in Russia within the framework of the ICC. Most of the first wave projects will be implemented by the end of 2026. In May 2025, the second wave of ICC projects was launched. Within its framework, 49 projects were selected and supported. 17 of them received grant funding in the amount of 3.2 billion rubles. Completion of the implementation of most of the second wave projects is planned for the end of 2027.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Current issues of the region’s socio-economic development were discussed.

    From the transcript:

    M. Mishustin: Dear Vasily Alexandrovich!

    Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Conversation between Mikhail Mishustin and the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    Not so long ago, about five years ago, we met here and spoke in detail about the infrastructure elements that were sorely needed in the Amur Region. I remember very well, then we looked at the bridge towards Heihe, talked about checkpoints, a new airport, coastal protection, the creation of modern embankment elements and much more.

    Today, these projects are being implemented systematically. The result of this was a twofold increase in the regional domestic product. This is a very good result. Today, we have seen from the implementation that everything is going as usual.

    The airport we visited is almost ready. I hope that it will welcome and serve the millionth passenger in the new terminal in December, as planned.

    Drive

    The projects “Golden Mile”, “Silver Mile”, the expo center, the hotel, the cable car, all the elements on the embankment, which we also discussed in detail with you – they are all being implemented, and I hope on time.

    It is also pleasing to see the creation of infrastructure for the movement of goods and, of course, for passenger transportation, tourism – both within the country and for tourism towards China. You are a border city.

    And here it is very important that Kanikurgan, as an infrastructure, as a customs and logistics warehouse, as a checkpoint, will become, I think, an anchor for the expansion of the entire transport and logistics system of the Far East.

    To be continued…

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Prime Minister inspected the Russian-Chinese Friendship House under construction and watched a presentation of key objects of the Blagoveshchensk master plan and the project for coastal protection and embankment reconstruction.

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    July 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Mikhail Mishustin visited the city center “Tribuna Hall” in Blagoveshchensk. With the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov

    The key objects of the Blagoveshchensk master plan are located in the central part of the city on the Golden Mile section of the Amur embankment, which includes the House of Russian-Chinese Friendship, a cross-border cable car, an international congress and exhibition center, a premium hotel complex, the Fountain Alley, the Amur Dino Park and other objects.

    The entire territory of the Golden Mile is reclaimed and was formed as a result of the implementation of a large-scale project for coastal protection and improvement of the embankment of the city of Blagoveshchensk (implemented in the period from 2013 to 2024 on 10 sites, which are grouped into 3 key clusters – Golden Mile, Silver Mile and Cote d’Azur).

    The project was created using funds from a single subsidy, the regional budget and with the participation of partners (SBER). Within the framework of the project, the largest fountain complex in Eurasia was created, the House of Russian-Chinese Friendship with an observation deck, a dino park were built, and the central square of Blagoveshchensk was landscaped.

    Drive

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the automobile checkpoint across the state border Kani-Kurgan

    Mikhail Mishustin inspected the new airport complex of the Blagoveshchensk International Airport (Ignatievo) named after N.N. Muravyov-Amursky

    The House of Russian-Chinese Friendship is a separate building with a complex architectural elliptical shape with variable number of storeys and a protruding cornice-spoiler. The area of the object is 6.3 thousand square meters, 2 floors, the roof of the building serves as an observation deck. Finishing works are currently underway at the object, completion is scheduled for September 2025.

    The cross-border cableway across the Amur River between the cities of Blagoveshchensk (Russia) and Heihe (China) is the world’s first cableway between two countries, Russia and China, and opens up great prospects for the development of international tourism and business. The cableway is being built under an intergovernmental agreement signed on September 3, 2015. The construction period is 2019–2025, with commissioning scheduled for May 2026. Technical readiness as of July 2025 is 80%.

    The length of the cable car is 976 meters, it consists of two independent lines with two cabins with a capacity of up to 110 people each, the throughput capacity is 6.8 thousand people per day in each direction, the throughput capacity of the checkpoint across the state border is up to 2.5 million people per year (in both directions).

    On the Russian side, a four-level passenger terminal with a total area of 26 thousand square meters is being built to accommodate the cable car terminal station, a platform and technological equipment, a checkpoint across the state border, a duty-free shop, restaurants, shopping and entertainment facilities. Commissioning is scheduled for May 2026.

    The construction of a multifunctional congress and exhibition center is included in the long-term plan for the comprehensive socio-economic development of Blagoveshchensk for the period up to 2030. The planned start date for construction is the first quarter of 2026, and the completion of work is 2028. International events will be held here (the Russian-Chinese Economic Forum “AmurExpo”, congresses, concerts, exhibitions), a center for Russian-Chinese business cooperation will be created, and a permanent export fair of Russian goods (from food to industrial equipment) for foreign guests will be organized.

    The construction of five-star hotels is planned on the territory adjacent to the cross-border cableway under construction, in the immediate vicinity of the planned international congress and exhibition center.

    The Alley of Fountains is the largest fountain complex in Eurasia, which has become the new calling card of the capital of the Amur Region. It is a pedestrian fountain with an area of 3 thousand square meters with a fogging system and 2114 jets. It was put into operation in May 2024.

    In the evening, the fountain jets “dance” to music, being painted in different colors thanks to the spotlights installed next to the nozzles. Spectators can see “swan wings”, “hearts”, and other water figures.

    The Amur Dinopark is an immersive area that will feature more than 20 exhibits, such as animatronic dinosaurs in jungle-like interiors. Finishing work is currently underway in the new building, with completion scheduled for May 2026.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Center for Language and Brain Conducted the First Field Neurolinguistic Study of Reading in the Yakut Language

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK ramps up Ukraine military support with £150 million of vital air defence and artillery ammunition delivered in just two months

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK ramps up Ukraine military support with £150 million of vital air defence and artillery ammunition delivered in just two months

    More than £150 million worth of air defence and artillery has been delivered to Ukraine in the last two months, as procurement of hundreds of air defence missiles and thousands of rounds of artillery to provide to Ukraine ramps up.

    At least £700 million of this support is set to be spent this year on air defence and artillery ammunition including the £150 million already delivered – with other funding going towards procuring more drones, as well as critical contracts to maintain and repair UK weapons already provided to Ukraine, allowing damaged equipment to return to the frontline as quickly as possible.

    With Putin repeatedly targeting Ukraine’s cities in recent weeks with the most intense aerial bombardment since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, the UK is joining the US and European nations in ramping up deliveries of vital air defence.

    The UK signed an agreement with Ukraine in May to provide an additional £2.26 billion worth of military support that will be repaid using funds raised from immobilised Russian assets, with more than two-thirds of the money allocated for procurement of weapons and munitions in just two months.

    The deal delivers on this Government’s Plan for Change, by spending more on defence and creating jobs we will keep the country safe and boost economic growth. 

    The Defence Secretary will make the announcement at the 29th meeting of the 50-nation strong Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG) which he will chair virtually on Monday alongside German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius.

    Opening the UDCG meeting, Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, is expected to say:

    Last week, President Trump announced a new plan for large scale NATO weapons transfers and committed to getting these “quickly distributed to the battlefield”.

    The UK government backs this policy, and we will play our full part in its success to bolster Ukraine’s immediate fight and to support our own and wider European security.

    Alongside this, the US has started the clock on a 50-day deadline for Putin to agree to peace or face crippling economic sanctions.

    As members of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, we need to step up in turn with a “50-day drive” to arm Ukraine on the battlefield and force Putin to the negotiating table.

    It comes as the UK also completed delivery of nearly 50,000 military drones to Ukraine in under six months, in addition to 20,000 drones provided in the same period via the UK-Latvia co-led drone coalition, working closely with British defence companies to speed up procurement and delivery. The UK has committed £350 million this year to increase the supply of drones from 10,000 in 2024 to 100,000 in 2025.

    At the meeting, the UK and Germany will announce a new agreement to partner in providing critical air defence ammunition to Ukraine. Germany will provide more than 170 million Euros worth of funding, which the UK will use to rapidly procure air defence ammunition via the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine for delivery in the coming months. This supports the aims of the Integrated Air and Missile Defence Capability Coalition, co-led by Germany and France.

    The UK’s military support for Ukraine this year is more than ever before, with £4.5 billion allocated for this financial year. In March, the Prime Minister announced a historic £1.6 billion deal to provide more than five thousand air defence missiles for Ukraine.

    Last month, the Prime Minister announced a landmark agreement between the UK and Ukraine to share battlefield technology, boosting Ukraine’s drone production and linking up the UK’s defence industry with the cutting-edge technology being developed on the front lines in Ukraine.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofwat to be abolished in biggest overhaul of water since privatisation

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Ofwat to be abolished in biggest overhaul of water since privatisation

    Ofwat to be abolished and a new, single, powerful regulator to be established to cut water pollution in England’s rivers, lakes and seas, and protect families from massive bill hikes

    • Ofwat to be abolished and a new, single, powerful regulator to be established to cut water pollution in England’s rivers, lakes and seas, and protect families from massive bill hikes   

    • New regulator will take responsibility of water functions across Ofwat, Environment Agency, Natural England and Drinking Water Inspectorate, ending complexity that gets in the way of delivering for customers   

    • Government to fast track five recommendations from the Independent Water Commission in the Commons later today  

    Ofwat is to be replaced by one single water regulator responsible for the entire water system, the Government has announced today (Monday 21 July). 

    In the biggest overhaul of the water sector since privatisation, Ofwat will be abolished and its functions will be merged with water functions across the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate to form a new single, powerful regulator. 

    In a speech at Kingfisher Wharf, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Steve Reed pledged to strengthen regulation, clean up the country’s s rivers and protect the public from soaring water bills. 

    There are currently four separate regulators responsible for the water industry, a complex, tangled system of confusion. It is a merry-go-round of regulators blaming each other for breaking this country’s water system.  

    Ofwat has failed customers, allowing water companies to mismanage billions of pounds of customer money while water companies paid out huge dividends and bonuses. 

    The Environment Secretary, Steve Reed said: 

    Our water industry is broken. That is why this Government will fix our broken regulatory system so the failures of the past never happen again.  

    The Government will abolish Ofwat. In the biggest overhaul of water regulation in a generation, we will bring water functions from four different regulators into one. 

    A single, powerful regulator responsible for the entire water sector will stand firmly on the side of customers, investors and the environment and prevent the abuses of the past.

     >It will provide the clarity and direction required for a strong partnership between Government, the sector and investors to attract billions of pounds of new investment.

    The creation of one powerful regulator will be responsible for the entire water sector restoring public faith and investor confidence in our water industry.  

    The current fragmented approach of four separate regulators splits up economic, environmental and drinking water regulation. This complex web of regulators has led to contradictory and competing priorities.  

    The reforms will ensure all regulation is in lock step to deliver for customers and the environment, bringing all water regulation under one roof. 

    The proposals will be consulted on this autumn and form the basis of a new Water Reform Bill.  

    This comes on the back of a bold, personal commitment from Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, to cut sewage pollution from water companies in half by 2030. Working to make our rivers the cleanest since records began, It is the most ambitious sewage target Government has ever set.   

    The Government has begun rebuilding the entire water network through one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country’s history. £104 billion is being invested to upgrade crumbling pipes and build sewage treatment works across the country, ensuring communities can once again take pride in their beaches, rivers and lakes. 

    These reforms build on decisive action taken by the Government over the past year to clean up England’s rivers, lakes and seas:  

    • Record investment: with £104 billion to upgrade crumbling pipes and build sewage treatment works across the country.  

    • Ringfence customers’ bills for upgrades: customer bills earmarked for investment must now be spent one new sewage pipes and treatment works – not spent on shareholder payments or bonuses.  

    • Reinvesting company fines into local projects: with over £100million being invested into local clean-up projects in communities.  

    • Largest budget for water regulation: the Environment Agency received a record £189 million to fund hundreds of enforcement officers to inspect and prosecute pollution water companies. 

    • Polluter Pays: we’ve changed the law so that regulators can recover the cost of enforcement activity, ensuring that the polluter pays. This builds on the increase in water company inspections, holding them to account.  

    • Banning wet wipes containing plastic: in England reducing microplastics in our waters. 

    • The Water (Special Measures) Act: banned unfair bonuses for ten polluting water bosses this year and threatened prison sentences for law-breaking executives.  

    The Secretary of State for the Environment will outline five recommendations that the Government will fast track in Parliament later today.  

    Alongside our creation of a new single regulator in England, we will work closely with Welsh government to devolve economic regulation of water to Wales. 

    ENDS 

    NOTES TO EDITORS 

    • During the transition to the new regulator, Ofwat will remain in place. The Government will work closely with the regulators and unions for a smooth transition.  

    • The UK government will work closely with the Welsh government to ensure these reforms protect customers and the environment in both England and Wales 

    • Once the new regulator is established, the Government will publish a comprehensive long-term statement so investors know exactly what standards they need to meet and what support they can expect. 

    • The Environment Agency and Natural England will retain their non-water remits and responsibilities.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU hosted the first economic quest “Knowledge — Money”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 10, Novosibirsk State University hosted a fascinating economic quest, “Knowledge — Money,” in which 65 high school students from different schools in Novosibirsk took part. It was not just an intellectual challenge, but also a real immersion into the world of economics, where knowledge, logic, and teamwork become the key to success.

    The quest was organized by the public organization “Laboratory of Economics and Business” with the support of Faculty of Economics, NSU, the “First” movement and the low-rise eco-quarter “Spectrum”.

    —The Laboratory of Economics and Business was created three years ago. Our mission is to develop schoolchildren’s interest in economics and to form a culture of systems thinking. The first event we held last year was a course of lectures and interactive seminars “Basics of Economics and Business for Schoolchildren”. Instead of the planned 20 people, more than 60 took part in it. We realized that schoolchildren have a huge interest in economics and new educational formats. This is how the idea of a quest was born, which we decided to hold in the summer, — said Dmitry Markov, a lecturer in the Department of Management of the Faculty of Economics of NSU, head of the laboratory.

    The participants united into 14 teams, each of which went through 13 stations in four thematic “economic laboratories” in three hours. At each station, the teams passed tests on knowledge, logic and ingenuity, solved problems of varying difficulty levels and earned points. The maximum for each station was 100 points, and at the end the strongest team was determined.

    1. Systems Analysis Laboratory

    The children were given tasks that clearly demonstrated the importance of a systematic approach to solving problems. A crossword, a fillword, and a Japanese puzzle called “Bridges” — all of this forced the participants to think logically, find patterns and relationships. And most importantly, it helped them better understand how economic processes are structured in reality.

    2. Laboratory of Economic Intuition

    Here, participants encountered economic puzzles, asset turnover tasks, and cases that required filling in missing terms. These tasks helped participants not only remember the terms, but also understand how they work in the context of business and finance.

    3. Business Analytics Lab

    It turned out to be the most difficult — and, perhaps, the most educational. The kids had to understand the financial statements of the Magnit retail chain, pass tests on formal logic, and solve numerical problems that are used when hiring in large financial companies. This gave the schoolchildren the opportunity to “try on” the role of a business analyst and understand how interesting and in-demand this profession is.

    4. Bipolar Laboratory

    This lab turned out to be the most creative and memorable. Participants had to not only think, but also act:

    Assemble a product according to the technical specifications from a construction set. Assemble a puzzle from the logos of famous brands and compare them with the companies’ missions. Restore the system by analogy with the game “Tetris”. Assemble slides with company analytics to create a complete picture.

    These tasks developed not only logic and economic thinking, but also teamwork skills, attentiveness and creativity.

    Each laboratory had its own curators, who were students from the Faculty of Economics of NSU.

    Artem Bezrukov commanded the business analytics laboratory.

    — Three stations: calculation tasks, a logic storm and a hellish quiz on financial reporting. I thought that my stations would be the hardest for the participants, but the guys turned out to be great! We were especially impressed with the financial reporting of Magnit. We compared profitability, revenue, turnover — like analysts with real cases! Honestly, I thought that out of 100 points our maximum would be 50, but I was pleasantly surprised by other results!) I admit, the logic test turned out to be the most tricky. Only two teams were able to solve it 100 out of 100! Apparently, numbers are closer to them than puzzles.) Even my fifth-graders learned to calculate profitability! — said Artem.

    Kira Kurmasheva was responsible for the bipolar laboratory.

    —We had a great time and enjoyed it as much as the quest participants. Our lab had the most stations — four. All the tasks in my lab were interactive, the kids were asked to assemble a flower from a construction set, restore economic slides, assemble puzzles with logos of famous companies, and solve a riddle. All the tasks were quite easy, but very interesting. Our lab had the highest average score for the quest.

    I am very glad that our event attracted so many children from all over the region. During the game, I received a lot of positive feedback about the quest. I hope that I will participate in many more similar projects from the laboratory of economics and business! – Kira shared.

    As a result, all teams completed all stations, showed good results and acquired valuable skills. The winner of the quest was the team “EkoMi”, which scored the highest number of points.

    All participants were awarded raffle tickets and delicious pizza, which was a pleasant end to a busy but exciting day.

    Here’s what the event participants thought about the quest.

    Taisiya Gershun, 8th grade, OC “Gornostay”:

    — Although I was never particularly interested in economics, the quest even made me think about enrolling in the economics department! An interesting format that helps to apply knowledge from economics in practice. During the quest, you learn to work together and make decisions quickly. It was especially interesting to solve economic puzzles and solve different problems. At the end, there was an announcement of the winners and pizza!!

     

    Vladimir Rimmer, 9th grade, Lyceum No. 130:

    — My mother signed me up for the quest, for which I am very grateful to her. I got a lot of new emotions, made new acquaintances. I really liked the idea itself, the organization and, of course, the surprise in the form of pizza after the end. If I were to rate the quest on a ten-point scale, it would definitely be 10 out of 10!

     

    Daria Rakova, 9th grade, OC “Gornostay”:

    — Overall, the event was interesting and useful. The tasks were varied, you had to think and act. I especially liked two things: bridges and a crossword puzzle. These logic tasks are just super, and everything was exciting with the team. Overall, I spent my time usefully, learned something new and laughed.

     

    The Laboratory of Economics and Business is already drawing up a plan for future events, where schoolchildren not only gain new knowledge, but also come into contact with university life.

    — The guys spent the whole day at NSU, got to know the university, its teachers and students better. We are sure that many of them will choose NSU as the place of their admission and further education, — Dmitry Markov emphasized.

     

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

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  • Landmine dispute escalates tensions between Thailand and Cambodia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand has accused Cambodia of recently placing landmines in a disputed border area after three soldiers were injured, but Phnom Penh said they had veered off agreed patrol routes and triggered a mine left behind from decades of war.

    Thai authorities made the claim after three soldiers were injured, with one losing a foot, by a landmine explosion while on a routine patrol on July 16 on the Thai side of the disputed border area between Ubon Ratchathani and Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province.

    Cambodia’s Defence Ministry denied that new mines had been planted, saying in a statement on Sunday the soldiers had strayed from agreed patrol routes into areas that contain unexploded landmines. The country is littered with landmines laid during decades of war.

    Thailand’s army said on Monday that 10 freshly laid Russian-made PMN-2 type landmines, which are not used or stockpiled by Thailand, were found between July 18 and July 20 in areas near where the soldiers were injured.

    “This is a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Thailand and an outright breach of principles that are fundamental to international law,” Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy spokesperson for the Thai Foreign Ministry, said on Monday in Bangkok.

    Data from the Cambodia Mine Action Centre, which estimates there are still 4 to 6 million landmines scattered across the country, shows five people were killed and a dozen injured by mines and unexploded ordnance in Cambodia in the first four months of 2025.

    The area where the mine exploded is near where a Cambodian soldier was killed in May after a brief exchange of gunfire between troops on both sides.

    The incident has flared into a broader diplomatic dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbours that has destabilised the Thai government and seen the Prime Minister suspended from office.

    Thailand said it will issue a formal condemnation and call for accountability from Cambodia for breaching the anti-landmine convention under the Ottawa Treaty, and the army will also increase vigilance during border patrols.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Automated passenger services permitting scheme

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Written statement to Parliament

    Automated passenger services permitting scheme

    Have your say on the proposals that will help regulate new self-driving vehicle passenger services.

    I wish to provide the House with an update on steps the government is taking to progress the implementation of automated passenger services (APS) regulations to kickstart economic growth, a top priority in the government’s Plan for Change.

    The APS permitting regime was created to address complexities of applying current taxi, private hire vehicle and public service vehicle legislation to passenger services that would operate without a driver. This scheme will help facilitate commercial pilots of services with paying passengers and no safety driver to be deployed from spring 2026.

    In June, I announced the government’s intention to accelerate the introduction of APS regulations, subject to the outcome of a consultation launching in summer. Today (21 July 2025) I can announce that the consultation on the draft regulations and wider considerations in respect of the management and use of the permitting scheme has been published. The consultation will run until 28 September 2025.

    Through the APS permitting scheme, we intend to provide businesses with the regulatory confidence to invest in testing and deploying these innovative services on our streets, reinforcing Great Britain’s position among the world leaders in tech deployment.

    Safety, including the safeguarding of passengers, is at the heart of the proposed permitting scheme. Where automated vehicle technology needs approval by government before it can be used, government will use comprehensive safety standards that take into account the developing United Nations regulation for automated driving systems.

    Government intends that the accessibility of services will be a factor in consideration of whether to grant a permit, alongside a reporting requirement placed on to permit holders. Pilot deployments will continue building government’s understanding of new ways in which accessibility can be achieved through these services. Government will continue to explore the role for research in further understanding of how self-driving passenger services can best enable older and disabled people to travel, alongside others with limited or restricted mobility.

    Consultation proposals

    The consultation is divided into 7 chapters, covering a range of matters relevant to the implementation of APS permitting.

    These chapters consider the outline of the legislative scheme, necessary guidance regarding the consent process for local licensing authorities and bus franchising authorities, the application process, the variation, suspension and withdrawal of a permit, accessibility, the review process and disclosure of information.

    A copy of this publication and associated annexes will be placed in the libraries of both houses and published on GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first meeting of the Board of Directors of PJSC NK Rosneft was held following the annual shareholders meeting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of PJSC NK Rosneft. The meeting also formed the composition and elected the chairmen of three standing committees of the Board of Directors.

    Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada was first elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosneft in June 2023. He has over 40 years of experience in the energy sector. Al-Sada is currently Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Science and Technology (Doha, State of Qatar), a member of the Board of Trustees of the Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Fund for Energy and Sustainable Development, a member of the Advisory Committee of the Governing Body of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nesma Infrastructure.

    From 2007 to 2011, Al-Sada served as Minister of State for Energy and Industry of Qatar, and from 2011 to 2018, Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar, and Chairman of the Board of Qatar Petroleum (now QatarEnergy).

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 21, 2025

    These materials contain statements about future events and expectations that are forward-looking in nature. Any statement in these materials that is not a statement of historical fact is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to differ. We assume no obligations to update the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in factors affecting these statements.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two killed, nine injured in Kunming road accident

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KUNMING, July 21 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed and nine others were injured in a traffic accident in Kunming, capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, on Sunday, the city’s public security bureau said Monday.

    The incident happened at 1:16 p.m. on Sunday on Jinbi Road in Xishan District, a thoroughfare in Kunming’s main commercial area.

    According to police, a 49-year-old local resident surnamed Li, who was driving a small blue SUV, collided with pedestrians and e-bikers who were following the rules while entering Jinbi Road. The driver then fled the scene, hitting and colliding with other road users.

    The accident left two people dead, four people with minor injuries and five people with minor injuries. All victims were taken to hospitals for treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

    The driver has now been detained by the police. The results of the preliminary investigation have confirmed that the incident has been classified as a hit and run. According to the report, suspicions of drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs have been ruled out.

    Further investigation into the accident is underway. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Fujian Province Activates Emergency Response Over Typhoon Flood Threat

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    FUZHOU, July 21 (Xinhua) — East China’s Fujian Province issued a Level 4 emergency response at 8 a.m. Monday to address the flood threat posed by Typhoon Wipha, the provincial flood and drought relief headquarters said.

    Under the influence of the outer circulation of Typhoon Wipha, the sixth this year, heavy rains and downpours have been lashing coastal areas of Fujian Province since Sunday.

    According to meteorological services, heavy rains will continue in some areas of the province over the next three days.

    The Provincial Flood and Drought Management Headquarters calls for heightened vigilance against severe weather. All districts and agencies must quickly adopt or make necessary adjustments to emergency response measures, with increased emphasis on monitoring, early warning, and joint consultation to assess risks.

    It is necessary to carefully formulate and implement a large-scale strategy to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall disasters and respond to secondary hazards such as flash floods in mountainous areas, floods in small and medium-sized rivers, geological disasters and urban flooding, the headquarters stressed.

    On Sunday at around 8:15 p.m., Vipha made landfall for the second time as a strong tropical storm near Hailing Island in Yangjiang, Guangdong Province, southern China. Maximum sustained winds near its epicenter reached 25 meters per second.

    China has a four-tier emergency response system, with tier one being the most serious. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia to allocate about 180 billion rubles for construction and repair of state border checkpoints — Prime Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Vladivostok, July 21 (Xinhua) — About 180 billion rubles will be allocated in Russia within the current three-year budget for the construction, repair and technical re-equipment of checkpoints across the state border using advanced digital and technical solutions, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on Monday.

    According to TASS, during an inspection of the automobile checkpoint across the state border “Kani-Kurgan” in Blagoveshchensk, M. Mishustin said that, in general, a lot of work is being done throughout the country to develop cross-border logistics.

    “In the next five years, we plan to modernize more than a quarter of all existing ones. These are priority points in terms of existing and prospective trade turnover. And in the Far Eastern District alone, such work is planned for more than 30 of them,” the Prime Minister noted. –0–

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Japan’s PM vows to stay in office after election defeat

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TOKYO, July 21 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed on Monday to remain in office despite a major defeat in the House of Councillors (upper house) election where the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner failed to secure a majority.

    Speaking at a press conference, he acknowledged the poor election results and stressed that he felt a great responsibility. “The most important thing now is to avoid stagnation in national politics,” the prime minister said, promising to make efforts to fulfill the duties befitting a leading party.

    His comments come amid growing public discontent over rising living costs and policy mistakes that analysts say contributed to the ruling coalition’s election defeat.

    In the current election, Japanese people voted for candidates for 125 of the 248 seats in the House of Councillors. After the final vote count ended Monday morning, the LDP had won only 39 seats, while its partner, the Komeito Party, had won eight. The coalition had planned to win 50 seats, but failed to do so.

    Now the coalition’s MPs have 122 seats in the upper house, which is less than the 125 needed for a majority.

    Despite the failure, S. Ishiba stressed the need for stability and continuity in the government and officially announced his intention to continue as prime minister. –0–

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese city of Shangluo and Fergana establish sister city relations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) — Shangluo City in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province and Fergana City, capital of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Region, recently established sister city relations.

    The protocol of intent to develop twinning relations was signed on July 14 during the visit of the trade and economic delegation of the city of Shangluo to Uzbekistan. Thus, the number of twin cities of Shangluo has increased to five, the newspaper “Shaanxi Ribao” /daily newspaper “Shaanxi”/ writes with reference to a source in the city’s commerce department.

    The department stated that the establishment of sister city relations between the cities of Shanlo and Fergana will allow bilateral trade, economic, cultural and educational contacts and cooperation to reach a new level.

    Shangluo City is located at the southern foot of the eastern Qinling Mountains and borders the provinces of Hubei and Henan. Its total area is 19.3 thousand square kilometers. The city includes one urban district and six counties, with a total population of 2.02 million.

    The Shangluo City government will comprehensively expand openness, deepen exchanges and cooperation with partners, expand the international sister city network and promote high-quality development, the newspaper wrote. -0-

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: SCO countries are continuously deepening the interconnectivity of supply chains and production chains

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    QINGDAO, July 21 (Xinhua) — With the global economic architecture changing rapidly, member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) have been continuously deepening the connectivity of supply chains and industrial chains through pragmatic cooperation, according to participants at the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference held recently in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

    Li Gang, assistant general manager of Sinopec Group Co., Ltd., expressed hope for deeper cooperation in the upstream and downstream sectors of industrial chains, including joint projects in crude oil refining, jointly upgrading industrial technology, and building more competitive chemical industry clusters, so as to promote the coordinated development of manufacturing industries in the region.

    Logistics and transportation are an important pillar for deepening the connectivity of supply chains and industrial chains. According to the management committee of the China-SCO Regional Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone in Qingdao, 4,500 China-Europe international railway trains have been operated on the zone, linking it with 54 cities in 23 countries.

    In addition, at present, the China-SCO Demonstration Zone is also the leader in China in terms of the number of truck shipments under the TIR /International Road Transport/ system.

    According to a local international economic and trade company, the TIR system has greatly improved the efficiency of international trade. With the introduction of the “TIR plus two-way cold chain transportation” model, fruits and vegetables produced in China’s Shandong, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangdong and other regions can also be delivered to Belarus, Russia and other countries.

    “We deliver these fruits and vegetables to St. Petersburg in a maximum of 6 days. For comparison, the transportation of these products by traditional road transport took about 15 days. This business model has attracted many Russian buyers and Chinese exporters of fruits and vegetables,” the company noted.

    According to experts, the continuous deepening of the interconnectedness of supply chains and production chains within the SCO not only promotes the integration development of the regional economy, but also helps to ensure the stability of the global supply chain. -0-

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

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Jubilee of the Youth: more than just a trip, it is a journey of faith

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 21 July 2025

    Avosa

    Abu Dhabi (Agenzia Fides) – A group of 90 faithful from across the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia (AVOSA) are traveling to Italy for a two-week pilgrimage that includes several spiritual stops before arriving in Rome: Padua, Assisi, and San Giovanni Rotondo, where they will take part in the official Jubilee of the Youth program (July 28 to August 3).The group, around 80 people from the United Arab Emirates and about ten from Oman, will be accompanied by several priests and religious sisters who are involved in youth and vocations ministry.”This is more than just a trip: it is a journey of faith, a time to pray, reflect, and discover that we are part of something much greater than ourselves,” said Fr. Godfrey Rodriques. “For me personally, it’s a chance to renew my own sense of purpose and draw closer to God in the heart of the Church.”On Sunday, July 13, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap., Apostolic Vicar of Avosa, which extends across Oman, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates, handed over the pilgrimage Cross and the Vicariate flag to the delegates, which they will carry throughout their journey. Bishop Paolo will personally join the youth in Rome to walk with them, cross the Holy Door, and take part in the key Jubilee moments with Pope Leo. “We go on pilgrimage to rediscover the meaning of life: to love and be loved,” he declared.(AP) (Agenzia Fides, 21/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Methodological and democratic deficiencies in the Commission’s public consultations – a call for reform – O-000025/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000025/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    Christine Anderson
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    Over the past decade, the Commission has increasingly used public consultations to bolster claims of transparency and democratic legitimacy. Now central to the Better Regulation agenda, they accompany nearly all major legislative initiatives[1]. While public participation is fundamental to representative democracy, independent audits and academic research highlight serious flaws in how these consultations are designed and interpreted[2].

    Consultations routinely suffer from self-selection bias, as responses mainly come from actors with a pre-existing interest or resources, skewing outcomes away from the broader EU population[3]. The Commission rarely employs scientifically robust techniques such as randomised sampling, post-stratification weighting or neutral question framing, all of which are standard in public opinion research.

    The format itself restricts participation. Dense documents, technical language and online-only access exclude many citizens with a lower level of education, limited digital access or little familiarity with EU processes[4]. There is growing concern that consultation outcomes have limited policy impact, with decisions often shaped earlier by lobbying or internal agendas[5].

    • 1.Given these concerns, how does the Commission justify treating its consultation methods as credible democratic engagement, despite their lack of core safeguards from social science?
    • 2.What reforms will the Commission introduce to reduce participation bias, reach beyond organised stakeholders and improve accessibility for under-represented and digitally excluded groups?
    • 3.Will the Commission adopt rigorous techniques such as randomised and stratified sampling, statistical weighting and neutral framing to ensure that outcomes reflect the views of the broader EU public?
    • 4.Finally, what steps will be taken to ensure that consultation results are systematically analysed, publicly reported and meaningfully reflected in legislation?

    Submitted: 17.7.2025

    Lapses: 18.10.2025

    • [1] Rangone, N., ‘Improving consultation to ensure the EU’s democratic legitimacy: From traditional procedural requirements to behavioural insights’, European Law Journal, Volume 28, Issue 4-6, July-November 2022, pp. 154-171, https://doi.org/10.1111/eulj.12439.
    • [2] European Court of Auditors Special Report 14/2019 of 5 September 2019 entitled ‘“Have your say!”: Commission’s public consultations engage citizens, but fall short of outreach activities’.
    • [3] Røed, M. & Hansen, V., ‘Explaining Participation Bias in the European Commission’s Online Consultations: The Struggle for Policy Gain without too Much Pain’, Journal of Common Market Studies, Volume 56, Issue 6, September 2018, pp. 1446-1461, https://doi.org/10.1111/jcms.12754.
    • [4] Centre of Expertise for Good Governance of the Council of Europe, ‘Comparative analysis of European practices on public consultations’, Council of Europe, Strasbourg, 5 July 2021, https://rm.coe.int/council-of-europe-comparative-analysis-of-european-practices-on-public/1680aef56f.
    • [5] Thompson, L., ‘Is the EU’s consultation process broken?’, The Parliament, 5 September 2023, https://www.theparliamentmagazine.eu/news/article/eu-consultation-process-citizen-participation.
    Last updated: 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Where will we live? The urgent need for affordable housing in Estonia

    Source: European Investment Bank

    To further strengthen our engagement, the EIB has recently opened a local office in Tallinn, enhancing our ability to work closely with partners on the ground.

    The EIB is ready to support Estonia’s efforts to expand access to such housing. This includes supporting innovative and sustainable construction methods, financing energy-efficient renovations to reduce emissions and utility costs, and helping to increase the supply of affordable homes through both direct and intermediated financing.

    Encouragingly, Estonia welcomes our initiative and is already engaged in negotiations to design a model and implementation strategy in collaboration with the EIB.

    To make it easier for local authorities, developers, and communities to access support, we’ve created the “More homes. Better homes.” online portal. It connects housing stakeholders with the advice, funding, and financing they need. The response so far has been encouraging—clear proof of both the urgent demand and the opportunity ahead.

    But the EIB is not acting alone. We are working closely with the European Commission, national governments, cities, and promotional banks. Because solving the housing crisis requires strong partnerships at every level.

    And this is about more than just housing. Affordable homes are essential for economic competitiveness, climate resilience, and social cohesion. They support a more inclusive economy, reduce emissions through energy-efficient living, and help communities thrive. In short, affordable housing is a foundation for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous future.

    That’s why I’m pleased to announce that the EIB Group will soon conduct a roadshow in several EU members led by my colleague Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. We aim to bring together housing stakeholders from every corner of Europe as we promote new financing and support opportunities for the sector.

    Estonia has the talent, the tools, and the determination to lead in this space. Together, we can ensure that every Estonian, regardless of income or background, has a place to call home.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Risks arising from irregular migration from Libya – E-002835/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002835/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    Hundreds of irregular immigrants entering Greece, in particular Crete, by boat from Libya are being transferred to mainland Greece – to the Fylakio reception centre in the border region of Evros – for identification and temporary accommodation. They are held there for 24 days before being released with a temporary residence permit. This allows them to move freely within the country, without any checks, resulting in increased delinquency, fear and insecurity, and wide-ranging effects on the economy and social cohesion.

    The Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy (June 2016) lists territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders as key elements of European security, and states that ensuring the security of EU citizens/territories is a common interest. Nonetheless, to date the EU has not taken serious steps to safeguard the inviolability of Greek borders and thus secure those of the EU.

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.What does the EU intend to do in the context of solidarity between the Member States in order to assist Greece, which – owing to its geographical location and proximity to Türkiye and North Africa – is the most exposed country in Europe in terms of illegal immigration?
    • 2.Does it intend to put pressure on the countries of origin of migrants to take them back (refoulement), with clear sanctions if they fail to comply and without merely paying lip service?

    Submitted: 11.7.2025

    Last updated: 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Findings of the COVID-19 crisis management unit of the Robert Koch Institute – E-002656/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002656/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    The Robert Koch Institute is the central federal institute in the field of infection control in the Federal Republic of Germany. Its expertise is also in great demand at international level and it works closely with institutions worldwide, including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Since Decision No 1082/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2013 on serious cross-border threats to health, it has been determined that in the event of a pandemic, the Commission shall be responsible for coordinating all measures and there is to be an unrestricted exchange of information between EU Member States and the Commission. Austria’s former Minister of Health, for example, stated that the Austrian Government has been receiving the findings of the Robert Koch Institute’s COVID-19 crisis management unit since March 2020.

    • 1.When did the Commission start receiving the findings of the Robert Koch Institute’s COVID-19 crisis management unit?
    • 2.Since when have other Commission bodies or advisory committees – in particular the ECDC or the EMA – also been receiving the findings of the Robert Koch Institute’s COVID-19 crisis management unit?
    • 3.What protocols, data, recommendations or information has the Robert Koch Institute received in return from the Commission or its bodies and advisory committees since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and since when?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    Last updated: 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of EU funds for ideologically driven organisations in Latin America – E-002646/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002646/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markus Buchheit (ESN)

    The EU operates programmes such as EUROsocIAL+, which promote ‘social cohesion’ in Latin America through the reform of public policies in areas such as gender equality and social welfare[1]. Are radical agendas abroad being financed with European taxpayers’ money?

    Various non-governmental organisations in Latin America receive direct or indirect funding from the European Union. Some of these organisations openly promote leftist ideological positions, such as radical feminism, extreme environmentalism or gender theory, in countries whose social and cultural structures differ significantly from those in Europe. This export of ideology, under the guise of development cooperation, generates political and social tensions and may be perceived as a form of ideological neo-colonialism.

    • 1.Can the Commission say what organisations in Latin America have received EU funding over the past five years, including the amounts received, stated objectives of the funding and the actual outcomes?
    • 2.What control mechanisms are in place to ensure that such funds are not used to promote specific political agendas?
    • 3.Does the Commission consider that such funding respects the cultural and political sovereignty of Latin American states or is it using their economic vulnerability to impose its own agenda?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.guiafc.es/eurosocial-programa-para-la-cohesion-social/.
    Last updated: 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting traditional swordfish fisheries and providing support to fishers in this sector – E-002840/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002840/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Aldo Patriciello (PfE)

    Traditional swordfish fishing has, since time immemorial, been a key asset for many coastal communities in the Mediterranean and is even more important to their Italian counterparts, as it is part and parcel both of their local identity and their cultural and economic heritage. However, this sector is in jeopardy owing to mounting regulatory restrictions, falling fish stocks, competition from industrial fisheries and the absence of targeted European policies.

    Small-scale fishers – whose sustainable techniques have been handed down from generation to generation – are operating in increasingly difficult circumstances which threaten their income and the survival of a traditional profession of great cultural significance.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Will the Commission recognise traditional swordfish fishing as being distinct from industrial fishing practices and protect the former by adopting specific quota management criteria?
    • 2.Is the Commission planning to enact economic and technical support measures to protect the livelihoods of small-scale fishers?
    • 3.Would it be willing to support local pilot projects and initiatives promoting traditional fishing as an example of a sustainable blue economy?

    Submitted: 11.7.2025

    Last updated: 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Libya’s anti-European attitude and increased migration flows to Greece – E-002849/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002849/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    Recently, a European delegation – which included Greek ministers – was kicked out of Benghazi, Libya[1]. This is unacceptable, contrary to the principles and values of the EU, an affront to the European institutions and a barrier to the implementation of the common immigration policy.

    At the same time, Libya has sharply increased migratory flows to Greece – in particular to Crete[2] – making migration a leveraging tool to the detriment of the interests of an EU Member State. Türkiye has had a strong influence on the Libyan authorities and on these developments, in particular with the illegal and legally non-existent Turkish-Libyan memorandum of understanding[3], which directly undermines Greece’s sovereign rights and disrupts stability in the south-eastern Mediterranean.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.What is its view of Libya’s attitude, which is an affront to the institutions and principles of the EU?
    • 2.How does it interpret the growing Turkish influence on the Libyan authorities and the implications thereof for European cohesion and security?
    • 3.What specific measures will it take to ensure that its Member States – and in particular Greece – are protected against such hostile actions?

    Submitted: 12.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/libyas-eastern-based-government-bars-entry-eu-migration-commissioner-three-2025-07-08
    • [2] https://apnews.com/article/migration-libya-greece-crete-european-union-2af60f5c888520fe807e264b1c053659
    • [3] https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/greece-pleased-after-eu-parliaments-call-to-annul-turkey-libya-mou
    Last updated: 21 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Fighting climate change with financial finesse

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The Central Bank of Kenya. Central Bank of Kenya

    Climate change knows no borders – as Kenya can tell you. The country is routinely hit by weather disasters.

    “Every five to ten years, the country experiences either very heavy rains that cause floods or persistent drought,” says Reuben Chepng’ar, the senior manager in the Banking Supervision Department at the Central Bank of Kenya.

    By the year 2030, Kenya aspires to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32%. This work is expected to cost $62 billion, but the government says it can raise only $8 billion. The investment shortfall of $54 billion is expected to come from the private sector and global development institutions, such as the European Investment Bank and the Internal Monetary Fund.

    The Central Bank of Kenya is trying to help commercial banks support more green projects, enhance their climate-related risk reporting and attract foreign investors. The Central Bank used technical assistance from the European Investment Bank to create new climate investing and reporting guidelines in the country.

    The European Investment Bank collaborated with Kenya’s Central Bank to develop two guidelines under a programme known as Greening Financial Systems technical assistance. EIB consultants worked with the Central Bank and local banks from 2023 to 2025 to develop regulations that commercial banks must follow for climate reporting and green investments.

    The EIB support to the Central Bank was financed through the IKI Fund, an EIB trust fund backed by Germany to help climate action initiatives in emerging countries. The IKI Fund highlights the importance of international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Since climate risks transcend borders, coordinated action among global institutions is essential to ensure that local financial systems are aligned with global sustainability objectives. The European Investment Bank oversees a group of trust funds that are financed by EU countries and the European Commission. These funds provide grants, technical assistance and loan guarantees around the world.

    Marjan Stojiljkovic was a team lead for the EIB technical assistance programme in Kenya. He is a climate finance consultant who offers training around the world to banks on sustainability reporting requirements and managing risks related to green lending.

    “One objective of this project was how to internalise and measure the impacts of climate risk on banking operations in Kenya, because climate risks are real and they have impacts on the financial sector,” Stojiljkovic says.

    After a series of meetings and workshops, the central bank created two sets of policy guidelines to help commercial banks improve climate risk reporting. One is the Kenya Green Finance Taxonomy and the other is the Climate Risk Management Framework. The green taxonomy is the fourth to be adopted in Africa, after South Africa, Rwanda and Ghana. The taxonomy is based on the EU green taxonomy that provides a clear classification system for sustainable economic activities and guidance on assessment and reporting. One aim is to prevent greenwashing, or the exaggeration of the benefits projects bring. Another aim is to increase sustainable investments, particularly by attracting foreign investment. The climate risk framework was designed to increase transparency in Kenya’s financial sector and encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 29

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company Announcement No 32/2025

    		 Peberlyk 4
    6200 Aabenraa
    Denmark

    Tel +45 74 37 37 37
    Fax +45 74 37 35 36

    Sydbank A/S
    CVR No DK 12626509, Aabenraa
    sydbank.dk
    21 July 2025  

    Dear Sirs

    Sydbank A/S share buyback programme: transactions in week 29
    On 26 February 2025 Sydbank A/S announced a share buyback programme of DKK 1,350m. The share buyback programme commenced on 3 March 2025 and will be completed by 31 January 2026.

    The purpose of the share buyback programme is to reduce the share capital of Sydbank A/S and the programme is executed in compliance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, collectively referred to as the Safe Harbour rules.

    The following transactions have been made under the share buyback programme:

      Number of shares VWAP Gross value (DKK)
    Accumulated, most recent
    Announcement

    1,238,000

    		  

    529,848,260.00
    14 July 2025
    15 July 2025
    16 July 2025
    17 July 2025
    18 July 2025    		 10,000
    10,000
    10,000
    10,000
    10,000    		 480.70
    481.13
    481.33
    477.60
    477.97    		 4,807,000.00
    4,811,300.00
    4,813,300.00
    4,776,000.00
    4,779,700.00
    Total over week 29 50,000   23,987,300.00
    Total accumulated during the
    share buyback programme

    1,288,000

    		  

    553,835,560.00

    All transactions were made under ISIN DK 0010311471 and effected by Danske Bank A/S on behalf of Sydbank A/S.

    Further information about the transactions, cf Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on market abuse and Commission delegated regulation, is available in the attachment.

    Following the above transactions, Sydbank A/S holds a total of 1,288,593 own shares, equal to 2.51% of the Bank’s share capital.

    Yours sincerely
            
    Mark Luscombe        Jørn Adam Møller
    CEO                          Deputy Group Chief Executive

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Leil Storage Launches SaunaFS 5.0: The First On-Premise HM-SMR Ready Distributed File System Delivering Eco-Efficiency Without Performance Compromise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leil Storage announces the release of SaunaFS 5.0, redefining what’s possible for on-premise large-scale enterprise storage empowered by hyperscale efficiency. SaunaFS 5.0 is the industry’s first on-premises distributed file system engineered for true exabyte scale, purpose-built to unlock the exceptional density and efficiency of Host-Managed Shingled Magnetic Recording (HM-SMR) drives. It delivers market-leading eco-efficiency and reliability – with no sacrifice in performance.

    To accelerate adoption, SaunaFS 5.0 supports drives of variable capacity, allowing to combine drives of different series and generations within the same cluster, as well as mix of CMR and SMR drives – all to make an easier start.

    Key Highlights:

    • Unmatched Performance: SaunaFS 5.0 introduces a new chunk-based write algorithm, along with improved parallelization and smarter I/O path management. These upgrades provide dramatically increased sequential and nearline throughput, ensuring HM-SMR drives can outperform expectations – even under production workloads.
    • Effortless Scalability: Enhanced metadata architecture, advanced chunk management, and next-gen erasure coding allow seamless growth from petabyte to exabyte-scale clusters. Administrators can now mix CMR, SMR, and HM-SMR drives within a single deployment, a best-in-class flexibility unmatched by other distributed file systems.
    • Reliability At Scale: The new release features a hardened, resilient failover system and an upgraded floating IP manager designed to maintain high availability during peak operations and site transitions.
    • True Eco-Efficiency: Building on Leil’s proprietary ICE (“Infinite Cold Engine”) platform, SaunaFS 5.0 automatically powers down idle drives, optimizing energy usage and substantially reducing data center operational costs.

    Under-the-Hood Innovations:

    • Streamlined upgrade/downgrade paths
    • Improved concurrency, memory handling, and smart caching
    • Granular drive management and simplified cluster orchestration

    “SaunaFS 5.0 is the result of our two-year pursuit of not just performance, but real, verifiable sustainability. By marrying technical innovation with an eco-first approach, we enable organizations to store vastly more data, faster and greener than ever before,” said David Gerstein, CTO of Leil Storage. “We’re thrilled to bring this advancement both to the industry and our global open-source community.”

    About Leil Storage
    Leil Storage delivers scalable, sustainable file storage solutions, shaping the future of enterprise data infrastructure. SaunaFS is open source and free to use, with commercial modules available for advanced features and support.

    Discover more at leil.io and follow Leil Storage on LinkedIn.

    Aleksandr Ragel
    AR@leil.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft Oil Company Holds First Board of Directors Meeting Following Annual Shareholders’ Meeting Results

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

    Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rosneft Oil Company. The meeting also formed the composition and elected the chairmen of the three permanent committees of the Board of Directors.

    Mohammed Bin Saleh Al-Sada was first elected Chairman of Rosneft Board of Directors in June 2023. He holds more than 40 years of experience in the energy sector. Currently, Al-Sada holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Doha University for Science and Technology (the State of Qatar), Member of the Board of Trustees at the Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy & Sustainable Development and Advisory Board member for GCC supreme council, as well as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nesma Infrastructure & Technology.

    From 2007 to 2011, Minister of State for Energy & Industry Affairs of the State of Qatar, from 2011 to 2018 as Minister of Energy and Industry of the State of Qatar, and Chairman of the Board of Qatar Petroleum (now QatarEnergy).

    Department of Information and Advertising
    Rosneft Oil Company
    July 21, 2025

    These materials contain statements regarding future events and expectations that are forward-looking estimates. Any statement in these materials that is not historical information is a forward-looking statement that involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the expected results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to adjust the data contained herein to reflect actual results, changes in underlying assumptions or factors affecting the forward-looking statements.

    Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –