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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting and respecting Europe’s cultural identity within the EU institutions – P-001372/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001372/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus (NI)

    The Commission, Parliament and Council of the European Union have only observer status in the High Council of the European University Institute (EUI) (Rules of Procedure of the High Council of the EUI, Article 1(1)(b)). Funding for the EUI comes from contributions paid by the Member States by virtue of their belonging to the European Union, as well as from the EU budget, which is allocated via a range of educational and research programmes.

    In light of these considerations:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to protect Europe’s cultural identity within the EU institutions?
    • 2.Does it not feel it would be appropriate to change the observer status of the Commission, Parliament and the Council of the European Union in the EUI High Council (Rules of Procedure of the High Council of the EUI, Article 1(1)(b)) in such a way as to ensure that Christmas, which is one of European’s most important celebrations, is not deemed to be offensive or exclusionary?

    Submitted: 2.4.2025

    Last updated: 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ignazio Cassis to attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will represent Switzerland at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which will be held in Turkey from 11 to 13 April. Mr Cassis will have discussions on geopolitical challenges during the forum, including a meeting with the Turkish foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. Prior to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Mr Cassis will visit the Turkish capital Ankara to attend an event marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the treaty of friendship between Switzerland and Turkey.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – REGI – Public Hearing on Depopulation Challenges in European Regions – 09.04.25 – Committee on Regional Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Regional Development will hold a public hearing on Depopulation Challenges in European Regions on Wednesday 9 April 2025.

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Russian drone flyover of Italian JRC site in Ispra – E-001317/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001317/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Caterina Chinnici (PPE), Marco Falcone (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE), Giusi Princi (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Flavio Tosi (PPE)

    According to press reports, a Russian-made drone is said to have flown over the site of the Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Ispra (Varese) five times in the last month. One of the EU’s main scientific hubs, the facility conducts strategic research, including in the field of drone-related security. The site is also just a short distance away from sensitive facilities, such as that of defence contractor Leonardo.

    The Milan public prosecutor’s office will reportedly open a formal investigation into the matter, highlighting the sensitivity of the case from a security perspective. If reports are found to be true, the episode would be particularly significant as it could mean that – at a time when the geopolitical context calls for maximum vigilance – technological, scientific and national security are at risk.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the flyovers of the JRC site in Ispra and of any investigations being conducted by the relevant authorities?
    • 2.What measures are currently in place to protect and ensure the physical and cybersecurity of the EU’s strategic research centres?
    • 3.Will it open a specific inquiry into the Ispra affair to check for any weaknesses and step up the existing security measures?

    Submitted: 31.3.2025

    Last updated: 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – The role of tax in aligning the green transition and competitiveness – 24-04-2025 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    On 24 April 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00, the FISC Subcommittee will host a public hearing on “The role of tax in aligning the green transition and competitiveness”.

    The purpose of the hearing is to examine tax incentives for clean energy, aviation, and maritime transport, with a particular focus on the recommendations from the Draghi report. The discussion will explore how fiscal measures can support the green transition and enhance sustainability in these key sectors.

    In particular, policy experts on the transport and logistics sectors and on key industries sectors, together with representatives from academia and the OECD, will provide valuable perspectives on the role of tax incentives in making aviation and maritime transport more sustainable.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – The role of tax in aligning the green transition and competitiveness – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    On 24 April 2025, from 9:30 to 11:00, the FISC Subcommittee will host a public hearing on “The role of tax in aligning the green transition and competitiveness”.

    The purpose of the hearing is to examine tax incentives for clean energy, aviation, and maritime transport, with a particular focus on the recommendations from the Draghi report. The discussion will explore how fiscal measures can support the green transition and enhance sustainability in these key sectors.

    In particular, policy experts on the transport and logistics sectors and on key industries sectors, together with representatives from academia and the OECD, will provide valuable perspectives on the role of tax incentives in making aviation and maritime transport more sustainable.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Women in Politics and the Fight Against Violence – Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

    Source: European Parliament

    On Wednesday, 9 April 2025, the FEMM Committee in association with EP Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil will exchange views on Women in Politics and the Fight Against Violence.

    Four Members of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil have been invited to exchange views on the challenges that women in politics are facing, and what measures we can jointly take to improve the situation, especially in the fight against violence.

    In Europe, women politicians face significant levels of violence, both online and offline, as a barrier to their participation in public life. A 2018 study by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) found that 85% of surveyed women parliamentarians in Europe had experienced psychological violence, including threats and harassment, while 47% had received death, rape, or other forms of threats. Online abuse is particularly widespread, with Amnesty International reporting that women politicians in Europe receive disproportionate levels of hate speech, often with sexist and misogynistic undertones.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – European monetary policy – 07-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European System of Central Banks (ESCB) comprises the ECB and the national central banks of all the EU Member States. The primary objective of the ESCB is to maintain price stability. In order to achieve this objective, the Governing Council of the ECB bases its decisions on an integrated analytical framework and implements both standard and non-standard monetary policy measures.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – The European Central Bank (ECB) – 07-04-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Central Bank (ECB) is the central institution of the Economic and Monetary Union, and has been responsible for monetary policy in the euro area since 1 January 1999. The ECB and all EU national central banks constitute the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). The primary objective of the ESCB is to maintain price stability. Since 2014, the ECB has been responsible for tasks relating to the prudential supervision of credit institutions under the Single Supervisory Mechanism.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: From pollution to solution

    Source: European Investment Bank

    While most of the graphite used in industry today is synthetic graphite imported from China, UP Catalyst’s synthetic graphite offers some important advantages. For a start, whereas most synthetic graphite is made from heating petroleum industry biproducts to high temperature and therefore entail high CO2 emissions, UP Catalyst gets its CO2 from biogas and its electricity from renewable sources in a process that is overall carbon negative.

    “Typically, synthetic graphite is a very carbon intensive product, which is basically made from petroleum refinery residues,” explains Jonas Wolff, a senior advisor at the European Investment Bank. “But because UP Catalyst is using CO2 emissions from biofuels, they are effectively taking CO2 out of circulation and permanently sequestrating its carbon, which is hugely beneficial, in terms of our climate objectives.”

    Another positive aspect of UP Catalyst’s process is that it could help the European Union to reduce its dependence on graphite imports from China, which currently supplies about 95% of the material. Recognising the potential of the technology, the company’s project that plans to turn a quarter of a million tons of CO2 into graphite was recently listed as one of 47 Strategic Projects for critical raw materials by the European Commission, a designation that means it will benefit from coordinated support by the Commission, Member States and financial institutions as well as streamlined permitting provisions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Gaining time in the fight against the quagga mussel

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research

    To contain the spread of the invasive quagga mussel in Swiss lakes, Eawag researchers recommend swift action based on comprehensive prevention, early detection and containment. They also suggest coordinating the measures both within Switzerland and with neighbouring countries. This is the conclusion of a new report prepared by the aquatic research experts on behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Swiss Expert Committee for Biosafety (SECB).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Yorkshire manufacturer opens factory and expands global reach with UKEF support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    West Yorkshire manufacturer opens factory and expands global reach with UKEF support

    Rosehill Polymers Group has opened a new factory in Sowerby Bridge following a previous financing agreement with UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Virgin Money.

    • The company now exports directly to over 60 countries, through an established network of distributors and end customers.

    • The financing is also supporting apprenticeship schemes and university placements in West Yorkshire, helping to develop the region’s future manufacturing workforce.

    Founded in 1988, Rosehill Polymers Group is a UK manufacturer of high-performance polymer systems using recycled rubber. Its solutions are widely used across sectors such as highways, rail, energy, sport, and security infrastructure.

    In 2023, UKEF, the UK government’s export credit agency, issued a credit guarantee for Rosehill under its General Export Facility. This unlocked new financing from Virgin Money, enabling Rosehill to scale its operations and invest in global growth.

    Thanks in part to this financing, the company has now expanded its direct export markets from 52 to over 60 countries and opened a second factory in Sowerby Bridge. This reflects strong international demand and the versatility of its solutions across diverse applications.

    In 2024–25 alone, Rosehill used the new financing to break into nine new export markets, including Chile, Colombia, the Cayman Islands, South Africa, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, and Romania.

    Further growth is anticipated in 2025, with market entries planned in Argentina, Bolivia, Panama, Suriname, French Guiana, Namibia, Malaysia, Croatia, Latvia, and Singapore.

    With around 100 staff based at its West Yorkshire site, including in-house chemists and technical specialists, Rosehill continues to invest in skills through apprenticeships and university placements, ensuring a strong foundation for the future.

    UKEF’s support has been instrumental in helping Rosehill drive sustainable manufacturing growth, expand its international footprint, and contribute to the UK’s global trade ambitions under the government’s Plan for Change.

    Alexander Celik, CEO at Rosehill Polymers Group, said:

    “Rosehill has an established history of exporting our products to several developed key markets. However, as competition within the sector increases, it is more important than ever to mirror this success elsewhere. Working with UKEF has not only enabled us to tap into the potential held within Latin America, Southeast Asia and Europe, but also expand our innovative product offering to even more customers worldwide.

    “As we enter this next exciting phase of growth, our attention turns to meeting global demand, all while providing opportunities for people across Yorkshire. Our apprenticeship and placement schemes lay at the heart of what we do, and as we expand our overseas footprint, we hope to see this result in increased opportunities to attract the best talent to the industry.”

    Alissia Deane, West Yorkshire Export Finance Manager at UKEF, said:

    “The support provided to Rosehill Polymers highlights UKEF’s commitment to helping British SMEs achieve growth in overseas markets – something which in turn supports economic growth across the UK.

    “It’s fantastic to see how our support ended up helping Rosehill to reach new export markets and develop jobs and talent in the local manufacturing industry.”

    Craig Wilson, Head of FX Sales & Trade Finance at Virgin Money, said:

    “Rosehill are a fabulous example of a successful and innovative UK manufacturing business growing their customer base through the world, and in the process growing their workforce locally.

    “We are proud to be a key partner of Rosehill and provide some of the international tools and expertise to help them to continue to grow their already impressive international success.  The current deal in conjunction with UK Export Finance is another great example of collaboration between Virgin Money and UKEF to support customers trading internationally.”

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and others announce that the recipient of the 2025 Democracy Defenders Award is the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK and others announce that the recipient of the 2025 Democracy Defenders Award is the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association.

    The Democracy Defenders Award recognises the contribution civil society makes to promoting democracy in the OSCE region. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has been tireless in its efforts to protect democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and due process for Georgians since 1994.

    On behalf of the delegations of Canada, Denmark, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, I would like to inform the Permanent Council of the following matter. 

    In 2016, the Democracy Defender Award was established to recognize the enormous contribution civil society makes to defending and promoting democracy in the OSCE region.  The Award honours outstanding contributions to upholding the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. 

    In keeping with this tradition, and as we mark 50 years since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, we are pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2025 Award is the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association. 

    The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has been tireless in its efforts to protect democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and due process for Georgians since 1994 and is one of the largest and most respected human rights organizations in Georgia.   

    The Democracy Defender Award Presentation and Seminar will take place on April 8th.  

    In addition to the official presentation of the 2025 Democracy Defender Award, the Seminar, featuring a panel of expert speakers, will focus on the topic of shrinking civic space in the OSCE area.  

    Invitations have been distributed, and we encourage your response and attendance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scotland’s Carbon Footprint: 1998-2021

    Source: Scottish Government

    An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland

    This publication provides estimates of Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions on a consumption basis; that is emissions that are associated with the spending of Scottish residents on goods and services, wherever in the world these emissions arise, together with emissions directly generated by Scottish households.

    Key points

    • Between 2020 and 2021, Scotland’s carbon footprint (emissions from all greenhouse gases) increased by 14.6 per cent from 51.6 to 59.2 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2021.
    • Between 1998 and 2021, Scotland’s carbon footprint fell by 19.9 per cent from 73.9 MtCO2e in 1998 to 59.2 MtCO2e in 2021

    Scotland’s carbon footprint rose continuously from 2001 to a peak of 81.7 MtCO2e in 2007 before falling sharply after 2007 (coinciding with the recession) and, with the exception of 2012, 2018, and 2021, has fallen each subsequent year. However, the 2021 value is highest seen since 2015. The overall reduction between the 2007 peak and 2021 is 27.6 per cent.

    NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS

    1. The full statistical publication can be accessed at: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scotlands-carbon-footprint-1998-2021
    2.  The data cover the period up to 2021 and show increased emissions compared to 2020.  Emissions in 2020 were supressed by the effect of the national lockdowns and travel restrictions associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

      3. This statistical report meets the requirements under Section 37 of the Climate Change      (Scotland) Act 2009 and the updated requirements under Section 21 of the Climate   Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Act 2019.  The data contained within this report are also used to inform National Indicator 47: “Carbon Footprint”.

      4. Published territorial emissions are available in the Official Statistics publication Section B. Results – Scottish Greenhouse Gas Statistics 2022 – gov.scot

      5. Official statistics are produced by professionally independent statistical staff –  more information on the standards of official statistics in Scotland can be accessed  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/About     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two-year pay offer to Agenda for Change staff

    Source: Scottish Government

    8% pay increase for nurses, midwives and NHS workers in 2025-26 and 2026-27.

    Nurses, midwives and other healthcare staff across Scotland have been offered a pay increase of 8% over two years to ensure they continue to be the best paid in the UK, Health Secretary Neil Gray has announced.

    The offer guarantees the pay increase will be one percentage point above inflation over same period.

    If accepted by trade unions, it will see pay raises of 4.25% in 2025-26 and 3.75% in 2026-27. It involves an investment of more than £700 million over the two-year period and will ensure almost 170,000 NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – benefit from the pay rise which will be backdated to 1 April 2025.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “This is a strong two-year pay offer that has been agreed following constructive engagement with trade union representatives. It is guaranteed to remain above CPI inflation, which gives added reassurance to staff, and will ensure Scotland’s nurses, midwives and NHS staff have the best pay in the UK.

    “This comes on the back of increased employer national insurance contributions following the UK Government announcement in October 2024. It directly increases the overall cost of pay by an estimated £191 million for Scotland’s NHS.

    “I want to express my thanks again to Scotland’s hardworking healthcare staff for their continued hard work and commitment.

    “The unions will now consult their members and I hope this offer will be accepted.”

    BACKGROUND

    A total of £701 million has been committed for Agenda for Change pay in 2025-26 and 2026-27. This equates to an uplift of 8% for all staff, 4.25% in 2025-26 and 3.75% in 2026-27.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Irwell River Park Connectivity and Movement Strategy approved by Salford City Council

    Source: City of Salford

    • Regeneration of the 8km stretch of the River Irwell into a vibrant and accessible urban park.
    • Renewed Connectivity and Movement Strategy introduces a stronger focus on active travel, environmental sustainability and community engagement.
    • A single piece of connected landscape, the area will provide four distinctive character zones.

    Plans to create a series of riverside walking and cycling routes connecting Salford Quays and the city centre and transform the 8km stretch of the River Irwell into a vibrant and accessible urban park have today been approved by Salford City Council.

    Following a comprehensive public consultation at the end of 2024, the renewed Irwell River Park (IPR) Connectivity and Movement Strategy has been developed, which builds on previous IPR regeneration and introduces a stronger focus on active travel, environmental sustainability and community engagement. This will now guide future development and investment to ensure that the current potential of the area can be maximised.

    The approved strategy reflects ambitions to enhance connectivity, public realm, accessibility and identity along the IRP, making it a vibrant asset and a place for all that will deliver:

    • A connected Irwell: Irwell River Park will offer an uninterrupted, attractive and safe place to walk and cycle near to the river and will be easily accessible from local neighbourhoods and by public transport. 
    • A resilient Irwell River Park: Irwell River Park will be resilient to climate change and a place that allows and encourages nature to thrive. 
    • Spaces and places: Public spaces and parks will enable people and nature to experience and enrich Irwell River Park in a positive and meaningful way. 
    • All are welcome: Irwell River Park will be a place that anyone can access and benefit from and it will aim to promote inclusivity. 
    • This is Irwell River Park: Irwell River Park will have a distinctive identity that reveals and celebrates the rich history, culture and significance of the river corridor. 
    • Irwell legacy: Irwell River Park should be embraced as a city asset, which is positively shaped and promoted by local people and key stakeholders.

    While Irwell River Park is intended to be a single piece of connected landscape, the area will provide four distinctive character zones:

    • The Meadows and Anaconda: Focused on enhancing the green and ecologically rich area by improving access, safety and natural beauty.
    • Salford City: Focused on transforming the urban area by creating a continuous riverside pathway that seamlessly connects pedestrians and cyclists to key destinations.
    • Ordsall Riverside: Focused on improving the narrow riverside paths by widening them for safer pedestrian and cyclist use, alongside better lighting to enhance safety and visibility.
    • Salford Quays: Focused on creating a landmark destination and a place where people and nature exist more closely together.

    Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council said: “The plans that have been approved for Irwell River Park reflects our vision to improve movement and connectivity in Salford through a series of walking and cycling routes, public spaces and nature-rich environments.

    “As part of the city’s regeneration and the council’s broader goals of creating a greener, fairer, and healthier city, over the next decade we want to create a vibrant and sustainable place that people can enjoy. Our aspiration is that the area will become an essential part of daily life in Salford, where residents can live healthier lives, engage with nature and connect with their city’s rich history.”

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    Date published
    Tuesday 8 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia is killing civilians in Ukraine while claiming it wants peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    Russia is killing civilians in Ukraine while claiming it wants peace: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland condemns Russia’s 4th April attack on Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine, which killed 20 civilians, including 9 children. If Russia wanted peace it would end these barbaric attacks and commit to an immediate ceasefire.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.  We find ourselves here once again to condemn yet another Russian attack that has killed and injured multiple Ukrainian civilians.  As we have heard from the Ukrainian Ambassador, Friday’s missile attack on Kryvyi Rih resulted in the deaths of 20 people, including nine children; a further 70 people were injured.  The youngest victim was just three years old. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those affected.

    The Kremlin claims that it is serious about peace.  It has been given an opportunity to demonstrate this by signing up to a ceasefire on equal terms.  Not only has it dithered and delayed over President Trump’s proposal, its continued barbaric attacks on Ukraine run entirely counter to President Putin’s stated desire for peace.

    Hitting residential areas with missiles is not a sign of wanting peace.  Killing children is not a sign of wanting peace.  And increasing the number of aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilians, including cities far away from the front line, is not a sign of wanting peace.

    Friday’s attack was a dark chapter in this already senseless war.  But it was not an isolated one.  It sits alongside the missile strike on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital, the mass civilian casualties caused by the destruction of the supermarket in Kostiantynivka, the massacre in Bucha and many others.  Every civilian death in this war is a tragedy.  We call on Russia to end these barbaric attacks and commit to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, as Ukraine has done.

    The United Kingdom, alongside our partners and allies, will continue to provide Ukraine with the military support it needs to defend its citizens.  And we stand ready to apply further pressure on Russia using all of the tools at our disposal to hinder its ability to wage this war of aggression.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “VuzEcoFest” at GUU: join the ecological festival

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management invites students to join the events of the XI annual youth festival in the field of sustainable development “VuzEcoFest”, which is held within the walls of our university from April 7 to 27.

    This year the theme of the festival is adaptation to the consequences of climate change at the level of companies and regions.

    Students will enjoy a scientific seminar, a team quiz, a campaign to collect felt-tip pens and pens, film screenings, an environmental game library, a poster exhibition, a museum tour, and a video relay race. You can learn more about the events in the community of the Vernadsky Ecoclub of the State University of Management.

    In addition, the VK.Zvonki platform will host open webinars for anyone who wants to understand the topic of climate change and adaptation to it from the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Sakhalin Region, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and others. The webinar schedule is available at the link.

    “VuzEcoFest” is held by the ANO “Territory of Sustainable Development” with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia and the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia. Information partners of the festival are the Nature Conservation Embassy, Helpingver, EcoDao, ESG World, ESG Media, the Agency for Social Information, Typical Moscow, Youngspace and AGN “Moscow”.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/08/2025

    «ВузЭкоФест»,…” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5996.png” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b2%d1%83%d0%b7%d1%8d%d0%ba%d0%be%d1%84%d0%b5%d1%81%d1%82-%d0%b2-%d0%b3%d1%83%d1%83-%d0%bf%d1%80%d0%b8%d1%81%d0%be%d0%b5%d0%b4%d0%b8%d0%bd%d1%8f%d0%b9%d1%81%d1%8f/”>

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESIDENT RECEIVES ‘CITY KEY OF HONOUR’ OF LISBON

    Source: Government of India

    PRESIDENT RECEIVES ‘CITY KEY OF HONOUR’ OF LISBON

    ATTENDS BANQUET HOSTED IN HER HONOUR BY THE PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL

    WE CONSIDER PORTUGAL AS OUR PARTNER IN HARNESSING INDIA’S STRENGTHS AS A KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMY: PRESIDENT MURMU

    Posted On: 08 APR 2025 11:44AM by PIB Delhi

    The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu received the ‘City Key of Honour’ of Lisbon City from the Mayor of Lisbon at a function held at the City Hall of Lisbon, Portugal yesterday (April 7, 2025).  

    Speaking on the occasion, the President thanked the Mayor and the people of Lisbon for the gesture. She said that Lisbon is known for its open-mindedness, the warmth of its people and its culture, along with tolerance and respect for diversity. She was happy to note that Lisbon is a global city that is at the forefront of technological change, innovation, digital public infrastructure and digital transition. She said that in these areas India and Portugal could further cooperate. 

    Yesterday evening (April 7, 2025), the President attended a banquet hosted in her honour by the President of the Republic of Portugal, H.E. Mr Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at Palacio da Ajuda. 

    In her banquet remarks, the President said that the cultural ties between our peoples span centuries, and these ties have left an indelible mark on our collective imagination. These include our shared past which is reflected in architecture, historical sites and languages, as well as our cuisines. 

    The President said that this year holds special significance as we celebrate 50 years of India-Portugal bilateral relations. With our natural synergy and potential for cooperation in diverse fields, our historic ties are firmly on their way to becoming a dynamic and visionary partnership. She was happy to note the steady and progressive growth in India-Portugal cooperation in various fields, including science and technology, defence, IT, start-ups, research, educational and cultural cooperation. 

    The President said that as a knowledge-based economy, India is harnessing its strengths in areas such as science and technology, information and communication technology, digital public infrastructure, start-ups and innovation to create an inclusive and sustainable development model that benefits all. She stated that India considers Portugal as its partner in these efforts. 

    The President appreciated Portugal’s role in promoting India’s relations with the European Union. She highlighted that it was during Portugal’s Presidency of the European Union that the first India-EU Summit was held in 2000, and in May 2021, once again under the Portuguese Presidency, the historic “India-EU Plus 27” Leadership Summit took place in Portugal. 

    The President expressed confidence that India-Portugal bilateral relations will become even closer and broader in the times to come and it will be beneficial not only for our people but for the entire world.

    Ceremony to deliver City Key of Honour -Lisban

    Banquet speech – Portugal

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    MJPS/SKS

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCSD’s “Hong Kong Artists” Series to present cross-genre arts performance “Soundscape Impressions” in May (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCSD’s “Hong Kong Artists” Series to present cross-genre arts performance “Soundscape Impressions” in May       
         The first half of the programme opens with Debussy’s “Sonata in G minor, L. 140” and Saint-Saëns’s “Suite for Cello and Piano, Op.16”, paired with the paintings of small animals and natural scenery of the four seasons respectively to highlight the resonance between music and painting. It is followed by Ravel’s piano four-hand work “‘Ma Mère l’Oye’ (The Mother Goose) Suite”, inviting audiences into a whimsical fairytale world through the interplay of melodies and painting images. The second half features Ravel’s “Piano Trio in A minor” accompanied by paintings depicting the Hong Kong cityscape, which further explores the boundless possibilities of cross-genre artistic inspiration. This fusion also allows audiences to appreciate and interpret classical music and paintings from multiple perspectives.
          
         Lee is currently the Honorary Artist-in-Residence of the Education University of Hong Kong and a tutor at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU). Lee has performed worldwide in solo recitals and with numerous renowned orchestras, such as Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. She has appeared in major festivals, including the Duszniki Festival Poland, Musicus Fest in Espoo, Finland and Shanghai New Music Week.
          
         Fu currently engages in painting and art education. He is a tutor in watercolour painting courses at the School of Continuing and Professional Studies of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His works centre on everyday scenes of life and people and have been exhibited in more than 20 countries in Europe, America and Asia. He has also received numerous awards, including the Honorable Mention Award in the 2nd International Watercolor Society India Biennale in 2017, the Special Prize in the Poland International Watercolor Competition in 2019 and the Silver Award at the third Asia Pacific Art Biennial Exhibition the following year.
          
         Chan is a violinist sought after as a soloist and chamber player around the globe. He is a two-time Sylva Gelber Music Foundation Award recipient in Canada. In 2023, Chan won the Musicus Society’s Young Artist Audition and was selected to join the roster of Musicus Soloists Hong Kong.
          
         Poon now serves as the Artistic Director of the Hong Kong International Cello Association and teaches at the HKAPA and the HKBU. Poon’s performance engagements with various organisations have taken her to China, Thailand, Japan, Italy, France, Spain, and more, in addition to her regular concert appearances in Hong Kong. 
          
         Young pianist Wong has given solo recitals in the United States, Europe and Asia and has performed at venues, such as the National Concert Hall in Dublin and Carnegie Hall in New York. She is a prize winner in the 2022 Steinway Förderpreis Münster and gained first prizes in the Karlovac International Piano Competition, the Valletta International Piano Competition, and more.
     
    The “Hong Kong Artists” Series: “Soundscape Impressions” will be staged at 8pm on May 10 (Saturday) at the Studio Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $240 and $320 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk 
    The programme will also feature an open rehearsal at 4pm on May 9 (Friday) at the Studio Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, with free admission specially for local primary and secondary school students, giving students a chance to appreciate the unique cross-genre arts performance. Interested schools can call 2268 7321 for details.
     
    The “Hong Kong Artists” Series of the LCSD aims to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their remarkable talents. In addition to individual performances, it also encourages cross-genre works to highlight their unique styles. This year’s series will introduce 10 distinguished musicians in six stunning programmes, featuring violin, piano, cello, guzheng and vocal arts. Among them, a cross-genre performance of music and painting will be staged to showcase Hong Kong’s unique cultural character, embracing diversity and innovation. For more information, please visit     www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/music/groups_1823.htmlIssued at HKT 14:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Esker Named a “Leader” and “Challenger” in Accounts Payable and Source-to-Pay Applications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Esker has been recognized in not one, but two Gartner® Magic Quadrants™ for 2025 in a short period of time!

    • Leader in the very first Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications
    • Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay

    The only company recognized as a leader for end-to-end invoice processing for both customer and supplier invoices. 

    Press release

    Esker Named a Leader in First-Ever Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Accounts Payable Applications

    LYON, France, and MIDDLETON, Wis. — March 24, 2025 — Esker, the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced that it has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications.

    The Gartner report evaluated 14 vendors based on their Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision, positioning Esker as a Leader, which it believes is because of its strong performance, cutting-edge technology and customer-centric approach.

    Esker Accounts Payable streamlines invoice processing by eliminating manual inefficiencies with AI-driven data capture, automated processing and electronic workflows. Ensuring e-invoicing compliance, it simplifies cashflow management and unlocks new revenue opportunities, delivering a smarter, more efficient AP experience. It is Esker’s view that this recognition reflects its dedication to robust AI integration, advanced dashboards and reporting capabilities, and commitment to global compliance and support.

    “We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the inaugural Accounts Payable Application Magic Quadrant,” said Catherine Dupuy-Holdich, S2P Product Manager at Esker. “In our opinion, Esker’s AI-driven capabilities have revolutionized the way businesses manage their accounts payable processes. For our customers, we feel we offer greater efficiency, improved accuracy and the ability to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual tasks.”

    Esker is the only company recognized in three Magic Quadrant reports: Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, Gartner Magic Quadrant for Invoice-to-Cash Applications and this first-ever Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications.  From Esker’s perspective, it is a trusted partner for businesses seeking to automate and optimize their end-to-end finance and procurement processes.

    To access a complimentary copy of the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications, please click here.

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Application, by Mike Helsel, Miles Onafowora and Nick Duffy, published March, 2025.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About Esker

    Esker is the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO. Leveraging the latest in automation technologies, Esker’s Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions optimize working capital and cashflow, enhance decision-making, and drive better collaboration and human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit www.esker.be. Follow Esker on LinkedIn and join the conversation.

    Press release

    Esker Named a Challenger in 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Source-to-Pay Suites

    LYON, France, and MIDDLETON, Wis. — March 26, 2025 — Esker, the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced that it has been named a Challenger in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites.

    The Gartner report evaluated 12 vendors across a broad set of evaluation criteria, placing Esker in the Challengers Quadrant based on its Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. Notably, Esker received this position within just a year, which it believes is because of its remarkable progress and adaptability.

    “We are thrilled to be recognized as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites,” said Jean-Michel Bérard, CEO at Esker. “From our perspective, this acknowledgment represents our substantial progress in both market presence and execution capabilities, as well as our commitment to driving innovation and delivering tangible value to our customers.”

    It is Esker’s view that this recognition was received based on a strong sales strategy and foundation in finance, as well as the end-to-end AI automation suite for the Office of the CFO.

    Esker Synergy AI, the meticulously designed and specially trained set of technologies powering Esker’s Source-to-Pay suite, improves speed and accuracy throughout the S2P cycle, takes on redundant tasks, analyzes data to make predictions and informed improvements, and helps suppliers get paid faster. 

    AI-driven automation is helping businesses enhance profitability and efficiency in ways that were previously out of reach. It has the potential to drive significant improvements not only within the Finance department but across the entire organization.

    “Source-to-pay automation unites the offices of the CFO and CPO, creating a powerhouse partnership that drives great efficiency,” said Catherine Dupuy-Holdich, S2P Product Manager at Esker. “Esker’s AI-driven suite helps businesses streamline procurement processes, gain better spend insights, enforce policy compliance and enhance supplier relationships.”

    To access a complimentary copy of the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, please click here.

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, by Micky Keck, Kaitlynn Sommers, Balaji Abbabatulla, Cian Curtin, Lynne Phelan, Chaithanya Paradarami, Martin Shreffleri, published March 24, 2025.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    About Esker

    Esker is the global authority in AI-powered business solutions for the Office of the CFO. Leveraging the latest in automation technologies, Esker’s Source-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash solutions optimize working capital and cashflow, enhance decision-making, and drive better collaboration and human-to-human relationships with customers, suppliers and employees. Esker operates in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific with global headquarters in Lyon, France, and U.S. headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information on Esker and its solutions, visit www.esker.be. Follow Esker on LinkedIn and join the conversation.        

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – STATE AID RULES ON HOUSING – 07-04-2025 – Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

    Source: European Parliament

    On 7 April, the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union (HOUS) will hold a Public Hearing on State Aid Rules on Housing.

    his event brought together experts, local authorities, key sector representatives, and the European Commission to engage with Members of the European Parliament on how EU competition policy can better support affordable housing initiatives.

    The discussion’s insights will play a key role in shaping the Special Committee’s policy recommendations to tackle the housing crisis, with a particular focus on the role of public support mechanisms within EU competition law.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA letter to Lloyds about breaching Part 5 of the Retail Banking Order

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    CMA letter to Lloyds about breaching Part 5 of the Retail Banking Order

    Letter to Lloyds Banking Group after the Competition and Markets Authority found it breached Part 5 (Payment Transactions Histories) of the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order 2017.

    Documents

    Letter to Lloyds Banking Group about breaching Part 5 of the Retail Banking Order

    PDF, 120 KB, 2 pages

    Details

    Part 5 of the Retail Banking Market Investigation Order 2017 requires banks and building societies to send Payment Transaction Histories to any personal current account customer who closes their account (unless an exemption applies).

    Lloyds Banking Group failed to provide around 360,000 former account holders with letters which explained how to access their Payment Transaction Histories. This failure lasted from April 2018 to October 2024.

    This letter sets out our concerns and what Lloyds did to put things right.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Director banned after securing Covid loans for takeaway and parcel delivery company which never traded

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Director banned after securing Covid loans for takeaway and parcel delivery company which never traded

    He made false statements on his applications for Bounce Back Loans

    • Adam Ebrahim set up two companies which were intended to be a takeaway and separate business delivering packages, but neither began trading  

    • Despite this, Ebrahim made two false applications for Covid Bounce Back Loans in 2020, claiming the companies had annual incomes of hundreds of thousands of pounds 

    • Ebrahim has been banned as a company director until April 2038 following investigations by the Insolvency Service

    A director has been banned after securing £100,000 in Covid support funds for a takeaway and delivery company which never traded. 

    Adam Ebrahim was the director of Chicken Grill Cottage Ltd and Presto Delivery Ltd, which had registered office addresses in Uxbridge and the Docklands area of London. 

    Ebrahim falsely claimed that the two companies had a turnover of £400,000 and £235,000 when he made the applications for Bounce Back Loans in 2020. 

    He then transferred the loan funds to his personal account, breaking the rules of the scheme again. 

    Ebrahim, of Trevelyan Gardens, London, was banned as a director for 13 years at a hearing of the High Court in London on Tuesday 18 March. 

    His ban started on Tuesday 8 April. 

    The 41-year-old was also ordered to pay £9,555 in costs. 

    Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Adam Ebrahim exploited the Bounce Back Loan Scheme by securing two maximum-value loans for companies which never began trading. 

    “Ebrahim made matters worse by pocketing the funds when the loans were not supposed to be used for personal purposes. 

    “Tackling Bounce Back Loan misconduct remains a key priority for the Insolvency Service more than five years on from the start of the pandemic and we will continue to take action against those who stole from the public purse during a national emergency.

    Ebrahim made the false applications to two separate banks for £50,000 Bounce Back Loans for Chicken Grill Cottage in May 2020 and Presto Delivery in September of that year. 

    Both companies were incorporated in 2019 but never began trading. 

    Chicken Grill Cottage and Presto Delivery entered liquidation on the same day in June 2022 owing more than £100,000 combined. 

    The disqualification order prevents Ebrahim from being involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company, without the permission of the court.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XploraDEX Presale Gains Momentum as XRP’s First AI-Powered DEX Draws Investor Attention—Join $XPL Presale

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The XRP Ledger is witnessing a wave of renewed excitement as XploraDEX, the first AI-integrated decentralized exchange (DEX) built on XRPL, pushes forward with its high-demand $XPL Token Presale. Having already surpassed 50% of its soft cap target in record time, XploraDEX is quickly becoming a focal point in XRP’s evolving DeFi landscape.

    While XRP has long been recognized for its speed, cost-efficiency, and real-world utility, it has lacked sophisticated decentralized infrastructure for traders—until now. XploraDEX is changing that narrative, introducing a new class of intelligent DeFi through artificial intelligence, automated execution, and data-driven trading support.

    What Is XploraDEX?

    XploraDEX is more than a DEX, it’s a trading engine fueled by AI. Designed to enhance user performance through real-time predictive analytics, smart liquidity routing, and algorithmic strategy support, the platform offers traders a powerful set of tools previously reserved for institutional players.

    The platform’s AI modules are capable of identifying price trends, executing trades automatically based on user preferences, and optimizing portfolio performance through continuous learning. By integrating this with XRPL’s lightning-fast transaction speeds and negligible fees, XploraDEX delivers a seamless, intelligent trading experience.

    PARTICIPATE IN $XPL PRESALE

    The Role of $XPL in the Ecosystem

    At the heart of this innovation lies the $XPL token, A utility and governance token engineered to power all core functions of the XploraDEX protocol. Holding $XPL unlocks access to:

    • AI-powered trading dashboards and automation tools
    • Reduced trading and gas fees across the platform
    • Staking and yield farming opportunities
    • Voting rights in the XploraDEX DAO for governance decisions

    The $XPL Presale is currently live at https://sale.xploradex.io, with early investors gaining additional perks including higher staking rewards, early access to AI beta features, and discounted token pricing prior to exchange listings.

    Why Investors Are Paying Attention

    The $XPL Presale is drawing notable attention across the XRP community and beyond. Whale wallets have been observed making strategic acquisitions, and community growth across Twitter and Telegram channels is accelerating.

    The sharp rise in participation reflects investor appetite for high-utility tokens that go beyond speculation. With working AI features already in beta, a clear roadmap, and integrations with XRPL wallets and DEXs, XploraDEX offers a complete ecosystem—backed by real functionality and forward-thinking technology.

    According to the XploraDEX team, once the soft cap is fully reached, the $XPL token will be followed by listings on top XRPL-based exchanges. This positions early presale participants with both access and price advantage.

    What’s Next For XploraDEX?

    XploraDEX plans to roll out cross-asset AI bots, sentiment-driven signal alerts, and multi-chain compatibility by Q3 2025. The platform’s focus on evolving features places it among the most innovative DeFi projects to launch on XRP Ledger to date.

    For investors seeking exposure to AI-powered financial infrastructure on XRPL, the $XPL token represents a ground-floor opportunity with strong fundamentals and rapidly growing momentum.

    $XPL PreSale Information

    Token Name: XploraDEX

    Total Supply: 500,000,000

    Presale Allocation: First Come, First Serve!

    DEX Listing: 25% Higher

    Liquidity Pools: Launching immediately after TGE!

    The XPL Token Presale is already attracting major interest, early investors will gain first-mover advantages!

    Buy $XPL Token

    The $XPL presale is more than a presale, it’s the beginning of a smarter trading era on XRPL. With institutional-level technology now available to individual traders, XploraDEX is poised to become one of the most important DeFi pillars in the XRP ecosystem.

    Investors looking to front-run the future of AI-integrated DeFi on XRPL should act now. The $XPL presale is open—but not for long.

    Join the $XPL Presale Today: https://xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9e7e33c5-56e5-40a0-aca5-1677953755fc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to a case of Clade Ib mpox in an individual in the UK with no known travel history or links to previously confirmed cases

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on a case of Clade 1b Mpox in an individual with no links to other cases, as confirmed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). 

    Dr Jonas Albarnaz, Institute Fellow, Capripoxvirus Biology, The Pirbright Institute, said:

    “Mpox presents as a skin rash with lesions (blisters) in any part of the body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, mouth, genitals, and anus. Mpox rash can be confused with chickenpox. The mode of transmission of mpox is via close contact, and sustained human-to-human transmission has driven the current outbreak of clade 1b mpox in DRC and other countries in Central Africa, as well as the cases imported into countries outside Africa. So far, the clade 1b cases in the UK have been in individuals with recent travel history to Africa and their household contacts. The detection of a clade 1b case in a person without travel history or contact with the other clade 1b cases is surprising. Public health authorities should investigate how this recent case was acquired, but it’s likely that it was acquired from another infected person, via direct contact either with skin lesions or with contaminated surfaces or objects.

    “Transmission of mpox from an asymptomatic person has been reported, but there’s limited information about the role of asymptomatic transmission in driving mpox outbreaks. Zoonotic transmission (animal to human) of mpox also occurs in endemic countries in Africa, but this is an extremely unlikely scenario given the absence of an animal reservoir in the UK.

    “Vaccination remains the best strategy to prevent mpox and is recommended to individuals at higher risk of infection, which include contacts of mpox cases, healthcare workers, and people with multiple sexual partners. Two vaccines are approved against mpox: MVA-BN and LC16. These vaccines are based on weakened versions of a related orthopoxvirus (vaccinia) and were developed against smallpox. However, availability of these vaccines is very limited globally, representing a major bottleneck for the control strategies. It’s up to health authorities to decide on the most efficient strategy to deploy the available vaccine stocks. Ring vaccination, vaccination of close contacts of an infected person, is a common strategy to stop the chain of transmission of the pathogen infection.”

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukhsa-detects-first-case-of-clade-ib-mpox

    Declared interests

    Dr Jonas Albarnaz “No conflicts of interest to declare”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: All-inclusive Try Tag Rugby launches in Salford

    Source: City of Salford

    • Mixed leagues open to adults, Try Tag Rugby is a brand new Salford League.
    • One of the fastest-growing, all-inclusive men’s and women’s sports.
    • Key benefits are to promote a healthier lifestyle, better mental health and opportunities for social connections.

    Try Tag Rugby, one of the UK’s leading adult social sports organisations, has launched its Salford Licence, paving the way for the opening of a brand new Salford League run by Cameron Green who previously played in Manchester leagues. 

    A minimal contact seven-a-side format of rugby, Try Tag Rugby runs mixed men’s and women’s leagues and events across the UK. The first seven-week, weekly league starts in Salford on Thursday 29 May at Broughton Cricket and Rugby Club. 

    Residents across Salford will be able to join over 11,000 people who currently play weekly across 31 different locations across the UK and major cities of London, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield.

    The mixed adult league is now open for registration to teams as well as individuals and a series of free taster sessions will be taking place in the run up to the league in May (8, 15 and 18) for people to give tag a try. No experience is necessary and all levels of fitness are welcome. Free taster sessions can be booked on the Try Tag Rugby website.

    The Rugby Football League (RFL) and Try Tag Rugby work in a strategic partnership aimed at promoting and expanding the sport of Rugby League across various age groups and skill levels. This collaboration is aimed at making a social version of Rugby League more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

    Deputy City Mayor, Councillor Jack Youd at Salford City Council said: “We want everyone in Salford to live longer, healthier and happier lives. Which is why supporting grassroots sports is so important as they play a pivotal role in our communities, helping to improve health and wellbeing in our city. These initiatives help to build stronger, more connected and inclusive communities by bringing people together and provide a platform that can positively impact and enrich the lives of individuals and families.”

    Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports and Leisure at Salford City Council said: “It’s an exciting initiative which, like many other local sports clubs across Salford, makes an invaluable contribution that strengthens the connection between sport and communities. Grassroots sport offers so much more than just the sport being played. For adults, they offer a chance to stay active, socialise, and stay connected to the community, helping to break down barriers that are so important to community development.”

    Cameron Green added: “I’m really excited to bring Try Tag Rugby to Salford and give people an easy way to get active, have fun, and meet new people. I’ve been playing Tag Rugby for the last couple of years, and it’s been an amazing way to stay fit, make friends, and be part of a welcoming community. I can’t wait to bring that same experience to Salford and see players of all backgrounds and abilities giving it a go and making Salford’s Tag Rugby scene something special.”

    In addition to players, Try Tag Rugby is recruiting paid referees in Salford, with free training provided. For further information about refereeing, or enquiries can be made directly to Cameron at Try Tag Rugby Salford – email salford@trytagrugby.com.

    Share this

    Date published
    Tuesday 8 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Romford joiner sentenced after using Covid loan for personal spending

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Romford joiner sentenced after using Covid loan for personal spending

    Charles Ling was handed a 15-month suspended sentence after he used part of a £30,000 Covid Bounce Back Loan for a mortgage payment and cash withdrawals

    • Charles Ling applied for a second Covid Bounce Back loan for Bradcon (Bespoke) Joinery Ltd

    • Ling falsely stated that it was his first loan and that it would be used wholly for business purposes

    • He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 2 April 2025 for fraud by false representation and has repaid the loan

    A Romford man who ran a joinery business in Essex has been handed a 15-month suspended sentence, and 100 hours unpaid work, after he claimed a second Covid Bounce Back Loan and used some of the money for personal spending.  

    Charles Ling, of North Road, Havering-atte-Bower, had already received a £20,000 Bounce Back Loan in May 2020 which was both valid and used legitimately to support Bradcon (Bespoke) Joinery Ltd. 

    But the 57-year-old then successfully applied to a bank for a second Covid loan of £30,000 in June 2020. 

    In the days that followed, he withdrew £9,000 in cash and transferred a £2,500 mortgage payment from the loan.  

    The Insolvency Service investigation found that he had falsely claimed it was his first Bounce Back Loan and none of the £11,500 was used for business purposes.  

    Ling was charged with one count of fraud by false representation and sentenced to 15 months in custody, suspended for 18 months, at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday 2 April. He was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He paid back the £30,000 loan after prosecution action began.

    David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: 

    Charles Ling stated that this was his first Covid Bounce Back Loan, and that it would be spent wholly on his joinery business, but this was not the case.  

    These loans were designed to help support businesses through the pandemic, not for personal use at the expense of the public purse.  

    We are committed to investigating these cases and bringing those responsible to justice.

    The Insolvency Service investigation did not find any wrongdoing with the use of Ling’s first Covid Bounce Back Loan of £20,000, which he was entitled to and was used entirely for business purposes. 

    The maximum loan under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme was £50,000. Any loan must be paid back over six to 10 years. If the money is not repaid, then the Insolvency Service can investigate a company even if it has been dissolved.

    Further information

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Honorary Professor of the Polytechnic University Serikbay Bisekeyev gave a lecture to students of the IPMEiT

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Honorary Professor of the Polytechnic University Serikbay Bisekeyev held an open lecture for students of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade.

    Mr. Bisekeyev is an international entrepreneur. He is the President of Arman Holding, a leading international company in telecommunications, energy and robotics. In addition, Serikbay Zholdybayevich is a co-founder of the Family Development Center in Kazakhstan, a co-founder of the Bolashak Engineer charity project aimed at creating an accessible and high-quality environment for additional education in the field of engineering competencies for schoolchildren in small towns and villages in Kazakhstan, and the author of the books Do It Yourself and Diary of Success. Serikbay Bisekeyev won the Entrepreneur of the Year nomination in Russia according to Ernst Honorary Professor of SPbPU.

    The colossal experience of international entrepreneurship, building and running a business is especially relevant for IPMEiT students, so the open lecture was a sell-out. The event was also attended by teachers and postgraduate students of the institute. The lecture was held in a free discussion format.

    Find ten minutes for a free career guidance test to determine your purpose for a happy life! – this is the advice Serikbai Zholdybaevich gave to students. The speaker presented his books to the most active participants of the discussion.

    After the lecture, Serikbay Bisekeyev met with the director of IPMET Vladimir Shchepinin. Vladimir Engelevich spoke about the institute, plans for the development of educational activities and campus infrastructure.

    Director of the Higher School of Industrial Management Olga Kalinina briefly presented the events implemented in cooperation with the Arman holding company on educational programs in energy and strategic management:

    creation of a joint course of additional professional education “Cooperation: business competence of a modern professional”; creation of joint educational cases in the disciplines “Management” and “Production Management” based on the results of internships of teachers in the company; participation of an expert from the company in the development of educational courses for the master’s degree “Human Resources Management and Organizational Development”; organization and holding of open guest lectures and excursions by Arman employees.

    After the working meeting, Vladimir Shchepinin, together with the IPMEiT teachers, gave Serikbay Bisekeyev a tour of the institute’s new classrooms and laboratories.

    We are grateful to Mr. Bisekeyev for holding a lecture for our students. It is very important when the students have the opportunity to communicate in person and ask questions of interest to a representative of international business of the highest level. With Serikbay Zholdybaevich, we discussed the possibilities of cooperation and areas of further work with his company, – noted the director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Fury, imagery, temperament. How the play “Carmen in my head” was created at the “New Opera” theater

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On March 28, Ballet Moscow, together with the orchestra and choir of the Moscow Theatre Novaya Opera named after E.V. Kolobov, the Moscow Choreographic School named after L.M. Lavrovsky, and the chamber choir of the Moscow Conservatory, presented their own reimagined version of Prosper Mérimée’s novella, which became the basis for Georges Bizet’s famous opera Carmen. The creators of the performance include winners of the Golden Mask award, architectural and music competitions. In a short documentary film especially for Kultura Moskvy, they talked about their work on the production, which shows the story of Don Jose’s all-consuming passion and tormented love for the brilliant Carmen from a new angle.

    “For me, Carmen is, first and foremost, the rage that lies behind all things, and Carmen in this sense is not a woman, but a principle. When I wrote the music for the ballet, I was in my element, because I like to explore rage – I am writing a book of rage for the Chelyabinsk State Philharmonic. This is also a kind of book of rage, but transferred to a plot related to Carmen. I am not talking about a specific plot, because this ballet does not have one – at least, in the usual sense. But there is something important here – Carmen in her symbolic-sublimated form, in the absolute,” says composer Nastasya Khrushcheva.

    Classics in the language of modern dance

    According to Anton Getman, director of the Novaya Opera theater, the idea came to him quite a long time ago, when Ballet Moscow had just become part of the theater. In search of new themes and forms, he turned to Carmen. Then there were discussions with choreographer Tatyana Baganova, who later took on the production. According to her, the most conceptually important theme for her was the theme of the environment: “Jose was placed in Carmen’s environment, where there was absolutely nothing of his. Jose will not survive in it – this was predetermined from the start.”

    Nastasya Khrushcheva also speaks about the clearly expressed masculine and feminine principles in the play, as well as the need to unite them to create a certain alchemy, transmutation: “But they still remain masculine and feminine, and for me this is the goal of music in general, so I was happy to use it here. Both in the costumes and in Tatyana’s production we see masculine and feminine, brought to the limit, symbolically elevated.”

    In the proposed version, the composer deliberately does not focus on Bizet’s opera and distances himself from Spanish, although there are obvious allusions in the costumes and some mise-en-scènes, as there is something in common between the Spanish and Russian cultural codes. But the music really goes to a deeper level, which is not expressed by specific parameters.

    It is noteworthy that the compositions were written during the process of creating the play, and they became a guide, a catalyst for the further assembly of the production. Step by step, thought by thought, a staircase was built, which later twisted into “Carmen in my head”.

    Deep work with archetypes

    Costume designer Galya Solodovnikova emphasizes the importance of the attunement of her work with the architectural scenography of Larisa Lomakina: “This is a geometric structure within which the characters must live. Accordingly, there is an environment – it is formed not only by architecture, but also by music, movement and costumes. We populate the environment with characters. Yes, this is to some extent a story of the confrontation of two genders – we are working with archetypes here, so we specifically tried to get away from everyday costume.”

    Jose is a military man, which is why he is characterized by geometricity, strictness, precision of lines, and a certain rigidity of the image (which cannot be said about the amazing plasticity of the artist, who shows the slightest changes in the face and trembling of the fingertips in micro-details). Carmen is a mobile element, specially enclosed in a pencil dress, as if barely containing her passion. Rehearsal fittings, choosing and reworking samples, tracking the cut in motion – a colossal amount of work. The costumes turned out to be not the most comfortable for dancing, but very recognizable. “And thanks to the fact that we can identify ourselves, it stops being just an abstract ballet, it becomes something that gets into us more,” adds Galya Solodovnikova.

    And who said it had to be Bizet?

    Anton Getman recalls that at some point it was decided to abandon the libretto and not involve the playwright in creating the production. A new rethinking of the idea occurred when Larisa Lomakina came up with the idea of the space.

    “Creating a new ballet performance, especially on such a topic, is quite difficult, because all the authors must have some common basis, a base from which to push off, to fantasize. And the base suddenly appeared when the first sketch, so to speak, appeared in pencil – the idea of endless space, endless movement, stairs up, which in fact lead down, and stairs down, which you can climb up,” says the director of the Novaya Opera theater.

    Larisa Lomakina admits that she always wanted to make ballet not just a plane on which people dance, but a kind of volumetric-spatial element, where almost everything is involved. Among the sources of inspiration are Ricardo Bofill with the La Muralla Roja complex and Maurits Escher with his endless staircases. Infinity reflects the incomprehensible, the struggle between a man and a woman, their characters and emotions. That same hopeless labyrinth in the head, the familiar “thought mixer”, chasing worn-out records in circles and having no chance to stop, except by finally and irrevocably breaking down.

    The color of the mood is rage

    The process of creating the play was synchronous in all respects: Tatyana Baganova would utter themes to Nastasya Khrushcheva, who would clothe them in music. From such an unconventional approach both Carmen’s tenacity and her frenzy were born, Carmen emerged in depression and melancholy, Carmen anxious and triumphant. The music here breathes, sings, whispers and screams out loud.

    “Perhaps, rage for me here is not quite in the direct psychological sense, but rather in the Platonic sense. Plato spoke of three components of the soul: rational, lustful and furious. In my opinion, in music, furious is the most important,” explains Nastasya Khrushcheva, setting the goal of “exploding the banality of everything that can be called musical dust.”

    As the creators of the performance emphasize, it is very important not to see the plot that is familiar to everyone, but to feel the state that is transmitted to the audience. “Carmen is a virus, she never goes anywhere, she always comes back,” Anton Getman quotes Tatyana Baganova. And the principle of “man or woman” is erased, as it were, the language of modern dance scales the story to a certain generalization, philosophically highlighting completely new meanings. And what is difficult to tell can be danced, getting into the music, mood, space, state.

    “Because it’s a relationship. What happens to people when they are happy in a relationship – and when the opposite happens?” – Anton Getman reasons.

    The next performances of the dance performance “Carmen in My Head” will take place on May 27 and 28.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –