Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of an investment package for Grangemouth, and has called on the UK government to urgently work with Holyrood and unions to protect jobs and skills.
Ms Mackay said:
“This is a welcome announcement from the Scottish Government, but it needs to be backed up by resources and a plan from the UK government.
“I hope that Ministers will work with the trade unions to retain jobs and skills in the community and to ensure that it is workers and local people who are leading the process.
“The reality is that the biggest decisions have to be made in Westminster. Labour promised that they would protect jobs but since taking office they have done nothing of the sort. They simply got people’s hopes up and walked away.
“Grangemouth is my home, and it has been infuriating to watch promises being made and then dropped. People in the town have been let down so many times already and a lot of them are feeling abandoned.
“Local workers have been cast aside by INEOS and misled and discarded by a Labour Party that was happy to make big promises to secure their votes and has ignored them ever since.
“Even at this late stage I urge the UK government to apply every lever available to ensure that the community is protected and that we can keep people and skills in Grangemouth.”
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell has urged the Scottish Government to take inspiration from Wales by backing his Member’s Bill to end greyhound racing for good.
The Welsh Government has said that the cruel gambling-led sport will be banned “as soon as practically possible.”
Mr Ruskell’s proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill seeks to promote the welfare of the animals by introducing an offence of permitting a greyhound to compete at racetracks in Scotland.
Mr Ruskell has received crossparty support to progress his Bill, but it is yet to secure the support of the Scottish Government.
Mr Ruskell said:
“This is a really welcome move from Wales, and I hope that the Scottish Government will join them in backing a ban.
“The reality is that Scotland is increasingly isolated, and is becoming an international outlier by allowing this cruel gambling-led sport to continue taking place
“You can tell a lot about a society by how it chooses to treat voiceless animals. If we are a nation of dog lovers then we need to back that up by ensuring that they are protected.
“There is no humane way to force dogs to run around an oval track at high speed. It is dangerous for the dogs and has led to thousands of serious injuries and totally avoidable deaths.
“My Bill will be presented in the months ahead. I hope that the Scottish Government will do its bit to protect these gentle dogs from injury and death by supporting the call and ending greyhound racing for good.”
Data from 2023 showed that 109 greyhounds died trackside in the UK, an increase on the number for 2022. A further 4,238 greyhounds were injured during racing in 2023.
Mr Ruskell has been a long term campaigner on the issue and worked closely with animal welfare charities including the Scottish SPCA, Dogs Trust, One Kind and others.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A mobile support service for Cumberland’s families and young people has been launched.
Hub2U launch event, Whitehaven Harbour
Hub2U takes Cumberland Council’s resources to people who need them in neighbourhoods across the area.
Our Social Impact Multiplied programme and organisations in our Decommissioning Delivery Partnership are among partners who helped make the initiative a reality.
Euan Hutton, Sellafield Ltd’s chief executive officer, was among the VIPs who helped launch the service at a family fun day at Whitehaven Harbour.
Tracey West, Sellafield Ltd’s senior social impact manager, said:
Working with the council to contribute funding and resource has been key to the successful delivery of this project.
Our social impact programme ensures our supply chain is aligned to local priorities enabling them to focus on an impactful project that is based on local need.
Barry Pilkington, framework manager in the Decommissioning Delivery Partnership, added:
The partnership is committed to making a positive impact in our local community.
We worked with Cumberland to develop this project so all the partners can contribute to leaving a legacy after our current contract at Sellafield comes to an end.
We look forward to supporting the rollout of the programme going forward.
Hub2U also received support from Stagecoach, who donated the bus and carried out a refit, and Copeland Community Fund.
Councillor Emma Williamson, executive member for children’s and family wellbeing and housing at Cumberland Council, said:
Supporting Cumberland’s families and improving the lives of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do.
It’s incredibly exciting to see the bus unveiled. By bringing services directly into communities, we’re making it easier than ever for families to access the right support, exactly when and where they need it.
Hub2U will provide:
Support for families, including early years guidance and resources for teenagers and young adults
Themed sessions and targeted programmes in schools and community locations covering topics such as emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and staying safe
A partnership approach bringing together multiple local agencies to provide holistic support for families.
The launch event allowed people to explore the bus, find out more about the services on offer, and meet the team behind the project.
Activities include inflatable football penalty shootout, face painting, and advice stalls from local service providers.
Hub2U will now begin visiting schools, community spaces, events, and rural areas.
An estimated 2,000 miners had been trapped underground after police blocked food and water from families and supporters in an attempt to force them into surrendering for arrest. In total, 87 died, many from starvation or dehydration, according to civic groups. Some survivors reportedly resorted to eating cockroaches or the flesh of their deceased colleagues to survive.
Illegal miners, known as “zama zamas” in South Africa, are people who enter mining sites without authorization to extract leftover gold and other minerals, often under dangerous and exploitative conditions.
This incident highlights the current failures in security governance at abandoned mining sites. Rather than ensuring safety and protecting lives, the police response contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
To prevent similar tragedies, security governance at abandoned or closed mining sites must be improved, and inclusive policies that address employment needs must be implemented.
A dangerous occupation
As more mining sites in South Africa and across the world reach the end of their life cycles, the number of mine closures will increase, along with the need for more effective security governance.
The value of remaining minerals, combined with the dearth of alternatives to sustain livelihoods, has led some people to engage in illegal artisanal mining, despite the significant risks involved.
Current enforcement efforts are doing little to address the decades of poor post-mine closure management. South Africa’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Development Act requires mining companies to rehabilitate sites after closure, although compliance is sporadic, leaving communities and ecosystems at risk.
The Buffelsfontein incident is a grim reminder that security governance cannot rely solely on policing tactics. Addressing the worsening socioeconomic cycle of miners trapped in abandoned and uncontrolled mines will require governments, companies and local communities to build stronger relationships before crises arise.
The Petroleum and Mineral Resources Development Act should be amended so mining permits are only granted when firms provide a mine closure security plan. This plan must include physical barriers like fencing and sealed shafts, with local communities involved in security enforcement. Funding would come from an independent relinquishment fund via annual contributions over the active lifespan of the mine to an interest-earning annuity held by a local financial institution and monitored by government and civil society.
Security efforts should combine private security firms with community-based approaches, including hiring local residents in monitoring roles. This approach will foster trust, create jobs, improve security governance and enhance environment, social and governance (ESG) investment ratings.
Drawing from successful models in other countries like Chile, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence monitoring methods can help monitor and secure high-risk areas. When used ethically, such technologies can reduce unauthorized mining activities.
With unemployment in South African mining regions exceeding 40 per cent, governments and the private sector must focus on renewable energy, agriculture and entrepreneurship as economic alternatives for mining communities. Germany’s Emscher Park Project, for instance, has transformed coal mining regions into renewable energy hubs that create jobs and revitalize local economies. South Africa can also repurpose abandoned mining sites for such initiatives.
The Buffelsfontein tragedy should serve as a wake-up call: security governance must evolve from punitive enforcement to proactive protection. Providing alternative livelihoods to illegal mining weakens criminal networks, removes dangerous working conditions, reduces environmental harms and saves lives.
Though Canada is considered a mining superpower, it could learn valuable lessons from South Africa’s experience. Adopting our suggested solutions could help Canada address its own abandoned mine risks and ensure a more sustainable future for its mining communities.
Andrew Grant has received grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
Benjamin Ofosu-Atuahene has received funding in the form of an Ontario Graduate Scholarship.
Olusola Ogunnubi has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
City of Trees, the Community Forest for Greater Manchester, has been working with Salford City Academy in Eccles to plant over 600 trees on the school grounds.
602 whips were planted as part of a programme of works with the school’s eco and intervention group over a seven-week period. As well as learning how to plant trees, the pupils were educated on topics such as woodland design, and proper tool handling.
In addition to the woodland creation, five fruit trees and 16 standard trees have been planted by the City of Trees in-house contract team. The 16 semi mature standard trees were funded by Defra’s Northern Forest programme.
The new woodland forms part of Salford City Council’s pledge to support the planting of 8,000 trees by 2028, demonstrating their commitment to tackling climate change.
Working with City of Trees, the council has already supported the planting of 1,654 trees during this current planting season, which runs from September to March.
The council is also working with developers in the planning process to plant new trees as part of new developments, and working with City of Trees to identify planting sites for street trees and other new woodland areas.
Grace Lee, Standards Officer at City of Trees, said “It was a real pleasure working with the pupils at Salford City Academy. We hope some of them left feeling inspired to become the next generation of Urban Foresters.
“Greening school grounds is an important part of our work, trees improve student’s health and wellbeing, create habitats for wildlife and help to combat climate change. We encourage any schools in Salford to get in touch to learn more about woodland creation opportunities on their land”
City Mayor Paul Dennett said “I’m delighted to see the new woodland which will make a huge and lasting impact to staff and pupils at the school.
“It’s great to see the school doing their bit to respond to climate change. This is one of the council’s priorities and we’re investing in the city’s vital green spaces to support biodiversity. Our pledge to plant 8,000 new trees in Salford by 2028 is picking up pace, with 1,654 trees planted so far.”
Susan Halsall, Director of Education with Character at Salford City Academy said “Our pupils have really enjoyed this experience. They have been excellent ambassadors for the school, with representatives from all year groups demonstrating their commitment to the environment, planting a legacy for the future.”
Photo left to right: Grace Lee, Standards Officer, City of Trees; Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, Susan Halsall, Director of Education with Character, Salford City Academy
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton has visited the Winfrith Site to see how a cutting-edge robotic laser is taking apart the site’s Dragon reactor core.
Laser cutting the Dragon reactor neck ring
South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton has visited the Winfrith Site to see how a cutting-edge robotic laser is taking apart the site’s Dragon reactor core.
MP Lloyd Hatton commented: “It was a privilege to visit the Winfrith site and witness first-hand the remarkable work being done to decommission the Dragon reactor. The innovation and dedication displayed by the team is truly impressive. The work at Winfrith is integral, both to making the UK’s nuclear waste safe, and to moving the country towards a cleaner and greener future.”
Inside the Dragon reactor control room
Pictured left to right – MP Lloyd Hatton, Andy Philps, Gary Reid, William Matheson, Ellanor Joyce and Robert Coan.
Winfrith site was constructed in the 1950s as a centre of excellence for nuclear reactor research which laid the basis for the development of nuclear power. Seven of the nine unique experimental reactors have been removed – the final two Dragon and the Steam Generated Heavy Water Reactor (SGHWR) are being decommissioned.
Dragon was a prototype 20-megawatt power output graphite moderated, helium cooled reactor. It began testing nuclear fuel and materials to support high temperature reactor programmes in 1964 – the year that Top of the Pops began, Beatlemania was global and the Forth Road suspension bridge opened in Scotland.
Early decommissioning removed the redundant plant components and equipment from the 100ft diameter cylindrical Dragon building, following defueling in the late 1990s. All that remains is the irradiated steel reactor pressure vessel and its core.
Driving innovation
The feasibility of using laser technology to cut the reactor core’s varying material types and thicknesses was initially tested on mock-up components at the Welding Institute, Cambridge. Further testing followed with a full-scale mock-up at Winfrith site.
Technical data and learning from these trials were then applied to perform keyhole surgery using a snake robot (Lasersnake) to remotely cut a three-tonne heat exchanger vessel known as the Purge Gas Pre-cooler (PGPC) from Dragon’s highly radioactive reactor core in 2018. This was a first for the UK nuclear industry and its success proved laser cutting as the principal technique for reactor core dismantling over the use of alternative hot cutting techniques.
The purge gas pre-cooler being removed in 2018
Phoebe Lynch, NRS strategic innovation programme manager, said: “Driving innovation into our mission is our greatest opportunity at NRS. All the learning from the initial operational phase of using laser cutting for the Dragon reactor core provided valuable insights into the feasibility, reliability and safety of this technique. These have been applied to refine the process to deliver this new phase of reactor core dismantling efficiently and pave the way for its broader adoption within the industry.”
Progress
The skilled team of operators have removed almost half of the one-inch-thick carbon steel plates that form the Top Ring Thermal Shield into removable sections using a telescopic mast-manipulator robotic arm and a laser cutter from a control room located outside the reactor building.
The laser cutting head cell
Laser cutting the Dragon reactor top ring thermal shield
Andy Philps, NRS senior project manager, commented: “It is fantastic to start the core dismantling after years of meticulous in-house engineering design, planning and decommissioning of the sub-systems in preparation for this phase.
“Once the upper shielding structures are removed, we will have access to the top of the reactor pressure vessel and then the core within.”
Waste management
This is the first of eleven phases to fully dismantle the Dragon reactor core over the next few years and pack it into 6m3 concrete intermediate level waste storage boxes. These will then be transported to Harwell site for storage until the national Geological Disposal Facility is available for permanent disposal.
A Meet the Council event will be held on Tuesday 11 March at the Assembly Rooms on George Street between 10:00am and 2:00pm.
Local businesses are encouraged to register in advance to secure a space to the drop-in, with opportunities throughout the day to meet with key Council teams and hear about opportunities for business growth.
Offering a single point of access for business support, the event will bring together Council officers from: • Building standards • Business Gateway • Commercial property • Cultural events • Economic development • Edinburgh Convention Bureau • Environmental health • Film Edinburgh • Forever Edinburgh • JET (Jobs, Education & Training) • Licensing • Non-Domestic Rates • Parental Employability Support • Planning • Procurement • The Edinburgh Employer Recruitment Incentive • The Edinburgh Guarantee • Trading standards • Visitor Levy
Throughout the day, external partners will also be on hand to present and share their expertise, including: • Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, an independent membership organisation which supports over 1,000 organisations who employ more than 120,000 staff in the Capital • British Business Bank, a government-owned economic bank specialised in helping businesses in the UK access financial support • Federation of Small Businesses, a non-profit organisation that helps small businesses and the self-employed • Capital City Partnership, the anchor delivery body for Edinburgh’s employability strategy, working together to tackle inequality and poverty • Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, which works to create opportunities for Edinburgh’s Social Enterprise community to develop and thrive • Forth Green Freeport, Scotland’s largest opportunity to deliver a just transition to net zero, to attract significant inward investment, to build international trade and export capability, and to create high quality and well paid jobs.
Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said:
Edinburgh continues to have the strongest local economy outside of London and the highest number of registered Living Wage employers in Scotland. The entrepreneurialism, success and resilience of Edinburgh business owners contributes hugely to what makes our City of Edinburgh a unique and special place to live and work.
We would like to work much more closely with the business community in offering meaningful support, understand more fully the views, concerns and aspirations of business owners and work jointly in securing a vibrant, sustainable, and resilient economic future for Edinburgh.
We recognise that the current economic climate is challenging, and in working together with businesses and other partners, there is much we can do collectively to grow and sustain Edinburgh’s economy, promote the benefits of Fair Work, and become a fairer city for all. That’s why the Council is hosting this opportunity for businesses to meet us face-to-face and engage with our staff teams across a variety of services which support business.
Whether you’re looking for advice on funding, navigating licensing, or exploring how we can support employers, this event is an ideal place to connect directly with the right people, who can provide the advice and support you need.
The Meet the Council event is designed to support Edinburgh’s business community and help foster a thriving, greener, and fairer economy – as outlined in the Council’s Business Plan 2023-27.
Detectives from the Met’s Cold Case Homicide Team have charged a woman following the death of a five-year-old girl in 1978.
Janice Nix, 66 (26.08.58), of Rodenhurst Road, SW4, was arrested and charged with manslaughter on Tuesday, 18 February, following the death of Andrea Bernard.
Andrea and Nix were known to each other
Nix was also charged with child cruelty in relation to offences towards another child, who was aged eight at the time.
She is due to appear before Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 19 February.
It is reported Andrea was assaulted at an address in Ashley Road, Thornton Heath on 6 June 1978 and was hospitalised.
She was initially treated at hospital in Croydon before being transferred to a specialist burns unit in East Grinstead.
Tragically, as a result of the injuries Andrea sustained, she died on 13 July 1978.
The offences were reported in September 2022 and an investigation was launched.
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 28 hosted a summit at his office for visiting Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics on raising bilateral cooperation and analyzing regional and international situations.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in sectors such as bio and pharmaceuticals, national security and the defense industry.
Korea-Malaysia summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 25 hosted summit talks in Seoul with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was on an official visit to Korea, and adopted a joint statement on their newly formed strategic partnership.
Both leaders welcomed the resumption of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement this year and agreed to accelerate efforts to conclude the deal next year. They also pledged to raise cooperation in infrastructure and supply chains for core minerals.
Korea-Peru summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Nov. 16 held a bilateral summit at the Presidential Palace in Lima, Peru, and agreed to bolster cooperation in the defense sector and infrastructure. The two countries concluded memorandums of understanding on joint production of KF-21 fighter jet parts, development of naval ships (submarines) and cooperation in army ground equipment.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visits to Peru, Brazil for APEC, G20
Korea-ASEAN summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 attended the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos, where he and ASEAN leaders agreed to form a comprehensive strategic partnership and launch joint projects in a range of sectors.
They also agreed to stimulate trade and investment through a bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while creating a “conducive and favourable environment” for ASEAN and Korean business such as the ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Business Council.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Japan summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at a hotel in Vientiane, Laos, their first talks since the prime minister assumed office on Sept. 1.
Both leaders agreed on the growing need to raise bilateral cooperation in regional and global issues and expand the horizons for such collaboration on the global stage.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Philippines summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol, on a state visit to the Philippines, on Oct. 7 agreed with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to form a bilateral strategic partnership at their summit held at the presidential Malacanang Palace in Manila.
Both leaders also adopted a joint declaration on higher cooperation in all sectors including national security and economy like nuclear power plants.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Czechia summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sept. 19 discussed with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague cooperation in strategic sectors including nuclear power plants. Both leaders also shared opinions on developing their bilateral strategic partnership.
Korea-New Zealand summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Sept. 4 at their bilateral summit adopted a joint statement on stronger bilateral relations in trade, economy, science, human exchange, national security and international cooperation.
Both leaders also agreed to elevate their Partnership for the 21st Century concluded in 2006 to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Korea-Germany summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said he hopes to work more closely with Germany on global issues such as support for Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and the climate crisis. He also hailed Germany’s application to join the United Nations Command.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
Korea-Japan summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said, “The recent signing by Russia and North Korea of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty and their accelerated closeness in military and economic ties are raising serious concern over global security as well as that of East Asia.”
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 28 hosted a summit at his office for visiting Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics on raising bilateral cooperation and analyzing regional and international situations.
Both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in sectors such as bio and pharmaceuticals, national security and the defense industry.
Korea-Malaysia summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Nov. 25 hosted summit talks in Seoul with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was on an official visit to Korea, and adopted a joint statement on their newly formed strategic partnership.
Both leaders welcomed the resumption of negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement this year and agreed to accelerate efforts to conclude the deal next year. They also pledged to raise cooperation in infrastructure and supply chains for core minerals.
Korea-Peru summit (November 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Nov. 16 held a bilateral summit at the Presidential Palace in Lima, Peru, and agreed to bolster cooperation in the defense sector and infrastructure. The two countries concluded memorandums of understanding on joint production of KF-21 fighter jet parts, development of naval ships (submarines) and cooperation in army ground equipment.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visits to Peru, Brazil for APEC, G20
Korea-ASEAN summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 attended the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, Laos, where he and ASEAN leaders agreed to form a comprehensive strategic partnership and launch joint projects in a range of sectors.
They also agreed to stimulate trade and investment through a bilateral free trade agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while creating a “conducive and favourable environment” for ASEAN and Korean business such as the ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Business Council.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Japan summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 10 held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at a hotel in Vientiane, Laos, their first talks since the prime minister assumed office on Sept. 1.
Both leaders agreed on the growing need to raise bilateral cooperation in regional and global issues and expand the horizons for such collaboration on the global stage.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Philippines summit (October 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol, on a state visit to the Philippines, on Oct. 7 agreed with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to form a bilateral strategic partnership at their summit held at the presidential Malacanang Palace in Manila.
Both leaders also adopted a joint declaration on higher cooperation in all sectors including national security and economy like nuclear power plants.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s visit to 3 Asian nations
Korea-Czechia summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sept. 19 discussed with Czech President Petr Pavel in Prague cooperation in strategic sectors including nuclear power plants. Both leaders also shared opinions on developing their bilateral strategic partnership.
Korea-New Zealand summit (September 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Sept. 4 at their bilateral summit adopted a joint statement on stronger bilateral relations in trade, economy, science, human exchange, national security and international cooperation.
Both leaders also agreed to elevate their Partnership for the 21st Century concluded in 2006 to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Korea-Germany summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said he hopes to work more closely with Germany on global issues such as support for Ukraine, supply chain disruptions and the climate crisis. He also hailed Germany’s application to join the United Nations Command.
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
Korea-Japan summit (July 2024)
President Yoon Suk Yeol on July 10 in Washington held bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. President Yoon said, “The recent signing by Russia and North Korea of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty and their accelerated closeness in military and economic ties are raising serious concern over global security as well as that of East Asia.”
Current Affairs President Yoon’s US visit for NATO Summit
Vilnius (Agenzia Fides) – Last Sunday, February 16, Lithuania celebrated the National Day commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Lithuania in 1918. Following the Act of Restoration of the Lithuanian State, adopted on March 11, 1990 by the Supreme Soviet of Lithuania to declare its independence from the Soviet Union, the Baltic State has resumed the celebrations of its National Day. Traditionally, on this day the President of the Republic awards honors to people who have distinguished themselves and have made a contribution to the welfare of society in various fields.This year, during the official celebrations, the President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, awarded the Order of Merit “Pro Lithuania” with the rank of officer to the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Lithuania, Fr. Alessandro Barelli of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Father Alessandro, an Italian missionary born in Turin in 1969, has been working in the Baltic country for 27 years and was awarded for his significant contribution to Lithuanian society.The award was given in recognition of his work as parish priest of the parish of St. John Bosco in Vilnius, as editor of the Salesian Bulletin in Lithuanian for 25 years and as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and for his numerous initiatives in favor of local youth, with particular attention to missionary work and inculturation. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 18/2/2025)
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Abu Dhabi (Agenzia Fides) – A week of meetings, dialogues and visits to symbolic places in the Arabian Peninsula to experience and understand how different religions can really live together peacefully in the same place. These are the objectives of the first edition of the course on “Training and Exchanges in the Context of the Human Fraternity Document and its Receptions”, designed for delegates of the Episcopal Conferences who work in the field of ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.As the creator of this initiative, Father Stefano Luca, OFM Cap, Director of the Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue Office of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia and Rector of St. Francis Church at the Abrahamic Family House, Abu Dhabi (where the course took place from Saturday 8 to Wednesday 12 February, a few days after the sixth anniversary of the signing of the document), explains, “after many months of planning, we launched the initiative with a very effective interreligious dialogue methodology: half-day training session at St. Francis Church, followed by half-day of visit of religious sites in order to gain insights from different religions present in the UAE. This enables delegates to acquire theoretical knowledge and to experience on the ground examples of best practices in terms of coexistence and dialogue”.Fifteen Regional delegates from 11 ecclesiastical regions of the Italian Bishops’ Conference attended the program, along with 5 Delegates of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia that are part of three offices: Christian Formation, School Management, and Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue.The presentations by experts and theologians were followed by several moments of discussions with the Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia, Bishop Paolo Martinelli. Many topics were addressed: “From the phenomenon of migration – suffice it to say that all the faithful and the clergy of the Vicariate are migrants without exception, of more than a hundred nationalities – to the history of the Catholic Church in the Gulf region,” explained Father Stefano. The day dedicated to ecumenical dialogue was attended by Armenian Orthodox Archbishop Mesrob Sarkissian, who spoke about the ecumenical movement that has developed in the region in recent years.The program continued with a visit to the four sites of the Abrahamic Family House (church, mosque, synagogue and Workshop Forum). The group then visited Sikh and Hindu temples, Greek Orthodox, Coptic and Anglican churches, as well as the great mosque of Abu Dhabi named after Sheikh Zayed.“The special thing is that in all these religious sites, we met religious leaders, and we had the possibility to have interfaith dialogue sessions with them and we learnt about the model of peaceful coexistence implemented in the UAE,” emphasizes the Franciscan.A very significant visit, says Father Stefano, “was to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Here the delegates immersed themselves in the life of a normal Sunday morning in our parishes. They took part in catechism classes and masses for children and adults. It was, as the delegates themselves said, an incredible experience.” And “not just by the number of faithful (let us keep in mind that more than 25.000 hosts are distributed at the masses every weekend), but most importantly they were impressed and edified by the joy, enthusiasm, devotion, and faith of the faithful and the children during their participation in the catechism classes and Masses as well. The high level of preparation of the catechists also impressed the delegates.”These were “valuable days for us as a church in the Gulf. Moments of dialogue, encounters, and the exchange of experiences.” “We are enriched in hearing about the experiences of those in Italy who are responsible for promoting interreligious and ecumenical dialogue, and on the other hand it is very interesting for us to be able to share the experiences that we have been having for some time now in this part of the world”, commented the Apostolic Vicar, Bishop Paolo Martinelli, who, together with Father Stefano, is already thinking about the future: “Our desire now is to invite other Episcopal Conferences to send their delegates to participate in our path of exchange and formation”. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 18/2/2025)
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Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has summoned the Rwandan High Commissioner today (18 February) following advances made by the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern DRC.
An FCDO spokesperson said:
“The UK strongly condemns the advances of the Rwandan Defence Force and M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“These advances constitute an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Rwanda must immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defence Force troops from Congolese territory.
“We urge Rwanda to immediately cease all hostilities and return to dialogue through African-led peace processes.”
The launch of a new infrastructure for co-location reduces entry barriers for market participants, facilitating their operation in the Mexican financial markets.
Deployment includes a primary site and an alternate site in Mexico City to provide greater security for all participants.
MEXICO CITY and GLASGOW, United Kingdom, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Grupo Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), with more than 130 years of experience, and IPC, a leading company in technology and services related to global financial markets, announced the signing of an agreement to launch the advanced Beeks’ technology infrastructure. The deployment includes primary and disaster recovery sites in Mexico City, providing a secure solution to support BMV’s market growth and innovation.
With the launch of this new infrastructure, set to go live in the second half of 2025, BMV will provide secure and scalable co-location services to its clients. This will allow clients to host their operations directly on the platform, eliminating the need for a proprietary site.
“This agreement allows us to deliver cutting-edge technology, with a low-latency infrastructure deployed locally in Mexico City. We are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our market participants, remain at the forefront of innovation and as a leader in the region.” said Jorge Alegría, CEO of Grupo BMV.
The agreement was signed with IPC as the contracting party; Beeks will manage end-to-end deployment of the Exchange infrastructure. Leveraging Beeks’ extensive expertise and proven technology, BMV members will benefit from a robust, flexible, and secure solution designed specifically for capital markets.
“Beeks technology offers a dedicated, fully managed infrastructure for exchanges and trading venues worldwide,” said Gordon McArthur, CEO of Beeks Group. “We are proud to partner with BMV and leverage our established relationship with IPC to deliver cutting-edge solutions to the financial markets. This two-site deployment will ensure resiliency, security and scalability, supporting BMV’s ambitions for growth and innovation in the market.”
IPC’s Tito Singh, CRO added: “This is a great example of the strength of our partnership strategy, working with the best suppliers to support our customer first approach. It reinforces our long-term relationship with Beeks and our ongoing collaboration to deliver innovative, market-leading solutions in the industry.”
By deploying Beeks technology, BMV is well positioned to attract liquidity, drive market access and reinforce its position as a leader in Latin America’s financial ecosystem.
About Grupo Bolsa Mexicana de Valores
The Mexican Stock Exchange with more than 130 years of experience makes it possible for the securities and derivatives market to operate in Mexico, through a group of leading companies that offer services in the capital, derivatives and debt markets, as well as post-trade services, information products and added value.
IPC Systems, a leader in technology and specialized services that has driven global financial markets for more than 50 years, is at the forefront of next-generation e-commerce connectivity and cloud communications, setting the standard for exceptional service, innovation, and expertise.
IPC’s customer-centric approach is enhanced by an extensive and diverse financial ecosystem that spans all asset classes and connects market participants anywhere in the world to improve communication, collaboration, and compliance. Global services include e-commerce, business communications, and infrastructure-as-a-service solutions.
IPC is ideally positioned to anticipate change and stay aligned with rapidly changing markets, and to empower clients to adapt to change, now and in the future.
Beeks is a trusted technology partner offering a secure and scalable private infrastructure designed specifically for the financial markets. Our platform operates exclusively in dedicated environments, ensuring unprecedented compliance, performance, and control for capital markets participants.
With a focus on low-latency infrastructure-as-a-service, Beeks supports the trading activities of global banks, financial exchanges, asset managers, brokers, and independent software providers. Our solutions are independent of public cloud providers, yet fully compatible with hybrid configurations, offering a flexible, on-demand operating model with no costly upfront costs.
Beeks provides expert support 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a scalable infrastructure that evolves with your business needs, enabling fast time to market with deployments in days, not months. Our innovative offerings, including Beeks Analytics to improve data analytics and performance, demonstrate our commitment to delivering excellence and driving fintech growth.
To learn more about Beeks Group and its offerings, visit beeksgroup.com.
Infrastructure and Environment is continuing work on a project related to the Blue Badge holder database, with a newsletter that has been sent with further updates for Islanders.
As a part of the Government’s Common Strategic Policy on Revitalising Town we are continuing to make ongoing improvements with changes being made to enhance accessibility and transport provisions.
Key Updates
New Esplanade taxi rank and adjustments to Library Place
A new taxi rank is being introduced on the Esplanade to better serve the public and the International Financial Centre. Following data collection on existing taxi ranks at Library Place, two spaces will be removed, while one will remain in place to meet demand.
Additional disabled parking at Library Place
Three new disabled parking bays will be introduced at Library Place, with a maximum stay of two hours. This timeframe balances the need for accessibility with ensuring turnover for greater availability.
Loading and cycle parking enhancements
A slight extension of a loading/unloading bay will assist deliveries in the area. Additional cycle parking will also be introduced and reviewed once construction at New Cut is completed.
Connétable Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure, said: “These improvements aim to make St Helier more accessible and better connected. Increasing disabled parking, refining taxi rank locations, and enhancing cycling provisions will support both residents and visitors in navigating the town more easily. The new disabled spaces will be identified with Blue Paint, and the markings have been very successful in raising greater awareness of the bays.’
The global food import bill is projected to exceed $2 trillion in 2024 – fuelled by the rising cost of everyone’s favourite hot drinks – according to the latest Food Outlook released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Thursday.
The biannual report, which focuses on developments affecting global food and animal feed markets, highlights that higher costs for cocoa, coffee, and tea are driving the increase, while disparities in import bills persist across income levels.
Cocoa prices have soared nearly four times their ten-year average earlier this year, coffee prices have almost doubled, and tea prices are 15 per cent above long-term levels.
Together, these commodities are responsible for over half of the projected increase in global food import expenditures, which FAO economists anticipate will rise by nearly 23 per cent in 2024.
National disparities
While high-income countries, which make up two-thirds of the global food import bill, will see a 4.4 per cent increase, import expenditures for middle and low-income countries are expected to decline.
Lower-income countries may find some relief in reduced cereal and oilseed costs, although their per capita food intake for wheat and coarse grains is projected to decline, contrasting with an anticipated 1.5 per cent increase in rice consumption.
FAO emphasises the crucial role food exports play in supporting many economies.
For instance, coffee export earnings cover nearly 40 per cent of food import costs in Burundi and Ethiopia, while Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa exports entirely offset its food import bill. Similarly, tea exports account for more than half of Sri Lanka’s import costs.
Mixed forecast
FAO’s forecasts reveal a mixed picture for global food production and trade.
Wheat and coarse grain output is expected to decrease but remain above consumption levels, while rice production is set for a record-breaking harvest in 2024/25 which could enable an increase in global rice consumption, reserves and international trade.
Production of meat and dairy is forecast to grow modestly while global fisheries output is expected to expand by 2.2 per cent, fuelled by aquaculture.
Meanwhile, vegetable oils’ consumption may outpace production for the second consecutive season, leading to stock drawdowns.
The report cautions that extreme weather, geopolitical tensions, and policy changes could destabilise production systems, further straining global food security.
Olive oil prices spike alongside climate stress
A special focus on olive oil details price spikes due to climate-related production declines.
IFAD
Compost made from a mixture of pine trees empty cones and cow dung helps olive trees grow in a sustainable way.
In Spain, wholesale prices for cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil reached nearly $10,000 per tonne in January 2024, almost triple their 2022 levels.
High temperatures, which force olive trees to conserve water for core functions instead of producing fruit, led to a nearly 50 per cent production cut for two years in a row.
Although Spain’s next harvest is expected to surpass the 10-year average, high prices may constrain global consumption.
Producers ought to consider more sustainable water and soil management practices, the report notes.
Given the great potential for expansion in olive oil exports, governments might offer support to olive growers, such as insurance schemes and measures to control the spread of diseases, said FAO Economist Di Yang.
Cheaper fertiliser…mostly
The report also highlights a 50 per cent drop in fertiliser prices since their 2022 peak, thanks to falling natural gas prices and reduced trade barriers.
FAO Economist Maria Antip noted however that phosphate fertilisers have resisted this trend, with ongoing trade barriers and geopolitical tensions posing risks to future supplies, particularly in Latin America and Asia.
Additionally, the report underscores the potential of low-carbon ammonia, a key component of nitrogen-based fertilisers, as a sustainable alternative.
However, while using renewable energy instead of natural gas is viable and investments to do so are underway, scaling up production will require targeted incentives to offset higher manufacturing costs and encourage adoption among farmers.
Local Southsea business SP Collections have moved into the city centre Portsmouth Pop Up shop to sell Asian inspired clothing and jewellery. This start up business is hitting the ground running by trialling high street retail as part of Portsmouth City Council’s pop-up shop scheme that is designed to help local businesses grow.
SP Collections is a fashion brand inspired by the rich heritage of Asian culture offering an elegant range of attire, including sarees, salwar kameez, abayas, long dresses, and jewellery.
Shama Parveen, founder and owner of SP Collections said:
‘I am truly grateful for the pop-up scheme as it provides an incredible opportunity to showcase my products to a wider audience.
Previously, I sold at local pop-up markets, but these occasional events weren’t enough to sustain consistent growth. This initiative offers a fantastic platform for small businesses like mine to connect with new customers in Portsmouth.
SP Collections was born from the desire to bring authentic, Asian-inspired clothing to Portsmouth’s diverse community. We understand the challenges with finding modest, stylish Asian fashion locally. That’s why we’re dedicated to making these beautiful pieces easily accessible, without compromising on quality, style, or authenticity.”
The Portsmouth Pop Up enables local entrepreneurs and small businesses to trade in a high street location without the commitment or cost of a longer-term lease.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of the council with responsibility for economic development said:
“Pop Up shop schemes can breathe new life into our high streets, whilst giving independent businesses a great opportunity to have a shop front in a prime retail location.
“One year on since the Portsmouth Pop Up initiative began, it’s great to see its success in supporting local businesses like SP Collections. This is a fantastic example of how we’re working together to strengthen our economy and providing the necessary support businesses need to grow”
The Portsmouth Pop-Up shop, a joint venture between Portsmouth City Council, Cascades, and Flude, opened last year to address the increasing demand for business space in the city. The first tenant, Goly Natural, a local natural skincare business, has been so successful that they plan to establish a permanent shop this year.
Businesses can apply to rent the pop-up shop in Cascades, in Portsmouth’s city centre for a minimum of 13 weeks giving them a chance to engage with customers and launch products and services.
TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The travel app, Visited, by Arriving In High Heels Corporation, has published a travel report which showcases top travel trends around the world with highlight of 2024 travels.
Visited is a travel tracking app, which lets users map out their travel journey, mark famous places visited on travel lists and helps with trip planning for their itinerary feature. It is the ultimate travel bucket list planning app, as it has over 150 travel lists available from ancient sites to golf destinations. The app is available in 30 languages for both iOS or Android and is free to download.
According to Visited’s travel stats, the average global traveler has been to 18 countries. While American travelers have been to 23. Travelers from the United Arab Emirates have visited the most countries, with an average of 30 countries visited. Swiss and Finnish travelers came in second and third as the most well-traveled. The most popular countries to visit are France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the U.S.
The most sought-after places to visit are Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Brazil. The top destinations that American travelers want to travel to include Australia, Greece, and New Zealand. The highest numbers of American users have traveled to Mexico, Canada, France, the UK, and Italy.
The most popular travel destinations in the world in 2024 were in Europe, while the U.S. is in 12th spot, Turkey is in 10th spot and Thailand is in 15th spot. For American travelers, 2024 saw the UK, Portugal and Japan topping the list of the most visited countries.
The most popular travel lists are world wonders, capitals of the world and culinary experiences.
The travel report was compiled based on 2.4 million international users and over 300,000 U.S. users. To see more top travel lists and browse top destinations worldwide, download Visited on iOS or Android. For the full travel report, visit https://visitedapp.com/travel-report-results/
Interim report published by the CMA in the latest step in its Phase 2 investigation into the merger of two corporate travel businesses.
iStock
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published a supplementary interim report in its investigation of the merger of corporate travel management companies Global Business Travel Group, Inc (GBT) and CWT Holdings LLC (CWT). Both companies supply travel agency services to global businesses with high travel spend and employees who travel internationally.
This is the first in-depth merger investigation that the CMA has conducted under its revised Phase 2 process. Those process changes included issuing a more provisional ‘interim report’, earlier in the process, to facilitate engagement by merging parties in relation to the independent CMA inquiry group’s initial assessment.
In November, the CMA’s interim report provisionally found the proposed merger between GBT and CWT was likely to substantially lessen competition. Following the interim report, the CMA has continued to gather evidence and has carried out further analysis that suggests CWT would not have performed as strongly absent the merger as the group had initially assessed. As a result, and having considered all the evidence in the round, the group has provisionally concluded that CWT is a significantly weaker competitor than in the past and is likely to continue to weaken in the future. There are other suppliers who will offer customers an alternative to the merged business.
Based on that further analysis, and in line with its usual procedures, the CMA inquiry group is today publishing a supplementary interim report ahead of its final decision. That interim report sets out why the group provisionally considers that the deal should be allowed to proceed.
Martin Coleman, chair of the independent panel of experts conducting this investigation, said:
In this case, having considered all of the evidence in the round, particularly the further analysis of CWT’s financial position, we have now provisionally concluded that the merger will not result in a substantial lessening of competition in corporate travel management services.
This is our first investigation under the revised Phase 2 process, with several benefits including the publication of an interim report at an earlier stage and a higher level of business and third-party engagement with the inquiry group. Today’s supplementary report reflects the flexibility this new process provides.
We will now consider feedback on our supplementary interim report before making a final decision in March.
The inquiry group will now seek feedback on its supplementary interim report before making a final decision by 9 March 2025. The deadline for comments is Tuesday 25 February 2025.
On 10 January 2025 the United States Department of Justice filed a civil antitrust lawsuit seeking to block the merger. The case is currently before the US courts.
New Phase 1 cases opened by the CMA after 25 April 2024 which are referred for an in-depth Phase 2 investigation are run under the new Phase 2 process.
All media enquiries should be directed to the CMA press office by email on press@cma.gov.uk, or by phone on 020 3738 6460.
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)
Romanian law enforcement officials conducted dozens of warrants this week in the Romanian counties of Brasov and Mures, following a parallel investigation with the FBI.
The search warrants targeted locations suspected to have ties to an organized crime group engaged in ATM skimming in the United States and money laundering.
During the operation, Romanian officials also detained several individuals for questioning and seized large amounts of cash, several vehicles, as well as skimming devices and associated instruments.
“This group profited handsomely by targeting vulnerable EBT recipients who rely on funds to support their families and callously deprived victims of their basic needs,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This investigation is yet another example of FBI Agents working closely with our foreign partners to identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal enterprises who enter the United States illegally for the sole purpose of conducting criminal activity.”
Today’s operation is the culmination of a two-year investigation conducted by the FBI and Romanian authorities to dismantle the command and control of the Dorneanu Organized Crime Group: a transnational criminal organization whose members conduct ATM skimming operations in the United States and then launder the profits back to Romania.
“These individuals targeted and stole from our community’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “Working together with our local, federal, and international partners, we can and will continue to root out and punish transnational criminal organizations and protect the less fortunate and American taxpayers.”
The subjects targeted in this investigation worked directly for, or were associated with, Mihai Dorneanu—the alleged leader of the Dorneanu Organized Crime Group. Five members of this organization were arrested by the FBI and convicted in the Central District of California with violations including conspiracy, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and visa fraud. Four others were arrested for state violations by local authorities in Ventura and San Bernardino Counties. As a result of ongoing efforts in this case to disrupt ATM skimmers in Southern California, law enforcement recovered over 8,500 stolen credit card numbers belonging to victims in the United States.
The five federal defendants include the following:
Dan Eugen Boar was sentenced to four years in federal prison.
Radu-Marian Moldovan was sentenced to time served in federal prison.
Attila Ravasz was sentenced to one year and three months in federal prison.
Andrei-Raul Cirilescu was sentenced to two years and four months in federal prison.
A statement announcing the operation was also issued by Romanian authorities (translation available upon visiting page).
The domestic investigation was conducted jointly by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office; the San Bernardino County Human Services Fraud Investigation Unit; the Diplomatic Security Service; the Los Angeles Police Department; and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. The federal defendants were prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
The FBI’s foreign partners include the Brașov Brigade for Combatting Organized Crime; prosecutors with the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism—Brașov Territorial Service; and Europol.
Today, on January 18th, 2025, the Coop Pank AS decided to extend the term of office of Mr. Margus Rink, a Member of the Supervisory Board of Coop Liising AS a subsidiaries of Coop Pank AS, for a another 3-years term effective as of the end of his previous term.
Margus Rink has been the Chairman of the Management Board of Coop Pank AS since 2017. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of bank’s subsidiaries Coop Liising AS and Coop Kindlustusmaakler AS. Margus Rink is a member of the Council of the Estonian Banking Association and member of the management board of Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Margus Rink obtained a master’s degree in business administration from the Faculty of Economics of the University of Tartu in 2000 and a bachelor’s degree in financial accounting and analysis from the same university in 1994. Margus Rink currently owns 806 000 shares in Coop Pank and 7 subordinated bonds of Coop Pank.
Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The bank has 209 500 everyday banking customers. Coop Pank uses the synergies between retail and banking and brings everyday banking services close to people’s homes. The majority shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti, whose sales network includes 320 stores.
Austin, TX, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WSO2Con 2025 will empower enterprises to embrace ‘Platformless Modernization’ by showcasing real-world strategies, expert insights, and innovations that simplify development, accelerate digital transformation, and future-proof IT infrastructures. Keynotes, customer stories and technical discussions during the three-day event will explore and deep-dive into how enterprises can transform digital innovation by eliminating the complexities of traditional platforms either by adopting an enterprise-grade internal developer platform or leveraging software-as-a-service offerings to build your own. The event will take place from March 18 to 20, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain, at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya.
Delivering a platform experience without the complexity
Platformless modernization aims to redefine how organizations build, deploy, and manage applications. Traditional platforms often come with operational overhead, requiring businesses to maintain infrastructure and navigate complex configurations. A platformless approach removes these burdens, making the platform layer invisible to developers, so they can focus on just building innovative applications and providing better digital experiences to their customers and users.
At WSO2Con 2025, WSO2 executives and industry experts will explore what platformless modernization means for enterprises, offering insights into:
How businesses can deliver developer-friendly experiences without the overhead of managing platforms
Strategies for enabling rapid, secure, and scalable application development powered by API management, integration, and identity solutions
The role of internal developer platforms (IDPs) in modernizing software delivery with AI, Kubernetes, and cloud-native architectures
Insightful keynotes and customer success stories
The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers. In his opening keynote, WSO2’s Founder and CEO, Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana will discuss the vision for platformless modernization with WSO2 technical experts providing in-depth sessions on how platformless is shaping the future of integration, API management and identity & access management.
Jeremy Schneider, Senior Partner & Co-Head of Global Software & High-Tech Practice, McKinsey and Company will provide a framework for navigating evolution in the digital economy in his keynote Every Company is a Software Company. In other keynote presentations, Amy Bingham, vice president & chief information officer at Pekin Insurance will share learnings on how Pekin turned a challenging year of unprecedented setbacks into a story of resilience, rebuilding, and long-term success in an increasingly unpredictable world. Jonathan Pearl, executive director – technology product management at financial services company, BNY Mellon, will explore the power of APIs and how they can be used to drive modernization, innovation and collaboration – both internally and externally. He will discuss the key principles and best practices for designing, building, discovering and governing APIs, as well as the cultural and organizational changes needed to successfully support an API first strategy.
Registration for WSO2Con 2025 is still open with a flash sale from February 18 to 21, 2025. To register and view the full agenda, visit https://wso2.com/wso2con/2025/.
About WSO2
Founded in 2005, WSO2 is the largest independent software vendor providing open-source API management, integration, and identity and access management (IAM) products. WSO2’s products and platforms—including our next-gen internal developer platform, Choreo—empower organizations to leverage the full potential of APIs for secure delivery of digital services and applications, enabling thousands of enterprises in over 90 countries globally to drive their digital transformation journeys. Our open-source, API-first approach frees developers and architects from vendor lock-in, enabling rapid digital product creation. Recognized as leaders by industry analysts, WSO2 has over 800 employees worldwide with offices in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Spain, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK, and the US, with USD100M in annual recurring revenue. Visit https://wso2.com to learn more. Follow WSO2 on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
With the recent confirmations of Tulsi Gabbardand Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – two of the most controversial of President Donald Trump’s high-level administration nominees – the president’s attempt to remake government as a home for political loyalists continues.
This unprecedented sequence of events in the U.S. has left many observers in a daze, struggling to make sense of the dramatic reshaping of the bureaucracy under way.
Yet, as researcherson authoritarianpolitics, it is no surprise to us that a leader bent on expanding his own power, such as Trump, would see the bureaucracy as a key target. Here’s why.
Elon Musk, standing next to President Donald Trump, explains his theory concerning government bureaucracy.
Dismantle democracy from within
A well-functioning bureaucracy is an organization of highly qualified civil servants who follow established rules to prevent abuses of power. Bureaucracies, in this way, are an important part of democracy that constrain executive behavior.
For this reason, aspiring strongmen are especially likely to go after them. Whether by shuffling the personnel of agencies, creating new ones, or limiting their capacity for oversight, a common tactic among power-hungry leaders is establishing control over the government’s bureaucracy. Following a failed coup attempt in 2016, for example, Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erdoğan fired or detained as many as 100,000 government workers.
In the long term, this hollowing out and reshaping of the bureaucracy is part of a broader plan in which aspiring autocrats usurp control over all institutions that can constrain them, such as the legislature and the courts. As we document in our book, “The Origins of Elected Strongmen,” attacks on the bureaucracy constitute a significant step in a larger process in which elected leaders dismantle democracy from within.
Take control of bureaucracy
The seemingly bizarre series of events that have transpired in Washington since Trump came to power are highly consistent with other countries where democracy has been dismantled.
Soon after taking control, Talon created new agencies housed in the executive office and defunded existing ones, as a means of skirting bureaucratic constraints to his rule. The central affairs of the state were in the hands of an informal cabinet, initially led by Olivier Boko, a wealthy businessman considered to be Talon’s right-hand man despite not having any official position in government.
Consolidating control over the bureaucracy was just one step in a larger process of turning Benin into an autocratic state. Talon eventually amassed greater power and influence over key state institutions, such as the judiciary, and intervened in the electoral process to ensure his continued rule. By 2021, Benin could no longer be considered a democracy.
Purge civil service
A similar dynamic occurred in Hungary. After governing relatively conventionally for one term, Prime Minister Viktor Orban was defeated in elections in 2002. He blamed that outcome on unfriendly media and never accepted the results as legitimate.
As a Hungarian former politician wrote in 2016, “While the mafia state derails the bureaucratic administration, it organizes, monopolizes the channels of corruption and keeps them in order.”
Likewise in Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez had his cronies draw up a blacklist of civil servants to be purged for signing a petition in support of a referendum to determine whether Chávez should be recalled from office in 2004; government employees who signed were subsequently fired from their jobs.
More than a decade later, Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s current leader, would conduct his own purge of civil servants after they signed a petition to hold another recall referendum. After multiple rounds of government and military purges, Maduro was able to overturn an election he lost and jail his opponents, knowing full well the judges and generals would follow his orders.
Benin’s leader, Patrice Talon, consolidated control over the bureaucracy as part of a larger process of turning the country into an autocratic state. Yanick Folly/AFP via Getty Images
Foster culture of secrecy and suspicion
Orban and Chavez, like Talon, were democratically elected but went on to undermine democracy.
In environments where loyalty to the leader is prioritized over all else, and purges can happen at a moment’s notice, few people are willing to speak up about abuses of power or stand in the way of a power grab.
Fostering a culture of secrecy and mutual suspicion among government officials is intentional and serves the leader’s interests.
As a World Bank report highlighted in 1983, in President Mobutu Sese Seko’s Zaire, now Democratic Republic of Congo, the bureaucracy had been “privatized by the ruling clique,” creating a climate in which “fear and repression … prevented any serious threat from dissenting groups.”
When leaders gain full power over the bureaucracy, they use it to reward and punish ordinary citizens as well. This was a tried-and-true tactic under the PRI’s rule in Mexico for much of the 20th century, where citizens who supported the PRI were more likely to receive government benefits.
In short, when aspiring autocrats come to power, career bureaucrats are a common target, often replaced by unqualified loyalists who would never be hired for the position based on merit. Recent events in the U.S., as unprecedented as they may seem, are precisely what we would expect with the return of Trump, a would-be autocrat, to power.
Andrea Kendall-Taylor is affiliated with the Center for New American Security.
Joe Wright has received funding from the Charles Koch Foundation.
Erica Frantz does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: Republic of France in English The Republic of France has issued the following statement:
Following on from the 19th Francophone Summit and the 30th anniversary of the Toubon Law governing the use of the French language, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is continuing its efforts to promote the French language and ensure that it plays a central role in international relations.
The Ministry is committed to creating and popularizing French terms and expressions for new concepts with foreign names via its Collège de Terminologie et de Néologie [“College of Terminology and Neology”]. The College also has authority over international place names and is responsible for designating the names of countries, inhabitants, capitals, etc.
It plays a major role in the interministerial structure tasked with enriching the French language.
Given the challenges posed by disinformation and the need to tackle issues relating to AI, the clear and precise usage of the correct words is vital.
Former Ambassador François Gauthier is the new president of the College, which falls under the supervision of Emmanuel Lebrun-Damiens, the senior official responsible for terminology and the French language who also serves as Director of Cultural, Educational, Academic and Scientific Diplomacy. Mr. Gauthier succeeds Véronique Bujon-Barré in this position.
Westminster Council’s flagship Community Hub will launch in North Paddington in March. The new facility at Ernest Harris House will bring services and support into the heart of the local community.
Community Hubs are a central part of the council’s commitment to building a Fairer Westminster, by making it easier for residents to access activities and support in their area. They act as a single front door where residents can get advice on housing, finances, employment & benefits, and IT literacy. The council launched two mini-hubs at Victoria Library and Charing Cross Library last year.
The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House will be Westminster’s first full Community Hub and will provide local residents with access to a wide range of activities, services, and support, tailored to the needs of the community. Operated by the trusted North Paddington Foodbank, an established local charity with a strong track record of supporting the community, The Exchange will collaborate with a range of partners to ensure the hub meets the diverse needs of its users.
Proposed activities available at this centre include coffee mornings, lunch clubs, health and wellbeing activities for older people, income, housing and employment advice, homework clubs, baking and cooking workshops, recovery group sessions, arts and crafts, community health groups and advice services.
This initiative represents the culmination of 18 months of collaboration between the council, local residents, and partners. Community members have been instrumental in co-designing the hub, influencing everything from its design and materials to the activities on offer and even the selection of the operator. The co-design process reflects the Council’s commitment to working differently under the Fairer Westminster plan, placing community voices at the heart of decision-making.
Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“I’m really pleased that Westminster City Council is opening a brand new Community Hub in the heart of North Paddington. This new public space will provide a place for local people in some of our most deprived wards to speak to council staff face to face, and to access support from the foodbank, as well as an exciting programme of cultural and social activities and support.
I’m proud that this new hub has been co-designed with local residents. We spoke with over 400 residents to find out they would like at the community hub, and I’m excited that we have been able to give local people real decision making power to shape the services and support in their local area.”
Thomas Delap, Chief Executive, North Paddington Foodbank, said:
“The opening of The Exchange at Ernest Harriss House is a major step in tackling poverty, reducing health inequalities, and creating a truly welcoming space for everyone in the community. At NPFB, we’re proud to be leading this initiative—offering not just vital support, but opportunities for people to try something new or simply connect with friends over coffee. The hub will be a place where residents can access the help they need, engage in a rich cultural programme, and build lasting relationships—a true celebration of our diverse community.”
Following the release of the Publication version of the Central Lancashire Local Plan (CLLP) in January, consultation will go live on Monday, 24 February from 2pm concluding on Monday, 14 April at 11.59pm. The consultation will provide stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on the new local plan, before it’s submitted to the Secretary of State in Summer 2025.
The CLLP is a strategic plan for the area of Chorley, South Ribble and Preston and sets out the three councils’ approach to managing and delivering development (residential, employment and other infrastructure) and protecting the environment for the three districts between 2023 and 2041.
It is an important strategy which supports delivery of corporate ambitions and objectives, such as provision of affordable housing, tackling health and social inequalities and tackling the climate emergency.
The consultation will include a series of in-person events across Preston, Chorley, and South Ribble, along with the option to complete the online survey Citizen Space – Central Lancashire Local Plan. The events start on Monday 24 February and are being held across each Borough, with anyone welcome to attend whichever is most convenient to them.
Councillor Amber Afzal, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regulation, said:
“This phase of the Central Lancashire Local Plan is crucial in shaping Preston’s future, aligning with the City Council’s vision for a growing, thriving community.
“Our focus is on delivering the right types of homes, including more affordable housing, to help tackle health and social inequalities.
“We encourage residents, businesses, and stakeholders to get involved and share their feedback through the consultation.”
Face-to-face events in Preston
Wednesday 26 February, Preston Markets, 11am to 2pm
Wednesday 5 March, UCLan Cottam Campus, 3pm to 6om
Thursday 6 March, Grimsargh Village Hall, 3.30pm to 6.30pm
Thursday 13 March, Preston Town Hall, 3pm to 7pm
Thursday 20 March, Fulwood Methodist Church, 3pm to 7pm
Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.
The Council is inviting residents to share their views on the regeneration of Seafield to make sure it responds to the needs and wishes of the local community.
As a key site for delivering the goals set out in the Edinburgh City Plan 2030, plans for the narrow stretch of land include a new promenade, GP surgery and opportunities for new shops and workplaces.
The coastal site could also include as many as 2,700 new homes, with 35% of homes being affordable, to address the Capital’s housing emergency. Future residents will benefit from the provision of a heat network which will help keep energy bills down whilst contributing to the city’s net zero targets.
The consultation, which closes on Wednesday 30 April 2025, will build on the first two stages of engagement and consultation carried out to date. Residents can attend a drop-in session to discuss the plans, or they can take part in an online survey via the Consultation Hub.
Planning Convener James Dalgleish said:
Our draft plan to transform Seafield into a new environmentally friendly neighbourhood will take us one step further to tackling our housing emergency and reaching net zero by 2030.
This is a chance for residents to shape the future of the area – whether it’s about improving transport links, preserving green spaces or introducing new community facilities and we’re eager to hear everyone’s ideas for a Seafield that serves the whole community.
I’d encourage everyone to share their views with us by filling in our online survey or coming along to one of our consultation drop-in events.
The in-person events will take place on the following dates and times:
BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DDB Miner a leading cloud mining platform, has launched a series of upgraded mining contracts designed to maximize profitability for cryptocurrency investors. With the increasing demand for passive income opportunities in the crypto space, these new contracts offer enhanced returns, stability, and accessibility for both novice and experienced miners.
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Disclaimer: This press release is provided by “DDB Miner”. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Restrictions on medical care for transgender youth assume that without the ability to medically transition, trans people will vanish.
As of 2024, 26 U.S. states have banned gender-affirming care for young people. Less than a month into office, President Donald Trump issued numerous executive orders targeting transgender people, including a mandate to use “sex” instead of “gender” on passports, visas and global entry cards, as well as a ban on gender-affirming care for young people. These actions foreground the upcoming Supreme Court case of U.S. vs. Skrmetti which promises to shape the future of gender-affirming health care in the U.S., including restrictions or bans.
History, however, shows that withholding health care does not make transgender people go away. Scholarship of medieval literature and historical records reveals how transgender people transitioned even without a robust medical system – instead, they changed their clothes, name and social position.
Surgery in medieval times
Surgery was not a widespread practice in the medieval period. While it gained some traction in the 1300s, surgery was limited to southern France and northern Italy. Even there, surgery was dangerous and the risk of infection high.
Cutting off fleshy bits is an old practice and, potential dangers aside, removing a penis or breasts wasn’t impossible. But amputating functioning limbs was nearly always a form of punishment. Medieval people, including surgeons and patients, likely would not have had positive views of surgery that involved removing working body parts.
Illustration from a Latin translation of Albucasis’ Chirurgia, depicting surgical instruments. Wellcome Collection
Surgeons in the 14th century were increasingly thinking about how to perform surgery on those with both male and female genitalia – people now called intersex. But they thought about this in terms of “correcting” genitalia to make it more apparently male or female – an attitude still present today. Historically, the procedure was probably performed on adults, but today it is usually performed on children. Both then and now, the surgery often disregards the patient’s wishes and is not medically necessary, at times leading to complications later. For patients deemed female, excess flesh could be cut away, and for patients deemed male, the vulva could be cauterized to close it.
There is, however, at least one historical example of a transgender individual receiving surgery. In 1300, near Bern, Switzerland, an unnamed woman was legally separated from her husband because she was unable to have sex with him. Soon after, the woman headed to Bologna, which was the surgery capital of Europe at the time. There, a surgeon cut open the woman’s vulva, revealing a penis and testicles. The account ends, “Back home, he took a wife, did rural work, and had legitimate and sufficient intercourse with his wife.”
The story presents the possibility of medical transition, possibly even a desire for it. But given the limits of surgical techniques and ideologies at the time, these forms of medical transition were unlikely to be common.
Transitioning without medicine
To transition without medicine, medieval transgender people relied on changes they could make themselves. They cut their hair, put on different clothes, changed their names, and found new places in society.
In 1388, a young woman named Catherine in Rottweil, Germany, “put on men’s clothes, declared herself to be a man, and called herself John.” John went on to marry a woman and later developed breasts. This caused some initial consternation – the city council of Rottweil sent John and his wife to court. However, the court did not see breasts as inhibiting John’s masculinity and the couple went home without facing any charges.
In 1395, a transgender woman named Eleanor Rykener appeared before a court in London, England, after she was caught working as a prostitute. The court clerk wrote “that a certain Anna … first taught [her] to practice this detestable vice in the manner of a woman. [She] further said that a certain Elizabeth Bronderer first dressed [her] in women’s clothing” and later she took on work as an embroideress and tapster, a sort of bartender. The account is Rykener’s own, but the court clerk editorialized it, notably adding the phrase “detestable vice” in reference to prostitution.
Rykener’s account reveals that there were a number of people interested in helping her transition – people who helped her dress, taught her how to behave, provided her employment and supported her choice of a new name. Community was a more important part of her transition than transforming her body. Based on the record, she apparently did not make an effort to create breasts.
Another account appeared in 1355 in Venice, Italy, concerning Rolandina Ronchaia. While John declared himself male, and Rykener was very active in her transition, Ronchaia’s transition was spurred on by the perceptions of others. She argued that she had always had a “feminine face, voice and gestures,” and was often mistaken for a woman. She also had breasts, “in women’s fashion.” One night, a man came to have sex with her, and Ronchaia, “wishing to connect like a woman, hid [her] own penis and took the man’s penis.” After that, she moved to Venice, where, although she continued to wear men’s clothes, she was still perceived as a woman.
Ronchaia’s account is unique because it emphasizes her body and her desire to change it by hiding her penis. But this was still a matter of what she herself could do to express her gender, rather than a medical transition.
A long transgender history
The accounts of medieval transgender individuals are limited – not only in number but in length. A lot of things did not get written down, and people were not talking about transgender people the way we are now.
Historical accounts of transgender individuals are almost always in court records, which reflect the concerns of the court more clearly than the concerns of its subjects. The court was especially worried about sexual activity between men, which both overemphasizes the importance of sex in medieval transgender people’s lives and often obscures that these accounts are even about transgender people. Eleanor Ryekener’s account frequently misgenders her and refers to her as “John.”
But it’s clear that transgender people existed in the medieval period, even when medical care was unavailable to them.
It is also the case that many of these individuals – Rykener is a likely exception – were probably intersex, and their experience would be different from those who were not. Intersex people were legally recognized and allowed some leeway if they chose to transition as an adult. This is starkly apparent in an account from Lille, France, in 1458, where a transgender woman was accused of sodomy and burned at the stake. She claimed “to have both sexes,” but the account says this was not the case. While being demonstrably intersex may not have saved her, that she claimed she was is telling.
Gender transition has a long history, going even further back than the medieval period. Then as now, the local community played a vital role in aiding an individual’s transition. Unlike the medieval period, most modern societies have far greater access to medical care. Despite current restrictions, transgender people have far more options for transition than they once did.
Medieval modes of transitioning are not a solution to current denials of medical care. But medieval transgender lives do illuminate that transgender people will not vanish even when the legal and medical systems strive to erase them.
Sarah Barringer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Today’s figures show there are 77,000 workers in Scotland on zero-hours contracts, who will benefit from increased job security thanks to UK Government
The latest Labour Market Statistics for Scotland are published today – see here and here.
Commenting on the figures, Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, said:
Having access to well-paid work is a right that should be afforded to all. That’s why we’re creating jobs and opportunities through our Plan for Change and truly making work pay to help raise living standards right across the UK.
We are putting more money in people’s pockets – around 200,000 workers in Scotland are expected to benefit from a direct pay rise due to the increases to the national minimum and national living wages from April. Year on year, wages after inflation have grown at the fastest rates in three years since last July – worth an extra £20 a week after inflation.
Help to find work will be more tailored with our wide-reaching Jobcentre reforms and by encouraging investment, we’re boosting businesses of all sizes to deliver growth.
Background
Today’s figures show there are 77,000 workers in Scotland on zero-hours contracts, who will benefit from increased job security when the UK Government implements measures which seek to end exploitative zero hours contracts.
These measures are:
A right to guaranteed hours, where the number of hours offered reflects the hours worked by the worker during a reference period. This initial reference period will be specified in regulations and is anticipated to be 12 weeks.
New rights to reasonable notice of shifts, with proportionate payment for shifts cancelled, moved or curtailed at short notice.
Today’s figures for January 2025 show that there were 2.46 million payrolled employees in Scotland, a decrease of -0.1 per cent (-2,000) compared with January 2024. This compares with the UK where the number of payrolled employees had an increase of 0.2% over the same period.
Also in January 2025 the claimant count unemployment rate was 3.8 per cent, compared with 4.6 per cent for the UK as a whole.
Quarterly figures are also published today and estimates from October to December 2024 indicate that over the quarter, the economic inactivity rate decreased while the employment and unemployment rates increased
The estimated unemployment rate (16 and over) in Scotland was 3.8 per cent, up 0.5 percentage points over the quarter. Scotland’s unemployment rate was below the UK rate of 4.4 per cent
The estimated employment rate (the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 in work) in Scotland was 74.2 per cent, up 0.9 percentage points over the quarter. Scotland’s employment rate was below the UK rate of 74.9 per cent
The estimated economic inactivity rate (the proportion of people aged 16 to 64 years who were not working and not seeking or available to work) in Scotland was 22.8 per cent, down 1.2 percentage points over the quarter. Scotland’s economic inactivity rate was above the UK rate of 21.5 per cent.
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