Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ROME, Italy, October 15, 2024/APO Group/ —Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, DR Congo
President of the Symposium of Episcopal
Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)
[1] CENCO, “NEW WINE, NEW WINESKINS” (Mk 2, 22) Do not disappoint the nation’s expectations, Message from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo on the occasion of the 43rd Plenary Assembly, Kinshasa, Edition of the General Secretariat of CENCO, n. 11. L
Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:
Public-private stakeholder coalition kicks-off joint work to scale up private SDG investment in emerging markets and developing economies: At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, a coalition of private and public institutions announced to join forces to set up the Hamburg Sustainability Platform. This platform aims at scaling sustainable investments into emerging markets and developing economies through standardization.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the climate and biodiversity goals, cannot be achieved with public funds alone. More private investment is urgently needed, especially in emerging markets and development economies. To close this financing gap, it must become easier for private investors to invest. Blended finance provides efficient mechanisms to address this challenge. This is the aim of an alliance of public and private stakeholders, the Hamburg Sustainability Platform (HSP), announced at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference.
The German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, (BMZ); the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO); Global Affairs Canada; the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Treasury of the Republic of South Africa; the Secretary of State in charge of International partnerships of France; the German Development Bank KfW; British International Investment (BII); as well as Allianz and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) are partnering to jointly develop the Hamburg Sustainability Platform. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) acts as an advisory body to the platform.
Sustainable investments in emerging markets and developing economies have so far been for the pioneers in the private sector: while promising investment opportunities exist, large institutional investors such as pension funds or insurance companies rarely invest at scale. This is because implementation takes a long time, as preparations can take several years and financial products are often very complex. To make it easier for private investors to invest at scale, it would be necessary to pool the funds of public donors and standardize financial vehicles.
As a solution, the HSP aims at better combining public and private investments through standardized financial products as well as harmonized public strategies. The initiative thereby aims to enhance simplicity, replicability and efficiency, thus enabling considerable additional investment volume.
Standardization is a key enabler of operational efficiency. By delivering simplicity, efficiency and speed, volume becomes possible. Standardization acts like a common language, combatting fragmentation and accelerating procedures. It could therefore be an important step to help scaling private investment. This is recognized and demanded by different institutions and initiatives such as the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA), the OECD, as well as the B20 Finance & Infrastructure Working Group. Nevertheless, standardization is currently lacking in blended finance.
The HSP was announced at the inaugural Hamburg Sustainability Conference, held on 7-8 October. Under the motto “together we co-create development”, the Hamburg Sustainability Conference challenges barriers to SDG implementation. It establishes a new global forum to speed up progress towards achieving the SDGs and deliver result-oriented solutions. The annual conference is a joint initiative of the United Nations (UNDP), the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Michael Otto Foundation and the City of Hamburg.
On their motivations for the HSP, the founding members have said:
Anneliese Dodds, Minister for Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: “Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals will require trillions of dollars of additional public and private investment into emerging markets and developing economies. To get private capital moving quickly and at scale, investors need to be able to compare options and make decisions with confidence. That’s why the UK is pleased to support the Hamburg Sustainability Platform, which will focus on scaling up sustainable investment into the regions that need it most, by providing standardized investment products in a clear and simple format.”
Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development: ”The SDGs represent an unprecedented global consensus and as such, a joint mission of public and private stakeholders. We need to join forces to make this mission heard. Over the past years, numerous good examples of blended finance vehicles have been set up. It is now time to identify those success cases, standardize, and scale them. This is what the Hamburg Sustainability Platform stands for. It is a great example of how the German government enhances international partnerships and how development cooperation efficiently uses market mechanisms to co-create impact. “
Thani Mohamed Soilihi, French Secretary of State for Francophonie and international partnerships: “We need to boost financing capacities if we collectively want to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and this requires far more private sector leveraging. This is a priority for France, that we are pursuing with 66 partners through the Paris Pact for People and Planet. In that perspective, the Hamburg Sustainability Platform plays an important role and we hope it will bolster current efforts to scale sustainable investments and deliver tangible results.”
Lina Gandløse Hansen, State Secretary for Trade and Investments, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Denmark: “We need to bridge the financing gap to deliver on the SDGs and the Paris agreement. The numbers tell a clear story: We are far off track. We need all hands on deck and the private sector must play a key role. We need to deliver scale and replicable models. The Hamburg Sustainability Platform can play an important role. Denmark is looking forward to bringing our strong focus on innovative financing to the table and explore synergies, not least with the work in the Investment Mobilization Collaboration Alliance (IMCA) which aims at mobilizing billions of USD in private capital in support of climate action.”
Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, Head of Asset and Liability Management at the National Treasury of the Republic of South Africa: “We need impactful solutions and investments on a global scale. And for investments to be impactful, private and public sector need to work together. Development efforts can only be sustainable in the long run if we succeed in mobilizing private markets for our goals. The Hamburg Sustainability Platform can become a key lever on this mission.”
Patricia Peña, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Global Affairs Canada: “Setting up the Hamburg Sustainability Platform involves learning from and working with existing solutions, ensuring what we put forward and how we work together adds value and avoids duplication. Recognising the need to cooperate more efficiently with other donors and private investors from an early stage, the Hamburg Sustainability Platform could become a key tool to enhance donor cooperation and address existing challenges in blended finance.”
Claus Stickler, Global Co-Lead at Allianz Investment Management: “Speed and scalability are key success factors in achieving sustainable change globally, including for example accelerating the deployment of renewable energy in emerging markets. The Hamburg Sustainability Platform can help simplify the creation and management of blended finance vehicles, thereby increasing their investability. Let’s work together to create this important platform for real action.”
Vito Dellerba, Managing Director, Sustainable Investing at CDPQ: “Templates and standardized frameworks for financial returns and impact – initiatives highlighted by the Hamburg Sustainability Platform – facilitate timely and knowledgeable decisions by providing streamlined and consistent information. In addition, it has the potential to boost market efficiency by enhancing risk management practices, lowering transaction costs and increasing liquidity.“
OECD Deputy Secretary-General Mary Beth Goodman: “The OECD supports the Hamburg Sustainability Platform in an advisory role. Promoting innovative approaches to scaling up private capital mobilization in Emerging Market and Developing Economies is core to the work of the OECD. As a convener, we will be a partner in driving this initiative forward. Based on the OECD’s work in harmonising blended finance approaches, and with standardization featuring prominently in the current update of the Blended Finance Principles Guidance, the OECD can be a key contributor of this initiative.”
Christiane Laibach, Member of the Executive Board of KfW: “We have all learnt valuable lessons from the past twenty years of blended finance and impact investment. But to reach scale, we need to join forces, agree on common models based on these lessons and roll them out in a predictable and standardized manner. This is the objective of the Hamburg Sustainability Platform.”
Liz Lloyd, Chief Investment Officer at BII: “Unlocking private capital is critical to meet the twin challenges of development and the climate emergency. One important way to do that is through innovative blended finance, using concessional public finance to encourage private investment to achieve the SDGs. We are pleased to collaborate with others to reach a common approach to blended finance, to help mobilize private capital into sustainable investments at scale.“
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Peter Hopkins, Professor of Social Geography, Newcastle University
Religious hate crimes in England and Wales are at record levels. New Home Office statistics reveal that although hate crime overall saw an annual decrease of 5% in the year to March 2024, there was a 25% increase in religious hate crimes.
Hate crimes against Jewish people more than doubled from the previous year, making up 33% of religion-based hate crime in the new figures. Those against Muslims rose by 13%, making up 38% of the total.
There was a sharp increase in reported incidents against both Jewish and Muslim people after the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October 2023. While the total number of offences has since declined, it is still higher than before the conflict began.
These figures reflect police-recorded hate crime, but other organisations also track these incidents. The organisation Tell Mama, which tracks anti-Muslim hate, recorded a 335% increase in cases in the months after October 7 2023 compared to the year before. And the Community Security Trust tracked a 147% rise in anti-Jewish hate in 2023 compared to 2022. Of these incidents, 66% were on or after October 7.
The October 7 attacks are an example of a trigger event that usually precedes a spike in hate crime. These events can “galvanise tensions and sentiments against the suspected perpetrators and groups associated with them”.
Trigger events can be one-off events or last only a short period of time, but the continuing high levels of hate crime that the UK has seen over the past year is still likely due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
These trends had been increasing worldwide, and not only since the latest conflict. A UN report in 2021 found that Islamophobia had reached “epidemic proportions”. Additionally, as my colleagues and I have found in our research, such racism is also experienced by a diverse range of ethnic groups and not only Muslims. A rise in antisemitism has been recorded around the world too.
Not only are the latest statistics in the UK alarming, they are only the tip of the iceberg. As my work on the inquiry into Islamophobia in Scotland found, many incidents go unreported.
We found that many did not report incidents due to concerns about institutional racism in the police and a lack of confidence in policing and in the criminal justice system. Added to this were worries about not having enough evidence, the incident not being “serious enough”, and fear of reprisal. Some even felt that it happened so often that there was “no point” in reporting it.
The long-term impacts of hate crime are deeply concerning. Victims who experience constant discrimination are likely to experience poor health outcomes and premature ageing.
The rising numbers also promote a culture of fear that can discourage members of ethnic or religious minority groups from participating fully in society.
My colleagues and I have found in our research that Islamophobia and prejudice has stopped some Muslims from participating in politics and going out to socialise.
Encouragingly, however, others chose to become more active in their communities in order to challenge stereotypes about Muslims.
In addition to the trigger event of the Israel-Hamas war, there are a number of factors that contribute to rising hate crime, particularly against Muslims.
First is the prevalence of organisations and individuals, including media outlets, online influencers, far-right think-tanks and political figures who promote anti-Muslim messaging and hatred.
The rise of far-right politics around the world plays a role. The election of Donald Trump, as well as
recent electoral gains by Marine Le Pen in France, the Freedom Party in Austria and Reform UK show how such politics are seeping into the mainstream.
But even supposedly centrist politicians spread narratives that contribute to Islamophobia and racism. For example, former prime minister David Cameron decried the failure of multiculturalism and this message was repeated by Suella Braverman when she was home secretary.
This perpetuates the idea that it is not possible for different ethnic and religious groups to live in harmony. I would argue this provides an ideal platform for the promotion of Islamophobia.
Mainstream media outlets and social media also shape the narratives that contribute to a culture of fear around Muslims. High profile acts of religious hatred, such as the atrocities committed by Anders Breivik in Oslo in 2011 or by Brenton Tarrant in Christchurch in 2019, tend to be put down to a “lone wolf” or to be regarded as “fringe incidents”, rather than part of a wider problem to be addressed. Both Breivik and Tarrant promoted white supremacy and were explicitly anti-Muslim.
The spread of inaccurate information on social media has stirred up Islamophobia, antisemitism and racism, and led to violence against migrants. This was seen in the far-right riots in summer 2024 following the fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport, near Liverpool.
According to a report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a false name and disinformation suggesting the attacker was Muslim reached around 1.7 billion people across several platforms.
The long history of Islamophobia in Britain can be traced back to the response to the 9/11 terror attacks and the “war on terror”. The UK’s counter-terrorism programme Prevent has made life intolerable for Muslims by promoting the idea that all Muslims are potential terrorists and a threat to security.
The obsession with this approach persists internationally despite the existence of several alternatives, yet it urgently needs to be replaced alongside the thinking that supports it.
The result of all this is that Islamophobia has flourished in the UK without being called out by those in power. This must be challenged if we want to see a reduction in racially and religiously motivated hate crime.
Peter Hopkins receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust.
– ref. Religious hate crimes in England and Wales are at a record high – but many still go unreported – https://theconversation.com/religious-hate-crimes-in-england-and-wales-are-at-a-record-high-but-many-still-go-unreported-241071
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Schroders Capital’s Real Estate Impact Fund (SCREIF) has received a £50 million investment from Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, underlining the key role this market-leading investment strategy has in addressing social inequality in the UK
The investment was today confirmed as part of a package of key measures announced by the UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (sponsor of Homes England) and HM Treasury, following a roundtable hosted by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, as part of the UK Government’s programme of activities to support its high-profile International Investment Summit.
The Summit has been focused on driving investment and growth across the UK, with up to 300 industry leaders attending alongside the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
SCREIF is a real estate focused strategy with the dual aims of delivering a positive social and environmental impact in addition to securing appropriate risk adjusted returns for investors. Last month, the strategy became only the second real estate fund in the UK to receive approval from the Financial Conduct Authority to use the ‘Sustainability Impact’ label under SDR.
With a residential-led approach, the fund is predominantly focused on addressing the UK’s housing crisis, specifically, the shortage of social and affordable accommodation and the regeneration of town centres. The fund aims to ensure that its investments are made in accessible and resilient locations, with access to green space, public transport, schools and GPs.
The investment from Homes England will increase the ability of the fund to grow and invest more widely across the UK and secure further allocations from pension funds, insurers and foundations.
Chris Santer, Schroders Impact Fund Manager, Schroders Capital’s Real Estate team, said:
This investment by Homes England is a clear indication of the absolutely vital role this fund is looking to play in the UK by delivering real and tangible change. Our homes, and the built environment around us, impact our daily lives. We believe this allocation from the public sector will be catalytic in unlocking further institutional investments, boosting broader confidence and interest in this key sector meaning the fund can enable more communities to thrive across the UK.
Peter Denton, Homes England Chief Executive, said:
This is a brilliant example of how public and private sector organisations can get behind a clear and common aim – namely supporting social justice and thriving communities. Our commitment aims to help spark deep and diverse market investment from a range of institutions. Fundamentally, this is about coming together to accelerate regeneration and the creation of affordable, high-quality homes within sustainable, thriving places that people, especially those in more deprived areas, want, need and deserve.
For further information, please contact:
| Andy Pearce, Head of Media Relations | +44 20 7658 2203 | andy.pearce@Schroders.com |
| Rachael Dowers, PR Manager | +44 207 658 2086 | rachael.dowers@schroders.com |
| Justine Crestois, PR Executive | +44 20 7658 5186 | justine.crestois@schroders.com |
To view the latest press releases from Schroders visit: Media Centre | Schroders global
Schroders Capital provides investors with access to a broad range of private market investment opportunities, portfolio building blocks and customised private market strategies. Its team focuses on delivering best-in-class, risk-adjusted returns and executing investments through a combination of direct investment capabilities and broader solutions in all private market asset classes, through comingled funds and customised private market mandates.
The team aims to achieve sustainable returns through a rigorous approach and in alignment with a culture characterised by performance, collaboration and integrity.
With $97.3 billion (£77.0 billion; €90.8 billion)* assets under management, Schroders Capital offers a diversified range of investment strategies, including real estate, private equity, secondaries, venture capital, infrastructure, securitised products and asset-based finance, private debt, insurance-linked securities and BlueOrchard (Impact Specialists).
*Assets under management as at 30 June 2024 (including non-fee earning dry powder and in-house cross holdings)
Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions, with £773.7 billion (€912.6 billion; $978.1 billion) of assets under management at 30 June 2024. As a UK listed FTSE100 company, Schroders has a market capitalisation of circa £6 billion and over 6,000 employees across 38 locations. Established in 1804, Schroders remains true to its roots as a family-founded business. The Schroder family continues to be a significant shareholder, holding approximately 44% of the issued share capital.
Schroders’ success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies. The company offers innovative products and solutions through four core business divisions: Public Markets, Solutions, Wealth Management, and Schroders Capital, which focuses on private markets, including private equity, renewable infrastructure investing, private debt & credit alternatives, and real estate.
Schroders aims to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. This means directing capital towards resilient businesses with sustainable business models, consistently with the investment goals of its clients. Schroders serves a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms.
Homes England is the government’s homes and regeneration agency. It drives the creation of more high-quality homes and thriving places so that everyone has a place to live and thrive. The Agency’s team work in partnership with thousands of public and private bodies including local authorities, home builders, developers, affordable housing providers, commercial real estate companies and financial institutions to make this happen. For more information visit: Homes England – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Issued by Schroder Investment Management Limited. Registration No 1893220 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. For regular updates by e-mail please register online at http://www.schroders.com for our alerting service.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 15, 2024/APO Group/ —
International audiences enjoyed a memorable first day at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4h8HyRu) on Monday as the world’s largest and best-rated tech event kicked off in sensational fashion – setting the stage for an unforgettable week of breakthrough tech showcases.
Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, GITEX GLOBAL presents a record-breaking edition in its 44th year. It welcomes over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors alongside governments from more than 180 countries – the highest-ever international participation at GITEX GLOBAL – comprising enterprises, experts, investors, startups, academia, researchers, and the entire global tech ecosystem.
Eagerly awaited exhibitions and events take centre stage
Across a capacity-crowd venue, international audiences became acquainted with a wide variety of incredible innovations on Day 1 of GITEX GLOBAL 2024. UAE technology group G42 presented its Intelligence Grid immersive experience, enabling visitors to discover how AI can power every aspect of future life as a ‘super utility’. Lenovo showcased its new range of hardware and cloud solution equipped with transformative AI capabilities of the future, while e& showcased some the world’s most mindblowing protypes in all of tech. One of the highlights was the XPeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car – enabling audiences to discover how such innovations represent a historic opportunity to revolutionise aviation and personal transportation.
With five incredible themes across five unmissable days this year, “Tech Investment Day” was first up with World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit (http://apo-opa.co/4dLQ9qC) amongst the many shows that drew huge crowds and received widespread audience acclaim.
In a special briefing, His Excellency (H.E.) Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member & UAE Minister of Economy, addressed attendees during ‘Rise of the New Economy: AI & Emerging Industries’. This session delved into the UAE’s strategic initiatives fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the country as a global leader in the new economy.
With the UAE’s non-oil sector accounting for 74% of national gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, H.E. Al Marri reaffirmed the Ministry of Economy’s ambitious plans for the years ahead, insisting: “We are in the business of breaking records. We’ve already achieved a non-oil sector that accounts for 74% of GDP – this record has never happened before in our country’s history. The UAE’s environment and ecosystem attracts people from around the globe – and the target now is to reach 80% by 2030 and become an R&D hub for the world.”
With several leadership sessions held throughout the Monday schedule, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President & Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), shared key insights and perspectives during ‘AI Leadership: Steering Societal Transformation’. AI socio-economic implications were discussed alongside global AI leadership, models, governance, and regulation.
Elsewhere on a historic opening day to celebrate GITEX GLOBAL’s record-extending 44th edition, new industry-defining programmes were also launched – including GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns and rhinos.
GITEX Editions connects 59 top global unicorns and was attended by H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications, also addressed attendees between another applauded leadership session – ‘The UAE As The Sandbox For Pragmatic Ai Regulation And Policy Development’.
The year’s most impactful discussions surrounding AI’s future in society and industry were also attending by high numbers of visitors. While discussing the most transformative AI case studies across government, enterprise, and startups, the need to balance AI’s potential with creativity and human intuition was examined in various sessions, including ‘Regulating Tech: The Intersection of Tech, Crime and Law’.
Didier Jacobs, Head of ICT & Chief AI Officer at Europol, stressed that heightened collaboration and cooperation are needed to overcome challenges and solve international crime, adding: “Cybercrime knows no borders. There are many technologies that can be misused for hacking, extortion, sabotage, illegal transactions, and so on. What’s needed are solutions – a blend of increased human collaboration and technology deployment is essential.”
As this week marks the largest-ever European participation at GITEX GLOBAL with 38 European countries exhibiting alongside 1,000-plus SMEs and 450-plus startups, the European Innovation Council pavilion was officially launched to commemorate the milestone.
With debuting exhibitors from countries including Austria, Portugal, Latvia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Switzerland in attendance, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL, opened the brand-new site. This casts a unique spotlight on Europe’s AI, tech, and innovation advancements alongside the cross-continental collaboration efforts currently taking shape across the continent.
What next at GITEX GLOBAL 2024?
GITEX GLOBAL 2024 continues Tuesday as “Super AI Tuesday” showcases how AI is transforming business strategies, revolutionising industries, and creating new growth opportunities across the globe. Up until Friday (October 18), attendees can also explore the latest tech sector services and solutions being rolled out across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
GITEX GLOBAL is seamlessly connecting with world’s largest network of tech events with its stellar list including GITEX EUROPE Berlin, GITEX ASIA Singapore, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, and GITEX NIGERIA. These events are fostering collaboration and driving innovation to shape the tech landscape of tomorrow.
More information on GITEX GLOBAL and to purchase passes, please visit http://www.GITEX.com
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crunchyroll has entered into an agreement with Bango (AIM: BGO) to further grow its international subscriber base through bundling partnerships with telcos and other third parties.
Crunchyroll is the ultimate global brand for all things anime, offering the world’s largest dedicated streaming library with over 25,000 hours of content. With new series arriving every season, it remains the go-to destination for anime fans everywhere. Through its new partnership with Bango, Crunchyroll opens up the bundling of its subscription offer with mobile and broadband plans, as well as other consumer services such as bank accounts and retail clubs.
As a leader in bundling technology, Bango takes care of all technical aspects of resellers creating and managing subscription bundles. It can also manage targeting offers such as trials and discounts that could include Crunchyroll in future.
Telcos and other resellers will now be able to offer Crunchyroll in bundles, providing consumers with more cost-effective deals, and less administrative hassle. The partnership also opens up the opportunity for ‘Super Bundling’, making it easier for telcos to build Crunchyroll into their all-in-one subscription platforms and content hubs. Through this Bango agreement, Crunchyroll will be able to further expand its 14 million strong subscriber base through these new, indirect channels.
Commenting on the partnership, Anil Malhotra, CMO at Bango, said, “Crunchyroll is the number one choice for anime fans across the globe, and bundling through third parties will continue to drive its rapid growth. Indirect subscriptions have become increasingly essential for the SVOD market, and we look forward to helping Crunchyroll capitalize on this emerging trend.
“As consumers look for more flexibility, and to access more services in one place, Super Bundling represents a clear strategic step forward for brands like Crunchyroll to reach new audiences and further grow their subscriber base.”
About Bango
Bango enables content providers to reach more paying customers through global partnerships.
Bango revolutionized the monetization of digital content and services, by opening-up online payments to mobile phone users worldwide. Today, the Digital Vending Machine® is driving the rapid growth of the subscriptions economy, powering choice and control for subscribers.
The world’s largest content providers, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft, trust Bango technology to reach subscribers everywhere.
Bango, where people subscribe. For more information, visit http://www.bango.com
About Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll is the global anime brand that fuels fans’ love of anime. With the ambition to make anime an even bigger part of pop culture, Crunchyroll offers fans the ultimate anime experience and destination centered around a premium streaming service. Crunchyroll has the largest dedicated anime library, an immersive world of events, exciting theatrical releases, unique games, must-have merchandise, timely news, and more. Anime is for everyone and is accessible to stream across territories through Crunchyroll—whether on the go on mobile, through gaming consoles and big-screen devices at home, or on desktops anywhere.
Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.
Media contact:
Anil Malhotra, CMO, Bango
anil@bango.com
Tel: +44 7710 480 377
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
BOISE, Idaho, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), today announced the availability of a brand-new category of clock driver memory with the launch of its Crucial® DDR5 clocked unbuffered dual inline memory modules (CUDIMM) and clocked small outline dual memory modules (CSODIMM), which are now shipping in volume. The JEDEC-standard solutions run at speeds up to 6,400 MT/s (megatransfers per second), more than twice as fast as DDR41 and 15% faster than traditional non-clock-driver-based DDR5.2 Designed to provide more speed stability, faster downloads and better refresh rates, these solutions represent a completely new frontier of memory form factors for next-generation PCs. Micron’s CUDIMM and CSODIMM solutions are the industry’s first commercially available JEDEC-standard DDR5 CUDIMM and CSODIMM solutions to hit the market since JEDEC standardized the specification earlier this year.
In addition, Intel has validated Micron DDR5 CUDIMM and CSODIMM solutions up to capacities of 64 gigabytes (GB) for use with its Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 2), which were launched last week on Oct. 10.
“As AI takes flight, a memory paradigm shift is needed to keep pace with unprecedented system performance requirements,” said Dinesh Bahal, corporate vice president and general manager of Micron’s Commercial Products Group. “Micron is shipping the industry’s first JEDEC-standard, commercially available DDR5 CUDIMM and CSODIMM solutions to power fast, out-of-the-box speeds for AI PCs and high-end workstations. With this new category, we are arming the ecosystem with next-generation memory solutions to future-proof today’s devices for tomorrow’s AI workloads.”
While DDR5 offers rapid speeds, scaling challenges have made it difficult to deliver DDR performance increases while ensuring reliable high speeds and signal integrity, especially when combining high bandwidth with large capacity. Representing an evolution of traditional UDIMMs, the new category of CUDIMMs and CSODIMMs feature a clock driver directly on the memory module to stabilize speeds. While most systems today rely on the clock from the CPU, using innovative engineering, Micron has directly integrated the clock driver into the memory module to conquer electrical challenges at the root, making memory faster and more stable.
The validation of these new client memory modules by Intel will empower top PC manufacturers and integrators to begin adopting Micron’s innovative clock driver-based memory into forthcoming PC platforms. Notably, Micron is the first memory vendor to validate 32 gigabit die-based 64GB CUDIMM and CSODIMM solutions for Intel® Core™ Ultra desktop processors. This enables system capacities up to 256GB for AI PCs and high-end workstations, which demand high memory densities and performance.
“Micron and Intel have been working together to bring next-generation compute performance to the market,” said Dimitrios Ziakas, vice president of memory and I/O technologies at Intel. “The powerful combination of Intel Core Ultra desktop processors and Micron’s latest clock driver-powered CUDIMM/CSODIMMs with up to massive 64 GB capacities will be critical to helping propel the next wave of data-rich AI PCs to 6400 MT/s speeds. By aligning our strategies and co-validating, we are offering the most advanced memory and CPU products to our customers and the market and accelerating ecosystem adoption of future-looking form factors.”
The 6,400MT/s speeds provided by Crucial’s plug-and-play DDR5 CUDIMM and CSODIMM memory offer an out-of-the-box performance boost to AI PCs and other data-hungry workloads, whether users are upgrading from a DDR4 system or looking to increase DDR5 performance. The CUDIMM solutions are suited for desktop computers and the CSODIMM solutions for laptops.
Consumers will be able to purchase the CUDIMM and CSODIMM solutions in 16GB capacities through Crucial.com, which will come with a limited lifetime warranty.3 Capacities of 64GB will be available for purchase through the channel during the first half of calendar year 2025.
With the addition of DDR-based CUDIMMs and CSODIMMs, Micron continues to expand its memory portfolio with form factor and performance innovations to power next-generation PCs, including AI PCs, and increasingly demanding workloads.
To learn more, visit here to learn more about Micron’s CUDIMM offerings and here to learn more about its CSODIMM offerings.
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About Micron Technology, Inc.
We are an industry leader in innovative memory and storage solutions transforming how the world uses information to enrich life for all. With a relentless focus on our customers, technology leadership, and manufacturing and operational excellence, Micron delivers a rich portfolio of high-performance DRAM, NAND and NOR memory and storage products through our Micron® and Crucial® brands. Every day, the innovations that our people create fuel the data economy, enabling advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and compute-intensive applications
that unleash opportunities — from the data center to the intelligent edge and across the client and mobile user experience. To learn more about Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), visit micron.com.
© 2024 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Micron, the Micron logo, and all other Micron trademarks are the property of Micron Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
1 DDR5 6,400MT/s speeds are comparable to extreme-performance DDR4 memory speeds and 2x faster than maximum standard DDR4 speeds of 3,200MT/s.
2 Based on DDR5 running at maximum bandwidth of 5600 MT/s
3 Limited lifetime warranty valid everywhere except Austria, Belgium, France, and Germany, where warranty is valid for ten years from the date of purchase.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d734e10-1dab-4baf-b5ec-62f82945edeb
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Known for his confidence and ability to deliver under pressure, the former NFL quarterback and auto enthusiast is coaching today’s drivers in new digital campaign
BOSTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG), the No. 1 visited digital auto platform for shopping, buying, and selling new and used vehicles1, today launched a new campaign with NFL legend Drew Brees focused on helping today’s drivers feel even more confident and prepared during the car buying and selling process. The “Keys to Success” campaign taps Brees—who is known for his ability to deliver under pressure both on and off the field—to empower all drivers in getting “game day-ready” to feel assured they’re getting the best deal and are in control through the car buying and selling process.
“CarGurus helps today’s shoppers get ready for their big moment by providing access to thorough vehicle information, the most extensive deal ratings, and the most new and used cars so you know you’re getting the best deal possible,” explained Brees. “So much of performing at a high level is about focusing on the process and having the tools that instill confidence so that by the time you step on the field—or into the dealership—you’re ready to make things happen.”
As one of the largest financial commitments today’s consumer can make, purchasing a car can be daunting for many. According to a recent CarGurus study2, many game-time decisions can erode a shopper’s confidence:
“Known for his rigorous mental and physical preparation during his professional football career, Drew’s winning combination of steady confidence and rigorous research both on and off the field makes him the perfect confidence coach for today’s drivers, and a natural partner for CarGurus,” said Dafna Sarnoff, CarGurus Chief Marketing Officer. “Car shoppers can identify with Drew’s mindset of gathering the best information and tools available to feel confident that they are getting the best deals for their unique individual needs.”
The “Keys to Success” campaign will be featured on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and other digital video placements. See here to learn more about the campaign.
About CarGurus, Inc.
CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational, online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles that is building upon its industry-leading listings marketplace with both digital retail solutions and the CarOffer online wholesale platform. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle either online or in-person, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, instantly acquire and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience. CarGurus is the most visited automotive shopping site in the U.S.1
CarGurus also operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in Canada and the United Kingdom. In the United States and the United Kingdom, CarGurus also operates the Autolist and PistonHeads online marketplaces, respectively, as independent brands.
To learn more about CarGurus, visit http://www.cargurus.com, and for more information about CarOffer, visit http://www.caroffer.com.
CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
1Similarweb: Traffic Insights (Cars.com, Autotrader.com, TrueCar.com), Q2 2024, U.S.
2Methodology: July 2024 survey of 1,501 U.S. licensed residents, 18+
Media Contact:
Maggie Meluzio
Director, Public Relations & External Communications
pr@cargurus.com
Investor Contact:
Kirndeep Singh
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@cargurus.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cd48575-34a4-44b2-90ed-3b28fd021eed
Source: City of Liverpool
Liverpool has scored a unique treble at a major international climate change awards ceremony.
Liverpool City Council’s Urban GreenUP project, which was recently shortlisted for a world Green City Award, won big at the CIRIA 2024 Big Biodiversity Awards.
Held in London, the city’s innovative nature-based solution programme secured awards in the following categories:
The EU-funded programme, which has introduced urban raingardens, green walls and pollinators posts around the city centre as well as a number of floating islands in the city’s docks and parks, was also Highly Commended in the ‘Living Green for Climate Change’ category at the World Green City Awards 2024 held in Utrecht.
The accolades follow hot on the heels of the programme scooping a golden pineapple trophy for its Climate Resilience submission at the 2024 Festival of Place.
Liverpool has also recently become the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under UN Climate Change’s Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) programme.
The title comes in recognition of Liverpool’s impressive commitment to innovation and smart regulation to rapidly decarbonise the live music and TV/Film production sectors – both vital parts of the city’s economy – following several years of developmental work by ACT 1.5, an artist-led research and action effort, and climate scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
For more information go to: https://www.urbangreenup.eu/cities/front-runners/liverpool/liverpool-uk-re-naturing-urban-plan-with-nbs.kl
Source: City of Liverpool
With just over a week to go until River of Light returns, Liverpool City Council unveils plans to make the popular event even more accessible, inclusive and engaging.
Building on the success of last year, the FREE event will once again offer Quiet Hour sessions to accommodate visitors with additional sensory needs. These special sessions will run from 4-5pm on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October, and the same times on Sunday 3 and Monday 4 November. During these hours, the 12 featured installations will have reduced soundscapes or will operate entirely without sound. Where possible, lighting will also be softened, creating a calmer environment for those with sensory sensitivities.
This year’s light festival runs from Friday 25 October to Tuesday 5 November, taking place at the same time as Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights. To mark the cultural celebration, on Friday 1 November visitors can enjoy a programme curated by Indian arts organisation, MILAP, featuring performances by the popular Bombay Baja Brass Band and Piano with Bhav between 5-8pm– all taking place near the Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos installation by award-winning artist MURUGIAH.
The young people’s engagement programme, developed by the City Council’s Culture Liverpool team returns this year and connects young people with three of the event’s featured artists, offering creative, hands-on workshops that encourage artistic expression and learning.
The theme for this year’s outdoor trail and the engagement programme is Play, tying into Liverpool’s ongoing pledge to become a recognised UNICEF UK Child Friendly City. The initiative highlights the importance of children’s rights to play, recreation, rest, and leisure, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. #ChildFriendlyLpool
To get the latest information visit http://www.visitliverpool.com/riveroflight or follow @visitliverpool (X, Facebook and TikTok) or @visitliverpool_ (Instagram).
River of Light will be part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority. Avanti is the official travel partner for the event.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“We’re thrilled to bring back the quiet hours this year after receiving such positive feedback from visitors in 2023. It brought in a new audience who hadn’t experienced the trail previously, and thanks to some adaptations to the light and sound, they felt part of this massively popular event.
“It’s also great to see the return of the workshops – they’re so unique, and the youngsters and the artists always get a huge amount out of the sessions. Encouraging children to express themselves through art and creativity is an incredibly powerful tool that will hopefully inspire future artists.
“Celebrating Diwali as part of the River of Light is a fantastic way to embrace cultural diversity and unity and we’re delighted to be working with Milap on this. Bringing together communities through art, music, and tradition, fostering a real sense of belonging and is certain to be a highlight of the festival.”
Alok Nayak, Milap’s CEO and Artistic Director, said:
“We are excited to be part of River of Light 2024, an event that unites art, culture, and community. At Milap, we believe in the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and bring people together.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the richness of Indian arts, while contributing to Liverpool’s dynamic cultural landscape. Diwali, the festival of light, is beautifully reflected in Liverpool’s own light festival, making our collaboration with Culture Liverpool to bring MURUGIAH’s ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’ to the city even more meaningful.
“Rangoli patterns are recreated in homes, in designs and works of art worldwide, and this concept will come to life on Liverpool’s waterfront through MURUGIAHS’s unique reimagining. We’re eager to share this experience with the public and celebrate the positive impact of creativity and diversity!”
Denise Wright, Liverpool City Council’s Family Learning Co-ordinator for Children Centre’s and Family Hubs, said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for families with young children to work with a world-renowned artist at one of our main Family Hub sites. The River of Light’s theme of PLAY this year is great for engaging families in rich creative and cultural experiences in their own communities and for connecting families to a major interactive and cultural event in the city.”
Source: City of Sunderland
Foster with North East was launched last year with the aim of recruiting more foster carers across the North East by offering dedicated support and a specialised recruitment hub working alongside all 12 local authorities in the region.
Since then more than 850 people have come forward to enquire about becoming a foster carers, many of whom are in the process of being approved as foster carers.
A direct response to the call for more foster carers, Foster with North East has also been a trailblazer for the Department for Education’s pathfinder project, leading to a further nine spin off schemes now operating in other parts of the country.
The hub acts as the first port of call for prospective foster carers offering a warm welcome, directing enquiries to their local authority, and providing support throughout the application process.
It seeks to recruit foster carers from a range of different backgrounds and circumstances in the region to improve the experience of foster carers and offer the best outcomes for children in care.
While nationally the average length of time from application to approval for anyone applying to be a foster carer is 6 months, Foster with North East have managed to condense this to 4.8 months. And there are plans to do this even quicker.
The percentage of initial enquiries to Foster with North East from prospective foster carers which ultimately convert into successful applications (regardless of subsequent outcome), is also much higher at 23.1 per cent than the national rate of 12 per cent..
Newly approved foster carers Vicky and Phil Metcalfe are some of the first to be approved as foster carers since the launch of Foster with North East.
Speaking about their experiences at the one year on celebration, Vicky said: “Fostering is something I thought about doing for years. Eventually last year I spoke to my husband and said I wanted to do it. We applied, and now here we are celebrating our approval alongside other new carers from the region.
“Fostering has always been in my mind. I’ve got a son of my own and I just kept thinking that there are kids out there that need that love and care and if I ever needed someone to look after my son, I’d want to know there was somebody out there that would do this for us. We’ve a lot of love to give and to us it was a no brainier to look at fostering.
“The whole application process with Foster with North East was really smooth, and our social worker was really lovely, she kept us informed and we felt very comfortable talking to her.
“The training also included meeting young people who are care experienced and gave us really good insight. It helped us to better understand their side of things. A lot of what they said was also very positive and really showed how much difference you can make.
“Our was son was on board with our plans to foster from the minute we told him. He’s been absolutely brilliant and has welcomed our first child to our home too recently who is fantastic – we couldn’t have asked for a more loving little boy, he’s got the best smile, and he loves to learn, he’s very creative and it’s lovely to see him getting along so well with our son.
“For anyone thinking about fostering, I’d say that if it’s in the back of your mind go for it. I’ve only been doing it a short time, but I’m all in, this is me now.”
In its first year:
Daniel Kenny, Hub (Service) Lead for Foster with North East, said: “Foster with North East was created to tackle the decline in foster carers in the region and it’s been fantastic to see the progress and collaborative work over the last 12 months.
“This has included building and strengthening connections across the region to reach as many people as possible with our fostering message, and ensure we are offering the best service possible to those looking to become foster carers.
“We’ve had great support from our local authorities and positive feedback from newly approved carers at our celebration event, with some sharing their experiences on camera to shed light on the impact of our hub. The day highlighted everyone’s commitment to improving the lives of children in care, and it was wonderful to share such an important milestone with all those who have been part of our journey and be able to recognise the new foster carers as they embark on their fostering career.
“We know there’s still a long way to go, as we need even more people from all walks of life to provide the safe homes for children and young people in care whether that’s for one night, a week, for a few months at a time or long-term.
“But we’re really excited about continuing our work to grow the number of foster carers in the North East fostering for their local authority and ensure every child has a safe and stable home. As more regional hubs are being launched across England, we’re also looking forward to sharing our stories of hope throughout the country and supporting the other hubs.”
Anyone interested in fostering in the North East, can visit the Foster with North East website here to find out more and make an enquiry.
Foster with North East is a collaborative partnership between 12 local authorities from across the North East of England. For the first time every, fostering services all across the region are joining forces to recruit much-needed prospective foster carers for vulnerable children and young people.
Anyone considering fostering in the region will benefit from a united, single support hub. The hub provides additional support for prospective foster carers and is supported by the Department for Education.
The 12 local authorities involved in Foster with North East are:
Source: City of Salford
Salford City Council has pledged to support the planting of 8,000 trees by 2028, as part of their commitment to fighting climate change.
The council will work with the Greater Manchester community forest and charity, City of Trees, to identify planting sites for street trees and new woodland areas, and work together to plant the trees over the next four years.
They will also work with developers in the planning process to plant new trees as part of new developments.
Trees have a host of benefits, from improving air quality by taking up pollutants and helping to reduce flood risk by intercepting water in their leaves and roots, to releasing chemicals which strengthen people’s immune, hormonal and nervous systems.
Importantly, they absorb carbon dioxide, helping us in the fight against climate change. A single, fully-grown tree can absorb up to 22kg of carbon every year.
Cllr Jane Hamilton, Executive Support Member for Climate Change, Low Carbon and Green Agenda at Salford City Council said “the council declared a climate emergency in 2019 in recognition of the need for more urgent action to combat climate breakdown and ensure the city is as resilient as possible. Responding to climate change is one of the key priorities in our corporate plan, This is our Salford, which aims to create a fairer, greener, healthier and more inclusive city for all.
“Our pledge to plant 8,000 trees by 2028 is just one of the practical steps we are taking to protect current and future generations from the impacts of climate change.”
Kevin Wigley from City of Trees said “We have the funding for trees and woods, and so finding suitable locations for them to be planted is a priority of ours. We’re pleased to be working with Salford City Council to identify the best place for the new trees to be planted so their benefits can be enjoyed by residents for generations to come.
“We would encourage any other landowners in Salford to get in touch about planting woodlands on their land. Each wooded area contributes to creating a greener, more climate-resilient Salford.”
To find out more about how Salford is responding to climate change visit Greener Salford.
Source: Channel Islands – Jersey
Jersey Fire and Rescue Service (JFRS) will once again be supporting Jersey Electricity’s (JE) annual electric blanket safety testing on Thursday 17th October and Friday 18th October 2024.
No need to book, simply take your electric blanket along on:
Or,
The free safety test will be completed by Jersey Electricity’s electrical engineers.
If it can’t be tested on the spot while you wait, they will tell you what time you can collect it if it passes the test.
If your blanket fails the safety test, Jersey Electricity will keep and dispose of it. You will receive a Powerhouse 10% discount voucher, which can be redeemed against the purchase of a new one.
JFRS recommend that all electric blankets over 10 years old should be replaced. For this reason, JE staff will not test any blankets over 10 years old but will provide a Powerhouse 10% discount voucher in return for your old electric blanket.
A Community Fire Safety Officer will also be on hand throughout the testing to offer advice on fire safety in the home.
Here are some simple tips to stay safe when using electric blankets:
Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent
Published: Tuesday, 15th October 2024
Residents in Norton without a nearby bus service are being encouraged to make the most of a new service.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been working closely with local bus operators to reintroduce a bus service for residents in the area.
Now the number 42 service is officially up and running after the city council struck a deal with Stantons of Stoke.
The weekday service, which goes from Ball Green to Hanley via Norton Lane, Milton Crossroads and Abbotts Square in Abbey Hulton, will run on a temporary basis ahead of a more formal tender process.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker said: “We have listened to residents, and I am so pleased that we have been able to start the long-awaited bus service along Ford Green Road which residents are so desperate for. The number 42 service will mean residents can easily visit the local shops, the crematorium and the city centre – something they have not been able to do for a long time.
“The contract for the number 42 is currently only until early next year but it will give us a chance to establish if this service will be viable going forward. We have tried our best to include the areas around Norton which are not currently very well served to give this service the best chance of survival, and we would really encourage residents to make use of this new bus route.”
The service is being delivered through the city council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) which is being funded by £31.6 million of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).
The plan has so far seen the launch of the council’s flagship Affordable Fares scheme which offers discounted bus tickets for adults and young people, the introduction of a number of new bus routes and enhanced services across the city.
It also comes ahead of the launch of the city council’s new Transport Prospectus which will outline the council’s proposed vision for transport in Stoke-on-Trent through to 2040.
Keith Stanton, managing director at Stantons of Stoke, said: “We are keen to work closely with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, who are making all this possible.
“With funding via the Bus Service Improvement Plan we are able to re-establish areas with a bus link, which brings so much with regards to connectivity and inclusion that other areas take for granted.
“We look forward to future opportunities and we will ensure that the travelling public are provided with a reliable, affordable service.”
Source: Microsoft
Headline: Escalating cyber threats demand stronger global defense and cooperation
Microsoft customers face more than 600 million cybercriminal and nation-state attacks every day, ranging from ransomware to phishing to identity attacks. Once again, nation-state affiliated threat actors demonstrated that cyber operations—whether for espionage, destruction, or influence—play a persistent supporting role in broader geopolitical conflicts. Also fueling the escalation in cyberattacks, we are seeing increasing evidence of the collusion of cybercrime gangs with nation-state groups sharing tools and techniques.
We must find a way to stem the tide of this malicious cyber activity. That includes continuing to harden our digital domains to protect our networks, data, and people at all levels. However, this challenge will not be accomplished solely by executing a checklist of cyber hygiene measures but only through a focus on and commitment to the foundations of cyber defense from the individual user to the corporate executive and to government leaders.
These are some of the insights from the fifth annual Microsoft Digital Defense Report, which covers trends between July 2023 and June 2024.
State-affiliated actors increasingly are using cybercriminals and their tools.
Over the last year, Microsoft observed nation state actors conduct operations for financial gain, enlist cybercriminals to collect intelligence, particularly on the Ukrainian military, and make use of the same infostealers, command and control frameworks, and other tools favored by the cybercriminal community. Specifically:
Nation state activity was heavily concentrated around sites of active military conflict or regional tension
Aside from the United States and the United Kingdom, most of the nation-state-affiliated cyber threat activity we observed was concentrated around Israel, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan. In addition, Iran and Russia have used both the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict to spread divisive and misleading messages through propaganda campaigns that extend their influence beyond the geographical boundaries of the conflict zones, demonstrating the globalized nature of hybrid warfare.
Russia, Iran, and China focus in on the U.S. election
Russia, Iran, and China have all used ongoing geopolitical matters to drive discord on sensitive domestic issues leading up to the U.S. election, seeking to sway audiences in the U.S. to one party or candidate over another, or to degrade confidence in elections as a foundation of democracy. As we’ve reported, Iran and Russia have been the most active, and we expect this activity to continue to accelerate over the next two weeks ahead of the U.S. election.
In addition, Microsoft has observed a surge in election-related homoglyph domains—or spoofed links—delivering phishing and malware payloads. We believe these domains are examples both of cybercriminal activity driven by profit and of reconnaissance by nation-state threat actors in pursuit of political goals. At present, we are monitoring over 10,000 homoglyphs to detect possible impersonations. Our objective is to ensure Microsoft is not hosting malicious infrastructure and inform customers who might be victims of such impersonation threats.
Financially motivated cybercrime and fraud remain a persistent threat
While nation-state attacks continue to be a concern, so are financially motivated cyberattacks. In the past year Microsoft observed:
Threat actors are experimenting with generative AI
Last year, we started to see threat actors—both cybercriminals and nation states—experimenting with AI. Just as AI is increasingly used to help people be more efficient, threat actors are learning how they can use AI efficiencies to target victims. With influence operations, China-affiliated actors favor AI-generated imagery, while Russia-affiliated actors use audio-focused AI across mediums. So far, we have not observed this content being effective in swaying audiences.
But the story of AI and cybersecurity is also a potentially optimistic one. While still in its early days, AI has shown its benefits to cybersecurity professionals by acting as a tool to help respond in a fraction of the time it would take a person to manually process a multitude of alerts, malicious code files, and corresponding impact analysis. We continue to innovate our technology to find new ways that AI can benefit and strengthen cybersecurity.
Collaboration remains crucial to strengthening cybersecurity.
With more than 600 million attacks per day targeting Microsoft customers alone, there must be countervailing pressure to reduce the overall number of attacks online. Effective deterrence can be achieved in two ways: by denial of intrusions or by imposing consequences for malicious behavior. Microsoft continues to do our part to reduce intrusions and has committed to taking steps to protect ourselves and our customers through our Secure Future Initiative.
While the industry must do more to deny the efforts of attackers via better cybersecurity, this needs to be paired with government action to impose consequences that further discourage the most harmful cyberattacks. Success can only be achieved by combining defense with deterrence. In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the development of international norms of conduct in cyberspace. However, those norms so far lack meaningful consequence for their violation, and nation-state attacks have been undeterred, increasing in volume and aggression. To shift the playing field, it will take conscientiousness and commitment by both the public and private sectors so that attackers no longer have the advantage.
Microsoft continues to share important threat intelligence with the community, including our recent Cyber Signals research looking at cyber risks in the education sector.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
An east London man who sent night vision and thermal imaging rifle scopes to support terrorist activity by the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2017 and 2018 has been jailed.
Muhammad Choudhary, 41 (15.06.83) previously pleaded guilty to terrorism funding and fundraising offences following a joint investigation by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
He was sentenced on Tuesday, 15 October, at the Old Bailey to a total of seven years’ imprisonment, with an additional year to be served on an extended licence.
Detectives and investigators identified that Choudhary sent thermal imaging night vision rifle scopes to Pakistan on a number of occasions in 2017 and 2018. He later admitted they were intended for use by the Taliban, which, at the time, launched various attacks against the then-Government and coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Acting Commander Gareth Rees, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This case is a prime example of how terrorist activity can take many different forms, and shows that we will investigate anyone in the UK who supports terrorist activity, regardless of what it may be in support of or to where it may be linked.
“This was a unique case where Government colleagues identified potential terrorist-related activity and shared information with us. Further enquiries conducted by Counter Terrorism Command officers led to Choudhary being convicted and jailed for various terrorism offences.”
Mike Pass, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “The UK operates a strict licensing regime to uphold international sanctions and to ensure military equipment does not fall into the wrong hands. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure effective controls and enforcement on military goods, which contributes to the UK’s national security.”
Choudhary first came to the attention of HMRC after a seizure of rifle scopes at Heathrow Airport in January 2018. It was identified that Choudhary was the person behind the consignment, which was intended for an address in Pakistan.
Further enquiries revealed that Choudhary bought the sniper sights from legitimate hunting suppliers. He was interviewed under caution by HMRC investigators and he later admitted in interview that the recipient and end users were members of the Taliban.
As a result, this information was passed to the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and officers launched an investigation, which resulted in Choudhary being charged with various terrorism offences in September 2023.
At an Old Bailey hearing in January, he pleaded guilty to a charge of fundraising for the purposes of terrorism (contrary to section 15 of the Terrorism Act, 2000), and two charges of making funding arrangements for the purposes of terrorism (contrary to section 17, TACT, 2000).
Choudhary was also previously charged with 23 offences under the Customs and Excise Management Act (1979). He pleaded not guilty to these offences at a hearing in February, and it was subsequently agreed for these offences to lay on file.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A man and woman have been charged with offences relating to the murder of 24-year-old Dontae McLaren in Lambeth last month.
Tyanne Corbin, 25 (23.05.1999) and Hamid Hamdi, 25 (31.10.1998) appeared at Central Criminal Court on Tuesday, 14 October charged with causing Dontae grievous bodily harm with intent, and violent disorder.
Both were remanded in custody to appear at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, 6 November.
A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion violent disorder and causing grievous bodily harm is currently on bail. Next due on a date in early November.
Police were called at around 04:05hrs on Sunday, 29 September to reports of a large group fighting with knives in Wandsworth Road, SW8.
Officers, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended.
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, 24-year-old Dontae McLaren was pronounced dead at the scene. Specialist officers continue to support his family.
+ Dynzell Patrick, 26 (18.06.1998) has previously appeared in court charged with Dontae’s murder. He is next due to appear at Central Criminal Court on 23 December.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – In an recent article published by Skilliing.com regarding current Gold trends: “From ancient civilizations to modern-day investors, gold has consistently been sought after for its perceived stability and hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. This enduring appeal has led to significant price movements over the years, with gold prices often mirroring broader economic trends. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for predicting future gold price movements and making informed investment decisions. According to experts, the gold price in October 2024 is expected to be influenced by several key factors. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are likely to keep gold prices elevated. Additionally, the anticipation of US rate cuts in the third and fourth quarters of 2024 could further boost gold prices. With the current record already at $2,431.85, the next milestone to watch is $2,500 per ounce. The bullish setup of gold’s chart and its leading indicators suggest that gold could move close to the $2,550 area in 2024. This prediction is supported by the recent rally in gold prices, which has already surpassed many predictions for the year. The combination of geopolitical concerns and the potential for rate cuts makes a further rally in gold prices plausible.” Active mining companies in the markets this week include RUA GOLD Inc. (OTCQB: NZAUF) (TSX-V: RUA), Mawson Gold Limited (OTCPK: MWSNF), Founders Metals Inc. (OTCQX: FDMIF), SNOWLINE GOLD CORP (OTCQB: SNWGF) (TSX-V: SGD), Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM).
Skilliing.com added: “In the context of broader economic trends, the gold price prediction for October 2024 is also influenced by the strength of the dollar and the overall economic landscape. As interest rates start to fall, gold prices could hit fresh records. The average price target for gold in the final quarter of 2024 is around $2,175 per ounce, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. This suggests a continued upward trajectory for gold prices in the latter half of 2024. 2025 Outlook: The outlook for 2025 is more uncertain. Some experts expect gold prices to stabilize around $2,350 per ounce in early 2025, with a potential decline to $2,175 later in the year, depending on the pace of U.S. central bank rate cuts. HSBC predicts a 12% drop in gold prices in 2025 due to rising real interest rates, while other analysts remain bullish, suggesting prices could exceed $3,000. 2030 Outlook: By 2030, some forecasts suggest gold could reach $7,000 per ounce, driven by low real interest rates, rising inflation, and demographic shifts that fuel demand for gold as a secure asset. Central bank demand will likely play a key role in supporting long-term growth.”
RUA GOLD’s (TSXV:RUA) (OTCQB:NZAUF) Drill Program Intersects Near Surface Gold at The Reefton Project – RUA GOLD Inc. (WKN: A4010V) (“RUA GOLD” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update from the drilling campaign underway at the Reefton Project on the South Island of New Zealand. The Company commenced its near mine drill program on the Murray Creek targets in July. A second drill rig was introduced in September to test the Capleston vein system. These historic mines collectively produced ~700koz of gold at 25.2g/t within a radius of ~20 kilometers.
Robert Eckford, CEO of RUA GOLD commented: “Our five years of meticulous surface exploration work over the Reefton project is paying dividends from the outset of this drill program. Both of the initial drill holes have confirmed we are in right area and are locating these lodes. The near surface intercepts on Capleston are encouraging and makes for compelling economic ounces, it supports our thesis that the surface veins are continuous past the old workings. Despite the initial drill hole at Murray Creek hitting old workings, it is extremely encouraging that we have identified the dip angle of the Victoria lode and we have even more confidence with the subsequent hole that is underway now, and results from this will be ready in the next few weeks.”
Capleston – On the second drill rig, which was introduced to test the Capleston vein system, the Company targeted an undeveloped and near-surface vein at the southern end of the two kilometer long historic Capleston project, the highest-grade producer of the Reefton Goldfield historically. Near surface targets lend themselves to early development and are the closest to transportation and infrastructure, providing low-cost operational advantages.
The first diamond drill hole, DD_REF_043, intersected a 12m zone of quartz-pyrite-arsenopyrite in the hanging wall, with a 1m quartz vein from 31m to 32m @ 3.86 g.t Au. A legacy drill hole intercepted the southern lode at 33m downhole, with 1m @ 24g/t Au followed by 1m @ 2.5g/t Au1. Mapping has recorded historical waste samples up to 32.0g/t Au in the vicinity, and a strong soil anomaly enveloping the vein (up to 410ppb Au).
Murray Creek – RUA GOLD reports the completion of the first hole testing the down-dip extension of the Victoria lode, DD_VIC_041, which is being evaluated by the team. This intersected the targeted reef at 344m down hole and encountered historical underground workings over a 4m length. It then exited out to the footwall before drilling on for an additional 20m.
This confirms that the lode extension is accurate and, with the precise location confirmed, a second hole is underway that is 50m deeper down dip from the initial drill hole. The Company anticipates an intersection into an un-mined portion of the reef at around 350m. Results from this testing will be available in the coming weeks. CONTINUED… Read this full press release and more news for RUA GOLD at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-rua/
Other recent developments in the mining industry of note include:
Mawson Gold Limited (OTCPK: MWSNF) recently announced that further to its news releases dated June 10, 2024 and July 30, 2024, Mawson has entered into an arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”) with SUA Holdings Ltd. (“SUA”), a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Mawson, pursuant to which the Company proposes to spin-out its uranium assets in Sweden (the “Uranium Assets”) to SUA in consideration for common shares of SUA (“SUA Common Shares”) and distribute 100% of the SUA Common Shares it then holds to the Mawson shareholders on a pro rata basis. As a result, following completion of the Arrangement, the Mawson shareholders (other than any dissenting shareholders) will also become shareholders of SUA and SUA will no longer be a subsidiary of Mawson.
In connection with the Arrangement, Mawson has subscribed for additional SUA Common Shares for aggregate consideration of $600,000 to provide working capital to SUA. Such additional SUA Common Shares will also be distributed to the Mawson shareholders under the Arrangement.
Founders Metals Inc. (OTCQX: FDMIF) recently announced that, further to the press release dated October 10, 2024, it has entered into an agreement with B2Gold Corp (“B2Gold”) for a C$12.1 million investment (the “Strategic Investment”) at a price of C$2.75 per common share (each, a “Share”). Together with the previously announced bought deal private placement of C$20M (the “Brokered Offering”), the Company will raise a total of C$32.1 million, fully funding the planned 2025 budget. Upon completion of the Strategic Investment and the Brokered Offering, B2Gold will own 5.0% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis.
Colin Padget, Founders’ President & CEO commented, “We are very pleased with B2Gold’s investment in Founders along with the support and validation it brings to our Antino Gold Project. We look forward to drawing on B2Gold’s experience in exploring for, and developing, world-class mining assets in similar geological environments. This broader financing package leaves Founders well positioned to ramp up exploration at Antino, fully funding our planned 2025 exploration budget and the near-term addition of a fourth diamond drill.”
SNOWLINE GOLD CORP (OTCQB: SNWGF) (TSX-V: SGD) recently announced additional analytical results from its 2024 Valley deposit drilling campaign on the Rogue Project in Canada’s Yukon Territory alongside updates on its regional activities. Holes V-24-081 and V-24-084 returned strong, consistent gold grades from near-surface along the southwestern edge of the Valley deposit, outperforming the model used for the Company’s initial mineral resource estimate (MRE) earlier this year. In addition, Snowline has completed the first phase of a reclamation program at the Plata mining camp near the Rogue Project, organizing and inventorying debris and abandoned equipment from historical mining activities in the region for future demobilisation. The Company awaits analytical results from the majority of its 2024 exploration campaign, including >24,600 m of drilling in 44 holes across 5 different targets.
“It is a testament to the consistency of mineralization at Valley that results like today’s have become almost commonplace,” said Scott Berdahl, CEO & Director of Snowline. “Nonetheless, they further demonstrate the strength of the system near surface, and key holes V-24-081 and V-24-084 outperform our model along the southwest margin of the deposit.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) recently announced that it has filed an updated technical report for the Detour Lake mine in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
The technical report is available on SEDAR+ (http://www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website (http://www.agnicoeagle.com). Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico.
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SOURCE: FN Media Group
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
New sanctions target three illegal settler outposts and four organisations that have supported and sponsored violence against communities in the West Bank.
The Foreign Secretary has announced sanctions in response to continued violence by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
Today’s measures target three settler outposts and four organisations that have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. Settler violence often seeks to force Palestinians to leave their homes, and seize their land for the construction of outposts, which are illegal under both international and Israeli law.
The measures follow an unprecedented rise in settler violence in the West Bank over the last year, with the UN recording over 1,400 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since October 2023.
The month of October sees the beginning of the olive harvest in the West Bank, an important time both culturally and economically for Palestinians. It has traditionally suffered spikes in violence as organised settler groups disrupt and attack Palestinians.
The measures taken today are part of wider UK efforts to support a more stable West Bank, which is vital for the peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:
When I went to the West Bank earlier this year, on one of my first trips as Foreign Secretary, I met with Palestinians whose communities have suffered horrific violence at the hands of Israeli settlers.
The inaction of the Israeli government has allowed an environment of impunity to flourish where settler violence has been allowed to increase unchecked. Settlers have shockingly even targeted schools and families with young children.
Today’s measures will help bring accountability to those who have supported and perpetrated such heinous abuses of human rights. The Israeli government must crack down on settler violence and stop settler expansion on Palestinian land. As long as violent extremists remain unaccountable, the UK and the international community will continue to act.
The illegal settler outposts sanctioned today – Tirzah Valley Farm Outpost, Meitarim Outpost, and Shuvi Eretz Outpost – have been involved in facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity that amounts to a serious abuse of the right of Palestinians not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The four organisations sanctioned today are Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva, Hashomer Yosh, Torat Lechima and Amana.
Od Yosef Chai Yeshiva is a religious school embedded in the Yitzhar settlement known to promote violence against non-Jewish people.
Hashomer Yosh is a non-governmental organisation that provides volunteers for illegal outposts, including Meitarim Outpost (also sanctioned today). Meitarim was founded by the extremist settler Yinon Levy, who the UK sanctioned in February.
Torat Lechima is a registered Israeli charity that has been documented as providing financial support to illegal settler outposts linked with acts of violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
Amana operates in practice as a commercial construction company. Amana has overseen the establishment of illegal outposts and provides funding and other economic resources for Israeli settlers involved in threatening and perpetrating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
Media enquiries
Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk
Telephone 020 7008 3100
Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Metal Sky Star Acquisition Corporation, a Cayman Islands exempted company (NASDAQ: MSSA) (the “Company” or “Metal Sky”) announced today that it has entered into a letter of intent (the “LOI”) with Fedilco Group Limited, a Cyprus based company (“Fedilco”) holding 80% equity interest of Viva Armenia Closed Joint-Stock Company, an Armenia-based telecommunication company (“Viva”). Pursuant to the LOI, the Company expresses interest in acquiring all the issued and outstanding shares of Fedilco. The parties will obtain all the required permissions and/or approvals of the state authorities of the Republic of Armenia.
Viva’s success in the field of mobile communications is conditioned by the following principle: mobile services should be available not to a limited number of people, but to everyone. Viva provides its subscribers with the opportunity to keep in touch with their homeland, regardless of their location. Viva has 529 roaming partners in 192 countries of the world. Viva is the first company in Armenia to introduce and apply CSR as a management model and is the first operator to be guided by the international principles of social responsibility ISO 26000.
“We are excited to announce this LOI with Fedilco,” said Wenxi He, CEO of Metal Sky. “Viva is emerging as a leader in the telecommunication industry in Armenia, and we believe that this transaction will position us to effectively capitalize on growth opportunities in the sector and enhance shareholder value.”
“We are excited to enter this partnership to meet our commitment to focus on the next generation telecommunication technology,” said Loizos Vasiliou, Director of Fedilco. “This partnership into the public markets broadens our investor base and the combined company will have a strong platform to drive innovation and expand our market reach.”
About Metal Sky Star Acquisition Corporation
Metal Sky Star Acquisition Corporation is a blank check company formed under the laws of the Cayman Islands for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
About Fedilco Group Limited
Fedilco Group Limited, incorporated under the laws of Cyprus, is the controlling shareholder of Viva, a leading and innovate technology company in Armenia’s ICT sector.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including with respect to the proposed transaction with Fedilco. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on August 30, 2024. Copies are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.
Company Contacts:
Wenxi He
Chief Executive Officer
221 River Street, 9th Floor,
Hoboken, New Jersey
(201)721-8789
Email: olivia.he@gmail.com
olivia@metalskystar.com
Source: Metal Sky Star Acquisition Corporation
Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland
Statement by TUV leader and North Antrim MP Jim Allister:
“Far from the Sea Border being gone, the Civil Service is now recruiting a “Head of Regulatory Divergence Co-ordination” at a cost of up to £59,000 a year to the public purse.
“Clearly Stormont is perfectly aware that the deal which restored devolution on the pretext that the damage done by the Protocol had been addressed was a sham.
“No nation with any self-respect would tolerate a situation where such a post is necessary – a senior civil servant whose sole responsibility is to monitor how the internal market of the United Kingdom is being trashed.
“This post is yet further confirmation of the monumental constitutional damage inflicted by the Protocol on the integrity of the UK and Northern Ireland’s place within it.”
Note to editors
You can view the advert for this position here.
Source: United States Navy
LARNACA, CYPRUS – The amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC) arrived in Larnaca, Cyprus for a regularly scheduled port visit, October 14, 2024.
“Our Sailors and Marines are eager to experience the vibrant Cypriot culture, food, and history while continuing to forge and strengthen the ties between the two partners,” said Cmdr. David Pagan, New York’s executive officer. “The opportunity to experience the world-class hospitality of the Cypriot people is something our crew is exceptionally excited for and we sincerely appreciate their support as we deepen our bond with them as military ambassadors for the United States.”
While in the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations, New York will support U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression. The presence of an integrated Navy-Marine Corps team provides flexibility and enhanced capability to NAVEUR-NAVAF and U.S. 6th Fleet.
New York departed Norfolk, Virginia on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations on May 22.
The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG) consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), New York, Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC).
The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) providing strategic speed and agility, ensuring our Marines are prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe. The MEU can respond rapidly from longer ranges with greater capabilities across the spectrum of military conflict.
You can follow USS New York’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram (@uss_newyork).
To learn more about WSP ARG and 24th MEU (SOC) “Team of Teams,” visit their DVIDS feature page at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu.
Source: Government of Canada News
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will travel to Europe from October 17-20 to meet with Allies and partners to discuss issues of shared interest and ways to strengthen defence relationships.
October 15, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, will travel to Europe from October 17-20 to meet with Allies and partners to discuss issues of shared interest and ways to strengthen defence relationships.
From October 17-18, Minister Blair will attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Defence Ministers’ Meeting (DMM) in Brussels, Belgium. This meeting will be an important opportunity for Allies to discuss issues related to security in the Euro-Atlantic, Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions, as well as NATO’s ongoing support for Ukraine.
In Brussels, Minister Blair will participate in several side events, including a Defence Ministers’ Meeting of the Global Coalition Against Daesh. The Minister will also host a Northern Defence Dialogue with Arctic Allies and partner states to reaffirm their shared commitment to enhanced collaboration on Arctic security and defence.
From October 18-20, the Minister will attend the first-ever G7 DMM in Naples, Italy. He will participate in discussions with his counterparts on G7 priorities, including support for Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East, as well as economic security and resilience.
While in Europe, Minister Blair will hold several bilateral meetings with counterparts.
Media Availability
Following the G7 DMM, Minister Blair will hold individual interviews with Canadian media. For further information, please contact Simon Lafortune (details below).
Date and time: Saturday, October 19 between 9:30AM and 10:30AM ET
Other arrangements can be made if necessary.
-30-
Simon Lafortune
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of National Defence
Phone: 343-549-0778
Email: Simon.Lafortune2@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
Defra announces internal regulatory review led by economist Dan Corry
The economist Dan Corry has been appointed to carry out an internal review into the regulation and regulators at the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
The review will examine whether the inherited regulatory landscape is fit for purpose and develop recommendations to ensure that regulation across the Department is driving economic growth while protecting the environment.
The review will explore:
The review is part of wider work to position Defra as a key economic growth department with regulatory reform to:
Dan Corry brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Head of the No10 Policy Unit under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and adviser in many Government departments where he was involved in regulatory reform.
It comes as yesterday (14 October) the government hosted the International Investment Summit with 300 industry leaders, where the Prime Minister set out billions worth of investment deals, as well as plans to tackle unnecessary regulation. This is part of the government’s growth mission to create jobs, improve living standards, and make communities and families across the country better off.
Source: City of Manchester
Manchester Libraries has been twinned with a Ukrainian library through a partnership programme set up to bring closer links with libraries in Ukraine.
Libraries Connected, the organisation of all public libraries in the United Kingdom, has overseen the development of a library twinning partnership with Library County, the Ukrainian library association.
The announcement has seen Manchester Libraries, twinned with the Lviv Regional Youth Library. It is one of several UK libraries twinned with a counterpart in Ukraine.
Being twinned with a Youth Library is particularly apt because of Moss Side Powerhouse Youth Library, a library specialising in offering a service to young people. Lviv, like Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature.
Since the war broke out, libraries in Ukraine have had to adapt to changing conditions with a focus on supporting their communities’ mental health, countering misinformation, and providing practical help.
The twinning programme aims to promote information exchange about language, literature, and culture, to develop joint initiatives, connect audiences through exchange of experience, books and digital material as well as celebrating both UK and Ukrainian literature and culture.
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure welcomed the opportunity to twin with the Lviv Regional Youth Library today and said:
” We are delighted that Manchester has been given this opportunity to twin with a Ukrainian library. We have a strong Ukrainian community, and we have been eager to show solidarity and connect with them in this way.
“Libraries whether here or in Ukraine sit at the heart of and are the bedrock of communities and are an important resource for our young people, we hope to support Lviv Youth Library and the library staff in whatever way we can.”
Manchester Libraries is a Library of Sanctuary having been re-awarded Libraries of Sanctuary Status for another three years, earlier this year. It recognises and celebrates libraries that go above and beyond to welcome sanctuary seekers and refugees, demonstrating solidarity and inclusivity and the benefits of a welcoming culture to everyone.
Source: City of Coventry
A Coventry teen enjoyed one of his best summers ever, thanks to the Holiday Food and Activities programme (HAF).
Corey, a student at Woodfield School in the city, was anxious and reluctant to go along to any of the HAF sessions at first, but after attending one, he couldn’t wait to take part in more.
Mum, Gemma, said:
“He has enjoyed the experience of all activities provided, seeing him being so excited to come home and telling me about his days and showing pictures and making phone calls to me, tells me how much fun he’s having.
“Corey’s told me his experiences were good and he scores summer school a nine out of 10. Just want to say a massive thank you to the staff for organising everything.”
Over 4000 Coventry children enjoyed a fun-filled summer break with activities and a meal, thanks to the government-funded, council supported HAF programme.
16,000 children are eligible in Coventry to attend the HAF programme across Easter, Summer and Winter.
Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member, Education and Skills, commented:
“It’s always really heart-warming to hear and read how people’s lives are impacted so positively by programmes such as this. As we know, there are lots of other young people, like Corey, who I’m sure would benefit from the activities being delivered via the Holiday and Activities programme.
I’d urge Coventry families to check if they are eligible to access the Holiday Activity Fund programme in the future, especially as we will be offering another excellent range of activities over the Christmas holiday season.”
Families are being encouraged to see if they qualify for the programmes by checking online and registering now to benefit in time for the Christmas holiday programme.
The HAF programme gives those families who are eligible for free school meals the chance to take part in fun and enjoyable sessions during the holidays, all with food provided.
Source: St Albans City and District
Publication date:
Voters in the Harpenden North & Rural ward are reminded to bring approved photo ID to their polling station for a by-election on Thursday 17 October.
They are required to present the ID or a Voter Authority Certificate in order to vote in the by-election for a vacant seat on St Albans City and District Council.
Approved ID includes a UK passport or driver’s licence, a Government-funded bus pass for older or disabled people, and a PASS card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram.
Documents must be originals but they can be current or expired if the photo still bears a true likeness of the voter.
Full details of approved ID are available on the Electoral Commission’s website here.
Voters are asked to check their poll cards to see which polling station they should attend as it may be different to where they usually vote.
A list of the candidates for the by-election, together with other information, is available here.
Amanda Foley, Returning Officer for St Albans City and District, said:
Approved photo ID is now established as a requirement for people voting at a polling station.
We are just reminding the voters of Harpenden North & Rural to bring approved ID along. If they do not have it, they will not be able to vote.
The by-election was called following the resignation of former District Councillor Beth Fisher.
Votes will be counted overnight on Thursday 17 October and the elected District Council candidate will serve until May 2028.
Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council: 01727-919533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.
Source: Channel Islands – Jersey
Staff from the States of Jersey Ambulance Service and members of the Health and Community Services Resuscitation Service will be teaching CPR and defibrillation techniques to members of the public for Restart a Heart Day, this coming Wednesday (16 October).
Restart a Heart Day is an annual initiative, led by the Resuscitation Council (UK) to help people to learn CPR, and raise awareness and confidence in dealing with out of hospital cardiac arrest.
UK statistics show that whereas only one in 25 victims of a cardiac arrest is likely to survive without receiving CPR, their chances increase to one in four where CPR takes place.
A stall will be set up next to the fountain on Broad Street between 09:00-14:00, to teach as many people as possible CPR and defibrillation skills.
The event offers the chance for members of the public to try their hand at CPR, get to grips with a ‘defib’ and become more comfortable with what is involved, should they encounter someone who’s had a cardiac arrest. It takes just three minutes before damage to the brain can commence, and CPR can keep the blood flowing.
Katie Campbell, Clinical Tutor for the States of Jersey Ambulance Service said: “Early CPR and defibrillation can double the chances of survival for someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest, so it is important as many people as possible know what to do in an emergency.
“Restart a Heart Day is a brilliant initiative that spreads awareness and builds confidence to do the right thing in an emergency.”
Source: Anglia Ruskin University
Published: 14 October 2024 at 10:30
Specialist in education and workforce development Carl Dawson joins university
Carl Dawson, a globally renowned expert in online education and workforce development with over 20 years of experience, has been appointed to lead Anglia Ruskin University’s Online and Degrees at Work teams.
Relocating to the UK from Texas, Carl has previously worked closely with universities, governments and companies in the United States, Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Carl has extensive experience across both the public and private sectors and has implemented digital learning programs for institutions and governments, including the UK Cabinet Office. In 2013, he co-founded Construct Education, later recognized by Deloitte as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK and now operating globally.
He helped build accredited online education programs at institutions such as Howard University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Tennessee.
In 2021, Carl became an advisor to the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on new digital learning strategies in a post COVID world.
His academic research includes time as a Transformational Leadership Fellow at Oxford University, a Policy Fellow at Cambridge University, and a Senior Research Associate at Jesus College, Cambridge, focusing on new economic models for higher education.
The Degrees at Work team is at the forefront of driving growth for ARU’s distance learning and apprenticeships. The team collaborates closely with employers and academics to identify future talent needs, generating insights that shape ARU’s innovative, professional work-based programs.
Carl, who takes the role of Director of Learning Development Services at ARU, said:
“I’m thrilled to return to the UK to join Anglia Ruskin University and help shape the future of work in the East of England and beyond, ensuring this unique region leads in preparing learners for tomorrow’s industries and societal needs.
“Being part of the University of the Year is an incredible opportunity, and I’m eager to build on our Gold Award for teaching, pioneering degree apprenticeships, and decade-long distance and online learning success.”
Source: St Albans City and District
Publication date:
Voters in the Harpenden North & Rural ward are reminded to bring approved photo ID to their polling station for a by-election on Thursday 17 October.
They are required to present the ID or a Voter Authority Certificate in order to vote in the by-election for a vacant seat on St Albans City and District Council.
Approved ID includes a UK passport or driver’s licence, a Government-funded bus pass for older or disabled people, and a PASS card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram.
Documents must be originals but they can be current or expired if the photo still bears a true likeness of the voter.
Full details of approved ID are available on the Electoral Commission’s website here.
Voters are asked to check their poll cards to see which polling station they should attend as it may be different to where they usually vote.
A list of the candidates for the by-election, together with other information, is available here.
Amanda Foley, Returning Officer for St Albans City and District, said:
Approved photo ID is now established as a requirement for people voting at a polling station.
We are just reminding the voters of Harpenden North & Rural to bring approved ID along. If they do not have it, they will not be able to vote.
The by-election was called following the resignation of former District Councillor Beth Fisher.
Votes will be counted overnight on Thursday 17 October and the elected District Council candidate will serve until May 2028.
Media contact: John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council: 01727-919533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.