Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ​​​​​​​It’s ‘goodbye’ to Staffordshire Wildlife Trust as Council talks with new tenants for city beauty spot.

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Friday, 27th September 2024

    After 15 years running the popular café at Westport Lake, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is moving on, but say it’s been the best experience getting to serve the local community.

    After 15 years running the popular café at Westport Lake, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is moving on, but say it’s been the best experience getting to serve the local community.

    The charity will officially stop trading at the site’s café on Sunday (September 29) following their decision to streamline their activities and focus on other nature restoration and community engagement projects across the City.

    The council has been working behind the scenes to help limit the impact on visitors and is now in talks with new tenants who are due to take on the lease early next year.

    Prior to any further announcement there will be some remedial works the council will need to carry out as part of the new lease arrangements.

    Leader of the Council, Councillor Jane Ashworth, said: “We want to thank Staffordshire Wildlife Trust for all their dedication and hard work over the years and they will be sadly missed.

    “Westport Lake is a local beauty spot that is close to my heart and we will be doing everything we can to ensure that new tenants keep this special place vibrant for visitors to enjoy.

    “Westport Lake is a unique and wonderful escape for visitors and is a magnet for wildlife, all the more reason for ensuring that we maintain this attraction as a place where people want to spend time to relax and appreciate nature.

    “The council will now be working hard to ensure the premises are suitable for the new tenant who will be revealed once all the necessary agreements are in place.

    “Stoke-on-Trent City Council would like to wish Staffordshire Wildlife Trust all the best in their future endeavours, and the work they do locally to protect the county’s wildlife and wild places.”

    Staffordshire Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Julian Woolford said: “We’re sad to be leaving Westport Lake Visitor Centre. It’s been a great base for the Trust, and over the years it has enabled us to connect with many thousands of people from the local community. 

    “While we’re leaving this site, we’ll still be in Stoke running lots of events as part of our community outreach. We continue to work in schools and we are also scoping out further river restoration work with partners. We’re also excited to be working with Stoke-on-Trent City Council to explore how nature can be included in the centenary celebrations next year. 

    “I would like to say a personal thank you to all the café staff for their hard work and dedication over the years, and their professionalism since the closure was announced. Finally thank you to all the customers who visited.”

    While Staffordshire Wildlife Trust vacate the building, the café toilets will be out of action. However, the Council will be installing temporary toilets for visitors to use from Monday 30 September, which will be available to visitors until the café facilities reopen in the new year.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. – Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Management Information Circular

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
    (“Falcon”)

    Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Management Information Circular

    27 September 2024 – Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) will hold a special meeting of shareholders at the Conrad Hotel, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland on 29 October 2024 at 11:00 a.m. (Dublin time). A complete notice and related documents are now available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and Falcon’s website at www.falconoilandgas.com and are being sent to shareholders of record as at 19 September 2024.

    Falcon will conduct a Q&A via the Investor Meet Company platform later that day for those unable to attend the meeting in person, details will be announced in due course.

    Ends.

    For further information, please contact:

    CONTACT DETAILS:

    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.          +353 1 676 8702
    Philip O’Quigley, CEO +353 87 814 7042
    Anne Flynn, CFO +353 1 676 9162
     
    Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (NOMAD & Joint Broker)
    Neil McDonald / Adam Rae +44 131 220 9771
       
    Tennyson Securities (Joint Broker)  
    Peter Krens +44 20 7186 9033

    About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
    Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. is an international oil & gas company engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia, South Africa and Hungary. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with a technical team based in Budapest, Hungary.

    For further information on Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. please visit www.falconoilandgas.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Banking: BaFin warns consumers about website arrowfortune.com

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about services offered on the website arrowfortune.com. According to information available to BaFin, the operator, Arrow Fortune Limited, is offering financial and investment services on this website without authorisation.

    On its website, Arrow Fortune Limited provides a business address in London, United Kingdom. The company also claims to be registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and that it is regulated by BaFin, among others. However, this is not the case.

    Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KreditwesengesetzKWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BundeskriminalamtBKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: finacix.com: BaFin warns about website and suspected identity theft

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The website contains contradictory information on the identity of the provider. According to the “Risk Warning”, the website is operated by Finance and Investment Solutions Ltd., while the “Website Terms of Use” names Finacix Ltd. as operator.

    Finance and Investment Solutions Ltd. claims to be registered with the British Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Since a company by this name is indeed registered with the FCA, BaFin suspects this to be a case of identity theft.

    Finacix Ltd., on the other hand, claims to be registered with the “Securities Commission of the United Kingdom (SCUK)”. There is no such authority in the United Kingdom. The website states an address in London, United Kingdom, as the company’s registered office.

    Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KreditwesengesetzKWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BundeskriminalamtBKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: BaFin warns consumers about websites westhill-pros.net and kaiser-investrade.com

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The operator of the website westhill-pros.net refers to itself only as “Westhill Pros” without stating the company’s legal form and provides business addresses in Sydney, Australia, in Stockholm, Sweden, and in London, United Kingdom. Responsibility for the website kaiser-investrade.com is claimed by Kaiser Invest Trade, which likewise does not state the company’s legal form. The company claims to be domiciled in London, United Kingdom, without providing a specific business address.

    BaFin has recently become aware of a number of websites with almost identical content and has warned consumers about them. On all of the websites, the following sentence is displayed at the top of the homepage: “Step Into the Trading Arena with Confidence & [name of website]“.

    Anyone providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KreditwesengesetzKWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BundeskriminalamtBKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Report on rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Council

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council took note of a report on the European Commission’s proposal for a regulation on preventing and combating child sexual abuse. The report highlights the possible legal consequences of the European project. In particular, the planned control of instant messaging services could violate Swiss law.

    In November 2022, the Federal Council announced the preparation of a report in its opinion on the Bellaiche motion 22.4113 “Control of instant messaging. Protecting the population against continuous and unjustified widespread surveillance”. Submitted in connection with the European Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse (CSA regulation, for child sexual abuse), this motion tasked the Federal Council in particular with protecting the inhabitants of Switzerland against the control of instant messaging provided for in the proposed European legislative project.

    Consequences of the proposed European Union regulation

    The report of the Federal Department of Justice and Police shows that even if this regulation of the European Union (EU) would not constitute a development of the Schengen acquis and should therefore not be adopted by Switzerland, the envisaged rules could also concern legal entities or natural persons established in Switzerland. The proposed detection order could undermine the sovereignty of our country and infringe Art. 271 of the Criminal Code (acts carried out without right for a foreign state).

    The proposed regulation was withdrawn from the agenda of the EU Council and the European Parliament this summer. Discussions and differences persist between the member states, particularly on the detection order and end-to-end encryption. Hungary, which has held the presidency of the EU Council since July, has proposed a new compromise, which is currently being debated. If the proposed CSA regulation were to be adopted by the EU, the issue of sovereignty and the infringement of Swiss law would need to be clarified in depth.

    The report, which the Federal Council has taken note of, also provides an overview of the measures taken by Switzerland to combat child sexual abuse.

    Address for sending questions

    Communication fedpol, T 41 58 463 13 10, media@fedpol.admin.ch

    Author

    Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html

    Federal Department of Justice and Policehttp://www.ejpd.admin.ch

    Federal Office of Policehttp://www.fedpol.admin.ch/fedpol/fr/home.html

    Social sharing

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Best Direct Finance: BaFin investigates purported sale of shares in “OpenAI Inc.” and warns against identity theft

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The unknown perpetrators also operate the website bestdirect-finance.com. On this website, they advertise other services, e.g. in the areas of time deposits or overnight money, asset management, investment advice or securities trading. Until recently, the website included a legal notice. There, the operator referred to itself as a “Zurich branch (…) of the parent company, Best Direct Finance LTD, from the United Kingdom”. According to information available to BaFin, there is no such connection. This is a case of identity theft.

    In the past, there have been frequent reports of attempted fraud where shares in well-known companies are offered for subscription. However, these shares are not delivered to the clients after payment is made, and the offerors can no longer be reached; in some cases, the offered shares do not even exist.

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify attempted fraud at an early stage.

    Background information:

    Unless an exemption from the prospectus requirement applies, securities may be offered to the public in Germany only if a prospectus approved by BaFin in advance has been published. During the approval process, BaFin checks whether the minimum information required by law is included in the prospectus and whether its content is understandable, coherent and consistent. However, BaFin does not check whether the information contained in the prospectus is correct. Moreover, it does not check whether the issuer is reliable nor does it examine the product in question.

    No securities prospectus relating to OpenAI shares has been submitted to BaFin for approval. You can check whether an approved prospectus for an offer of securities to the public has been filed with BaFin by consulting the Prospectuses filed database on the BaFin website.

    In addition, companies offering shares of other companies to consumers need prior authorisation from BaFin. The same applies for pre-IPO shares. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (KreditwesengesetzKWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BundeskriminalamtBKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Digest

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Last week, a representative delegation of the rector’s office of the State University of Management made a working trip to the southern regions of Russia, visiting Rostov-on-Don and the Donetsk People’s Republic. Meanwhile, our experts turned their attention to the increase in pensions, fines for dangerous driving and car prices after October 1. Also, the curious reader is invited to read about emotional intelligence, cash flow gap, principles of the Scrum management methodology, methods of counteracting high inflation and find out in which countries of the world it is the lowest.

    — Director of the Institute of Economics and Finance of the State University of Management Galina Sorokina recalled the increase in pensions for Russians over 80 years old from October 1. “This form of social support for long-livers is important, since with age, more funds are needed for medicines and help with the household, especially since people over 80 in Russia make up about 3.6% of the total population,” the expert noted. — Also, from October 1, military pensions will be indexed, which Galina Sorokina also reminds about. She listed the categories of citizens who are considered military pensioners: former military personnel, persons who served in the Internal Affairs Directorate, the State Fire Service, the National Guard and other categories, including family members of deceased military personnel. — Galina Sorokina also told what the minimum wage will be in 2025. “The amount of the subsistence minimum depends on the region and the population group – the working-age population, children and pensioners. Regions can also set their own minimum wage, which, however, should not be lower than the Russian average,” explains the economist.

    — Associate Professor of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements of the Institute of Economics and Finance of the State University of Management Maxim Chirkov appreciated the initiative to pay Russian pensioners the 13th pension. “From my point of view, such an initiative is quite realistic. Although inflation remains quite high, it has begun to decline. Therefore, increasing the incomes of pensioners becomes a top priority, since they are often the most vulnerable part of Russian society,” the economist said. 
    — Maxim Chirkov also explained why in Russia they want to limit online installment payments. “If these restrictions are not in place, it turns out that the established institutions that are supposed to limit citizens’ risks, including credit risks, may turn out to be useless and the risks will increase,” the expert explained. 
    — Maxim Chirkov also outlined the relationship between inflation and public sector salaries. “The Russian economy is growing sharply in the areas of IT, finance, manufacturing, including manufacturing, and others. Under these conditions, civil servants may leave their jobs to take high-paying jobs. Therefore, it is necessary to raise salaries for public sector employees and compare them not with inflation, but with the growth of the average salary in the country,” explained Maxim Chirkov. 
    — In addition, Maxim Chirkov commented on Putin’s statement about working on the creation of a BRICS payment circuit. “The creation of such a system is a logical continuation of the move away from the dollar, financial systems and organizations that have centers in Western countries. Of course, an analogue of SWIFT will be created, that is, a system of interbank transfers, payment systems for individuals using plastic cards,” Chirkov said. 

    — Head of the Department of World Economy and International Economic Relations at the State University of Management Evgeny Smirnov made assumptions about the purposes of the proposed visit of IMF representatives to Russia. “Considering that the IMF is considered a “pro-Western” organization, the visit may also be connected with an attempt to obtain data on the net income Russia receives from participation in international trade by publishing statistics on the external sector,” the expert suspects.

    — Director of the Russian Center for Socio-Economic and Political Research of China at the State University of Management Fanis Sharipov commented on the Moscow BRICS Forum and Symposium on Public Administration. The expert noted that the BRICS association is committed to supporting sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation. “The West does not agree to give up its positions. But the world is entering a new era of global economic relations, where the role of the East and the South is growing,” said Fanis Sharipov.

    — Associate Professor of the Department of Institutional Economics of the State University of Management Svetlana Sazanova named the countries with the lowest inflation over the past year. These are China (-0.1%), Switzerland (1.6%), Saudi Arabia (2%), Spain (2.6%), and the Netherlands (3%). “Creeping inflation, within 10%, even has a stimulating effect on the economy, because producers, as a rule, perceive such price increases as increased demand for their products and, in response, increase their production,” the economist notes. — Svetlana Sazanova also explained the reasons for the growth of the Russian economy. In general, economic growth in Russia in 2024 cannot be considered to be caused only by defense orders and an increase in the money supply in the hands of the population. It is also caused by its structural restructuring: an increase in the share of the manufacturing industry and related industries,” the expert is convinced. — Svetlana Sazanova and Associate Professor of the Department of Institutional Economics of the State University of Management Konstantin Andrianov discussed what awaits the United States as a result of the growth of the national debt. “The issue of solving the national debt problem will be postponed until the next president. At the moment, the US debt is about 120% of GDP, which significantly limits the possibilities for stimulating the economy with the help of budget and tax policy,” noted Svetlana Sazanova. “Countries have begun to withdraw their foreign exchange reserves and gold from American depositories, which could lead to a collapse of the dollar exchange rate. The scale of this fall is difficult to predict, but it could be multiple,” said Konstantin Andrianov.

    — Associate Professor of the Department of Institutional Economics of the State University of Management and expert of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation Konstantin Andrianov discussed possible changes in exchange rates after the lifting of sanctions. “At the moment, it is impossible to predict the exact value of the dollar after the sanctions are lifted. We don’t even know when these sanctions will be lifted. Sanctions are in the hands of countries guided by anti-Russian policies, and their political elites are gripped by Russophobia,” the expert said. 
    — Konstantin Andrianov also named the reasons and methods of countering high inflation in Russia. “Since mid-summer, the exchange rate of our national currency has fallen by 7% against the dollar and euro, and by 8% against the yuan, although nothing negative has happened in the economy. This significantly affects the level of inflation; for stable prices we need a stable ruble,” the economist said. 
    — In addition, Konstantin Andrianov assessed the extension of sanctions against the Moscow Exchange. “If the ruble has successfully withstood the sanctions against the Moscow Exchange adopted in June of this year, then it is unlikely that anything else from the outside can become more or less a serious threat for it,” the expert is sure. 
    — Konstantin Andrianov and Deputy Director of the IFE GUM Valeria Ivanova also predicted changes in the euro exchange rate in the event of some countries leaving the EU. “A sharp collapse in the exchange rate is possible due to the loss of investor confidence in the euro as a stable currency. Also, a sharp collapse is possible, especially if the exit of these countries becomes a signal for others, which will lead to a chain reaction,” noted Valeria Ivanova. Konstantin Andrianov notes that the situation in the eurozone remains extremely unstable. Against the background of the refusal of Germany and other EU countries from Russian energy resources, macroeconomic problems began to intensify in many European countries, including France and Italy. 

    — Associate Professor of the Department of Transport Complex Management at the State University of Management Artem Merenkov warned about the increase in prices for cars from October 1. “There is a stock of cars at old prices. That is, this will definitely not be a momentary adjustment. Nevertheless, we can say that a price increase of 5-10% is possible before the end of the year,” the expert believes. — Artem Merenkov also assessed the State Duma’s decision to increase the fine for dangerous driving to 5,000 rubles from October 1. “Whether it will help or not is a matter of time and a combination of actions. Such measures work in a complex. If we look at the data from the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, we will see that the number of accidents on the roads is decreasing, that is, systematic work definitely yields results,” the specialist said.

    — Professor of the Department of Accounting, Auditing and Taxation of the State University of Management Olga Ageeva told how to determine the profit and loss of a business. “The amount of net profit for the period indicates the same growth in the company’s net assets. In turn, net loss is associated with their decrease by the same amount. And as is known, net assets are what will remain to the owners in the event of liquidation of the enterprise,” the expert noted.

    — Associate Professor of the Department of Economic Policy and Economic Measurements of the State University of Management Natalia Kazantseva reported on the crisis in the area of family mortgages. “The funds allocated from the state budget to support family mortgages have almost been exhausted. Many banks have already stopped accepting orders for their registration, the remaining limits are not enough for its rapid development. This means that the real estate market will have to survive in the current market conditions, where the price of housing is determined by its laws,” the expert noted. — Natalia Kazantseva also spoke about what a cash gap is and how to avoid it. “Daily monitoring of cash balances at the beginning of the day, receipts and expenses will help to avoid a cash gap, this advice is especially relevant for small and medium-sized enterprises. It is important to use electronic document management and negotiate with suppliers, apply installment and deferment tools,” the economist advises.

    — Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor of the State University of Management Svetlana Grishaeva commented on the State Duma initiative to ban childfree propaganda. “Childfree propaganda forms attitudes towards childlessness, the less such propaganda and such movements there are, the more likely it is that attitudes towards childlessness will decrease. Children and teenagers are easily influenced by something new, so movements like childfree have imitators and followers,” the psychologist said. — Svetlana Grishaeva also explained in detail what emotional intelligence is. “It is the ability to understand the emotions of other people and the ability to control your feelings. But to control is not the same as not to experience, so you should not think that a low-emotional person has a high level of EI, because emotions are our helpers in many situations,” the expert noted.

    — Senior lecturer of the HR department of the State University of Management Ekaterina Illarionova spoke about the principles of the Scrum management methodology. “The peculiarity of Scrum is that the team works on only one product. This is more expensive than the typical assignment of one specialist to several projects, but this is a story from the series about the stingy who pays twice,” the expert says.

    — Vladimir Popov, Associate Professor of the Department of Private Law at the State University of Management, commented on the new fine from the Ministry of Transport for carrying foreign objects while driving. The Associate Professor believes that this could create problems for drivers. “After all, if a driver eats or drinks while driving, he is also distracted, which increases the likelihood of an accident, but I do not propose banning such behavior yet,” the expert noted.

    — Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor of the State University of Management Viktor Titov discusses the possibilities of reconciliation between Iran and Israel. “Firstly, a very strong argument “for” a partial easing of the Iranian-Israeli confrontation is the fatigue of Israeli society: both from the war that began in October 2023 and from the long-term, virtually permanent confrontation with the Islamic world,” the expert believes.

    These are the topics covered by the experts of the State University of Management this week. Conclusions later, and now let’s run to the anniversary final of the State University of Management KVN League!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 09/27/2024

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

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Digest

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A fiery end to ESA’s Cluster satellite Salsa

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Earlier this month ESA’s satellite ‘Salsa’ landed in the South Pacific. Learn more about how NSpOC tracks re-entries from space using Salsa as a case study.

    An artist’s impression of a Cluster spacecraft breaking apart during reentry. Credit: ESA/David Ducross

    As space becomes increasingly crowded with operational satellites and space debris, monitoring satellite re-entries is crucial for helping to ensure the safety of people and property on Earth.

    The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) plays a key role in this effort through our re-entry tracking and early warning capability, which monitors re-entry incidents and where relevant provides warnings to response agencies to minimise any associated risk to the UK or the UK Overseas Territories.

    On 8 September 2024, The European Space Agency (ESA) undertook the safe de-orbit of their Cluster 2 satellite named ‘Salsa’. The spacecraft re-entered at 6.47pm GMT into a designated region in the South Pacific as planned. NSpOC analysts monitored the event, as it does with every re-entry globally, to ensure potential risks to the UK were assessed and addressed. In this article, we’ll explain how our re-entry tracking and early warning capability works, using ESA’s Salsa as a case study, and highlight the key contributions of the satellite to both government operations and academic research.

    NSpOC’s Re-entry Tracking and Warning Capability: Monitoring Re-entries Like Salsa

    NSpOC’s re-entry tracking and warning capability operates 365 days a year and is dedicated to monitoring the re-entry of satellites and other space objects that could pose a risk to the UK and UK Overseas Territories, as well as the re-entry of objects for which the UK holds liability. On average, NSpOC monitors around 40 uncontrolled re-entry incidents per month, warning UK response agencies when there is a risk to the UK or our Overseas Territories.

    How does the capability work?

    As part of our space hazards warning and protection services, NSpOC continuously monitors space objects in orbit, providing early warnings when satellites begin their descent. In the case of uncontrolled re-entries, and semi-controlled re-entries such as ESA’s Salsa, orbital analysts assess the object’s trajectory and predict when and where it will re-enter the atmosphere. This data is shared with response agencies and government departments to ensure preparedness.

    Real-Time Monitoring and Modelling

    36 hours before a re-entry event, NSpOC’s team of orbital analysts start to monitor the object in more detail, using a global network of sensors and data streams which provide information on its path. In uncontrolled re-entry events, data on the last known position of the object as well as its predicted Centre of Impact Window (COIW) is provided by the US   in the form of Tracking and Impact Predictions (TIPs). This TIP is a single point which can come with high levels of uncertainty. To better understand the probability of where, within that window, the event may occur, UK Space Agency analysts run an extra re-entry assessment model using Monte Carlo simulations (see below for an explanation).

    Monte Carlo simulations incorporate additional data sets, for example forecasted atmospheric density over the re-entry period, to allow for more accurate predictions of where surviving objects might land. The model runs 30,000 times with slight adjustments to values for each variable.

    Rather than a single point of re-entry, this results in a probabilistic output of potential re-entry locations; shown visually on a map by red dots, with each red dot representing a potential re-entry location. The denser the collection of red-dots, the greater the likelihood of the object re-entering in that location.

    In the case of ESA’s Salsa satellite, ephemeris (positional data) was provided rather than TIPs and our analysts converted this to a Two-Line Element (TLE) to extract the orbit, and ran the Monte Carlo simulation to produce a visual prediction of re-entry.  

    For Salsa, our analysts closely monitored the descent, predicting that the majority of the satellite would burn up in the atmosphere, with any surviving fragments expected to land in a remote region of the South Pacific – the likely re-entry path is shown via the red dots in the images below, starting 36 hours in advance on Friday 6 September.

    Re-entry map generated by NSpOC analysts on Friday 6 September

    As the time to the re-entry gets closer, more observations on the object are received by global networks. This results in new data which can be input into the Monte Carlo simulation, producing a more accurate assessment of re-entry locations.

    Re-entry map generated by NSpOC analysts on Saturday 7 September

    Final re-entry map generated by NSpOC analysts on Sunday 8 September before the event

    Post-Re-entry Assessment

    After the satellite re-enters, NSpOC conducts a post-event analysis to confirm the re-entry location and assess any potential impact. It is not always possible to receive tracking data confirming the location of a re-entry, but in the case of Salsa, ESA were tracking the re-entry event closely, even with sensors on an aeroplane, to confirm that it re-entered in the South Pacific. 

    The re-entry location is shared with relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency and public safety. In the case of Salsa, the risk to human life and infrastructure on Earth was extremely low because of the semi-controlled nature of the re-entry bringing it down in an unpopulated location.

    Why Monitoring Re-entries is Important

    Whilst risk from re-entering satellites is very low, with the majority of satellites burning up upon re-entry, large objects or those with dense components will survive the re-entry process, posing a risk to wherever the object makes landfall. Since most re-entries are uncontrolled, there is a risk to populated areas and so warning authorities when there is a risk is important for both safety and to ensure we take responsibility for any space debris for which the UK is liable. Each re-entry incident provides valuable data that helps improve our ability to track and monitor future re-entering objects.

    By responsibly managing satellite re-entries, such as ESA’s Salsa, operators can reduce the amount of debris left in orbit, making space safer for future operations. Later this year, NSpOC will launch a new digital service on our Monitor Space Hazards platform, called ‘Track Re-entry Events’, which will provide government users with real-time updates and enhanced analytics for monitoring satellite re-entries. You can find out more about upcoming features on our website.

    Angus Stewart, Joint Head of NSpOC said: “By managing satellite re-entries responsibly, as is the case with this event, operators reduce space debris and make space safer for future missions. Tracking re-entering space objects is a critical mission for the UK National Space Operations Centre”

    The ESA Cluster Salsa Mission: why was it significant?

    Launched as part of the ESA Cluster mission in July 2000, the Salsa satellite provided critical data that advanced our understanding of Earth’s magnetic environment and space weather over its 24-year operational life.

    Salsa’s contributions to space weather research were invaluable. The satellite’s data helped improve predictive models that assist in safeguarding critical infrastructure such as electrical power grids, pipelines, and satellite communications systems. By studying how solar winds and geomagnetic storms interact with Earth’s magnetic field, Salsa provided insights that helped operational teams understand and mitigate the impacts of space weather on essential services.

    Salsa was part of a constellation of four satellites which was crucial because it allowed scientists to gather data from multiple points in space simultaneously, giving researchers a 3D view of Earth’s magnetic environment.

    Met Office Space Weather Manager Simon Machin said: “Cluster has been a key contributor to advancing space weather science in recent decades. By advancing what we know about the near-Earth environment at multiple scales, this mission pushed forward research understanding, which underpins global space weather operations. Cluster’s observations are a unique resource and will continue to provide considerable value in the years to come.”

    Conclusion

    The ESA Cluster 2 Salsa re-entry provides a clear example of how NSpOC monitors re-entries, ensuring the safety of the UK and its Overseas Territories. As satellites continue to play an increasingly important role in both government operations and academic research, NSpOC’s re-entry capability will remain vital to ensuring the safe and responsible use of space for future missions.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Northern Ireland: Failure of Martin O’Hagan murder investigation has created ‘an environment of impunity’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Martin O’Hagan with the NUJ banner on May Day in Belfast 2001 © Kevin Cooper/Photoline NUJ

    Amnesty International backs calls by NUJ for a fresh investigation into the killing

    No-one convicted in 23 years since murder of journalist

    The failure to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of Martin O’Hagan has helped create an environment of impunity for those who continue to threaten journalists in Northern Ireland today, Amnesty International has said on the eve of the twenty-third anniversary of the killing of the reporter.

    On September 28 2001, Sunday World journalist Martin O’Hagan was shot dead in Lurgan by members of an illegal paramilitary group. To this day, no one has been held to account for his brutal murder.

    Amnesty has backed National Union of Journalists (NUJ) calls for a fresh investigation into the killing.

    Journalists in Northern Ireland, particularly those covering activities by paramilitary and organised crime groups, are regularly subject to threats of violence.

    Patrick Corrigan, Amnesty International’s Northern Ireland Director, said:

    “The public execution of Martin O’Hagan was designed to send a clear message to journalists in Northern Ireland that they are not safe.

    “It is simply unacceptable that, in the twenty-three years since Martin O’Hagan was shot dead, not a single person has been held accountable.

    “This failure has created an environment of impunity for those who continue to threaten journalists in Northern Ireland today.

    “It is notable that, in 2024, threats of serious violence continue to be directed at journalists from the very same sort of armed groups which killed Martin O’Hagan.

    “We support calls from the National Union of Journalists for a fresh investigation into the killing. Press freedom must be resolutely defended.”

    View latest press releases

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Finance Corporation partners with Itana for the creation of Africa’s first digital economic zone

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    NEW YORK, United States of America, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Itana (http://apo-opa.co/4dnuip1), Nigeria’s first licensed digital economic zone management company, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) (www.AfricaFC.org), the continent’s leading infrastructure solutions provider, have agreed to jointly develop the first digital economic zone in Africa designed for global and Pan-African technology, finance and service-based businesses to operate and scale with ease across Africa, unlocking the continent’s digital economy. The formalisation of this partnership took place yesterday in front of global government and business leaders, at the Global Africa Business Initiative (GABI), on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

    The Itana Digital Economic Zone in Lagos, Nigeria is intended as an online jurisdiction and to serve as a gateway to build a global business in Nigeria. Through Itana, companies can remotely incorporate and operate their businesses in the Itana zone, with laws, business incentives (tax, immigration & banking), and services optimized for the digital economy. This will be coupled with eco-friendly live-work districts and a live-in accelerator program, showcasing the future of African cities and providing the ideal infrastructure and support for businesses in Africa to scale and compete globally.

    AFC will support Itana with project development funding and intends to lead in the financing of phase 1 of the Itana project which is budgeted at around $100m. This will include an eco-friendly tech campus in Lagos, Nigeria, and funding of startups in Accelerate Africa, the accelerator program of Itana in partnership with Future Africa. AFC will also support the roll-out of the Itana Digital Economic Zone for global and Pan-African tech, finance, and service-based businesses seeking to operate across Africa.

    Itana and AFC are already collaborating alongside Future Africa, PwC Nigeria, and Charter Cities Institute as technical advisers to the Initiative for the Promotion of Digital Free Zones in Nigeria (DiFZIN) (http://apo-opa.co/3BuB4Mm), a non-profit advocacy and policy research organization representing the private sector in the recently announced Nigerian Federal Government steering committee for the establishment of Digital Economic Zones in Nigeria. The committee is chaired by President Bola Tinubu and includes relevant Government Ministers and Agency Heads.

    Itana (http://apo-opa.co/47FY7jz) will be a conducive environment tailored to the 21st-century digital trade and technological age. The organization recently launched the Itana Application (http://apo-opa.co/4dnSUOB) where individuals can join the community and have access to events and services such as business visa facilitation, local bank accounts, and a curated marketplace of trusted vendors and consultants for doing business in Africa. Businesses that meet the criteria can register as a Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) with ease and will receive a Business Operating license that enables them to do business in Nigeria like numerous digital companies including Reliance Info and Future Africa.

    Post business incorporation, businesses can operate in the zone with tax and capital repatriation incentives, get access to the Itana business community, apply for business banking in the Digital Economic Zone, and special work and residency permits without limitations imposed by expatriate quotas.

    “Itana intends to be to Nigeria and Africa what Delaware & Silicon Valley is to the U.S., the DIFC is to Dubai, and e-Estonia is to the European Union,” said Luqman Edu, CEO of Itana. “Itana is poised as the gateway to doing business in Africa. Local and International businesses looking to expand their operations across Africa will naturally look to Itana as their point of entry”.

    “Africa’s digital economy is poised for significant expansion and innovation following the rapid adoption of mobile technology, a burgeoning youth population, and the growing importance of digital commerce and services,” said Samaila Zubairu, President & CEO, Africa Finance Corporation. “In support of this, AFC is proud to be a pioneer alongside Itana, in building Africa’s first digital economic zone. This unprecedented initiative marks a pivotal step towards creating a thriving hub for the African digital economy, cementing the Corporation’s commitment to driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable economic development across the continent,” he added.

    Last year, Itana announced (http://apo-opa.co/4eIELg1) a funding round backed by leading technology venture capitals and highly influential tech industry leaders including LocalGlobe, Amplo, Pronomos Capital (backed by Peter Thiel), Balaji, and Future Africa (led by Nigerian entrepreneur Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave).

    As the first Digital Economic Zone, Itana remains committed to making Nigeria a powerhouse in the global digital economy. It will be hosted in Alaro City, an integrated, mixed-use city planned on over 2,000 hectares in the Lekki Free Zone.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Climate COP Troïka “Roadmap to Mission 1.5: Driving the next generation of climate action and ambition” – Address by Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs (26.09.24)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Ministers,

    Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,

    Ambassadors,

    Colleagues,

    This year, we were convened for a Summit of the Future. Actually, what we are talking about is a threat of the present time: climate change kills, climate change impoverishes and climate change destroys.

    I would like to thank the Climate COP Presidencies Troika for convening us today to make progress in the fight against this scourge.

    We owe it to all our populations, all of our fellow citizens, to be effective. Therefore, we need to set a clear course. The 1.5°C goal is our compass. That is a demanding goal but not one that is totally beyond our reach. If we hope to achieve it, we must take action immediately. And to prepare, at the latest by the Belem COP, enhanced nationally determined contributions that are commensurate with the issue. We need to implement the Paris Agreement.

    Significant strides were made at COP28 when it was jointly decided to phase out fossil fuels. That was vital but it is also vital to actually make this transition in concrete terms.

    France and its European partners are working with determination, which involves a considerable effort to deploy low-carbon and low-emission energy technologies. France has committed to phase out coal by 2030, oil by 2045 and gas by 2050. We call on all Parties to set out and comply with timelines to phase out fossil energy sources. The G7 has started to do this with the phasing out of coal. It needs to do more and other big emitters should follow suit.

    At COP29, an ambitious new climate finance goal needs to be adopted to support developing countries.

    France has fully contributed to the current collective USD 100 billion goal, providing a record €7.6 billion of climate finance in 2022, including €2.6 billion dedicated to adaptation, and €7.1 billion in 2023. Every time we have contributed high and above commitments taken nationally, surpassing goals.

    Now that we have collectively achieved the USD 100 billion goal, it is time for a financing boost. That is what French President Emmanuel Macron proposed in Paris in June 2023 with the Paris Pact for Peoples and the Planet. All the finance sources – public, private and innovative instruments – need to be mobilized.

    The ambitious road map set out in the Paris Pact for Peoples and the Planet has produced tangible progress for the climate. I am thinking of the climate-resilient debt clauses implemented by the World Bank and its peers, as well as the international taxation task force launched at COP28 that Brazil has joined today.

    COP30 in Belem is crucial and we must now begin preparing for it with determination. I call on all Parties to publish nationally determined contributions that reflect the decisions made at COP28. They should be ambitious, cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases, be science-based and rooted in a timeline to phase out of fossil fuels.

    EU Member States are currently working on defining our 2040 climate target based on a European Commission proposal of a 90% cut in emissions. The EU will continue to show the highest possible ambition to deliver on our commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050.

    France stands with Brazil to make COP30 the COP of ambition. All our diplomatic firepower will be focused on this goal, alongside all our partners and the United Nations.

    And I am pleased to announce that we will host a high-level event in early 2025 to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the Paris Agreement. There is only one way forward and that is to scale up the level of ambition on a par with the legitimate expectations of our populations. Let us not get distracted.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Advocate General for Scotland, Catherine Smith KC, sworn in

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Appointment marks the first time Scotland’s three law officers have all been female

    Catherine Smith KC was sworn in as Advocate General for Scotland at a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh today (Friday 27 September).

    Ms Smith’s appointment means that for the first time, Scotland’s three law officers are all female, following Dorothy Bain KC and Ruth Charteris KC being appointed Lord Advocate and Solicitor General of Scotland respectively in 2021.

    Ms Smith said: “It is a privilege to be sworn in as Advocate General for Scotland. As a Law Officer in the UK Government, I have a responsibility, along with the Attorney General and the Solicitor General for England and Wales, to uphold and promote the rule of law in government. 

    “I look forward to collaborating with the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General for Scotland on areas of shared interest. I am honoured to join them as a Scottish Law Officer, the first time that the three offices have been concurrently held by women.”

    Ms Smith was called to the Bar in 2007 and took silk in 2021. She acted as a part-time Sheriff and sat on the Scottish Civil Justice Council. She was Standing Junior Counsel to the Advocate General from 2012 – 2021 and conducted many cases representing the UK Government. She is one of only two advocates in Scotland to have acted as Counsel to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal and was on the Equality and Human Rights Commission Panel of Counsel. 

    Ms Smith has had a varied career at the Bar, specialising in criminal law in the early years and later working in public law, personal injury and clinical negligence. She has also conducted public inquiries, including representing COSLA and 29 of the 32 Scottish local authorities in the UK and Scottish Covid Inquiries.

    She is also a founding member and former Deputy Chair of JUSTICE Scotland. She has travelled extensively in the post-Soviet states to support human rights focused activities, including visiting Kyiv and Warsaw in the last year.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Smouldering rubbish spotted by quick-thinking crew

    Source: City of Canterbury

    A quick-thinking waste collection crew that spotted rubbish smouldering in the back of their refuse collection vehicle have been praised. 

    The team from the council’s contractor Canenco grabbed a fire extinguisher and took action before a serious fire could take hold while emptying bins in Glenside, Whitstable on Tuesday (24 September). 

    The incident was caused by some lithium-ion batteries left in a cardboard box which were taken back to the depot by a supervisor. 

    The near miss comes almost a year to day when a car battery caused a serious fire in a refuse collection vehicle in Valley Road, Canterbury (below).

    Firefighters were called to put out the blaze and had to cut the roof off. 

    And in February last year, we reported fires in three refuse lorries over a period of weeks (below).

    Cllr Charlotte Cornell, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Council Services, Culture and Heritage, said: “It’s a massive well done from me to the crew for spotting the danger and dealing with it in such a cool and calm manner.

    “But they shouldn’t have to. Everyone needs to dispose of batteries properly – they cannot go in your normal bin.

    “By being a little bit lazy, some residents are putting the lives of crews at risk, risk diverting firefighters from other emergencies, could be responsible for the release of harmful chemicals and, quite frankly, could disrupt other people’s collections and destroy expensive equipment.”

    Used batteries from household items such as children’s toys, mobile phones, remote controls, laptops and watches cannot be thrown away in domestic waste bins because they can cause fires once damaged and the chemicals inside them are released.

    Being crushed by a refuse lorry compactor is a really good example.

    Batteries used for domestic purposes can be taken to:

    • local household waste recycling centres (aka ‘the tip’)
    • supermarkets
    • electrical shops
    • participating libraries
    • participating schools

    Car batteries should be taken to your local household waste recycling centre, also known as the tip.

    Find your nearest battery recycling point at takecharge.org.uk.

    David Maidman, Canenco’s Managing Director, said: “There are some simple things we can all do to limit the damage caused by batteries including removing batteries from products to recycle them separately, using rechargeable batteries and selling or donating working battery-powered electronic items instead of throwing them away.

    “For advice on what items of waste go in which bin or need to be taken to the tip, use our online where to put your waste tool.”

    Published: 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: CONDITIONS FOR RIKSBANK AUCTIONS GOVERNMENT BONDS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bid procedure, 2024-10-04
    Bonds SWEDISH GOVERNMENT: 1059. SE0007125927. 2026-11-12

    SWEDISH GOVERNMENT: 1053, SE0002829192, 2039-03-30

    Bid date 2024-10-04
    Bid times 09.00-10.00 (CET/CEST) on the Bid date
    Offered volume (corresponding nominal amount) 1059: 2000 million SEK +/-2000 million SEK

    1053: 1000 million SEK +/-1000 million SEK

    Highest permitted bid volume (corresponding nominal amount) 1059: 2000 million SEK per bid

    1053: 1000 million SEK per bid

    Lowest permitted bid volume (corresponding nominal amount) SEK 10 million per bid
    Expected allocation time Not later than 10.15 (CET/CEST) on the Bid date
    Delivery and payment date 2024-10-08
    Settlement amount To be paid to the Riksbank’s account in Euroclear Sweden AB’s securities settlement system SWIFT: VPCSSESSXXX Account: 1 4948 6383 CTM BIC: RIKSSESS ALERT acronym: RIKSBANK

    Stockholm, 2024-09-27

    This is a translation of the special terms and conditions published on www.riksbank.se. In the case of any inconsistency between the English translation and the Swedish language version, the Swedish language version shall prevail. Complete terms and conditions can be retrieved at www.riksbank.se.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Security: Crackdown to tackle phone theft and robbery in Croydon

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Met officers are tackling robbery and theft as part of their commitment to making Croydon safer by using precision policing to target offenders.

    Local teams have stepped up efforts to protect people who live, work and visit Croydon, responding to community concerns around pick pocketing, robbery and theft.

    With a laser like focus on CCTV footage and a drum beat of operations in robbery hotspots, officers are intensifying efforts to tackle these issues head on and take more criminals off the streets.

    Neighbourhood officers in Croydon have been encouraging victims to report robberies as they happen to allow for a quick time investigation. This early reporting has enabled officers to get to the scene promptly and start collecting crucial evidence. This significantly increases the likelihood of apprehending a suspect.

    Across Croydon and London more widely, officers are being deployed to areas with higher robbery crime rates. This deters criminals and makes officers more visibly available to members of the community. Plain clothed officers also patrol areas to identify any suspicious behaviour and make arrests.

    Chief Inspector James Weston said: “We understand the impact that robbery has on victims – it is invasive and frightening. That’s why our teams are working so hard to deter and catch offenders to reassure our local community.

    “Thanks to the hard work of officers, our partners and community grassroots organisations, we are stepping up our efforts and tackling the issues that matter most to the people of Croydon.”

    Recent prosecutions in Croydon demonstrate officer’s success in bringing offenders to justice.

    Teens prosecuted for spree of Croydon robberies

    Two teenagers aged 16 and 17 – and who cannot be named for legal reasons – pleaded guilty to counts of robbery, attempted robbery and attempted grievous bodily harm.

    This followed an investigation into a spree of robberies across Croydon and Bromley on Monday, 5 August. A coordinated effort was undertaken to identify the teenagers following one report, where a victim was robbed at knifepoint. Officers immediately began to investigate, with officers recovering two discarded kitchen knives and analysing hours’ worth of CCTV.

    Once identified, detectives tracked back through recent robbery reports on the day of the original offence, as well as reports from previous days. This involved analysing phone records to show the pair were present at the locations of the reported robberies. Detectives used this evidence to prove that the pair were responsible for eight other robberies across the south London area.

    Phone snatcher brought to justice

    In a similar fast-time case concerning multiple victims, a man was arrested following a succession of robberies in Croydon and Lambeth

    On Wednesday, 6 March 2024 a woman in Croydon had her iPhone snatched out of her hands by an offender on a push bike. The woman reported the incident to Croydon Police Station.

    Less than an hour later, a report came into police that another victim had had their phone stolen while they waited for a bus.

    The man was arrested following a swift police response, with officers using real-time phone tracking data to locate him. Officers identified him the same day, where he was still in possession of the stolen phones.

    While arresting him, officers also recovered a stolen motorbike.

    Amari Scott, 20 (06.08.2004) of Wrythe Lane, Sutton was sentenced to four years in a Young Offender’s Institution.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO boosts cooperation amongst Schools for Non-Commissioned Officers

    Source: NATO

    NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP) organised the 3rd Annual Conference of Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Academies and Schools, from 16 to 19 September 2024, in Batumi, Georgia. The event was held in cooperation with the Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defence Academies and Security Studies Institutes and the Defence Forces of Georgia, with well over 80 participants from more than 30 countries.

    Participants included high level officials, such as NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Burcu San, the Head of the NATO Liaison Office in Georgia, Alexander Vinnikov, and the Deputy Chief of the Georgian General Staff, Major General Zaza Chkhaidze, as well as commandants and senior enlisted leaders, and senior instructors of Schools for Non-Commissioned Officers from both NATO Allies and partners. Representatives from Malawi and Columbia also participated for the first time.

    They discussed a range of issues, including the preparation of NCO specialists and the education of young generations of NCOs, as well as various initiatives run by NATO’s Defence Education Enhancement Programme in the domain of NCOs’ development. They also received an update from representatives of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the role performed by their NCOs corps in defending against Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

    Non-commissioned officers are vital to the effectiveness and resilience of modern militaries, as they provide critical role-models for service members and support the development of military education systems.

    This year’s conference in Georgia built on two previous conferences hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Conference of NCO Academies and Schools was established by NATO’s DEEP Team as a platform to enable these institutions to communicate, synchronise curricula, and share best practices.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Worldcoin Introduces Face Auth: The New Tool to Protect Your Identity with Maximum Security

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Face Auth provides enhanced security by ensuring that only the verified user can access their World ID (a digital passport of humanity). It is fully encrypted and operates entirely on the user’s device.
    • Developed by Sam Altman and Alex Blania in 2019, Worldcoin’s humanity verification services, World ID, now have more than 6 million verified users and 12 million app downloads globally. In Mexico, they have been available since late 2023 in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

    MEXICO CITY, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Worldcoin announced today the launch of Face Auth, the new security feature for World ID, designed to ensure that only the person who was verified in an orb, a state-of-the-art camera that converts an iris image into code, can use it.

    This marks a significant step towards secure, privacy-focused identity verification for online activities, financial transactions, and more. Worldcoin’s mission is to create a secure way to verify your identity without compromising your privacy in a world where it’s increasingly difficult to distinguish between humans and bots. The project aims to address these challenges by offering a simple and anonymous way to verify that a person is human without revealing their identity.

    Face Auth is the latest addition to Worldcoin’s suite of privacy-enhancing technologies. It is a method that verifies identity by comparing a selfie taken in real-time with an image stored on the phone during the creation of the World ID. This ensures that only the true owner of the World ID can use it, protecting against fraud or unauthorized access, as the comparison is done directly on the user’s device.

    How Does Face Auth Work?

    • Selfie Capture: When using Face Auth, the user will be asked to take a selfie through the World app on their phone.
    • Comparison: The app compares this selfie with the high-resolution image taken during verification in the orb, which is securely and encrypted stored on the user’s phone.
    • Verification: If the two images match, Face Auth verifies the user and allows them to proceed with their transaction or login.

    To see how the new Face Auth feature works, check out the short demo video here.

    For users, Face Auth will be as familiar as any other facial recognition technology in the apps they commonly use on their smartphones, but with one key difference: Face Auth ensures that the person using the World app is the same person who created the World ID in an orb. Unlike other facial recognition tools linked to device hardware, Face Auth is linked to the app. This approach guarantees that only the verified person can access the World ID, reducing the risk of fraud.

    The entire authentication process takes place on the user’s phone, with encryption ensuring privacy. Neither Tools for Humanity nor Worldcoin have access to the data.

    “We want all our users to have the confidence to verify themselves, with the assurance that their identity and personal data are protected,” stated Tools for Humanity Mexico.

    Artificial intelligence makes it harder to distinguish between humans and bots online. Worldcoin’s World ID is an innovative digital passport of humanity that allows people to certify online that they are human and unique without revealing who they are. World ID offers a secure method for providing “proof of humanity” while allowing individuals to maintain control and privacy over their data. Worldcoin does not need to know who you are, only that you are a unique human being.

    You can watch the “Privacy in the Age of AI” explainer video series here.

    About the Worldcoin Protocol
    The Worldcoin protocol is designed to be the world’s largest and most inclusive public financial and identity utility, accessible to everyone. Worldcoin was originally conceived by Sam Altman, Alex Blania, and Max Novendstern. The Worldcoin protocol is designed to equip individuals and organizations worldwide with the tools they need to participate in the digital economy and advance human progress. Learn more about Worldcoin at www.worldcoin.org, on Twitter/X, Discord, YouTube, and Telegram.

    About the Worldcoin Foundation
    The Worldcoin Foundation, administrator of the Worldcoin protocol, aims to create more inclusive, fair, and equitable digital governance institutions and a global economy.

    About Tools for Humanity (TFH)
    Tools for Humanity is a technology company created to ensure a more equitable economic system, and the driving force behind the Worldcoin project. Founded in 2019 by Alex Blania (CEO) and Sam Altman (President), it is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and Erlangen, Germany.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1485e857-73f5-4929-bc7d-e7ebe5e95f70

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e3772b57-6746-48dd-8b9b-43810a173aa4

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chess: a game rooted in military strategy that has become a tool of international diplomacy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Becky Alexis-Martin, Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

    Hushed silence descends as two opponents engage in a battle of wits, memory and strategy. The atmosphere becomes more tense with each shuffle of a pawn or sweeping arc of the queen. The drama is palpable, but there can be only one winner. This year – at the 45th Chess Olympiad finals in Budapest – it was India, whose players won both men’s and women’s gold medals and four individual golds, signalling a new era of Indian domination.

    Chess has become more than just a game. The recent upholding of the bans on Russian and Belorussian players from international competition by the International Chess Federation (Fide) is an example of the soft power of sanctions as a geopolitical tool against the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This ban has been welcomed by the US and Ukraine, among others, although Fide was divided on the issue, with 41 delegates voting to uphold the ban while 21 countries favoured lifting the ban and 27 abstained or were absent.

    Over the centuries, chess – which has its roots in military strategy – has become a symbol of geopolitical competition made peaceful. The game’s first incarnation has been traced back to 6th-century India, as military generals sought a pastime to exercise strategic thinking.

    The original game of chess was named chaturanga, which translates from Sanskrit into “the four military divisions”. The game allowed leaders to simulate conflict by using reasoning and logic to contemplate future battles. The term “checkmate” itself derives from shah mat, which loosely translates to “the king has lost” in Persian and Sanskrit.

    Cold war rivalries

    Chess was to become the focus of international, cultural and political competition during the cold war. It captured the world’s political imagination as a symbolic battleground between east and west. The Soviet Union supported promising chess players by establishing chess schools. Soviet grandmasters were unbeatable national heroes, from Mikhail Botvinnik to Tigran Petrosian and Boris Spassky. Their victories were framed as evidence of socialist intellectual superiority.

    But American grandmaster Bobby Fischer disrupted 24 years of Soviet dominance when he beat Spassky at the 1972 World Chess Championships in Rekjavik, Iceland. It would become a critical moment in the cold war.

    For years chess had been seen by both the Soviet Union and the US as a proxy for superpower military competition. Unlike US-Chinese “ping-pong diplomacy” – when goodwill between US and Chinese players in the early 1970s was followed by enhanced diplomatic engagement between the two countries – Fischer’s defeat of Spassky ended more than 20 years of Russian domination of chess.

    The prospect that Fischer might win was seen as so important by the US government that the then secretary of state, Henry Kissinger, personally called Fischer to urge him to go to Rekjavik.

    Years later, Russian former world champion and dissident Garry Kasparov recalled that: “This event was treated by people on both sides of the Atlantic as a crushing moment in the midst of the cold war. Big intellectual victory for the United States, and you know, a hugely painful, almost insulting defeat for the Soviet Union.”

    A game for dissidents

    Chess does not exist in a vacuum. It is shaped by and reflects historical rivalries, the rise of new power and contemporary geopolitics. And along the way, their refusal to maintain the national status quo and instead articulate their concerns about their societies has led to several grandmasters from various countries having to go into political exile.

    Garry Kasparov’s pro-democracy advocacy and criticism of the Russian state led him to flee Russia with his family to New York in 2013. He was chairman of the Human Rights Foundation from until 2024, and has since been added to Vladimir Putin’s terrorist blacklist.

    Kasparov is in good company. Six of Iran’s female grandmasters have been forced to leave their country, fleeing their country’s oppressive patriarchal regime after being barred from national competition for playing without a headscarf.

    Sara Khadem fled to Spain with her family after refusing to wear the hijab during a match in Kazakhstan in 2022. Her family have since gained Spanish citizenship. However, women who cannot find citizenship elsewhere pay a steep price as their talents are not nurtured and they cannot play professionally. Mitra Hejazipour waited three and a half years to gain citizenship. In 2023, she consecutively became a French citizen and the French national women’s champion.

    Ukrainian players continue to use chess as a platform for resistance against the Russian invasion. Prominent players who have spoken out include Vasyl Ivanchuk, Anna Muzychuk and her sister Mariya. Anna has consistently used her global social media following to condemn the invasion and advocate for peace in Ukraine.

    Projects in Rwanda, Uganda and Palestine have demonstrated that chess is more than just a game by bringing together disparate communities. So by sanctioning Russia and Belarus, the International Chess Federation has made an important statement.

    Chess can be a form of cultural diplomacy, a symbol of non-violent conflict resolution, and a platform for dialogue and understanding between people and nations. Chess is its own universal language. It requires no common tongue or expensive kit, yet it offers a formidable tool to promote critical thinking, international cooperation and conflict resolution.

    Becky Alexis-Martin does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Chess: a game rooted in military strategy that has become a tool of international diplomacy – https://theconversation.com/chess-a-game-rooted-in-military-strategy-that-has-become-a-tool-of-international-diplomacy-239739

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust: 27 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust.

    The Prime Minister has approved the appointments of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, for a term of five years from 30 September 2024.

    Professor Kirstie Blair

    Kirstie Blair is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sterling. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and MPhil and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She studied at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Rupert Morley

    Rupert is Chairman of Pershing Square Holdings, a FTSE 100 company, Chair of Bremont Watches and Trustee for Comic Relief. Rupert holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Note for editors

    The Kennedy Memorial Trust was established in 1964 to administer monies raised in the United Kingdom as a tribute to the late President John Kennedy. Part of the fund was used to create and maintain the Kennedy Memorial site at Runnymede. The remaining capital is used to provide Kennedy Scholarships which enable British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Trustees are responsible for the selection process for those scholarships and for managing the maintenance of the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Piano man comic David O’Doherty to make welcome return to The Alley

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Piano man comic David O’Doherty to make welcome return to The Alley

    27 September 2024

    Award-winning comedian, author and musician David O’Doherty is bringing his brand new show ‘Tiny Piano Man’ to The Alley Theatre, Strabane on Friday 25th October 2024

    The show features a lot of talking and a few songs on a glued-together plastic keyboard from 1986.

    David has previously appeared on TV shows such as Live at the Apollo and 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown, as well as writing a children’s book, hosted various radio shows and plays.

    With over 20 years’ experience entertaining audiences worldwide, O’Doherty is looking forward to impressing the Strabane audience with his hilarious new show.

    He first walked out on stage at Dublin’s Comedy Cellar in 1998 and in that time has won the Perrier Award for Best Newcomer and the Main Award.
    He thrilled crowds at The Alley last year when performing his ‘Whoa Is Me’ tour to a packed house.

    Tickets are selling fast so get yours now at www.alley-theatre.com or call 028 71 384444. Tickets are £20.

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Appointment of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust: 27 September 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust.

    The Prime Minister has approved the appointments of Professor Kirstie Blair and Rupert Morley as Trustees of the Kennedy Memorial Trust, for a term of five years from 30 September 2024.

    Professor Kirstie Blair

    Kirstie Blair is Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at the University of Sterling. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and MPhil and DPhil degrees from the University of Oxford. She studied at Harvard University as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Rupert Morley

    Rupert is Chairman of Pershing Square Holdings, a FTSE 100 company, Chair of Bremont Watches and Trustee for Comic Relief. Rupert holds a degree in economics from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School, which he attended as a Kennedy Scholar.

    Note for editors

    The Kennedy Memorial Trust was established in 1964 to administer monies raised in the United Kingdom as a tribute to the late President John Kennedy. Part of the fund was used to create and maintain the Kennedy Memorial site at Runnymede. The remaining capital is used to provide Kennedy Scholarships which enable British postgraduate students to study at Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Trustees are responsible for the selection process for those scholarships and for managing the maintenance of the Kennedy Memorial at Runnymede.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ministry of Defence analyses future global strategic trends

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The seventh edition of Ministry of Defence’s analysis of the long-term future global strategic context and possible futures has been published today, covering a range of global trends including defence and technological advances.

    • Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055 describes key drivers of change.
    • Long-term document forms seventh edition of strategic foresight analysis.
    • Analysis highlights possible future opportunities and challenges.

    Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055 describes key drivers of change and illustrates alternative future worlds to test planning assumptions and help decision-makers prepare for an uncertain world.

    The findings and deductions do not represent the official policy of the UK government or that of the MOD, but the findings will be considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review, which will make sure our Armed Forces are bolstered and that our country has the capabilities needed to ensure the UK’s resilience for the long term.

    The document indicates an abundance of opportunities, alongside new and existing challenges in the global outlook. Notable areas of potential future trends for Defence include: 

    • A highly uncertain future for Russia, with the outcome of its war in Ukraine and the implications of this being key to its future power and status.
    • China will continue to use economic interdependencies, underpinned by military strength, as core means to achieve its objectives.
    • In an age of increasing uncertainty, the need to build resilience, agility and new forms of deterrence will be paramount.
    • An expansion in the number of nuclear-armed states fielding more powerful weapons, combined with new weapons of mass effect, could create new challenges.
    • Military shaping power will remain one of the ultimate levers of power. Space and cyberspace will increasingly be a key factor in battlefield success.

    This edition marks more than 20 years of strategic foresight analysis conducted by the MOD’s internal think tank. The authors gathered a diverse range of insights and research to present a global view of the long-term future, focusing on key areas such as social, economic, environmental and security factors.

    Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, said:

    The need to examine the implications of these future trends in a more openly contested and volatile world, as well as the possible shocks that may emerge, is a crucial task to assist policy makers and senior leaders.

    Commander Strategic Command, General Sir Jim Hockenhull, said:

    I am delighted to release this latest edition of Global Strategic Trends. All seven publications, over the last 20 years, have promoted an open-minded approach to understanding the context and conduct of Defence and Security.

    This rich and diverse programme of work, by Strategic Command, deliberately does not represent UK policy, instead it provides policymakers with a future strategic context to aid long-term decision-making, capability planning and strategy development.

    Its key conclusions indicate an abundance of opportunities but also highlight the combination of new and existing challenges that will redefine the contours of economies, societal structures, governance and defence.

    The work identifies six key interconnected drivers of change that are most likely to determine what the future might look like. These are: global power competition; demographic pressures; climate change and pressure on the environment; technological advances and connectivity; economic transformation and energy transition; and inequality and pressure on governance.

    ‘Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055’ has been produced with cross-government support and international collaboration. Thousands of individuals were engaged during the research and writing process along with numerous national governments and several multilateral organisations, including NATO.

    Background

    • The first edition of GST, published in 2003, was designed to support the development of the MOD’s Future Strategic Context for Defence and subsequent White Papers. Since then, each edition has served to inform the various iterations of top-level strategic documents.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Hong Kong Association Luncheon in London (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Association Luncheon in London, the United Kingdom, today (September 27, London time):
     
    Adrian (Chairman of the Hong Kong Association, Mr Adrian Cartwright), members of the Hong Kong Association, ladies and gentlemen, friends of Hong Kong all,

         Good afternoon. I’m delighted to join you, once again, over a welcome lunch.

         The one consistent theme of my trip, first to Spain, now in London, has been the many speaking occasions.
     
         Last night’s Hong Kong Dinner was truly splendid and savory, and now I’m pleased to speak to the Hong Kong Association -thank you for the privilege – because you are very much invested in Hong Kong.
     
         I’m always pleased to speak at such times, especially when the topic is Hong Kong, and particularly to an audience as invested in Hong Kong as you are.

    The state of Hong Kong’s economy
     
         I have much to share, but let me start with a quick update on Hong Kong’s economy. 

         â€‹Last year, our GDP grew by 3.3 per cent as we recovered from the pandemic, and we achieved 3 per cent growth in the first half of this year. 

         The three main drivers fueling our economic growth are: exports, investments, and private consumption. Goods exports have seen significant growth, with Hong Kong serving as a major re-export hub for the Mainland, rising by over 7 per cent in the first half of the year. 

         â€‹For exports of services, tourism remains a key component. It is steadily recovering, with around 30 million visitors in the first eight months of this year, an increase of 44 per cent compared to last year. We expect 46 million visitors for the whole of 2024. 

         With improving economic and business prospects, but amid complex external environment, investment, from both the public and private sectors, expanded by more than 3 per cent in the first half of this year. 

         â€‹Private consumption has been bumpy. It is challenging given changes to the spending patterns of tourists and our residents. 

         Our stock market remains one of Asia’s leading exchanges, with a capitalisation in excess of 3 trillion pounds – 11 times our GDP. The measures announced, earlier this week by the Central Authorities to cut rates, reduce reserve requirement ratios and provide more support to the property sector – is boosting market confidence. The effects are already visible on Hong Kong’s stock market, with record high transactions! Before that, the China Securities Regulatory Commission announced measures in April 2024 that would encourage leading Mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong. 

         Residential property market prices have fallen by over 6 per cent from the end of last year to August this year – and more than 25 per cent compared to its peak in September 2021. We know property market is an important pillar to any economy, so we remain vigilant, and has been monitoring the market closely. So far, our assessment is that it has been an orderly adjustment. 

         This February, we removed all the demand-side management measures for the residential property market. Overall, the property market is now stabilising. 

         The commencement of the monetary easing cycle by the Federal Reserve will provide support to both the economy and the property sector. 
         
         Currently, inflation is at around 1 per cent, and unemployment is lying low, at just 3 per cent. 

         â€‹Overall, we expect Hong Kong to grow between 2.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent this year. 

         Looking into the future, our economic development will be heading in eight discrete directions: internationally, as finance, trade, shipping, aviation and innovation and technology centres; and, regionally, as Asia Pacific’s legal and dispute resolution centre and intellectual property trading centre. We are committed, too, to becoming the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. 

         Allow me now to highlight two of them: financial services and innovation and technology. 

         Let me start with financial services. Besides traditional areas that we are good at, we are working to become an international green finance and green technology hub. 

    Green and Sustainable Finance
     
         Green transition is a global agenda, bringing along responsibilities and opportunities. 
         â€‹
         Hong Kong has established a clear roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, while reducing emissions by 50 per cent by 2035 from our 2005 levels. 

         â€‹We are taking a multi-pronged approach to realise this goal by addressing emission sources: first, achieving net-zero electricity generation by phases; second, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings through the promotion of green building practices; third, promoting green transport, particularly electric vehicles; and fourth, reducing waste. 

         Indeed, the Hong Kong SAR Government (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government) will invest more than 20 billion pounds in the next 15 to 20 years to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. 

         However, the International Energy Agency has projected that the global energy transition finance gap will reach $3 trillion a year by 2030 and rise to $4.5 trillion a year by 2040. 

         â€‹Hong Kong is Asia’s No. 1 for green finance: for instance, we issue, over the past three years, 48 billion pounds of green bonds and debts per year on average, accounting for one-third of Asia’s market. But there is much more that we can achieve. 

         One is on green standards. Earlier this year, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority released the Hong Kong Green Taxonomy (Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance), which is compatible with the Common Ground Taxonomy developed by China and the EU (European Union), to assist the financial sector in assessing the “greenness” of projects. 

         Similarly, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange also impose ESG (environmental, social and governance) disclosure requirements for listed entities. 

         â€‹Just a few days ago, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants released the draft financial reporting standards which it plans to implement in August next year. The proposed Hong Kong standards follow those issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board, ISSB. 

         In the realm of green tech, start-ups are a powerhouse for many green innovative solutions, fully reflecting our younger generation’s passion for the environment and a sustainable future. 

         You might have met the delegation of start-ups from the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport who are with me on this trip to the United Kingdom. Some of them are engaged in green tech, and while others are engaged in different fields, but they share a common goal: to change people’s lives for the better. 

         We are working to attract more green start-ups in our innovation ecosystem. 

         By the way, our Science Park annually organises an elevator pitch competition where the start-ups have to sell their ideas in just 60 seconds in the lift of Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper. The winner this year is from Munich seeking to establish a lithium battery recycle plant. 
     
    Innovation and Technology
     
         Let me now turn to innovation and technology. Our focus areas are: AI and big data analytics, biotech and health sciences, fintech and new energy and new materials. 

         The key success factor for the development of AI are algorithms, computing capabilities, data and use case scenarios. Under the “one country, two systems” arrangements, Hong Kong has unique advantages because we are the hub converging the Mainland and international data, and the Greater Bay Area provides us with ample use case scenarios. 

         In order to expedite the development of the eco-system of the aforementioned industries, we have set up the Hong Kong Investment Corporation, HKIC. 

         With six billion pounds at its disposal, the HKIC has a dual mandate. While it seeks financial returns, it also promotes the development of target industries that are crucial for the long-term competitiveness and economic vitality of Hong Kong. The HKIC serves as a tool for the Hong Kong SAR Government to invest and/or co-invest in enterprises, start-ups and important projects. 

         The ​HKIC is “patient capital”. It has already initiated several strategic partnerships in the areas of hard tech, biotech and new energy. 

         What distinguishes the HKIC from other sovereign funds is its investment approach to channel private capital into strategic industries through a collaborative approach, by bringing together like-minded private equity funds, venture capitalists, investors, and even entrepreneurs.

         This is particularly important for start-ups, especially those with original and disruptive technologies because their development cycles are often long, and patient capital is crucial for their success.

         Going forward, the HKIC will expand its collaboration with overseas partners to maximise impact. Next January, the HKIC will host a Roundtable for International Sovereign Wealth Funds, inviting sovereign wealth funds and financial leaders to explore investment opportunities and develop collaborative partnerships. In fact, this September, the HKIC also staged a Hong Kong Start-up Investment and Development Summit. 

         Ladies and gentlemen, I hope to leave ample time for questions, so I will conclude my remarks here. My sincere thanks, once again, to the Hong Kong Association for this welcome opportunity to speak to you. 

         I’m happy now to take your questions. 

         â€‹Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Review of EU Citizens’ voting rights

    Source: City of Derby

    Changes to the law mean Derby City Council needs to review its electoral register, and if you are from the European Union, this could affect you.

    Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, The Elections Act 2022 brought with it changes to elections where EU citizens can vote, or stand as a candidate.

    Derby City Council will now conduct a review to determine who can remain on the electoral register, and may have to contact you for further information. This will by post or email, and you will receive the outcome of your review in writing.

    The changes apply to local and mayoral elections in England from 7 May 2024. If you’re an EU citizen, you will now only be able to register, vote or stand as a candidate if you meet one of the following criteria:

    • Citizens of Ireland, Cyprus and Malta living in the UK are unaffected by the changes and can vote and stand as candidates in all UK elections.
    • Citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Spain living in the UK can still stand and vote in local elections but not UK Parliament elections.
    • Citizens of EU countries who were legally resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 with permission to enter or stay in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man. This status must have continued without interruption.

    Emily Feenan, Electoral Registration Officer for Derby City Council, said: 

    “This review is an important part of keeping our electoral register up to date following recent legislation changes.

    “We understand that these changes may cause some concern, but we’re here to support our residents through this process and ensure everyone who is eligible can exercise their right to vote.”

    For more detailed information about changes to EU citizen’s voting and candidacy rights please see the Electoral Commission website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Elections Team at elections@derby.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy Mayor approves planning application for All England Lawn Tennis Club

    Source: Mayor of London

    Following a public hearing today at City Hall, Jules Pipe, the Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, has approved the planning application for All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) to transform the former Wimbledon Park golf course.

    The plans will see an additional 38 grass courts, as well as a new Show Court, allowing the AELTC to bring the Wimbledon Qualifying event on-site for the first time – with the tournament bringing a wide range of economic and social benefits to London and nationally. 

    At today’s public hearing, GLA officers provided a detailed update on the proposals. Jules Pipe then heard views from Merton and Wandsworth Councils, and a range of supporters and objectors who had registered to speak. 

    The plans include:

    • An additional 27 acre (11.1 hectares) of public park, the site of a former private golf course, to be publicly accessible, managed and maintained as parkland.
    • Improvements to Wimbledon Park Lake and the creation of a new 3km boardwalk for the public. This is together with over £10 million of further improvements to the existing public park to include the provision of an enhanced multipurpose sports and leisure facility, drainage improvements to the sports fields, improved footpaths and new toilets, alongside a range of other recreational and heritage enhancement works.
    • A minimum of seven new Championship standard grass tennis courts open for community use.
    • The planting of 1500 new trees and an increase to the extent and quality of biodiversity across the land, with a suggested measurable biodiversity net gain of at least 10 per cent. 
    • Increased provision of tickets to the Championships to the local community and schools, including 450 tickets per day prioritised for Merton and Wandsworth residents at face value and 50 made available free of charge through the Wimbledon Foundation. 1000 free qualifying tickets for the Qualifying Event will also be made available for school children in Merton and Wandsworth.

    The GLA considered the benefits and disadvantages of the proposals in relation to a range of areas including environmental, design, transport, social, economic and cultural. While the plans have a significant effect on the use of metropolitan open land, the GLA considered the overall benefits to outweigh any harm in this area – including the provision of 11.1 hectares of publicly accessible parkland that will be managed and maintained.

    The GLA found that the total economic impact of the Championships, incorporating these plans, are projected to be worth in the region of £336 million to the UK economy each year, of which it is estimated that £326 million would occur within London. These plans will support 40 new jobs across the year and more than 250 new jobs during the Championships. Additionally, the plans will employ an average of between 50 to 400 construction workers per day between 2025 and 2033. 

    The very significant public benefits of the scheme, including enhancements to open space and recreation, economic, employment and heritage were therefore deemed to clearly outweigh the harm identified and allow for planning permission to be granted.

    Jules Pipe CBE, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and the Fire Service, said: “These plans for the site of a former private golf course will bring significant benefits to the local area, the wider capital and the UK economy, providing increased access to open green space and sport, new parkland and a host of new jobs. Hosting qualifying events on the same site as the Championships will put Wimbledon on a global footing with other Grand Slam tournaments and ensure it remains one of the world’s top sporting events. The scheme brings a huge range of economic, social and cultural benefits which will contribute to building a fairer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom