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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 24-27 March: Committees and Political Groups

    Source: European Parliament

    In the week of 24 of March, Members’ work is split between meetings in Parliamentary Committees and political groups.

    DEVE Committee members will participate in the Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris on 27 and 28 March to support the Team Europe efforts towards ending malnutrition

    In addition, a Public Hearing on “The actors in the agricultural supply chain and their role in price formation: problems and perspectives will take place.

    And the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union will host a conference on affordable housing, addressing the housing crisis in the European Union.

    Follow the links below to discover this week’s highlights.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: More than 300 arrests as African countries clamp down on cyber threats

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    24 March 2025

    LYON, France — Authorities in seven African countries have arrested 306 suspects and seized 1,842 devices in an international operation targeting cyber attacks and cyber-enabled scams.

    The arrests were made as part of Operation Red Card (November 2024 – February 2025) which aims to disrupt and dismantle cross-border criminal networks which cause significant harm to individuals and businesses. In particular, the operation targeted mobile banking, investment and messaging app scams. The cases uncovered during the operation involved more than 5,000 victims.

    As part of the crackdown, Nigerian police arrested 130 people, including 113 foreign nationals, for their alleged involvement in cyber-enabled scams such as online casino and investment fraud. The suspects, who converted proceeds to digital assets to conceal their tracks, were recruited from different countries to run the illegal schemes in as many languages as possible. Nigerian authorities have established that some of the people working in the scam centres may also be victims of human trafficking, forced or coerced into criminal activities. Overall, the investigation led to the seizure of 26 vehicles, 16 houses, 39 plots of land and 685 devices.

    In a significant case from South Africa, authorities arrested 40 individuals and seized more than 1,000 SIM cards, along with 53 desktops and towers linked to a sophisticated SIM box fraud scheme. This setup, which reroutes international calls as local ones, is commonly used by criminals to carry out large-scale SMS phishing attacks.

    In Zambia, officers apprehended 14 suspected members of a criminal syndicate that hacked into victims’ phones. The scam involved sending a message containing a malicious link which, when clicked, installed malware to the device. This allowed hackers to take control of the messaging account, and ultimately the phone, giving them access to banking apps. The hackers were also able to use the victim’s messaging apps to share the malicious link within conversations and groups, enabling the scam to spread.

    During the operation, Rwandan authorities arrested 45 members of a criminal network for their involvement in social engineering scams that defrauded victims of over USD 305,000 in 2024 alone. Their tactics included posing as telecommunications employees and claiming fake ‘jackpot’ wins to extract sensitive information and gain access to victims’ mobile banking accounts. Another method involved impersonating an injured family member to ask relatives for financial assistance towards hospital bills. Overall, USD 103,043 was recovered and 292 devices were seized.

    Neal Jetton, INTERPOL’s Director of the Cybercrime Directorate, said:

    “The success of Operation Red Card demonstrates the power of international cooperation in combating cybercrime, which knows no borders and can have devastating effects on individuals and communities. The recovery of significant assets and devices, as well as the arrest of key suspects, sends a strong message to cybercriminals that their activities will not go unpunished.”

    Ahead of the operation, countries exchanged criminal intelligence on key targets. This intelligence was enriched by INTERPOL with insights into criminal modus operandi using data from its private sector partners—Group-IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro.

     The seven participating countries were Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo and Zambia.

    The operation was delivered through INTERPOL’s African Joint Operation against Cybercrime (AFJOC), an initiative funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Additional $14 million to keep communities and emergency services better connected

    Source: Workplace Gender Equality Agency

    The Albanese Government continues to prioritise safety and resilience measures for natural disaster-prone communities with an additional $14 million to extend critical community Wi-Fi services at evacuation centres across Australia.
     
    The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program has already installed NBN Co. Sky Muster satellite connections to 1068 locations Australia-wide. Interactive map available here.
     
    This includes emergency sites across areas in northern New South Wales and south east Queensland which were impacted during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
     
    The additional $14 million will add community Wi-Fi capability to a further 500 emergency sites, and extend services at existing sites for an additional four years, beyond 2025.
     
    The Albanese Government will work closely with states and territories to prioritise disaster-prone areas that do not have emergency connectivity solutions to ensure this investment delivers where it is most needed.
     
    Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has committed more than $340 million to improve mobile coverage and the resilience of communications networks against natural disasters.
     
    This includes through the Mobile Network Hardening Program, the Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation Program, and the Broadcasting Resilience Program, with more than 900 resilience projects delivered this term, and many more to come. 
     
    A re-elected Albanese Government will also introduce legislation for a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) in 2025. This world-leading reform will provide near continent-wide outdoor mobile coverage, essential during emergencies and natural disasters which disrupt power and land-based networks.
     
    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
     
    “The safety of Australians is the number one priority of the Albanese Government – particularly during natural disasters which are becoming more frequent and severe.
     
    “Resilient communications and broadcasting networks are vital for keeping communities safe, informed, and connected during emergencies. It can be the difference between life and death.
     
    “Hundreds of thousands of people, homes and businesses in southern Queensland and northern NSW were left without power in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
     
    “Sky Muster satellite internet services can operate off a portable generator even when local ground-based communications networks are down – keeping communities connected when they need it most.”
     
    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Emergency Services, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister:
     
    “Whether it’s to call a loved one or get the latest information from an alert, staying connected during a disaster can be critical.
     
    “This $14 million investment to expand STAND will help more communities stay safe and informed at evacuation centres even if the main communications network goes down.
     
    “While no network is ever 100 per cent disaster-proof, the Albanese Government is determined to do what we can to improve the resilience of communications networks against natural disasters.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: US, Ukraine conclude ‘productive’ talks in Riyadh

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced Sunday that the talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations have concluded in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh, saying the discussion was “productive and focused,” with “key points including energy” addressed.

    In a post on social media platform X, Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation, emphasized that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s goal is “to secure a just and lasting peace” for Ukraine and Europe at large, claiming, “We are working to make that goal a reality.”

    The Ukrainian and U.S. teams met earlier in the day in Riyadh.

    According to the Ukrinform news agency, the Ukrainian delegation also included State Secretary of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Oleksandr Karasevych, deputy heads of the President’s Office, Pavlo Palisa and Ihor Zhovkva, as well as Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk.

    The talks came almost two weeks after a previous meeting between the two sides in the Saudi port city of Jeddah saw Ukraine okay a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan in exchange for Washington lifting its pause on military aid to and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

    Notably, the meeting precedes the talks between U.S. and Russian delegations scheduled for Monday. Media reported late Sunday that the Russian delegation has arrived in Riyadh. The delegation includes Grigory Karasin, chairman of the committee on international affairs in Russia’s upper house, and Sergey Beseda, adviser to the head of Russia’s Federal Security Service, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Modern justice for all: Our Online Civil Money Claims reformed service helps more people settle disputes away from the courtroom

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Modern justice for all: Our Online Civil Money Claims reformed service helps more people settle disputes away from the courtroom

    Every year, thousands of people and businesses need to recover money they’re owed through the county courts. They do this through making civil money claims, which help to ensure access to justice and promote economic stability by allowing individuals and business to resolve disputes fairly and efficiently.

    Before 2018, the process was delivered through paper forms or using Money Claim Online (MCOL), a system that was only partially digital. This meant: 

    • users having to wait for long periods of time for case updates 

    • paperwork sometimes got lost, causing further delay and inconvenience for users 

    • increased chance of human error when inputting data 

    • complicated legal jargon, causing confusion for users 

    • high costs of printing, posting and transporting paper, as well as the associated environmental impact  

    We knew there was a clear opportunity to create a user-focused digital process from start to finish, where users – members of the public, business owners or legal professionals – could resolve disputes in a simple, accessible and proportionate way. 

    We created the Online Civil Money Claims (OCMC) service to help people resolve financial disputes quickly and easily, whether they’re dealing with unpaid invoices, undelivered goods, or contract disputes. 

    Benefits 

    Between April 2019 and October 2024, more than 495,000 claims have been made by users without a solicitor or legal representative and of these, more than 162,000 were settled without needing a hearing.  More than 58,600 claims have been made by legal professionals on behalf of a client through OCMC. 

    OCMC is designed with our users in mind: 

    • we now engage with users by email, so they don’t need to wait for updates by post, and updates to the case are made in real time 

    • the OCMC dashboard is available at any time day or night, reducing the need to chase up case updates within office hours  

    • users can manage their case digitally by following easy to understand prompts 

    • we see more users engaging with the system – more defendants are responding to claims and most importantly, more parties  are settling without needing court intervention

    • for those cases that do require a hearing, OCMC has made the process much more efficient. For example. the time from claim issue to receive a directions order is now three times faster which means that cases can be ready for hearing faster 

    • the financial and environmental cost to the taxpayer associated with the use and transportation of paper forms has been reduced 

    Our digital transformation 

    Starting in 2018, we’ve completely redesigned how money claims work: 

    • created a fully digital journey from start to finish 

    • replaced legal jargon with clear, simple language 

    • built an intuitive dashboard for unrepresented users that shows real-time case updates 

    • engaged with users via email rather than just postal address, providing timely, regular and clear updates  

    • introduced the online case management system MyHMCTS for legal professionals to manage a variety of legal matters, including online civil money claims 

    • added Welsh language options for defendants 

    • expanded the service to handle larger value claims  

    • empowered legal advisors to give digital directions for smaller claims 

    • established ‘early adopter’ courts to test improvements and build confidence before rolling out nationally 

    The increase in speed to progress cases brought using the digital service has been significant: 

    • the time it takes from issuing a claim to receiving a directions order – which sets out how a case that is disputed will be heard and what evidence is required for hearing, – is now just over 8 weeks compared to 30 weeks for paper cases – that’s more than three times quicker 

    • more users are responding to claims than ever before and more cases are being settled 

    Getting support 

    We understand that digital services aren’t suitable for everyone. That’s why we: 

    • maintain paper options for those who need them 

    • partner with We Are Digital to provide in-person support 

    • have a dedicated team at our Service Centre in Stoke to handle all online civil money claims enquiries 

    • use feedback data to identify and remove barriers for users with disabilities 

    • provide extra support for those struggling with the digital process 

    Feedback and insights 

    Users are consistently positive about the service’s accessibility and efficiency: 

    Found form very easy to use and fill in.

    The online forms were very easy to complete and, when settled, it was easy to update the claim to reflect this.

    An entirely positive experience. Each section of the application was clear and easy to use. Progress through the different sections was logical and intuitive.

    “I was recently asked to represent a client involved in a dispute with a builder. She had hired the firm to construct an extension to her home, but the project was riddled with problems from the very beginning. The work faced numerous delays and when a local authority surveyor came to inspect the extension, it failed to meet building control standards. Naturally, my client wanted to file a money claim against the building firm, who also had legal representation.  

    “Thankfully, the Online Civil Money Claims (OCMC) service made the whole process straightforward. As my firm uses the MyHMCTS portal, uploading documents was quick and easy.  

    “The process took about ten weeks for the directions order to be issued—a decision from the judge on how much the defendant should pay. My client was satisfied with this outcome, as it gave her time to hire a new builder to fix the issues with the extension.  

    “I’ve been with my firm for many years, so I remember the days of dealing with claims on paper and using the MCOL system. While MCOL marked an important step toward digitalisation, the new OCMC system is far superior. I can log in whenever it suits me, upload documents, and there’s no more waiting for physical files to arrive in the post.”  

    Working together 

    We worked closely with:  

    • legal professionals working in the civil jurisdiction who fed back on the system design and usability   

    • the judiciary as a vital partner at all levels 

    Future plans 

    We’re committed to continuing improvements by: 

    • using collected data to identify and address user barriers 

    • expanding digital features based on user feedback 

    • streamlining processes further to reduce resolution times 

    • ensuring the service remains accessible to all users 

    • seeking further funding to develop new features that will support more complex cases 

    Stay updated 

    Keep up to date with the latest Civil news and information by subscribing to our e-alerts and newsletters.  

    For support with making a claim of £25,000 or less, visit make a court claim for money: Make a claim – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Common Platform: a modern digital case management system for the criminal justice system

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Common Platform: a modern digital case management system for the criminal justice system

    Common Platform is a bespoke digital case management system, designed and developed by HMCTS, for the Crown and magistrates’ courts in England and Wales.

    It has brought together a range of different ‘legacy’ case management systems used in the criminal justice system under a single, unified platform. 

    Before Common Platform, our people and partners faced significant daily challenges:  

    • High volumes of physical documents using hours of court time to manually handle 

    • Significant cost to the taxpayer of printing and transporting paper between agencies, causing delays and inefficiencies throughout the justice system. 

    • Need for legal advisers and court clerks to manually record and process actions after the hearing, slowing access to justice down further for victims, defendants and witnesses 

    • Delays and inefficiencies in completing daily tasks like booking interpreters, requesting screens, or processing court orders required multiple manual steps across different systems, causing delay and inefficiency 

    Benefits 

    Over 2.3 million criminal cases have been managed on Common Platform as of February 2025 (source Reformed Services Management Information, March 2025), meaning a number of benefits for the people and parties involved 

    • The right people involved in a case can access the right, up to date information at any time of day or night  

    • Users and agencies receive notifications and real time updates to the case instantly  

    • Automation of manual processes mean quicker progress, reduced chance of error and better use of expertise 

    • Information and data is kept and shared safely through controls over who can see what based on their role 

    • Greater resilience as HMCTS teams and external parties can access cases from any location, ensuring service continuity even if even if they cannot physically be on site at a court 

    • Quicker processing and uploading through automated case management, particularly for Single Justice Procedure cases 

    • Greater efficiency by eliminating some paper-based processes  

    • Better data collection to inform improvements  

    By developing the system in-house, we have strengthened our expertise and have greater flexibility to adapt the system to changing needs and technological developments.  

    Case Management Evolution  

    The implementation of Common Platform into all Crown and magistrates’ courts has transformed how cases are managed in criminal courts: over 2.3 million cases managed through the system (source Reformed Services Management Information, March 2025), demonstrates its robust capability , demonstrates its robust capability  

    • single system replacing multiple outdated platforms, reduces complexity and training needs 

    • real-time case updates across all agencies, significantly reduces delays in information sharing 

    Our Digital Transformation 

    The journey to modernise our criminal courts began in 2011, with Common Platform representing the most significant technological transformation in the justice system’s history. Under the Reform Programme from 2016, we faced the challenge of replacing multiple outdated systems that weren’t communicating with each other.  

    It has been very challenging to introduce such a significant change: 

    • Teams across HMCTS had to adapt to new roles and ways of working while managing existing caseloads  

    • The pandemic was especially challenging, as court personnel managed dual systems in live courtrooms 

    • We did not always get it right, initially focusing too heavily on technical solutions rather than user experience 

    • We did not deliver everything we set out to – for example Crown Prosecution Service case management systems interface with Common Platform, rather than being a direct part of it as originally planned 

    This has been valuable learning and helped shape our approach. By placing users at the heart of development and using their feedback to directly inform plans, we have still achieved a lot.  

    Digital Documentation  

    The move to digital processes has transformed how documents are handled and shared:  

    • Defence advocates can complete crucial forms digitally in real-time, saving court time and reducing errors  

    • Self-service access for case materials, allowing users more control  

    • Automatic generation of notices, orders and warrants, speeding up justice delivery  

    • Digital submission of documents, cutting costs and environmental impact  

    • Seamless transfer of materials between magistrates’ and Crown Courts, reducing delays 

    Automated Processing  

    Reform has introduced significant automation to streamline court processes:  

    • Automated Track Case Management (ATCM) for Single Justice Procedure (SJP) cases, increasing efficiency  

    • Instant case creation and updates, eliminating manual data entry  

    • Automatic notifications to relevant parties, improving communication flow  

    • Electronic monitoring forms processed immediately, reducing processing time from hours to minutes  

    • Screen requests handled automatically, ensuring courtroom readiness 

    Better Information Sharing  

    The digital system has revolutionised information sharing between justice partners:  

    • Instant result notifications to police forces, enabling swift action  

    • Direct updates to the Legal Aid Agency, speeding up payments to advocates  

    • Immediate sharing of sentencing information with prisons and probation, improving offender management  

    • Role-based access ensuring secure information sharing, maintaining data protection  

    • Single point of contact through Courts and Tribunals Service Centres (CTSC), providing consistent support 

    System Performance  

    The platform has demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency and user satisfaction:  

    • Criminal courts across England and Wales now fully digital since August 2023, modernising justice delivery  

    • Defence practitioners can access case information instantly, improving preparation time  

    • Court personnel report significant time savings through automated processes 

    • positive feedback from judiciary, legal professionals and court personnel (January 2025) 

    This transformation represents a fundamental, technological change in the criminal courts moving all information digitally onto a shared system that all stakeholders can access, creating a more efficient, accessible and resilient justice system for all. 

    Working Together 

    We worked closely with: 

    • local police forces on rollout and delivery – police prosecutors are now able to upload direct to the system and self-serve 

    • CPS, who were a founding partner on setting up the system, improving their access to digital forms and requests 

    • All criminal justice system partners 

    • non police prosecutors (NPPs) – NPPs are now able to upload direct on to the system and self-serve 

    • Legal Aid Agency – ensuring defence advocates are paid swiftly for legal aid cases 

    • Courts and Tribunals Service Centres to offer best support and advice with ongoing cases to all stakeholders 

    • HM Prisons and Probation Service improving offender management, as they previously did not have access to the Libra legacy system 

    • Magistrates, legal advisers and judiciary as a vital partner at all levels to deliver a more streamlined system 

    Getting Support 

    We’ve established comprehensive support systems: 

    • dedicated Courts and Tribunals Service Centre (CTSC) providing customer support 

    • specialised training programmes for court personnel and system users 

    • regular system updates based on user feedback 

    • technical support available for all professional users 

    • service boards to monitor live performance and system changes  

    • permanent change function to prioritise and resource future improvements 

    Feedback and Insights 

    Users across the justice system have praised the new platform: 

    We have better oversight of cases, the triage process ensures that cases are listed appropriately and in the correct court, which means we are saving court time.

    Sharon Kostanjsek, Criminal Justice Unit Manager, Avon and Somerset Police 

    Dealing with a case on a single system, rather than at least 3 different systems as we did previously, is more practical and efficient.

    Jon Sugden, legal adviser  

    I like that producing orders is far simpler, now they are created directly from the result. There is no need to produce orders manually and email them or complete a lengthy electronic monitoring form.

    Mark Whiteley, formerly Wales transformation implementer 

    Future Plans 

    As we continue to develop the platform, we’re focusing on:  

    • enhanced data analytics capabilities, enabling evidence-based improvements  

    • further automation opportunities to continue increasing efficiency  

    • maintaining system flexibility to adapt to future needs  

    • continue developing new features based on user feedback 

    • transfer of system responsibility to HMCTS live service teams by March 2025 

    Stay Updated 

    Keep up to date with the latest criminal court news and information by subscribing to our e-alerts and newsletters.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Modernising probate: easing the most challenging times through innovation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Modernising probate: easing the most challenging times through innovation

    Probate is the legal right to handle someone’s estate after they die.

    Before 2019, applications were made on paper meaning: 

    • a risk of human error when completing complex, inaccessible forms 

    • legal jargon was not explained well or in a user-friendly way 

    • an inefficient process for court staff, applicants and probate professionals when manually handling dozens of forms 

    • applicants needed to travel to compulsory in-person appointments at registry offices  

    • a lack of flexibility to suit modern ways of working for the courts and probate professionals 

    We wanted to create a more accessible, user-friendly service that works for everyone, whether they choose to apply online or use paper forms. 

    Benefits 

    The reformed service has transformed probate administration. Through over 1 million digital applications received since 2019, we’ve seen:  

    • positive environmental impact by eliminating over 25 million pieces of paper 

    • improved flow of legacy information from the probate service to charities, helping them to plan their vital work 

    • consistent, 24/7 access to the service from any device 

    • simplified language and streamlined processes 

    • increased flexibility with the digital statement of truth replacing inconvenient in-person oaths and the requirement for a ‘wet signature’ 

    • improved resilience, enabling continued granting of applications during the pandemic  

    Our digital transformation 

    The journey to modernise probate began in 2016 with extensive user research, leading to the 2019 launch of our digital service, making probate one of the first services to be reformed. We’ve created two tailored pathways. 

    For personal applicants we now have: 

    • a user-friendly online application via GOV.UK 

    • the ability to save and return to an online application 

    • step-by-step guidance throughout 

    • real-time application tracking 

    • the ability to complete digital statement of truth at home 

    • a service with clear, jargon-free language 

    Probate professionals now have a: 

    • comprehensive MyHMCTS platform for online probate applications 

    • collaborative team working features 

    • streamlined online payment system 

    • smoother integration with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) processes 

    • better way to manage workflows 

    • modern digital case files, accessible from any device 

    It’s clear that the digital service is working well: 

    • Digital applications have risen steeply from 17% in FY 19/20 to 80% April 2024 to December 2024  

    Getting support 

    For people who are less able or confident using online services, we’ve developed a comprehensive support system which includes: 

    • simplified paper forms 

    • a dedicated Digital Support service 

    • a specialist Service Centre for the probate service 

    • telephone support 

    • clear guidance on GOV.UK 

    • ensuring accessibility for all users 

    Feedback from service users 

    Applicants have told us what they think of the digital probate service: 

    It’s easy to use, fast and convenient. I found it so easy and efficient. It’s exactly what you want from an online government system – if only everything could be this easy!

    It was intuitive to use and the whole thing flowed from one section to the next really well. The way things are summarised at the end is very helpful. You can check it all before you send it and that’s reassuring.

    I’d been expecting sheets and sheets of questions – but that wasn’t the case. The instructions were clearly written and the way everything was set out was so user friendly. I think it took a couple of hours to complete.

    I initially thought the online service would be complicated and take some dealing with. I thought it would take me a long time to complete, but it didn’t take me long at all – an hour at the most.

    James’ story 

    “When James lost his father, he faced the daunting task of dealing with his estate. In the past, some of James’ friends who had gone through the probate process had told him it was paper-based, confusing, and filled with legal jargon that made it challenging for personal applicants like him, which worried him a lot. However, with the reformed digital service, James was able to apply for probate online at a time that suited him, without needing to visit a probate registry or deal with extensive paperwork. 

    Using the new digital service, James found the application process intuitive and efficient, allowing him to save his progress and return later. He could easily track his application status online, reducing uncertainty and providing reassurance during a difficult time. The digital statement of truth replaced the need for an in-person oath, saving James time and travel expenses. 

    Overall, the digital probate service provided James with a flexible, accessible, and user-friendly way to manage his father’s estate, making a challenging process much more manageable and allowing him to focus on what truly mattered.” 

    Working together 

    We work closely with: 

    • our probate service user group which includes Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners, Institute of Legacy Management, The Law Society, Remember a Charity and the Institute of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales 

    • HMRC to streamline processes 

    Future plans 

    The journey to deliver an effective online service has not always been straight forward, and we’ve learned a lot. When we launched the service the combination of a planned fee increase, adapting to new ways of working and increased demand led to delays in applications being granted.  

    At its peak in August 2023, there was a backlog of 97,000 applications. The service is now concluding its recovery plan and the open caseload is around 37,000. The workable open caseload (where we have the information needed to progress the application) dropped by over 80% in the year to January 2025 to 9,856.  

    We’re now committed to continuously improving the service by: 

    • continuing to share information with the charity sector who rely on donations to carry out their important work 

    • working closely with probate professional representatives to improve the service 

    • improving notifications to make it easier for applicants to know what they need to send us 

    • streamlining inheritance tax processes with HMRC 

    • offering regional office drop-in sessions for probate professionals 

    • offering dedicated registrar appointments to progress complex applications 

    • improving notifications about application status 

    Stay updated 

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Intetics Wins 2025 Remote Work Leadership Award for Innovative Team Formation Model

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAPLES, Fla., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intetics Inc., a global leader in technology solutions, has been honored with the 2025 Remote Work Leadership Award for its groundbreaking Remote In-Sourcing® model. This prestigious award, presented by TMCnet, recognizes Intetics for its innovative approach to building and managing high-performing remote teams that drive business success in a fast-evolving digital landscape.

    Intetics’ Remote In-Sourcing® model is a unique approach that combines the flexibility of remote work with the precision and reliability of an in-house team structure. The model empowers businesses to build custom remote teams with the specific skills and expertise needed for each project, all while maintaining full control over team management and project outcomes. By leveraging this model, Intetics has enabled its clients to seamlessly scale their operations, optimize productivity, and accelerate time-to-market—without the challenges often associated with traditional outsourcing.

    The Remote In-Sourcing® model is designed to deliver a comprehensive set of benefits, including:

    • Tailored Talent Solutions: Clients gain access to a global pool of skilled professionals, ensuring the right talent for each project.
    • Enhanced Collaboration and Communication: The model focuses on building transparent, collaborative remote environments where teams work as seamlessly as on-site staff.
    • Scalable and Flexible Operations: Clients can easily scale their teams up or down based on project needs, offering unparalleled flexibility.
    • Cost Efficiency: By eliminating overhead costs associated with maintaining physical offices, businesses can significantly reduce their operational expenses.

    “Winning the 2025 Remote Work Leadership Award for our Remote In-Sourcing® model is a proud moment for us. It reflects our ongoing commitment to improving remote work through top talent, advanced technology, and a client-focused approach,” says Boris Kontsevoi, CEO & President of Intetics. “With 30 years of experience, we’re excited to continue innovating and delivering solutions that help businesses maximize the potential of their teams in today’s connected world.”

    Intetics has been at the forefront of remote work innovation for years, helping companies across industries — from telecommunications to healthcare — adapt to the challenges of remote work while boosting productivity, collaboration, and innovation. The company continues to lead the charge in remote work solutions by investing in new technologies and methodologies that redefine what’s possible in the digital workforce.

    For more information on Intetics’ award-winning Remote In-Sourcing® model and other technology solutions, visit www.intetics.com.

    Read more about the award here.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Continuity and the spirit of an IT company”: what will the SHIFT of the St. Petersburg HSE be like?

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The School of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science at the HSE in St. Petersburg has started 2025 with big changes: it is being transformed into SHIFT — the School of Informatics, Physics and Technology. VK is the key partner of the educational project. How students will study, what advantages does cooperation with a large technology company provide, and what awaits graduates of the new school — we tell you in our article.

    What is SHIFT?

    The School of Informatics, Physics and Technology is the successor to the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg. “The launch of the School of Informatics, Physics and Technology is a transition to a globally new concept. We are starting to build the faculty according to the model of an IT company: training will take place in conditions as close as possible to work in big tech. This approach will ensure seamless integration of graduates into the industry,” emphasizes Mikhail Mukhin, Dean of SHIFT.

    During the training, the role of practical training will increase significantly. The educational process will be built jointly with VK experts and other industrial partners of the School, while maintaining a strong academic base. As a result, students will receive a relevant set of skills and competencies, and bigtech will become a familiar environment for them.

    What specialties will SHIFT students master?

    SHIFT is five bachelor’s degree programs and the same number of master’s degree programs: four in IT and one in physics.

    Bachelor’s degree

    Applied data analysis and artificial intelligence Applied mathematics and informatics Computer technologies, systems and networks Programming and engineering of computer games Physics

    Master’s degree

    Machine learning and data analysis Design and development of high-load information systems UX analytics and information systems design Computational biology and bioinformatics Physics

    The flagship bachelor’s degree programs include new tracks: “Applied Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence” — RS (recommender systems), CV (computer vision), NLP (natural language processing), “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” — high-load systems, industrial programming, tool development. The tracks are available in the third and fourth years.

    The master’s programs include elective tracks: “Machine learning and data analysis” – ML, advanced ML, “Design and development of high-load information systems” – software architecture, systems engineering, development management.

    At the end of the second year of the bachelor’s degree, students choose one of three tracks to study. Each semester has two or three fixed courses, and they choose the same number as part of the variable program.

    In the Master’s program, students also master compulsory basic disciplines, and half of the curriculum consists of elective subjects.

    “The technologies, knowledge and practical experience that we give to students will be in demand, no matter how the trends in the IT industry change. We give them both a strong base that allows them to develop in different directions, and practical skills that can be applied for further development in other areas,” explains Mikhail Mukhin.

    How will VK participate in the training of SHIFT students?

    VK is involved in creating educational programs in the field of artificial intelligence: recommender systems, computer vision, NLP (natural language processing). Students will be able to learn from the company’s cases, prove themselves in group projects, receive advice from experts, and (importantly) receive personalized scholarships.

    “We have big plans with VK not only to transform existing educational programs, but also to open project workshops. This is an important strategic partnership with a focus on the challenges facing businesses,” Mikhail Mukhin shares.

    What partners does SHIFT have besides VK?

    SHIFT develops cooperation with industry leaders. Among the latest important events: in September 2024, the HSE in St. Petersburg launched the educational program “Computer Technologies, Systems and Networks” with YADRO. In September 2025, a program on computer game development will start with “Lesta Igra”. Among the School’s important partners are 1C, BIOCAD, Gazprom Neft, Yandex and others. Experts conduct specializations and special courses, and also provide relevant cases, projects and tasks on which students learn.

    How is SHIFT similar to an IT company?

    Studying at SHIFT will be closer to the realities of a real IT company. For this purpose, it is planned to use different formats and approaches.

    Balance between academic completeness and practical orientation. Programs are created together with IT companies, leading experts in their field, and projects are close to real tasks.

    Organization of educational processes. During training, the Continuous Integration and Continuous Education approaches will be used. That is, all the knowledge that students receive in lectures is immediately applied in classes or projects. We will also integrate the Agile approach into training – when regular meetings are held, plans and tasks are discussed. Managers, curators and program directors will regularly communicate with students, and senior students will become mentors for first-year students and adapt them to life at the faculty, help them get involved in the educational process.

    Technologies in education: remote access and online broadcasting of all classes. Thanks to the project management system, students will work in an IT infrastructure that meets bigtech. The LCMS system will provide convenient access to educational content.

    Training takes place on real business problems in various laboratories: in the Engineering and Mathematics School of the Higher School of Economics and VK, the Laboratory of the Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems YADRO, the 1C Project Center, the Laboratory of Bio- and Chemoinformatics, the HSE-Yandex Natural Language Laboratory, the Center for Machine Learning and Data Analysis, collaborating with Gazprom Neft, and the International Laboratory of Quantum Optoelectronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Where will SHIFT students study?

    SHIFT will occupy part of the space of the new building of the Saint Petersburg Higher School of Economics — the Rope Workshop on Vasilievsky Island, a five-minute walk from the metro station. High-quality coworking spaces and comfortable seminar rooms will be set up here. Students from the first year will be able not only to work on cases of leading bigtech companies, but also to immerse themselves in the corporate culture of partners in branded spaces.

    Who is expected at SHIFT?

    SHIFT identifies personal characteristics that will indicate that undergraduate programs are suitable for an applicant:

    desire not just to learn how to apply technologies, but to understand the principles underlying the technologies; desire to develop. Students will have to study hard, and also devote a lot of time to homework and independent work. You need to be ready to constantly develop and grow; desire to achieve super results. Readiness to perceive training at SHIFT not as a process, but as a project with a high result; personal responsibility. SHIFT, like an IT company, has its own corporate culture, which is built on mutual respect and responsibility to students and colleagues.

    Graduates from non-core fields are also welcome to apply for Master’s programs. The main requirement is the readiness to master a new subject area and have high-quality basic training in mathematics and programming. During the studies, adaptation disciplines are provided to make up for non-core bachelor’s degrees. So the main personal characteristic here is motivation.

    What does studying at SHIFT give you?

    SHIFT graduates will have many advantages and skills:

    a relevant set of knowledge and competencies that allow you to be in demand on the labor market and successful in your career. All programs are developed with the participation of the School’s industrial partners, primarily VK; practical work in the infrastructure of IT companies and in the project approach paradigm; relevant work experience in big tech: projects, teachers, mentors, internships; mastering fundamental disciplines – deep knowledge in mathematics and programming; networking. The best graduates apply for middle, middle positions and in a short time become leading experts in the strongest leading IT companies in the country.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 14 building plans approved in Jan

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Buildings Department approved 14 building plans in January – five on Hong Kong Island, three in Kowloon and six in the New Territories.

    Eight of the plans approved were for residential or residential-commercial developments, two were for commercial developments, one was for factory and industrial development, and three were for community service developments.

    Consent was given for works to start on five building projects. Combined, these will provide 25,433 sq m of gross floor area for domestic, and 206,432 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use.

    The department also received notification of commencement in relation to superstructure works for three building projects.

    Furthermore, it issued 16 occupation permits – four on Hong Kong Island, five in Kowloon and seven in the New Territories.

    The buildings certified for occupation comprise 85,225 sq m of gross floor area for domestic use, involving 1,886 units, and 23,398 sq m for non-domestic use.

    Meanwhile, the department received 2,551 reports about unauthorised building works in January and issued 422 removal orders.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Revised rules aim to boost China auto market

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s push to encourage the automotive industry is taking shape through measures including the expansion of trade-in policies, strengthening the used car market and easing purchasing restrictions, boosting confidence among automakers, dealers and consumers.

    An injection of long-term special treasury bonds amounting to 300 billion yuan ($41.4 billion) will be issued in 2025 to support the expansion of consumer goods trade-in programs, notably automobiles, which was outlined in an action plan revealed by the central government in mid-March.

    Compared to 2024’s 150 billion yuan in treasury bonds, it is expected to invigorate market activity, said Lang Xuehong, deputy secretary-general of the China Automobile Dealers Association.

    Driven by these trade-in policies, domestic passenger vehicle retail sales reached 22.89 million units in 2024, a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase, with rapid growth in new energy vehicles penetration.

    In early 2025, China expanded the scope of vehicle scrapping and replacement while improving subsidy standards for trade-ins. With new trade-in policies rolling out regionally, the China Passenger Car Association estimates that 5 million vehicles will be scrapped and 10 million vehicles will be replaced this year.

    Consequently, domestic car retail sales are projected to reach 23.4 million units, a 2 percent year-on-year increase, while NEV retail sales are expected to hit 13.3 million units, growing 20 percent to capture a 57 percent market share, the CPCA predicted.

    The auto consumption chain is set to be extended through pilot reforms in car distribution and an increased focus on the automotive aftermarket, encompassing car modifications, leasing and recreational vehicle camping.

    Lang noted that the action plan emphasizes service-oriented consumption, which aligns with the current state of the auto industry where car supply exceeds demand, yet the need for high-quality services remains unmet.

    While 4S stores still dominate China’s auto aftermarket, third-party brands are growing rapidly, said Xu Haidong, vice-chief engineer of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    As the market becomes more standardized and diverse in demand, the value of the auto aftermarket will increase, emerging as a key growth area for China’s auto industry, Xu added.

    The rising popularity of RV camping exemplifies this trend. However, challenges such as inadequate facilities, unstable water and electricity supply as well as insufficient sewerage at campsites hinder the development of this sector.

    Addressing these issues and improving infrastructure could significantly boost consumption and promote automotive culture in China.

    The used car market will also receive a boost through enhanced cross-regional transaction measures and the development of third-party platforms to assist secure and convenient trade, according to the action plan.

    According to CADA statistics, there were 19.61 million used cars transacted in 2024, a 6.52 percent year-on-year increase, with a total transaction value of 1.29 trillion yuan. Notably, the transaction volume of secondhand NEVs exceeded 1 million units for the first time, reaching 1.13 million units, an increase of 47.97 percent.

    Zhang Xiang, an auto industry researcher at the Beijing-based North China University of Technology, noted that China’s used car market is still small compared to Europe and the United States. Expanding this market could benefit both used and new car sales by increasing car turnover.

    He suggested establishing an industry database to collect information on each used car, allowing consumers to transparently purchase secondhand vehicles.

    It is noteworthy that the action plan mentioned reducing consumption limits and removing unreasonable restrictions to ensure that long-term non-plate households can purchase cars.

    Guosen Securities stated that gradually easing purchase restrictions will release new car demand, leading to sales growth, with first-time buyers creating an incremental market.

    A report by China Merchants Securities pointed out that relaxing these restrictions is a low-cost, quick-acting stimulus measure.

    Traffic expert Xu Kangming said that the lottery-based vehicle plate application was initially intended as a short-term measure. However, in some major cities it has lasted for over a decade. This policy is increasingly seen as unfair to households without cars and long-term non-plate applicants. As the number of vehicles grows, the restriction’s effectiveness in alleviating traffic congestion diminishes.

    In recent years, various regions have gradually eased car purchase restrictions. Except for Guizhou and Hainan provinces, which have lifted all restrictions on NEVs, cities such as Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Tianjin have relaxed limits by increasing quotas or optimizing rules.

    An expert noted that for megacities like Beijing and Shanghai, lifting all car purchase restrictions is unlikely. Given the severe traffic congestion, completely removing limits would worsen road conditions.

    According to the Ministry of Public Security, by the end of 2024, Beijing and Shanghai had more than 7 million and 5 million vehicles on their roads, respectively.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 4 key changes you may have missed in the new school funding agreement

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Wilson, Professor of Social Impact, University of Technology Sydney

    Queensland and the federal government have reached an agreement on school funding. This means all Australian states and territories are now signed up to new arrangements, which officially began at the start of 2025.

    The agreement follows more than a year of negotiations between the federal and state governments.

    The agreements mean government schools will receive 25% of funding from the federal government, up from 20%. Cash-strapped state and territory governments now only have to find 75% (down from 80%).

    In some good news for schools, it also means there is now a firm plan to “fully fund” public schools by 2034. This means they will get 100% of the funding recommended by the schooling resource standard (or school funding mechanism) – albeit more than a decade after it was first recommended by the Gonski review in 2011.

    Much of the debate about the agreements has understandably focused on the funding split between federal and state governments.

    But the agreements also tie vital funding for schools to specific targets and reforms for the next ten years. There is plenty of fine print.

    Here are four major changes we can expect to see in schools and classrooms around Australia.



    Read more:
    Underfunded? Overfunded? How school funding works in Australia

    1. A ‘unique’ identifier for all students

    The new agreement will see all students receive a “unique student identifier” as part of a national system.

    This is a number all students will have from the time they start school. It would follow them through school to tertiary education or any other further study or training.

    The idea was first agreed to by the former Council of Australian Governments in 2009 and is already in place for university and vocational education students.

    A long time in the planning, it was included in the last school funding agreement, which expired at the end of 2024, despite little progress.

    At the moment, education systems can easily lose track of students. For example, pre-COVID an estimated 50,000 children and young people were not officially tracked by education authorities.

    The identifier number means governments will be able to track students across school systems. For example, if they move from the public system to the private system. Or if they move states or begin homeschooling.

    The identifier will also provide a greater understanding of the pathways taken by young people after school and potentially make it easier to link senior high schooling with TAFE and other vocational studies.

    Introducing a bill to set up architecture for the indentifier last year, federal Education Minister Jason Clare said it would have “robust privacy measures”, including protection under the Privacy Act.



    Read more:
    NSW has finally struck a school funding deal. What does this mean for schools and students?

    2. A new numeracy check

    Along with rolling out a well-publicised national phonics check for Year 1 (which some states are already doing), the new agreements include a numeracy check for young students.

    While numeracy is checked as part of NAPLAN in Year 3, the test was not designed to provide diagnostic data on individual students.

    The new checks will be used to identify students and schools in need of extra support.

    So far, we have few details on the design or time frames. The checks may also need significant research and development to work effectively. But existing programs (such as in South Australia) show screening checks have the potential to provide better monitoring and resourcing for student needs.

    3. A review of how school funding is calculated

    The new agreement also flags two more significant reviews.

    One will be on the way school funding is calculated – the first review since the current system was devised in 2011.

    The schooling resource standard is an estimate of how much total public funding a school needs to meet its students’ educational needs.

    In 2025, the base rates are A$13,977 for primary students and $17,565 for high school students. On top of these, there are six loadings to provide extra funding for students and schools with additional needs. This includes students with disability, Indigenous students and students in remote areas.

    But as a 2023 Productivity Commission review noted, some individual students qualify under multiple categories, and “the effects can be compounding”. This means this level of disadvantage needs more understanding and policy adjustment.

    The review will examine the methodology behind the base rate and loadings. As part of this, it will hopefully look at transparency around school funding arrangements. The Australian National Audit Office identified this as an issue as far back as 2017.

    4. A review of how schools are measured

    There will also be a review of the national Measurement Framework for Schooling in Australia. This details key performance measures for schooling, such as attendance, NAPLAN results and school completion.

    This framework usually has just minor adjustments about every couple of years. But a more significant overhaul is now in the works, with states agreeing a review will look at “possible new and updated measures”.

    These could include indicators for students’ engagement and learning growth, as well as outcomes for students with disability and the teaching workforce.

    An improved national data set holds enormous potential for addressing educational challenges, like declining participation rates, school refusal and teacher shortages.

    Elsewhere in the new agreement, states and territories also agreed to “better understand” how socioeconomic diversity and school attendance are impacting student learning. This can be seen as high-level acknowledgement the current reporting mechanisms and data on students need to improve.

    Now we need to see progress

    The new schools agreement contains some promising new measures to improve outcomes for students and teachers. But we now need to see them implemented.

    As the Productivity Commission and National Audit Office have previously noted, just because something is included in a school funding agreement, does not necessarily mean it will happen on time or as planned.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. 4 key changes you may have missed in the new school funding agreement – https://theconversation.com/4-key-changes-you-may-have-missed-in-the-new-school-funding-agreement-252291

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Chief Unveils New Partnership with LALIGA FOUNDATION to Strengthen Migrant Integration in Peru

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Lima, 24 March 2025 – International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope concluded her first official visit to Peru last Friday, kicking off a strategic partnership between IOM Peru and the premier Spanish football league LALIGA FOUNDATION to promote social cohesion and healthy living among migrant and host community children and teens.

    “The integration of migrants here in Peru is not just a humanitarian effort, it is an opportunity to build stronger, more cohesive societies,” DG Pope said. “Sport unites people across cultures, and no sport is more global than soccer. Through this partnership we are creating spaces where young people – both migrants and Peruvians – can learn teamwork and leadership, as well as fostering connections that go beyond the game.”

    This collaboration, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), builds upon the achievements of El Balón No Tiene Fronteras (Soccer Has No Borders), a similar programme implemented by IOM in Peru since 2019, which reached over 1,600 children and youth across Peru, fostering social inclusion and strengthening community ties.

    Through soccer clinics, leadership workshops, and community-building events, LALIGA’s coaches will work directly with students and local leaders to promote key values such as respect, sportsmanship, and solidarity. IOM will collaborate closely with the national Ministry of Education to ensure this initiative’s sustainability and broad impact across public schools in Lima with a significant number of migrant students.

    During her visit, DG Pope held meetings with President Dina Boluarte and the Prime Minister, Gustavo Adrianzén, and participated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to boost joint efforts to enhance national development through programmes that support migrants in Peru, Peruvians abroad, and Peruvians returning home.

    DG Pope also met with government officials, donors, private sector representatives, and UN partners; and visited the Central Orientation and Assistance Point (PAO), an IOM-supported site in southern Lima where over 7,000 migrants have received information on basic services and access to documentation, primary health care, and psychosocial support since August 2024.

    For more information, please contact:  

    In Peru: Leesly León, leleon@iom.int  

    In Panama: Jorge Gallo, jgallo@iom.int  

    In Geneva: Daniela Rovina, drovina@iom.int  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: KALLELSE TILL ÅRSSTÄMMA I SERSTECH AB

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aktieägarna i Serstech AB (publ) kallas till årsstämma onsdagen den 23 april 2025 klockan 13.00 på bolagets kontor, Åldermansgatan 13 i Lund.

    Anmälan
    Aktieägare som önskar delta i stämman ska dels vara införd i den av Euroclear Sweden AB förda aktieboken avseende förhållandena fredagen den 11 april 2025, dels anmäla sitt deltagande till bolaget senast tisdagen den 15 april 2025.

    Aktieägare som låtit förvaltarregistrera sina aktier måste, förutom att anmäla sig till stämman, genom förvaltarens försorg låta inregistrera sina aktier i eget namn för att ha rätt att delta i årsstämman, så att aktieägaren blir upptagen i framställningen av aktieboken per fredagen den 11 april 2025. Sådan registrering kan vara tillfällig (s.k. rösträttsregistrering) och begärs hos förvaltaren enligt förvaltarens rutiner i sådan tid i förväg som förvaltaren bestämmer. Rösträttsregistrering som har gjorts senast tisdagen den 15 april 2025 kommer att beaktas vid framställningen av aktieboken.

    Anmälan om deltagande i stämman kan ske skriftligen till Serstech AB (publ), att: Thomas Pileby, Åldermansgatan 13, 227 64 Lund, via e-post till tp@serstech.com eller per telefon 0702-072643. Vid anmälan ska anges namn, person- eller organisationsnummer, adress och telefonnummer, antal aktier samt, i förekommande fall, det antal biträden (högst två) som avses medföras vid stämman.

    För aktieägare som företräds av ombud ska fullmakt översändas tillsammans med anmälan. Fullmakt ska vara skriftlig, daterad och underskriven. Fullmakt i original ska medtas till årsstämman. Den som företräder juridisk person ska även bifoga kopia av registreringsbevis eller motsvarande behörighetshandlingar som utvisar behöriga firmatecknare. Fullmaktsformulär finns tillgängligt på www.serstech.com och kan även beställas från bolaget.

    FÖRESLAGEN DAGORDNING

    1. Stämmans öppnande
    2. Val av ordförande vid stämman
    3. Upprättande och godkännande av röstlängd
    4. Godkännande av dagordning
    5. Val av en eller två protokolljusterare
    6. Prövning av om stämman blivit behörigen sammankallad
    7. Framläggande av årsredovisning och revisionsberättelse
    8. Beslut om

    a)    fastställande av resultaträkning och balansräkning
    b)    dispositioner beträffande resultatet enligt den fastställda balansräkningen
    c)    ansvarsfrihet åt styrelseledamöter och verkställande direktör

    1. Fastställande av antalet styrelseledamöter och revisorer
    2. Fastställande av styrelse- och revisorsarvoden
    3. Val av styrelseledamöter och revisorer
    4. Styrelsens förslag till beslut om införande av nytt långsiktigt incitamentsprogram
    5. Stämmans avslutande

    BESLUTSFÖRSLAG

    Resultatdisposition (punkt 8b)

    Styrelsen föreslår att ingen utdelning lämnas samt att bolagets ansamlade medel överförs i ny räkning.

    Valberedningens förslag till styrelse m.m. (punkt 2 och 9 – 11)

    Valberedningen, som består av Bengt Myhrman (ordförande) samt ledamöterna Mathis Nimlin och Jens Munch föreslår följande:

    Antal styrelseledamöter och suppleanter: Sex styrelseledamöter utan suppleanter.
    Antal revisorer och revisorssuppleanter: En revisor utan suppleanter.
    Styrelsearvode: 1.117.200 kronor för tiden intill slutet av nästa årsstämma, med följande fördelning: 4 prisbasbelopp (ett prisbasbleopp för 2025 motsvarar 58.800 kronor) till styrelseordföranden och 3 prisbasbelopp vardera till övriga styrelseledamöter.
    Revisorsarvode: Enligt godkänd räkning inom ramen för offert.
    Styrelse m.m.: Omval av Thomas Pileby (ordförande), Sverker Göranson, Märta Lewander Xu, Arve Nilsson och Christer Kjellkvist, samt nyval av Emelie Agnedal för tiden intill slutet av nästa årsstämma.
    Revisor: Omval av revisionsbolaget Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB, med huvudansvarig revisor Cecilia Andrén Dorselius.

    Emelie Agnedal, född 1983, bosatt i Sverige och svensk medborgare, har en Master of Science i Engineering Physics från Uppsala universitet. Emelie är sedan 2024 Global Director of Business Development (affärsutvecklingschef) på MilDef Group AB med fokus på strategiska samarbeten och M&A. Till tidigare roller på MilDef hör Director of Business Development Nordics och Head of Sales på MilDef Sweden (2022 – 2024). Innan MilDef arbetade Emelie under åtta års tid på Försvarets Materielverk (FMV) där hon ledde stora projekt innefattandes upphandling av försvarssystem samt deltagande i internationella arbetsgrupper inom NATO och andra försvarssamarbeten. Innan FMV arbetade Emelie under sex års tid på AFRY som teknisk konsult med analysuppdrag för olika myndigheter såsom FMV, Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap samt Post- och telestyrelsen. Emelie Agnedal äger inga aktier i Serstech.

    Information om de till omval föreslagna styrelseledamöterna finns i bolagets årsredovisning och på bolagets hemsida, www.serstech.com.

    Styrelsens förslag till beslut om införande av nytt långsiktigt incitamentsprogram (punkt 12)

    Styrelsen föreslår att årsstämman beslutar om införande av ett nytt långsiktigt incitamentsprogram för anställda i koncernen genom utgivande av teckningsoptioner samt godkännande av vidareöverlåtelse därav (”Programmet”) i enlighet med nedan. Besluten under den här punkten är villkorade av varandra och föreslås därför antas som ett beslut.

    Utgivande av teckningsoptioner (punkt 12 (a))
    Styrelsen föreslår att årsstämman, med avvikelse från aktieägarnas företrädesrätt, beslutar om utgivande av högst 3.000.000 teckningsoptioner av serie 2025/2028, till följd varav bolagets aktiekapital kan komma att öka med högst cirka 87.083 kronor.

    Rätt att teckna teckningsoptionerna ska, med avvikelse från aktieägarnas företrädesrätt, endast tillkomma bolagets helägda dotterbolag Serstech Förvaltning AB, för vidareöverlåtelse enligt nedan. Teckning av teckningsoptioner ska ske på teckningslista senast den 29 april 2025. Teckningsoptionerna ska ges ut vederlagsfritt till dotterbolaget.

    Varje teckningsoption ger rätt att under perioden 1 – 10 juni 2028 teckna en ny aktie i bolaget till en teckningskurs som ska fastställas till 160 % av den volymvägda genomsnittliga betalkursen för aktier i Serstech AB på Nasdaq First North Growth Market under tiden från och med den 2 maj 2025 till och med den 15 maj 2025, dock lägst kvotvärdet. Den sålunda framräknade teckningskursen ska avrundas till närmaste helt öre, varvid 0,5 öre skall avrundas nedåt. De nya aktierna ska ge rätt till vinstutdelning första gången på den avstämningsdag för utdelning som infaller närmast efter det att de nya aktierna införts i bolagets aktiebok.

    Godkännande om överlåtelse av teckningsoptioner (punkt 12 (b))
    För att möjliggöra bolagets leverans av teckningsoptioner enligt Programmet föreslår styrelsen att årsstämman beslutar att godkänna att teckningsoptionerna som ges ut i enlighet med punkt 12(a) ovan, direkt eller indirekt, får överlåtas av Serstech Förvaltning AB, i enlighet med styrelsens instruktioner, till anställda i koncernen. Sådan överlåtelse ska i Sverige ske mot betalning motsvarande teckningsoptionernas teoretiska marknadsvärde vid överlåtelsetillfället, beräknat enligt Black & Scholes värderingsmodell för optioner, och vid eventuell överlåtelse i utlandet i enlighet med sedvanliga villkor för optionserbjudande till mottagare i respektive land.

    Förtydligande om tilldelning
    Programmet omfattar högst cirka 25 personer. Teckningsoptionerna ska tilldelas enligt nedanstående principer.

    Kategori Maximalt antal optioner per person/kategori
    Verkställande direktör (1 person) 500.000
    Nyckelpersoner A (3 personer) 300.000 / 900.000
    Nyckelpersoner B (3 personer) 200.000 / 600.000
    Övriga anställda (19 personer) 100.000 / 1.000.000
    Totalt 3.000.000

    För det fall anställda önskar förvärva ett större antal teckningsoptioner än det antal som anges ovan, ska tilldelning av teckningsoptioner, som inte förvärvats av annan inom ramen för emissionens högsta belopp, göras i förhållande till antalet teckningsoptioner som relevanta deltagare önskar förvärva.

    Teckningsoptioner som inte överlåts vid det inledande erbjudandet eller som därefter återköps får överlåtas till framtida anställda eller anställda som har befordrats, varvid ovan angivna riktlinjer för tilldelning ska tillämpas. Vid sådan tilldelning ska ny beräkning av teckningsoptionernas marknadsvärde, som ska erläggas av deltagare, ske.

    Beredning av och motiv för förslaget mm.
    Programmet har utarbetats av bolagets styrelse i samråd med externa rådgivare och baseras på de incitamentsprogram i bolaget som tidigare har antagits. Motiven för förslaget och skälen till avvikelsen från aktieägarnas företrädesrätt är att bolaget bedömer att det är positivt för bolagets långsiktiga utveckling att nyanställda i koncernen erbjuds möjlighet till delägande genom ett incitamentsprogram. Styrelsen anser att det ligger i samtliga aktieägares intresse att bolagets anställda har ett långsiktigt intresse av en god värdeutveckling på aktien i bolaget.

    Styrelsen för Serstech ansvarar för den närmare utformningen av villkoren för Programmet, inom ramen för de ovan angivna villkoren. I samband därmed ska styrelsen ha rätt att göra anpassningar för att uppfylla särskilda regler eller marknadsförutsättningar utomlands, inklusive att besluta om kontant- eller annan avräkning för det fall det anses fördelaktigt för bolaget och deltagaren baserat på utländska skatteregler.

    Utspädning
    Vid fullt utnyttjande av teckningsoptionerna på vid beslutstillfället gällande villkor kan antalet aktier och röster i bolaget öka med högst 3.000.000, vilket motsvarar cirka 1,17 procent av antalet aktier och röster i bolaget. Utspädningseffekten har beräknats som antalet tillkommande aktier och röster vid fullt utnyttjande i förhållande till antalet aktier och röster efter fullt utnyttjande. Det finns idag 8.000.000 teckningsoptioner av serie 2023/2026 som löper till 1 – 10 juli 2026. För det fall teckningsoptioner av serie 2023/2026 inluderas i beräkningen uppgår den motsvarande maximala utspädningen till cirka 4,15 procent av antalet aktier och röster.

    Påverkan på nyckeltal och kostnader för bolaget m.m.
    Eftersom Programmet baseras på teckningsoptioner, vilka vid utnyttjandet medför en utspädning av aktiekapitalet, innebär Programmet inte några kostnader för bolaget utöver för eget arbete och externa rådgivare i samband med genomförandet. För det fall styrelsen gör anpassningar av programmet för utländska deltagare, såsom att besluta om kontantavräkning, kommer programmets utfall att påverka bolagets resultat i form av ökade personalkostnader.

    S.k. optionsavtal ska träffas enligt vilka varje optionsinnehavare, under vissa förutsättningar, ska vara förpliktad att erbjuda bolaget eller Serstech Förvaltning AB att förvärva teckningsoptionerna, eller viss del av dessa.

    Enligt en preliminär värdering motsvarar teckningsoptionernas marknadsvärde cirka 0,25 öre per teckningsoption, beräknat enligt Black & Scholes värderingsmodell för optioner.

    Majoritetskrav
    Beslut i enlighet med styrelsens förslag, innefattande även godkännande av Serstech Förvaltning AB:s vidareöverlåtelse av teckningsoptioner till anställda i koncernen enligt ovan, är giltigt endast om det biträds av aktieägare med minst nio tiondelar av såväl de avgivna rösterna som de aktier som är företrädda vid bolagsstämman.

    Övriga incitamentsprogram
    För en beskrivning av Serstechs övriga aktierelaterade incitamentsprogram hänvisas till Serstechs hemsida, www.serstech.com.

    __________________

    Årsredovisning och fullständigt beslutsunderlag kommer att hållas tillgängliga hos bolaget och på bolagets hemsida, www.serstech.com, senast tre veckor före stämman och sänds med post till aktieägare som så begär och uppger sin postadress. Kopior kommer även att delas ut vid stämman.

    Aktieägarna erinras om sin rätt att begära upplysningar enligt 7 kap 32 § aktiebolagslagen.

    Behandling av personuppgifter
    För information om hur dina personuppgifter behandlas hänvisas till den integritetspolicy som finns tillgänglig på Euroclears hemsida www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Integritetspolicy-bolagsstammor-svenska.pdf. Om du har frågor avseende vår personuppgiftsbehandling kan du vända dig till oss via e-post på info@serstech.com. Serstech AB (publ) har organisationsnummer 556713-9893 och säte i Lund.

    Lund i mars 2025
    Styrelsen för Serstech AB (publ)

    För mer information:
    Stefan Sandor, VD Serstech AB
    Telefon: 0739-60 60 67
    E-post: ss@serstech.com
    eller
    Thomas Pileby, Styrelseordförande Serstech AB
    Telefon: 0702-07 26 43
    E-post: tp@serstech.com
    eller besök: www.serstech.com
    Certified advisor åt Serstech är Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning AB (SKMG).
    Om Serstech
    Serstech utvecklare och säljer utrustning för identifiering av farliga kemikalier, såsom narkotika, bomber och kemiska stridsmedel. Bolagets kunder är huvudsakligen rättsvårdande myndigheter och inkluderar FN, Världstullorganisationen (WCO) och tull- och polismyndigheter över hela världen. Serstech har återförsäljare i 63 länder. Bolaget har huvudkontor i Lund och all tillverkning sker i Sverige.
    Serstech är listat på Nasdaq First North Growth Market. Mer information finns på www.serstech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bringing fiber to the next billion homes: Nokia automates fiber deployments with Broadband Easy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Bringing fiber to the next billion homes: Nokia automates fiber deployments with Broadband Easy

    • Nokia Broadband Easy digital platform and services accelerate fiber rollouts by 20%.
    • Advanced automation and AI models make fiber buildouts better and more efficient.
    • Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of fiber deployments enables broadband providers to extend coverage to unconnected and underserved communities.

    24 March 2025
    Amsterdam, Netherlands – Nokia today announced the launch of Broadband Easy, a digital platform and set of services that help operators streamline and accelerate the process of deploying fiber. The digital platform gives operators full visibility and control of the entire fiber rollout process, while advanced automation and AI models help ensure design, installations, and budget of the project are optimized.   
      
    The challenge for many operators will be rolling out fiber to the next billion homes in rural or underserved areas. Those that can digitalize the fiber rollout process are more likely to see a better return, and according to McKinsey can achieve 10 to 25 percent savings through efficiencies in the process, automation and AI technologies1.  

    Nokia’s Broadband Easy allows operators to digitalize the fiber deployment process, providing a modular platform that easily integrates into the existing IT stack. Operators can use Broadband Easy to centrally manage the fiber deployment process, control the subcontractors and mitigate risks. Additional automation features help to optimize design and field activities by real time data exchange, certifying the fiber plant, and generating accurate inventory data. Broadband Easy also uses AI models to increase the quality of field installations, using AI to verify and accept the installation of components, to control ports allocated to subscribers, and provide on-site training and guidance to field technicians

    Nokia design and rollout management services can help those operators that want to further offload their fiber roll out process. Broadband Easy supports the operators preferred outside plant vendors or subcontractors and comes pre-integrated with Nokia Altiplano Access Controller and Nokia Design Center.

    “The Nokia Broadband Easy platform leverages advanced AI to help operators tackle key FTTH deployment challenges, especially subcontractor management and fiber network certification. This tool will help to accelerate FTTH rollouts, with 74 million homes still to be connected across Europe,” said Roland Montagne, Principal Analyst, IDATE.

    “With Broadband Easy, we’re making fiber deployment easier, faster, and more cost-effective for operators. By combining our deep expertise in fiber network design and deployment with cutting-edge automation and AI, we’re helping operators significantly cut costs and rollout times—making high-speed internet access a reality for more communities, sooner,” said Sandy Motley, President of Fixed Networks at Nokia.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news 
    Product Page: Broadband Easy

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation. 

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    1. McKinsey & Company: “The keys to deploying fiber networks faster and cheaper,” February 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Chief’s Visit to Guatemala Highlights Urgent Needs for People Returning Home

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Guatemala City, 14 March 2025 – Amid a sharp increase in southbound migration, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope visited Guatemala this week to reaffirm IOM’s commitment to supporting people caught in crisis, providing life-saving humanitarian assistance, and advancing sustainable solutions that ensure people can build a future back home.

    During this first official visit to Guatemala, DG Pope met with President Bernardo Arévalo and Vice President Karin Herrera to discuss migration management, regional cooperation, and support for Guatemalan returnees in line with the Guatemalan government’s National Return Home Plan (Plan Retorno al Hogar). These discussions underscored the critical role of coordinated efforts in addressing migration challenges and ensuring returning migrants receive the assistance they need to reintegrate with dignity.

    “More people are returning home, often under incredibly difficult circumstances,” said DG Pope. “IOM is committed to ensuring that return is safe and dignified while strengthening the conditions that allow people to build a future where they are. That’s why IOM is working closely with the Guatemalan government and other partners to make sure that returning home isn’t just a moment—it’s the start of something better.”

    In recent weeks, southbound migration has surged, with 65% of migrants recorded on irregular routes in Guatemala traveling south. Many face extreme hardship, requiring urgent humanitarian assistance, reintegration support, and safe return options. IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) programs are playing a critical role in supporting this shift, facilitating safe returns from key transit points and responding to emerging migration routes through the Guna Yala territory.

    Through partnerships with governments, donors, and the private sector, IOM remains committed to meeting the urgent needs of people on the move while advancing long-term solutions that address the root causes of migration and promote stability.

    For more information, please contact:
     

    In Guatemala: Melisa Kljuca, mkljuca@iom.int 
    In Panamá: Jorge Gallo,     jgallo@iom.int
    In Geneva: Daniela Rovina, drovina@iom.int

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Another tranche of proposed financial advice changes lands

    Source: Allens Insights (legal sector)

    The QAR recommended that superannuation fund trustees should be able to provide personal advice to their members about their interests in the fund, taking into account the member’s personal circumstances, including their family situation and social security entitlements if that is relevant to the advice. The review also recommended removing the restrictions on collective charging of fees.

    In its response, the Government said it would clarify the topics for which superannuation funds can charge for advice and the circumstances they can consider in providing advice about a member’s interest in the fund, and to allow collective charging for advice on these topics. The Bill amends section 99F of the SIS Act to enable regulations to be made to specify circumstances in which advice will be taken to relate to the member’s interest in the fund.

    The ‘Advice through superannuation’ document released with the draft Bill sets out proposed permitted advice topics (superannuation contributions, investment options, insurance held through superannuation, and retirement income), and permitted circumstances that may be taken into account in giving advice (household cashflow and income, household assets outside super, financial position of spouse, household debts and liabilities, and eligibility for government benefits). It also lists proposed ‘disallowed topics’ that are taken not to relate to the member’s interest in the fund (purchase or disposal of assets held outside super, ‘holistic financial planning’ and estate and tax planning).

    The proposed rules broadly align with the existing position under the law, although having the topics specified in regulations might give trustees more confidence about giving intra-fund advice.

    however, as is the case now, the intra-fund advice rules will continue to be a prohibition, not permission, and they will continue not to provide any relief from other obligations. Therefore, trustees will also need to continue to comply with the other charging rules, the best financial interests duty, the sole purpose test and the requirement to allocate costs in a fair and reasonable manner across members.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM tells councils to prove action on pothole plague to unlock extra cash and reveals £4.8 billion for major roads

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    PM tells councils to prove action on pothole plague to unlock extra cash and reveals £4.8 billion for major roads

    The Plan for Change is tackling the pothole plague, building vital roads and ensuring every penny is delivering results for the taxpayer.

    • £1.6 billion investment to tackle scourge of potholes to be delivered to councils from next month as PM tells councils to put cash to use
    • for the first time every council in England must publish how many potholes they’ve filled or lose road cash
    • local authorities that comply will receive their full share of the £500 million roads pot – enough to fill the equivalent of 7 million potholes a year, as part of the government’s Plan for Change
    • government also announces £4.8 billion for 25/26 for motorways and major A-roads including economy boosting road schemes on the A47 and M3

    The public will now see exactly what’s being done to tackle potholes, as the government demands councils prove their progress or face losing cash. 

    From mid-April, local authorities in England will start to receive their share of the government’s record £1.6 billion highway maintenance funding, including an extra £500 million – enough to fill 7 million potholes a year. 

    But to get the full amount, all councils in England must from today (24 March 2025) publish annual progress reports and prove public confidence in their work. Local authorities who fail to meet these strict conditions will see 25% of the uplift (£125 millionm in total) withheld.

    Also today, the Transport Secretary has unveiled £4.8 billion funding for 2025/6 for National Highways to deliver critical road schemes and maintain motorways and major A-roads.

    This cash will mean getting on with pivotal schemes in construction, such as the A428 Black Cat scheme in Cambridgeshire, and starting vital improvements to the A47 around Norwich and M3 J9 scheme in Hampshire, building thousands of new homes, creating high-paid jobs, connecting ports and airports, to grow the economy and deliver the Plan for Change.  

    It comes as figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of 6 potholes per mile in England and Wales, and pothole damage to cars costs an average £600 to fix. According to the AA, fixing potholes is a priority for 96% of drivers. 

    This government is delivering its Plan for Change to rebuild Britain and deliver national renewal through investment in our vital infrastructure which will drive growth and put more money in working people’s pockets by saving them costs on repairs.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The broken roads we inherited are not only risking lives but also cost working families, drivers and businesses hundreds – if not thousands of pounds – in avoidable vehicle repairs. Fixing the basic infrastructure this country relies on is central to delivering national renewal, improving living standards and securing Britain’s future through our Plan for Change.

    Not only are we investing an additional £4.8 billion to deliver vital road schemes and maintain major roads across the country to get Britain moving, next month we start handing councils a record £1.6 billion to repair roads and fill millions of potholes across the country.

    British people are bored of seeing their politicians aimlessly pointing at potholes with no real plan to fix them. That ends with us. We’ve done our part by handing councils the cash and certainty they need – now it’s up to them to get on with the job, put that money to use and prove they’re delivering for their communities.

    The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: 

    After years of neglect we’re tackling the pothole plague, building vital roads and ensuring every penny is delivering results for the taxpayer.

    The public deserves to know how their councils are improving their local roads, which is why they will have to show progress or risk losing 25% of their £500 million funding boost. 

    Our Plan for Change is reversing a decade of decline and mending our pothole-ridden roads which damage cars and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe.

    To ensure councils are taking action, they must now publish reports on their websites by 30 June 2025, detailing how much they are spending, how many potholes they have filled, what percentage of their roads are in what condition, and how they are minimising streetworks disruption.

    They will also be required to show how they are spending more on long-term preventative maintenance programmes and that they have robust plans for the wetter winters the country is experiencing – making potholes worse. 

    By the end of October, councils must also show they are ensuring communities have their say on what work they should be doing, and where. The public can also help battle back against pothole ridden roads by reporting them to their local council, via a dedicated online portal. 

    To further protect motorists given continued cost-of-living pressures and potential fuel price volatility amid global uncertainty, the government has frozen fuel duty at current levels for another year to support hardworking families and businesses, saving the average car driver £59.  

    Edmund King, AA president and member of the Pothole Partnership, said:  

    Getting councils to show value for money before getting full funding is a big step in the right direction, as it will encourage a more concerted attack on the plague of potholes. At the same time, local authorities can share best practice, so others can learn what new innovations and planned maintenance techniques have worked for them.

    The £4.8 billion for National Highways will protect the country’s strategic road network, which provides critical routes and connections across the country for people, businesses and freight to help drive for growth as part of Plan for Change.

    The £4.8 billion includes a record £1.3 billion investment to keep this vital network in good repair, so the network remains fit for the future, and £1.8 billion for National Highways’ daily operations that are critical to ensuring the network runs safely and smoothly for millions of people and businesses that rely on it every day. As well as £1.3 billion for essential improvement schemes to unlock growth and housing.  

    Since entering office, the government has approved over £200 million for the A47 Thickthorn Junction, and £290 million for M3 Junction 9 plus £90 million for local road schemes like the A130 Fairglen Interchange, the South-East Aylesbury Link Road, the A350 Chippenham Bypass, the A647 scheme in Leeds. This is a total of over £580 million for schemes to get Britain moving.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Mitsubishi Corporation & Alt Carbon sign agreement to scale carbon removal in South Asia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Partnership agreement to scale carbon removal through a breakthrough Enhanced Rock Weathering tech process.
    • Alt Carbon to generate high-quality, durable Carbon Removal (CDR) credits.

    LONDON, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), and Alt Carbon, a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) company, announced a partnership agreement to scale the removal of carbon dioxide in South Asia. The agreement between the two parties will generate high quality, durable, carbon removal tons that have been created through a breakthrough Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) tech process.

    “Removal of carbon dioxide is critical to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. With Alt Carbon, we have a formidable partner with highly innovative technology in a breakthrough Enhanced Rock Weathering process that locks carbon in the ocean sink. From removing carbon, helping local farmers, and stringent testing measures to generate CDR credits, Alt Carbon is uniquely positioned to capture the ERW market. MC’s commitment to decarbonization is unwavering and reflects our dedication to a sustainable future, as we scale the CDR industry through our collaboration with Alt Carbon in ERW,” said Tadashi Sawamura, GM, Carbon Management Dept., Mitsubishi Corporation.

    Alt Carbon deploys a process called ERW that takes crushed basalt rock and spreads it on large swathes of agricultural land. The rock’s natural reaction with rainwater pulls the CO2 from the air & stores it in the soil, thereby improving crop yields. This dissolved inorganic carbon ultimately reaches the ocean via river networks and remains locked in the ocean for 10,000+ years. 

    ERW is one of the novel techniques for Carbon Removal (CDR) that has been advocated by the The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a critical tool for reaching Net Zero by 2050. Alt Carbon is tapping into the increased demand for high quality, durable, traceable, carbon removal projects – and it’s operating in a growing market. Alt Carbon’s in-house MRV, team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and the Darjeeling-Climate Action Lab (D-CAL) make it one of the leading carbon removal companies in the Global South, ideally placed to remove CO2 at a gigaton scale.

    “Having an institution like Mitsubishi Corporation recognise and support our efforts entrenches our belief in the science and technology behind ERW for carbon removal. In 15 months, we have rigorously tested and modelled our operations and technology in the single pursuit of removing carbon dioxide. This is just the first step, but it feels like a giant leap as MC partners with us to make India a hub for carbon removal,” said Co-founder & CEO Shrey Agarwal, Alt Carbon. 

    Alt Carbon is the first Indian headquartered company to receive a prepurchase agreement from Frontier, an Advance Market Commitment to purchase $1+ billion of permanent carbon removal by 2030. As part of this agreement, Alt Carbon received $500,000 for the purchase of high quality, durable carbon removal tons that have been generated through the Enhanced Rock Weathering process. The participating buyers included Stripe, Shopify, Alphabet, Meta and Watershed (on behalf of Match). Alt Carbon also became the first ERW company globally to receive an offtake agreement from the South Pole & Mitsubishi-led NextGen buyer’s coalition.   

    In order to meaningfully undertake climate action, we require gigaton level projects — i.e. projects that have a shot at removing 1 billion tons of CO2 every year. Alt Carbon is targeting reaching up to 500,000 hectares of land in North East India’s tea belt by 2030, as part of the Darjeeling Revival Project, removing upwards of 5 million tonnes of CO2 every year. Beyond that, the company aims to scale up its operations in South Asia to further work towards its goal of removing 1 billion tons of CO2, each and every year. 

    Notes to the editor
    Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the Alt Carbon press office: Adithya Venkatesan on adithya@alt-carbon.com or +91 94811 74420

    About Alt Carbon
    Alt Carbon is a co2 Removal (cdr) company based out of India transforming Darjeeling’s struggling tea industry from being at-risk from the effects of climate change, to becoming pioneers for climate action. Alt Carbon is on a mission to capture vast amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. Its ambitious goal is to remove 5M MT of CO2 by 2030, with the ultimate aim of reaching a billion tons – for good. For more information please visit https://www.alt-carbon.com/ or follow via LinkedIn. 

    Media Contact:

    Name: Adithya Venkatesan

    Company Name: Alt Carbon

    Designation: Head of Brand

    Email Address: adithya@alt-carbon.com

    Website Link: https://www.alt-carbon.com/

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Alt Carbon. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8f7c1b5-2498-42d7-9535-fd8d0fce67fd

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tony Juniper CBE reappointed to continue protecting nature and boosting growth as Natural England Chair

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Tony Juniper CBE reappointed to continue protecting nature and boosting growth as Natural England Chair

    His reappointment comes as Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, is rewiring and reforming Defra and its arm’s-length bodies to unlock growth under the Plan for Change

    Tony Juniper CBE (Photo credit: Jason Bye)

    The Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has today (Monday 24 March) confirmed that Tony Juniper CBE has been reappointed as Chair of Natural England for a third term.

    Tony’s continued leadership comes as Mr. Reed is rewiring Defra and its arm’s-length bodies to embark on an ambitious programme of reforming regulation and delivery to unleash economic growth across the country, with Natural England playing a major role.

    Planning reforms and a new Nature Restoration Fund under the Secretary of State’s leadership will unblock much needed housing and development whilst supporting nature recovery at scale. It will help developers meet their environmental obligations more efficiently, making it easier to build vital infrastructure like wind farms, railways and roads, gigafactories and data centres.

    Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper said:

    “It is truly an honour to be reappointed Chair of Natural England. Our role in protecting and restoring the natural environment is vital for the country’s economy, health and security and I am looking forward to two more years supporting government in delivering Nature-positive change.

    “From creating the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves and the King Charles III England Coast Path, launching 12 new landscape-scale Nature Recovery Projects and bringing the iconic beaver back to Britain’s waterways, our work over the past six years is helping turn the tide toward Nature’s recovery.

    “I’m immensely proud of the Natural England team and excited to lead the organisation as we ensure development, growth and nature restoration go forward hand-in-hand – delivering a brighter future for everyone.”

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:

    “Tony brings a wealth of passion, experience and expertise to the role, which we will need more than ever as we grow the economy and restore our natural world. 

    “Tony and I are fully committed to infrastructure, to housing, to growth. 

    “Our reforms will fast-track development to boost economic growth while funding large-scale environmental improvements across whole landscapes as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.”

    First appointed in 2019, Tony Juniper will become the longest serving chair of Natural England, the government’s statutory adviser on nature. He will continue in the role for two years from 23 April 2025 to 22 April 2027. 

    Natural England is working with the government to deliver the shared ambition to grow nature and the economy for the benefit of everybody. This includes ensuring guidance is fit for purpose and moving toward better strategic planning to secure environmental improvements while development takes place.

    Nature in Britain is in decline. That is why this Government has launched a rapid review to deliver on our legally binding environment targets, including halting the decline of species by 2030. Under his extended chairmanship, Tony will be at the forefront of the Government’s drive to meet these targets.

    Tony Juniper’s reappointment has been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.

    There is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if significant) to be made public. Tony has declared that he has not taken part in any significant political activity in the past five years.

    Tony Juniper biography

    • Tony Juniper CBE has been Chair of Natural England since 2019.
    • Prior to joining Natural England, Tony was Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at WWF-UK and President of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.
    • He is a Fellow of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and former advisor to the Prince of Wales (now King Charles).
    • He began his career as an ornithologist, working with Birdlife International and for many years worked with Friends of the Earth, most recently as Executive Director and Vice Chair of Friends of the Earth International.
    • He is a prolific author publishing many books, including ‘Just Earth: How a Fairer World Will Save the Planet’ and the multi-award-winning bestseller ‘What has Nature ever done for us?’
    • In 2017, Tony was recognised for his services to conservation with a CBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.

    Natural England

    • Natural England is the government’s statutory adviser for the natural environment in England.
    • Natural England’s purpose is to help conserve, enhance and manage the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s court holds 2nd preparatory hearing of President Yoon’s criminal trial

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South Korea’s court on Monday held the second preparatory hearing of the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol’s criminal trial.

    The second preliminary hearing was held at a courtroom of the Seoul Central District Court around 10:00 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) to clarify the main disputes and evidence.

    Yoon was absent from the hearing after attending the first one on Feb. 20. The first formal hearing was scheduled for April 14.

    Finance and foreign ministers will be questioned during the first formal hearing, as witnesses at the request of the prosecution.

    Yoon was released on March 8 as the prosecution decided not to appeal against a court’s release approval.

    The Seoul Central District Court approved the release of the arrested president, accepting Yoon’s request to cancel his detention that was made by his legal team on Feb. 4.

    Yoon was apprehended in the presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested and prosecuted.

    Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.

    A motion to impeach Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, and since then the constitutional court has held 11 hearings on Yoon’s impeachment. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China urges loosening car quota rules

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    As part of broader efforts to stimulate domestic demand, China has called on cities to further refine their automobile quota systems to better accommodate households without cars of their own, following a series of favorable policies rolled out across the world’s largest auto market.

    The country on March 16 made public a plan on special initiatives to increase consumption. This plan, issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council, calls for shifting auto consumption policies from “purchased-based controls” to “usage-based regulation” and ensuring car ownership eligibility for families that have been unsuccessful after long waits as part of the car lottery system.

    Metropolises in China, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, have long placed ceilings on car purchases by adopting car lottery systems to combat traffic jams and air pollution, while in recent years, local governments in these and other cities have been introducing new policies to meet increasing demand and raise the quota of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in the car license quota allocation process.

    In January this year, Beijing’s transport authorities announced that 100,000 passenger car license quotas would be allocated in the Chinese capital in 2025 — 80,000 of which will be for NEVs.

    Notably, Beijing will this year also issue an additional 40,000 NEV license quotas aimed specifically at households with no cars of their own. This selection will be based on a point-based ranking system, rewarding those who have been waiting for a long time and prioritizing fairness.

    Similarly, Tianjin Municipality in north China released 30,000 quotas for carless households in 2024, while Hangzhou, a tech hub in China’s eastern Zhejiang Province, has relaxed its eligibility criteria to allow individuals who have applied unsuccessfully at least 48 times to receive alternative car license quotas.

    Shanghai, also in east China, a city which uses an auction system to sell a limited number of license quotas to fossil-fuel and hybrid car buyers, is another location which has sought to lower barriers to car ownership.

    The economic hub’s authorities said at the end of last year that the city would reduce its contribution requirement periods in terms of the social security fund and the paying of individual income tax by non-local residents from three years to one, thereby expanding access to car licence quota auctions.

    Jia Xinguang, executive director of the China Automobile Dealers Association, said that given the plan released on March 16 — related cities can further boost consumption by encouraging citizens to trade in old vehicles.

    Regarding the “usage-based regulation” noted by this plan, cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou have already enforced plate number restrictions, along with tech-enabled traffic solutions.

    In the case of Hangzhou, an AI-powered “City Brain” monitors the city’s traffic in real time and issues alarms for potential congestion, enabling traffic authorities to adjust traffic lights based on vehicle flow. With more than 3,700 parking lots linked to the platform, citizens can park their cars more easily, enjoying a seamless experience that allows them to “pay after parking,” thus preventing traffic jams caused by parking problems.

    “Due to frequent traffic jams, I had long been hesitant to buy a car. But with improvements in traffic management, I’m now considering giving it a try,” said Li Xiang, a Hangzhou resident. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jinhua launches global initiative to expand trade

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A major manufacturing city in east China’s Zhejiang Province has kicked off its 2025 global trade promotion initiative in a bid to boost exports, amid rising trade protectionism and weakening demand in key global markets.

    As the first step of this endeavor, a delegation of 55 companies from the city of Jinhua, home to some 2 million market entities, participated in the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in the United States from March 18 to 20.

    “Participating in exhibitions can help us win new customers and also strengthen relationships with old customers. It also allows us to better understand customer demands and experience,” said Li Xing, general manager of Jinhua Bangte Electric Co., Ltd.

    Li’s company took over 10 types of hardware and electrical accessories to the exhibition to further tap the U.S. market. Ahead of the trade show, he visited clients in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York to gain deeper market insights and explore potential partnerships.

    “As long as we step out overseas, there will be rewards,” said Li. His company, which mainly exports to the United States and Canada, has achieved annual exports of more than 100 million yuan (about 13.93 million U.S. dollars) on average over the past three years.

    Amid rising tariffs on Chinese goods, Li acknowledged the challenges posed by increased costs. He revealed that his company was negotiating with clients to share the burden. He is also working on establishing a U.S.-based trading company to build overseas warehouses to reduce logistics and warehousing costs.

    Zhejiang Seacoast Industrial Co., Ltd., another exhibitor, received positive feedback at the Las Vegas expo regarding its new balcony and courtyard tables and chairs.

    “The United States is an important export destination for China’s hardware and garden products,” said Gao Junting, general manager of Seacoast Industrial. “Through this exhibition, we aim to expand our offline customer base and enter major U.S. supermarkets.”

    Gao noted that rising living costs in the United States are driving consumers to seek affordable yet high-quality products. “This presents an opportunity for us.”

    Beyond the United States, Seacoast Industrial has made significant progress in expanding into Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.

    Currently, about 15 percent of its exports, approximately 5 million U.S. dollars annually, are achieved via online platforms like Amazon in the United States, while over 80 percent goes to clients in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.

    The city of Jinhua is intensifying its global trade efforts. In 2025, the city plans to organize delegations of exporters to participate in seven more trade exhibitions in Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Britain, Morocco and Türkiye.

    These exhibitions will showcase a wide range of products such as hardware tools, gardening products, kitchen and bathroom products, and lighting equipment.

    With the help of new trade models, including cross-border e-commerce, Jinhua reported strong trade growth in 2024, with total exports rising 16.4 percent year on year to 771.9 billion yuan. The number of local companies engaged in international trade surpassed 17,000 in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 10.3 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Displacement in northern West Bank takes a toll on Palestinians

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • Thousands of people are without proper shelter, essential services and access to healthcare in northern parts of the West Bank, Palestine.
    • This follow Israel’s launch of the “Iron Wall” military operation, which is forcibly displacing thousands of Palestinians.
    • Israel must halt the forcible displacement of people in the West Bank, and the humanitarian response must be scaled up.

    JERUSALEM – Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warns that tens of thousands of displaced people in northern parts of the West Bank, Palestine, are without proper shelter, essential services, and access to healthcare. Following the January 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, Israel launched the “Iron Wall” military operation in the occupied West Bank, forcibly displacing thousands of people, and leaving them in an extremely precarious situation. Israel must immediately halt the forcible displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank, and the humanitarian response must be scaled up and reach those in need. 

    “This scale of forced displacement and destruction of the camps has not been seen for decades,” says Brice de la Vingne, MSF director of operations. “People are unable to return to their homes as Israeli forces have blocked access to the camps, destroying homes and infrastructure.”

    “Camps have become ruins and dust,” says de la Vingne. “Israel must stop this, and the humanitarian response needs to be scaled up.”

    MSF mobile clinic teams provide basic healthcare consultations to forcibly displaced Palestinian refugees in Jenin. They also provide mental health support to children in the form of recreational activities. Northern West Bank, Palestine, March 2025.
    Oday Alshobaki/MSF

    Since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, Israeli forces have increased the use of extreme physical violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as MSF highlighted in our report “Inflicting harm and denying care”. In total, 930 Palestinians have been killed, including 187 children, since the war in Gaza began, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    Access to healthcare has been severely hindered, as confirmed by MSF teams on the ground who have witnessed the systematic pattern of oppression by Israel on health workers and patients. The situation further deteriorated since the ceasefire in Gaza, and Israel’s “Iron Wall” operation which has effectively emptied the three main refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams in the northern West Bank, forcibly displacing over 40,000 Palestinians, according to OCHA. 

    “The [Israeli] army raided our house and ordered us to evacuate,” says Issam, an MSF patient who was displaced from Nur Shams camp. “We weren’t allowed to take anything with us – not even our documents.”

    “All we received was the warning: ‘Get out’,” says Issam. “Displacement is suffering, a silent anguish, a deep pain in the heart for everyone. You see the tears in people’s eyes, but we hold them back.”

    The mental health situation is alarming, with many patients suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression due to the violent and unpredictable nature of incursions and displacement. 

    “People don’t know what has happened to their homes and have suffered immense losses, including their sense of purpose,” says Mohammad, an MSF community health educator.

    “Drones were flying over the houses, ordering the residents to get out,” says Abdel, a resident of Jenin camp. “They always destroy things, but nothing like this has ever happened before.”

    MSF previously offered support in the three camps but had to adapt activities given the security risks and people’s displacement. Our teams now operate daily mobile clinics in Tulkarem and Jenin to provide medical care to displaced people. Our teams are treating chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension which have worsened due to lack of access to medication; respiratory infections, and osteo-muscular disorders among others.

    An MSF doctor provides a consultation to a patient at the Jenin MSF clinic in the northern West Bank. Palestine, March 2025.
    Oday Alshobaki/MSF

    Our teams also distribute hygiene kits and food parcels to support those who were forced to leave their homes without resources or belongings. MSF is providing water to the Khalil Suleiman hospital, the main hospital in Jenin, to mitigate frequent supply shortages due to damage from the military operations.

    MSF continues to respond to the urgent needs, but the scale of displacement and the escalating humanitarian crisis, amid the inadequate international response, present an immense challenge and needs in the West Bank are only getting worse.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Palestine Occupied Territories – Mass displacements in northern West Bank take a dramatic toll on Palestinians, warns MSF

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    JERUSALEM – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warns that tens of thousands of displaced people in the northern West Bank, Palestine, are without proper shelter, essential services, and access to healthcare. Following the January 2025 ceasefire in Gaza, Israel launched the “Iron Wall” military operation in the occupied West Bank, forcibly displacing thousands and leaving them in an extremely precarious situation. Israel must immediately halt the forcible displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and the humanitarian response must be scaled up and reach those in need.

    “This scale of forced displacement and destruction of the camps has not been seen for decades. People are unable to return to their homes as Israeli forces have blocked access to the camps, destroying homes and infrastructure. Camps have become ruins and dust” explains Brice de la Vingne, MSF director of operations. “Israel must stop this, and the humanitarian response needs to be scaled up”.

    Since the war in Gaza broke out in October 2023, Israeli forces have increased the use of extreme physical violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, as MSF highlighted in its report “Inflicting harm and denying care”. In total, 930 Palestinians have been killed including 187 children according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Access to healthcare has been severely hindered as confirmed by MSF teams on the ground who have witnessed the systematic pattern of oppression by Israel on health workers and patients. The situation further deteriorated since the ceasefire in Gaza and Israel’s “Iron Wall” operation which has effectively emptied the three main refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams in northern West Bank forcibly displacing over 40,000 Palestinians according to OCHA.

    “The [Israeli] army raided our house and ordered us to evacuate. We weren’t allowed to take anything with us – not even our documents. All we received was the warning: ‘Get out’,” explains Issam, 55, MSF patient who was displaced from Nur Shams camp. “Displacement is suffering, a silent anguish, a deep pain in the heart for everyone. You see the tears in people’s eyes, but we hold them back.”

    The mental health situation is alarming, with many patients suffering from stress, anxiety, and depression due to the violent and unpredictable nature of incursions and displacement. “People don’t know what has happened to their homes and have suffered immense losses, including their sense of purpose,” says Mohammad, 30, an MSF community health educator.

    “Drones were flying over the houses, ordering the residents to get out.  They always destroy things, but nothing like this has ever happened before” according to Abdel, resident of Jenin camp.

    MSF previously offered support in the three camps but had to adapt activities given the security risks and displacement of the populations. MSF teams now operate daily mobile clinics in Tulkarem and Jenin to provide medical care to displaced people. Our teams are treating chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension which have worsened due to lack of access to medication; respiratory infections, and osteo-muscular disorders among others. MSF teams also distribute hygiene kits and food parcels to support those who were forced to leave their homes without resources or belongings. MSF is providing water to the Khalil Suleiman hospital, the main hospital in Jenin, to mitigate frequent supply shortages due to damage from the military operations.

    MSF continues to respond to the urgent needs, but the scale of displacement and the escalating humanitarian crisis amid the inadequate international response present an immense challenge and needs in the West Bank are only getting worse.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will allocate almost 1 billion rubles for the repair and technical re-equipment of checkpoints across the state border

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Order of March 21, 2025 No. 670-r

    Document

    Order of March 21, 2025 No. 670-r

    The government continues to work on developing cross-border logistics. In 2025–2027, 859 million rubles will be allocated for the repair and technical re-equipment of checkpoints across the state border. An order to this effect has been signed.

    With federal funding, it is planned to install modern inspection and screening systems at a number of checkpoints, which will reduce the time required to carry out control procedures.

    In total, within the framework of the program for modernizing checkpoints across the state border by 2030, it is planned to reconstruct 87 of the most popular checkpoints and increase their throughput capacity more than twofold. It is also planned to complete equipping checkpoints with modern equipment by this date.

    According to the Presidential Decree “On the national development goals of the Russian Federation until 2030 and for the future until 2036”, by 2030 the volume of transportation along international transport corridors should increase by at least 1.5 times compared to the 2021 level.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin discussed in the DPR the implementation of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the program of socio-economic development of the region and the integration of its activities into the national project “Infrastructure for Life”

    March 23, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin visited the Donetsk People’s Republic and inspected a number of facilities

    March 23, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin visited the Donetsk People’s Republic and inspected a number of facilities

    March 23, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the program of socio-economic development of the region and the integration of its activities into the national project “Infrastructure for Life”

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin visited the Donetsk People’s Republic, where he held a meeting on the program for the socio-economic development of the region and the integration of its activities into the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, and also inspected a number of facilities.

    “We discussed the housing restoration program at the meeting, discussed the implementation of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”. We also looked closely at the road renovation program, which the region has worked out very well: a detailed plan is outlined up to 2030 and concerns federal, regional and municipal roads. The main emphasis this year is on repairing the street and road network. I would like to note that we are now preparing to restore four districts of Donetsk that have been under fire for a long time,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    As part of his tour of Mariupol, Marat Khusnullin visited the stadium, the infrastructure of which was completely modernized, and the Institute of Secondary Vocational Education of PSTU.

    “In September 2023, after a large-scale restoration, the Priazovsky State Technical University opened its doors. Today I visited another of its institutions and talked to students. The building from the late 19th century was originally planned for training, and to this day it is an alma mater that trains specialists in 21 areas. Including builders and metallurgists. The plans for the 2025 academic year include accepting more than 1.5 thousand people. The buildings with a total area of about 15 thousand square meters were half-destroyed, they were on fire. They were restored by specialists from the Leningrad Region, and during the work they also discovered a painting from the Soviet period, which depicts builders,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin made working trips to Zaporizhia Oblast and Sevastopol

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia region and the city of Sevastopol on working trips

    March 22, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia region and the city of Sevastopol on working trips

    March 22, 2025

    In Melitopol, Marat Khusnullin inspected the construction of a multidisciplinary pediatric medical center

    March 22, 2025

    In Melitopol, Marat Khusnullin got acquainted with the current and completed work at the largest university in the Zaporizhia region – Melitopol State University

    March 22, 2025

    Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the region

    March 22, 2025

    In Melitopol, Marat Khusnullin held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the region

    March 22, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia region and the city of Sevastopol on working trips

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin visited Zaporizhia Oblast and Sevastopol on working trips. In Melitopol, he checked the progress of construction of a multidisciplinary pediatric medical center, familiarized himself with the current and completed work at the largest university in Zaporizhia Oblast – Melitopol State University, and held a meeting on the socio-economic development of the region.

    “During the meeting, they said that in order to attract people to the Melitopol and Berdyansk agglomerations, it is important to create a modern infrastructure, increasing the volume of housing construction, upgrading housing and communal services facilities, and social facilities. What is encouraging is that positive dynamics are visible in these areas. For example, they are actively working with long-term construction projects. I stopped by one of three such sites on Belyaeva Street in Melitopol. The first house was completed in December last year, and the second is planned to be commissioned in August. In total, there will be about 140 apartments. On my next visit, I hope to see that the construction of investment housing has also begun. They also talked about industrial development, interaction with the Free Economic Zone Territory Development Fund. I looked at how an enterprise producing parts for railway locomotives, motor cars, and rolling stock is working. They are planning to expand the sales market, but they are already sending their products to Penza and Kolomna,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    In the multidisciplinary pediatric medical center with an infectious diseases department under the control of the “Single Customer”, work is currently underway on reinforcing and concreting the foundation slab, reinforcing the columns and basement walls, and the construction of internal walls and partitions has already begun in the infectious diseases building. And at the Melitopol State University, builders are repairing academic buildings, dormitories, gyms, canteens, a library, boiler houses and other facilities located on the territory of the university. As a result, a comfortable educational environment will be created for more than 12 thousand students.

    During a working visit to Sevastopol, Marat Khusnullin met with the region’s governor, Mikhail Razvozhaev, and discussed the development of the region with him.

    “Sevastopol is among the leaders of the Southern Federal District in implementing national and federal projects. I consider it extremely promising in terms of housing development, investment attraction, and, of course, tourism. We will continue our comprehensive work within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: In the North Caucasus Federal District, more than 20 thousand people have moved from emergency housing

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In the North Caucasus Federal District, more than 20 thousand people have moved from emergency housing

    On the instructions of the President, the resettlement of people from dilapidated housing continues in the regions. In the North Caucasus Federal District, 313 thousand square meters of unsuitable housing have been resettled since 2019, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.

    “The program for resettlement from dilapidated buildings is extremely important for improving the quality of life of our citizens, so we are actively addressing this issue throughout the country. In the North Caucasus Federal District alone, 20.6 thousand people have moved into new apartments since 2019. Including about 1.4 thousand citizens were able to improve their living conditions thanks to programs that the regions implemented at the expense of their own budgets. After the completion of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment”, work continues within the framework of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, – said Marat Khusnullin.

    According to the Deputy Prime Minister, in the North Caucasus Federal District, the largest number of citizens moved from dilapidated housing in the Chechen Republic (12.2 thousand people), Stavropol Krai (2 thousand people) and the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic (1.7 thousand people).

    “Of the seven subjects of the North Caucasus Federal District, five have already completed the resettlement of emergency housing that was recognized as unfit for habitation before January 1, 2017. Moreover, in the Kabardino-Balkarian, Karachay-Cherkess, Chechen Republics and the Republic of Dagestan, they have begun resettling citizens from houses recognized as emergency after 2017,” said Ilshat Shagiakhmetov, General Director of the Territorial Development Fund.

    The program for resettling citizens from emergency housing stock is supervised by the Russian Ministry of Construction. Its operator is the Territorial Development Fund.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s manufacturing hub launches global initiative to expand trade

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A major manufacturing city in east China’s Zhejiang Province has kicked off its 2025 global trade promotion initiative in a bid to boost exports, amid rising trade protectionism and weakening demand in key global markets.

    As the first step of this endeavor, a delegation of 55 companies from the city of Jinhua, home to some 2 million market entities, participated in the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in the United States from March 18 to 20.

    “Participating in exhibitions can help us win new customers and also strengthen relationships with old customers. It also allows us to better understand customer demands and experience,” said Li Xing, general manager of Jinhua Bangte Electric Co., Ltd.

    Li’s company took over 10 types of hardware and electrical accessories to the exhibition to further tap the U.S. market. Ahead of the trade show, he visited clients in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York to gain deeper market insights and explore potential partnerships.

    “As long as we step out overseas, there will be rewards,” said Li. His company, which mainly exports to the United States and Canada, has achieved annual exports of more than 100 million yuan (about 13.93 million U.S. dollars) on average over the past three years.

    Amid rising tariffs on Chinese goods, Li acknowledged the challenges posed by increased costs. He revealed that his company was negotiating with clients to share the burden. He is also working on establishing a U.S.-based trading company to build overseas warehouses to reduce logistics and warehousing costs.

    Zhejiang Seacoast Industrial Co., Ltd., another exhibitor, received positive feedback at the Las Vegas expo regarding its new balcony and courtyard tables and chairs.

    “The United States is an important export destination for China’s hardware and garden products,” said Gao Junting, general manager of Seacoast Industrial. “Through this exhibition, we aim to expand our offline customer base and enter major U.S. supermarkets.”

    Gao noted that rising living costs in the United States are driving consumers to seek affordable yet high-quality products. “This presents an opportunity for us.”

    Beyond the United States, Seacoast Industrial has made significant progress in expanding into Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.

    Currently, about 15 percent of its exports, approximately 5 million U.S. dollars annually, are achieved via online platforms like Amazon in the United States, while over 80 percent goes to clients in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.

    The city of Jinhua is intensifying its global trade efforts. In 2025, the city plans to organize delegations of exporters to participate in seven more trade exhibitions in Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Britain, Morocco and Türkiye.

    These exhibitions will showcase a wide range of products such as hardware tools, gardening products, kitchen and bathroom products, and lighting equipment.

    With the help of new trade models, including cross-border e-commerce, Jinhua reported strong trade growth in 2024, with total exports rising 16.4 percent year on year to 771.9 billion yuan. The number of local companies engaged in international trade surpassed 17,000 in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 10.3 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –