Category: KB

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tajikistan Parliamentary Elections: Joint Statement to the OSCE

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

UK and others regret cancellation of OSCE election observation and call on Tajikistan to engage constructively with ODIHR.

Mr. Chair,

I am delivering this statement on behalf of the following participating States: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and my own country Canada.

We thank the European Union for adding this item to the agenda today.

In Istanbul in 1999, participating States committed to invite observers to elections from other participating States, ODIHR, and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and to follow up on ODIHR’s election assessment and recommendations.

In this context, we deeply regret that the authorities of Tajikistan have not accredited OSCE/ODIHR election observers in a timely manner, nor made assurances that they would do so.

This has resulted in the cancellation of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission for the upcoming parliamentary elections and has denied the people of Tajikistan an impartial and independent assessment of the elections.

As ODIHR has stated, host governments need to provide the necessary conditions for the effective and unrestricted operation of election observation missions. Prolonged uncertainty surrounding accreditation undermines the integrity of the process.

Fulfilling these necessary conditions is an integral part of meeting OSCE commitments on the invitation of observers. We regret that not all OSCE participating States have chosen to uphold their commitments in this regard.

We thank ODIHR for its efforts in preparing and deploying the Election Observation Mission to Tajikistan. We fully support ODIHR’s mandate, autonomy and their well-proven and objective election monitoring methodology.

We encourage Tajikistan to engage constructively with ODIHR on previous election recommendations, as well as on ODIHR’s support for meeting OSCE commitments to strengthen democracy and human rights, including on free, fair and genuine elections.

Updates to this page

Published 7 February 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dates revealed as Coventry City Council hosts Godiva Festival 2025

Source: City of Coventry

Godiva Festival is set to make a triumphant return in 2025 as organisers reveal the awaited dates.

The festival will take place over three days in the summer from Friday 4 – Sunday 6 July 2025.

The event will see a weekend of music, entertainment and family-friendly fun in the city’s War Memorial Park.

Renowned for showcasing a diverse line-up of top-tier musical acts alongside the best of Coventry’s local talent, Godiva Festival is the highlights of the city’s event calendar.

Past line-ups have featured unforgettable performances from big name artists such as The Enemy, Mel C, Richard Ashcroft and Rudimental.

Tickets are set to go on sale in March. Details about ticket prices and the eagerly awaited line-up will be unveiled in the coming weeks, ensuring festival goers have time to plan for what promises to be a fantastic weekend.

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, Deputy Leader of Coventry City Council and Cabinet Member for Events, said: “I’m delighted to announce that Godiva Festival will be returning in 2025 and will be taking place in July.

“Last year we hosted an unforgettable 25^th Godiva Festival and we hope to build on that by putting the well-known names on stage alongside our fantastic local talent.

“As we eagerly anticipate the festival, it’s important to acknowledge the economic benefits it brings to Coventry, particularly in terms of tourism.

“We also recognise the financial pressures faced by our attendees and with that in mind, we remain committed to keeping prices as low as possible whilst delivering a high quality event.

“The festival continues to be fuelled by the incredible support and love from Coventrians and those who travel to the festival alike. It remains a pivotal part of our city’s cultural landscape and I hope both residents and visitors to the city see that it reflects the spirit of Coventry.

“We will be back soon with more information on ticket breakdown and pricing and of course to start sharing some of our line-up.”

Godiva Festival received an Improvers Certification from A Greener Future for sustainability measures in place at last year’s event.

Coventry College will again be the proud sponsors of the festival’s Family Field.

As the festival gears up for another amazing year, stay connected with the latest updates by visiting www.godivafestival.com.

Sign up for the free festival newsletter to be the first to find out about the line-up or follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The work plan of SPbPU and KRSU for 2025 has been formed

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

During the working visit of the acting rector of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University Sergey Volkov to Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, a meeting of key leaders was held to finalize the main positions of the plan of joint activities of KRSU and SPbPU for 2025.

Opening the meeting, Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev noted: 2025 began with a series of online meetings of specialized working groups of our two universities, where the main blocks of the plan for joint activities were worked out, parameters were defined in detail, and key indicators were calculated. Today’s meeting of supervising vice-rectors and directors of institutes is the final step towards approving this most important document.

One of the main blocks of joint activities is “Development of educational potential”. The working group led by Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova discussed in advance with colleagues from KRSU issues related to the opening of network master’s degree programs in the areas of construction, software engineering, logistics and technosphere safety. KRSU will act as the base organization and plans to begin recruitment for these programs in the fall of 2025. In the second year of study, KRSU students will come to the Polytechnic University and, if they successfully master all disciplines, will receive master’s degrees from both universities. Sergey Volkov confirmed that the most talented graduates of such joint programs will be invited to teach at KRSU.

The most important component of educational activities is the organization of a distance learning system for KRSU students using the resources of the Polytechnic University. The joint work plan provides access to most SPbPU courses on the Moodle platform, as well as access for more than 50 students to the online laboratory campus. KRSU is working to open an Online Course Registration Center in Bishkek as early as 2025, and SPbPU is ready to provide expert support for the activities of such a center, train employees, conduct the necessary trainings and consultations.

Based on the successful experience of cooperation with the Russian-Armenian University, SPbPU agreed with KRSU to introduce the course “Fundamentals of Project Activities” into the educational process. In 2025, mentors will be trained and methodological recommendations for the course will be developed.

The successful practice of academic mobility of third-year undergraduate students of KRSU, who came to the Polytechnic for a semester last year, will continue. The directors of the Institute of Economics and Technology, Institute of Social Sciences, Institute of Economics, Institute of Science and Culture, and Institute of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (FSMEK) — the main institutes where students from Kyrgyzstan studied in 2024 — confirmed their interest in continuing such programs, but emphasized the importance of strict selection of students by field. Sergey Volkov confirmed that KRSU students are showing great interest in the Polytechnic and promised that 40 undergraduates and 10 graduates for study in the fall of 2025 will be carefully selected through a competition. In addition to semester mobility, the plan provides for short-term mobility and advanced training programs for KRSU students and teachers. Director of the Institute of Scientific Research Marina Petrochenko suggested that individual programs be timed to coincide with significant scientific and educational events of the Polytechnic institutes, for example, Science Week or student competitions, so that Kyrgyz students could participate in them.

Advanced training for KRSU teachers will be held in a hybrid and in-person format. There is a request from Kyrgyz colleagues for programs in energy, electronics, supercomputer technologies, economic security, etc. In the near future, a specific list of programs will be formed and 15 teachers will be identified who will come to SPbPU for in-person training. A separate request from the KRSU leadership is to organize training for members of the admissions committee on technologies for conducting an admissions campaign, working with the “Apply Online” services and other recruitment practices adopted at the Polytechnic University.

Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU Yuri Fomin, presenting the final plan for the “Development of Scientific Potential” block, focused the attention of KRSU management on the need to build end-to-end business processes – from the selection and training of talented young scientists in graduate school to the formation of dissertation councils and successful defenses. Polytechnic is ready to share such experience. And in the near future, there are plans to organize dissertation defenses in SPbPU dissertation councils in key areas for KRSU applicants and postgraduate students.

The specialized research groups of the institutes of KRSU and SPbPU have prepared a list of 12 initiative projects for joint research. Yuri Fomin suggested correlating these projects with the planned internships of postgraduate students, the organization of defenses, the preparation of publications, and the submission of applications for grants in order to ensure the most effective activities of joint research groups and support the long-term development of scientific potential.

Two global joint projects of KRSU and SPbPU are planned as flagship projects in the work plan. The first is related to the work of the high-mountain observatory of atmospheric physics of KRSU. The observatory is equipped with high-tech instruments, in particular a lidar complex. The project will be of a more fundamental nature and will be related to studies of the state of the atmosphere, environmental monitoring, the formation of predictive models of seismic activity, etc. Over the years of the laboratory’s work, a significant array of data has been collected that can be used to verify and build models. On the part of SPbPU, the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications and the Civil Engineering Institute will be involved in the project. Director of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications Alexander Korotkov noted the enormous potential of such an interdisciplinary project, which is capable of combining scientific competencies, the use of unique equipment, the developments of both the Polytechnic University and KRSU to develop a popular scientific direction and solve problems that are truly important for Kyrgyzstan.

The second project is the preparation of a comprehensive plan for the development of mining in the interests of the industrial partner of KRSU, the company “Alliance Altyn”. In early March, a large off-site meeting will be held directly at the production site. Director of the Institute of Energy Viktor Barskov confirmed his interest in the project and his readiness to send specialists from the Institute to Bishkek.

KRSU attracts not only industrial partners, but also government organizations to cooperation. In particular, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic requested the organization of a Fire Safety Center on the basis of KRSU for the training and advanced training of relevant specialists. Director of the ISI Marina Petrochenko mentioned a similar experience of cooperation between Polytechnic University and the Gefest Group of Companies and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, which ultimately led to the creation of a basic department. The work plan for 2025 includes a clause on the organization of a Fire Safety Center at KRSU and joint work in this direction by the ISI SPbPU and the FADIS KRSU.

Vice-Rector for Information Technologies of SPbPU Andrey Lyamin confirmed the possibility of using the resources of the SPbPU supercomputer for joint scientific work and the educational process. In the near future, a joint scientific group will be formed, and KRSU scientists will be able to gain access, including for the implementation of the above-mentioned flagship projects. Andrey Lyamin also raised the issue of organizing KRSU access to the most important university toolkit – the Antiplagiat program, which is needed for scientific and educational activities. In accordance with the work plan, SPbPU will provide the Kyrgyz university with access to the resource.

In terms of joint work, significant attention is paid to the interaction of library systems, in particular the development of joint IT solutions, regulations and methods that will contribute to the maximum digitalization of librarianship, the formation of an operating repository and the promotion of the results of the intellectual work of KRSU students and scientists.

The directors of SPbPU institutes supported the KRSU initiative to create a student design bureau, on the basis of which student teams, including joint ones, will design various solutions in the field of construction, energy, calculations and modeling. Such projects will be able to participate in university, regional and international competitions. The KRSU student design bureau will also serve as a basis for the implementation of applied projects of the course “Fundamentals of Project Activity”.

And so that really interesting projects and developments do not go to waste, the director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the Digital Engineering School Sergey Salkutsan in January 2025 during a visit to KRSU agreed on all the details of the pilot project for the development of student entrepreneurship and the launch of the project “Graduate Qualification Work as a Startup”. But it is not only the students who are in the focus of attention – for the management teams of KRSU (and this is more than 400 people), trainings on lean manufacturing, developed at SPbPU, are planned.

In 2025, the Polytechnic University will continue to support social projects, youth initiatives and communities. A joint student campaign will be held as part of the events for the 80th anniversary of the Victory in May 2025. Students and teachers will be able to take part in the events “Voice of Generations” and “Student Spring”. Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov said that following mutual consultations between specialists from SPbPU and KRSU, a detailed plan for joint activities of student communities has been drawn up. The work will be carried out in constant communication, with monthly online meetings in each area.

Also, key joint events will be the project-analytical session planned for May 2025 on the development of the KRSU development program for 2026-2030, and expert sessions on monitoring the implementation of the current development program and modernization and transformation processes. Acting Vice-Rector for Prospective Projects Maria Vrublevskaya, commenting on the preparation for this session, drew the attention of the KRSU management to the recommendations for assessing competencies and the staffing of the university, as well as conducting comprehensive work within the framework of the human capital management policy, which were formulated following the results strategic session in December 2024 years.

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 –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University teams qualified for the national robotics championship

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

The regional qualifying round of the international robotics competition FIRST Tech Challenge — St. Petersburg was held at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. In Russia, they are held under the name “Engineers’ League”. Based on its results, the robotics teams KTM and VR from SPbPU received quotas for participation in the national championship of the Engineers’ League, which will be held in March in our city.

Since September, teams have been working hard to develop their robots, improving the design and software controls from competition to competition.

The regional selection in St. Petersburg has been held for the fifth year in a row at the Technopolis Polytech research complex, the best venue for such competitions. The format of the past competitions is as close as possible to the world level. In addition to competitions on the playing field, there are interviews of teams with experts and the defense of engineering portfolios. All robots have undergone a thorough technical examination. A full online broadcast was conducted, and interviews with participants immediately after the matches conveyed the bright emotions of the competition.

The Polytechnicians admitted that this meeting was indeed difficult, since the robot’s design was significantly reworked, and during the competition it was necessary to practice actions with allies. The level of training of Russian teams is traditionally high. In one of the matches, the result came very close to the current world record. According to the results of the qualification, our KTM and VR took second and fourth place among 23 teams. In the final, the alliance of Polytechnic teams came in second. This result allowed them to confidently qualify for the national championship. In 2025, it will be held in the Museum of Naval Glory in the city of Kronstadt.

These competitions were preceded by two friendly meetings. At the end of December, the Polytechnic teams took first and second place at ITMO. And right after the New Year holidays, a meeting was held at the Higher School of Economics. Due to the new rules, the guys had to significantly change the design of the robot, but this did not prevent them from taking the silver and becoming the best in the nominations “Innovative Solution” and “Control System”.

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 –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Using AI to digitally twin a climate change frontier The University of Aberdeen has been awarded funding by the European Space Agency (ESA) to create a digital twin of the Arctic islands at the forefront of climate change.

Source: University of Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen has been awarded funding by the European Space Agency (ESA) to create a digital twin of the Arctic islands at the forefront of climate change.
Aberdeen will lead the development of a real-time digital replica for the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard (SvalbardDT; www.svalbarddt.org), which is said to be warming six times faster than the global average.
Lying within the Arctic Circle, Svalbard is one of the areas where the visible consequences of climate change can be seen most clearly. The drastic decline in its ice areas over recent years has serious implications for wildlife, diminishing the natural hunting grounds of polar bears and increasing competition for resources affecting other Arctic species such as walruses, seals, and seabirds.
Svalbard lies at the boundary between the warm Atlantic and the cold Polar region, therefore even a small change in temperature can have a dramatic impact.
The warming seen in recent years has shifted this boundary and now Svalbard is responding much faster anticipated to climate change but understanding this requires greater understanding of the interconnections between different environments such as glaciers, sea ice, snow and weather that cannot be done with current tools.
The creation of a digital twin – designed to behave as closely as possible to its real-world counterpart – will enable these changes to be monitored in real time and forms part of ESAs ambitious goal to create a digital twin of the Earth, called Destination Earth (https://destination-earth.eu/).
Aberdeen researchers, working in collaboration with Swansea University, Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System (SIOS), Norwegian Research Centre (NORCE), EarthWave, University of Edinburgh, and Uppsala University will develop real-time models of Svalbard’s ice and snow in order to generate more up-to-date information on their state.

Having a digital twin will enable us to see what is happening in real time, from anywhere in the world” Dr William Harcourt

Glaciologist Dr William Harcourt from the University of Aberdeen will lead the project. He said:
“Svalbard is really important in our understanding of climate change impacts on the fragile Arctic it is a location where we have seen accelerated warming.
“The creation of its digital twin is a major step forward in understanding the changes – and importantly the speed of change – happening there.
“Having a digital twin will enable us to see what is happening in real time, from anywhere in the world.
“Unlike isolated field campaigns that reflect data at one point in time and rely on new funding and logistical support to collect, we will use satellite data and develop real-time models of Svalbard’s snow and ice. The project will develop an end-to-end workflow to ingest data from satellites into Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and produce real-time data cubes describing Svalbard’s cryosphere.”
The project team develop tools for decision-making processes and to understand the impact of extreme weather events on Svalbard’s ice and snow. These will be developed in direct consultation with local stakeholders in Svalbard to ensure the new tool will provide tangible impacts to communities.
European space Agency funding of 400,000 Euros (£310,000) has been allocated to the Svalbard project.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft scientists introduce schoolchildren to the profession of geologist

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

On the eve of Russian Science Day, the Ufa scientific institute of Rosneft held a scientific and educational lecture for schoolchildren of the all-Russian “Movement of the First”. As part of the “Visiting a Scientist” project, students of grades 7-9 learned about the profession of a modern geologist.

Schoolchildren learned about geological discoveries that influenced scientists’ ideas about the development of the Earth over billions of years. Today, this information helps answer the question of where it is best to look for oil. Rosneft searches for and explores hydrocarbon raw materials on land and water, and conducts scientific research in the Arctic and the World Ocean. Modern digital products developed by specialists at the research institute help with this. Millions of gigabytes of data are analyzed using artificial intelligence, and 3D models are built to make decisions, allowing for the prediction of events at a depth of several kilometers.

Using high-precision microscopes, young researchers were able to study rock samples. Schoolchildren were also shown unique specimens of fossils, minerals, ancient microorganisms, shells and other geological finds dating back hundreds of millions of years.

The company actively involves young people in science, helps them choose promising specialties for their future education and career. Schoolchildren were told about 13 corporate departments of Rosneft in leading universities of Bashkortostan – Ufa University of Science and Technology and Ufa State Petroleum Technological University. The best students, while still studying at the university, have the opportunity to find employment at Rosneft enterprises and participate in real production projects side by side with professionals.

The event ended with a quiz, during which the most attentive listeners received gifts. On the same day, more than 100 Ufa residents had the opportunity to listen to a lecture on science and the Earth. The Institute organized a meeting with geologists for everyone at the site of the city coworking space “People”.

Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 6, 2025

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 –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic engineers create caterpillar track for all-terrain wheelchair

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

At the Polytechnic University, a durable and quick-release track for an all-terrain wheelchair was created by order of the Observer Factory company. Before being handed over to the customer, the design was tested in real off-road conditions. The work was carried out with the support of the Priority-2030 strategic academic leadership program.

Engineers from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University have created a simple and reliable caterpillar track for the electric wheelchair “Maximus” so that it can be used in difficult-to-reach places. According to the engineers, this is especially important for improving the quality of life of people with special needs: the all-terrain wheelchair will allow them to move independently, for example, on a sandy beach, forest paths and snowy roads.

The customer of the work was the Kaliningrad manufacturer of wheelchairs “Observer Factory”. The engineers of the Polytechnic University faced a difficult task: to develop a durable and quickly removable track for an all-terrain wheelchair that would withstand the full weight of the wheelchair with a passenger and ensure the safety of the trip.

The Polytech Voltage Machine engineering team, with the support of experienced colleagues from the Automobiles and Tracked Vehicles department of the Higher School of Transport of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU, developed a rubber track with a metal embedded element inside. Together with partners, Polytech established a production chain: now such products can be mass-produced.

The track is track-type, meaning that each track is manufactured separately and then assembled together using special “fingers” with locks. The track is only 100 mm wide, which makes it unique, since tracks of such a width are currently not mass-produced. And the high ridges allow it to be used with pneumatic tires without the risk of the wheel coming off the track. Tensile tests have shown that the track can withstand a force of three tons.

Before handing over the product to the customer, the team conducted full-scale tests in real operating conditions. The operator sat in the stroller and, controlling the joystick, overcame the most difficult route. The stroller confidently passed through rough terrain, including swampy areas, muddy roads and different levels of roads.

We confidently passed all the declared tests and handed over the caterpillar to the customer. Thanks to our development, the wheelchair will be able to overcome almost any difficult terrain without outside help. This is especially important for people who want to lead an active lifestyle. It should be noted that a wheelchair with a caterpillar track is also relevant for moving around the city, especially in the spring and autumn periods, – noted the project manager, engineer of the Higher School of Transport of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU Stepan Pichakhchi.

“Observer Factory” has been a partner of the Polytechnic University for more than two years. In 2023, the university and the company developed a universal tracked platform “Zhuk” for wheelchair owners. The wheelchair drives onto the platform, after which the user controls its movement with a joystick. The project is designed to develop inclusive tourism in Russia.

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 –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: To Yuri Alexandrov, People’s Artist of Russia

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the artistic director of the State Chamber Musical Theatre “Saint Petersburg Opera” on his 70th birthday.

The telegram states, in particular:

“You have made a great contribution to the development of Russian culture and art. A high level of skill, commitment to the academic traditions of the opera and directing school have allowed you to head one of the best chamber theaters of the Northern capital – “Saint Petersburg Opera” for more than thirty years. An innovative approach, unexpected stage solutions, modern interpretation of classical works are embodied in your unique productions, which invariably become a bright musical event, causing admiration among millions of viewers in the country and far beyond its borders.

I wish you the fulfillment of all your plans, good health, happiness and prosperity.”

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 –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Beijing sub-center boosts green development

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Over the past year, Beijing’s sub-center has advanced green development in various sectors including ecology, architecture, transportation, industry, and energy.
Located in Tongzhou district of the city, the municipal administrative center covers an area of approximately 155 square kilometers and was planned and constructed to adjust the city’s spatial layout.
In February 2024, China’s State Council approved a guideline on building a national demonstration zone of green development in the sub-center.
Green ecology has since showed visible progress. “Tongzhou district provides suitable wintering habitats for tens of thousands of water birds each year and has become a key area for bird biodiversity conservation,” said Lyu Xiaofei, deputy director general of the Tongzhou District Ecology and Environment Bureau.
From November 2023 to November 2024, a total of 289 bird species were recorded in Tongzhou district, Lyu said.
Green development has also been integrated into all aspects of architectural design. The headquarters of Beijing Investment Group, a landmark building in the sub-center, was completed last year. The building maximizes the use of renewable energy, with a rooftop solar power installation capacity of 413.5 kW and an annual power generation of approximately 400,000 kWh. Its hybrid energy system, primarily powered by ground-source heat pumps, is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,220 metric tons per year.
Last year, Tongzhou district launched eight new bus routes and adjusted 13 existing ones, ensuring a bus stop every 500 meters in urban areas. This is part of the efforts of the district to boost green transportation.
Currently, the sub-center is leveraging green energy technologies to drive the energy transition, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China remains world’s largest trading nation in goods for 8 consecutive years

Source: China State Council Information Office

China has maintained its position as the world’s largest trading nation in goods during the past eight years, the country’s customs regulator said Friday.

The nation’s total goods imports and exports surpassed 43 trillion yuan (about 6 trillion U.S. dollars) for the first time last year, up 5 percent year on year, according to Sun Meijun, Party chief of the General Administration of Customs (GAC).

In 2024, the GAC introduced and implemented 16 measures aimed at further optimizing the business environment at ports and facilitating trade for enterprises throughout the year, Sun said at a national customs work conference.

Tariff reductions and various types of tariff preference measures were enforced, resulting in a total tax reduction or refunding of 282.9 billion yuan, Sun said.

Last year, 111 types of agricultural products from 62 countries and regions were authorized for import into China, 14 ports were newly opened or took further opening-up measures, and seven bonded logistics centers were established, according to Sun.

While pushing forward with existing policies and measures, the GAC would introduce special measures to promote foreign trade, Sun added.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Dynamite Blockchain Announces Private Placement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Vancouver, B.C., Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dynamite Blockchain Corp. (the “Company” or “Dynamite”) (CSE: KAS) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the “Offering”) of up to 10,000,000 units of the Company (each, a “Unit”) at a price of $0.10 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (a “Common Share”) and one (1) transferable share purchase warrant (a “Warrant”), each warrant to entitle the holder to purchase one (1) additional Common Share at an exercise price of C$0.20 per Common Share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Offering, subject to acceleration in the event the Common Shares close above $0.30 for a period of five (5) consecutive trading days.

The Offering will be completed pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions and therefore the Common Shares underlying the Units issued in the Offering to Canadian subscribers will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Warrants underlying the Units issued in the Offering and any Shares issued upon exercise thereof will be subject to contractual restrictions on resale, expiring four-months and one day from the date of issue of the Warrants. There is an offering document related to the Offering (the “Offering Document”) that can be accessed under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.dynamiteblock.com. Prospective investors should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision.

The Offering is expected to close on about February 20, 2025, and completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receiving adequate subscriptions for the Offering and the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

Use of Funds

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to solidify the Company’s position as a Kaspa-focused public company, by using proceeds towards the purchase of Kaspa coins and further investment into Kaspa mining operations and Kaspa product development. Other uses of the proceeds will be used towards audit fees, legal fees, marketing fees, consulting fees and general working capital, as further set out in the Offering Document.

“By focusing the majority of the proceeds on Kaspa Purchases, Mining Operations and Kaspa Product development, we are strategically positioning ourselves to be on the path to become the ‘Kaspa Proxy’ by providing shareholders exposure to Kaspa on the Canadian Securities Exchange,” commented Akshay Sood, CEO of Dynamite Blockchain Corp.

Why Kaspa and Why Now?

The Company believes that Kaspa is currently critically undervalued, due to the following expected developments:

1.Speed: Kaspa’s Crescendo hardfork (the “Hardfork”) is now expected in only a couple monthsⁱ , an event that the Company expects to allow the Kaspa network to go through a transformational upgrade and enable it to process 10 times as many blocks as it is currently processing todayⁱⁱ;

2.Functionality: The Hardfork update is expected to come just prior to the implementation of smart contract functionalityⁱⁱⁱ, which the Company expects will take Kaspa’s Layer 1 network to new heights;

3.Scalability: With the two developments above in place, it is expected that Kaspa will not only be faster than Ethereum, Bitcoin and Solana^iv, but also more scalable; and

4.Security: Having higher transaction throughput than compared to its current state^v, the Company expects Kaspa will take a further step towards building an extremely secure and decentralized framework that addresses the blockchain trilemma beautifully^vi.

“With the upcoming Crescendo Hardfork, we believe that Kaspa’s value proposition and utility will strengthen and that we will be poised to capitalize on this transformation,” continued Mr. Sood.

“We are not just focused on mining or holding Kaspa but on creating a comprehensive ecosystem that fosters diversification, long-term sustainability and adoption,” concluded Mr. Sood.

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

On behalf of the Company,

Akshay Sood,
Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: 236-259-0279

About Dynamite Blockchain Corp.

Dynamite Blockchain is a blockchain technology infrastructure company focused on building a diversified blockchain ecosystem focused on Kaspa.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release includes certain information and statements about management’s view of future events, expectations, plans, and prospects that constitute forward- looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements respecting: the Offering, the timing thereof and the expected use of proceeds therefrom; the Company’s focus on Kaspa; the Company’s belief that Kaspa is critically undervalued; expectations respecting the Kaspa Crescendo Hardfork and the impact thereof; implementation of smart contract functionality into Kaspa and the impact thereof; the Company’s goal to become a Kaspa Proxy; Kaspa’s value proposition strengthening and the Company being poised to capitalize on that transformation; and the Company’s focus on creating a comprehensive ecosystem for Kaspa that fosters diversification, long-term sustainability and adoption. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward- looking statement will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements, or otherwise.

The CSE (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.

ⁱhttps://medium.com/@coderofstuff/crescendo-consolidated-roadmap-update-4c96535f7a43

ⁱⁱ https://kaspa.org/crescendo-hard-fork-roadmap-10bps/

ⁱⁱⁱ https://kaspa.org/developments/

^iv https://kaspaspeed.com/

^vhttps://www.bitget.com/news/detail/12560604474352

^vi https://kaspa.org/about-kaspa/

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a GBP 25 million tap under its MTN programme

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
7 February 2025 at 10:00 am (EET)

Municipality Finance issues a GBP 25 million tap under its MTN programme

On 10 February 2025 Municipality Finance Plc issues a new tranche in an amount of GBP 25 million to an existing benchmark issued on 4 October 2023. With the new tranche, the aggregate nominal amount of the benchmark is GBP 275 million. The maturity date of the benchmark is 2 January 2026. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.000 % per annum.

The new tranche is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

MuniFin has applied for the new tranche to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 10 February 2025. The existing notes in the series are admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

NatWest Markets N.V. acts as the Dealer for the issue of the new tranche.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Further information:

Joakim Holmström
Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
tel. +358 50 444 3638

MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland. The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. Our customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, joint county authorities, corporate entities under the control of the above-mentioned organisations, and affordable social housing. Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

Important Information

The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues GBP 14,6 million notes under its MTN programme

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Municipality Finance Plc
Stock exchange release
7 February 2025 at 10:00 am (EET)

Municipality Finance issues GBP 14,6 million notes under its MTN programme

Municipality Finance Plc issues GBP 14,6 million notes on 10 February 2025. The maturity date of the notes is 10 February 2026. The notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.30% per annum.

The notes are issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the notes are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

MuniFin has applied for the notes to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 10 February 2025.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc acts as the dealer for the issue of the notes.

MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

Further information:

Joakim Holmström
Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
tel. +358 50 444 3638

MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland.
The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

Important Information

The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Minister Maropene Ramokgopa Hosts Media Engagement Session On Progress Towards MTDP 2024–2029

Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

Minister Maropene Ramokgopa Hosts Media Engagement Session On Progress Towards The Medium-Term Development Plan (Mtdp) 2024–2029

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAEz_v3cf1M

MIL OSI Video –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Aki Rahunen appointed Innofactor’s CFO

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Innofactor Plc Stock Exchange Release – Changes in Board/Management/Auditing February 7, 2025, at 9:30 Finnish time

Innofactor’s Board of Directors has appointed Aki Rahunen as the CFO for Innofactor Group, and he will assume the position no later than May 8, 2025. Rahunen is currently serving as the CFO of Avidly. Previously, Rahunen has held the position of CFO at Fluido, among others. M.Sc. (Econ.) Rahunen will become a member of Innofactor’s Executive Board in his role as the CFO and will report to the Group’s CEO Sami Ensio.

“I am excited about my new role at Innofactor. It is great to join this journey. I believe that with my broad experience, I can support Innofactor’s business and help Innofactor continue on the path of profitable growth,” says Aki Rahunen.

“I am very pleased that we have Aki joining our team. He has exactly the right kind of practical expertise for Innofactor’s new strategic phase. I am convinced that in his role as CFO, Aki will further develop Innofactor’s financial management and support our business leadership in achieving our business goals,” says CEO Sami Ensio.

Espoo, February 7, 2025

INNOFACTOR PLC

Sami Ensio, CEO

Additional information:
Sami Ensio, CEO
Innofactor Plc
Tel. +358 50 584 2029
sami.ensio@innofactor.com

Distribution:
NASDAQ Helsinki
Main media
www.innofactor.com

Innofactor
Innofactor is the leading driver of the modern digital organization in the Nordic Countries for its about 1,000 customers in commercial and public sector. Innofactor has the widest solution offering and leading know-how in the Microsoft ecosystem in the Nordics. Innofactor has about 600 enthusiastic and motivated top specialists in Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. The Innofactor Plc share is listed in the technology section of the main list of NASDAQ Helsinki Oy. www.innofactor.com #AIDriven #PeopleFirst #CreatingSmiles #BeTheRealYou

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on February 07, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of India

Tenor	3-day
Notified Amount (in ₹ crore)	1,50,000
Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore)	1,33,013
Amount allotted (in ₹ crore)	1,33,013
Cut off Rate (%)	6.26
Weighted Average Rate (%)	6.27
Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%)	NA

Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)

Press Release: 2024-2025/2099

MIL OSI Economics –

February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: At EPA Headquarters, Senator Markey, Members of Congress Denied Access and Meeting with DOGE Members, Administrator

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

WATCH: Senator Markey’s Remarks at EPA Headquarters

Washington (February 6, 2025) – Earlier today at Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) headquarters, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), and Paul Tonko (NY-20) were denied a meeting with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and DOGE representatives, where the lawmakers planned to ask why funding to critical EPA programs for clean air, clean water and climate action have been unconstitutionally cut off to communities and to demand that the funding that has already been authorized and appropriated by Congress be rightfully unfrozen.

Despite multiple court orders requiring the restart of funding, Trump administration officials have failed to release billions of dollars at the EPA that were authorized and appropriated for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and clean school bus programs as required by law—leaving communities without resources to combat the effects of dangerous pollution.

“Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their unqualified, unelected, unwanted henchmen want to dismantle the government services that keep our communities thriving, healthy, and safe from polluters,” said Senator Markey. “I went to the headquarters of the EPA to demand answers from Administrator Zeldin and the DOGE representatives who are illegally withholding funding that would keep air and water clean and help save families save money. After being denied access and a meeting, I left with more questions than answers. I will not stop fighting on behalf of the American people—their clean air, clean water, lower energy bills, and livable future–until I get those answers and funding gets restored. No business as usual. No votes for nominees. No illegal funding freeze. And no workers left behind.”

Congressmembers Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Luz Rivas (CA-29), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), and leaders and advocates from several environmental groups and unions including Climate Action Campaign, American Federation of Government Employees, Green New Deal Network, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Hip Hop Caucus, Union of Concerned Scientists, Natural Resources Defense Council, National Council of Churches, and Moms Clean Air Force joined the lawmakers for a press conference outside the EPA headquarters following the attempt to meet with EPA Administrator Zeldin and DOGE representatives.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Foreigners enjoy China’s improved mobile payment

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Tourists from France enjoy a soup dumpling at Yuyuan Garden Mall in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Foreign visitors in China experienced a smoother, more convenient travel environment during this year’s Spring Festival, thanks to improvements to the country’s mobile payment systems.

The latest data from the People’s Bank of China shows that the volume of transactions made by international tourists during the Chinese New Year holiday, which ran from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4 this year, surged significantly from last year. The total number of cross-border transactions processed by China UnionPay and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation increased 124.54 percent, and the total transaction value grew 90.49 percent.

This jump in payment activity reflects not only the growing appeal of China as a travel destination but also the seamless integration of mobile payment systems for foreign visitors.

In cities like Shanghai, foreign tourists can now use international credit cards or mobile payment apps such as Alipay for shopping, dining and sightseeing, which allowed tourists to enjoy the cultural experiences on offer fully during the Chinese New Year.

German tourist Carla Uhrmacher, who visited the famous Yuyuan Garden in the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai, was impressed by the ease with which she could use her mobile payment app to buy traditional Chinese crafts and souvenirs. “Whether using Visa or Mastercard, or mobile payment systems, it’s all very seamless,” she noted, highlighting how accessible these payment methods are for international visitors.

This Spring Festival saw an increase in payment transactions and a significant rise in the number of foreign visitors to China. Inbound arrivals during this year’s Spring Festival hit a record high, with a 150 percent year-on-year leap reported, Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, told a press conference on Wednesday, citing data from third-party platforms.

While popular destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou continued to attract large numbers of foreign travelers during the holiday, cities like Suzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu and Xiamen emerged as new favorites for international tourists using mobile payment services, Alipay data shows.

This surge in international visitors can be largely attributed to China’s ongoing efforts to enhance its payment services for foreigners. The country has made it easier for international travelers to use their foreign credit cards by allowing them to link these cards directly to popular Chinese mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

An increasing number of international e-wallets are now also supported for use in China. Alipay, for example, now allows users to link 13 different overseas e-wallets from countries like the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.

Though cashless payment services have improved significantly, foreign tourists can also take advantage of a network of nearly 70,000 bank branches, 320,000 ATMs, and currency exchange facilities across the country.

This year’s Spring Festival also saw a notable increase in foreigner spending, particularly in cities like Beijing, where tourists from various countries flocked to shopping areas such as Qianmen Street to purchase souvenirs, local teas and trendy clothing.

This spending boom is backed by figures, with the number of transactions made by foreign visitors on WeChat increasing 134 percent compared to last year’s Spring Festival, and with the total spent via Alipay rising 150 percent during the first five days of the holiday. These figures reflect not only the convenience of mobile payments but also the growing enthusiasm of foreign tourists to purchase Chinese goods and immerse themselves in local culture.

An increasingly open China is becoming an even more attractive destination for international tourists as Chinese New Year is celebrated globally, and as payment services continue to improve, analysts in China have noted. And these improved payment experiences will make China travel even smoother and more enjoyable for international visitors.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Electronic information manufacturing posts fast growth

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

People try out Huawei smartphones in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, Sept. 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s electronic information manufacturing sector registered robust growth in 2024, with the added value of major enterprises in the sector increasing 11.8 percent from the previous year, official data showed on Thursday.

The combined operating revenues of the sector’s major firms rose 7.3 percent year on year to 16.19 trillion yuan (about 2.26 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

During the period, the combined profits of these companies increased 3.4 percent year on year to 640.8 billion yuan, the data showed.

Among major products, a total of 1.67 billion mobile phones were produced in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 7.8 percent. About 1.25 billion smartphones were manufactured, growing 8.2 percent from the previous year.

Major companies in the sector are those with a main annual business revenue of at least 20 million yuan.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions?
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Patrick Hajayandi, Research Affiliate, University of Pretoria

The crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated at the end of January 2025 when Goma, the capital of the province of North Kivu, fell to Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

The civilian population is paying a heavy price as a result of ongoing violence, despite a series of initiatives aimed at creating conditions for peace. Since the re-emergence of the M23 in November 2021, violent clashes with the Congolese army have led to thousands of deaths and displaced more than one million people in North Kivu province alone.

Patrick Hajayandi, whose research focuses on peacebuilding and regional reconciliation, examines previous attempts at finding peace in eastern DRC – and what needs to happen next.

What efforts have been made by the DRC and Rwanda to ease tensions?

The eastern DRC has become the site of renewed tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa. Rwanda lies to the east of the DRC. The two nations share a border of about 217 kilometres.

Kigali accuses the DRC of hosting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, the largest illegal armed group operating in the conflict area. Better known by its French acronym, FDLR, the group has stated its intention to overthrow the Rwandan government.

On the other hand, Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting and arming the M23, which seeks to control the two Kivu provinces, North and South. The involvement of the Rwandan Defence Forces in direct combat alongside the M23, corroborated by UN experts, has escalated the spread of violence.

Despite current tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, a few years ago the two governments engaged in collaborative efforts to solve the problem posed by the numerous armed groups operating in eastern DRC.

Such efforts included two joint operations with Congolese and Rwandan forces aimed at neutralising the FDLR. These joint operations in 2008 and 2009 were known as Operation Kimia and Umoja Wetu. In 2019 and 2020, soon after he took power, President Felix Tshisekedi allowed the Rwandan army to conduct operations against the FDLR in Congolese territory.

However, in recent years, relations have soured badly between Kinshasa and Kigali. This has led to regional efforts to broker peace.

Why has it been so difficult for regional actors to broker peace in the DRC?

The first complicating factor relates to the different roles that regional actors play in the DRC.

The involvement of a multitude of countries points to the complexity underlying the conflict and the diverse geopolitical interests. The DRC shares a border with nine countries: Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

In 2022, the African Union asked Angolan president João Lourenço to mediate between the DRC and Rwanda. The process he oversees is known as the Luanda Process and seeks to defuse the escalation of violence across the region. In particular, it has sought to reduce tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa.

The East African Community is directly involved in peace initiatives to restore peace in DRC. It has appointed former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta to lead what is called the Nairobi Process.

Read more:
DRC-Rwanda crisis: what’s needed to prevent a regional war

The DRC has rebuffed the East African Community’s reconciliation efforts. And Rwanda recently criticised both processes, suggesting the country had lost confidence in the ability of Lourenço and Kenyatta to find a solution.

In May 2023, the Southern African Development Community, of which the DRC is a member state, deployed a peace mission. This followed the exit of troops from the East African Community.

Other countries play different roles directly or indirectly in various missions in the DRC. Burundi is supporting military operations there under the framework of bilateral agreements in the defence sector. Uganda also deployed troops, ostensibly in pursuit of jihadist-backed armed rebels three years ago. However, this deployment has been a destabilising factor, with Kampala facing accusations of supporting the M23.

What have been the main hurdles in the way of these initiatives?

The East African Community Regional Force was deployed to pursue peace in eastern DRC as part of the Nairobi Process. However, this mission was cut short due to four main challenges:
- differences over mission objectives: the DRC government believed that the East African Community Regional Force would militarily confront M23 rebels. But the force had different objectives. As indicated by its commander, the deployment was to focus on overseeing the implementation of a political agreement, not run a military confrontation.
- contrasting views among the leaders of the East African Community member states on how to address the DRC’s crisis: the DRC and Rwanda are both members of the community. Rwanda is vocal about stopping the persecution of Congolese Tutsi in the DRC. However, there is a growing perception that Rwanda is supporting the M23 as a proxy force to allow it to control mineral resources. This has stalled reconciliation efforts.
- a lack of financial support for the talks: the African Union and regional bodies don’t have enough funding to support the interventions required to make meaningful progress.
The Luanda Process has not been able to bring tangible results either. The reasons for this failure include bad faith from the parties involved. This was reflected in the continued capture of territories by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, despite a July 2024 ceasefire.

After the January 2025 seizure of Goma and wave of deaths and displacement that followed, the M23 declared another ceasefire. Whether it will hold remains to be seen.

Rwanda’s behaviour in the ongoing conflict is complicating peace efforts. Kigali continues to deny supporting the M23 armed group. But it is participating in negotiations that involve the M23 and the DRC government. These contradictions make it difficult to know exactly who must be held responsible when, for example, a ceasefire is violated.

What’s required to give peace in the DRC a chance?

The current peace initiatives have been ineffective; they are routinely violated. What is needed is real pressure on the actors involved in spreading violence, forcing them to halt their destructive activities.

Congolese Nobel Prize winner Denis Mukwege, for example, has called for diplomatic and economic measures to end the aggression in the DRC. This would mean implementing sanctions and aid conditionalities in both Kigali and Kinshasa against the military and political leaders orchestrating violence against civilian populations.

Interventions should also include addressing structural causes of the conflict in the DRC, including resource exploitation.

There is also a need to address impunity as an essential step towards lasting peace. Rwanda must not continue to support an armed group that is attacking a neighbour. Kigali needs to be held accountable. International pressure is essential in halting attacks. The DRC government must also play its role as a guarantor of security for all its citizens.

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

– ref. DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions? – https://theconversation.com/drc-conflict-talks-have-failed-to-bring-peace-is-it-time-to-try-sanctions-248792
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions?
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Patrick Hajayandi, Research Affiliate, University of Pretoria

The crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated at the end of January 2025 when Goma, the capital of the province of North Kivu, fell to Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

The civilian population is paying a heavy price as a result of ongoing violence, despite a series of initiatives aimed at creating conditions for peace. Since the re-emergence of the M23 in November 2021, violent clashes with the Congolese army have led to thousands of deaths and displaced more than one million people in North Kivu province alone.

Patrick Hajayandi, whose research focuses on peacebuilding and regional reconciliation, examines previous attempts at finding peace in eastern DRC – and what needs to happen next.

What efforts have been made by the DRC and Rwanda to ease tensions?

The eastern DRC has become the site of renewed tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa. Rwanda lies to the east of the DRC. The two nations share a border of about 217 kilometres.

Kigali accuses the DRC of hosting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, the largest illegal armed group operating in the conflict area. Better known by its French acronym, FDLR, the group has stated its intention to overthrow the Rwandan government.

On the other hand, Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting and arming the M23, which seeks to control the two Kivu provinces, North and South. The involvement of the Rwandan Defence Forces in direct combat alongside the M23, corroborated by UN experts, has escalated the spread of violence.

Despite current tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, a few years ago the two governments engaged in collaborative efforts to solve the problem posed by the numerous armed groups operating in eastern DRC.

Such efforts included two joint operations with Congolese and Rwandan forces aimed at neutralising the FDLR. These joint operations in 2008 and 2009 were known as Operation Kimia and Umoja Wetu. In 2019 and 2020, soon after he took power, President Felix Tshisekedi allowed the Rwandan army to conduct operations against the FDLR in Congolese territory.

However, in recent years, relations have soured badly between Kinshasa and Kigali. This has led to regional efforts to broker peace.

Why has it been so difficult for regional actors to broker peace in the DRC?

The first complicating factor relates to the different roles that regional actors play in the DRC.

The involvement of a multitude of countries points to the complexity underlying the conflict and the diverse geopolitical interests. The DRC shares a border with nine countries: Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

In 2022, the African Union asked Angolan president João Lourenço to mediate between the DRC and Rwanda. The process he oversees is known as the Luanda Process and seeks to defuse the escalation of violence across the region. In particular, it has sought to reduce tensions between Kigali and Kinshasa.

The East African Community is directly involved in peace initiatives to restore peace in DRC. It has appointed former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta to lead what is called the Nairobi Process.

Read more: DRC-Rwanda crisis: what’s needed to prevent a regional war

The DRC has rebuffed the East African Community’s reconciliation efforts. And Rwanda recently criticised both processes, suggesting the country had lost confidence in the ability of Lourenço and Kenyatta to find a solution.

In May 2023, the Southern African Development Community, of which the DRC is a member state, deployed a peace mission. This followed the exit of troops from the East African Community.

Other countries play different roles directly or indirectly in various missions in the DRC. Burundi is supporting military operations there under the framework of bilateral agreements in the defence sector. Uganda also deployed troops, ostensibly in pursuit of jihadist-backed armed rebels three years ago. However, this deployment has been a destabilising factor, with Kampala facing accusations of supporting the M23.

What have been the main hurdles in the way of these initiatives?

The East African Community Regional Force was deployed to pursue peace in eastern DRC as part of the Nairobi Process. However, this mission was cut short due to four main challenges:
- differences over mission objectives: the DRC government believed that the East African Community Regional Force would militarily confront M23 rebels. But the force had different objectives. As indicated by its commander, the deployment was to focus on overseeing the implementation of a political agreement, not run a military confrontation.
- contrasting views among the leaders of the East African Community member states on how to address the DRC’s crisis: the DRC and Rwanda are both members of the community. Rwanda is vocal about stopping the persecution of Congolese Tutsi in the DRC. However, there is a growing perception that Rwanda is supporting the M23 as a proxy force to allow it to control mineral resources. This has stalled reconciliation efforts.
- a lack of financial support for the talks: the African Union and regional bodies don’t have enough funding to support the interventions required to make meaningful progress.
The Luanda Process has not been able to bring tangible results either. The reasons for this failure include bad faith from the parties involved. This was reflected in the continued capture of territories by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, despite a July 2024 ceasefire.

After the January 2025 seizure of Goma and wave of deaths and displacement that followed, the M23 declared another ceasefire. Whether it will hold remains to be seen.

Rwanda’s behaviour in the ongoing conflict is complicating peace efforts. Kigali continues to deny supporting the M23 armed group. But it is participating in negotiations that involve the M23 and the DRC government. These contradictions make it difficult to know exactly who must be held responsible when, for example, a ceasefire is violated.

What’s required to give peace in the DRC a chance?

The current peace initiatives have been ineffective; they are routinely violated. What is needed is real pressure on the actors involved in spreading violence, forcing them to halt their destructive activities.

Congolese Nobel Prize winner Denis Mukwege, for example, has called for diplomatic and economic measures to end the aggression in the DRC. This would mean implementing sanctions and aid conditionalities in both Kigali and Kinshasa against the military and political leaders orchestrating violence against civilian populations.

Interventions should also include addressing structural causes of the conflict in the DRC, including resource exploitation.

There is also a need to address impunity as an essential step towards lasting peace. Rwanda must not continue to support an armed group that is attacking a neighbour. Kigali needs to be held accountable. International pressure is essential in halting attacks. The DRC government must also play its role as a guarantor of security for all its citizens.

– DRC conflict: talks have failed to bring peace. Is it time to try sanctions?
– https://theconversation.com/drc-conflict-talks-have-failed-to-bring-peace-is-it-time-to-try-sanctions-248792

MIL OSI Africa –
February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Russia’s construction complex is developing scientific, technical and educational infrastructure of universities

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

February 6, 2025

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

February 6, 2025

Previous news Next news

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

The creation of modern conditions for education and research activities in Russian higher education institutions is an important part of the work of the Russian construction complex. High-quality infrastructure attracts talented students and scientists, promotes innovation and strengthens the positions of universities. Ultimately, this is a contribution to the future of the country, because it is within the walls of universities that specialists are trained who will move science and the economy forward, noted Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

On the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, a network of world-class university campuses is being created in Russia. One of these projects will be implemented at the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering.

“NRU MGSU is a flagship university in the construction industry. It has recently been included in the list of universities that provide training for engineering personnel and scientific developments for the country’s technological leadership. It has become the basic organization of the CIS member states for training and advanced training for personnel in the construction and housing and communal services industries. Last year, the university held the most successful admissions campaign in recent years. The passing scores for state-funded programs have increased significantly in a number of specialties. MGSU entered the top 10 universities in Moscow and the Moscow region in terms of the dynamics of the quality of state-funded admission. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin supported the project to create a world-class campus on the basis of NRU MGSU. And today, the development of design and estimate documentation for the construction of two blocks of the educational and scientific cluster has already begun. Architectural and planning solutions have been agreed upon with the university,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NRU MGSU Marat Khusnullin.

The construction of the campus facilities of the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering is planned to be carried out in two stages until 2035. Within the first stage, three blocks of the educational and scientific cluster, a sports and recreation complex, an ice arena, and a student dormitory will be built. The area of the new facilities will be more than 172 thousand square meters, facilities with an area of more than 10 thousand square meters will be reconstructed, and major repairs of the existing buildings of the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering are planned.

Currently, design and estimate documentation is being developed for blocks “A” and “B” with an area of over 69 thousand square meters, which will house advanced research and educational spaces, coworking spaces, creative workshops and public catering areas.

“When the campus is ready, it will be possible to implement a full innovation cycle on the basis of NRU MGSU, from the idea to the implementation of techniques and technologies, digital solutions, designs and materials in the construction industry and housing and communal services. I am sure that this will help popularize construction professions, achieve national goals and implement national projects,” Marat Khusnullin emphasized.

In addition, work continues on the construction of university campuses on the premises of other universities. For example, as part of the Oryol State University named after I.S. Turgenev, the public-law company “Unified Customer in the Sphere of Construction” is constructing an educational and laboratory building and a dormitory complex.

“The construction of the dormitory complex, consisting of three buildings, started in the summer of 2024. Currently, builders are actively performing monolithic work at the site; the construction of structures is already 60% complete. About 1,500 students will be able to live in comfortable conditions. The buildings will also have gyms, rooms for independent study and leisure,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

The educational and laboratory building with an area of over 27 thousand square meters will house a prototyping and reengineering center, an auditorium, a library and other premises. The student campus will become a modern open space for education, science and business.

Three more campuses are currently being built by Unified Customer in Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Kaliningrad.

At the same time, the Russian construction complex is developing the infrastructure of other universities that were not included in the world-class campus program. Including those facilities whose construction was delayed.

Thus, the construction of five educational and laboratory buildings of the Crimean Federal University named after V.I. Vernadsky in Simferopol began in 2019 and 2022, but was suspended. In 2024, the construction was entrusted to the PPK “Unified Customer”. As reported by Marat Khusnullin, monolithic work has been completed in the building of the educational building of the Institute of Foreign Philology. More than one thousand students and teachers will be able to study and work in this building.

“The eight-story building of the Institute of Foreign Philology will house classrooms and lecture halls, modern computer rooms, a reading room with an archive, a buffet with a dining room for 48 people, teachers’ offices, as well as a center for the language cultures of the small peoples of Crimea and other premises. The construction of the building is planned to be completed and equipped with modern technological equipment in 2026,” said Karen Oganesyan, General Director of the Unified Customer PPC.

In addition, KFU continues construction of buildings for the Physics and Technology Institute, student center, administrative building, and the Architecture and Civil Engineering Academy. The total area of the buildings is over 46 thousand square meters.

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 –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI: Danske Bank A/S initiates share buy-back programme
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company announcement no 6 2025 Danske Bank
Bernstorffsgade 40
DK-1577 København V
Tel. + 45 45 14 14 00

7 February 2025

Page 1 of 1

Danske Bank A/S initiates share buy-back programme

In line with the distribution plan announced in the press release regarding the annual report for 2024 published on 7 February 2025, the Board of Directors of Danske Bank A/S (“Danske Bank”) has resolved to utilise the authorisation granted by the Annual General Meeting on 21 March 2024 to repurchase shares by initiating a share buy-back programme of up to DKK 5 billion (the “Programme”).

The purpose of the Programme is to reduce the share capital of Danske Bank.

The Programme will be implemented in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

The Programme will be conducted in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest. Danske Bank may, however, at any time suspend or terminate the Programme.

The following additional conditions apply to the Programme:
- Share repurchases will only take place on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S.
- The Programme will be managed by an independent lead manager, which, under a separate agreement with Danske Bank, will make its trading decisions regarding the timing of the share repurchases independently of, and without influence by Danske Bank, within the timeframe set out in this announcement.
- The maximum amount allocated to the Programme is DKK 5 billion.
- The maximum number of shares that may be acquired under the Programme is 45,000,000 shares.
- Shares acquired under the Programme may not be purchased at a price exceeding the higher of (i) the share price of the last independent transaction on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S, and (ii) the highest independent bid on the shares on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S. The shares may not be acquired at a price deviating more than 10% from the price quoted on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S at the time of acquisition.
- Purchases on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S made on one single purchase day may not exceed 25% of the average daily trading volume of the shares during the 20 preceding trading days before the purchase day.
Information about shares acquired under the Programme will be published weekly on Danske Bank’s website www.danskebank.com and via company announcements. Danske Bank will also on its website and via company announcement publish information about any subsequent changes to the Programme should such occur, including any termination of the Programme.

Danske Bank

Contacts: Helga Heyn, Head of Media Relations, tel. +45 45 14 14 00
Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

Attachment
- Danske Bank AS initiates share buy-back programme
The MIL Network –
February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. – Completion of Shenandoah SS-2H ST1 stimulation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

Completion of Shenandoah SS-2H ST1 stimulation

07 February 2025 – Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce the completion the Shenandoah S2-2H ST1 (“SS-2H ST1”) stimulation in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited.

Key Highlights

Successfully completed 35 stages across the 1,671-metre (5,483-feet) horizontal section of the Amungee Member B-shale with the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) modern stimulation equipment.
Stimulation activities achieved five stages over a 24-hour period on multiple days.
The average proppant intensity was 2,706 pounds per foot (lb/ft) and achieved wellhead injection rates above 100 barrels per minute.
The average stage spacing is 48-metres (~157-feet).
The SS-2H ST1 well will be completed ahead of clean out activities and the commencement of initial flow back and extended production testing.
Further updates on the completion of the Shenandoah South 4H (SS-4H) well will be provided in due course.

Philip O’Quigley, CEO of Falcon commented:

“We are extremely encouraged about the potential of the current stimulation program based on strong gas shows and other data observed whilst drilling. In addition, the experienced US operator, Liberty Energy, have shown the efficiencies they can achieve which will provide us with the greatest opportunity for the best possible outcomes from this stimulation program. We look forward to updating the market on the IP30 flow test results as soon as they become available.”
Ends.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.	+353 1 676 8702
Philip O’Quigley, CEO	+353 87 814 7042
Anne Flynn, CFO	+353 1 676 9162

Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (NOMAD & Broker)
Neil McDonald / Adam Rae	+44 131 220 9771

This announcement has been reviewed by Dr. Gábor Bada, Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd’s Technical Advisor. Dr. Bada obtained his geology degree at the Eötvös L. University in Budapest, Hungary and his PhD at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is a member of AAPG.

About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is an international oil & gas company engaged in the exploration and development of unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.

Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited is a c. 98% subsidiary of Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

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

About Beetaloo Joint Venture (EP 76, 98 and 117)

Company	Interest
Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia)	22.5%
Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited	77.5%
Total	100.0%

Shenandoah South Pilot Project -2 Drilling Space Units – 46,080 acres¹

Company	Interest
Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon Australia)	5.0%
Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited	95.0%
Total	100.0%

¹Subject to the completion of the SS2H ST1 and SS4H wells on the Shenandoah South pad 2.

About Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited
Tamboran (B1) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B1”) is the 100% holder of Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited, with Tamboran B1 being a 50:50 joint venture between Tamboran Resources Corporation and Daly Waters Energy, LP.

Tamboran Resources Corporation, is a natural gas company listed on the NYSE (TBN) and ASX (TBN). Tamboran is focused on playing a constructive role in the global energy transition towards a lower carbon future, by developing the significant low CO₂ gas resource within the Beetaloo Basin through cutting-edge drilling and completion design technology as well as management’s experience in successfully commercialising unconventional shale in North America.

Bryan Sheffield of Daly Waters Energy, LP is a highly successful investor and has made significant returns in the US unconventional energy sector in the past. He was Founder of Parsley Energy Inc. (“PE”), an independent unconventional oil and gas producer in the Permian Basin, Texas and previously served as its Chairman and CEO. PE was acquired for over US$7 billion by Pioneer Natural Resources Company.

Advisory regarding forward-looking statements
Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “projects”, “dependent”, “consider” “potential”, “scheduled”, “forecast”, “outlook”, “budget”, “hope”, “suggest”, “support” “planned”, “approximately”, “potential” or the negative of those terms or similar words suggesting future outcomes. In particular, forward-looking information in this press release includes, details on the completion of the stimulation of SS-2H ST1; Liberty Energy conducting the stimulation campaign; and commencement of initial flow back and extended production testing and updates on SS-4H.

This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. The risks, assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results include risks associated with fluctuations in market prices for shale gas; risks related to the exploration, development and production of shale gas reserves; general economic, market and business conditions; substantial capital requirements; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of reserves and resources; extent of, and cost of compliance with, government laws and regulations and the effect of changes in such laws and regulations; the need to obtain regulatory approvals before development commences; environmental risks and hazards and the cost of compliance with environmental regulations; aboriginal claims; inherent risks and hazards with operations such as mechanical or pipe failure, cratering and other dangerous conditions; potential cost overruns, drilling wells is speculative, often involving significant costs that may be more than estimated and may not result in any discoveries; variations in foreign exchange rates; competition for capital, equipment, new leases, pipeline capacity and skilled personnel; the failure of the holder of licenses, leases and permits to meet requirements of such; changes in royalty regimes; failure to accurately estimate abandonment and reclamation costs; inaccurate estimates and assumptions by management and their joint venture partners; effectiveness of internal controls; the potential lack of available drilling equipment; failure to obtain or keep key personnel; title deficiencies; geo-political risks; and risk of litigation.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive and that these factors and risks are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Falcon assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Falcon. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Falcon’s filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.com, including under “Risk Factors” in the Annual Information Form.

Any references in this news release to initial production rates are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for Falcon. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.

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

The MIL Network –

February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: The rector of the State University of Management took part in the visiting meeting of the State Council commission on the direction of “Personnel”

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

On February 6, Vladimir Stroyev, Rector of the State University of Management, took part in an off-site meeting of the State Council of the Russian Federation Commission on Personnel, dedicated to Russian Science Day.

The commission members gathered in the city of Obninsk to discuss the human resources potential of Russian science.

In the first half of the day, the guests visited nuclear enterprises and got acquainted with the scientific potential of Obninsk. At the A.I. Leypunsky Physics and Power Engineering Institute, the commission was shown the new Educational Center, which is adjacent to the complex of fast physical stands. The center is equipped with a special experimental laboratory, which is built according to the strictest safety standards, and here future specialists can conduct research, including with sealed radiation sources.

A panel discussion on the issue of “On the human resources potential of Russian science” was held in the building of the Rosatom Technical Academy in the science city.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the State Council Commission on Personnel, a graduate of the State University of Management Vladislav Shapsha. The moderator was the Deputy Head of the Region and Deputy Chairman of the Commission, a graduate of the State University of Management Tatyana Leonova.

Greetings to Kaluga scientists were heard from the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education Sergei Kabyshev and the Governor of the Vladimir Region Alexander Avdeev.

The event was attended by the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Science and Higher Education Alexander Mazhuga, State Duma Deputy Gennady Sklyar, President of the Russian Academy of Education Olga Vasilyeva, General Director of the National Medical Research Center of Radiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia Andrey Kaprin and others.

The State University of Management was represented at the meeting by the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and the vice-rector Maria Karelina.

“Today we work in the city of Obninsk and visited several enterprises of the city, where new personnel are trained and work. And the experience of the city can be taken as a model: how to work with personnel, how to train them, what to provide and interest them in order to keep them in the region. These are conditions, including infrastructure, this is salary, and this is, of course, interest in the profession and the opportunity for advancement and development in it,” Vladimir Vitalyevich noted.

At the opening of the plenary discussion, Vladislav Shapsha spoke about the achievements of scientific and production centers that glorify both Obninsk and the entire region throughout Russia.

“Over the years of development, the Kaluga Region has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the leading scientific and technological centers of Russia. Last year, the Government of the Russian Federation extended the status of “science city” for Obninsk until 2040, and special thanks to our government for this. Our region has extensive experience, significant potential for scientific work in various fields, in nuclear medicine, biotechnology, radioecology, and other industries,” emphasized Vladislav Shapsha.

At the end of the meeting, Vladislav Shapsha presented awards to scientists who contributed to the acquisition and systematization of knowledge and the possibility of applying it in practice.

After the meeting, the commission members took part in the opening of the Sintec Group laboratory at the Obninsk Institute of Atomic Energy, a branch of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 02/07/2025

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 –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Man charged following firearms incident

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged following firearms incident

Friday, 7 February 2025 – 5:41 pm.

A 22 year old Berriedale man has been charged with firearms offences following an incident in Rosetta last night between two people known to one another.Police allege the man went to an address in Marys Hope Road, Rosetta, where a firearm was discharged, about 9pm.Another man at the address received a non-life threatening injury to the hand and attended hospital for treatment.Police attended the scene and commenced an investigation.Later that night police, along with specialist resources, attended an address in Berriedale where a man was arrested in relation to the incident.The man was charged with wounding, destroy property, breach of bail, attempt to breach family violence order, unlawfully set fire to property and numerous firearm offences.He has been detained to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow.

MIL OSI News –

February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Standing Liquidity Facility for Primary Dealers

Source: Reserve Bank of India

RBI/2024-25/110
REF.No.MPD.BC.398/07.01.279/2024-25

February 07, 2025

All Primary Dealers,

Standing Liquidity Facility for Primary Dealers

As announced in the bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2024-25, today, it has been decided by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to reduce the policy repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 6.50 per cent to 6.25 per cent with immediate effect.

2. Accordingly, the Standing Liquidity Facility provided to Primary Dealers (PDs) (collateralised liquidity support) from the Reserve Bank would be available at the revised repo rate of 6.25 per cent with immediate effect.

Yours faithfully,

(Praggya Das)
Adviser-in-Charge

MIL OSI Economics –

February 7, 2025

MIL-OSI China: Production begins in mega metamorphic rock oilfield

Source: China State Council Information Office

The first phase of Bozhong 26-6 oilfield, by far the largest metamorphic rock oilfield in the world, commenced production on Friday, according to its developer, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Tianjin branch.

The development project of the Bozhong 26-6 oilfield is divided into two phases. Phase one encompasses a central processing platform and an unmanned wellhead platform. The goal of this phase is to bring 33 development wells into production, with an expected peak daily output exceeding 3,500 cubic meters of oil and gas equivalent.

The reservoir of the Bozhong 26-6 oilfield is buried in metamorphic rocks beneath the seabed at a depth of over 4,500 meters, and its formation temperature can reach 178 degrees Celsius, making its exploitation extremely challenging, according to the CNOOC Tianjin Branch.

In response, the research team has developed and improved the drilling equipment and created a technical system tailored for deep-sea drilling, noted Tang Baisong, a project manager at CNOOC Tianjin Branch.

The Bozhong 26-6 oilfield is located in the Bohai Sea, about 170 km from north China’s Tianjin Municipality, with an average water depth of about 20 meters. Discovered in 2022, its cumulative proven oil and gas reserves has exceeded 200 million cubic meters.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi exchanges congratulations with Colombian president over 45th anniversary of ties

Source: China State Council Information Office

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday exchanged congratulations with Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego over the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Since China and Colombia established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, both sides have been pushing for the steady development of bilateral ties based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, said Xi.

Xi noted that in October 2023, Petro paid a successful state visit to China, during which the two heads of state had a fruitful meeting, and jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, guiding China-Colombia relations into a new era.

Colombia is an important country in Latin America and will assume the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States this year, said Xi.

Xi also said he attaches great importance to developing China-Colombia relations, and is willing to work with Petro to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries in efforts to jointly build a China-Latin America and the Caribbean community with a shared future.

In his message, Petro said the development of bilateral relations has witnessed fruitful results since the two sides established diplomatic ties, delivering benefits to the two peoples.

Frequent high-level visits have strongly boosted bilateral cooperation in various fields, and fostered a deeper bond between the two peoples, he said.

The Colombian president also noted that he paid a state visit to China after taking office, and bilateral ties have been steadily strengthened with the continuous increase of trade and investment.

Colombia is willing to work with China to jointly advance the global agenda of mutual concern, including world peace, energy transition and tackling climate change, he added.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi says Winter Games carries Asia’s common aspirations for peace, prosperity, friendship

Source: China State Council Information Office

The 9th Asian Winter Games embodies Asian people’s shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and friendship, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday, urging common commitment to realizing these goals.

Xi made the remarks at a welcome banquet ahead of the opening ceremony of the Games in Harbin, capital city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province.

He called on Asia to hold fast to the common dream of peace and amity, jointly respond to all sorts of security challenges, and contribute to building an equal and orderly multipolar world.

Xi also stressed the shared pursuit of prosperity and development, calling on Asian people to seek common progress and inject impetus into economic globalization.

To realize the common wish of integration and affinity, Xi called for promoting inclusive coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations in Asia.

MIL OSI China News –

February 7, 2025

Category: KB

Updates to this page

What efforts have been made by the DRC and Rwanda to ease tensions?

Why has it been so difficult for regional actors to broker peace in the DRC?

What have been the main hurdles in the way of these initiatives?

What’s required to give peace in the DRC a chance?

What efforts have been made by the DRC and Rwanda to ease tensions?

Why has it been so difficult for regional actors to broker peace in the DRC?

What have been the main hurdles in the way of these initiatives?

What’s required to give peace in the DRC a chance?

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering

Moscow State University of Civil Engineering