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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Continues Raising Alarm On Illegal Trump Admin Attempt to Freeze Federal Funding, Ongoing Lack of Clarity for Panicked Families and Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “The Trump administration’s half-hearted steps yesterday to clean up this massive mess they have made just affirms two things—one: they are still illegally withholding federal funds that are law; and two: this is an administration whose sheer incompetence, combined with their bad intentions and willful disregard of the law, is creating mass panic and chaos, and hurting people everywhere.”
    Murray lays out how funding freeze is still hurting Head Start providers, rental assistance, community health centers, hurting Tribes in Washington state
    ***VIDEO HERE***
    Washington, D.C. – This morning, at a press conference with Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, once again spoke out forcefully to raise the alarm over the illegal, sweeping Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo issued by the Trump administration on Monday night that directed agencies to freeze vast swaths of federal funding passed into law by Congress.
    Yesterday morning—just hours after the OMB memo was issued—Murray joined Leader Schumer and Senators Merkley, Klobuchar, Murphy, Kim, and King for a press conference hammering the Trump administration for the unprecedented and dangerous move, and highlighting the mass panic and confusion it was already creating for families, businesses, nonprofits, towns, and communities in every part of the country. Immediately after the OMB memo became public Monday night, Murray and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro sent a letter to Acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth raising the alarm on President Trump’s unlawful executive orders and the new memoranda. A fact sheet on the issue of the impoundment is available HERE.
    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:
    “While a judge has put this illegal move to freeze federal grants on hold for a very few short days, as Senator Schumer talked about, the threat, and the chaos, and the panic remain.
    “And, let’s be clear, the Trump administration’s half-hearted steps yesterday to clean up this massive mess they have made just affirms two things—one: they are still illegally withholding federal funds that are law; and two: this is an administration whose sheer incompetence, combined with their bad intentions and willful disregard of the law, is creating mass panic and chaos, and hurting people everywhere.
    “Their explanations have created no clarity or certainty for many panicked families, businesses, nonprofits, towns, and states. And they don’t actually change the basic fact that Trump is holding up funding our communities are counting on—and funding that is law.
    “Because first off, there are lots of programs they are saying won’t be affected when that is not what organizations across the country are experiencing.
    “Just one example: yesterday, Head Start providers were locked out of their reimbursement portal—meaning folks that are taking care of our youngest kids were suddenly not sure how they were going to keep the doors open or pay their teachers and staff.
    “Rental assistance—the payment system for housing authorities was down yesterday, I checked again with my staff this morning; it is still down.
    “And beyond that, there is just a long list of programs still left completely on the chopping block. Programs that help red states and blue states alike.
    “Meanwhile, a Tribe back in my home state of Washington told me just a little bit ago that they are having to determine if they need to lay off 400 people.
    “Community Health Centers have been having difficulty drawing down their federal funds. Sometimes they are the only providers, especially in our rural or remote communities. It is the end of the month, they need to make payroll!
    “There are real patients to consider here as clinics have to think about whether they have the funds to cover services because of this illegal move. 
    “Funding for firefighters—you know what doesn’t stop when federal funding stops? Fires! I mean the list goes on, and on. The calls are coming in, and the chaos—I am here to tell you—has not died down this morning.
    “There is really only one solution here in the Senate, and that is for all of us—all of us—to stand up and say ‘enough.’ To demand President Trump revoke these reckless orders and recognize Congress—Congress—has the power of the purse.
    “We will fight this in the courts, yes, but President Trump needs to back down from this reckless order that is hurting Americans and just follow the law as Congress wrote it.
    “This kind of freeze is going to hurt their states just as much, if not more. This is not a red or blue issue.
    “So, as Leader Schumer has said, we are going to keep sounding the alarm and pointing out who President Trump is hurting. We are going to listen to folks back home and raise their stories for everyone to hear.
    “None of us were elected to hurt people or sow chaos. We are elected to help people and solve problems. I hope every Member of Congress works with us to make clear, and work to tell President Trump: the law is the law. Work to tell him that Congress is a co-equal branch of government and the executive is there to execute the laws Congress has written. “The White House needs to stop hurting the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Rescinding Devastating Memo in Face of National Backlash—While Continuing Efforts to Steal Power & Block Resources Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ICYMI: Senator Murray Continues Raising Alarm On Illegal Trump Admin Attempt to Freeze Federal Funding, Ongoing Lack of Clarity for Panicked Families and Communities
    ICYMI: Senator Murray Blasts Trump Admin for Illegally Blocking Funding for Communities, Comments on Latest OMB Update & Continued Chaos Nationwide
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement on OMB rescinding its memo illegally freezing vast swaths of federal funding:
    “This is an important victory for the American people whose voices were heard after massive pressure from every corner of this country—real people made a difference by speaking out. Still, the Trump administration—through a combination of sheer incompetence, cruel intentions, and a willful disregard of the law—caused real harm and chaos for millions over the span of the last 48 hours which is still ongoing.
    “This fight is far from over; the Trump administration is still illegally withholding funding for communities in red states and in blue states. Senate Republicans are still intent on confirming Russ Vought, chief architect of Project 2025 as this country’s budget director. This is a man who time and again has refused to say he will follow the law.
    “I will keep working to hold this administration accountable and ensure President Trump follows the laws as intended by Congress.”
    Just this morning, Murray continued to raise the alarm on the funding freeze. Yesterday morning—just hours after the OMB memo was issued—Murray joined Leader Schumer and Senators Merkley, Klobuchar, Murphy, Kim, and King for a press conference hammering the Trump administration for the unprecedented and dangerous move, and highlighting the mass panic and confusion it was already creating for families, businesses, nonprofits, towns, and communities in every part of the country. Immediately after the OMB memo became public Monday night, Murray and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro sent a letter to Acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth raising the alarm on President Trump’s unlawful executive orders and the new memoranda. A fact sheet on the issue of the impoundment is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray’s Remarks at Presser After OMB Rescinds Disastrous Memo: “This Fight is Far From Over”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Murray: “Make no mistake—the Trump Administration is still illegally holding up billions of dollars across the federal government through their Day One Executive Orders… Trump has made it clear he is not going to stop.”
    ICYMI: Senator Murray: “No Senator Who Believes Congress Holds the Power of the Purse Should Vote for Russ Vought” 
    ***VIDEO HERE***
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, spoke at a press conference with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) immediately after OMB rescinded its disastrous Monday night memo that illegally froze vast swaths of federal funding appropriated by Congress for communities all over the country.
    Senator Murray has consistently raised alarm bells over President Trump and his top advisors’ ongoing efforts and plans to illegally block funding Congress has provided from making it out to American families, businesses, and communities. Last week, she grilled President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Management and Budget, Russ Vought, on his loud declarations that President Trump should unilaterally hold up funding—and his refusal to commit to Congress to follow the law. She called out President Trump’s unlawful executive orders holding up funding for infrastructure, national security programs, good-paying clean energy jobs and innovations, and much more—and released a fact sheet detailing how his orders violate the law and the constitution. On Monday night, after OMB issued its sweeping memo freezing trillions of dollars in funding for America, Senator Murray and House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro sent a letter to Acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth raising the alarm on President Trump’s unlawful executive orders and the new memoranda. She joined Leader Schumer and Senators Merkley, Klobuchar, Murphy, Kim, and King hours later for a press conference highlighting the mass panic and confusion the memo was already creating for families and communities in every part of the country. This morning, Senator Murray spoke at a press conference with Leader Schumer and Senators Heinrich and Peters hammering how badly Trump’s actions are hurting their states—and working people all across the country.
    Senator Murray’s remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:
    “Never in my time in the Senate have I seen a President cause as much chaos, and panic, and damage in such a short time as President Trump has caused with his brazen and illegal move to freeze federal grants, across the government, and across the country.
    “The Trump administration—through a combination of sheer incompetence, cruel intentions, and a willful disregard of the law—caused real harm and chaos for millions over the span of just 48 hours.
    “But we learned something important: when the American people speak out with one voice—when regular people stand up, it makes a difference. This victory belongs to everyone who raised their voice.
    “But make no mistake, the fight is far from over. My phone was ringing off the hook, and it still is.
    “You know, everyday Americans actually understand a freeze like this would hurt them, cause serious problems in their lives, and make their lives worse—homeless shelters kicking out kids, clinical trials getting canceled, child care providers laying people off, roads and bridges not getting built, cops not getting hired.
    “You know, while people like Elon Musk may not feel the pain of a single one of those cuts or delays, everyday Americans—who work hard every day, expect a fair shake, and expect the government to be there when it counts—they knew this would be catastrophic.
    “But again—and please understand this—the fight is not over. Because even though, after the intense outcry from the American people, Trump has now admitted this was a colossal mistake by rescinding the guidance—the threat, the chaos, the panic, can’t just be wiped away.
    “We have a lot of work to do right now, to make sure all the funding now actually does get moving again—this is not like turning on a light switch.
    “And as we just saw through the chaotic rollout, its complicated stuff. So we will all be watching closely to make sure funds get where they belong ASAP.
    “And even afterwards, no one is forgetting what they just tried to do, and what they are still doing.
    “Make no mistake: the Trump Administration is still illegally holding up billions of dollars across the federal government through their Day One Executive Orders.
    “You don’t have to take my word for it, the White House Press Secretary just said, and I quote: ‘This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. […] The President’s [Executive Orders] on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.’
    “That means they are still blocking investments Congress passed into law to help our communities.
    “They are still blocking things like international aid, clean air and water projects, investments in new clean energy jobs, and a lot of other projects funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Trump is stopping with his illegal executive orders.
    “And, aside from the fact they have not stopped blocking this funding illegally, their blatant attempt this week to illegally freeze trillions more in one fell swoop is, mark my words, a clear sign of what is to come: more lawless cuts, more chaos, more pain for our families.
    “Trump has made it clear he is not going to stop. Unless—unless Congress, and the American people, make clear we are not going to stand for it.
    “And we have an opportunity now to make that clear, when we vote on Russ Vought’s nomination to be Budget Director. He is the chief architect of Project 2025—which left its digital fingerprints all over the illegal OMB guidance that was issued.
    “This is a man who time and again has refused to say he will follow the law—including to me and to many others directly. 
    “Every lawmaker who doesn’t want to see funds that they worked to secure for their state—funds they know families are counting on—ripped away must vote ‘no.’ And that’s a start!
    “But, as long as the Trump administration is illegally holding back funds and harming families, this fight is not over.
    “I—and all of my colleagues— will keep working to hold this administration accountable, make sure our communities get the resources they are owed, and make certain President Trump follows the law as intended by Congress.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Release of New Data on Students’ Learning Post-Pandemic

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, issued the following statement on the release of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which shows that in 2024, students’ learning nationwide continued a more than decade-long trend of a growing achievement gap between higher-performing and lower-performing students.
    “These scores make painfully clear how much work remains to be done to help our students thrive in the classroom and learn the skills they need to succeed. I have pushed for years to get our schools the resources and tools needed to help students get ahead—including delivering record investments for our students and schools without any Republican votes—and I will continue to work with anyone and everyone focused on improving outcomes for our kids and closing widening achievement gaps.
    “But as we get these bleak results, one thing’s clear as day: President Trump trying to freeze federal funding headed to our students and schools—creating mass chaos and confusion—does absolutely nothing to address the challenges our kids are facing in the classroom. Nor will shutting down the Department of Education, slashing education funding to afford tax cuts for billionaires, or focusing on privatization efforts that help a sliver of students instead of the vast majority of kids who attend public schools, as the president is doing. This year’s scorecard should redouble our commitment to investing in our schools and students and in evidence-based approaches that support their learning and development, and I will keep fighting to do just that.”
    Senator Murray has long fought to ensure students can get a quality education and to ensure our nation’s students and schools have both the tools and the resources they need to thrive. From the very beginning of her service in the Senate, including throughout the pandemic, she worked to deliver resources for schools, including to reopen safely for in-person learning and support students, families, and educators throughout the public health crisis. In March 2020, Senator Murray introduced the Supporting Students in Response to Coronavirus Act to support students as COVID-19 spread, and she proceeded to work across the aisle to deliver resources to schools to support students in the CARES Act in March 2020 and in December 2020 through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). In March 2021, Senator Murray helped secure critical resources for K-12 schools in the American Rescue Plan, which was passed without any Republican votes. She also worked to require a portion of the resources are specifically used to address learning loss—and has pushed to ensure the resources are being used effectively to help students get back on track. In the years since, Senator Murray has fought to renew federal investments in our schools, ensure resources are used effectively and consistent with federal laws, and successfully defeated House Republicans’ efforts to gut federal educational funding as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Presses Commerce Secretary Nominee Howard Lutnick on Census, NOAA Protection, Pacific Fisheries Consultation, AI Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON — At today’s Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing for Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Lutnick on conducting a fair census count, protecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from Project 2025 threats, consulting with Hawai‘i leaders on Pacific fisheries decisions, and strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) safety.
    First, Schatz asked Lutnick if he would pledge to carry out the census in an apolitical manner. Lutnick responded, “I promise you we will count each whole person. That’s what the Constitution says, and we will stick right to it rigorously.”
    Schatz then questioned whether Lutnick agreed with Project 2025’s threat to “dismantle” NOAA, to which Lutnick replied, “No.”
    Schatz also raised the issue of NOAA’s impact on the Hawai‘i Longline Fishery, asking, “Do I have your assurance that before NOAA, National Marine Fisheries, or anyone makes a move regarding our fishery in the Pacific that you will consult with our office, and our delegation, and the state of Hawai‘i?”
    In response, Lutnick said, “I’d be delighted to consult with your office… On the things that matter to you, I will happily commit to working with your office. That sounds like it would make me better at my job, so I’d appreciate your input.”
    Schatz brought up President Trump’s repeal of President Biden’s AI executive order, including potential impacts to the AI Safety Institute, asking, “What do we do in place of this and how quickly can we get it done? Because that part of this was one of the few things that we were not arguing about when it comes to AI policy.”
    Lutnick said, “The Department of Commerce has the gold standard when it comes to cybersecurity standards, so I think AI standards along the lines of that gold standard, that same model will be very effective. So that if you think of it as standards, I think we can get bipartisan agreement that we can find the right way to set those standards.”
    Schatz said he would continue to urge the Department of Commerce to ensure greater AI safety.
    Since the previous Trump Administration attempted to interfere with the count for political purposes, Schatz has led efforts to ensure a fair census. He has introduced legislation to ensure any future proposed changes are studied and tested.
    Video of Senator Schatz’s full exchange at today’s hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU next generation defence technologies get €1 billion in funding

    Source: European Union 2

    More than €1 billion has been allocated by the European Defence Fund for the development of critical defence technologies and capabilities. Around €100 million each is set aside for critical fields such as ground combat, space, air and naval combat, energy resilience and environmental transition.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ProVen Growth and Income VCT plc: Interim Management Statement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ProVen Growth and Income VCT plc
    Interim Management Statement
    for the nine months ended 30 November 2024

    ProVen Growth and Income VCT plc (the “Company”) presents an Interim Management Statement for the nine-month period ended 30 November 2024. The statement also includes relevant financial information between the end of the period and the date of this announcement.

    Performance

            Unaudited
    30-Nov 2024    		 Unaudited
    31-Aug
    2024    		 Unaudited
    31 May
    2024    		 Audited
    29-Feb
    2024
            Pence Pence Pence Pence
    Net Asset Value per share (“NAV”)       51.7 51.5 54.7 54.7
    Dividends paid since class launch (originally as ‘C’ Shares)*       79.90 79.90 78.40 78.40
    Total Return (NAV plus dividends paid since ‘C’ Share class launch)       131.60 131.40 133.10 133.10

    * Dividends paid represents dividends paid in respect of the Original ‘C’ Shares between their launch in 2006 up until their conversion in 2009 and as Ordinary Shares since the ‘C’ Share conversion. ‘C’ Shares were converted into Ordinary Shares on a one for one basis in 2009.

    Dividends paid or declared
    On 5 November 2024, the Company announced an Interim dividend for the year ending 28 February 2025 of 1.25p per share. This dividend was paid on 17 January 2025 to Shareholders on the register at 20 December 2024. Payment of this dividend will reduce the NAV per share as shown above to 50.45p and increase dividends paid to date to 81.15p per share.

    Investment portfolio summary at 30 November 2024
    Portfolio summary

      Cost Valuation
    Venture capital investments £’000 £’000
         
    Picasso Labs, Inc. (t/a CreativeX) 4,546                  11,425
    Luxury Promise Limited 6,020                   9,360
    MPB Group Limited 1,194                   6,476
    Gorillini NV (t/a Gorilla) 2,886                   6,464
    Social Value Portal Ltd 2,542                   5,472
    Dash Brands Ltd 3,282                   5,277
    Infinity Reliance Limited (t/a My 1st Years) 2,769                   5,057
    Utilis Israel Ltd (t/a Asterra) 2,144                   4,803
    Papier Ltd 4,703                   4,703
    Lupa Foods Limited 284                   4,585
    Other investments 81,716 60,970
    Total investments 112,086 124,592
         
    Cash and cash equivalents   39,655
    Other net current assets   (2,186)
         
    Net Assets   162,061

    Unquoted investments are valued at fair values established using the International Private Equity and Venture Capital Valuation Guidelines.

    Investment activity during the three-month period ended 30 November 2024

    Investment additions

    There were no additions made in the quarter to 30 November 2024.

    Investment disposals

     

    Cost

    		 Market
    value at 1 March 2024

    Disposal
    proceeds

    		 Gain
    against
    cost    		 Realised gain/
    (loss)
    in period
      £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
    Lupa Foods Limited (loan repayment) 362 468 468 106 –
    Buckingham Gate Financial Services Limited – 150 155 155 5
      362 618 623 261 5

    Investment activity from 1 December 2024 to the date of this announcement

    In the period from 1 December 2024 to the date of this announcement, a follow on investment was made in Social Value Portal Ltd at cost of £118,000.

    In the period from 1 December 2024 to the date of this announcement, Lupa Foods Limited was fully disposed of, realising £4,574,000 of proceeds for the Company. Commonplace Digital Limited was disposed of for consideration of shares in Zencity Technologies Ltd. 

    Changes to share capital Ordinary
    Shares
    of 1.6187p each
    As at 1 September 2024 315,001,048
    Shares bought back during the 3 months to 30 November 2024 (4,402,488)
    Shares issued during the 3 months to 30 November 2024 3,129,865
    As at 30 November 2024 313,728,425

    In the period from 1 December 2024 to the date of this announcement, 1,797,547 Ordinary Shares were issued on 5 December 2024 pursuant to the offer for subscription that opened on 6 November 2024 and were allotted at an average price of 53.38p, based on the net asset value of 51.5p per Ordinary Share, being the net asset value as at 31 August 2024.

    In the period from 1 December 2024 to the date of this announcement, 1,094,340 Ordinary Shares were issued under the Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Scheme (“DRIS”) in relation to the dividend paid on 17 January 2025.

    Offer for Subscription
    ProVen VCT plc and ProVen Growth and Income VCT plc (the “Companies”) announced on 6 November 2024 that they had published a Prospectus (comprising Securities Note, Registration Document and Summary) in respect of a combined offer for subscription to raise up to £30,000,000 (up to £15,000,000 for each Company) by way of an issue of new ordinary shares in the Companies, with an over-allotment facility of up to a further £10,000,000 (up to £5,000,000 for each Company).

    Material events
    Other than the matters described above, there were no material events during the period from 1 September 2024 to 30 November 2024 or in the period from 1 December 2024 to the date of this announcement.

    Further information
    Further information regarding the Company can be found on the Company’s website: www.proveninvestments.co.uk or by contacting Beringea, the Investment Manager at info@beringea.co.uk or by telephone 020 7845 7820.

    Beringea LLP
    Company Secretary
    Telephone 020 7845 7820
    -End

    The MIL Network –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Thousands of fake medicines seized by EU-supported criminal investigation

    Source: European Union 2

    Europol investigated some 52 organised crime groups as part of a global effort to crack down on the trafficking of fake medicines and illicit doping substances. More than €11 million’s worth of fake medicines were taken off the markets, as a result of the investigation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration

    From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration | OSCE
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    Home Newsroom News and press releases From mine awareness to radio communication: OSCE and the Austrian Armed Forces International Centre mark 10 years of collaboration

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Turn Last Year’s Dreams Into Reality with Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale

    Source: Samsung

     
    As the new year unfolds, it’s time to turn your dreams into reality with Samsung’s Blue Tag Sale, running from 13 January to 2 March 2025. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your home appliances, tech gadgets, or enhance your lifestyle, Samsung’s latest innovations are here to help you make your 2025 a year of progress and transformation.
     
    Featuring cutting-edge products packed with advanced AI technology, Samsung is your partner in elevating your home and turning it into a space that works harder for you. We can help you turn last year’s dreams, into this year’s upgrade. From the kitchen to the living room, from productivity to entertainment, Samsung is committed to helping you create the home and lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
     
    Samsung believes in making your home a place where technology supports your goals and where AI-driven solutions empower you to live better, work smarter, and enjoy more. So start the new year with a Samsung upgrade that will elevate your home.
     
    Thanks to this year’s Blue Tag Sale offers of up to 30% off, you can get a wide selection of Samsung products, each designed to enhance your personal, professional, and lifestyle goals. Whether you want a smarter, more efficient kitchen, a seamless entertainment setup, or a connected home, Samsung’s ground-breaking technology helps you level up in every area.
     
    Deals to Jumpstart Your Year
    Take advantage of the incredible Blue Tag Sale offers including these:
    Side by Side Fridge, Non-Plumbed Water & Ice Dispenser, Gentle Black, 617L (RS64DG53R3B1FA) – Now at R29,999* (Save R2,100). The sophisticated, modern design of this fridge makes it a perfect addition to any kitchen.
    Side by Side Fridge, Plumbed Water & Ice Dispenser, Gentle Silver, 617L (RS65DG54R3S9FA) – Now at R28,999* (Save R2,200). Samsung’s SpaceMax technology offers more storage capacity inside, while maintaining a sleek, space-efficient exterior.
     

     
    These fridges deliver both functionality and style. They make smart living simple with SmartThings, enabling energy monitoring and usage patterns from the app. It is designed for families who need more from their home appliances. Plus, when you purchase any of the above fridges, you’ll receive a complimentary Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 5G, allowing you to stay connected and productive throughout the year.
     
    Redemption steps:
     
    BUY
    Simply purchase any participating refrigerators. Purchase on or before 23 February 2025.
     
    VISIT
    https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/blue-tag-sale/redemption/
     
    COMPLETE
    Complete the redemption form, upload all required documents before the 31 March 2025. Upon successful submission and verification, an email will be sent to the participant, who will receive their gift within 7 to 14 working days.
     
    The Samsung Blue Tag Sale runs from 13 January – 2 March 2025, in Samsung stores, online, the Samsung Shop App, as well as participating retailers. Don’t miss out!
     
    For more information, visit www.samsung.com/za

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Calling all small business champions of the circular economy 

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Calling all small business champions of the circular economy 

    Share this:

    Launched in 2021, the Small Business Champions Initiative celebrates organisations that empower small businesses to participate and succeed in global trade. This year, the organisers – the  International Chamber of Commerce, International Trade Centre and World Trade Organization’s Informal Working Group on Micro-, Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises, in partnership with United Nations Trade and Development – will recognise concepts and initiatives that help small businesses embrace the circular economy. 

    Along with the recognition, the winners will be invited to Geneva for an award ceremony on 27 June 2025. The International Trade Centre will additionally award each winner US$4,000 prize money to support the development or further scaling of their winning project and issue an award certificate. 

    What are we looking for and who can participate? 

    • Small businesses, enterprises, industry associations, chambers of commerce and non-governmental organisations leading initiatives such as awareness-raising campaigns, competitions, capacity building, training, mentoring and networking programmes related to the circular economy 
    • Small businesses engaged in the circular economy with innovative business concepts that reduce, prevent or repurpose waste 

    All proposals must have a clear link to international trade and include an action plan (see past competitions for reference). 

    Submit your proposal   

    Proposals should be submitted through this form by 28 March 2025. The winning proposals will be jointly selected by representatives from the competition organisers. For additional information, consult this guide. 

    Related publication

    • Sustainability

    Circular economy: Challenges and opportunities for businesses and policymakers

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jail terms for men who ran Kent waste warehouse

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Rubbish later caught fire, disrupting town – Lancashire and Devon men guilty of waste crime

    Fire-ravaged unit at Westwood Business Park in Margate

    Routine complaints about flies in a seaside town unearthed a vast cavern of illegally-stored waste.

    No wonder the flies, as well as rats, were interested. David Weeks and Lee Brookes had built up a massive stockpile of rubbish, neatly packaged in black plastic.

    The Environment Agency prosecuted the pair, resulting in suspended prison sentences totalling 20 months between them for filling a Margate warehouse with the waste.

    It was spring 2017. As the weather warmed up, frustrated residents rang the local council to report swarms of flies close to an anonymous building.

    Officials at Thanet District Council contacted the Environment Agency, which began an investigation. It discovered the illegal storage of thousands of bales of household and construction waste inside the building, unit P, on the Westwood Business Park.

    Baled waste stored inside unit P before the fire.

    A director of Devon-based DW Land Ltd, Weeks signed a one-year lease with the building’s owners at the start of 2017.

    Lorry after lorry dumped waste

    But no sooner was the ink dry on the lease that lorry after lorry began arriving in Margate from across the home counties – a procession of 220 vehicles over three months, offloading 6,000 blocks of waste and placed in the building.

    Totnes businessman Weeks employed Brookes’ firm, OMC Outdoor Maintenance Company, of Whitworth, in Lancashire, to secure and manage unit P. Weeks told the Environment Agency he was the agent for two companies wanting the site for an energy-from-waste plant. 

    Judge Simon Taylor KC heard the waste had left legal sites in Hampshire and Hertfordshire, bound for the Kent coast, to be stored inside the building, but outside the law. Neither Brookes nor Weeks obtained an environmental permit for the storage of waste.

    Risk became reality when building went up in flames

    Matt Higginson, environment manager for the Environment Agency in Kent, said:

    Weeks and Brookes profited financially from payments made to the sites where the waste originated and from its storage in Kent.

    Not getting an environmental permit for the building, avoiding the cost and requirements of getting one, Weeks and Brookes gave themselves an unfair advantage over legitimate waste operators

    A permit for the site would have required a plan to manage the risk of fire. Risk became reality when the building went up in flames. The disruption for local people went on for almost a month.

    This case proves you must use firms authorised to take away your waste. Check the register of waste carriers’ licences on gov.uk.

    Throughout 2017 and 2018, Weeks and Brookes gave the Environment Agency several excuses as to why they couldn’t clear the waste from the building. 

    On 18 September that year, the building caught fire. Kent Fire and Rescue Service fought the blaze for 25 days. At its peak, rubbish burst out of the packaging. Although no cause for the fire has ever been found, roads and businesses had to close, and the disruption led to operations cancelled at the local hospital.

    View of fire-ravaged unit P at Westwood Business Park in Margate.

    It was only a year later, towards the end of 2019, and almost three years after the first delivery of rubbish, what waste survived the fire was finally removed by the battered building’s new owner.

    Weeks and Brookes gave scant assistance to the Environment Agency’s investigation. Even after the fire, the pair kept a very low profile.

    David Weeks, 55, of School Hill, Totnes, Devon, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. He also to pay £5,000 in costs, and a victim surcharge of £140.

    Judge Taylor also gave Weeks 150 hours unpaid work and 20 hours of rehabilitation activity aimed at preventing him from reoffending. He’ll have to wear an electronic tag to monitor his daytime movements for the next two months. 

    Lee Brookes, of Tonacliffe Way, Whitworth, Lancashire, received a sentence of four months in prison, suspended for a year. He was also given 80 hours of unpaid work and the same 20 hours of rehabilitation programme. The court also ordered the 49-year-old to pay costs of £1,000 and a £115 victim surcharge.   

    At the hearing on 21 January, the court was told Weeks was fined almost £10,000 seven years ago for his part in the management of a site in Plymouth where 13,000 tonnes of wood was stored illegally.   

    The two men pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to knowing their respective companies, DW Land and OMC Maintenance, ran the waste operation in Margate without an environmental permit between 13 January 2017 and 22 August 2019, against regulation 12 (1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. 

    DW Land Ltd, of Paignton Road, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, and OMC Outdoor Maintenance Company Ltd, also of Tonacliffe Way, Whitworth, Lancashire, are no longer trading.

    Contact us: Journalists only –

    0800 141 2743 or communications_se@environment-agency.gov.uk

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    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Rachel Reeves’ route to economic growth is a slow one – and there are no guarantees voters will be patient enough

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Schifferes, Honorary Research Fellow, City Political Economy Research Centre, City St George’s, University of London

    Go My Media/Shutterstock

    After six months of talking down the economy and warning of tough times ahead, the UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has changed her tune. She is now much more optimistic about Britain’s economic prospects and has announced a raft of measures including major pension reforms designed to unlock cash to boost growth and productivity.

    But Labour’s political problem is that none of her plans will have an immediate impact on the UK’s anaemic growth rate – the economy has virtually flatlined for the last six months. From day one Reeves has put growth at the centre of her plans, and a lack of it will mean tough choices in the spring, when she must spell out government spending plans for the next three years.

    The government is focusing on a wide range of “supply side” reforms, including unleashing pension funds to invest in Britain, as well as relaxing the planning system and building infrastructure – many of which have an uncanny resemblance to measures once proposed by former prime minister Liz Truss.

    At the heart of these plans is a big increase in investment in infrastructure to boost productivity – things like roads, public transport and technology – where Britain lags behind its major rivals.

    But there’s a big catch. The independent spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), estimates that it will take years – or even decades – for infrastructure projects to transform the British economy, with only a 0.1% boost in growth in the near term for every additional 1% on public investment.

    Without other measures that have a more immediate impact, the political risk to Labour is that its pledge to make everyone better off may feel hollow to voters.

    The challenges are particularly acute for big transport projects, as the debacle of HS2 illustrates. Even with changes to the planning system, work on expanding Heathrow airport is unlikely to start before 2030. And major projects like the Lower Thames crossing between Kent and Essex and the Sizewell C nuclear reactor in Suffolk have been in the planning stage for nearly 20 years.

    Electricity supply is another crucial area, with the need for more renewable energy and an expansion of the grid. This will now need to be financed largely by private capital as the government has scaled back its “green new deal”.

    So how exactly will all these big plans be financed? The government is hoping to unleash additional investment from the UK pension fund industry, by changing the rules to allow defined benefit (sometimes called final salary) schemes with surpluses to invest more widely.

    Although there is currently £160 billion available in these schemes, this could change if interest rates fall. It is also not clear how attractive such UK infrastructure investment would even be. Many projects, such as in privatised industries like water and electricity, will at least partly be funded by increased charges to consumers.

    The government’s own spending plans to increase public investment are relatively modest. These plans bring government capital spending (which allows for borrowing under the fiscal rules) just slightly above the historic average.

    Planning reform could also prove problematic. Although the government is changing some of the rules, especially in relation to housebuilding, planning decisions will be still made by local authorities. In many cases these will face strong local opposition, potentially delaying decisions.

    This points to the larger political problem for the government. The changes will not eliminate the tension between the government’s growth and environmental objectives, with the latter potentially a crucial issue in many of the marginal seats won by Labour in the last election.

    Heathrow expansion will put the government’s climate targets in serious jeopardy.
    Dinendra Haria/Shutterstock

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the need to pull out the “weeds” of regulation as vital to growth plans. He has already sacked the head of the key regulatory agency, the Competition and Markets Authority. But allowing more consolidation of British industry could create monopolies, which tend to raise prices, increase profits and neglect investment.

    There are even greater concerns over possible deregulation of the financial sector, which could abolish many of the safeguards established after the global financial crisis in 2008.

    What’s missing?

    The government is much less clear on what it is going to do about the supply of skilled labour than the availability of capital. Shortages of skilled workers could limit progress on these big infrastructure projects if workers are also needed to build housing.

    Government plans for boosting skills training, and the funding for further and higher education, are still works in progress. Meanwhile, limits on immigration will reduce the number of skilled construction workers. And the details of the government’s plan to boost the labour force by getting more people on disability benefit back to work have yet to be spelled out.

    As Labour sets out its long-term growth plan, dark clouds are looming. In particular, in global terms the British economy is one of the most dependent on international trade and investment. But most of its trade is with its two largest trading partners – the EU and the USA.

    Growing protectionism in the US, coupled with a lack of access to EU markets caused by Brexit, could have a significant effect on Britain’s growth. The UK economy is projected by the IMF to grow by just 1.6% this year, which is still weak by historic standards.

    It may be of little consolation to the public if this is higher than in France and Germany. Reeves may well find that’s simply not enough to satisfy the expectations of voters.

    Steve Schifferes 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. Rachel Reeves’ route to economic growth is a slow one – and there are no guarantees voters will be patient enough – https://theconversation.com/rachel-reeves-route-to-economic-growth-is-a-slow-one-and-there-are-no-guarantees-voters-will-be-patient-enough-248690

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria: Hostilities and aid challenges persist across devastated country

    Source: United Nations 4

    30 January 2025 Peace and Security

    Humanitarians warned on Thursday that Syria continues to face major security and aid challenges in the northeast and beyond, in the uncertain aftermath of the overthrow of the Assad regime.

    In an update, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said more than 25,000 people have been newly uprooted from the northeastern city of Manbij where shelling and airstrikes have been reported.

    OCHA noted that hostilities have been intensifying over the past week, particularly in eastern Aleppo and around the Tishreen Dam.

    The dam is a key target for different groups of Syrian fighters vying for control of northern Syria. These include the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) and the mainly Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighting alongside the PKK/YPG – the Kurdish Workers’ Party or People’s Protection Units. 

    Hundreds of thousands fleeing

    As a result of the escalating violence, the number of newly displaced people has increased to 652,000 as of 27 January, OCHA said.

    The deadly incidents reported in Syria’s northeast include shelling that struck a town in the Manbij countryside on 25 January, injuring an unverified number of children.

    On Saturday, clashes affected a displacement camp in Jarablus north of Manbij, injuring seven including two children and destroying five shelters. 

    On the same day, a car bomb detonated in front of a hospital and school in Manbij city, reportedly killing one civilian and injuring seven others.

    In the past week, OCHA, has also reported clashes in coastal areas  with “increased criminal activities, including looting and vandalism, constraining the movements of civilians during night hours”.

    The UN agency also noted continuing Israeli incursions into Quneitra in southern Syria, near the Golan Heights buffer zone that the Israeli military moved into – forces said temporarily – following the ouster of President Assad.

    Massive aid needs

    More widely across Syria’s governorates, the UN agency warned that a “lack of public services and liquidity constraints” have severely affected communities and the humanitarian response. In Homs and Hama, for instance, electricity is available for only 45 to 60 minutes every eight hours.

    In northwest Syria, 102 health facilities have already run out of funds since the start of 2025. The UN and its humanitarian partners are appealing for $1.2 billion to help the most vulnerable 6.7 million people in Syria until March.

    The developments came ahead of a UN Security Council meeting later on Thursday behind closed doors on Syria – and the reported declaration that head of Hayat Tahrir Al Sham and the caretaker authority in Damascus, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been declared transitional president.

     It was also reported that the new caretaker authority has decided to suspend the Syrian constitution.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Introducing $15 a day child care for families

    As part of the $3.8-billion Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, Alberta is supporting families to access affordable child care across the province with their choice in provider.

    Starting Apr. 1, parents with children zero to kindergarten age attending full-time licensed daycare facilities and family day home programs across the province will be eligible for a flat parent fee of $326.25 per month, or roughly $15 a day. Parents requiring part-time care will pay $230 per month.

    To support these changes and high-quality child care, about 85 per cent of licensed daycare providers will receive a funding increase once the new fee structure is in place on Apr. 1.

    Every day, parents and families across Alberta rely on licensed child-care providers to support their children’s growth and development while going to work or school. Licensed child-care providers and early childhood educators play a crucial role in helping children build the skills they need to support their growth and overall health. As Alberta’s population grows, the need for high-quality, affordable and accessible licensed and regulated child care is increasing.

    While Alberta already reduced parent fees to an average of $15 a day in January 2024, many families are still paying much more depending on where they live, the age of their child and the child-care provider they choose, which has led to inconsistency and confusion. Many families find it difficult to estimate their child-care fees if they move or switch providers, and providers have expressed concerns about the fairness and complexity of the current funding framework.

    A flat monthly fee will provide transparency and predictability for families in every part of the province while also improving fairness to providers and increasing overall system efficiency. On behalf of families, Alberta’s government will cover about 80 per cent of child-care fees through grants to daycare facilities and family day homes.

    This means a family using full-time daycare could save, on average, $11,000 per child per year. A flat monthly parent fee will ensure child care is affordable for everyone and that providers are compensated for the important services they offer.

    As opposed to a flat monthly parent fee, Alberta’s government will reimburse preschools up to $100 per month per child on parents’ behalf, up from $75.

    “Albertans deserve affordable child-care options, no matter where they are or which type of care works best for them. We are bringing in flat parent fees for families so they can all access high-quality child care for the same affordable, predictable fee.”

    Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade

    “Reducing child care fees makes life more affordable for families and gives them the freedom to make choices that work for them—whether that’s working, studying or growing their family. We’ll keep working to bring costs down, create more spots, and reduce waitlists for families in Alberta and across the country, while ensuring every child gets the best start in life.”

    Jenna Sudds, federal minister of Families, Children, and Social Development

    To make Alberta’s child-care system affordable for all families, the flat monthly parent fee is replacing the Child Care Subsidy Program for children zero to kindergarten age attending child care during regular school hours. The subsidy for children attending out-of-school care is not changing.

    As the province transitions to the new flat parent fee, child-care providers will have flexibility to offer optional services for an additional supplemental parent fee. These optional services must be over and above the services that are provided to all children in individual child-care programs. Clear requirements will be in place for providers to prevent preferential child-care access for families choosing to pay for optional services.

    Cutting red tape and supporting child-care providers

    By moving to a flat monthly parent fee, Alberta’s government is continuing the transition to a primarily publicly funded child care system. To support high-quality child care, approximately 85 per cent of licensed daycare providers will receive a funding increase once the new structure is in place on Apr. 1.

    The province is enhancing the system to streamline the child-care claims process used to reimburse licensed child-care providers on behalf of Alberta parents. Alberta’s government is also putting technological solutions in place to reduce administrative burden and red tape.

    Looking ahead

    Over the final year of the federal agreement, Alberta’s government is working to support the child-care system while preparing to negotiate the next term of the agreement, reflective of the needs of Albertans and providers. Alberta joins its provincial and territorial partners across the country in calling for a sustainable, adequately funded system that works for parents and providers long term.

    Quick facts

    • In line with requirements under the Canada-Alberta Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the flat monthly parent fee only applies to children zero to kindergarten age requiring care during regular school hours.
    • Children attending 100 or more hours in a month are considered full-time and parents will pay $326.25 a month. Children attending between 50 and 99 hours are considered part-time and parents will pay $230 a month.
    • Families with children attending preschool for up to four hours a day are eligible for up to $100 per month.
    • There are no changes to the out-of-school care Child Care Subsidy Program for children requiring care outside of school hours in grades 1 to 6 and attending full-time kindergarten.
    • Programs may choose to provide optional services for a supplemental fee. Examples may include transportation, field trips and food. Child-care programs are not required to charge parents additional supplemental fees.

    Related information

    • Federal-provincial child care agreement

    Related news

    • Alberta strengthens child care safety (Oct. 30, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Second Domestic Violence Death Review Report Released

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on January 30, 2025

    Today government released the 2024 Domestic Violence Death Review Report for Saskatchewan. 

    “Saskatchewan recognizes the need to take action to address the issue of interpersonal violence and domestic violence deaths in our province” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. “The recommendations in this report will inform future government responses to domestic and interpersonal violence, and can serve as a roadmap for all of us as a province to make our province safer for everyone.”

    The review was conducted by a multi-ministry steering committee and three multidisciplinary case review teams. They completed an analysis of 31 domestic homicide-related deaths, including an in-depth analysis of 11 cases.  

    The report found rates of domestic violence related homicide in rural areas were more than double the rates in urban areas. The majority of domestic homicide victims were female (83 per cent) and most perpetrators were male (82 per cent). Most victims were murdered by current intimate partners. Indigenous peoples were overrepresented as victims. 

    The review emphasized the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address domestic violence in Saskatchewan. 

    The six recommendations promote action in the following areas:

    • education and awareness;
    • intervention for perpetrators;
    • victim-centered approaches;
    • legislation and policy;
    • services in rural and northern areas; and
    • infrastructure development.

    The recommendations in this report put the onus of change on societal systems and individuals who use violence. The full recommendations are available in the report, which is available in its entirety at the bottom of this release. 

    As part of the review, family members and loved ones of domestic homicide victims were invited to participate in the development of a piece of art to act as a memorial for those lost. This memorial expresses loss, grief and memories. It also depicts hope for the future and for change.

    “The loss of lives to domestic violence is a tragic and deeply painful outcome in which women are disproportionately victimized,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Alana Ross said. “We honour those lost by learning from their deaths and continuing our efforts to prevent all forms of interpersonal violence and abuse.”

    The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to responding to the recommendations and opportunities for action in the 2024 Domestic Violence Death Review. 

    The province conducted its first Domestic Violence Death Review in 2016 and released the resulting final report in 2018 to expand the provincial understanding of domestic violence deaths and inform future policies and practices. 

    The 2018 Domestic Violence Death Review was used to develop numerous initiatives to address domestic violence in Saskatchewan, including, but not limited to: 

    • funding for second stage housing;
    • the development of Family Intervention Rapid Support Teams;
    • Clare’s Law;
    • 10-day work leave (including five paid days) for survivors;
    • expanded interpersonal violence supports at the 211 crisis line; and
    • the Face the Issue public awareness campaign.

    If someone you know may be at risk of interpersonal violence and abuse you can find a complete directory of resources to help online at sk.211.ca/abuse.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Orleans Man Charged with Commodity Exchange Act Violation

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that MICHAEL BRIAN DEPETRILLO, (“DEPETRILLO”), age 43, from New Orleans, was charged, on January 27, 2025, in a bill of information with violating Title 7, United States Code, Section 13(a), the Commodity Exchange Act.

    According to the bill of information, DEPETRILLO was not properly registered as a Commodity Pool Operator (“CPO”) or an Associated Person (“AP”) of a CPO with the United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”).  DEPETRILLO, through various companies including, Meteor, LLC; NOLA FX Capital Management, LLC; ELC Enterprise Solutions, LLC; and Argosapolis, LLC, acted as a CPO and AP of a CPO and embezzled client funds in violation of federal law.    DEPETRILLO, while acting as an AP of unregistered CPOs, represented to victim investors that their funds would be pooled and invested in the NOLA FX FUND, that would be used to trade foreign currency pairs on a leveraged, margined, or financed basis (“retail forex”).

    DEPETRILLO told investors that pooling their funds would be beneficial to them.  DEPETRILLO further represented to certain investors, that either METEOR or NOLA FX CAPITAL managed the NOLA FX FUND.  In at least one representation, however, DEPETRILLO identified “NOLA FX Capital,” not the NOLA FX FUND, as the pooled investment vehicle.   DEPETRILLO lured investors by claiming he was investing their funds by trading  in the foreign currency exchange, gold futures options, stocks, and cryptocurrency.  Instead of trading as promised, DEPETRILLO misappropriated pool funds.  DEPETRILLO then used these misappropriated pool funds to: (1) make lulling payments to existing pool participants; (2) pay his personal expenses, such as rent, private air travel, and online gambling; and (3) trade  in his personal trading accounts. To conceal DEPETRILLO’s misappropriation, he created and issued fictitious account statements in the names NOLA FX FUND and NOLA FX CAPITAL.  The fictitious account statements purported to show that: (1) DEPETRILLO had traded forex using pool participant funds, and (2) the NOLA FX FUND and NOLA FX CAPITAL had achieved significant trading returns for pool participants because of his profitable forex trading.  In fact, DEPETRILLO never deposited pool participant funds into trading accounts belonging to NOLA FX FUND or NOLA FX CAPITAL, and he never achieved the trading returns represented on the false account statements.  DEPETRILLO also did not set up the forex pool in the manner required by the regulations, did not receive pool participant funds in the name of the forex pool, and commingled pool participant funds with his own funds.  DEPETRILLO took in approximately $9.2 million in investor funds from approximately 60 victim investors during a seven-year period.

    If convicted, DEPETRILLO faces up to ten (10) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, up to a $1,000,000.00 fine, plus the amount of any proceeds, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

    U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans stated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

    The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”).  The FBI is seeking information that may help identify potential victims of DEPETRILLO’s fraudulent scheme.  FBI encourages the public to report any information to http://fbi.gov/depetrillovictims.

    The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Kathryn McHugh of the Financial Crimes Unit and Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: We studied more than 500 giraffe skulls from all over Africa – and confirmed there are 4 distinct species

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nikolaos Kargopoulos, Post-doctoral fellow, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town

    Giraffes are among the world’s most recognisable animals. With their elongated necks and long legs, their gracious movements and unique coat patterns, they have inspired people’s imaginations for centuries.

    But is a giraffe just a giraffe? Or is there more variety between the animals at a genetic level than is evident just from looking at them?

    For more than a decade many researchers have compared the DNA of giraffes from all parts of Africa. These studies have revealed that there are four distinct giraffe species: the southern (Giraffa giraffa), Masai (Giraffa tippelskirchi), reticulated (Giraffa reticulata), and northern (Giraffa camelopardalis) giraffe.

    Different giraffe species face different risks. Some are among the most threatened large mammals in the world. While the southern and the Masai giraffe are relatively numerous and their populations estimated at approximately 45,000 and 50,000 individuals respectively, the situation does not look quite as rosy for the reticulated and the northern giraffe. Based on the latest estimates from the Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), only 16,000 and 6,000 individuals respectively remain in the wild.

    Therefore, it is critical to verify whether there are indeed different species of giraffe or not so that direct conservation efforts for the most threatened species can be increased before it’s too late.



    Read more:
    How many giraffe species are there? Understanding this is key to their protection

    The concept of species is fundamental in biology – but there is no consensus on its definition. There are many different approaches depending on individual scientists’ points of view. The best possible way to clarify the taxonomy (the system that organises living entities into groups) of organisms is through multiple approaches.



    Read more:
    Giraffes could go extinct – the 5 biggest threats they face

    There have been several studies of giraffe species based on their DNA, as well as on their ecology, behaviour, health and coat patterns.

    But there haven’t been many based on their skulls. That’s where our new study comes in. By examining the skulls of more than 500 giraffes from across the African continent, we were able to show that there are significant differences in the skull shapes of the different types of giraffe – and confirm that there are four species.

    These new findings are crucial for giraffe taxonomy and, ultimately, their conservation.

    How the study was done

    Giraffe skulls are important to the animals’ reproduction and evolution. That’s because of their ossicones, the horn-like structures that are longer and wider in males than in females.

    The size and shape of the ossicones is important in the dominance of males and their mating success with female giraffe. While some preliminary data already suggested some potential differences in the ossicone morphology between the giraffe species, limitations on the available specimens and the methodologies at the time reduced the validity of the results.

    For our research we used state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies, and we studied more than 500 giraffe skulls from all over Africa. The skulls were directly sampled in the field from across their natural range in Africa, as well as museum collections, wildlife authority offices, and taxidermists in different countries in Africa, Europe and the US.

    Map showing the geographical range of the extant giraffe species and subspecies as well as representative male skulls of each subspecies in lateral view.
    Kargopoulos et al 2024, CC BY

    This extensive study required help from many different partners. While the project was initiated and guided by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and the University of Cape Town, many colleagues in Africa, Europe and North America contributed.

    We used a handheld 3D scanner to capture the skulls’ shape in 3D. Then we used 3D geometric morphometrics methods to compare the shape of the giraffe skulls and find out if we could group them and find any significant differences. We chose so-called landmarks – specific points on the skulls – and captured their coordinates in space (their 3D distance from the centre of mass of the skull).

    Finally, specialised software was used to compare the differences in the coordinates of landmarks between our specimens and to conduct statistical analyses to show if these differences were significant or not.

    Skull variations

    These rigorous analyses allowed us to show skull variations between four species.

    These differences mostly concerned the ossicones. But there were also minor differences in their face, eye sockets, the region around the teeth, and the back part of the skull.

    The most striking difference concerned the median ossicone of the males. This is a smaller third ossicone situated in the midline of the skull above their eyes. We determined that there is a general trend in the size and shape of this ossicone that follows geography and taxonomy. In southern giraffe, the third ossicone is practically a small protrusion; in northern giraffe it is large and pointed; the Masai and reticulated giraffe have ossicones that are somewhere between those two forms.

    Such differences are likely important in the way individuals of a species recognise each other, thus affecting their reproductive success. Males with more developed ossicones intimidate their rivals to gain access to territory and females.

    Attention for individual species

    Our study is confirmation of what scientists have known for almost a decade and supports the taxonomic split of the giraffe.

    Similar discussions over two decades finally resulted in the African elephant being split into two distinct species in 2021.

    The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – which, it must be pointed out, is not a taxonomic authority – still only recognises one species of giraffe. It lumps all giraffes into one broad, threatened Red List category.

    We strongly believe that the IUCN needs to stand tall for these animals and reassess their status. It is time for each giraffe species to get separate and enhanced attention, both locally and internationally, in particular when it comes to their conservation. Giraffes and their wild habitats must be protected before it’s too late.

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

    – ref. We studied more than 500 giraffe skulls from all over Africa – and confirmed there are 4 distinct species – https://theconversation.com/we-studied-more-than-500-giraffe-skulls-from-all-over-africa-and-confirmed-there-are-4-distinct-species-247466

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025 at the ECB

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    For the International Holocaust Remembrance Day the ECB held a ceremony on Monday, 27 January 2025 in the Grossmarkthalle Jewish memorial.

    The European Central Bank annually commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, including those deported from Frankfurt’s Grossmarkthalle. This year, we feature a special photo exhibition, “Survivors, Faces of Life after the Holocaust,” by renowned photographer Martin Schoeller. The exhibition showcases 56 portraits of Holocaust survivors, including Maurice Gluck, who was also present for a discussion.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ESLEJQ530

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Fraudulent attack on the State University of Management: do not disclose your password for “Gosuslugi”!

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    In recent days, information attacks by fraudsters have resumed, with their victims most often being students from Russian universities.

    Students of the State University of Management are receiving calls allegedly from the GUU Testing Center demanding that they provide a password for the “Gosuslugi” portal. In fact, the Testing Center does nothing of the sort now. Be careful! These are scammers! Do not give your password to anyone under any circumstances!

    Recently, the following blackmail scheme has also been used: on behalf of university employees or security officials, information is anonymously conveyed to a potential victim that money for the Ukrainian Armed Forces was transferred from his card (or corresponding notes were made in his personal file). In order to supposedly “rehabilitate” himself, cybercriminals offer to complete tasks for the “curator”. Do not do anything under any circumstances!

    Fraudsters may have a set of personal data. By substituting numbers and forging voices, they gain the victim’s trust and put pressure on them on behalf of the rector, a representative of the FSB or the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Be extremely vigilant!

    What to do if you receive a call or message that you are not sure is authentic or that scares you, makes you wary, or calls for immediate action in your own interests: – end the conversation immediately, do not correspond with unfamiliar users; – inform your immediate supervisor or teacher about what happened; – check the identity of the contact – if the caller or writer from an unknown number introduces himself as someone you know, contact him at the current number.

    Remember that scammers are in no hurry and can “accompany” you for a long time, contacting from different numbers on behalf of different people. Do not take any urgent actions, take a break to understand the situation and not become a victim. For example, briefly describe the situation in a search engine and add the word “scammers”. Most likely, a similar scheme will already be described on the Internet, and you will see that they are trying to deceive you.

    Vigilance, caution, calmness and critical thinking will help you in any difficult situation, do not give in to panic and fear!

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 01/30/2025

    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 –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deforestation-free trade dialogue | UNECE

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

     

     

     

     

    On 13 November 2024, UNECE organized the Deforestation-free trade dialogue. We invited everyone from the wood, cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber and soy sectors as well as those involved in the leather, chocolate, tires and pulp and paper trade and industry to this discussion.

    The special focus of this dialogue was the European Union’s Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-free products (EUDR) and its implications.

    The event was part of the 82nd session of the UNECE Committee on Forests and the Forest Industry and was held in Geneva, Switzerland with simultaneous interpretation in English, Russian and French.

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Integrated Forest Fire Management and Remote Sensing Survey Workshop for the Caucasus and Central Asian Countries and Türkiye

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Photo credit: @FAO/Nezih Tavlas

    Integrated Forest Fire Management and Remote Sensing Survey Workshop for the Caucasus and Central Asian Countries and Türkiye, was held at the Turkish International Forestry Training Centre in Antalya, Türkiye, on 8-12 July 26, 2024. The workshop was co-organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Food Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the General Directorate of Forestry of Türkiye (OGM).

    Through interactive sessions, participants from national forest related ministries and agencies of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan gained knowledge on practical methods to assess forests and their management in their countries and to improve their protection against forest fires:

    • The component on Forest Data Collection and Interpretation was conducted using a learning-by-doing approach to data collection. National participants were trained in visual image interpretation of samples within their country and region of expertise. Data collection was carried out using the Collect Earth Online platform, developed in collaboration with NASA and Google and tailored for the purposes of the FRA 2025 Remote Sensing Survey.
    • The component on Integrated Forest Fire Management Training was delivered by the Turkish experts using the already available training modules (Computer Based Training Module and Field Applications, and Forest Fire Fighting Training Simulator) in the training center. The training focused on the 3 basic strategies of forest fire management: Prevention – Fighting – Rehabilitation.
    • A field trip was organized to the Antalya region, to discuss in the field the spectral characteristics of different land cover classes to facilitate image interpretation as well as to demonstrate the best practices in forest fire control and post-fire management and on post-fire rehabilitation of burned forest areas.

    The event was organized with the support of the FAO Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme project: ‘’Enhancing the Capacity of the Turkish International Forestry Training Centre”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Expert Meeting on Human Resources Management and Training

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Categories24-7, English, MIL OSI, United Nations, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Post navigation

    Information Notice 1 (concept note)  PDF
    Information Notice 2 (logistical information) UPDATED PDF
    Timetable PDF

    Session 1: Training, learning and development
    Leveraging learning and development to achieve organisational preparedness for mega trends such as AI – Zhasmin Kuneva and Herdis Pala Palsdottir (EFTA) Presentation
    The experience of the Statistics Agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the in the training and management of HR, training and improvement of Agency’s staff potential – Zulkhumor Talipova (Uzbekistan) Presentation
    Data science academy – Internal capacity development program – Dominika Rogalińska and Anna Borowska (Statistics Poland) Presentation
    Training as a social experience: the laboratories at the Italian national institute of statistics – Tiziana Carrino (Istat, Italy) Presentation
    The Role of HR in the Professional Development of Trainings – Vjollca Lasku (Instat, Albania) Presentation
    Training and development of personnel potential of BNS – Gulmira Bexautova (Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan) Presentation

    Session 2: Integration, inclusion and ethics
    Reference Book on Ethics – progress report – Fabrizio Rotundi (Istat, Italy) Presentation
    Common framework for dealing with ethical dilemmas: some prompts to start – Angela Leonetti (Istat, Italy) Presentation
    The risk of corruption at Statistics Poland –   Ewa Adach-Stankiewicz and Anna Borowska (Statistics Poland) Presentation
    Communicate Ethically about NSO Ethics – Bukhari Fauzul Rahman, Maulana Faris and Ilmiawan Awalin (Statistics Indonesia, Airlangga University, Monash University)

    Paper

    Presentation
    Due Diligence: An essential components of effective anticorruption strategies – Katia Ambrosino (Istat, Italy) Presentation

    Session 3: ‘Employer of Choice’ brand development
    Presentation of employment branding survey results – Renata Nowicka and Anna Borowska (Statistics Poland) Presentation
    The important key to communication in building employer branding – Akhmad Nizar, Albert Purba, Tinon Padmi, Ilmiawan Awalin and Maulana Faris (Statistics Indonesia, Airlangga University)

    Paper

    Presentation
    Building an employer branding in a regional office – good practices of the Statistical Office in Kraków – Agnieszka Szlubowska (Statistics Poland)

    Paper

    Presentation
    External employer branding through internal events – Wendy Schelfaut (Statistics Belgium)

    Paper

    Presentation
    The importance of counseling centres for the mental health of statistical employees – Eni Lestariningsih, Yulias Untari, Rany Komala Dewi, Siti Fani Daulay, Aliya Tusya’ni and Maulana Faris (Statistics Indonesia and Airlangga University, Surabaya)

    Paper

    Presentation
    The onboarding process to promote a people-based organizational culture – Pietro Scalisi (Istat, Italy) Presentation
    Building the capabilities framework for managers in Statistics Poland – good practices – Renata Nowicka and Anna Borowska (Statistics Poland) Presentation

    Session 4: Evaluation of blended/hybrid working and data analytics
    Presentation of the results from the UNECE survey on blended/hybrid working in NSOs – Deirdre Harte (CSO, Ireland) Presentation
    Remote work: an organizational and reconciliation tool – Chiara Limiti (Istat, Italy)

    Paper

    Presentation
    Evaluation of hybrid working in BPS – Hanung Pramusito and Maulana Faris (Statistics Indonesia)

    Paper

    Presentation
    HR Data Analytics – Statistics Canada’s journey – Sarah Johnston-Way (Statistics Canada) Presentation
    Enhancing National Statistical Offices through HR analytics – Sarah Johnston-Way (Statistics Canada)

    Paper

     Presentation
    Interactive session: Ethical Exploration: The Journey of People Data in an Inclusive Analytics World – Gemma Kelly (ONS, UK) Presentation

    Session 5: Future work
    Future of NSOs – InKyung Choi (UNECE) Presentation
    Generic Growth Model – Jeremy Visschers (Statistics Netherlands) Presentation

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Third Meeting of the Trees in Dry Cities Coalition

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The Trees in Dry Cities Coalition, under the auspices of UNECE’s Trees in Cities Challenge and its Tree Policy Action Lab (Tree PAL), emphasizes the significance of urban trees and nature in dry climates.

    It supports peer exchange, enhanced knowledge awareness and capacity, joint messaging and events (e.g. COP16 Riyadh), and joint action and fundraising to deliver trees in dry cities through local, national and international approaches. It seeks to support cities and inform national policy to systemically drive the sustainable management of urban trees and forests for climate and SDG solutions in dry cities.

    The high-level event “Trees in dry cities: luxury or a fundamental climate and SDG solution?” organized jointly by UNECE and WGEO at COP28 in Dubai highlighted the crucial role urban trees play as integrated nature-based solutions for climate, sustainable development, biodiversity and more. with participation from cities, ministries, international organizations, development banks and others. 

    A draft Action Agenda was developed based on the outcomes of the First Meeting of the Coalition, held with organizations that participating in the COP28 event, drawing upon the insights provided by Focal Points from these organizations. The Second Meeting of the Coalition served to review the draft Action Agenda and identify key priorities and actionable steps to include in an implementation plan. This plan will be presented at the Third Meeting, which invites stakeholders to join the coalition and collaborate in activities of interest.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Expert Meeting on Statistical Data Editing 2024

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The focus of the meeting will be on cutting edge ideas, approaches, and tools in the area of statistical data editing. In addition to the traditional presentations, the agenda of the meeting anticipates interactive discussions related to particular topics within this field.

    The target audience of the expert meeting includes senior and middle-level methodologists, statisticians and researchers, working on editing and imputation of statistical data derived from surveys, censuses, administrative and external sources.

    Document Title Documents Presentations
    Information Notice 1  PDF  
    Information Notice 2 (logistical information) PDF  
    Preliminary timetable  PDF  

    Session 1: E&I quality

    		      
    Keynote Presentation: Current work on automatic multisource editing at Statistics Netherlands. Sander Scholtus (Statistics Netherlands) Abstract   Paper Presentation
    Leveraging AI for statistical editing: the case of the BIS AI Metadata Editor – Olivier Sirello (Bank for International Settlements) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Lightning Talk: Using hidden Markov and macro integration models for combining data from different sources – Sander Scholtus (Statistics Netherlands) Abstract – Presentation

    Session 2: E&I process

    		      
    National guidelines on data editing; the foundation for building a solution for the future – Aslaug Hurlen Foss (Statistics Norway) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Moving towards the standardized process of automatic statistical data editing using machine learning techniques – Ieva Burakauskaitė (State Data Agency, Statistics Lithuania) Abstract Paper Presentation
    The editing and imputation process of the 2021 household and nuclei types reconstruction in Italy – Rosa Maria Lipsi (Istat, Italy) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Keynote Presentation: Building the new Banff: an open-source data editing system based on GSDEM concepts – Darren Gray (Statistics Canada) Abstract – Presentation

    Session 3: Imputation

    		      
    Full conditional distributions for handling restrictions in the context of automated statistical data editing – Christian Aßmann (Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Application of the MissForest algorithm for imputing income variables in the Survey on Income and Living Conditions – Blandine Bianchi (Swiss Federal Statistical Office) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Assessment of Manual vs Automated Survey Editing and Imputation – Sean Rhodes (U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Enhancing Official Statistics through Artificial Intelligence: A Comparative Study of Imputation Techniques – Simona Cafieri (Istat, Italy) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Lightning Talk: Random forest imputation of nutritional information for statistics on food consumption in Norway – Magne Furuholmen Myhren (Statistics Norway) Abstract – Presentation

    Session 4: Selective editing and outlier detection

    		      
    Detecting Extreme Numerical Outliers in Trade Data: A Novel Method for Highly Asymmetric Distributions – Andrea Cerasa (European Commission, Joint Research Centre) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Selective editing for the production of new Services Producer Price Indices (SPPIs) from indirect data sources – Simona Rosati (Istat, Italy) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Outlier Identification and Adjustment for Time Series – Markus Fröhlich (Statistics Austria) Abstract Paper Presentation

    Session 5: International community building

    		      
    Organisational Aspects of Implementing ML Based Data Editing in Statistical Production – Steffen Moritz (Destatis) Abstract Paper Presentation
    Presentation on the various themes of AIML4OS: project overview – Alexander Kowarik (Statistics Austria) – – Presentation
    The European One-Stop-Shop for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Official Statistics (AIML4OS): WP8 Use Case focused on data editing – Steffen Moritz (Destatis, Germany) Abstract Paper Presentation
    The European One-Stop-Shop for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Official Statistics (AIML4OS): WP9 Use Case focused on imputation – David Salgado (Statistics Spain) Abstract Paper Presentation

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: COP28 SIDE EVENT: Enabling climate action through data, transparency and finance

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The climate emergency has picked up pace, demanding urgent and robust action. The event focused on key enablers to accelerate climate solutions across sectors and systems, in particular, data, transparency and accountability, triggering better finance. Data is crucial in determining the extent of the effects and impact of climate change, as well as the gaps in and effectiveness of climate action.

    The event spotlighted current advancements in climate data, finance, and transparency, including loss and damage data, modelling applications, and the Enhanced Transparency Framework. It emphasized the need for high-quality statistics and data to support reporting, policymaking, and public awareness. It explored the use of new technologies and transparency frameworks to unlock climate finance.

    See also:

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Expert Meeting on Statistical Data Collection and Sources 2024

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Categories24-7, English, MIL OSI, United Nations, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Post navigation

    Information Notice 1 PDF –
    Information Notice 2 (logistic information) PDF –
    Timetable PDF –
    Workshops and Small Group Discussions PDF  
    Report PDF  
    Session 1: Alternative Data Sources and Process Automation  
    Moderators: Paulo Saraiva (INE Portugal) and Rock Lemay (Statistics Canada)
    Tapping into web data for European statistics – challenges and experiences of the ESSnet Web Intelligence Network – Klaudia Peszat and Dominika Nowak (Statistics Poland) PDF   PDF
    Use of non-survey data in production of official statistics – Roger Jensen (Statistics Norway) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    System-to-System Data Collection in business surveys applied to an agricultural survey: small-scale pilot results – Ger Snijkers, Tim de Jong, Chris Lam and Cath van Meurs (Statistics Netherlands) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Data donation of personal physical activity trackers – Maaike Kompier, Anne Elevelt, Annemieke Luiten, Joris Mulder, Barry Schouten and Vera Toepoel (Statistics Netherlands) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Investigating paradata for one of the largest surveys in Sweden – Andreea Bolos, Viktor Dahl and Sofia Holsendahl (Statistics Sweden) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Citizen-generated data and machine learning: an innovative method to study violence against women – Claudia Villante, Gianpiero Bianchi, Alessandra Capobianchi and Maria Giuseppina Muratore (ISTAT, Italy) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    SORS Case: Performance Indicators in Population and Agricultural Censuses – Marija Hinda and Nebojsa Tolic (Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Revision of the UN Handbooks on Household Surveys: seeking input from the ECE region – Haoyi Chen (Inter-Secretariat Working Group on Household Surveys)    PDF
    Use of A.I. to use Linkedin as a new source of data – Simona Cafieri, Gerardo Masiello, Emanuele Amoruso and Michele Iannone (ISTAT, Italy) PDF  
    Mobile Phone Data for Enhanced Tourism Statistics in Italy: Insights from Vodafone-Istat Project Foundation – Lorenzo Cavallo, Maria Teresa Santoro and Silvia Di Sante (ISTAT, Italy) PDF PDF
    Tourism Data: Integrated Information System (S2S), sharing data and Official Statistics – Rui Martins, Sofia Rodrigues, Maria Jordão and Carla Braga (INE Portugal) PDF PDF
    Reforming Travel & Tourism Statistics – Tracy Davies and Dean Fletcher (ONS, UK) PDF PDF
    Designing a multichannel assistance service integrated with AI solutions for respondents – Paola Bosso, Silvana Curatolo, Gabriella Fazzi and Paolo Francescangeli (ISTAT, Italy) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Smart manufacturing and opportunities for Official statistics, a focus on SMEs – Pasquale Papa, Paola Bosso, Giovanni Gualberto Di Paolo and Diego Distefano (ISTAT, Italy) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Session 2: Approach to Multi-Mode and Mixed Source Collection: Navigating Challenges and Leveraging Advantages 
    Moderators: Pasquale Papa (Istat, Italy), Ian O’Sullivan (ONS, UK), Önder Değirmenci (Turkstat, Türkiye)
    Polish experiences in statistical data collection including the use of mixed and multi-mode approaches – Janusz Dygaszewicz and Marcin Szymkowiak (Statistics Poland) PDF PDF
    Successes and challenges of moving from a paper, to an online, based data collection mode for business surveys – Kate Thorsteinsson (ONS, UK) PDF PDF
    Optimizing Collection Strategy- Labor Force Survey – Cindy Ubartas and Sylvie Cyr (Statistics Canada) PDF PDF
    Implementing an Adaptive Survey Design (ASD) for the Transformed Labour Force Survey (TLFS) – Michalina Siemiatkowska and Maria Tortoriello (ONS, UK) PDF PDF
    Conflation of Maps for the Integration of Geospatial Data and Enhancement of Building Registry Quality – Gianluigi Salvucci, Damiano Abbatini, Daniela Ichim, Juri Corradi and Stefania Lucchetti (ISTAT, Italy) PDF PDF
    Data collection of the environmental survey in cities: data validation – Domenico Adamo, Gianpiero Bianchi, Lucia Mongelli and Paolo Francescangeli (ISTAT, Italy) PDF PDF
    Quality of Survey and Administrative Data: Two New Applications of Representativity-Indicators – Nina Sommerland, Ella Williams Davies, Kim Warne and Chelsea-Rhianne McGuire  (ONS, UK) PDF PDF
    Working towards a business-centered vision on data collection – Anita Vaasen-Otten and Leanne Houben (Statistics Netherlands) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    ONS business-centred approach to research recruitment methods to understand business engagement needs – challenges and successes – Inara Dorsett and Kate Thorsteinsson (ONS, UK) PDF PDF
    Use and Role of Administrative Records/Data In The Modern Turkish Official Statistics Production Process – Önder Değirmenci and Hasan Ali Kozan (Turkstat, Türkiye) PDF PDF
    Redesigning the Dutch Holiday Survey into a smartphone friendly questionnaire – Rachel Vis-Visschers (Statistics Netherlands) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Use the Blaise 5 system to implement multi-mode surveys – Gina Cheung (Statistics Netherlands) PDF PDF
    Mixing data collection modes to achieve response rates above 70% – Results of a mixed-mode experiment at the Hungarian Central Statistical Office – Mátyás Gerencsér, Mária Zanatyné Fodor, Linda Mohay, Ferenc Mújdricza and Rozália Kalácska (Statistics Hungary) PDF PDF
    Make it easy to refuse – Marie Fuglsang and Bo Bilde (Statistics Denmark) PDF PDF
    Three experimental insights for strengthening response rates – Viktor Dahl, Sofia Holsendahl and Andreea Bolos (Statistics Sweden) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    10 years of communication experiments at Statistics Netherlands – Jelmer de Groot (Statistics Netherlands) PDF PDF
    Session 3: Future of Interview Modes and Interviewers 
    Moderators: Susan Oudshoorn and Leonne Hollanders (Statistics Netherlands)
    Experience on Multimode Data Collection in the NSI Spain. Challenges and Opportunities – Francisco Hernández Jiménez (INE, Spain) PDF PDF
    INS Romania’s Experience with CAPI Data Collection for Household Statistical Surveys using Survey Solutions Platform – Ana-Maria Ciuhu and Silvia Pisică (INS, Romania) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Developments in Interviewing at Statistics Netherlands: The Challenges for Personal Interviewing in a Targeted Approach – Jack Mommers and Jacky Deneer (Statistics Netherlands) PDF PDF
    Australia’s Data Collection Modernisation – Jodie Stevenson (Australian Bureau of Statistics) PDF PDF
    New Modes of Data Collection for Gaining Cooperation from Young People: The Case of the Survey «Children and Young People: Behavior, Attitudes, and Future Projects» – Samanta Pietropaoli, Federico De Cicco, Serena Liani, Fabio Massimo Rottino and Andrea Stanco (ISTAT, Italy) PDF

    PDF

    Paper
    Developments to Automate and Streamline Data Collection and Support Customers’ Needs – Epp Karus (Statistics Estonia) PDF PDF
    Smart Surveys: How to Implement Smart Data Collection in Official Statistics? – Jelmer de Groot (Statistics Netherlands) PDF PDF
    A Fresh Start: Redesigning Our Field Operation – Including Roles, Contracts, and Casework Allocations – at the ONS – Dulcie Wyatt (ONS UK) PDF PDF
    Applying Workforce Management Principles to Personal Interview Modes – Jack Mommers and Martijn van de Riet (Statistics Netherlands) PDF  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Seminar on measurement of wellbeing

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    08 – 09 July 2024

    Geneva Switzerland

    Agenda, logistics, and report

    62808 _ Report _ 392946 _ English _ 773 _ 417494 _ pdf

    Session 1: Conference of European Statisticians initiative on measuring wellbeing ‘here and now’

    Session 2: Country reports and case studies

    Session 3: Guidelines on measurement of wellbeing – presentation and discussion of draft chapters

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Expert Forum for Producers and Users of Climate Change-related Statistics 2024

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The 2024 UNECE Expert Forum took place from 29 to 30 August in Geneva. The UNECE Expert Fora for Producers and Users of Climate Change-Related Statistics have been organized annually since 2014 to serve as a platform for collaboration, sharing ideas and experience, discussing concepts and measurement issues, and identifying areas for developing practical guidance.

    The Expert Fora provide a link between producers and users of climate information and support the implementation of the CES Recommendations on Climate Change-Related Statistics (2014) and the CES Set of Core Climate Change-related Indicators and Statistics Using the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (2020). 

    See also:

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: October 2017 Meeting of the ToS on Sustainable Forest Products

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    The meeting of the Team of Specialists on Sustainable Forest Products took place on 11 October 2017, Hotel Novotel Warsaw Centrum, Warsaw, Poland, from 9:00pm to 10:30pm.

    For more information please contact the ToS secretary.

    Meeting agenda

    Report of the meeting and list of participants

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    January 31, 2025
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