NewzIntel.com

Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More housing for vulnerable women with New Generation Catherine House

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Joint with:

    The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
    Minister for Social Services
     

    Senator the Hon Penny Wong
    Minister for Foreign Affairs
    Senator for South Australia
     

    The Hon Clare O’Neil MP
    Minister for Housing 
    Minister for Homelessness

    More women in South Australia will be assisted to access crisis accommodation and recovery services, with confirmation that a New Generation Catherine House is to be built in Adelaide’s CBD.

    The $32.6 million project will feature 52 social housing apartments in the eight-storey development.

    It delivers on an Albanese Labor Government election commitment and is becoming a reality in partnership with Catherine House philanthropy and the Malinauskas South Australian Labor Government.

    The new 24/7 crisis and longer-term accommodation service brings the well-known South Australian homelessness service under one roof at a site owned by Community Housing Provider, Housing Choices.

    The project has been allocated $14.3 million from the Social Housing Accelerator. A further $8 million from the Safe Places Inclusion Round was also provided by the Albanese Labor Government.

    A total of $2.5 million was provided from Catherine House philanthropy and the SA state Government supported the purchase of the $2.9 million site.

    The New Generation Catherine House will provide crisis and transitional accommodation alongside longer term social housing for women without homes, many having escaped violent relationships.

    More than 60 per cent of women enter Catherine House as a direct result of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV), and more than 70 per cent report that DFV was the reason behind the loss of their permanent home.

    The site will offer self-contained units where women for the first time will have private bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities suitable for an individual or a small family. New Generation combines accommodation with well-designed and secure shared spaces.

    The project will be managed by Housing Choices and Catherine House.

    It will also include:

    • Staff sleep-over accommodation for 24/7 support
    • On-site Women’s Respite and Recovery Centre
    • Dedicated education spaces
    • Craft, cooking and activity areas
    • Meeting rooms
    • Large domestic kitchen for shared meals
    • Computer training space
    • Secure outdoor garden and BBQ area

    Catherine House will continue to provide their holistic approach to support through individual case management, health services, counselling services, education and employment pathways, mental health Support, financial and legal assistance and personal development.

    For concept images of the New Generation Catherine House click here.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth

    We know that if a woman has a safe place to go and take her children, she is more likely to take the steps to leave a violent relationship.

    No one escaping violence should have to choose between their safety and somewhere to live.

    The Albanese Government’s investment in the Safe Places Inclusion Round, through projects like the New Generation Catherine House, will improve access to appropriate emergency accommodation options for victim-survivors who may have otherwise found it difficult to access.

    Quotes attributable to Foreign Minister and Senator for South Australia Penny Wong

    Over decades, Catherine House has helped so many women experiencing homelessness from across our state to get back on their feet.

    As a long-time supporter of Catherine House, I’m proud to be a part of the Labor Governments delivering the next generation of this vital service. This will be transformational for women and children in need, providing a space to live safely and with dignity. It will be a place where they can heal, and where they can grow.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Housing Minister Clare O’Neil

    Women escaping violence relationship deserve a safe place to call home as it can be the difference between being stuck or being empowered to leave.

    I’m proud that this collaboration between the Federal and State Labor Governments and Catherine House will allow so many women and their children to have that safe place to call home and to rebuild their lives.

    The Albanese Labor Government’ Social Housing Accelerator is building hundreds of homes for the most vulnerable members of our community right across South Australia.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost

    Catherine House is the only homelessness service for unaccompanied women in South Australia and it currently operates from a series of aging and repurposed properties that really make it difficult to provide their vital services.

    These new purpose-built facilities will help women to recover and rebuild their lives in safety, and as the former CEO of Catherine House I know how life-changing this will be for so many women.

    Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Adelaide Steve Georganas

    The Labor Government is committed to ending violence against women and children and ensuring they have a safe place to go when escaping violence.

    I welcome the expansion of the crucial services provided by Catherine House to women and children experiencing family and domestic violence when they need it most.

    Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion

    This is a critical housing project in the city to support vulnerable women and their children.

    We are investing in the state’s future by building more safe, secure and well-connected housing options for South Australians.

    Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard

    Domestic, family and sexual violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women with this scourge causing lifelong negative impacts for women’s health, economic security and wellbeing.

    The State Government’s commitments to building a New Generation Catherine House will allow this extraordinary organisation to continue supporting women at the most difficult of times in a safe environment that empowers them to traverse a new safer path in which they can thrive.

    Quotes attributable to Catherine House Director Julie Duncan

    For the first time since Catherine House was established in 1988, this project will deliver new purpose built accommodation, a new service hub and women’s recovery centre.

    With the increased accommodation places available, we will be able to do more for South Australian women and their families.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Key Figures of Notorious Serbian Clan Arrested in Barcelona

    Source: Europol

    The clan leader was apprehended in Barcelona on 18 October, followed by the arrest of his lieutenant on 22 October. Both were wanted for charges including murder, attempted murder and kidnapping of rival gang members in Serbia, Austria, Germany and Spain.The clan leader was considered one of Europe’s most wanted and dangerous fugitives.The ” VračarClan”, a sub-clan of the “Kavač”…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 2024 ICPC Challenge Championship Powered by Huawei Concludes in Shenzhen Oct 25, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: 2024 ICPC Challenge Championship Powered by Huawei Concludes in Shenzhen
    Oct 25, 2024

    [Shenzhen, China, October 25, 2024] ICPC Challenge Championship powered by Huawei (the Championship) just ended in Shenzhen, marking the second consecutive year the event was held in China. The Championship is jointly organized by Huawei and the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC). It brings together top programmers from around the world to discuss solutions to real-world industry problems, as well as key technology trends and future challenges. This year’s event was attended by more than 90 coaches and contestants from 35 countries and regions.
    After five hours of intense competition, Japan’s Hirotaka Yoneda won the Championship. Nine other contestants from China, Armenia, Poland and other countries shared second and third prizes.
    At the opening ceremony, Zhou Hong, President of Huawei’s Institute of Strategic Research, said: “We will enter an intelligent world within the next 20 to 30 years. This is bringing about unprecedented opportunities, but also creating huge challenges that can only be solved through the joint efforts of bright minds from around the world. Huawei is committed to sharing real-world challenges currently and our hypotheses for the future, opening up our platforms, and working alongside academic and industrial experts and talent, in order to promote major breakthroughs in theoretical research of fundamental science, push the boundaries of application technology, and contribute to a prosperous world.”
    Zhou Hong, President of Huawei’s Institute of Strategic Research, at the opening ceremony

    The Championship is part of Huawei’s ongoing commitment to opening up research platforms in the device, computing, and connectivity fields. It provides next-generation problem-solvers an opportunity to showcase their talent. Since 2019, Huawei and ICPC jointly organized the ICPC Challenge, which has grown into a major event in the world of programming. In 2023, the first ICPC Challenge Championship powered by Huawei was held. The event is mostly for winners of previous ICPC Challenges as well as outstanding contestants from ICPC regional contests and world finals, providing a networking and competitive platform for top programming talent.
    During the Championship competition, contestants had five hours to program a solution to the problem of optimal photo-story matching, which is closely linked to our daily lives. The Championship tested not only contestants’ programming and optimization skills, but also their modeling capabilities and innovative thinking.
    A partial view of competitors during the Championship

    During the Championship, a range of side activities were organized for participants. For instance, problem designers and contestants from previous competitions shared their experiences. At sessions called Tech Talks, senior Huawei technology leaders shared their insights into technology trends and challenges faced by industries, while encouraging young talent to hone their creativity and potential. Presenters included Huawei Fellow Chen Haibo; Chief Scientist of Huawei Consumer BG, Tian Qi; Media Algorithm Scientist of Huawei HiSilicon, Michael Bi Mi; and Director of Huawei Consumer BG Software Engineering Human Resource Dept., You Jin.
    Huawei will continue supporting top international competitions. By designing problems and facilitating technical exchanges, Huawei will help coaches and contestants explore the latest industrial knowledge and challenges, encourage more talented people to engage in innovation, and drive the flow of knowledge and skills worldwide. Ultimately, this will promote global technology and industry development and improve social well-being.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 2024 ICPC Challenge Championship Powered by Huawei Concludes in Shenzhen

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: 2024 ICPC Challenge Championship Powered by Huawei Concludes in Shenzhen

    [Shenzhen, China, October 25, 2024] ICPC Challenge Championship powered by Huawei (the Championship) just ended in Shenzhen, marking the second consecutive year the event was held in China. The Championship is jointly organized by Huawei and the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC). It brings together top programmers from around the world to discuss solutions to real-world industry problems, as well as key technology trends and future challenges. This year’s event was attended by more than 90 coaches and contestants from 35 countries and regions.
    After five hours of intense competition, Japan’s Hirotaka Yoneda won the Championship. Nine other contestants from China, Armenia, Poland and other countries shared second and third prizes.
    At the opening ceremony, Zhou Hong, President of Huawei’s Institute of Strategic Research, said: “We will enter an intelligent world within the next 20 to 30 years. This is bringing about unprecedented opportunities, but also creating huge challenges that can only be solved through the joint efforts of bright minds from around the world. Huawei is committed to sharing real-world challenges currently and our hypotheses for the future, opening up our platforms, and working alongside academic and industrial experts and talent, in order to promote major breakthroughs in theoretical research of fundamental science, push the boundaries of application technology, and contribute to a prosperous world.”
    Zhou Hong, President of Huawei’s Institute of Strategic Research, at the opening ceremony

    The Championship is part of Huawei’s ongoing commitment to opening up research platforms in the device, computing, and connectivity fields. It provides next-generation problem-solvers an opportunity to showcase their talent. Since 2019, Huawei and ICPC jointly organized the ICPC Challenge, which has grown into a major event in the world of programming. In 2023, the first ICPC Challenge Championship powered by Huawei was held. The event is mostly for winners of previous ICPC Challenges as well as outstanding contestants from ICPC regional contests and world finals, providing a networking and competitive platform for top programming talent.
    During the Championship competition, contestants had five hours to program a solution to the problem of optimal photo-story matching, which is closely linked to our daily lives. The Championship tested not only contestants’ programming and optimization skills, but also their modeling capabilities and innovative thinking.
    A partial view of competitors during the Championship

    During the Championship, a range of side activities were organized for participants. For instance, problem designers and contestants from previous competitions shared their experiences. At sessions called Tech Talks, senior Huawei technology leaders shared their insights into technology trends and challenges faced by industries, while encouraging young talent to hone their creativity and potential. Presenters included Huawei Fellow Chen Haibo; Chief Scientist of Huawei Consumer BG, Tian Qi; Media Algorithm Scientist of Huawei HiSilicon, Michael Bi Mi; and Director of Huawei Consumer BG Software Engineering Human Resource Dept., You Jin.
    Huawei will continue supporting top international competitions. By designing problems and facilitating technical exchanges, Huawei will help coaches and contestants explore the latest industrial knowledge and challenges, encourage more talented people to engage in innovation, and drive the flow of knowledge and skills worldwide. Ultimately, this will promote global technology and industry development and improve social well-being.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: European Commission President Ursula von der LEYEN Western Balkans tour (Kosovo)

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    Press Conference with HE Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgfi87kZdkw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Australian funds back British economy with major moves to the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A further billion pounds of investment will be injected into the British economy as the Prime Minister continues his drive to attract foreign business back to the UK. 

    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues drive on growth during historic first visit to the Pacific   

    • This comes as Australian superannuation fund Aware Super forms a strategic partnership with a British property firm to invest up to £1 billion in UK property 

    • Australian boost builds on the major success of International Investment Summit last week, which included a further £2.4 billion of investment from Down Under

    A further billion pounds of investment will be injected into the British economy as the Prime Minister continues his drive to attract foreign business back to the UK.   

    The boost comes as UK firms break into the New Zealand banking sector, growing jobs in the UK, and expanding their global operations.    

    Australia’s biggest pension fund, AustralianSuper is also preparing to bolster its international investment team in London, in a major vote of confidence for the UK as a global asset management centre.

    The Fund expects to manage £250 billion from its London office by 2035, an increase of more than 10 times over the next decade, from its current management of around £15 billion from its UK base.

    The Prime Minister met the CEO of the Australian firm, Paul Schroder, on arrival in Samoa yesterday to discuss the move.   

    Meanwhile, Aware Super, one of Australia’s top performing and largest profit-for-member superannuation funds, has formed a strategic partnership with Delancey Real Estate to invest up to an initial £1 billion in UK property, further bolstering UK – Australia economic ties.

    Its initial focus will be on Central London office sites in prime locations, upgrading and renovating properties to ensure they meet environmental standards and deliver on the partnership’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the property market.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “These investments are a major vote of confidence in the UK, and in this government.

    “I am determined to ensure that UK is the best place in the world to invest and do business, so we improve the lives of hardworking people.

    “By attracting strong, sustained investment, we will also build the expertise we need to drive innovation, stay ahead of the global game, and support economies around the world with British backed projects.”

    AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder said:

    “We invest heavily in Australia, but our size requires an increasingly international focus. We are ramping up our investment capabilities in the UK as it is one of the world’s leading gateways to both talent and global markets, which are key for driving future returns for members.

    “By 2035 we expect to manage approximately £250 billion of investments from our London hub, which will represent a significant portion of our global portfolio. We have great confidence in the fundamentals of the UK economy and the country’s commitment to global growth.

    “This underpins our confidence in the investments we have already made in the UK such as the Canada Water urban regeneration project, London’s King’s Cross Estate, Peel Ports Group and Vantage Data Centers. We also see great potential for new investment opportunities in the energy transition, digital infrastructure, mixed-use estates, transport and logistics.”

    Aware Super chief executive Deanne Stewart:

    “Aware Super has strong confidence in the UK economy and markets and is pleased to announce a ground-breaking new commercial partnership that will invest up to an initial £1 billion, an exciting milestone that will coincide with the first anniversary of establishing our London Office.” 

    Meanwhile, UK firms obconnect and Raidiam have been making waves in the New Zealand banking sector, rolling out the British Confirmation of Payee (CoP) system to revolutionise banking in the country, in partnership with the NZ Banking Association.  

    No other companies are currently able to offer the same service, with the partnership combining specialist expertise of the two British companies to serve as a fulcrum for data sharing and facilitating fraud prevention across any territory.   

    The deal has allowed the companies to expand their UK operations to more than 250 people.   

    The win for the British companies come after mobile banking app Revolut broke into the New Zealand market last year. The firm is preparing to expand their operations in the country from 4 FTEs focused on New Zealand investments, to 10 over the next 12 months.   

    The British business wins coincide with the UK securing CPTPP ratification from Australia in the next step towards accession of the trading bloc – the first non-founding country to do so.   

    The boost in Australian investment also comes after a string of Australian announcements as part of the government’s International Investment Summit, which attracted more £63 billion of investment into the UK economy and created 38,000 jobs.   

    They included Australian firms Macquarie supporting investment of £1.3 billion into new green infrastructure and IFM investing more than £1.1 billion through Manchester Airports Group into London Stansted Airport to expand its existing terminal by around a third. The investment will secure new air routes to key business and leisure destinations, boost local supply chains and create 5,000 jobs.   

    The Prime Minister’s visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is the first by a sitting Prime Minister to a Pacific Island. During the summit, the Prime Minister will make the case to build resilient economies across the Commonwealth to unlock growth and investment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Unlock Your Crypto Potential: KuCoin Launches Advanced Options Trading Platform with Greater Investor Flexibility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KuCoin, a leading global crypto exchange, is excited to announce significant enhancements to its options trading service. The upgraded platform introduces European-style options catering to sophisticated traders seeking to optimize their cryptocurrency investments, focusing on major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

    The new options trading feature on KuCoin allows for exercises only at the expiration date, however, positions can be closed at any time prior, providing traders with greater flexibility and control over their strategies. This service simplifies options trading by supporting major cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH and using USDT for all transactional pricing and settlements. Such features underscore KuCoin’s commitment to accessibility and user convenience, making advanced trading tools available to a broader audience.

    KuCoin’s options trading service is tailored to maximize capital efficiency, allowing traders to control significant positions with relatively small capital outlays. This presents a substantial leverage opportunity, enhancing the potential for significant returns. Additionally, the design of KuCoin’s options trading platform emphasizes risk mitigation, limiting potential losses to the premiums paid. This feature is particularly crucial in the often volatile cryptocurrency markets, providing traders with much-needed security.

    Furthermore, the platform facilitates a variety of strategic trading approaches, including hedging and speculative trading, thereby enhancing users’ ability to manage their investment portfolios effectively. The minimum order size of just 10 USDT makes this innovative trading tool accessible to all traders, ranging from beginners to seasoned professionals.

    This launch highlights KuCoin’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its dedication to enhancing the user experience. By providing comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly trading solutions, KuCoin continues to empower its users worldwide, reinforcing its position as a leader in the crypto industry.

    About KuCoin

    Launched in September 2017, KuCoin is a leading cryptocurrency exchange with its operational headquarters in Seychelles. As a user-oriented platform with a focus on inclusiveness and community engagement. It offers over 800 digital assets across Spot trading, Margin trading, P2P Fiat trading, Futures trading, and Staking to its 36 million users in more than 200 countries and regions. KuCoin ranks as one of the top 6 crypto exchanges. KuCoin was acclaimed as “One of the Best Crypto Apps & Exchanges of June 2024” by Forbes Advisor and has been included as one of the top 50 companies in the “2024 Hurun Global Unicorn List”. Learn more at https://www.kucoin.com/.

    Contact:
    Eden Gao
    eden.gao@kucoin.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by KuCoin. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/37d27027-a55e-45d1-ad7c-ebe171932581
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7d89b66-d5ca-43a7-bd54-aec113a8c70c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President of Guyana Irfaan Ali: 25 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met the President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The Prime Minister met the President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    They reflected on the long-shared history between the two countries and their commitment to a growing economic and trade relationship.

    The President updated on Guyana’s new Global Biodiversity Alliance, and they discussed the work the two countries have undertaken on the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership.

    They agreed to continue to look for opportunities to deepen ties on trade, climate finance and biodiversity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Australian funds back British economy with major moves to the UK

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

    A further billion pounds of investment will be injected into the British economy as the Prime Minister continues his drive to attract foreign business back to the UK. 

    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues drive on growth during historic first visit to the Pacific   

    • This comes as Australian superannuation fund Aware Super forms a strategic partnership with a British property firm to invest up to £1 billion in UK property 

    • Australian boost builds on the major success of International Investment Summit last week, which included a further £2.4 billion of investment from Down Under

    A further billion pounds of investment will be injected into the British economy as the Prime Minister continues his drive to attract foreign business back to the UK.   

    The boost comes as UK firms break into the New Zealand banking sector, growing jobs in the UK, and expanding their global operations.    

    Australia’s biggest pension fund, AustralianSuper is also preparing to bolster its international investment team in London, in a major vote of confidence for the UK as a global asset management centre.

    The Fund expects to manage £250 billion from its London office by 2035, an increase of more than 10 times over the next decade, from its current management of around £15 billion from its UK base.

    The Prime Minister met the CEO of the Australian firm, Paul Schroder, on arrival in Samoa yesterday to discuss the move.   

    Meanwhile, Aware Super, one of Australia’s top performing and largest profit-for-member superannuation funds, has formed a strategic partnership with Delancey Real Estate to invest up to an initial £1 billion in UK property, further bolstering UK – Australia economic ties.

    Its initial focus will be on Central London office sites in prime locations, upgrading and renovating properties to ensure they meet environmental standards and deliver on the partnership’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the property market.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    “These investments are a major vote of confidence in the UK, and in this government.

    “I am determined to ensure that UK is the best place in the world to invest and do business, so we improve the lives of hardworking people.

    “By attracting strong, sustained investment, we will also build the expertise we need to drive innovation, stay ahead of the global game, and support economies around the world with British backed projects.”

    AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder said:

    “We invest heavily in Australia, but our size requires an increasingly international focus. We are ramping up our investment capabilities in the UK as it is one of the world’s leading gateways to both talent and global markets, which are key for driving future returns for members.

    “By 2035 we expect to manage approximately £250 billion of investments from our London hub, which will represent a significant portion of our global portfolio. We have great confidence in the fundamentals of the UK economy and the country’s commitment to global growth.

    “This underpins our confidence in the investments we have already made in the UK such as the Canada Water urban regeneration project, London’s King’s Cross Estate, Peel Ports Group and Vantage Data Centers. We also see great potential for new investment opportunities in the energy transition, digital infrastructure, mixed-use estates, transport and logistics.”

    Aware Super chief executive Deanne Stewart:

    “Aware Super has strong confidence in the UK economy and markets and is pleased to announce a ground-breaking new commercial partnership that will invest up to an initial £1 billion, an exciting milestone that will coincide with the first anniversary of establishing our London Office.” 

    Meanwhile, UK firms obconnect and Raidiam have been making waves in the New Zealand banking sector, rolling out the British Confirmation of Payee (CoP) system to revolutionise banking in the country, in partnership with the NZ Banking Association.  

    No other companies are currently able to offer the same service, with the partnership combining specialist expertise of the two British companies to serve as a fulcrum for data sharing and facilitating fraud prevention across any territory.   

    The deal has allowed the companies to expand their UK operations to more than 250 people.   

    The win for the British companies come after mobile banking app Revolut broke into the New Zealand market last year. The firm is preparing to expand their operations in the country from 4 FTEs focused on New Zealand investments, to 10 over the next 12 months.   

    The British business wins coincide with the UK securing CPTPP ratification from Australia in the next step towards accession of the trading bloc – the first non-founding country to do so.   

    The boost in Australian investment also comes after a string of Australian announcements as part of the government’s International Investment Summit, which attracted more £63 billion of investment into the UK economy and created 38,000 jobs.   

    They included Australian firms Macquarie supporting investment of £1.3 billion into new green infrastructure and IFM investing more than £1.1 billion through Manchester Airports Group into London Stansted Airport to expand its existing terminal by around a third. The investment will secure new air routes to key business and leisure destinations, boost local supply chains and create 5,000 jobs.   

    The Prime Minister’s visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is the first by a sitting Prime Minister to a Pacific Island. During the summit, the Prime Minister will make the case to build resilient economies across the Commonwealth to unlock growth and investment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with President of Guyana Irfaan Ali: 25 October 2024

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

    The Prime Minister met the President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The Prime Minister met the President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    They reflected on the long-shared history between the two countries and their commitment to a growing economic and trade relationship.

    The President updated on Guyana’s new Global Biodiversity Alliance, and they discussed the work the two countries have undertaken on the Forest and Climate Leaders Partnership.

    They agreed to continue to look for opportunities to deepen ties on trade, climate finance and biodiversity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 108k private flats projected

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The projected private flat supply for the next three to four years is 108,000 units, 1,000 lower than the previous estimate.

    The Housing Bureau today said there were 21,000 unsold units in completed projects at the end of September.

    There were also 77,000 units under construction, excluding those pre-sold by developers, and 10,000 units from disposed sites where construction may start any time.

    The number of flats under construction in the third quarter was 3,900, while 3,800 units were completed during the period.

    Click here for details.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has identified additional incentive measures for state-owned companies to achieve key performance indicators

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The government has created conditions for improving the quality of work of employees of state-owned companies, as well as individual non-profit organizations. An order has been signed establishing an expanded list of indicators for depriving officials and managers of such structures of bonuses if they fail to achieve the established key performance indicators (KPIs).

    New grounds for reducing the size of annual bonuses include failure to comply with recommendations related to reducing the level of operating expenses of the organization. The funds freed up by such reduction allow for more effective resolution of tasks defined by national development goals. For failure to achieve the established results of such work, the CEO of the organization may lose 20% of the bonus.

    Also, officials and managers who fail to meet the established indicators of the organization’s digital transformation will be subject to a 20% bonus reduction.

    In 2021, the Government initiated a reform of development institutions and state-owned companies. The transformations were aimed at making these structures more efficient and reorienting them towards achieving the national development goals approved by the President of Russia.

    With regard to state-owned companies, methodological recommendations for the formation of key performance indicators were approved for a more accurate assessment of their activities.

    KPIs were divided into two groups: financial, characterizing the profitability of the organization, and industry-specific, related to national development goals.

    State-owned companies were required to publish reports on the achievement of key performance indicators, and top managers’ remuneration began to be calculated depending on the achievement of specified parameters.

    The document will be published.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results – September 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    25 October 2024

    Compared with August 2024:

    • median consumer inflation perceptions over the previous 12 months and consumer inflation expectations for the next 12 months and for three years ahead all declined;
    • expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months increased, while expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months remained unchanged;
    • expectations for economic growth over the next 12 months were unchanged, while the expected unemployment rate in 12 months’ time increased;
    • expectations for growth in the price of homes over the next 12 months increased slightly, while expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined slightly.

    Inflation

    The median rate of perceived inflation over the previous 12 months declined further in September to 3.4%, from 3.9% in August. Perceptions of past inflation have thus declined by 5.0 percentage points since their peak of 8.4% in September 2023. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months declined to 2.4%, from 2.7% previously, and stood at their lowest level since September 2021. Median expectations for inflation three years ahead also declined in September, by 0.2 percentage points to 2.1%, their lowest level since February 2022 (when Russia invaded Ukraine). Inflation expectations at the one-year and three-year horizons remained below the perceived past inflation rate. Uncertainty about inflation expectations over the next 12 months remained unchanged, also at its lowest level since February 2022. While the broad evolution of inflation perceptions and expectations remained relatively closely aligned across income groups, expectations for lower income quintiles were slightly above those for higher income quintiles. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) continued to report lower inflation perceptions and expectations than older respondents (those aged 35-54 and 55-70), albeit to a lesser degree than previously. (Inflation results)

    Income and consumption

    Consumer nominal income growth expectations increased to 1.3%, from 1.2% in August. The increase in income expectations continued to be driven by the lowest two income quintiles. Perceptions of nominal spending growth over the previous 12 months remained unchanged at 5.2%. Similarly, expectations for nominal spending growth over the next 12 months remained stable at 3.2%, their lowest level since February 2022. For the first time since March 2023, there was no drop in either perceptions or expectations of nominal spending, while inflation perceptions and expectations both continued on their downward trajectory, which might indicate a positive turning point for real spending. (Income and consumption results)

    Economic growth and labour market

    Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months were stable in September, standing at -0.9%. Meanwhile, expectations for the unemployment rate 12 months ahead increased to 10.6%, from 10.4% in August. Consumers continued to expect the future unemployment rate to be only slightly higher than the perceived current unemployment rate (10.3%), implying a broadly stable labour market. The lowest income quintile continued to report the highest expected and perceived unemployment rate, as well as the lowest economic growth expectations. (Economic growth and labour market results)

    Housing and credit access

    Consumers expected the price of their home to increase by 2.8% over the next 12 months, which was slightly higher than in August (2.7%). Households in the lowest income quintile continued to expect higher growth in house prices than those in the highest income quintile (3.4% and 2.5% respectively). Expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined slightly to 4.7%, 0.8 percentage points lower than their peak in November 2023 and the lowest level since September 2022. As in previous months, the lowest income households expected the highest mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead (5.3%), while the highest-income households expected the lowest rates (4.2%). The net percentage of households reporting a tightening (relative to those reporting an easing) in access to credit over the previous 12 months declined, as did the net percentage of those expecting a tightening over the next 12 months. (Housing and credit access results)

    The release of the CES results for October is scheduled for 29 November 2024.

    For media queries, please contact: Eszter Miltényi-Torstensson, Tel: +49 171 769 5305

    Notes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Monetary developments in the euro area: September 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    25 October 2024

    Components of the broad monetary aggregate M3

    The annual growth rate of the broad monetary aggregate M3 increased to 3.2% in September 2024 from 2.9% in August, averaging 2.8% in the three months up to September. The components of M3 showed the following developments. The annual growth rate of the narrower aggregate M1, which comprises currency in circulation and overnight deposits, was -1.2% in September, compared with ‑2.1% in August. The annual growth rate of short-term deposits other than overnight deposits (M2-M1) decreased to 9.7% in September from 10.4% in August. The annual growth rate of marketable instruments (M3-M2) decreased to 21.8% in September from 22.3% in August.

    Chart 1

    Monetary aggregates

    (annual growth rates)

    Data for monetary aggregates

    Looking at the components’ contributions to the annual growth rate of M3, the narrower aggregate M1 contributed -0.8 percentage points (up from -1.4 percentage points in August), short-term deposits other than overnight deposits (M2-M1) contributed 2.8 percentage points (down from 2.9 percentage points) and marketable instruments (M3-M2) contributed 1.3 percentage points (as in the previous month).

    Among the holding sectors of deposits in M3, the annual growth rate of deposits placed by households increased to 2.8% in September from 2.3% in August, while the annual growth rate of deposits placed by non-financial corporations decreased to 1.6% in September from 1.8% in August. Finally, the annual growth rate of deposits placed by investment funds other than money market funds increased to 11.9% in September from 11.7% in August.

    Counterparts of the broad monetary aggregate M3

    The annual growth rate of M3 in September 2024, as a reflection of changes in the items on the monetary financial institution (MFI) consolidated balance sheet other than M3 (counterparts of M3), can be broken down as follows: net external assets contributed 3.9 percentage points (down from 4.0 percentage points in August), claims on the private sector contributed 1.1 percentage points (as in the previous month), claims on general government contributed -0.5 percentage points (down from -0.4 percentage points), longer-term liabilities contributed -1.8 percentage points (as in the previous month), and the remaining counterparts of M3 contributed 0.5 percentage points (up from 0.0 percentage points).

    Chart 2

    Contribution of the M3 counterparts to the annual growth rate of M3

    (percentage points)

    Data for contribution of the M3 counterparts to the annual growth rate of M3

    Claims on euro area residents

    The annual growth rate of total claims on euro area residents stood at 0.5% in September 2024, unchanged from the previous month. The annual growth rate of claims on general government stood at -1.2% in September, compared with -1.1% in August, while the annual growth rate of claims on the private sector stood at 1.2% in September, unchanged from the previous month.

    The annual growth rate of adjusted loans to the private sector (i.e. adjusted for loan transfers and notional cash pooling) stood at 1.6% in September, compared with 1.5% in August. Among the borrowing sectors, the annual growth rate of adjusted loans to households stood at 0.7% in September, compared with 0.6% in August, while the annual growth rate of adjusted loans to non-financial corporations increased to 1.1% in September from 0.8% in August.

    Chart 3

    Adjusted loans to the private sector

    (annual growth rates)

    Data for adjusted loans to the private sector

    Notes:

    • Data in this press release are adjusted for seasonal and end-of-month calendar effects, unless stated otherwise.
    • “Private sector” refers to euro area non-MFIs excluding general government.
    • Hyperlinks lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data as at the time of the current release.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Possession of stolen firearm sends Reed Point man to prison for more than eight years

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    GREAT FALLS — A Reed Point man who admitted to possessing a stolen firearm found in a stolen vehicle that crashed near Helena following a pursuit was sentenced today to eight years and eight months years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

    The defendant, Jarred Lane Saunders, 26, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court also ordered $18,252.98 restitution.

    “Stolen firearms and drugs are a dangerous combination. Here, Saunders likely stole 23 guns from a vehicle parked at a Billings hotel, then was arrested in Helena after a pursuit and found in possession of fentanyl and one of the stolen guns. Saunders’ criminal conduct posed a serious threat to public safety, and we remain united with our law enforcement partners in getting these offenders off our streets,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

    The government alleged in court documents that on Oct. 12, 2022, Billings police officers responded to a report of 23 firearms that had been stolen from a vehicle parked in a hotel parking lot. Saunders likely stole the 23 firearms because his fingerprints were found at the scene and then brought stolen firearms and fentanyl in a stolen car to Helena. On Oct. 15, 2022, the Montana Highway Patrol pursued a stolen Mercedes, which had been taken in Billings on Oct. 11, 2022. The Mercedes eventually crashed in a private driveway, and Saunders was arrested by Helena police officers. At his arrest, Saunders complained that he ingested 15 to 20 fentanyl pills. A search warrant was executed on the Mercedes, and officers found approximately 300 fentanyl pills, a small amount of methamphetamine and a .22-caliber pistol that had been stolen from the vehicle in Billings. A witness told Billings police of seeing Saunders with three duffle bags full of guns. That person received three of the firearms knowing they were stolen. At the time Saunders possessed the firearms, he was an unlawful user of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Billings Police Department, Montana Highway Patrol, Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement, Montana Division of Criminal Investigation and Helena Police Department conducted the investigation.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Scintilla relaunches as a pioneer in digital asset solutions, expanding its role in the future of finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dubai, UAE, Oct. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following a management buy-out by the management team at TOKO FZE, the business has been rebranded as Scintilla, the revolutionary platform providing on-chain solutions and services to make investments more inclusive, accessible, and efficient. Having been developed within DLA Piper’s Law& innovation portfolio, TOKO – now Scintilla has a fresh brand identity, new leadership, and innovative product offerings. Scintilla is set to reshape the future of finance by enabling businesses to unlock the power of blockchain technology across various asset classes, with DLA Piper remaining as a minority shareholder. 

    Regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Scintilla is one of the first digital asset companies to gain full market licenses, marking a significant milestone in the sector’s landscape. Being a regulated entity underscores Scintilla’s commitment to the highest standards of compliance and security while pioneering new solutions for tokenization in the global market.

    Innovating Finance Through Tokenization
    Scintilla offers a comprehensive suite of tokenization services designed to bring liquidity, transparency, and efficiency to traditional finance sectors. From tokenized financial products, and real estate all the way to new legal funding products, Scintilla’s digital asset solutions enable clients to tokenize assets that were previously inaccessible to investors or illiquid.

    Scintilla’s services include:

    • Advisory Services:
      The gateway to successful market entry. From initial opportunity assessment to strategic development of game-changing tokenization-based solutions. 
    • Use Case Development:
      Bringing products to life. From initial POC development and iteration towards MVP all the way through to the full market launch. 
    • Broker/Dealer Services:
      Creating new markets. Regulated primary market trading, ensuring the highest levels of trust and security within the tokenization space. 
    • Exchange Services:
      Universal participation. Seamless, secure secondary trading of tokenized assets, with industry-leading technology and compliance standards.

    Scintilla is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the confluence of Dubai’s world-leading regulatory environment, cutting-edge technology, and the burgeoning RWA market.

    A New Era for Scintilla
    The relaunch of Scintilla represents more than just a rebranding—it signifies the company’s growing ambition to lead in the digital asset space. With an expanded team of industry experts, including continuing Board representation from DLA Piper, and a clear strategic vision, Scintilla is set to drive the adoption of tokenization in traditional financial markets.

    “Our relaunch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Scintilla and the wider industry. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital finance while ensuring our solutions are underpinned by strong regulatory compliance,” said Tim Popplewell, CEO of Scintilla. “With our new suite of products and services, we are empowering investors to transform the way they manage and access value.”

    Jean-Pierre Douglas-Henry, Managing Director, Sustainability and Resilience, DLA Piper added: “Innovation is a key strand in our business strategy. As our business focuses on developing and nurturing innovations that add significant value to our clients through our Law& innovation program, it is fantastic to see this solution spun out into the thriving digital asset space for the next stage of its growth and development.”

    NOTE: All regulated advisory, broker/dealer, and exchange services are currently carried out by TOKO FZE, a VARA-regulated body. (VARA License No.VL 23/07/002.)
    Leading the Way in the Digital Asset Economy

    Scintilla is at the forefront of the digital asset revolution, creating new opportunities in the global marketplace. Born out of the global law firm DLA Piper, Scintilla is a digital asset creation platform that couples the compliance and regulatory rigor of a law firm with the innovative technology solutions of tomorrow. Fully regulated by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Scintilla provides end-to-end virtual assets solutions; empowering asset owners, issuers, and investors to solve real-world problems and promote financial inclusion.

    For more information, visit scintillanetwork.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Intercap Consulting Limited

    Source: Isle of Man

    Notice is hereby given that Intercap Consulting Limited, which was registered under the Designated Businesses (Registration & Oversight) Act 2015, has been de-registered in accordance with 12(1)(a) of this Act with effect from 25/10/2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank President calls for bold, innovative and practical solutions to tackle poverty in Africa

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

    WASHINGTON D.C, United States of America, October 25, 2024/APO Group/ —

    Climate change, global financial shocks and growing food insecurity are threatening Africa, the world’s fastest-growing continent and hampering achievement of global development goals. To tackle these challenges and speed up the continent’s efforts to achieve these goals, the president of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on Thursday called for bold reforms from development partners.  

    “We need bolder resolve, innovative and practical solutions, and stronger coordinated action at scale,” he said during a meeting of multilateral development bank (MDB) heads with the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty (http://apo-opa.co/3YzKsaP). The MDB leaders met on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group’s ongoing annual meetings in Washington DC.

    Adesina who is leading the Bank’s delegation participating in key sessions of the Bretton Wood institutions’ meetings, will highlight his priority concerns for Africa: combatting hunger and eliminating malnutrition, providing electricity to 300 million people by 2030, scaling up infrastructure for agricultural and industrial transformation, combatting climate change, and supporting some of the world’s most fragile nations by mobilizing additional resources for the African Development Fund – the  Bank Group’s concessional lending arm.

    “Our strength lies in consolidating our collaboration, mobilizing resources at speed and scale, and deploying them where they are needed most,” Adesina said.

    High on Adesina’s agenda is the opportunity to consolidate partnerships with partner multilateral development banks such as the World Bank.

    The two institutions are working on co-hosting an Africa Energy Summit in Tanzania in January 2025 to accelerate Mission 300, a joint initiative to connect 300 million people in Africa to electricity by 2030. At that summit, African leaders are expected to endorse an Africa Energy Compact.

    Dr. Adesina is accompanied by a team of the institution’s senior management team  including the Bank’s Senior Vice President Marie Laure Akin-Olugbade, Hassatou N’Sele, Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, Beth Dunford, Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development, Chief Economist and Vice President, Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, Kevin Urama, as well as Nnenna Nwabufo, Vice President for the Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery Complex.

    Also in Washington, Adesina will participate in a meeting of heads of MDBs, hold bilateral meetings with development partners and host a meeting of the Africa Investment Forum’s founding partners.

    The 2024 Africa Investment Forum (http://apo-opa.co/3YzKsrl) which will take place in Morocco in December, offers bountiful opportunities for international investors. The forum has attracted over $180 billion in investment interest in Africa over the last five years across various sectors including agribusiness, energy, roads and transport, health, and digital technology.

    Earlier this week, US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen spoke on the Evolution of MDBs and their significant achievements in the development agenda for Africa and the world.  She highlighted the increase in May of the Bank’s callable capital, the Mission 300 joint initiative with the World Bank and the African Development Bank’s work on addressing fragility in various parts of the continent.

    “Outside of crisis contexts, countries are increasingly addressing the underlying drivers of fragility and conflict, such as in the case of an African Development Bank loan to the Democratic Republic of Congo to invest in increasing agricultural productivity in communities that had been displaced,” Yellen said.

    Next week, Adesina will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, where he will take part in the 2024 Borlaug Dialogue and World Food Prize. A number of African Heads of State and Government are expected in Iowa for high-level meetings around global food security and agricultural innovation.

    The 2024 IMF Annual Meetings take place from October 21–26 in Washington, DC. The meetings include the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) and the Development Committee, a joint forum of the IMF and the World Bank.

    President Akinwumi Adesina participates at the 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting – African Development Bank Group https://apo-opa.co/4fegwX8

    President Akinwumi Adesina co-hosts and delivers opening remarks at the Financing for the G20 Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty through SDR event https://apo-opa.co/3YiSMKE

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mataʻafa of Samoa: 25 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met Samoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa this morning, as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa this morning, as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Fiamē for hosting such a successful summit and for the generosity and kindness of the Samoan people.

    The summit had offered a chance for leaders to reflect on the importance of the Commonwealth family and how the group could go further to support all members in the face of shared challenges, such as climate change, he added.

    The leaders also discussed the importance of leveraging international finance to support Small Island Developing States, especially in the Pacific.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia: 25 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week.

    The Prime Minister met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week.

    The Prime Minister began by expressing commitment to visit Australia in the near future.

    The leaders reflected on the future of the Commonwealth, including the opportunity to drive trade and growth, and build brighter futures for the next generation.

    Turning to the impact of climate change in the region, and the importance of ensuring resilience among Commonwealth members, including in the Pacific, the Prime Minister said he was pleased that Australia had bid to host COP31.

    The leaders discussed the opportunity of transitioning to clean energy and ensuring energy security throughout the transition.

    The leaders also discussed global stability, including the situation in the Middle East and the importance of regional security in the Pacific.

    The Prime Minister looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with crew of HMS Tamar: 25 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister spoke to the crew of HMS Tamar this evening to thank them for their service and praise their role in securing Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui earlier this month.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the crew of HMS Tamar this evening to thank them for their service and praise their role in securing Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui earlier this month.

    The Prime Minister heard firsthand from members of the ship about their 650-mile high-speed transit from Fiji following the mayday call on October 5. They remained at the scene for almost two weeks providing recovery and pollution control efforts.

    This week, the ship has been bolstering security to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, patrolling off the coast of the island while the summit is taking place.

    The Prime Minister paid tribute to the crew’s dedication and commitment so far away from home.

    He asked the ship’s company to pass on his sincere thanks to their families for their sacrifice at home too.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Australia funds back British economy with major moves to the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A further billion pounds of investment will be injected into the British economy as the Prime Minister continues his drive to attract foreign business back to the UK.

    A further billion pounds of investment will be injected into the British economy as the Prime Minister continues his drive to attract foreign business back to the UK.

    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues drive on growth during historic first visit to the Pacific   
    • This comes as Australian superannuation fund Aware Super forms a strategic partnership with a British property firm to invest up to £1 billion in UK property 
    • Australian boost builds on the major success of International Investment Summit last week, which included a further £2.4 billion of investment from Down Under

    The boost comes as UK firms break into the New Zealand banking sector, growing jobs in the UK, and expanding their global operations.    

    Australia’s biggest pension fund, AustralianSuper is also preparing to bolster its international investment team in London, in a major vote of confidence for the UK as a global asset management centre.

    The Fund expects to manage £250 billion from its London office by 2035, an increase of more than 10 times over the next decade, from its current management of around £15 billion from its UK base.

    The Prime Minister met the CEO of the Australian firm, Paul Schroder, on arrival in Samoa yesterday to discuss the move.   

    Meanwhile, Aware Super, one of Australia’s top performing and largest profit-for-member superannuation funds, has formed a strategic partnership with Delancey Real Estate to invest up to an initial £1 billion in UK property, further bolstering UK – Australia economic ties.

    Its initial focus will be on Central London office sites in prime locations, upgrading and renovating properties to ensure they meet environmental standards and deliver on the partnership’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the property market.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    These investments are a major vote of confidence in the UK, and in this Government.

    I am determined to ensure that UK is the best place in the world to invest and do business, so we improve the lives of hardworking people.

    By attracting strong, sustained investment, we will also build the expertise we need to drive innovation, stay ahead of the global game, and support economies around the world with British backed projects.

    AustralianSuper chief executive Paul Schroder said:   

    We invest heavily in Australia, but our size requires an increasingly international focus. We are ramping up our investment capabilities in the UK as it is one of the world’s leading gateways to both talent and global markets, which are key for driving future returns for members.

    By 2035 we expect to manage approximately £250 billion of investments from our London hub, which will represent a significant portion of our global portfolio. We have great confidence in the fundamentals of the UK economy and the country’s commitment to global growth.

    This underpins our confidence in the investments we have already made in the UK such as the Canada Water urban regeneration project, London’s King’s Cross Estate, Peel Ports Group and Vantage Data Centers. We also see great potential for new investment opportunities in the energy transition, digital infrastructure, mixed-use estates, transport and logistics.

    Aware Super chief executive Deanne Stewart:

    Aware Super has strong confidence in the UK economy and markets and is pleased to announce a ground-breaking new commercial partnership that will invest up to an initial £1 billion, an exciting milestone that will coincide with the first anniversary of establishing our London Office.

    Meanwhile, UK firms obconnect and Raidiam have been making waves in the New Zealand banking sector, rolling out the British Confirmation of Payee (CoP) system to revolutionise banking in the country, in partnership with the NZ Banking Association.  

    No other companies are currently able to offer the same service, with the partnership combining specialist expertise of the two British companies to serve as a fulcrum for data sharing and facilitating fraud prevention across any territory.   

    The deal has allowed the companies to expand their UK operations to more than 250 people.   

    The win for the British companies come after mobile banking app Revolut broke into the New Zealand market last year. The firm is preparing to expand their operations in the country from 4 FTEs focused on New Zealand investments, to 10 over the next 12 months.   

    The British business wins coincide with the UK securing CPTPP ratification from Australia in the next step towards accession of the trading bloc – the first non-founding country to do so.   

    The boost in Australian investment also comes after a string of Australian announcements as part of the government’s International Investment Summit, which attracted more £63 billion of investment into the UK economy and created 38,000 jobs.   

    They included Australian firms Macquarie supporting investment of £1.3 billion into new green infrastructure and IFM investing more than £1.1 billion through Manchester Airports Group into London Stansted Airport to expand its existing terminal by around a third. The investment will secure new air routes to key business and leisure destinations, boost local supply chains and create 5,000 jobs.   

    The Prime Minister’s visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is the first by a sitting Prime Minister to a Pacific Island.  During the summit, the Prime Minister will make the case to build resilient economies across the Commonwealth to unlock growth and investment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with Prime Minister Mataʻafa of Samoa: 25 October 2024

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

    The Prime Minister met Samoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa this morning, as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The Prime Minister met Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa this morning, as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

    The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Fiamē for hosting such a successful summit and for the generosity and kindness of the Samoan people.

    The summit had offered a chance for leaders to reflect on the importance of the Commonwealth family and how the group could go further to support all members in the face of shared challenges, such as climate change, he added.

    The leaders also discussed the importance of leveraging international finance to support Small Island Developing States, especially in the Pacific.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM call with crew of HMS Tamar: 25 October 2024

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

    The Prime Minister spoke to the crew of HMS Tamar this evening to thank them for their service and praise their role in securing Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui earlier this month.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the crew of HMS Tamar this evening to thank them for their service and praise their role in securing Royal New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Manawanui earlier this month.

    The Prime Minister heard firsthand from members of the ship about their 650-mile high-speed transit from Fiji following the mayday call on October 5. They remained at the scene for almost two weeks providing recovery and pollution control efforts.

    This week, the ship has been bolstering security to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, patrolling off the coast of the island while the summit is taking place.

    The Prime Minister paid tribute to the crew’s dedication and commitment so far away from home.

    He asked the ship’s company to pass on his sincere thanks to their families for their sacrifice at home too.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia: 25 October 2024

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

    The Prime Minister met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week.

    The Prime Minister met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week.

    The Prime Minister began by expressing commitment to visit Australia in the near future.

    The leaders reflected on the future of the Commonwealth, including the opportunity to drive trade and growth, and build brighter futures for the next generation.

    Turning to the impact of climate change in the region, and the importance of ensuring resilience among Commonwealth members, including in the Pacific, the Prime Minister said he was pleased that Australia had bid to host COP31.

    The leaders discussed the opportunity of transitioning to clean energy and ensuring energy security throughout the transition.

    The leaders also discussed global stability, including the situation in the Middle East and the importance of regional security in the Pacific.

    The Prime Minister looked forward to speaking again soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Smokers come forward to get support to Swap to Stop

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Government recently announced measures to ensure that the country achieves its ambition of becoming Smokefree by 2030, including the provision of a million free ‘Swap to Stop’ vaping kits which, combined with behavioural support, are designed to help them quit smoking.

    The City of Wolverhampton Council has made these available at a range of community venues, including the city’s 8 Family Hubs and Central and Warstones libraries.

    The service is being delivered by trained members of staff, who are offering free vape starter kits alongside support and weekly ‘check in’ sessions delivered from the convenience of local community venues to help people on their quitting journey over a period of 12 weeks.

    Scores of would be quitters have already come forward to get help – and others are invited to sign up for free at Swap to Stop.

    John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Stopping smoking is the best thing you can do for your health and the health of those around you.

    “Smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England, accounting for around for 64,000 deaths annually. Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital with a smoking related disease – but, when you stop smoking, there are almost immediate improvements to your health.

    “And it’s not just your body which will benefit, your purse or wallet will too. On average smokers spend £38.59 a week on tobacco – and that means you could have around £2,000 more to spend a year by quitting, and even more if you are a really heavy smoker.

    “Nicotine vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking and is also one of the most effective tools for quitting, so we are delighted to deliver this Swap to Stop support in the community in Wolverhampton. If you want to quit, please sign up today.”

    Meanwhile, support to quit is also available through Live Well Wolverhampton, a new healthy lifestyles service offering people information, advice, guidance, self help tools and lifestyle interventions to enable them to make and maintain positive lifestyle choices. Please visit Live Well Wolverhampton or call or text ‘QUIT’ to 07378 768046 and an advisor will contact you.

    For more help and support to stop smoking, please visit Quit Smoking. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Just one week left for people to have their say on school proposals 25 October 2024 One week left for people to have their say on school proposals

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Island residents have one week left to take part in a major consultation on proposals to tackle the high number of surplus places in Isle of Wight primary schools.

    Hundreds of people have already shared their views on Isle of Wight Council plans to address almost 1,900 empty classroom seats by attending one of six in-person public meetings or completing the consultation survey.

    The council is seeking the widest possible range of views and is urging everyone to have their say before the deadline for comments on 1 November.

    The authority would welcome any viable alternative proposals that would reduce the level of surplus places while improving the quality of education.

    Amid a rapidly decreasing pupil population due to falling birth rates, the council must reduce school places and is consulting on the potential closure of Arreton CE, Brading CE, Cowes, Godshill, Oakfield CE and Wroxall primary schools, and a reduction in the Published Admissions Number (PAN) at The Bay CE School (from 60 to 45) and Greenmount (from 60 to 45).

    Alongside this the council is proposing to expand provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to meet a growing need across the Island.

    Since the Island-wide consultation launched last month, a peer review by the Local Government Association (LGA) has described the council’s proposals as a pragmatic and necessary response to the ongoing educational financial challenges on the Island.

    Following the consultation, a further report will be presented to Cabinet in December detailing the responses and making recommendations about the next steps.

    Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “I can’t emphasise strongly enough how important it is for everyone — whether they are linked to the named schools or not — to join this Island-wide conversation to help shape the future of education on the Isle of Wight.

    “This process is part of our wider draft Education Strategy which is about raising educational standards on the Island. We are at the bottom of the national tables for educational standards, we have to do something.

    “If we are going to do the best for our young people we have to take drastic action to turn things around. This is about taking the long term view for the whole Island in order to achieve the best for our young people, their upbringing and their futures and build a more thriving Island as a result.

    “While our plans would see a reduction in the number of school places to respond to the falling birth rate, they would enable our remaining schools to be in the best possible position to improve outcomes for our children and young people by giving our school system and those within it the security that is desperately needed.

    “Indeed, the recent LGA Peer Review supports our decision to consider school closures as a way to address the issues facing the Island. It also commends our plans to expand SEND provision stating that this element of the plan is both timely and necessary.”

    How can I comment?

    There are several ways people can take part in the consultation:

    • Visit www.iow.gov.uk/schoolplace to read more and to complete the online questionnaire.
    • If you are unable to access the consultation form, please e-mail your views to strategic.planning@iow.gov.uk or write to: Strategic Development, Floor 3, County Hall, Newport, IOW, PO30 1UD.
    • Paper copies of the survey are available to collect from County Hall, High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1UD, local libraries or can be posted out.

    Why is this happening?

    Because schools are funded per pupil, the oversupply of places in primary schools has had a negative impact on the standard of education children receive on the Island, preventing them from having the best opportunity for the highest quality teaching and learning within well-equipped schools.

    While almost 1,900 classroom seats go unfilled in mainstream schools, there is conversely a growing demand for SEND provision across the Island with hundreds of new specialist places desperately needed.

    The number of births on the Island has now reached its lowest level since 1941. This is having a significant impact on the Island where, by 2027, just 876 children are expected to start reception — a considerable drop from 1,404 in 2018.

    As of October 2023 there were 1,898 unfilled school places across the Island. By September 2027, this number is forecast to rise to 3,056.

    For every empty seat, schools receive £4,500 less in funding affecting resources, opportunities and the quality of education children receive. The ongoing trend indicates that by March 2027, 22 primary schools may face budget deficits, potentially amounting to a total deficit of more than £7.4 million.

    Surplus places mean schools struggle to maintain a broad and high-quality curriculum. Falling rolls also make planning and staffing decisions difficult, with schools potentially having to make year on year redundancies or having to restructure.

    More information

    For further information on the process and frequently asked questions please visit the council’s school place planning web page.

    Photo: Getty Images

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Launch of Phase 2 Budget Consultation 2025/26

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen City Council has today launched the second and final phase of its Budget 2025/26 consultation. 

    The second phase provides additional proposed savings options and invites people to have their say on these, and comment on how changes might affect them if taken forward.  

    Councillor Alex McLellan, Convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “The next phase of the consultation continues to offer the public an opportunity to express their views on proposed savings being put forward by council officers ahead of the Council setting the 2025/26 budget.

    “It is important that people participate as this will give us a greater understanding of what services are important to individuals and their families, and the potential impact any change or removal of a service may have on them.”

    Anyone who has access to the internet at home or on their mobile phone can access the consultation here.

    For anyone who does not have internet access at home, digital assistance is available at local libraries including the Central Library, and at the Customer Service Centre, Marischal College during opening hours.

    A series of virtual and in-person events have been arranged to help encourage public engagement. During these events, the public will have the opportunity to discuss any of the proposed options with council staff.  There will also be targeted engagement with community groups and other stakeholders.

    Monday 4 November – 5.30pm-7pm – virtual
    Microsoft Teams 
    Advanced booking is required. To book, please click here

    Monday 11 November – 11am-12.30pm – in-person

    Town and County Hall, Town House (entry via Union Street)

    Advanced booking is required. To book, please click here

    Tuesday 12 November – 5.30pm-7pm – virtual
    Microsoft Teams 
    Advanced booking is required. To book, please click here

    Wednesday 6 November – 6pm-7.30pm – in-person
    Customer Service Centre, Marischal College, Broad Street 
    Advance booking is required. To book, please click here

    The Council will host a series of pop-up events to offer digital assistance to citizens who would like support to complete the consultation online.  These sessions will be held within Aberdeen City Vaccination Centre located inside the Bon Accord Shopping Centre, George Street.  

    Advanced booking is NOT required to attend the below pop-up sessions.  

    • Thursday 31 October – 2pm-4pm
    • Thursday 7 November – 2pm-4pm
    • Thursday 14 November – 2pm-4pm

    For anyone who needs information provided in a different format, such as accessible PDF, large print, easy to read, audio recording or braille, or have any accessibility requirements, please email equality_and_diversity@aberdeencity.gov.uk

    The consultation closes on Sunday, November 17 and the results will be presented to Full Council on Wednesday, December 11. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: BRICS Congress. The Role of Education in Solving Global Economic Problems

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    On October 20 and 21, the BRICS Scientific and Educational Congress on Ecology and Climate Change was held at the Sirius Federal Territory. It brought together more than 500 representatives of science, education, the business community and governments of BRICS member countries, including India, Brazil, Iran and Ethiopia.

    The event was attended by the Director of the Institute of Civil Engineering of SPbPU Marina Petrochenko, Professor of the Higher School of Hydrotechnical and Power Engineering (HSHPE) Natalia Politaeva and Associate Professor of the HSHPE Alexander Chusov.

    Over the course of two days, business representatives and scientists discussed the following issues:

    The role of education in addressing global climate change issues; Water management in the context of climate change; New technologies for clean energy; Talent economy: New professions and skills in the context of “green” energy; Permafrost and climate change; Water purification technologies.

    In the expert session “New technologies for environmentally safe waste management and their role in the closed-loop economy” Natalia Politaeva presented a report “Innovative waste processing technologies”. In the poster session, the Civil Engineering Institute presented a team report “Utilization of organic waste with the production of biomethane”.

    On the second day of the event, with the assistance of SPbPU partner, the investment and technology company EFIR (RUSNANO Ecology and Nature Management cluster), representatives of the ISI held talks with Sirius University and the Russian-Singapore Business Council on the development of cooperation in the field of scientific and educational activities.

    The congress participants went on excursions to the Sirius educational center and the laboratory complex of the local university, where the latest infrastructure for training and supporting scientific research of talented young people is presented.

    At the congress, Polytech presented its unique technologies and developments in the field of waste management, which are of interest to businesses and the federal environmental operator that organizes and controls the collection, transportation, processing, recycling, neutralization and placement of waste of the first and second hazard classes. It was also important for us to exchange opinions with our foreign colleagues from Brazil, India and other countries. Everyone has common problems. It is obvious that we need to combine efforts and use the resource base, as well as the potential of foreign partners to solve the main problems of the environmental agenda, – commented on the results of the work, Director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Postal services to Iraq subject to delay

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Postal services to Iraq subject to delay
    Postal services to Iraq subject to delay
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         Hongkong Post announced today (October 25) that, as advised by the postal administration of Iraq, due to the disruption to the domestic transportation network, mail delivery services to Iraq are subject to delay.

     
    Ends/Friday, October 25, 2024Issued at HKT 16:20

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –