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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI China: China willing to work with Russia to strengthen strategic coordination — Premier Li

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China willing to work with Russia to strengthen strategic coordination — Premier Li

    ISLAMABAD, Oct. 16 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Wednesday that China is willing to work with Russia to strengthen strategic coordination, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and make due contributions to the development and revitalization of the two countries and the prosperity and stability of the world.

    Li made the remarks during his meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on the sidelines of the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Build Back Better Sector Guides—Volume 3: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. It assists its members and partners by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.

    Headquarters

    6 ADB Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550, Metro Manila, Philippines

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi sends congratulations to Gala Dinner of National Committee on U.S.-China Relations

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Xi sends congratulations to Gala Dinner of National Committee on U.S.-China Relations

    BEIJING, Oct. 16 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to the annual Gala Dinner of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR).

    Xi said in his message that he appreciates the NCUSCR’s unremitting efforts to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States in various fields, and congratulated this year’s gala’s esteemed honoree, William E. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer of General Atlantic.

    Xi pointed out that China-U.S. ties are one of the world’s most important bilateral relations, which bear on the well-being of the two peoples and the future of mankind.

    Xi said China has always handled the China-U.S. relationship based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and always believes that each country’s success presents opportunities for the other.

    The two countries should serve as a boost to each other’s development rather than a hindrance, Xi said, adding that China is willing to work with the United States as partners and friends, which will not only benefit the two countries but also the whole world.

    Xi stressed that the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was successfully held in July this year, making systematic arrangements for China to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.

    Xi said that opening up is a defining feature of Chinese modernization, and China will only open itself ever wider to the outside world. China will enhance its institutional openness, continue to build a first-rate international business environment and leverage the advantage of its enormous market and domestic demand potential to bring more opportunities for China-U.S. cooperation.

    Xi said he hopes the NCUSCR and friends from all walks of life will continue to care about and support China-U.S. relations and actively participate in and benefit from China’s modernization.

    Xi said the two sides should carry out more visits and exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and work together to translate the “San Francisco vision” into reality, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and inject more stability and positive energy into the world.

    On the same day, U.S. President Joe Biden also sent a congratulatory message to the NCUSCR’s annual gala dinner.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Employers invited to participate in careers fair supporting Changing Futures Navigators

    Source: City of Preston

    On Friday 15 November, 11am – 3pm, Preston Town Hall will host a Careers Fair designed to support Navigators from the Changing Futures programme.

    This Careers Fair will feature a broad range of employers from both the public and private sectors, providing job opportunities, career advice, and valuable insights. Navigators will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters and explore a variety of roles tailored to their skills and experiences.

    Changing Futures is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Outcomes Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.

    The programme and the Navigators are dedicated to improving the lives of adults facing multiple disadvantages, including homelessness, substance misuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, and involvement with the criminal justice system.

    Most of the Navigators from the Changing Futures programme have battled and overcome similar issues in their own lives which makes them uniquely equipped to support other people. Their skills, experience and perspective can be of great benefit to other organisations which support the most vulnerable people in society.

    Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

    Navigators from the Changing Futures programme have been instrumental in supporting people across Preston, offering guidance and a helping hand as they navigate the next stage of their lives. 

    This Careers Fair is an opportunity to return the support they’ve given to others, helping them make valuable connections and open doors to future employment as many approach the end of their time on the programme.

    If you are an employer interested in participating in the careers fair, please do get in touch with us.”

    Employers interested in participating in the event and supporting this important initiative are encouraged to email p.griffiths@preston.gov.uk for further details.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University unveils strategy to boost innovation and drive new business creation A new approach to fostering an enhanced spin-out culture at the University of Aberdeen will now see the institution reduce its equity stake, in favour of increasing innovation and accelerating the commercialisation of intellectual property.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The move seeks to make staff, students and investors excited about the ideas and opportunities coming out of the UniversityA new approach to fostering an enhanced spin-out culture at the University of Aberdeen will now see the institution reduce its equity stake, in favour of increasing innovation and accelerating the commercialisation of intellectual property.

    Spin-outs are crucial to improving economic growth and they play a pivotal role in helping to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing society.” Dr Heather Morgan, Dean for Enterprise & Innovation

    The move makes Aberdeen one of the first universities in Scotland and the UK to introduce key recommendations that emerged from a recent independent review of university spin-outs that was commissioned by HM Treasury. 

    Under the new policy, the University’s equity share in new businesses could be as low as 5%, compared to the previous 21% minimum rate. Future equity arrangements will also take a sector-specific approach that considers the level of University investment in the underpinning research and nature or extent of the intellectual property. 

    “An independent review commissioned by the UK Treasury looked at the most successful university spin-out ecosystems across the world and within the UK, to identify best practice and opportunities to support spin-outs to attract greater investment and grow faster,” said Professor Peter Edwards, the University’s Vice-Principal for Regional Engagement. 

    “The independent review reported criticism from spin-out founders that universities have been taking too great a share, with some taking 40% or even 50% equity, well above levels that investors would see as encouraging the level of investment needed to support the company and founders would consider fair. As a result, they have effectively been stifling these businesses’ ability to grow. 

    “The University of Aberdeen has an excellent track record and reputation for life sciences spin-outs with firms such as Elasmogen, TauRx and NCIMB in our portfolio. We want to replicate this success across other sectors from green energy to digital technology and, in producing a more nuanced approach, we will be able to provide clarity for founders and improved opportunities for investors which we believe will stimulate future growth and development.” 

    The new policy is just one element within a much broader set of measures being implemented by the University to support new company creation and economic growth. 

    These range from changes to academic promotion criteria to recognise commercialisation of academic research, to involvement in initiatives like the recent ICURe Discover North East programme in which the University partnered with Innovate UK, Opportunity North East and The Helix Way. The programme saw 10 teams of university entrepreneurs complete an eight-week journey to equip them with invaluable market understanding and customer discovery skills.  

    “It’s been particularly pleasing to see these teams continue on their commercialisation journey after ICURe Discover, working with the team in Research & Innovation to take the next steps towards spinning out,” said Dr Ann Lewendon, Commercialisation Manager. 

    “Spin-outs are crucial to improving economic growth and they play a pivotal role in helping to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing society,” added Dr Heather Morgan, Dean for Enterprise & Innovation.  

    “They aren’t created overnight however and another of the areas we’ve been working hard to cultivate as part of this strategic review is our pre-spin-out pipeline. Understanding market interest and commercial potential is critical to transforming research and innovation into successful start-up businesses capable of maximising their impact and delivering tangible results. 

    “We want to encourage staff and students to feel supported and empowered to take the next step and investors to feel excited about the ideas and opportunities coming out of the University.” 

    Professor Ross Tuffee, co-author of the Scottish Government’s ‘Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint’, commented: “The University of Aberdeen is taking a clear position in creating the conditions for more spin outs to be established, to grow and succeed. Taking a transparent and open approach including equity stakes that are practical and workable outside of the institution is a huge step forward. 

    “This directly aligns with our recommendations. I believe it will encourage more academics to consider translating their research to achieve even greater impact via the spin-out process and will facilitate follow-on investment from external investors, ensuring that the founder’s shareholding remains a motivation for them to continue to grow their company.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE says culture to drive development

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee pledged in this morning’s 2024 Policy Address to promote the integrated development of culture, sports and tourism in Hong Kong, and to foster economic diversification in the city.

    Mr Lee shared plans to enhance Hong Kong’s cultural soft power, promote sports development, build Hong Kong into a centre for international sports mega-events, and revitalise the city’s tourism industry. He also outlined initiatives to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), develop the “silver economy”, and promote the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s agriculture and fisheries industries.

    The Chief Executive said that in order to enhance Hong Kong’s role as the world’s East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and boost its cultural confidence, the Government would deepen institutional reforms to the city’s cultural system, and improve its cultural and economic policies.

    Updating the community on the formulation of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau’s (CSTB) Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, Mr Lee said the CSTB is due to consult the Culture Commission on it and will promulgate the blueprint later this year.

    He added that the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, established in June, is incubating cultural and creative projects with potential for commercialisation through the CreateSmart Initiative, and facilitating more registration of cultural and creative products on the Asia IP Exchange Portal. It is also turning Hong Kong Fashion Design Week into an annual signature event, with a view to establishing Hong Kong as a fashion design hub. 

    Mr Lee also iterated that the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) Authority is taking the lead on establishing an industry chain for Hong Kong’s arts, cultural and creative industries. He reported that it will promote the creation of a comprehensive arts trading ecosystem; host more major international cultural, creative and commercial events; export more performing arts programmes and exhibitions to the Mainland and overseas on a commercial basis; and brand the WKCD as a must-visit cultural landmark in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). 

    On sports development, Mr Lee said the Government will continue to promote sports in the community, support elite sports, enhance the professionalism of Hong Kong athletes and sports teams, maintain Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, and develop sports as an industry.

    He mentioned that the Hong Kong Sports Institute is reviewing the mechanism for direct financial support of athletes, including those with disabilities, and has set up a committee to oversee the development of sports medicine and sports science. He added that the Government will provide more sports and recreational facilities, including a new swimming complex suitable for hosting international competitions and a new sports arena with fencing facilities.

    In terms of sports governance, the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China will conclude its review of the governance and operation of national sports associations (NSAs). Mr Lee also outlined that the Government aims to develop Hong Kong as a host city economy and will make use of the new Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) and other existing venues to host large-scale international competitions so that Hong Kong athletes and teams can compete on home soil.

    He added that the KTSP, due to open in the first quarter of 2025, will boost sports development and foster the synergistic development of major sports events, innovative entertainment, dining, conventions and exhibitions, and tourism activities.

    With regard to tourism, the Chief Executive said the CSTB will publish its Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0 later this year. It will cover areas such as the development of eco-tourism, and the enhancement of tourism-support measures to encourage more visitor arrivals from the Middle East and Southeast Asia. There will also be efforts to create tourism products around specific themes, such as yachting, pandas and horse racing, build the city’s mega-event tourism economy, promote gastronomy tourism and cruise tourism, and develop “smart tourism” through the application of technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence).

    In addition, Mr Lee said the Government will set up a Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots to co-ordinate with the community and develop new tourist hotspots in various districts. It has also proposed to the central authorities that the “multiple-entry” Individual Visit Endorsements for Shenzhen residents be resumed and that the “one trip per week” Individual Visit Endorsements pilot scheme be expanded to cover more cities.

    Mr Lee added that starting from today the Government has relaxed the criteria for nationals of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar in applying for multiple-entry visas for travel or business, and extended the validity period of the visas offered from two years to three.

    The Chief Executive also unveiled a number of support measures to address challenges encountered by SMEs. These include re-launching the principal moratorium, meaning that enterprises that borrow under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme will be allowed to apply for a principal moratorium for up to 12 months. Existing loans already granted under the 80%, 90% and special 100% guarantee products, as well as new loans under the 80% and 90% guarantee products, will be covered.

    In addition, $1 billion will be injected into the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales to help SMEs upgrade their business operations and develop new markets, and the scope of Cyberport’s Digital Transformation Support Pilot Programme, which offers SMEs funding for digital transformation on a matching basis, will be expanded to cover the retail and food and beverage sectors.

    Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Trade Development Council will formulate plans to set up more Hong Kong Pavilions at Mainland and overseas exhibitions, while an additional provision of $500 million will be allocated for the launch of the Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions 2.0, which aims to attract large-scale international exhibitions to Hong Kong.

    In terms of the development of a silver economy, the Chief Executive said new products and services must be developed in response to the rapid expansion of the elderly market. The Government will set up a “Working Group on Promoting Silver Economy”, led by the Deputy Chief Secretary, to implement measures to boost elderly-related consumption and support elderly consumers.

    Mr Lee reported that the Government will also take forward the Blueprint for the Sustainable Development of Agriculture and Fisheries.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Hungary suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         â€‹The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (October 16) that in view of a notification from the Ministry of Agriculture of Hungary about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Fejér County and Hajdú-Bihar County in Hungary, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

         A CFS spokesman said that Hong Kong has currently established a protocol with Hungary for the import of poultry meat but not for poultry eggs. According to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 40 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Hungary in the first six months of this year.

         “The CFS has contacted the Hungarian authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: Issue of Federal Treasury notes – Announcement of auction

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    A digital euro would be a digital form of central bank money, specifically the euro. It could be used by the general public in much the same way as cash, only in virtual form. Alongside cash, the Eurosystem would thus supply households with an additional form of central bank money that can be used quickly, easily and securely.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Repatriation assistance

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Repatriation assistance – Government.se

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    Article from Ministry of Justice

    Published

    In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government presented measures to stimulate voluntary repatriation that include increased financial assistance in 2026. This repatriation assistance will be aimed at certain individuals who already have the legal right to reside in Sweden. It will not apply to those who may obtain legal right in the future or people with a return decision.

    The current system 

    Individuals already in possession of a Swedish residence permit who wish to leave Sweden to take up residence in another country are, under certain conditions, eligible for financial support in the form of repatriation assistance. This support is only available to certain individuals with a legal right to reside in Sweden, including those who have been granted a residence permit as a refugee or person eligible for subsidiary protection, and their family members. Individuals who have received a refusal-of-entry or expulsion order do not have a right to repatriation assistance. 

    Those who are currently entitled to financial support can receive assistance to cover travel expenses. In addition to, repatriation assistance of up to SEK 10 000 per adult and SEK 5 000 per child under 18 years can be granted. A family can currently receive a maximum of SEK 40 000.

    Government intends to increase repatriation assistance

    In the Budget Bill for 2025, the Government presented measures to stimulate voluntary repatriation. These measures include increasing repatriation assistance in 2026. The current system needs to be reviewed in order to enable an increased repatriation assistance up to a maximum of SEK 350 000. At the same time, the system must be reviewed to minimise the risk for fraud and abuse. The Government will present proposals to this effect at a later date. 

    The repatriation assistance will continue to be aimed at individuals already with a legal right to live in Sweden who wish to leave the country voluntarily. As today, it will not apply to individuals who have received a refusal-of-entry or expulsion order. 

    Additional information

    For more detailed information about the current process for voluntary repatriation, including how to apply and what assistance is available, please visit the Swedish Migration Agency’s website. 

    Volun­tary repat­ri­a­tion

    Leaving Sweden

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK boosts Somalia security with additional £7.5 Million to ATMIS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The United Kingdom announces a further funding to support the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to bolster Somalia’s security.

    The United Kingdom has provided a further £7.5 million to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). This latest round of funding builds on earlier contributions and increases the total amount of financial support from the United Kingdom to both ATMIS and AMISOM since 2021 to £77 million. ATMIS plays a vital role in Somalia’s security, protecting key areas including population centres, supply routes and infrastructure. It continues to support the Somali National Army in joint operations, facilitating humanitarian aid, and safeguarding political processes including elections. 

    UK funds have enabled ATMIS to improve Somalia’s security by combatting al-Shabaab and reducing the group’s influence. ATMIS troops also provide protection for Somali civilians as they work to ensure a more stable and secure Somalia to the benefit of its people and the region. The new funding will fund military stipends for troops from the five troop-contributing countries (Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda), and will help ATMIS to complete its mandate of a phased handover of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces. The activities of ATMIS are crucial to Somalia’s journey towards security and stability, but these require consistent international support.

    British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, said of the new funding:

    The UK is a close and longstanding partner of Somalia and a leading donor to ATMIS. By supporting ATMIS, we are not only investing in Somalia’s security today but also in its stability and prosperity tomorrow. I encourage traditional and non-traditional partners to financially support the successor mission to ATMIS to ensure a secure and stable future for all Somalis and the region.

    Somalia’s Defence Minister, Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, welcomed UK support, noting:

    This funding is critical in supporting the efforts of ATMIS and Somali security forces. We appreciate the UK’s continued partnership in rebuilding a safer and secure Somalia. The continued support of our partners will remain vital as we work towards a sustainable security environment in our country.

    The African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye also expressed gratitude for the UK’s contribution and emphasised the importance of continued international support:

    I wish to sincerely thank the British Embassy for its continued support to the AU and for this generous and timely £7.5 million contribution to ATMIS. We urge other partners to follow the UK’s example and invest in Somalia’s security to ensure lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the wider region.

    This latest contribution reinforces the UK’s continued commitment to Somalia’s security and stability for a safer and more prosperous future, while also ensuring regional stability.

    Note to Editors

    • UN Security Council Resolution (2748) adopted on 16 August 2024 authorises African Union Member States to continue to deploy up to 12,626 uniformed personnel – inclusive of 1,040 police personnel, to ATMIS until 31 December 2024.

    • You can follow UK activity in Somalia on X and Facebook and at British Embassy Mogadishu.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnicians at the Far Eastern Mathematical Festival

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    In early October, a delegation from Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University visited the Far Eastern Mathematics Festival, organized by the Khabarovsk branch of the scientific and educational mathematical center “Far Eastern Center for Mathematical Research” at the Pacific National University (PNU).

    The delegation included Acting Director of the Institute of Physics and Mechanics of SPbPU, Professor Alexey Filimonov; Director of the Higher School of Mechanics and Control Processes, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Belyaev; Professor of the Higher School of Artificial Intelligence Technologies Vladimir Zaborovsky and Professor of the Higher School of Social Sciences Dmitry Kuznetsov.

    The festival was opened by the discussion “Prospects in Trends of Science and Technology”. Dmitry Kuznetsov presented a report “History and Philosophy of Development of Domestic Mathematical Science”. Vladimir Zaborovsky covered current issues of intellectualization of computing technologies, their physical and information aspects in his speech. The event of the first day of the festival was concluded by the report of Alexander Belyaev “High-frequency dynamics – the missing link in the evolution of dynamics”.

    The next day, the Polytechnics took part in the XXII All-Russian Scientific Conference “Physics: Fundamental and Applied Research, Education”. The range of topics discussed covered theoretical physics and computational mathematics, condensed matter physics, physical materials science, general and technical physics, optics, and physics education. Dmitry Kuznetsov gave a report “Augustin Betancourt and Physics Education in Russia in the First Quarter of the 19th Century”, and Alexey Filimonov’s open lecture was devoted to the natural size effect in III-nitride heterocontacts. The speaker considered issues relevant to the technology of creating semiconductor devices, such as the nature of the chaotic potential in heterocontacts of semiconductor structures induced by the electrostatic field of dislocations, under conditions of localization of a two-dimensional electron gas in the near-contact region.

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

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

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/polytechnics-at-the-Far-Eastern-mathematical-festival/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eagleby company and director fined, handed suspended jail term, in one of Queensland’s worst cases of asbestos offences

    Source: Government of Queensland

    Issued: 16 Oct 2024

    Open larger image

    Illegally dumped waste on Eagleby property

    The Beenleigh Magistrates Court has handed down a scathing sentence for one of Queensland’s worst-ever illegal asbestos waste matters, following an extensive investigation by Queensland’s environmental regulator.

    Asbestos Demolition Specialists has been fined $400,000, and the company’s director has copped a $100,000 fine and a suspended jail term after pleading guilty to a number of offences relating to the illegal operation of a waste facility in Eagleby.

    The asbestos removal and demolition company pleaded guilty to nine offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 including:

    • two offences for carrying out an environmentally relevant activity without an environmental authority,
    • five offences for wilfully contravening an environmental protection order (EPO),
    • one offence for wilfully and unlawfully depositing a prescribed water contaminant, and
    • one offence for wilfully and unlawfully causing material harm.

    In addition to the $400,000 fine, the company has been ordered to pay a monetary benefit order of $75,544, representing the licence fees for the activity. The company and its director were issued with a rehabilitation order to restore the impacted land.

    The company’s director, Mr Anthony Palmer, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure his company complied with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act. He was fined $100,000 and sentenced to nine months imprisonment wholly suspended for three years.

    The Court recorded convictions against both defendants and ordered they pay $12,645 each in legal and investigation costs.

    During sentencing, the Court found the offending activities were deliberate and extensive, and noted it was one of Queensland’s largest criminal asbestos waste matters.

    Queensland’s environmental regulator, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI), began investigating the site in 2020 after officers conducted a series of site inspections and observed large amounts of illegally disposed construction waste, including asbestos.

    Due to the site’s location on the banks of the Albert River and other nearby water bodies, and its proximity to residential properties, the site was not licenced to receive any waste including asbestos-contaminated waste.

    In June 2020, DESI issued the company with a Direction Notice which required it to immediately stop receiving and disposing of waste at the site, and to remove any onsite waste. In July 2021, DESI issued the company with a penalty infringement notice for failing to comply with the Direction Notice, and an EPO.

    Mr Palmer and the company repeatedly failed to comply with the department’s statutory notices, and during follow up site inspections throughout 2020, 2021 and 2022, environmental officers continued to observe old and new waste on site including asbestos.

    Quotes attributable to Brad Wirth, Executive Director, Industry Development and South East Compliance, DESI

    “As the environmental regulator, it is our role to implement and enforce legislation that protects the environment and safeguards our communities.

    “It is vital that operators and individuals comply with the laws and regulations to ensure their activities do not harm our precious environment, and we will take strong action against those who fail to meet these expectations.

    “The repeated and serious nature of these offences, and the lack of action from the company and Mr Palmer is extremely disappointing.

    “The outcome from the Court reflects the seriousness of these offences.

    “The handling, management and disposal of asbestos waste is strictly regulated by the department to protect the health and safety of our communities, and the environment.

    “The Albert River is home to a diverse ecosystem and provides crucial habitat to number of flora and fauna species. Its conservation is essential to the area’s biodiversity, and it is simply unacceptable that Mr Palmer and his company put its health at risk.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Federico Donelli, Assistant Professor of International Relations, University of Trieste

    Turkey has ramped up its partnership with Somalia in recent months. It is helping Somalia defend its waters, and has signed a deal to explore for oil and gas off the east African nation’s coast.

    There have also been reports of advanced discussions to have Turkey set up a missile and rocket testing site in Somalia.

    These agreements underscore Turkey’s strategic and economic aspirations in the broader Horn of Africa region.

    Over the past four years, there has been a steady increase in Turkish partnerships and agreements for the export of defence-related products to the region. This has included the use of Turkish drones in conflict zones, such as Libya and Ethiopia.

    I have studied Turkey’s historical and current involvement in Somalia to understand what’s driving Ankara’s policy in the Horn of Africa. In my view, Turkey’s involvement is driven by multiple factors. These include international status-seeking, regional balance and strategic concerns.

    The opening of a training facility in Mogadishu has increased Turkey’s strategic depth in the Horn of Africa, projecting the country towards both sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean. And the use of Turkish drones in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict has shown Turkish defence arrangements have become a factor in local dynamics.

    Somalia’s appeal

    Turkey’s interest in Somalia dates back to 2010-2011. At the time, Somalia was grappling with the devastating effects of 20 years of civil war, failed international interventions and the emergence of the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab terror group. In addition, the country was devastated by a famine that claimed more than 250,000 lives.

    Somalia presented Turkey with several opportunities to establish a footprint in a region of high geostrategic value, and to enhance its image in Africa and globally.

    First, there was a lack of interest in the country from major international players. Apart from anti-piracy initiatives in the Gulf of Aden and the US focus on the war on terror, international players watched Somalia with a certain detachment.

    Turkey saw an opportunity to benefit from taking a leading role in an international crisis scenario.

    Read more: Al-Shabaab is just a symptom of Somalia’s tragedy – the causes are still in place

    Second, the world’s attention focused on the Arab world. The region was facing a wave of pro-democracy protests dubbed the Arab Spring. Somalia and the suffering of the Somali people were quickly forgotten by the international community.

    Turkish policymakers saw the country’s isolation as an opportunity to gain international popularity and visibility on the continent.

    Turkey took a multifaceted approach in Somalia. This encompassed humanitarian aid, diplomatic initiatives and economic investment. Turkey also supported state-building efforts and the reconstruction of Somalia’s security apparatus.

    Internal dynamics

    The financial and political resources that Turkey has invested in Somalia are driven by regional and domestic political considerations.

    Regionally, 2016 to 2021 was a period of tension between Turkey, and Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Somalia and the competition for influence in its politics became one of the main areas of confrontation.

    Domestically, Turkey has been able to portray its involvement in a way that’s boosted the ruling party’s standing. In addition, engagement in the Horn of Africa meets the demands of various business groups. This includes construction and defence companies that are close to the ruling political elite.

    Intervention in Somalia plays an important role in the narrative of Turkish political elites associated with Turkey’s ruling party, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi (Justice and Development Party).

    The party is a conservative but non-confessional party with Islamist roots. A significant proportion of the party’s supporters consider voluntary charity (sadaqa) to be the duty of a good Muslim. As a result, Turkey’s foreign and domestic interests converged with the government’s policy to support crisis-stricken Muslim communities. This includes those in Somalia. Here, Turkey has framed its involvement as a political and humanitarian success story. The Turkish public views it as such.

    Read more: Turkey’s foray into Somalia is a huge success, but there are risks

    Turkey has been able to bolster its security and defence ties at a rapid pace. The country’s Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı (Defence Industry Agency of Turkey) reports directly to the president. Established as a state body in 1985, the agency gained prominence in 2017 when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had it placed under the direct authority of the presidency.

    This has made concluding defence agreements – a key factor of Ankara’s foreign policy – much faster.

    Turkey has also used the opportunity to increase its involvement in the energy sector. Ankara has long aspired to play a pivotal role as a major energy hub in the wider region. It has considered establishing exploration operations off the coast of Somalia. Like all emerging powers, Turkey has a thirst for energy. This explains its July 2024 oil and gas exploration deal with Somalia.

    Turning point

    Ankara’s February 2024 defence agreement marked a significant turning point in Turkey-Somalia cooperation.

    The agreement deepens defence ties between the two countries. Under the deal, Turkey has agreed to train and equip the Somali navy. It will also help patrol Somalia’s extensive 3,333-kilometre coastline. Turkey’s focus is on maritime activities. This is a strategic choice largely influenced by the unstable conditions in Somalia, where exerting control over territory is difficult.

    Read more: Red Sea politics: why Turkey is helping Somalia defend its waters

    The deal is a response to changes in the regional landscape and the ongoing reconfiguration of power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

    This has included:

    Somalia’s decision to pursue diplomatic ties and defence agreements with Turkey needs to be understood against this backdrop.

    – Somalia and Turkey are becoming firm allies – what’s behind this strategy
    – https://theconversation.com/somalia-and-turkey-are-becoming-firm-allies-whats-behind-this-strategy-240578

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Result of the auction of treasury bills on 16 October 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bids, sales, stop-rates and prices are presented in the table below:      

    ISIN Bid Mill. kr. (nominal) Sale Stop-rate (per cent) Pro-rata Price
    98 19666 DKT 02/12/24 IV 100 – – – –
    98 19740 DKT 03/03/25 I 1,200 600 2.63 100 % 99.0162
    Total 1,300 600      

    The sale will settle 18 October 2024.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation Oct 16, 2024

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation
    Oct 16, 2024

    [Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2024] At GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai, during the summit themed “Leading Infrastructure to Accelerate Electric Power Intelligence”, Huawei released the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The white paper aims to promote the digital and intelligent transformation of the electric power industry.
    At the summit, Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki, Honorary Chairman of IEEE UAE Section, and Marcio Szechtman, Ex-CIGRE Technical Council Chair, introduced the industry standards, development trends, and digital transformation progress of power distribution facilities.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of the Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivered a keynote speech where he discussed how the changing structure of the power system has shifted the focus of power companies. With the rapid development of new energy, power companies are facing challenges such as difficulty in managing multiple access points and monitoring the power supply, as well as issues with interaction and consumption. The key to addressing these challenges lies in the distribution network. Huawei’s Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) aims to help power companies build intelligent distribution network by reducing line loss, improving power supply reliability, and enhancing management of distributed photovoltaic and charging pile groups.
    In addition, security and reliability have always been a top priority for the power system. To address issues such as rapid expansion of equipment scale, exponential growth in power technology complexity, and equipment exceeding its service life in the power generation and transformation fields, Huawei has proposed Intelligent Power Station Solution and Intelligent Substation Solution to support power companies in transitioning from passive to active operation and moving towards predictive maintenance. At the same time, power companies are looking to improve OPEX efficiency through digital means, particularly by reducing communication costs through target network communication, reducing system construction costs through digital architecture reconstruction, and reducing labor costs through talent transformation.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivering a keynote speech

    Li Shenglei, Technical Director of the R&D Center of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Information and Communication Company, spoke of the latest practices of the IDS in State Grid Shaanxi. He said, “The latest version of high-speed power line communications (HPLC) is extremely helpful to us. The ability to identify the topology is crucial for measuring line loss and responding to emergencies. The HPLC and RF test outcomes are sufficient for most service scenarios.”
    Huawei and partners jointly releasing the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power

    The load side presents the biggest challenge for the future power system, and improving backbone communication network is crucial in addressing this challenge. Huawei has partnered with global power partners to release the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The release ceremony was attended by Sabu Mathew, CEO of 3W Networks, Sam Wang, Deputy Chief Engineer of Himark, Nick Liu, Vice President of Enterprise Optical Domain, Huawei, and Jason Li, President of Global Marketing & Solutions for Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei.
    Nick Liu said in his speech, “The fgOTN in the OTN architecture offers several benefits, including providing transmission channels of high reliability, low latency, and high efficiency for small-granularity services like electric power. It can also easily increase network bandwidth for future digital and intelligent development, making it an excellent solution for upgrading SDH networks and constructing digital and intelligent grid networks.”
    In the future, Huawei will continue to work with customers and partners to pave the way for intelligent electric power through scenario-driven and joint innovation.
    For more details about the white paper, please visit https://e.huawei.com/en/material/optical/8e117dd97abf4236b4f0e7b0063282ec

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei Releases the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power to Accelerate Intelligence with Technological Innovation

    [Dubai, UAE, October 16, 2024] At GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai, during the summit themed “Leading Infrastructure to Accelerate Electric Power Intelligence”, Huawei released the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The white paper aims to promote the digital and intelligent transformation of the electric power industry.
    At the summit, Dr. Eesa M. Bastaki, Honorary Chairman of IEEE UAE Section, and Marcio Szechtman, Ex-CIGRE Technical Council Chair, introduced the industry standards, development trends, and digital transformation progress of power distribution facilities.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of the Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivered a keynote speech where he discussed how the changing structure of the power system has shifted the focus of power companies. With the rapid development of new energy, power companies are facing challenges such as difficulty in managing multiple access points and monitoring the power supply, as well as issues with interaction and consumption. The key to addressing these challenges lies in the distribution network. Huawei’s Intelligent Distribution Solution (IDS) aims to help power companies build intelligent distribution network by reducing line loss, improving power supply reliability, and enhancing management of distributed photovoltaic and charging pile groups.
    In addition, security and reliability have always been a top priority for the power system. To address issues such as rapid expansion of equipment scale, exponential growth in power technology complexity, and equipment exceeding its service life in the power generation and transformation fields, Huawei has proposed Intelligent Power Station Solution and Intelligent Substation Solution to support power companies in transitioning from passive to active operation and moving towards predictive maintenance. At the same time, power companies are looking to improve OPEX efficiency through digital means, particularly by reducing communication costs through target network communication, reducing system construction costs through digital architecture reconstruction, and reducing labor costs through talent transformation.
    David Sun, Vice President, CEO of Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei, delivering a keynote speech

    Li Shenglei, Technical Director of the R&D Center of State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Information and Communication Company, spoke of the latest practices of the IDS in State Grid Shaanxi. He said, “The latest version of high-speed power line communications (HPLC) is extremely helpful to us. The ability to identify the topology is crucial for measuring line loss and responding to emergencies. The HPLC and RF test outcomes are sufficient for most service scenarios.”
    Huawei and partners jointly releasing the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power

    The load side presents the biggest challenge for the future power system, and improving backbone communication network is crucial in addressing this challenge. Huawei has partnered with global power partners to release the fgOTN White Paper for Electric Power. The release ceremony was attended by Sabu Mathew, CEO of 3W Networks, Sam Wang, Deputy Chief Engineer of Himark, Nick Liu, Vice President of Enterprise Optical Domain, Huawei, and Jason Li, President of Global Marketing & Solutions for Electric Power Digitalization BU, Huawei.
    Nick Liu said in his speech, “The fgOTN in the OTN architecture offers several benefits, including providing transmission channels of high reliability, low latency, and high efficiency for small-granularity services like electric power. It can also easily increase network bandwidth for future digital and intelligent development, making it an excellent solution for upgrading SDH networks and constructing digital and intelligent grid networks.”
    In the future, Huawei will continue to work with customers and partners to pave the way for intelligent electric power through scenario-driven and joint innovation.
    For more details about the white paper, please visit https://e.huawei.com/en/material/optical/8e117dd97abf4236b4f0e7b0063282ec

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Europol supports Serbia in arresting contract killer disguised as elderly man

    Source: Europol

    The individual was identified after Europol provided crucial intelligence, developed through its ongoing work in analysing encrypted communication platforms frequently used by organised crime groups.The plot was orchestrated by the head of an organised crime group, who played a key role in recruiting the contract killer and coordinating the logistics of the assassination. The leader of the criminal group organised…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Newham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigation a fatal road traffic collision in Newham are appealing for witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward.

    Police were called at 15:44hrs on Tuesday, 15 October, to reports of a collision at Barking Road, E16.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. At the scene, a Nissan Juke had been in collision with an 18-year-old female pedestrian and another car.

    Despite the efforts of emergency services the pedestrian was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been notified.

    The driver of the Nissan Juke – a 45-year-old man – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken to hospital for treatment before being taken into police custody where he remains at this time.

    Cordons and closures were established while emergency services accessed the scene. These have since been lifted.

    Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or on X @MetCC, quoting CAD 4765/15OCT.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Source: European Union 2

    “Don’t miss a single screening – not even by a month,” says Maria, vice-president of a volunteer cancer support group in her workplace in Brussels. Maria was diagnosed with cancer in 2013 at the age of 38 through a routine check. “I was on sickness leave for a year and required heavy surgery. I was the youngest person in the hospital where I was treated – the age at which you can develop cancer is dropping dramatically.”

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease, provide support to women with breast cancer and to highlight how early screening can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome.  

    The EU plays an active part in this battle to beat breast cancer. As part of its European Health Union strategy, it has put in place a Beating Cancer Plan. Through it, it is working on meaningful change in EU countries to achieve better cancer prevention, treatment, care and quality of life for all EU citizens. In 2022, new updated screening guidelines were adopted based on the latest scientific evidence for breast, colorectal and cervical cancer. The EU’s goal is to offer screening to 90% of the eligible target population across the EU.  

    Currently, breast cancer accounts for almost 30% of all diagnosed cancers in women in the EU. There are, however, marked differences in screening participation among countries and population groups. In 2022, the EU set up the first-ever European Cancer Inequalities Registry, to identify trends, disparities, and inequalities between and within EU countries and regions. The results feed into the EU’s future policies and investment in breast cancer treatment. 

     “I was on my own when I was diagnosed,” says Valentina, who is a member of Maria’s cancer support group.  “The support group became like a second family to me. Life is made easier when you share with other people. Just a nice word from a colleague can make all the difference.” The group has 200 members, who have either had or have cancer or caregivers to people with cancer. 

    “Everyone should try to organise such a group,” says Valentina. The group provides support from advice on how to navigate “the sea of procedures” surrounding getting cancer treatment to laying on yoga classes and walks in the woods. Valentina stresses the importance of physical activity in improving energy levels following cancer treatment. “I was not really sporty before cancer,” she says with a laugh, “but now I’m exercising every weekend.” 

    As part of her recovery, Valentina signed up to a local scheme in Belgium which encourages women with breast cancer to engage in group physical activity to help them heal and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Valentina walked just over 100km in Iceland with a group of 10 women. “Even with a very heavy workload, I felt so energised when I found out I could take part.” The group called themselves Les Amazones. “We discovered only afterwards that the Greeks had made up an etymology, claiming it derived from a-mazos – without a breast.  These fearsome women cut off their right breasts to remove an obstruction to the bowstring,” explains Valentina.

    A fellow cancer support group member, Alice, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer while working in Niger. “I had just finished breast feeding my 15-month-old daughter and it was the beginning of COVID. The doctor told me to go back to Europe to get a biopsy and I took the last flight before the airport was closed for several weeks. Unfortunately, the biopsy was positive and my treatment began. In Niger, women do not have the same opportunities.” How does she feel about the experience now? “I’m lucky I was born in Europe,” she says. 

    For more information 

    A cancer plan for Europe 

    European Health Union 

    #GetScreenedEU campaign, with information about cancer screening programmes in EU countries 

    Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Care

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK House Price Index for August 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    The August data shows:

    • on average, house prices have risen 1.5% since July 2024
    • there has been an annual price rise of 2.8% which makes the average property in the UK valued at £293,000

    England

    In England the August data shows, on average, house prices have risen by 1.6% since July 2024. The annual price rise of 2.3% takes the average property value to £310,000.

    • Yorkshire and the Humber experienced the most significant monthly increase with a movement of 2.7%
    • The South West saw the greatest monthly price fall, with a fall of -0.3%
    • The North West experienced the greatest annual price rise, up by 4.6%
    • The South West saw the lowest annual price growth, with a rise of 0.8%

    The regional data for England indicates that:

    Price change by region for England

    Region Average price Aug 2024 Annual change % since Aug 2023 Monthly change % since July  2024
    East Midlands £250,000 2.1 1.4
    East of England £344,000 1.4 1
    London £531,000 1.4 2.2
    North East £166,000 1.7 1.5
    North West £225,000 4.6 2.4
    South East £385,000 1.6 1.4
    South West £321,000 0.8 -0.3
    West Midlands £255,000 2.6 1.1
    Yorkshire and the Humber £219,000 4.4 2.7

    Repossession sales by volume for England

    The lowest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the East of England.

    The highest number of repossession sales in June 2024 was in the North East.

    Repossession sales June 2024
    East Midlands 12
    East of England 0
    London 8
    North East 18
    North West 6
    South East 8
    South West 6
    West Midlands 7
    Yorkshire and the Humber 7
    England 72

    Average price by property type for England

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug  2023 Difference %
    Detached £466,000 £463,000 0.8
    Semi-detached £299,000 £290,000 3.3
    Terraced £258,000 £251,000 2.5
    Flat/maisonette £257,000 £251,000 2.4
    All £310,000 £303,000 2.3

    Funding and buyer status for England

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £290,000 1.7 1.5
    Mortgage £320,000 2.6 1.6
    First-time buyer £260,000 3.1 2.1
    Former owner occupier £350,000 1.5 1

    Building status for England

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £443,000 25.9 -1.2
    Existing resold property £300,000 1.1 0.4

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    London

    London shows, on average, house prices increased by 2.2% since July 2024. An annual price fall of 1.4% takes the average property value to £531,000.

    Average price by property type for London

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £1,036,000 £1,058,000 -2.1
    Semi-detached £687,000 £677,000 1.5
    Terraced £580,000 £573,000 1.1
    Flat/maisonette £443,000 £434,000 2
    All £531,000 £524,000 1.4

    Funding and buyer status for London

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £545,000 0.6 3.2
    Mortgage £526,000 1.7 1.9
    First-time buyer £461,000 2.3 2.8
    Former owner occupier £604,000 0 1.1

    Building status for London

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £618,000 23 0.2
    Existing resold property £525,000 0 1.1

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    Wales

    Wales shows, on average, house prices rose by 2.6% since Jul 2024. An annual price increase of 3.5% takes the average property value to £223,000

    There were 9 repossession sales for Wales in Jun 2024.

    Average price by property type for Wales

    Property type Aug 2024 Aug 2023 Difference %
    Detached £328,000 £323,000 1.7
    Semi-detached £217,000 £208,000 4.1
    Terraced £177,000 £170,000 4.2
    Flat/maisonette £147,000 £140,000 4.7
    All £223,000 £215,000 3.5

    Funding and buyer status for Wales

    Transaction type Average price Aug 2024 Annual price change % since Aug 2023 Monthly price change % since Jul 2024
    Cash £216,000 3.1 3.1
    Mortgage £227,000 3.8 2.4
    First-time buyer £194,000 4.4 2.8
    Former owner occupier £256,000 2.6 2.4

    Building status for Wales

    Building status* Average price June 2024 Annual price change % since June 2023 Monthly price change % since May 2024
    New build £336,000 25.7 -0.9
    Existing resold property £211,000 0.9 0.6

    *Figures for the 2 most recent months are not being published because there are not enough new build transactions to give a meaningful result.

    UK house prices

    UK house prices rose by 2.8% in the year to Aug 2024, up from the revised estimate of 1.8% in the 12 months to July 2024. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, average house prices in the UK increased by 1.5% between July 2024 and Aug 2024, up 0.5% from the same period 12 months ago (July and Aug 2023).

    The UK Property Transactions Statistics showed that in Aug 2024, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the estimated number of transactions of residential properties with a value of £40,000 or greater was 90,000. This is 5.4% higher than a year ago (Aug 2023). Between July 2024 and Aug 2024, UK transactions decreased by 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis.

    House price monthly increase was highest in Yorkshire & The Humber where prices increased by 2.7% in the year to Aug 2024. The highest annual growth was in the The North West, where prices increased by 4.6% in the year to Aug 2024.

    See the economic statement.

    The UK HPI is based on completed housing transactions. Typically, a house purchase can take 6 to 8 weeks to reach completion. As with other indicators in the housing market, which typically fluctuate from month to month, it is important not to put too much weight on one month’s set of house price data.

    Access the full UK HPI

    Background

    1. We publish the UK House Price Index (HPI) on the second or third Wednesday of each month with Northern Ireland figures updated quarterly. We will publish the September 2024 UK HPI at 9:30am on Wednesday 20 Novemeber 2024. See calendar of release dates.
    2. We have made some changes to improve the accuracy of the UK HPI. We are not publishing average price and percentage change for new builds and existing resold property as done previously because there are not currently enough new build transactions to provide a reliable result. This means that in this month’s UK HPI reports, new builds and existing resold property are reported in line with the sales volumes currently available.
    3. The UK HPI revision period has been extended to 13 months, following a review of the revision policy (see calculating the UK HPI section 4.4). This ensures the data used is more comprehensive.
    4. Sales volume data is available by property status (new build and existing property) and funding status (cash and mortgage) in our downloadable data tables. Transactions that require us to create a new register, such as new builds, are more complex and require more time to process. Read revisions to the UK HPI data.
    5. Revision tables are available for England and Wales within the downloadable data in CSV format. See about the UK HPI for more information.
    6. HM Land Registry, Registers of Scotland, Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the Valuation Office Agency supply data for the UK HPI.
    7. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Land & Property Services/Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency calculate the UK HPI. It applies a hedonic regression model that uses the various sources of data on property price, including HM Land Registry’s Price Paid Dataset, and attributes to produce estimates of the change in house prices each month. Find out more about the methodology used from the ONS and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency.
    8. We take the UK Property Transaction statistics  from the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) monthly estimates of the number of residential and non-residential property transactions in the UK and its constituent countries. The number of property transactions in the UK is highly seasonal, with more activity in the summer months and less in the winter. This regular annual pattern can sometimes mask the underlying movements and trends in the data series. HMRC presents the UK aggregate transaction figures on a seasonally adjusted basis. We make adjustments for both the time of year and the construction of the calendar, including corrections for the position of Easter and the number of trading days in a particular month.
    9. UK HPI seasonally adjusted series are calculated at regional and national levels only. See data tables.
    10. The first estimate for new build average price (April 2016 report) was based on a small sample which can cause volatility. A three-month moving average has been applied to the latest estimate to remove some of this volatility.
    11. The UK HPI reflects the final transaction price for sales of residential property. Using the geometric mean, it covers purchases at market value for owner-occupation and buy-to-let, excluding those purchases not at market value (such as re-mortgages), where the ‘price’ represents a valuation.
    12. HM Land Registry provides information on residential property transactions for England and Wales, collected as part of the official registration process for properties that are sold for full market value.
    13. The HM Land Registry dataset contains the sale price of the property, the date when the sale was completed, full address details, the type of property (detached, semi-detached, terraced or flat), if it is a newly built property or an established residential building and a variable to indicate if the property has been purchased as a financed transaction (using a mortgage) or as a non-financed transaction (cash purchase).
    14. Repossession sales data is based on the number of transactions lodged with HM Land Registry by lenders exercising their power of sale.
    15. For England, we show repossession sales volume recorded by government office region. For Wales, we provide repossession sales volume for the number of repossession sales.
    16. Repossession sales data is available from April 2016 in CSV format. Find out more information about repossession sales.
    17. We publish CSV files of the raw and cleansed aggregated data every month for England, Scotland and Wales. We publish Northern Ireland data on a quarterly basis. They are available for free use and re-use under the Open Government Licence.
    18. HM Land Registry is a government department created in 1862. Its vision is: “A world-leading property market as part of a thriving economy and a sustainable future.”
    19. HM Land Registry’s purpose is: “We protect your land ownership and provide services and data that underpin an efficient and informed property market.”
    20. HM Land Registry safeguards land and property ownership valued at £8 trillion, enabling over £1 trillion worth of personal and commercial lending to be secured against property across England and Wales. The Land Register contains more than 26.5 million titles showing evidence of ownership for more than 89% of the land mass of England and Wales.
    21. For further information about HM Land Registry visit http://www.gov.uk/land-registry.
    22. Follow us on @HMLandRegistry, our blog, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    Contact

    Press Office

    Trafalgar House
    1 Bedford Park
    Croydon
    CR0 2AQ

    Email HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

    Phone (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm) 0300 006 3365

    Mobile (5:30pm to 8:30am weekdays, all weekend and public holidays) 07864 689 344

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Civil Rights Charges for Committing Sex Trafficking of Victims Addicted to Opioids and Cocaine and Other Offenses

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today to four counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.

    According to court documents, Marvin Pompilus, 39, of Stoughton, conspired to use force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to compel three adult victims to engage in commercial sex acts in the Randolph, Massachusetts, area between October 2021 and October 2022. He also conspired to compel another other adult victim to engage in commercial sex acts in September 2022. In addition, Pompilus pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute in September 2022. Pompilus was previously arrested and charged in November 2023. He has remained in federal custody.

    According to court documents, Pompilus knew that the victims abused opioids and cocaine, and he specifically targeted the victims because of this vulnerability. For example, Pompilus promised the victims cocaine, heroin and fentanyl in exchange for engaging in commercial sex, with all the profits of the sex acts going directly to Pompilus. Pompilus also possessed distribution quantities of cocaine and fentanyl when Randolph Police Department conducted a car stop in September 2022 and found these drugs inside the crotch of his pants.

    Court documents also demonstrate that Pompilus was previously convicted in Suffolk Superior Court in February 2018 of multiple counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude and deriving support for prostitution. Pompilus was sentenced to six years in state prison and he was released in October 2021. Within days of his release, Pompilus began the sex trafficking conspiracy to which he pleaded guilty today.

    “This defendant callously picked up right where he left off when he was released from state prison, believing that he could profit by peddling drugs and misery to people suffering with substance abuse issues,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant specifically targeted victims who were struggling with addiction to opioids and cocaine, coerced them into sex trafficking and cruelly exploited them because of their vulnerability. The Justice Department will continue to investigate and prosecute human traffickers who exploit for their own personal gain the most vulnerable members of society, such as those experiencing substance abuse disorders.”

    “Marvin Pompilus targeted and brutalized his victims, and this was promptly after he was released from jail following his conviction on similar state charges,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy for the District of Massachusetts. “These crimes are a violation of human dignity and human rights. Our office, along with our federal, state and local partners, are dedicating substantial resources to both protecting victims of trafficking and holding defendants accountable by prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law. This is especially true for repeat offenders like Mr. Pompilus.”

    “Marvin Pompilus admitted today that as soon as he got out of state prison for sex trafficking, he started doing it again, targeting and exploiting four vulnerable women using violence and threats to force them to engage in commercial sex,” said Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI Boston Field Office. “What he did is unconscionable, and the harm he’s inflicted on these women is immeasurable. The FBI will do everything in its power to protect trafficking victims from further harm and see the predators who so viciously abuse them brought to justice.”

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2025. According to the plea agreement, Pompilus faces a minimum penalty of 12 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Boston Field Office, Massachusetts State Police and Randolph Police Department investigated the case. Massachusetts State Police Troopers Ashleigh Moore and John Hagerty are especially commended for identifying Pompilus and detecting his trafficking scheme during a routine car stop in the summer of 2021.

    Chief of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit Liz Riley-Cunniffe for the District of Massachusetts and Trial Attorney Meghan Tokash of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator of Social Housing publishes first C4 grading for the London Borough of Newham

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today issued its first C4 grading to the London Borough of Newham, meaning there are very serious failings and fundamental changes are needed.

    During an inspection of the council, RSH found:

    • Over 9,000 overdue fire safety remedial actions, of which over 8,000 were overdue by more than 12 months and more than 4,000 categorised as high risk.
    • 40% of its 16,000 homes had not had an electrical condition test for more than 11 years.
    • Lack of evidence that it is meeting the smoke and carbon monoxide alarm requirements for any of its homes.
    • A lack of accurate information on stock quality, with 60% of its homes without a survey within the last five years.
    • At least 20% of its homes do not meet the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard.
    • Around 5,400 open repairs, nearly half of which were overdue.
    • Tenant Satisfaction Measure (TSM) surveys not completed on time
    • Very limited meaningful opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise the landlord’s strategies, policies and services.

    Although LB Newham has indicated a willingness to address these issues, they failed to refer themselves over key issues and RSH has not yet seen sufficient evidence to assure the regulator of their ability to put matters right.

    Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:

    The breadth and scale of these failings, including very serious health and safety issues, pose an unacceptable risk to tenants’ well-being.

    Taking accountability is a critical part of the co-regulatory approach and it is extremely concerning that, despite the gravity of these failings, the landlord failed to refer themselves to us over key issues.

    We are now engaging intensively with LB Newham as they work to resolve these issues. While we are not proposing to use our enforcement powers at this stage, this will be kept under review.

    RSH has awarded 35 consumer grades since its new proactive consumer began in April, including 9 C1 grades (the highest grade), 13 C2 grades, 12 C3 grades (of which 10 were self-referrals) and 1 C4 (the lowest grade).

    RSH is carrying out planned inspections of all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. RSH has started to publish the outcomes of these first inspections and will continue to do so over the coming months.

    Notes to editors

    1. On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of landlord inspections. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
    2. More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.
    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
    4. Where we have published C3 judgements, the ten landlords who self-referred themselves were Ashford Borough Council, Bristol City Council, Guildford Borough Council, London Borough of Hackney, North Yorkshire Council, Octavia Housing, Sheffield City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, and Warwick District Council.

    For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of missing World War Two soldier identified in Italy 80 years after his death

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The grave of a soldier of the Middlesex Regiment who lost his life in Italy during World War Two has been identified and rededicated 80 years after his death.

    Padre David Anderson leads the rededication service for Cpl Owens (Crown Copyright)

    Today’s rededication service for Corporal (Cpl) John Owens was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’. The service was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Anzio War Cemetery in Italy. 

    John Alfred Owens was born in Southwark, London on 16 December 1911 to Harry Owens, a milkman, and his wife Louisa. In 1912 John’s sister Amy was born, and a younger brother – Alfred – followed in 1919.  

    John joined the Territorial Army in 1929; he was 18 years old and working as a tool maker. His army records describe him as having a fresh complexion with brown eyes and dark hair.   

    In 1933 he married Violet Maud Dennis in Brentford, and they had three children – Doreen, Sidney and Barbara. He left the Territorial Army in 1935.  

    Cpl John Alfred Owens with his wife and children (supplied courtesy of his family)

    In 1938 John re-joined the army, and in 1939 following the outbreak of war he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, and then Corporal. He was on home defence duties during the early years of the war, until in May 1943 he embarked for North Africa in preparation for the invasion of Italy. His unit, Middlesex Regiment’s 2/7 Battalion were machine gunners supporting infantry troops.    

    By January 1944, John had arrived in Italy, and by the end of the month he was in the Anzio area. On the night of 3 to 4 February 1944 there was a German counterattack during which a small armoured vehicle and gun stores were left behind so the men could safely escape. Early on the morning of the 4th, Cpl Owens, along with another man, Private (Pte) Harris volunteered to recover the gun carrier and other items but went missing in the process. 

    Pte Harris was taken prisoner by the Germans during this action. An Army investigation concluded Cpl Owens had been wounded and taken prisoner, dying in enemy hands on or shortly after the 4 February.  

    Following his death, he was buried near Campoleone station at Aprilla alongside two other men. In August 1944, all three were recovered and moved to the Anzio War Cemetery. The other two men both had personal artefacts which allowed them to be identified, but John could only be identified as a Corporal of the Middlesex Regiment.  

    Recently a team of independent researchers submitted evidence to the CWGC hoping to have located the final resting place of Cpl Owens. This research was reviewed, and extra work was conducted by the National Army Museum and JCCC which concluded that now, 80 years after his death, it was possible to clearly identify where he was buried. 

    Tracy, the granddaughter of Cpl Owens, stands behind his headstone with members of the military party and other dignitaries (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: 

    Researching Cpl Owens and getting to know his war story has been a fascinating journey. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the conclusion of that stories and to know that his family finally have answers to what happened to him all those years ago.

    Director for Central and Southern Europe at the CWGC, Geert Bekaert, said:  

    We give our heartfelt thanks to the team of researchers, the National Army Museum and of course the JCCC, in working with us to help identify this brave soldier’s grave. We will care for his grave and commemorate all who are buried in the beautiful grounds of Anzio War Cemetery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Five Strategic Steps to Unlock Armenia’s Data Center Potential for Economic Growth

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Armenia’s data center industry offers significant opportunities for economic growth, with strategic reforms in regulation, financing, and technological innovation playing crucial roles. Addressing infrastructure challenges and fostering public-private partnerships will help position Armenia as a regional digital hub.

    Armenia is poised for a digital transformation with the development of its data center industry. This sector holds promise for the country’s digital economy. 

    Key opportunities such as regulatory considerations, financing strategies, and the need for technological advancements must be embraced to leverage this industry for economic growth and digital innovation.

    Armenia’s strategic location, coupled with its growing tech-savvy population and vibrant ICT ecosystem, make it a candidate for becoming a regional data hub. However, the current infrastructure and regulatory environment need improvements to attract international investments and foster local innovation. Addressing these issues is important for Armenia to unlock its potential.

    The development of Armenia’s data center industry presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth.

    To overcome these challenges, five steps can be taken:

    Regulatory Reforms: Streamlining regulations to facilitate easier entry and operation for data center companies. Simplifying the process for obtaining necessary permits and licenses, as well as creating a more transparent and predictable regulatory framework, can create a more business-friendly environment that attracts both local and international investors.

    Financial Incentives: Providing financial support and incentives to attract investments in the data center sector. This could involve infrastructure support and sustainability incentives to companies that invest in building and operating data centers in Armenia. Additionally, exploring the establishment of public-private partnerships to share the financial risks and rewards of developing this critical infrastructure is essential. 

    Technological Upgrades: Investing in advanced technologies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of data centers. This includes adopting energy-efficient cooling systems, utilizing renewable energy sources, and implementing cutting-edge data management and security solutions. Staying at the forefront of technological advancements ensures that Armenia’s data centers are competitive and reliable on a global scale.

    Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector can drive innovation and growth in Armenia’s data center industry. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both sectors, Armenia can accelerate development and build a more resilient digital economy. Successful examples of such partnerships can be seen in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and India.

    Capacity Building: Developing a skilled workforce to support the data center industry through training and education programs. Offering specialized courses and certifications in data center management, cybersecurity, and related fields ensures that Armenia has the talent needed to sustain and grow its data center industry over the long term.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for the region. 

    Successful implementation of these recommendations could position Armenia as a digital hub in Central Asia, attracting international investments and fostering regional cooperation. The ongoing efforts to address these challenges are already showing promising results, with several key players expressing interest in the Armenian market.

    Moreover, the growth of the data center industry in Armenia could have a positive ripple effect on other sectors of the economy. For example, the increased demand for high-speed internet and reliable power supply could spur investments in telecommunications and energy infrastructure. 

    Additionally, the development of data centers could create new opportunities for local MSMEs (such as construction companies, equipment suppliers, and service providers) which are important contributors to economic welfare. 

    Armenia has the potential to become a center for data-driven innovation and research. By attracting leading technology companies and research institutions, Armenia can foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that drives economic growth and improves the quality of life for its citizens. This could include initiatives such as smart city projects, digital health solutions, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

    Armenia has a lot of untapped captive renewables that can be harnessed to power these data centers sustainably. By leveraging its abundant solar and wind resources, Armenia can ensure that the growth of its tech sector is both environmentally friendly and economically beneficial. This approach not only mitigates the environmental impact but also positions Armenia as a leader in green technology and sustainable development. 

    While there are many positive aspects to consider, it is also important to address the potential environmental impact of data centers and the importance of sustainable practices in their development. 

    Data centers are known for their high energy consumption and carbon footprint, so it is crucial to adopt green technologies and practices to minimize their environmental impact. This includes using renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient cooling systems, and adopting sustainable building practices.

    Additionally, the role of cybersecurity in ensuring the safety and reliability of data centers is another critical area that needs attention. As data centers store and process vast amounts of sensitive information, they are prime targets for cyberattacks. 

    Therefore, it is essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect against data breaches, hacking, and other cyber threats. This includes investing in advanced security technologies, conducting regular security audits, and providing cybersecurity training for employees.

    Continuous innovation and adaptation are crucial for Armenia’s data center industry. To stay competitive, data centers must adopt the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance efficiency, security, and scalability.

    If Armenia successfully addresses these challenges, it could unlock significant economic benefits and position itself as a leader in the digital economy. The future of Armenia’s digital landscape depends on the actions taken today, making it imperative for stakeholders to collaborate and drive the necessary changes.

    The development of the data center industry in Armenia presents a unique opportunity for the country to enhance its digital presence and drive economic growth. By addressing the key challenges and implementing the recommended solutions, Armenia can create a thriving data center industry that benefits not only the local economy but also the broader region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP must provide concessionary ferry rates for young islanders

    Source: Scottish Greens

    16 Oct 2024 Rural Affairs Transport

    Green MSP Ariane Burgess calls on SNP to fulfil promise to young islanders.

    More in Rural Affairs

    SNP ministers must fulfil their promise and provide young people across island communities reduced ferry fares, says Scottish Greens Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess.

    Last year, Scottish Green MSPs secured a commitment to extend the age range for concessions to all those under 22 in Scottish island communities.

    Under the current scheme previously secured by the Greens, 16-18 year olds have access to ferry concessions on West Coast and Northern Isles services.  

    This scheme currently equates to four free ferry vouchers per year.

    Earlier this week, the Scottish Government announced they would be ending a “fare freeze” on CalMac services with a 10% hike on ticket prices from January 2025.

    Scottish Greens Rural Affairs spokesperson Ariane Burgess said:

    “The increase in ferry fares will further penalise the islanders who rely heavily on these services, making daily commutes expensive and for some, completely unachievable.  

    “The rising cost of living on Scottish islands has seen populations dwindling. Many young islanders are moving from their communities as they cannot afford to rent or buy in their home towns, and commuting to the mainland is becoming impossible.

    “Tourists may budget for increased ferry rates as part of their holiday to bring welcomed custom to our islands, but the locals bear the unseen load on a daily basis. Reform is urgently required to show that the government has not forsaken islanders.  

    “The Bute House Agreement ensured a commitment from the Government to work with ferry operators to create discount and concessionary schemes.  

    “Young people receive free bus travel in Scotland thanks to Scottish Greens and this model has positively impacted their lives socially and financially. Young islanders deserve this positive impact too.

    “Ferries are a vital lifeline for islanders. Provision of an affordable, reliable service will ensure young people feel they can remain living in their community and still have access to opportunity.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Synaptics Launches Veros™ Seamless Intelligent Connectivity with High-Performance Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee/Thread SoCs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Synaptics® Incorporated (Nasdaq: SYNA) today launched the Veros™ Seamless Intelligent Connectivity brand with high-performance systems on chip (SoCs) for Wi-Fi® 6E, Bluetooth®, and 802.15.4. Signifying leadership and innovation, Veros encapsulates decades of field-hardened technology and IoT connectivity expertise. It encompasses Synaptics’ entire wireless portfolio of proven solutions characterized by superior performance, interoperability, coexistence, power efficiency, and bill of materials integration.

    The new high-performance SoCs, the SYN4383 and SYN43756E, add to Veros by explicitly targeting devices that demand the highest Wi-Fi throughput and range with seamless network interoperability. The SYN4383 extends Synaptics’ award-winning “Triple Combo” Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/802.15.4 series with real simultaneous dual-band (RSDB) operation and greater system integration. The SYN43756E fortifies Synaptics’ widely adopted 2×2 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth combo SoCs with a 6E Wi-Fi band and LE Audio.

    Veros features built-in support for Synaptics Astra™, the AI-native compute platform for the IoT, to streamline Edge AI product development and deliver context-aware devices for immersive user experiences across consumer, automotive, enterprise, and industrial applications.

    “The introduction of Veros marks a pivotal moment for Synaptics as we accelerate our ‘Sense, Process, Connect’ and first-to-market innovation strategy for high-performance and broad-market IoT connectivity,” said Venkat Kodavati, Sr. VP and GM of Wireless Products at Synaptics. “By tightly coupling our renowned wireless expertise with scalable AI processing, we allow customers to fully realize the promise of each to enhance the user experience. Our newest wireless SoCs allow customers to more quickly and effectively deliver on that promise.”

    Founded upon an IP base with billions of devices shipped, Veros spans Synaptics’ solutions for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DECT/ULE, IEEE 802.15.4 (Zigbee/Thread), GPS/GNSS, and Matter. The SYN4383 and SYN43756E strengthen Veros’ legacy of reducing the space, cost, power, complexity, and time to market for high-performance IoT devices.

    Technical highlights
    The SYN4383 and SYN43756E have features tailored to address the demanding requirements of media-rich applications.

    • The SYN4383 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/802.15.4 triple combo device is the third in the SYN438x series. It integrates tri-band 2×2 Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz), Bluetooth 5.4 (6.0 compatible) with LE Audio and Channel Sounding, and Thread/Zigbee support. Ideal for high-performance multimedia hubs such as TVs, STBs, soundbars, and tablets, the SYN4383’s RSDB capability allows it to operate independent Wi-Fi streams in two bands simultaneously.
    • The SYN43756E Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo device integrates tri-band 2×2 Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) with Bluetooth 5.3 (6.0 compatible), including LE Audio. Setup and operation are seamless with the SYN43756E’s industry-leading throughput, range, and interoperability, making it an ideal and cost-effective option for security devices, STBs, speakers, and other smart home devices that don’t require RSDB or 802.15.4.

    Availability
    The SYN4383 and SYN43756E are available now.

    About Synaptics Incorporated
    Synaptics (Nasdaq: SYNA) is leading the charge in AI at the Edge, bringing AI closer to end users and transforming how we engage with intelligent connected devices, whether at home, at work, or on the move. As the go-to partner for the world’s most forward-thinking product innovators, Synaptics powers the future with its cutting-edge Synaptics Astra™ AI-Native embedded compute, Veros™ wireless connectivity, and multimodal sensing solutions. We’re making the digital experience smarter, faster, more intuitive, secure, and seamless. From touch, display, and biometrics to AI-driven wireless connectivity, video, vision, audio, speech, and security processing, Synaptics is the force behind the next generation of technology enhancing how we live, work, and play. Follow Synaptics on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, or visit http://www.synaptics.com.  

    Synaptics and the Synaptics logo are trademarks of Synaptics in the United States and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact
    Synaptics Incorporated
    Patrick Mannion
    Director of External PR and Technical Communications
    +1 631-678-1015
    patrick.mannion@synaptics.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: The new version of the Articles of Association of UAB Urbo bankas was registered

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Urbo bankas UAB (hereinafter – “the Bank”), company code 112027077, address: Konstitucijos pr.18B, Vilnius.

    We hereby inform you that on 15 October 2024, a new version of the Articles of Association of the Bank was registered in the Register of Legal Entities. The new version of the Articles of Association was approved on 30 September 2024 by the Board ot the Bank.

    In addition, we inform you that the reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was completed after the above-mentioned version of the Bank’s Articles of Association was registered. UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was merged with the Bank.

    The reorganization of the Bank and UAB “Saugus Kreditas” was implemented in accordance with the procedure and deadlines established by the Law on Joint-Stock Companies of the Republic of Lithuania.

    After the reorganization, the Bank took over all the rights and obligations and assets of UAB “Saugus Kreditas”, as well as rights and obligations under the transactions. They are included in the accounting records of the Bank.

    After the reorganization, the authorized capital of the Bank, which continues its activities, the value of shares, their number, the goals and object of the company’s activities, the company’s bodies and their competence have not changed.

    For more information please contact: Julius Ivaška, Head of Business Division, tel. +370 601 04 453, e-mail media@urbo.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 16.10.2024, 11-08 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed.

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    10/16/2024 11:08

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC), on 16.10.2024, 11-08 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 86.72) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 927.7 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 11.25%) of the security RU000A100YQ0 (Rosnft2P9) were changed

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

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

    http://www.moex.com/n74025

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: On the main staircase with an orchestra! Polytech launched musical changes

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Now, in the Polytechnic University, a pop-symphony orchestra plays during breaks between classes! On October 15, the “Musical Break” project was launched at our university. The university’s creative teams will take turns turning the main staircase of the Main Building into a concert hall.

    If the music that greets you at the entrance to the main building is already a familiar thing, then the sound of the orchestra on the main staircase is a surprise even for the Polytechnicians. For all 20 minutes of the big break, the Variety and Symphony Orchestra of SPbPU riveted the students’ attention. Recognizable classics and favorite rock hits, glowing smartphone screens and wide smiles on faces – the musical break at the Polytechnic was a sensation.

    This is great! What kind of orchestra is this? Bravo! Our classmates are playing! How is this possible?! — came from everywhere.

    The musicians, led by Dmitry Misyura, symbolically placed themselves between the busts of the university’s founder S. Yu. Witte and its first director A. G. Gagarin. Witte believed that educating an engineer without humanitarian training was immoral and destructive for the country. Gagarin founded the university’s first symphony orchestra. Thanks to the support of rector Andrei Rudskoy, today our musical group not only continues traditions, but also writes new history.

    “It is great that in the year of the 125th anniversary of the Polytechnic University, the implementation of the concept of developing the university as a cultural territory has begun. “Musical Change” is an important project,” says Boris Kondin, Head of the Directorate of Cultural Programs and Youth Creativity. “Only the Polytechnic University, the only technical university in Russia, implements the tasks of educating students through classical music. Only the Polytechnic University, the only university in the world, organizes “Creative Semesters” for first-year students. No university except the Polytechnic University greets students with classical music from loudspeakers, no university except the Polytechnic University has musical changes.”

    Throughout the first semester (Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 11.40 and 1.40 p.m.), the orchestra, theaters, choirs, vocal and dance studios will take turns putting on unique performances on the main staircase of the Main Building.

    “The idea of “Musical Change” could not help but be born. After all, there are so many creative student groups at the Polytechnic,” notes Dmitry Misyura, artistic director of the Student Club and conductor of the Variety and Symphony Orchestra. “The guys, of course, perform in concerts, go on tour, participate in festivals. But this format, at home, is the most interesting. It is a demonstration of the capabilities and talents among their own. Polytechnicians playing for Polytechnicians! All this is a pleasant surprise, creates a mood and makes you proud of the culture at the Polytechnic.”

    Photo archive

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

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

    http://www.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/culture/on-the-main-staircase-with-orchestra-polytech-launched-musical-changes/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting inclusive education in Africa

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding to help women and girls as well as children with disabilities.

    Scotland intends to support inclusive education in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia with funding of up to £12.5 million over the next five years, First Minister John Swinney has announced.

    The funding will support two programmes, the first of which aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The second programme will support girls and women to complete secondary education and transition to tertiary or technical education.

    The First Minister met the High Commissioners of Malawi and Zambia, and the Deputy High Commissioner of Rwanda during a series of engagements in London yesterday (15 October), where he re-affirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to collaborative international development with its partner countries.  

    The First Minister said:

    “This funding aims to help overcome some of the persistent barriers faced by women, girls and children with disabilities, to ensure they have equal access to education, and are fully included in the social and economic life of their communities.

    “The Scottish Government has prioritised this work as part of our commitment to international development and good global citizenship, working in partnership with our counterparts in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia to meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development goals.

    “So I am very pleased to confirm this additional funding in support of those efforts. I am also grateful for the work of Oxfam, Link Education International and local partners in all three countries who are delivering these programmes to help some of the world’s most marginalised learners, who have the same right to a quality education as anyone else.”

    H.E. Macenje Mazoka, Zambia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom said:

    “The Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education in Zambia is a testament to the strong bonds between our nations. Their support for programs that enhance access to quality education for all, especially for marginalised groups, aligns perfectly with Zambia’s vision for equitable development. We look forward to strengthening the positive impact this partnership will continue to have on our education system and the lives of Zambian students, particularly those who are the most vulnerable.”

    Background

    Inclusive education – International development – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    Subject to the annual budget approval process by the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government intends to provide funding of up to £12.5 million for Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia, comprising up to £7.5 million over five years to support for disabled learners and learners with additional needs and up to £5 million over five years to support Scholarships for Women and girls to complete secondary and transition to tertiary education or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). 

    1. Realising Inclusive and Safer Education (RISE)  This programme, which is being delivered by Link Education International between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to remove barriers to quality education for out-of-school children with disabilities and additional support needs. The programme is worth up to £1.5m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with Link Community Development Malawi, School to School International in Zambia and Chance for Childhood in Rwanda.  
    2. Scholarships for Women and Girls in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia  

      This programme, which is being delivered by Oxfam between July 2024 and March 2029, aims to support girls and women to complete secondary education and to support their transition to tertiary education and TVET. The programme is worth up to £1m a year, and is implemented through partnerships with the Young Women’s Christian Association in Zambia and Rwanda, and Concerned Youth Organisation in Malawi.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –