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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Council requests CHF 13 million for humanitarian aid in Middle East

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Council in English

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council took a decision concerning the final instalment of the credit for humanitarian operations in the Middle East. A total of CHF 13 million will be used to support national and international organisations working in the region. The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) has been instructed to consult the foreign affairs committees. In this context, the FDFA informed the Federal Council about how it intends to implement Parliament’s decision to reduce the humanitarian credit for 2024. The Federal Council reiterates its call for a diplomatic solution that upholds international humanitarian law and leads to de-escalation and peace in the Middle East.

    As decided by Parliament in December 2023, disbursements for the Middle East under the ‘Humanitarian operations’ credit for 2024 will be made in instalments and only after consultation with the chambers’ foreign affairs committees. For the third and final instalment in 2024, the Federal Council has decided to allocate around CHF 13 million to organisations from Switzerland, the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Nations organisations and international NGOs. The humanitarian aid payments are intended to alleviate hardship, particularly in the areas of water, food, health, education, income and social cohesion in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory and Syria. The decision regarding this final instalment will be submitted to the foreign affairs committees for consultation.

    The total budget for humanitarian operations in the Middle East this year amounts to around CHF 79 million. On 24 April 2024, the Federal Council approved around CHF 56 million for the first instalment. On 8 May, the Federal Council decided to disburse CHF 10 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This funding was restricted to an appeal for humanitarian aid from UNRWA and to the most pressing basic needs of the people in Gaza. The foreign affairs committees were consulted and approved these funds. As a result of Parliament’s decision to cut the 2024 humanitarian credit by CHF 10 million, in view of the humanitarian situation worldwide (including possible natural disasters) and the related need to maintain a certain degree of financial flexibility until the end of the year, as well as the ongoing parliamentary deliberations on UNRWA, the CHF 10 million contribution to UNRWA approved by the Federal Council in May will not be increased within the 2024 budget.

    The Federal Council emphasises that only dialogue, de-escalation and adherence to international humanitarian law can bring about peace in the Middle East. Regarding Gaza, it reiterates its call for a ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages and unimpeded humanitarian access. The Federal Council also reaffirms that the two-state solution is the only basis for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In light of the ongoing violence in the Lebanese-Israeli border area and the resulting, a diplomatic solution is essential to enable the Lebanese and Israeli populations to live in peace and security.

    Address for enquiries

    For further information:
    FDFA Communication
    Tel. Press service +41 460 55 55
    kommunikation@eda.admin.ch

    Publisher

    The Federal Council
    https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK supports humanitarian emergency response in Lebanon

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK is providing £5 million to UNICEF in Lebanon to support humanitarian response efforts and enable UNICEF to distribute supplies to those in need.

    The essential humanitarian support comes after further civilian casualties following this week’s air strikes. Thousands more have been displaced or forced to flee their homes. 

    The package includes essential medical supplies, hygiene kits and fuel for water stations, to help thousands of displaced civilians across Lebanon meet their basic needs. 

    It will also help emergency teams respond to urgent health and nutrition needs and provide a series of training sessions for key delivery partners and frontline workers to ensure an effective emergency response. 

    Minister for the Middle East and North Africa Hamish Falconer said:  

    Today we are providing £5 million to UNICEF in Lebanon to support the urgent humanitarian response in Lebanon.  The number of civilian casualties is unacceptable, and the UK is deeply concerned by the surge in numbers of displaced people.  

    An immediate ceasefire is essential.

    Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Beirut Victoria Dunne said:  

    We are profoundly saddened by the civilian deaths in Lebanon. The number of casualties and the scale of displacement is deeply distressing. 

    Alongside our tireless diplomatic efforts, the UK is providing £5m to UNICEF Lebanon, to deliver vital supplies to support thousands of displaced civilians facing a humanitarian emergency in Lebanon. The UK has been and will remain a strong supporter of Lebanon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Mashatile arrives in Dublin for a working visit in Ireland

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Mashatile arrives in Dublin for a working visit in Ireland

    Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za

    Get Social
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/PresidencyZA
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/presidencyza/?hl=en
    Twitter ► @PresidencyZA

    #ThePresidencyofSouthAfrica #PresidencyZA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5WzfFcACDI

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Participation by the NATO Secretary General in a conversation at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York

    Source: NATO

    On Thursday, 26 September, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg participated in a conversation and Q&A session at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York. The event – moderated by CFR board member and MSNBC host Ayman Mohyeldin – gathered an audience of policy experts, government officials, scholars, business leaders, media practitioners, and non-governmental organizations.

    Read the full transcript of the conversation here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Applications open for flagship initiative for top civil servants

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Director-level managers have until 14 October to apply for the Director Leaders Programme.

    Chandru Dissanayeke Director, Regulatory Stewardship and Reform, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, Director Leadership Programme Alumni

    Applications are now  open for places on the prestigious Director Leaders Programme — an initiative designed to empower senior civil service leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks to navigate the complex landscape of public service.

    Over the course of nine months, participants will take part in face-to-face and online sessions that include immersive, front-line visits and action learning sets. 

    They will delve into the programme’s key themes, including leading-at-scale, systems thinking and leadership, effective communication, and effective partnerships with ministers.  

    Alumni Chandru Dissanayeke, director of regulatory stewardship and reform at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (pictured), said:

    “It’s a unique opportunity to share challenges and explore how we, as leaders, can piece together the broader societal puzzle through our individual roles. It invites us to deeply reflect on our work in the context of a rapidly changing world — both as individuals and collectively.”

    New generation of senior leaders

    This programme aims to  build a new generation of senior leaders equipped to guide the civil service toward delivering meaningful service to communities. 

    “The Director Leaders Programme is a vital space for senior leaders to develop the skills and networks they need to lead in today’s challenging environment,” said Jo Hollis, deputy director for the Leadership College for Government, the part of Government Skills that delivers the programme.

    “It’s not just technical skills, but fostering the ability to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and reflect deeply on their leadership.”

    Applications are now open until 14 October 2024. Contact your Permanent Secretary’s office and your Head of Talent for an application and to secure your nomination.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ill prepared

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    In a recent public inquiry, Traffic Commissioner Miles Dorrington heard the case of Peter Edward Douglas.

    Mr. Douglas held a restricted PSV licence and had applied for a standard licence, but following an extensive investigation, it was determined that Mr. Douglas is no longer trusted to operate in a compliant manner in the future.

    Mr Douglas, a sole trader, was granted as restricted public service vehicle operator’s licence authorising 2 vehicles in 2007. The inquiry heard that the DVSA had stopped his vehicles four times and on each of the four occasions, the vehicle had been used commercially for hire and reward.

    There were no tachographs fitted in the vehicles, no commercial MOTs and in two cases, the driver did not have the required driving entitlement for the vehicle, nor did he have a driver CPC qualification or a digital tachograph card which were also required in order to drive the vehicle for hire and reward. The operator seemed to have no real idea of how to run a compliant business.

    In the absence of the correct driving entitlement the insurance for the vehicle was invalid since all policies of commercial vehicle insurance require the driver to have the correct driving entitlement required to drive the insured vehicle at the time it was being driven. The second time that this driver was stopped, the vehicle was seized by the Police because they were satisfied that it was not insured and as at the date of the public inquiry it remained in their custody.

    Commissioner Dorrington said “It is clear to me that Mr Douglas lacked, any, or any effective management control of the transport operation to ensure that the general undertakings on the operator’s licence were fulfilled. His lack of knowledge is inexcusable as an experienced operator (he has been an operator for 17 years) and no lack of basic knowledge to operate a compliant transport operation can ever be accepted.”

    The commissioner found that he had lost his good repute and revoked the licence, giving the operator until the 30th September to wind down the operation.

    The full written decision can be found here.

    For any further details or enquiries, please contact:

    Office of the Traffic Commissioner Press Office

    Moblie: 07971963998      I     Email: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Changes to reference sources for FX and overnight rates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nordea Bank Abp intends to source certain data for base rate calculations and currency components under its programme for Warrants & Certificates, which currently are being sourced from LSEG Data & Analytics (formerly Refinitiv) from Bloomberg. All references to Reuters, Thomson Reuters, Refinitiv or LSEG Data & Analytics shall therefore be construed as references to Bloomberg.

    These changes will affect all instruments issued in or after 2012 and will be effective as per 11 October 2024. The changes are not expected to be materially prejudicial to any holder of the affected instruments.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Super-complaint on the police response to stalking

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Super-complaint submitted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium about the police response to stalking.

    Applies to England and Wales

    Documents

    The police response to stalking

    https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/publication-html/police-response-to-stalking

    The police response to stalking (PDF)

    https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets-hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/uploads/police-response-to-stalking.pdf

    Annex A: IOPC – Qualitative research into victims’ experiences of reporting stalking to the police and subsequent police actions

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints/super-complaints/police-response-stalking/qualitative-research-into-victims-experiences-of-reporting-stalking-to-the-police-and-subsequent-police-actions

    Annex A: IOPC – Qualitative research into victims’ experiences of reporting stalking to the police and subsequent police actions (PDF)

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/publications/qualitative-research-victims-experiences-reporting-stalking-police-and-subsequent

    Annex B: College of Policing rapid evidence review: Stalking and serious harm or homicide (PDF)

    https://assets.college.police.uk/s3fs-public/2024-09/Stalking-and-serious-harm-or-homicide-REA.pdf

    Annex C: College of Policing rapid evidence review: Victim experience of the police response to stalking (PDF)

    https://assets.college.police.uk/s3fs-public/2024-09/Victim-experience-of-the-policing-response-to-stalking-REA.pdf

    Annex D: An annex report about HMICFRS fieldwork to support the investigation of the super-complaint on the police response to stalking

    https://hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/publication-html/annex-super-complaint-police-response-to-stalking

    Annex D: An annex report about HMICFRS fieldwork to support the investigation of the super-complaint on the police response to stalking (PDF)

    https://s3-eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets-hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/uploads/annex-super-complaint-police-response-to-stalking.pdf

    Annex E: IOPC – Force self-assessment survey on the police response to stalking

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints/super-complaints/police-response-stalking/force-self-assessment-survey-on-the-police-response-to-stalking

    Annex E: IOPC – Force self-assessment survey on the police response to stalking (PDF)

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/publications/force-self-assessment-survey-police-response-stalking

    Annex F: IOPC – Review of IOPC cases involving stalking

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints/super-complaints/police-response-stalking/review-of-IOPC-cases-involving-stalking

    Annex F: IOPC – Review of IOPC cases involving stalking (PDF)

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/publications/review-iopc-cases-involving-stalking

    Annex G: College of Policing report on officer and staff perspectives on the police response to stalking (PDF)

    https://assets.college.police.uk/s3fs-public/2024-09/Officer-and-staff-perspectives-on-the-policing-response-to-stalking_0.pdf

    Annex H: IOPC – Qualitative research into the perspectives of stalking victim support service providers on the police response to stalking

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/complaints/super-complaints/police-response-stalking/qualitative-research-into-the-perspectives-of-stalking-victim-support-service-providers-on-the-police-response-to-stalking

    Annex H: IOPC – Qualitative research into the perspectives of stalking victim support service providers on the police response to stalking (PDF)

    https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/publications/qualitative-research-perspectives-stalking-victim-support-service-providers-police

    Super-complaint on the police response to stalking

    https://www.suzylamplugh.org/super-complaint-submitted-on-police-response-to-stalking

    Details

    The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the College of Policing have published a report in response to the super-complaint submitted by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, on behalf of the National Stalking Consortium. The super-complaint raised concerns about how police forces in England and Wales respond to reports of stalking.  

     A joint investigation by the IOPC, HMICFRS and the College of Policing found that significant changes are needed to improve the police response to reports of stalking in England and Wales. 

     The joint investigation report includes a series of recommendations aimed at supporting policing to make the necessary improvements to ensure reports of stalking are consistently taken seriously and victims are better safeguarded. There are recommendations for chief constables, as well as for the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, police and crime commissioners and the Crown Prosecution Service. These include recommendations for changes to the law around stalking and stalking protection orders. There are also actions for the College of Policing and the IOPC to further develop the available guidance and advice for police on responding to reports of stalking.

    Updates to this page

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 57: UK Statement for UN Report on Reprisals

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Interactive Dialogue on the UN Secretary General’s Report on Reprisals. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Location:
    Geneva
    Delivered on:
    (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Thank you, Mr President, and thank you to the Secretary General for his tireless work to highlight continuing efforts to silence those who cooperate with the UN to defend human rights.

    The UK pays tribute to these courageous individuals.

    This time last year, we highlighted the intimidation and harassment faced by the son of Jimmy Lai, Sebastien, and his international legal team, for their engagement with this Council. We are deeply troubled that such tactics appear to have continued, including death and rape threats and repeated attempts to hack email and bank accounts as set out in this year’s report.

    In Belarus, members of the Congress of Democratic Trade Unions have been detained for advocating for workers’ rights and engaging with the International Labour Organization.  Delegates of the Human Rights Centre Viasna face years in prison for cooperating with UN mechanisms.

    In Vietnam, author and journalist Pham Doan Trang remains in detention for her work to advance human rights, including through her engagement with the UN.

    And in Russia, the authorities have dissolved the NGO “Man and Law” citing its engagement with the UN.

    Mr President, a conservative figure of 300 human rights defenders lost their lives in 2023; what can be done to reduce this terrible toll? 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update on Moor Park

    Source: City of Preston

    The BBC have now left Moor Park in Preston following the Radio 2 in the Park event that took place over three days from 6-8 September

    Due to the wet ground conditions from heavy rain on the Sunday during the event, the BBC site team only left the park on 20 September, a week after their scheduled departure.

    The Council’s parks team, in conjunction with the BBC and their event team, have attended the park every day since the event but were unable to carry out a full assessment of the site until after all the crew and vehicles had left.

    The Council continues to work with the BBC and events team who are helping with the reinstatement of the park, with some areas already starting to ‘green up’ again.

    Two specialist contractors have also attended the park to give their advice on how to best help the affected areas. Both have advised that it is best to leave the ground to recover and dry out and to reseed where needed in the spring.

    A priority for the parks team has been to clear all the paths of mud and we are in the process of arranging to have these cleaned further to allow better access through the site.

    The Council is advising people to be careful when using the park as some of the ground is still uneven, to stick to the paths wherever possible and to watch where they are walking.

    Councillor Freddie Bailey, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety said:

    Anyone who attended the event or saw the footage of the Sunday knows just how much rain we had in a short space of time. Unfortunately, due the large numbers of visitors and heavy footfall in some areas of the park, damage to parts of the park were inevitably unavoidable.

    “The public have been really supportive and we’d like to say thank you for understanding that the damage caused really was out of our control. As proud Prestonians, we have been very pragmatic and appreciate that the grass will grow back again in time, with a little help and care from our team of fantastic gardeners!

    “We have prioritised getting the football back up and running on the site and have already marked up two new pitches with a plan for the third one in the coming weeks. We are liaising with the local football league as to when we can start to use them.”

    The Councils team of gardeners continue to work on the site daily to ensure that the areas that are unaffected by the event are kept clean and tidy, as the park is expected to look.

    The two children’s play areas, basketball courts, tennis courts and skate park remain unaffected by the event.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news that the FDA has approved the drug Cobenfy (KarXT) for schizophrenia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the FDA approving Cobenfy (KarXT) for schizophrenia. 

    Dr Sameer Jauhar, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Affective Disorders and Psychosis, Consultant Psychiatrist, King’s College, London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, said:

    “Schizophrenia can be a devastating illness for people and their families, and the effects on society are significant.

    “We do have effective treatments, and the pharmacological treatments are a foundation for holistic care (which includes psychosocial interventions).

    “Unfortunately currently available antipsychotics have significant side-effects, which include weight gain and movement effects, and this can affect peoples’ concordance with treatment.

    “All currently licensed antipsychotics exert effects on the dopamine system, and this has been the case for at least 50 years.

    “We have had false dawns before, despite significant efforts in the field (with significant financial investment) phase three trials of newer compounds have so far been disappointing.

    “This novel treatment is the first of its kind, which does not act directly on the dopamine system, with good phase three trial data.

    “The side effect profile from Phase three trials suggests it has less of the side effects noted with current treatments.

    “It is acknowledged that these trials are short in duration, and we will need longer-term trials, to inform clinical care.

    “In my opinion, as a clinician and researcher, this is possibly one of the most exciting developments in our field, and I am very excited about this.”

     

    Dr Robert McCutcheon, Wellcome Clinical Research Career Development Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, said:

    Just how significant is this approval in the mental health/ schizophrenia treatment field?

    “This is a major advance – it is the first treatment for schizophrenia with a novel target for 70 years.

    Why do we need other drug treatments in schizophrenia?

    “Current treatments are ineffective for many of the symptoms of schizophrenia, we need compounds with novel mechanisms of action.

    What is different about this drug to previous drugs for schizophrenia?

    “All other treatments work by targeting dopamine receptors. This is the first treatment that has a different target. We hope this may mean it can help people who don’t respond to standard treatments and maybe help the symptoms that aren’t helped by existing treatments.

    What does this mean for patients in the UK who may be excited about this news?

    “We will be running the first UK trial of this compound in Oxford, starting in 2025.”

    Dr Paul Keedwell, Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

    “New candidates for the treatment of this frequently debilitating condition are always welcome. However, the clinical effectiveness needs to be tested in real clinical settings. We also need to know how well it is tolerated given its tendency to cause gastro-intestinal problems in some patients.”

    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-drug-new-mechanism-action-treatment-schizophrenia

     

    Declared interests

    Dr Sameer Jauhar: SJ has given educational talks on psychosis for Behringer=Ingelheim, Sunovian, Janssen, and Lundbeck. He has consulted for LB Pharmaceuticals on antipsychotics. He has sat on a Wellcome Funding Panel, and NICE Technology appraisal panel for treatment of antipsychotic induced movement disorder. He is a Council Member of the British Association for Psychopharmacology (unpaid) and Academic Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (unpaid).

    Dr Robert McCutcheon: RAM has received speaker/consultancy fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, Janssen, Karuna, Lundbeck, Newron, Otsuka, and Viatris, and co-directs a company that designs digital resources to support treatment of mental ill health. I am leading a Wellcome trust funded RCT of the compound in early psychosis.

    Dr Paul Keedwell: No conflict of interest.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public spending statistics report published27 September 2024 ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the report “public spending statistics 2023”. This report presents statistics on general government expenditure in Jersey using the Classification of… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    27 September 2024

    ​​​Statistics Jersey have today published the report “public spending statistics 2023”. This report presents statistics on general government expenditure in Jersey using the Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG) system. 

    General government is an internationally comparable definition that consists of central, state and local government and the social security funds controlled by these units. In the Jersey context this therefore includes expenditure from government departments, non-ministerial departments, States funds, Andium Homes Limited and the 12 Parishes.

    The COFOG system is designed to allow consistent analysis of government spend by set categories, such as health and education, to enable comparisons between jurisdictions and over different time periods. Using this system avoids difficulties in comparisons that can occur when teams and departments are organised differently between jurisdictions or are reorganised over time.

    ​This report is prepared in line with the States Assembly approved proposition States’ expenditure: classification in accordance with international best practice (gov.je)​.

    Summary

    In 2023:

    • general government expenditure increased in real terms by 6.3%, or £97.9 million in constant year 2023 prices, to £1,644.2 million
    • the biggest drivers of increased real ​-term expenditure were:
      • health – increased by £51.6 million, driven by increased spending on hospital and outpatient services
      • public order and safety – increased by £14.9 million, largely as a result of a number of major incidents that impacted the Island in 2023
      • social protection – increased by £14.5 million
    • almost three-quarters (73%) of all general government expenditure was in the areas of social protection, health and education

    In 2022:

    • as a proportion of GDP Jersey’s total general government expenditure was lower than all OECD countries, apart from Ireland
    • Jersey spent more on health than all OECD countries as a proportion of total spend, but less than several countries, including the UK, as a percentage of GDP

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held talks with the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Mohamed Hamel

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Alexander Novak held talks with the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Mohamed Hamel

    September 27, 2024

    Alexander Novak held talks with the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Mohamed Hamel

    September 27, 2024

    Alexander Novak held talks with the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Mohamed Hamel

    September 27, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Alexander Novak held talks with the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum Mohamed Hamel

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak met with Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Mohamed Hamel on the sidelines of the international forum “Russian Energy Week”.

    Alexander Novak called the GECF an important platform for comprehensive dialogue in the energy sector and stated Russia’s interest in further increasing the organization’s authority in the gas market, where, in the context of geopolitical pressure, the demand for constructive cooperation is growing.

    The Deputy Prime Minister named cooperation in the scientific and analytical fields, building up technological partnerships in the gas chemical industry, creating a gas development bank and a network of research centers around the world as priority topics for interaction between Russia and the GECF.

    “GECF forecasts a 34% increase in global gas demand by 2050, with the growth drivers being developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa. GECF should use its potential and accumulated experience to develop the global energy market by providing developing countries with access to financial products, consulting support, and business solutions from the largest market players. Combating underinvestment in the industry should become a key mission of the GECF gas bank, especially in a situation where global development institutions refuse to finance gas projects, promoting only renewable energy sources,” said Alexander Novak.

    The parties emphasized that gas as an environmentally friendly fuel will take a dominant position in the global fuel and energy balance in the next 25 years. This should be facilitated by new instruments for GECF members, in particular the possibility of organizing swap agreements and gas hubs, which will reduce logistics costs in the delivery of raw materials, as well as conclude profitable long-term contracts with gas consumers. The emergence of secure payment mechanisms is necessary, as well as the expansion of cooperation in the field of equipment and technology supplies.

    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://government.ru/nevs/52816/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Countdown to Houghton Feast!

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Houghton Feast will return to the streets of Houghton from Friday 4 – Sunday 13 October, with a packed programme of activities, events and entertainment to enjoy.

    This year’s theme is ‘celebrating local cultures’ and visitors can look forward to the return of some old favourites like the funfair, illuminations, carnival parade, family fun and the roasting of the ox.

    The Feast will officially open on Friday 6 October with a spectacular community show in The Broadway. Houghton Brass Band, Zazz dancers and Houghton Feast Children’s Choir will all be entertaining crowds, and the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Allison Chisnall will switch on the Houghton Feast Illuminations.

    Councillor Kevin Johnston, Chair of Houghton Feast Steering Committee, said: “Houghton Feast is one of the most popular events in the city and I know so many residents and visitors look forward to it every autumn.

    “This year’s festival theme is ‘celebrating local cultures’ and that’s exactly what Houghton Feast is about – bringing the whole community together to celebrate local traditions and history. The spectacular opening night, community parade and famous roasting of the ox are all back for 2024 alongside a packed programme of music, performances, arts and crafts, workshops and sports activities. There’s something for everyone so I would encourage anyone to take a look at the programme and join us for this brilliant event.”

    The famous Ox Roast will be back on Saturday 5 October. A roasted whole ox, which will be prepared overnight, will be served up in sandwiches in the grounds of the Old Rectory, where the first oxen were roasted by Rector Bernard Gilpin to feed Houghton’s poor in the 16th century. 

    Also on Saturday 5 October, a colourful Carnival Parade will make its way from Station Road to Rectory Park via Newbottle Street and The Broadway from 2pm. The parade will feature music from Houghton Pipe Band, Houghton Brass Band, The Bangshees, Pittington Brass Band and the Get Set Samba Youth Band, as well as dancers, vintage steam vehicles, costumed characters and Billy Purvis the Clown.

    For the first time, the funfair will open on the Sunday of the opening weekend, for an extra afternoon of family fun between 1pm and 6pm. A firework spectacular will take place on Monday 7 October from 7.30pm and can be viewed from Dairy Lane and the area surrounding Durham Road Playing Fields.

    The Zazz dancers are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and will be celebrating with a special variety performance taking place on Tuesday 8 October.

    Anne Thompson, Principal of Zazz Dancers, said: “Zazz always looks forward to Houghton Feast each year. This year we have a group of younger children performing ‘Be Our Guest’ at the opening ceremony, with Bernard Gilpin’s kindness and generosity in mind, and our cheerleading classes have been hard at work practicing their parade dance. Our main highlight this year is our Variety Show, now 40 years old, our professional cabaret dancers will perform along with selected routines from our successful 40th birthday Firestation show in July.”

    Find out more about the Houghton Feast at www.mysunderland.co.uk/houghtonfeast 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next chapter for Oceansgate submitted to planners

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Innovation barns that could house workshops and offices

    More skilled jobs and a place for Plymouth’s marine businesses to innovate and collaborate – that’s all part of the vision for the next stage of the Oceansgate development which has now been submitted to planners.

    A planning application has been submitted this week for a series of innovation barns – high spec large industrial units for use as workshops and prototyping along with project offices.

    Over 1,700 square metres of high-quality space within eight units is being planned to expand the existing Oceansgate complex, which is already home to 14 light industrial units and 12 offices.

    Councillor Tudor Evans OBE, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Plymouth is at the forefront of marine innovation and a key part of its success is enabling businesses to collaborate with each other and test prototypes.

    “The first two phases have regenerated and revived land that had been unused by the MOD for decades. There are over 170 people employed directly or indirectly thanks to Oceansgate.

    “We need to make sure Plymouth stays at the forefront of marine innovation and this is the ideal place to help make this happen.

    “South Yard was literally built for the city’s marine industry – an industry which changes all the time. These proposals should help the city of Plymouth continue to lead in this key sector.”

    The planning application proposes two buildings that would be similar in style, but a higher specification to the already high-spec offices and industrial units at Oceansgate. The Oceansgate development has been built to reflect the historic nature of South Yard as well as the street pattern outside its boundaries with natural material such as limestone.

    The next phase promises to be even greener and built to the latest low carbon building specifications. Features include renewable energy systems, the use of lower carbon materials – such as sustainably sourced timber, stone, and recycled building materials, orientation of the buildings for heat/shade, efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. There will also be cycle parking and EV charge facilities.

    Historic England have been part of the pre-application discussions along with the Council’s planning department and it supports the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

    The Plymouth and South Devon Freeport have allocated seed capital grant of £3.256 million and the Council is service borrowing of £3.274m to fund the plans.

    Securing the City Deal nearly 10 years ago helped lay the foundations for the city’s marine and maritime innovation sector to thrive. South Yard is now a key part of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport and offers specific tax and relief benefits for companies based within it, incentivising employers to invest and create new jobs.

    The Freeport’s Tax Site at South Yard will support the marine and defence sectors by providing a focal point for technological advances in these arenas. It is the South West’s prime location for marine and maritime capability with direct waterfront access to docks, deep water jetties, land, offices and workshops for testing, trialling, and prototyping.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: KCEX Expands Global Crypto Trading Platform with New Reward Center and Daily Futures Trading Competitions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KCEX, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has made significant strides in the digital asset trading space by unveiling a suite of new features, including its Reward Center and a Futures Trading Competition. With a commitment to enhancing user engagement and providing a robust platform for traders, KCEX aims to establish itself as a prominent player in the global crypto trading market.

    Enhanced Trading Experience with KCEX: KCEX has quickly risen as a reliable platform for both novice and experienced crypto traders. The platform provides a secure and user-friendly environment, with over 500 cryptocurrencies available for trading, alongside futures and spot trading options. Notably, the exchange integrates advanced charting tools, competitive trading fees, and robust security features, making it a comprehensive destination for traders worldwide.

    KCEX’s transparent fee structure is a standout feature, offering some of the lowest transaction fees in the market. Traders benefit from a 0% fee on spot trades and a dynamic fee structure of 0% maker, 0.02% taker for futures trading, ensuring affordability across diverse trading strategies. Additionally, KCEX offers exceptional liquidity, which is critical for executing trades swiftly and efficiently, minimizing slippage even in volatile markets.

    Futures Trading Competition: One of the most exciting developments from KCEX is the launch of its Daily Futures PNL Trading Competition, aimed at encouraging active trading and rewarding top-performing users. The competition is structured to reward participants based on their daily profit from futures trading activities, offering an opportunity for both professional traders and enthusiasts to showcase their skills.

    The competition has garnered attention for its attractive daily prize pool of $20K, with rewards distributed to top traders based on their performance in futures trading. This event fosters a competitive yet supportive environment, where traders can engage with the platform, test their strategies, and potentially walk away with significant rewards.

    Reward Center – Incentives for Traders: To further incentivize its user base, KCEX has introduced the Reward Center, a centralized hub where traders can access exclusive bonuses and rewards. The Reward Center is designed to offer a variety of incentives for simple tasks, tailored to boost user engagement and satisfaction.

    Security and Compliance: KCEX has placed a strong emphasis on security and regulatory compliance, which are critical factors for users in today’s volatile cryptocurrency market. The platform utilizes advanced security protocols such as two-factor authentication (2FA), multi-signature wallets, and cold storage solutions to safeguard user assets. Moreover, KCEX adheres to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) regulations, ensuring a safe and compliant trading environment for its global user base.

    Global Reach and Community Engagement: With a growing user base across Asia, Europe, and North America, KCEX has positioned itself as a global platform. Its multilingual support and localized services cater to a diverse range of users, enhancing accessibility. Additionally, KCEX engages actively with its community through social media, offering regular updates, educational content, and market insights, which help traders make informed decisions.

    The exchange’s customer support services have also been highly rated for their responsiveness and efficiency, ensuring that users receive timely assistance with any technical or trading-related issues.

    Future Plans and Roadmap: Looking ahead, KCEX aims to continue expanding its product offerings and global footprint. The platform is exploring the integration of new blockchain technologies and DeFi (Decentralized Finance) features to enhance the trading experience further.

    Conclusion: KCEX’s new features, including the Daily Futures PNL Trading Competition and Reward Center, underscore the platform’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding trading experience for users. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, KCEX is well-positioned to remain a key player, offering innovative solutions, robust security, and a user-centric approach to trading.

    For more information:

    Web: www.kcex.com
    Contact Name: Carl Yang
    Official Email ID: carl@kcex.com

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bcb219e0-1833-446f-8a41-5682e9db99ed

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4f34302e-2cf9-485e-935a-58a93b980416

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Partners with Cats (CATS) for Gas-free Airdrop Claim and Launchpool Listing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced a partnership with Cats (CATS), a trending meme coin from the TON ecosystem. Bitget users will now be able to claim the CATS token airdrop on Telegram with zero gas fees. These tokens will be automatically credited to users’ Bitget accounts before CATS spot trading begins in early October. Additionally, CATS will be featured on Bitget Launchpool, a free-to-farm platform, starting October 30, 2024, with a total distribution of 19.5 billion CATS tokens.

    These initiatives aim to enhance user engagement with the Cats platform while providing substantial rewards for early adopters and supporters.

    Earlier in September, Bitget listed CATS in its Pre-market, serving as a vital resource for traders and investors eager to engage with promising tokens ahead of their broader market release. By facilitating early trading opportunities for tokens like CATS, Bitget enhances trading options for its users, offering a unique chance to capitalize on market trends before they enter the mainstream. As of September 27, CATS is trading at 0.00043 USDT in the Bitget Pre-market, with total volume surpassing 1.5 million USDT.

    CATS is a meme coin that embodies the playful spirit and culture of the Telegram community. Similar to its counterpart, Dogs ($DOGS), loyal Telegram users can claim CATS airdrops based on factors such as account age, premium status, and activity levels. To date, the project has attracted over 40 million holders through its viral Telegram mini-app, establishing itself as one of the most popular meme coins on the TON blockchain.

    The listing of CATS on Bitget Launchpool marks a significant milestone in expanding its reach and influence within the blockchain gaming industry. This listing underscores CATS’s potential as a trending TON-based project and reaffirms Bitget’s commitment to supporting innovative TON-based initiatives that drive the future of decentralized ecosystems.

    As the staking period commences, users are encouraged to participate actively and seize the rewards offered through this unique opportunity. With CATS’s growing popularity and its innovative approach to gaming, the listing on Bitget Launchpool is expected to attract considerable attention from both gaming and blockchain communities.

    For more information on CATS, visit the community or check out the Launchpool.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 45 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading, AI bot and other trading solutions. Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more. Bitget inspires individuals to embrace crypto through collaborations with credible partners, including being the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Professional Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM, as well as a global partner of Olympic Athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team).

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices may fluctuate and experience price volatility. Only invest what you can afford to lose. The value of your investment may be impacted and it is possible that you may not achieve your financial goals or be able to recover your principal investment. You should always seek independent financial advice and consider your own financial experience and financial standing. Past performance is not a reliable measure of future performance. Bitget shall not be liable for any losses you may incur. Nothing here shall be construed as financial advice. For more information, see our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68ef6b6b-69ef-41cc-b86f-4b31ee2882e4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes G Mining Ventures Corp. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced G Mining Ventures Corp. (TSX: GMIN; OTCQX: GMINF), a precious metals mining company, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. G Mining Ventures Corp. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    On April 22, 2024, G Mining TZ Corp. (formerly G Mining Ventures Corp.) (“Former GMIN”), Reunion Gold Corporation (“Reunion Gold”) and Greenheart Gold Inc. (“Greenheart”, and collectively with GMIN and Reunion Gold, the “Parties”), entered into an arrangement agreement under which the Parties agreed to complete a plan of arrangement under Section 192 of the Canada Business Corporations Act (the “Arrangement”). Pursuant to the Arrangement, which closed on July 15, 2024, a newly incorporated successor issuer, G Mining Ventures Corp. (“New GMIN”), now holds and manages the combined business of Former GMIN and Reunion Gold.

    As a result, shares of Former GMIN ceased trading on the OTCQX on July 17, 2024, and New GMIN shares begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “GMINF,” in substitution for the Former GMIN shares. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    “We have seen significant and growing investor interest as our flagship Tocantinzinho Gold Mine in Brazil commenced commercial production in September, the Oko West Project in Guyana delivered a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment, and the acquisition of the CentroGold Project from BHP is targeting completion by Q1 2025. We are very pleased that our graduation to the OTCQX® Best Market will provide enhanced visibility to U.S. investors and help meet the significant interest from U.S. based investors,” commented Louis-Pierre Gignac, President and CEO of G Mining Ventures.

    About G Mining Ventures Corp.
    G Mining Ventures Corp. is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metal projects to capitalize on the value uplift from successful mine development. GMIN is well-positioned to grow into the next mid-tier precious metals producer by leveraging strong access to capital and proven development expertise. GMIN is currently anchored by the Tocantinzinho Gold Project in Brazil and Oko West Project in Guyana, both mining friendly and prospective jurisdictions.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Amplify ETFs Declares September Income Distributions for its Income ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amplify ETFs announces September income distributions for its Income ETFs.

    ETF Name Ticker Amount
    per Share    		 Ex-Date Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date
    Amplify Samsung SOFR ETF SOFR $0.42733 9/27/2024 9/27/2024 9/30/2024
    Amplify CWP Enhanced Dividend Income ETF DIVO $0.16343 9/27/2024 9/27/2024 9/30/2024
    Amplify Cash Flow High Income ETF HCOW $0.16000 9/27/2024 9/27/2024 9/30/2024
    Amplify CWP International Enhanced Dividend Income ETF IDVO $0.15520 9/27/2024 9/27/2024 9/30/2024
    Amplify CWP Growth & Income ETF QDVO $0.14880 9/27/2024 9/27/2024 9/30/2024
    Amplify High Income ETF YYY $0.12000 9/27/2024 9/27/2024 9/30/2024
    Amplify Natural Resources Dividend Income ETF NDIV $0.11979 9/27/2024 9/27/2024 9/30/2024

    About Amplify ETFs
    Amplify ETFs, sponsored by Amplify Investments, has over $9 billion in assets across its suite of ETFs (as of 6/30/2024). Amplify ETFs deliver expanded investment opportunities for investors seeking growth, income, and risk-managed strategies across a range of actively managed and index-based ETFs. Learn more visit AmplifyETFs.com.

    This information is not intended to provide and should not be relied upon for accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations. To receive a distribution, you must be a registered shareholder of the fund on the record date. Distributions are paid to shareholders on the payment date. There is no guarantee that distributions will be made in the future. Your own trading will also generate tax consequences and transaction expenses. Past distributions are not indicative of future distributions. Please consult your tax professional or financial adviser for more information regarding your tax situation.

    Carefully consider the Funds’ investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in Amplify Funds’ statutory and summary prospectuses, which may be obtained at AmplifyETFs.com. Read the prospectuses carefully before investing.

    Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

    Amplify ETFs are distributed by Foreside Services, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves first medicine for rare immune disease APDS

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today approved leniolisib phosphate (Joenja) to treat a rare immune disease known as activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome or APDS in adults and adolescents aged 12-years-old and older who weigh 45kg or more. 

    APDS is an inherited disorder where the patient is unable to fight infections because the immune system (the body’s natural defences) does not work properly.

    The main symptoms usually occur in the first two years of life and include repeated lung infections and a failure to grow and develop normally.

    APDS is a long-term debilitating and life-threatening condition due to repeated lung infections that can lead to bronchiectasis (enlargement and inflammation of part of the airways). Patients with APDS are more prone to develop blood cell cancers, like lymphoma.

    The recommended dose is 1 tablet twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart in adults and adolescents from 12 years weighing 45 kg or more.

    This is also the first time the MHRA has approved a new medicine following an approval by the US Food and Drug Administration FDA. This is because the medicine was approved via a fast-track approval process for medicines, known as the International Recognition Procedure (IRP).

    This allows the MHRA to consider the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners for the benefit of UK patients. In this case, the regulatory partner was the FDA. As a sovereign regulator, the MHRA retains ultimate authority to accept or reject applications submitted under the IRP, ensuring that all medicines meet safety, quality and effectiveness standards to be licensed in the UK.

    The MHRA considered the assessment made by the US regulator as part of its own review, facilitating a rapid approval process.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    We are focused on providing UK patients access to safe and effective medicines in the shortest possible time.

    Approval of leniolisib through the IRP means we have facilitated access for people suffering from this serious disease to an effective medicine to fight infections and reduce symptoms of the disease. 

    This approval means the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectivenessof this new medicine have been met.

    As with all medicines, we will keep its safety under close review. 

    The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled study, carried out over 12-weeks. This study was blind and randomised. Thirty-one adult and paediatric patients participated.

    During the study, 21 patients received 70 mg of leniolisib and 10 received placebo twice daily. The co‑primary efficacy endpoints were improvement in the reduction in the size of lymph nodes and the normalisation of immunophenotype.

    By day 85 of the study, patients taking leniolisib saw a reduction in lymph node size and a correction of the underlying immune defect.

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of leniolisib under close review. 

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine are available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website. 

    If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    • The marketing authorisation was granted for leniolisib (Joenja) on 26 September 2024 to Pharming Technologies B.V via the International Recognition Procedure.
    • The IRP is open to applicants that have already received an authorisation for the same product from one of MHRA’s specified trusted regulators. These are the regulatory authorities from Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.
    • Applications under the International Recognition Procedure (IRP) can be received via the MHRA website. Time horizons for authorisations are set at 60 to 110 days – considerably shorter than the current 150-day time horizon for applications. To further streamline the IRP application process, the MHRA launched an ‘Eligibility Checker’ tool on 20 November 2023.
    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: AIIB Launches Groundbreaking Tool for Concessional Resource Mobilization

    Source: Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) unveiled its latest digital solution, AIIB+, a first-of-its-kind interface designed to better match external concessional and technical resources with AIIB’s project pipeline.

    “AIIB+ is not just another digital platform,” said AIIB Vice President, Policy and Strategy, Sir Danny Alexander. “It is a vision, which intends to revolutionize the way in which Multilateral Development Banks mobilize concessional resources.”

    To address the urgent and significant infrastructure needs faced by developing countries in Asia and beyond, AIIB+ aims to:

    • 1) Match AIIB’s project pipeline with the most suitable technical and concessional financial resources from external partners
    • 2) Mobilize grants and concessional finance at speed and scale with minimum transaction costs and maximum leverage for donors
    • 3) Scale the impact for clients by expanding the range of financing and technical sources and partners, connecting them with other digital solutions.

    “As the first MDB digital matchmaker, AIIB+ is poised to transform the landscape of infrastructure financing,” Sir Danny said. “It is not just about funding, it is about creating partnerships to bridge gaps, build futures and deliver concessional financing to AIIB Members.”

    Several institutions, public and private, have already subscribed to the digital portal and joined the launch, including the Swiss State Secretariat Office for Economic Affairs (SECO), the China International Development Co-operation Agency (CIDCA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW).

    For more information on AIIB+ or to become a member, please visit AIIB+ Portal or email partnerships@aiib.org

    About AIIB

    The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is Financing Infrastructure for Tomorrow in Asia and beyond—infrastructure with sustainability at its core. We began operations in Beijing in 2016 and have since grown to 110 approved members worldwide. We are capitalized at USD100 billion and AAA-rated by the major international credit rating agencies. Collaborating with partners, AIIB meets clients’ needs by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled and promotes regional connectivity.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Calian collaborates with Microsoft to offer scalable cloud-native cybersecurity solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With only days until Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY) has announced a new collaboration with Microsoft. Through Calian’s adoption of Microsoft Sentinel, an intelligent, comprehensive security information and event management (SIEM) solution, Calian is strengthening its market position in Canada and the U.S. by providing customers access to a globally recognized cybersecurity platform that provides holistic threat protection with collection, detection, investigation and response capabilities.

    This collaboration positions Calian to capture a growing share of the global cybersecurity market which continues to rise as organizations take more responsibility to protect their business. The 2023 Cybersecurity Ventures Cybercrime Report released this year predicts that global cybercrime damage will hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 and global cybersecurity spending will exceed $175 trillion.

    “Adopting Microsoft Sentinel marks a major milestone in Calian’s strategic enhancement of our cybersecurity defences,” says Mike Tremblay, President of Calian’s IT & Cyber Solutions. “This collaboration allows us to use cutting-edge AI technologies to deliver security measures that are critical in protecting our customers’ operations against increasingly complex threats—representing our commitment to providing the best possible solutions because we recognize that our customers cannot afford to fail.”

    The increasing sophistication and frequency of global cybersecurity attacks, especially using artificial intelligence, is leading organizations to modernize their security operations centres (SOC). The leading-edge, cloud-native Microsoft Sentinel platform not only optimizes operational efficiency, but also supports scalable deployments, ensuring that Calian can continue to grow and innovate to stay ahead of its customers’ evolving needs.

    “This collaboration with Calian reflects our shared commitment to protect a company’s business by providing advanced security solutions that guard critical operations and foster innovation,” says Chris Barry, President of Microsoft Canada. “Together, we can protect a company’s cloud and multiplatform digital estate with a modern, comprehensive SIEM solution built on the cloud and enriched by AI to rapidly uncover sophisticated cyberthreats and respond at machine speed.”

    Calian anticipates this collaboration will drive significant growth in its cybersecurity business over the next few years, attracting new customers and expanding its service offerings to existing clients in mission-critical industries such as healthcare, defence, and other critical infrastructure industries.

    Learn more about Calian’s world-class cyber solutions.

    About Calian
    www.calian.com
    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:
    media@calian.com
    613-599-8600 x 2298

    Investor Relations inquiries:
    ir@calian.com

    DISCLAIMER
    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Public warning of 27.09.2024 – Primary aromatic amines in a Mömax potato masher

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Canton Government of Geneva in French

    The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) is warning against the potato masher of the brand “modern living” from Mömax due to excessive migration of certain chemical compounds called “primary aromatic amines”. Since a health risk cannot be ruled out, the FSVO recommends that the population not use this product. Mömax has immediately withdrawn the product from sale and ordered a recall.

    How can this product be dangerous?

    Primary aromatic amines (PAAs) are chemical compounds that are used, for example, in the manufacture of certain dyes. Some of them are considered carcinogenic. An analysis found an excessive migration of PAAs from the aforementioned kitchen utensil.

    Which product is affected?

    Article, brand: Classic potato masher, modern living Batch number: 4JA99 Points of sale: All Mömax branches

    What should affected consumers do?

    The FSVO recommends that the population does not use this product.

    Information :

    Consumers: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) – Customer communication – Tel. 41 58 463 30 33 – Emailinfo@blv.admin.ch
    Journalists: Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) – Media Service – Tel. 41 58 463 78 98 – Emailmedia@blv.admin.ch

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank pledges more support for Angola’s rapidly reforming economy

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

    LUANDA, Angola, September 27, 2024/APO Group/ —

    In recent talks between Angola’s President João Manuel Lourenço and African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) head Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the two leaders discussed a wide range of measures introduced by the Angolan government to rapidly transform the economy.

    The reforms include diversifying away from oil, promoting private sector, tackling the country’s debt burden, reduce poverty, achieving food and energy security, and creating youth employment. The leaders met on Friday 20 September, in the Angolan capital Luanda.

    Terming the reforms as bold, Adesina told President Lourenço, “What you have done to reduce public debt is impressive. You moved from 119% of GDP in 2020, to an expected 58% of GDP this year below, despite significant external shocks.” 

    He also pointed to the positive outlook of the country’s economic performance saying, “even though your GDP growth is estimated at 2.7% this year, it is projected to rise to 4.3% in 2025 because of the structural reforms and diversification agenda you are implementing.”

    Stressing the importance of maintaining the momentum for reform, Adesina announced that the African Development Bank will support Angola’s request for a two-year budget support operation of about $160 million for 2024, with a second tranche scheduled for 2025.

    President Lourenço said in addition to promoting a private sector driven economy and diversifying away from the oil sector, his government is working to create decent jobs for youth. He has made human capital and skills development one of the three pillars of his government’s National Development Plan 2023-2027. 

    Angola has one of the world’s fastest growing populations, with half of its 35 million people being youth. 40% of its youth are unemployed. About 550,000 new workers join the labor force every year, requiring a concerted effort to created decent jobs at comparable pace.

    President Lourenço welcomed the Bank’s offer to work with his government to design and co-finance a comprehensive initiative to avail capital to young entrepreneurs as the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Banks which the Bank has successfully helped to establish in countries such as Liberia and Ethiopia.

    The Bank recently approved $124 million for a youth project in Angola, locally known as CRESCER, which brings together the financial sector and the entrepreneurial associations to find tailored solutions for young entrepreneurs.

    On agriculture, the Angolan leader and the Bank Group president agreed that with 35 million hectares of fertile land and water supply, the country should transform its sector to achieve food security and create jobs for youth and women.

    “Angola has no business spending $2 billion per annum importing food. It should and can be totally self-sufficient and even become a net exporter,” said Adesina.

    The African Development Bank has a portfolio of $212 million currently invested in the sector and is finalising a further investment of around to step up agricultural production in the easter region of Angola. $100 million. The Bank pledged to help Angola scale up fertiliser use and domestic production, and work with the country towards the establishment of Special Agriculture Processing Zones operating in 11 other African countries.

    In addition to agriculture, “Angola is sitting on a gold mine of clean hydro energy,” said Adesina, “you have 1.5GW of unused clean hydro energy and by 2027 you will have 3.5GW. With investment from the private sector, the country can provide power solution to Zambia, Namibia and South Africa.”

    Angola is working to attract significant private sector investment and will present projects worth nearly $2 billion at this year’s Africa Investment Forum, to be held in Morocco’s city of Rabat from 4 to 6 December.  

    Adesina thanked Angola for its support for the Bank, including the General Capital Increase and the Bank’s campaign for rechanneling of the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights through multilateral development banks. Angola is also one of the few regional contributors to the Bank’s concessional window, the African Development Fund, having provided about 6.5 million Euros to each of the Fund’s last three replenishments.

    During his visit, the Bank Group president also met with Angola’s Finance Minister Vera Daves De Sousa and the Minister for Planning Victor Hugo Guilherme. He later toured the Bank’s $90 million funded Luanda Science and Technology Park.

    Adesina was accompanied by the Director General for Southern Africa Region Leila Mokaddem, the Country Manager for Angola and Sao Tomé Principe Pietro Toigo, the Executive Director for Angola, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe João Luis Ngimbi and Modibo Toure, Bank Group President’s Special Envoy for Shareholder Relations in Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BoBC Auction Results – 27 September 2024

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 9 October 2024.  The summarised results of the auction held on 27 September 2024, are attached below:

    BoBC Auction Results – 27 September 2024.pdf

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hubble Captures Steller Nurseries in a Majestic Spiral

    Source: NASA

    2 min read

    This image from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope features the spiral galaxy IC 1954, located 45 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Horologium. It sports a glowing bar in its core, majestically winding spiral arms, and clouds of dark dust across it. Numerous glowing, pink spots across the disc of the galaxy are H-alpha regions that offer astronomers a view of star-forming nebulae, which are prominent emitters of red, H-alpha light. Some astronomers theorize that the galaxy’s ‘bar’ is actually an energetic star-forming region that just happens to lie over the galactic center.

    The data featured in this image come from a program that extends the cooperation among multiple observatories: Hubble, the infrared James Webb Space Telescope, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, a ground-based radio telescope. By surveying IC 1954 and over 50 other nearby galaxies in radio, infrared, optical, and ultraviolet light, astronomers aim to fully trace and reconstruct the path matter takes through stars, mapping the interstellar gas and dust in each galaxy. Hubble’s observing capabilities form an important part of this survey: it can capture younger stars and star clusters when they are brightest at ultraviolet and optical wavelengths, and its H-alpha filter effectively tracks emission from nebulae. The resulting dataset will form a treasure trove of research on the evolution of stars in galaxies, which Webb can build upon as it continues its science operations into the future.
    Download this image

    Media Contact:

    Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDclaire.andreoli@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Sandra Felix is the new director of the Federal Office of Sport

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in French

    Federal Council

    Bern, 27.09.2024 – At its meeting on 27 September 2024, the Federal Council appointed the current Deputy Director of the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) and Head of Sports Policy and Legal Affairs as Director of the FOSPO as of 1 November 2024. She succeeds Matthias Remund, who will leave his position on 31 October 2024 to take up a new challenge.

    Sandra Felix, 57, has a degree in business economics from the FES. After obtaining this qualification in 1997, she completed further training in the field of quality management and techniques for economists. She gained experience in management positions and leadership roles in the construction and machinery industry, then, from 2005, in the Grisons public administration in the Department of Finance before holding the position of Secretary of the Department of Economics and Social Affairs of the Canton of Grisons for six years. In July 2017, Sandra Felix joined the OFSPO. On 1 September 2018, she became Deputy Director for Office Management and headed the Sports Policy and Legal Affairs Division. She was appointed Deputy Director of the OFSPO on 1 April 2021.

    For the vacant position, Viola Amherd, President of the Confederation and Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), has set up a selection committee comprising Daniel Büchel, Secretary General of the DDPS, Marc Siegenthaler, Deputy Secretary General of the DDPS, Christelle Luisier Brodard, State Councillor, Head of the Department of Institutions, Spatial Planning and Sport and President of the Vaud State Council and Ruth Wipfli Steinegger, Vice-President of Swiss Olympic.

    Sandra Felix clearly stood out during the recruitment process due to her education, professional background and many years of experience. In particular, she has experience in operational and strategic management and is very familiar with the Swiss sports system and the collaboration with private-law sports organisations, the relevant departments of the federal administration, the cantons and other institutions.

    The Federal Council thanks Matthias Remund for his valuable service over almost twenty years as Director of OFSPO.

    Address for sending questions

    Lorenz FrischknechtSuppl. Head of Communications / DDPS spokesperson 41 58 484 26 17

    Author

    Federal Councilhttps://www.admin.ch/gov/fr/accueil.html

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin’s Statement Regarding the House Vote on Republicans’ Extremist Government Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    September 18, 2024

    Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mike Levin today released the following statement regarding his vote opposing Speaker Mike Johnson’s extremist government funding bill.

    “I voted against Speaker Johnson’s bill to extend government funding because it is an unserious bill riddled with extremist provisions that has no chance of becoming law. The bill fails to support our veterans or strengthen our national security, and it attempts to push through undemocratic voter restrictions that would harm our service members at home and abroad.

    “The current bill does nothing to address the VA’s $12 billion budget shortfall that would jeopardize veterans’ medical care and the health services they have earned.

    “Additionally, Speaker Johnson’s extremist bill aims to alter voter registration laws that could make it more difficult to vote. It would make it harder for countless Americans, including service members, women, and Native Americans, to vote in upcoming elections.

    “It’s shameful that a handful of extreme House Republicans want to add anti-democratic provisions to a government funding bill just to push a harmful agenda that is detrimental to the American people.

    “I will continue working in good faith with my colleagues to find bipartisan resolution to fund the government for Fiscal Year 2025. It is imperative that we pass a government funding package that protects our service members and veterans, and ensures all Americans continue to receive the services and benefits they rely on.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stadium decision confirmed

    Source: City of Salford

    Salford City Council has confirmed the decision to wholly acquire Salford Community Stadium.

    The decision was confirmed at the council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 24 September. This was following the call-in process and a scrutiny panel on the evening of Monday 23 September.

    Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This decision has been through all the council’s formal decision-making processes, including pre-decision scrutiny and a further scrutiny panel. We have engaged members from all parties to make the process as open and transparent as possible. 

    “In the local elections in May, completing the purchase of this Community Stadium, as a key part of our Rugby Strategy, was a clear and significant part of our campaign and manifesto, and was democratic endorsed by our residents. 

    “Through sole ownership of the stadium, we are able to safeguard the future of both Sale Sharks and Salford Red Devils, provide amenities for grassroots clubs and shape the regeneration of a key part of the city.”

    You can read more about the stadium decision here: Important day in city’s history as Salford City Council approve acquisition of Salford Community Stadium.

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    Date published
    Friday 27 September 2024

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Strategic and content discussion during the Deputy President’s Working Visit in Ireland

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Strategic and content discussion during the Deputy President’s Working Visit in Ireland

    Checkout more: http://www.thepresidency.gov.za

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    #ThePresidencyofSouthAfrica #PresidencyZA

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU9Lvdr3xog

    MIL OSI Video –