Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: You’re Invited! Central Winchester Regeneration drop-in events

    Source: City of Winchester


    Central Winchester Regeneration’s Development Partner: Jigsaw- Partnerships and Places, will be in Winchester later this month and they’d love to see you!

    Would you like an update on their plans, or do you have any questions about the progress of the project? Jigsaw has been developing some ideas and they would like to share some early thoughts with you.

    They are hosting two drop-in information events at The Guildhall:

    Thursday 17 July 2-7pm

    and

    Friday 18 July 10am-2pm

    The Courtyard, The Guildhall, Winchester, SO23 9GH

    Everyone is welcome to attend to find out the latest update on the project; learn what happens next, give your feedback on early plans and meet members of the project team.

    There is no need to book- just turn up!

    Caption

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fostering for Wolverhampton hosts annual conference

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    This year’s conference focused on wellbeing, recognising the emotional and physical demands of fostering and the importance of supporting foster parents so they can continue to provide safe, stable, and loving homes.

    The event featured a range of sessions designed to offer practical tools, emotional support, and shared experiences. Highlights included a powerful talk on menopause and its impact on family life, including a male perspective, a breathwork reset session led by Little Earth, and an interactive workshop on stress and coping strategies delivered by Wolves Foundation.

    The conference also provided a space for foster parents to connect, reflect, and feel valued – reinforcing the message that when foster parents thrive, so do the children they care for.

    Alison Hinds, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children’s Services, opened the event, thanking foster parents for their dedication and resilience. The day was designed not only to support current foster parents but also to show potential new foster parents the strong network and resources available to them.

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We know that fostering is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly demanding. That’s why we’re committed to supporting our foster parents every step of the way – through training, wellbeing support, and events like this.

    “This conference is about more than just information-sharing. It’s about building confidence, strengthening connections, and showing our appreciation for the amazing work foster parents do every single day.”

    Fostering for Wolverhampton welcomes foster parents from all walks of life. To foster, you must live within 20 miles of Wolverhampton, have a spare bedroom, and the time and compassion to care for a child or young person.

    Foster parents receive full training, ongoing support, and a regular, tax-exempt fee and allowance. A buddy system is also in place to support new foster parents, along with regular social events and 24/7 advice.

    To find out more about fostering, visit Fostering for Wolverhampton or call the team on 01902 551133.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The growing case for trees on farms Land managers, farmers, foresters, researchers, and policy makers will gather in Aberdeen for a landmark event to explore how integrating more trees into farmland could play a pivotal role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and supporting resilient rural economies.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Tree planting at Glensaugh farm (James Hutton Institute)

    Land managers, farmers, foresters, researchers, and policy makers will gather in Aberdeen for a landmark event to explore how integrating more trees into farmland could play a pivotal role in tackling climate change, improving biodiversity, and supporting resilient rural economies.
    Agroforestry—the practice of integrating trees into crop or livestock systems—offers a range of benefits from improved water cycling and the enrichment of soil health to carbon sequestration and a reduction in erosion.
    Trees can also provide shade and shelter for animals, act as windbreaks and create habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
    The Farm Woodland Forum Annual Meeting, organised in partnership with the University of Aberdeen and The James Hutton Institute, will be held in Aberdeen for the first time in 30 years.
    Themed ‘The role of agroforestry in integrated land management’, the eventwill highlight how trees can work alongside farming to deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
    Dr Josie Geris, Reader in Hydrology at the University and lead host of the conference said: “Farmland trees have often been overlooked in traditional agricultural models, this event will shine a spotlight on their increasing importance in addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food production.
    “In addition to increasing environmental and farm resilience, well-planned tree planting can deliver wide-ranging benefits, including timber, fruit, fodder and biomass production, alongside other alternative income and energy sources.”
    The conference will take place July 9–10, 2025, starting with a full day of talks and poster sessions at King’s College Conference Centre, followed by a field visit to Glensaugh Research Farm, home of the James Hutton institute’s climate-positive farming initiative where participants will explore long-term agroforestry trials and tree-based climate resilience measures in action.
    Highlights include first-hand insights from farmers integrating trees into livestock and arable systems, research on the role of trees in reducing flooding, improving soil health, and enhancing biodiversity, updates on policy and payment schemes supporting farm woodland expansion and a look at decision-support tools helping farmers plan tree planting to fit their land and business goals.
    Dr Julie Rostan, whose UKRI Treescapes programme funded research with colleagues at the University of Aberdeen and James Hutton Institute has looked at balancing socio-economic and environmental factors of the potential for agroforestry across Scotland, will showcase her work at the event.
    She said: “The research has developed farmed based knowledge and practical tools that can help with decision making about integrating trees into farms for a more strategic approach to planting which can be tailored to individual needs whether it is improving benefits for livestock or farm ecosystem health.”
    “Understanding of the importance and challenges to integrate tree planting into farmland is gaining momentum and this conference is an opportunity to hear from practitioners already seeing the benefits, as well as scientists developing the tools and knowledge to support wider adoption, and third sector organisations that facilitate this.
    “Agroforestry is not about choosing between trees and food production. It’s about designing systems where both thrive.”
    Glensaugh Research Farm has several areas of mature agroforestry which were planted in 1988 to explore the production benefits of integrating trees within a livestock farming system. These were planted as part of a National Network of seven UK research sites, co-ordinated by the Farm Woodland Forum (then the UK Agroforestry Forum). Three species were selected (Scots Pine, Hybrid Larch and Sycamore) and planted at a range of different densities, which allowed comparison of these differences on a range of factors including tree growth, grass production and livestock output. Findings from this have contributed significantly to advancing agroforestry research and knowledge.
    The project continues to provide a living demonstration of the longer-term practicalities of agroforestry management as well as wider environmental benefits for climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity. Currently, several research projects associated with the farm, including the UKRI-funded ‘FARM TREE’ project in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen, which is part of the Future of UK Treescapes Programme. The ‘FARMTREE’ project concerns balancing farm and landscape-scale demands for integrating trees on agricultural land and is developing practical tools for farmers to enhance the expansion of trees on agricultural land.
    Building on lessons learned from these original research plots, as well as from agroforestry studies elsewhere, Hutton researchers planted a new design of silvopastoral agroforestry in early 2024. This integrates oak, a range of other amenity trees and grazing pasture, aiming to maximise the multiple potential benefits and minimise any disbenefits from such a system.
    Professor Alison Hester, who heads up the Climate-Positive Farming Initiative at Glensaugh, said, “We’re delighted to host day two of this year’s farm Woodland Forum Annual Meeting at Glensaugh. Glensaugh has been a core site for agroforestry research since the 1980s and it is wonderful to see the bourgeoning enthusiasm for greater integration of trees into farming systems with all the multiple benefits that this can bring.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: University awarded prestigious AHRC Doctoral Focal Awards to power creative economy in rural areas The University of Aberdeen is part of a consortium which has been awarded a major AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in the Creative Economy.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The University of Aberdeen is part of a consortium which has been awarded a major AHRC Doctoral Focal Award in the Creative Economy.
    The Celtic Crescent Creative Economy Doctoral Focal Award will spearhead innovative research into the role of bilingual and rural communities in the creative economy, with a focus on regions often overlooked in national creative strategies.
    This award will fund 20 PhDs and brings together a consortium of universities committed to bilingualism, led by Bangor University and including Aberystwyth University, Falmouth University, Glasgow School of Art, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, The University of Aberdeen and the University of South Wales.
    The consortium is supported by 27 industry and sectoral partners, ranging from national public bodies, theatre groups, media producers and internationally recognised craft producers like Harris Tweed. The funding will support doctoral training focused on building research capacity in strategic areas.
    Professor Nick Forsyth, the University of Aberdeen’s Vice-Principal for Research said: “The University of Aberdeen is proud to work with partners on this important initiative which supports young scholars and will create inclusive, impactful research that will strengthen regional economies and enhance cultural life across the UK. This award underscores the University’s international reputation for research excellence in the arts and humanities, following our recent successful AHRC Doctoral Landscape Award, and demonstrates our commitment to supporting and preparing the next generation of scholars to ensure the vitality of these subjects.”
    This initiative will strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and communities to deliver broader societal benefits with a key focus on addressing underrepresentation and closing skills gaps in the sector.
    Professor Michelle Macleod, Head of the School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture and Co-Investigator and Impact and Engagement Lead on the Celtic Crescent Management Board, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to develop a cohort of new researchers in the area of the creative economy with expertise in place-based, multidisciplinary research. Our focus is on the vital role that rural, coastal and multilingual communities play in the UK’s creative industry, recognised by the government as a driver for growth, and, crucially, creating a talent pipeline that will be a driving force for industrial innovation.”
    PhD students will be provided with hands-on research opportunities in collaboration with industry partners and community organisations. The focus will be on developing future-facing skills and opening up career pathways both within and beyond academia, particularly in underrepresented areas and sectors.
    Recruitment for the Celtic Crescent PhDs will open next year, with students beginning in autumn 2026.
    Thugadh Duaisean Dotaireachd Fòcasach cliùiteach AHRC do Oilthigh Obar Dheathain gus eaconamaidh chruthachail ann an sgìrean dùthchail a neartachadh
    Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na phàirt de cho-bhanntachd a fhuair Duais Dotaireachd Fòcasach mhòr bhon AHRC ann an Eaconamaidh Chruthachail.
    Bidh Duais Dotaireachd Fòcasach Eaconamaidh Chruthachail Celtic Crescent a’ stiùireadh rannsachadh ùr-ghnàthach air àite choimhearsnachdan dà-chànanach is dùthchail san eaconamaidh chruthachail, le fòcas air roinnean air an dèanar dearmad gu tric ann an ro-innleachdan cruthachail nàiseanta. Bheir an duais seo maoineachadh do 20 PhD agus tha i a’ toirt còmhla com-pàirteachas de dh’oilthighean a tha dealasach a thaobh dà-chànanachais, air a stiùireadh le Oilthigh Bangor agus a’ gabhail a-steach Oilthigh Aberystwyth, Oilthigh Falmouth, Sgoil Ealain Ghlaschu, Colaiste Rìoghail Ciùil is Dràma na Cuimrigh, Oilthigh Obar Dheathain agus Oilthigh Chuimrigh a Deas. Tha 27 com-pàirtichean gnìomhachais is roinneil a’ toirt taic don cho-bhanntachd, a’ gabhail a-steach buidhnean poblach nàiseanta, buidhnean theatar, riochdairean meadhanan agus riochdairean ciùird a tha aithnichte gu h-eadar-nàiseanta leithid Clò na Hearadh.
    Cuiridh am maoineachadh taic ri trèanadh dotaireil a tha ag amas air comasan rannsachaidh a thogail ann an raointean ro-innleachdail.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Nick Forsyth, Iar-Phrionnsabal airson Rannsachadh aig Oilthigh Obar Dheathain:
    “Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain moiteil a bhith ag obair le com-pàirtichean air a’ phròiseact chudromach seo agus tha sinn a’ coimhead air adhart ri bhith ag obair air rannsachadh buadhmhor agus in-ghabhalach a bhios a’ cumail taic ri sgoilearan ùra agus aig a’ cheart àm a bhios a’ neartachadh eaconamaidhean roinneil agus a’ leasachadh beatha chultarail na RA. Tha an duais seo a’ daingneachadh cliù eadar-nàiseanta an Oilthigh airson sàr-mhathas rannsachaidh anns na h-ealain agus na daonnachdan, às dèidh dhuinn Doctoral Landscape AHRC fhaighinn o chionn ghoirid, agus tha e a’ sealltainn ar dealas a thaobh taic a thoirt don ath ghinealach de sgoilearan a neartaicheas na cuspairean seo.”
    Neartaichidh an iomairt seo co-obrachadh eadar an saoghal acadaimigeach, gnìomhachas agus coimhearsnachdan gus buannachdan sòisealta nas fharsainge a lìbhrigeadh le prìomh fhòcas air dèiligeadh ri fo-riochdachadh agus beàrnan sgilean san roinn a dhùnadh.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Michelle NicLeòid, Ceannard Sgoil Cànain, Litreachais, Ciùil agus Cultar Lèirsinnich agus Co-Rannsaiche agus Stiùiriche Buaidh is Conaltraidh air Bòrd Riaghlaidh Celtic Crescent:
    “’S e cothrom air leth a tha seo buidheann de luchd-rannsachaidh ùra a leasachadh ann an raon na h-eaconamaidh cruthachail le eòlas ann an rannsachadh ioma-chuspaireil suidhichte air àite. Tha ar fòcas air a’ phàirt chudromaich a th’ aig coimhearsnachdan dùthchail, ioma-chànanach air a’ chosta ann an gnìomhachas cruthachail na RA, aithnichte leis an riaghaltas mar chulaidh-bhrosnachaidh airson fàs eaconomach, agus ann a bhith a’ cruthachadh tàlant ùr a bhios na fheachd leasachaidh airson ùr-ghnàthachadh gnìomhachais.”
    Gheibh oileanaich PhD cothroman rannsachaidh practaigich ann an co-obrachadh le com-pàirtichean gnìomhachais agus buidhnean coimhearsnachd. Bidh am fòcas air sgilean a tha freagarrach don àm ri teachd a leasachadh agus slighean dreuchdail fhosgladh an dà chuid taobh a-staigh agus taobh a-muigh saoghal nan oilthighean, gu sònraichte ann an raointean air an riochdachadh gu leòr.
    Tòiseachaidh trusadh airson sgoilearachdan PhD Celtic Crescent an ath-bhliadhna, le oileanaich a’ tòiseachadh san fhoghar 2026.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Upgrades underway at Coronation Park Splashpad08 July 2025 A series of improvements are being made to enhance the experience for visitors at the Splashpad in Coronation Park this summer. New shade structures and changing huts are being installed to make visits… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    08 July 2025

    A series of improvements are being made to enhance the experience for visitors at the Splashpad in Coronation Park this summer. 

    New shade structures and changing huts are being installed to make visits more comfortable for all. 

    The enhancements aim to support family-friendly facilities and provide better on-site amenities. 

    To improve safety and help deter vandalism, CCTV will also be installed across the park. 

    • CCTV installation begins on Monday 7 July and will take approximately one week to complete 
    • Shade and changing facilities installation also starts on Monday 7 July, with work expected to last two weeks. 

    While part of the rear of the park will be closed off during this period, the Splashpad will remain open throughout the works. 

    These improvements reflect the ongoing commitment to maintain Coronation Park as a welcoming and safe space for all visitors.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public Health and Safety in Rented Dwellings – first year of licensing scheme08 July 2025 The Government of Jersey has published the first Annual Report on Public Health and Safety in Rented Dwellings, offering a review of the licensing scheme’s first year in operation. The report evaluates… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    08 July 2025

    The Government of Jersey has published the first Annual Report on Public Health and Safety in Rented Dwellings, offering a review of the licensing scheme’s first year in operation. 

    The report evaluates the scheme’s introduction, implementation, and impact. It highlights the Government’s work to improving housing standards and protecting Islanders living in rented accommodation. 

    Key findings from the first year include: 

    • Over 18,000 properties licensed under the new framework. 
    • 203 inspections carried out, with 60% of properties found to have no recorded hazards at the time of inspection. 
    • In the remaining 40%, between 1 and 9 hazards were identified per property, offering a valuable evidence base to guide future enforcement and support. 
    • Data shows strong consistency between proactive inspections and those carried out in response to complaints, reinforcing confidence in the inspection process and risk-based approach. 

    The report also details common hazards, licensing conditions, enforcement measures, and provides a financial summary of the scheme’s operation.

    Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, welcomed the report’s findings: “This first year of licensing has set a strong foundation for the future. I’m pleased to see over 18,000 rented properties now licensed and a clear demonstration of landlord responsibility across the Island. 

    “Most rental homes are being well maintained, which speaks to the shared commitment we all have to improving housing quality. This scheme is helping us raise standards while targeting interventions where they’re needed most.” 

    The licensing scheme under the Public Health and Safety (Rented Dwellings) (Jersey) Law 2018 plays a vital role in safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of Islanders living in rented homes. 

    The report shows its importance as a long-term policy tool and outlines key priorities for the year ahead.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life-changing work of York foster carers recognised

    Source: City of York

    Published Monday, 7 July 2025

    The life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony this month.

    The life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony this month.

    13 foster carer households were awarded certificates for completing 20, 30 and 40 years of fostering, adding up to a combined total of 320 years of fostering service, providing safe, loving homes to local children and young people who can’t live with their birth families.

    Longest serving of the foster carers recognised at the event were Sue and Martyn Hill, who have fostered children and young people for 40 years.

    Sue Hill, foster carer, said:

    Fostering has brought us so much pleasure over the years, as well as some challenging moments but it has certainly enriched our lives and hopefully that of the children we have cared for. We can’t think of anything else that we would rather have done in life. Hopefully we will carry on for a good bit longer!”

    Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Our foster carers are a hugely valued part of a wider team supporting children and young people in our care. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to recognise the incredible impact our carers have had and would urge anyone who’s considering fostering to get in touch. There are few other roles which give people the chance to make such a positive contribution to young people’s lives. And with a fostering package that is now amongst the best available in the region, there’s never been a better time to foster for City of York Council.”

    Martin Kelly OBE, Corporate Director of Children’s Services and Education at City of York Council, presented the awards. He said: “It is a huge honour for me to present these long service awards to some of our amazing foster carers. The work that they do really is life changing and their commitment and dedication to supporting local children and young people is inspirational.”

    Find out more about fostering for York at Fostering York website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scene is set for outdoor theatre at Abbey Pumping Station

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE GROUNDS of Leicester’s Abbey Pumping Station will become the setting for an open-air production of a classic 18th century comedy of manners next week.

    Sheridan’s ‘The Rivals’ will be performed by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company – whatever the weather – at 7pm on Friday 18 July.

    The play has delighted audiences for more than 250 years, featuring a cast of characters embroiled in a whirlwind plot of comic confusion, daring duels and romantic entanglement.

    Set in the spa town of Bath, this brand new adaptation combines Sheridan’s masterpiece with Rain or Shine’s fast and furious comic flair.

    Tickets for the family-friendly farce are now on sale and priced at £17.34 for adults and £8.67 for those aged 15 and under (price includes booking fee).

    Seating is not provided, so ticket holders are invited to bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed chairs for the performance.

    For full information and to book tickets, please go to leicestermuseums.org

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Ultra-wealthy and large corporations must pay their fair share’ – Plaid Cymru

    Source: Party of Wales

    Liz Saville Roberts urges UK Government to implement fairer taxation system instead of policies that disproportionately hit Wales 

    Plaid Cymru’s Westminster Leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP, has today (Monday 7 July) urged the UK Government to commit to creating a fairer taxation system whereby the ultra-wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share. 

    Ms Saville Roberts argued that implementing a wealth tax on assets over £10 million would be a fairer policy. 

    A 2% tax on assets over £10 million could raise up to £24 billion every year. 

    She also argued that the Government could clamp down on tax evasion as well as end government subsidies for oil and gas giants. 

    In addition to raising Employer National Insurance Contributions, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP, has proposed a number of cuts in her first year in office including the Winter Fuel Payment and disability benefits.  

    Liz Saville Roberts highlighted how these policies “disproportionately hit Welsh communities” but suggested alternatives in order to raise the necessary funds for the Treasury. 

     

    Speaking in the House of Commons, Liz Saville Roberts MP said: 

    “Plans to plunder disability benefits and the decision to hike National insurance are examples of policies which disproportionately hit Welsh communities. 

    “Instead, we need fair policies like a wealth tax on assets over £10 million, ending government subsidies for the oil and gas giants and clamping down on tax evasion. 

    “So when will the Government’s fiscal rules enshrine fairness where the ultra-wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share?” 

     

    In his response, the Treasury’s Chief Secretary, Darren Jones MP said: 

    “I think the Honourable Lady has missed the fact that this Government has changed the non-dom tax status – these are the wealthiest people in our country for many years – VAT on private schools and it’s more expensive now to fly a private jet than under the former Prime Minister under the Conservative Party opposite and as a consequence of the decisions the Chancellor took at the Budget last year, we’ve given the largest real terms increase in spending to Wales since devolution began and as a consequence of our reforms to the Bill coming on Wednesday we’ve increased the base rate of Universal Credit for the first time in many, many years.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour must stop glamorising relationship with Trump

    Source: Scottish Greens

    Starmer must stop copying Trump’s homework and stand up for real values.

    Labour and Keir Starmer must stop cosying up to Donald Trump and instead stand for the values of democracy and human rights, say the Scottish Greens.

    The call came from Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman, after Starmer opened up to the BBC about how he and Donald Trump bonded over “shared family values”.

    In 2023 Donald Trump was found guilty of 34 felonies after he paid $130,000 in hush money to cover up an affair with an American porn star. And he has dozens of sexual assault allegations against him dating back to the 1970’s.

    Maggie said:

    “Under Donald Trump, America is in turmoil. His administration is sending innocent people to be tortured in foreign countries, he’s just passed a bill that will strip 17 million Americans of their healthcare, he’s begun an unprecedented transfer of wealth from the poor to his billionaire supporters, and he has openly called for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza.

    “For a UK Prime Minister to sit there and talk about his shared values with this President should set off alarm bells in every institution and every voter in this country. Cosying up to a racist, misogynistic, climate-wrecking authoritarian like Donald Trump is the last thing we should be doing.

    “While values may be a flexible concept to Keir Starmer – if you don’t like his values he, opportunistically, has others – it must not be for our country. If we don’t have our values we have nothing.

    “Already Downing Street is copying Trump’s homework by pushing through drastic cuts to disability benefits in order to boost spending on of war and defence. Rather than working to overcome 14 years of Tory austerity and rebuild the country, Starmer is doubling down on the same disastrous policies that got us into the mess we’re in.

    “And Labour continues to echo the White House by refusing to end their active participation in the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. We see the death-toll mounting daily. We watch as innocent civilians are shot or blown up while waiting for food inside barbed wire enclosures. Keir Starmer can’t even bring himself to call out these atrocities, never mind end the UK’s training and arming of those perpetrating them.

    “Are these the family values he speaks of so fondly? Is this really the path we want to follow? Starmer must end this pathetic grovelling to the US President and begin standing up for real values – democracy, human rights, and a fair economy that improves living standards for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Green plans would wipe out millions in Council Tax debt

    Source: Scottish Greens

    It is time to stop the clock on cruel historical debt collection.

    Decades-old Council Tax debts worth hundreds of millions of pounds will be written off if MSPs agree to changes proposed by Scottish Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer.
     

    The proposals, tabled as amendments to the Housing Bill, would end the current situation where Council Tax debts in Scotland are chased for four times as long as other forms of debt before being written off.
     
    Data from The Telegraph published in March this year showed that almost £2 billion of Council Tax arrears have been racked up by Scottish households since the Council Tax system was introduced in 1993.
     
    This change would reduce the time limit for Council Tax arrears, at which point the debt is written off and collection efforts are stopped. The current limit for Scottish Council Tax debt is twenty years, despite English, Welsh and Northern Irish Council Tax arrears being written off after just six years.
     
    The twenty year clock also resets every time someone acknowledges or tries to pay off their debts, effectively meaning that debts are held and pursued permanently, even when there is no prospect of them being paid off.
     
    Most other forms of debt in Scotland are subject to a five year cut-off for collection efforts.
     
    If passed, this proposal would effectively cancel any Council Tax debts built up before 2020. Analysis by the Scottish Greens suggests that the move would take hundreds of millions of pounds of debt off of the shoulders of low-income and vulnerable households.
     
    It would also tackle the problem of vulnerable people not seeking help from their local council for other issues in their lives due to fear that they will be chased for debts they cannot afford to pay off.
     
    Anti-poverty campaigners including Aberlour say that current council and government debt collectors “trap families in a cycle of poverty, through seized benefits, missed payments, new loans and extortionate interest.”
     
    Ross said:

    “We need to break the decades-old cycle of poverty and debt. Scotland’s system for collecting Council tax debts is far harsher than those in the rest of the UK and that needs to end. My proposals would give relief to people who are often in no position to pay back these decades-old debts, letting them get their lives and finances back on track.

    “At the moment, the 20-year clock resets each time someone attempts to pay off or even acknowledge their debt, meaning some councils are still chasing debts from when this system started in 1993. That’s before I was even born.

    “And the fear of having bailiffs at the door means vulnerable people aren’t going to their councils for help when they really need it.

    “Council tax debt is one of the biggest drivers of Scotland’s public debt crisis, locking thousands of vulnerable people into cycles of poverty which they can’t break out of.

    “If we want to end poverty for good and make Scotland a better place to live, we have to end the systems that keep people stuck in cycles of unpayable debts. It is time to wipe out these decades-old Council Tax debts.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi stresses transforming resource-based economy, advancing Chinese modernization during Shanxi inspection tour

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

    Xi stresses transforming resource-based economy, advancing Chinese modernization during Shanxi inspection tour

    TAIYUAN, July 8 — President Xi Jinping has called on north China’s Shanxi Province to further promote the transformation and development of the resource-based economy and strive to write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

    Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Shanxi from Monday to Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China puts rookies to test at World Universiade in Germany

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

    China unveiled its 220-member delegation for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games in Germany on Tuesday with most of the athletes making their debuts at the global university students gala.

    The 120 athletes will compete in 14 sports across more than 90 disciplines. However, the team will not participate in wheelchair basketball – making its debut as an official Universiade sport – nor in fencing, water polo, or rowing.

    Among the standout athletes are 24-year-old Liang Yushuai, the men’s 68kg taekwondo bronze medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and 21-year-old Shu Heng, who won the men’s long jump gold medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in May.

    Just about 30 athletes competed in the previous edition of the Universiade, held in Chengdu in 2023. The squad has an average age of 21.9, with athletes ranging from 18 to 25 years old.

    All athletes are undergoing a 15-day training camp in preparation for the Games, which will be held from July 16 to 27 across six cities: Berlin, Hagen, Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, and Mulheim an der Ruhr.

    According to Liu Lixin, president of the China Student Sports Federation, Team China sees the event as a platform for promoting friendship and cultural exchange between Chinese youth and their peers from around the world.

    Germany, the host nation, has announced its largest-ever team for what will be the country’s most significant multi-sport event in over half a century.

    Team Germany will aim for medals in all 18 sports. Among its top athletes is 24-year-old Antonia Kinzel, a student at HS Mannheim and the defending FISU Games champion in the women’s discus.

    Also headlining the squad is Elisa Mevius, a rising star from the University of Oregon’s 3×3 basketball team. A gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Games with the German women’s squad, the 21-year-old is now eager to repeat her success on home soil.

    Russian and Belarusian students will compete as neutral athletes in line with FISU guidelines.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Child Fund – World’s poorest hit by double whammy – trade war plus a war on aid

    Source: ChildFund New Zealand

    President Trump has announced his latest tariffs after a 90 day pause, confirming an increase for 14 countries, including some of the poorest.
    Today’s announcement includes 40% tariff on goods from Myanmar and Laos, and a 36% tariff on goods from Thailand and Cambodia.
    “We are still waiting to see if he will carry through on his threat to increase tariffs on Pacific Island countries,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund.
    In April Trump announced tariffs in the Pacific, with Fiji likely to be charged the most at 32 per cent. Nauru, one of the smallest nations in the world would be hit with a 30 per cent tariff, while Vanuatu would get a 22 per cent tariff.
    The US is Fiji’s top export destination, with Fijian exports totalling $US360 million in 2023.
    Kava represents 70 per cent of Vanuatu exports, and the US is one of its primary export destinations for the local drink.
    “If Vanuatu gets lumped with a 22% tariff on top of cuts to US aid, while it is still struggling to recover from last year’s earthquake, it will be a real blow to its economy,” says Josie Pagani.
    “Being hit with a double whammy – cuts to aid budgets and a trade war – could wreak havoc on the world’s most indebted countries.”
    Low to middle-income countries’ debt levels have more than doubled since 2009 and the cost of servicing that debt has grown.
    “These tariffs make it harder for countries to trade their way out of poverty. It decreases the value of their exports, therefore reducing countries’ access to foreign currencies, which they need to pay back their external debt.”
    “There is some hope. Some developing countries will find new markets in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including New Zealand and Australian markets. There are also other development banks who can lend to poor countries, for example the European Investment Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The U.S. is not a member of either.
    “But there is no doubt that today’s tariff announcement will make it hard for countries to wean themselves off aid by increasing trade. The world is set to become a more dangerous place. The last thing we need now,” says Josie Pagani.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – Te Whatu Ora offer further devalues Māori – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora’s removal of both clauses involving Māori from their offer in collective bargaining shows not only disrespect but a spurning of their legal obligations, NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says.
    New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) has been involved in protracted talks with Te Whatu Ora for months. The new offer from Te Whatu Ora to NZNO members on 30 June failed to include Tikanga Allowance and Kaupapa Māori dispute resolution process clauses.
    “These clauses were included in the previous offer in May but have been removed without explanation in the latest offer,” Kerri Nuku says.
    “With massive Māori health needs and a huge shortage of Māori nurses this move devalues them and would further motivate them to move on to overseas countries like Australia. With cultural obligations to their community, the big picture is that this would further perpetuate gaps in health care, including Māori continue to die at a faster rate.”
    Te Whatu Ora has an obligation to Māori, starting from Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, she says.
    These obligations require Te Whatu Ora to actively protect Māori interests, ensure equitable health outcomes, and support Māori self-determination in health matters.
    “But moves such as these seem to be strategic in the systemic eradication of Māori rights by the coalition Government.”
    Kerri Nuku says two weeks before the offer from Te Whatu Ora, the Health Minister promised changes to the Healthy Futures Act ‘would also strengthen the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee (HMAC)’.
    “I strongly doubt this is what the HMAC would advise. It seems that they’re either speaking with forked tongues, or one hand does not know what the other is up to.
    “We call on the Minister to encourage Te Whatu Ora to reinstate the clauses back into the offer.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech Policy – Workers absent from government’s AI “strategy” – CTU

    Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi 

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is concerned that the artificial intelligence (AI) “strategy” document released today by the Government ignores impacts on working people and replicates the corporate hype of Microsoft and other tech giants.

    “It is crucial that no workers are left behind as AI usage increases, and so it is deeply concerning that workers are absent from the document released by the Government today,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “AI technologies do provide opportunities for improving productivity and the quality of service. But this will only happen if workers are actively engaged on the implementation and governance of these technologies.

    “Workers also need to be properly trained on how to use AI safely and productively, but the strategy released today fails to set out a coherent plan for achieving this.

    “Some workers, particularly in clerical and administrative roles, are at a high risk of being displaced by AI. We need to deliver a just transition for any workers negatively affected by AI by supporting them to retrain and find good work.

    “The strategy also skates over the very real risks that AI technologies pose for workers. This includes the severe health and safety risks associated with AI surveillance systems, productivity monitoring, and automated management.

    “The “light touch” approach proposed by the Government will do nothing to protect New Zealand workers from the serious risks posed by AI,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – NZNO welcomes Te Whatu Ora backdown on Wellington maternity services – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Te Whatu Ora’s decision to pull the plug on a trial to take beds away from Wellington Hospital’s maternity and gynaecology wards is the right decision, NZNO says.
    It was revealed yesterday that Wellington Hospital was cutting  beds from its maternity and gynaecology wards in a trial designed to make more room for patients from its overcrowded Emergency Department.
    The New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōputanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) raised concerns it would put the health care of women and their newborn babies at risk.
    NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goutler says Te Whatu Ora’s backdown is welcome.
    “This is the right thing to do. Mums and their new babies will be provided with better health care and it will improve the wellbeing of their whānau.
    “It’s good that Te Whatu Ora listened to health care workers on matters such as this. However, it still doesn’t address staffing issues for midwives and nurses,” Paul Goulter says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: PU Prime and Argentina Football Association Celebrate Official Signing Ceremony in Madrid

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MADRID, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PU Prime and the Argentina Football Association (AFA) formally commemorated their strategic partnership during a signing ceremony at the Argentina Football Academy Vallecas in Madrid.

    This significant event marked the strengthening of a long-term global collaboration between two institutions united by shared values of discipline, strategy, and precision.

    The day began with a meet-and-greet between PU Prime and AFA representatives, setting the tone for a day of collaboration and celebration. At the heart of the ceremony was the official contract signing and a ceremonial shirt exchange, symbolising the enduring partnership and mutual commitment between PU Prime and AFA. This was followed by a guided tour of the Academy’s world-class facilities, home to some of Argentina’s most promising young football talents.

    Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Daniel Bruce, Managing Director of PU Prime, shared:
    “Today, we’re here in beautiful Madrid to celebrate a partnership that brings together two forces committed to excellence — PU Prime and the Argentine Football Association.
    “The AFA is famous for building world-class talent and having a brand that is known throughout the world. This is something that PU Prime is constantly striving toward and is well on its way to achieving.
    “The partnership represents a significant step forward in the growth of our business, and we are honoured to be named alongside such a prestigious organisation.
    “Thank you to the AFA for being a part of this exciting new chapter. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership, one that pushes the boundaries of what success looks like, and drives growth for both organisations.”

    Mr. Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA, expressed his support for the partnership, stating:
    “Football is a global language, and today, we add a new voice to our story by welcoming PU Prime as a valued regional partner in the world of Argentine football. We are honoured to have this exciting partnership with a partner that shares our values of excellence, innovation, and commitment to performance. Together with PU Prime, we look forward to creating meaningful experiences that unite football supporters and celebrate the spirit of the beautiful game. PU Prime, we are proud to have you with us. Welcome to the AFA family.”

    Wrapping up the day was a live Q&A session with Mr. Javier Saviola, the legendary former Argentine footballer. Attendees had the exclusive chance to gain firsthand insights on leadership, legacy, and the value of global partnerships from one of the sport’s most admired icons.

    Mr. Javier Saviola shared his thoughts on the collaboration:
    “It’s something truly special. Representing Argentina has always been a great honor, and seeing PU Prime support the AFA means a lot to all of us. This partnership reflects the spirit of our team and helps share that passion with people all around the world.”

    This event signals the beginning of a long-term partnership between PU Prime and AFA, dedicated to inspiring, engaging, and creating enduring value across both fields.

    To read the full article, visit our PU Prime Newsroom.

    About PU Prime
    Founded in 2015, PU Prime is a leading global fintech company providing innovative online trading solutions. Today, we offer regulated financial products across various asset classes, including forex, commodities, indices, and shares. Committed to providing advanced technology and educational resources, PU Prime supports traders and investors at every stage, from beginner to professional. With a presence in over 190 countries and exceeding 40 million app downloads, PU Prime is dedicated to enabling financial success and fostering a global community of empowered traders. Discover PU Prime’s latest promotions and join us for a fruitful trading journey today.

    Chloe Lee

    media@puprime.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/653b62e2-7c2e-41c5-a9fc-d432e066560d

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Video: Focus Session – Advancing TARGET Services with DLT transactions in central bank money

    Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

    Focus Session – Advancing TARGET Services with DLT transactions in central bank money
    https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/intro/events/html/fs_20250715.en.html

    10:10
    Welcome address
    The Eurosystem launched a strategy to settle transactions recorded on distributed ledger technology (DLT) using central bank money. The initiative follows a two-track approach – Pontes and Appia – and will be built on the exploratory work on new technologies for wholesale central bank money settlement done with market participants in 2024. Learn more about how this strategy supports the wider EU policies and contributes to a harmonised and integrated European financial ecosystem.
    Dimitri Pattyn, Deputy Director General, ECB

    10:20
    Findings from the exploratory work
    The Eurosystem tested three interoperability-type solutions in 2024 together with 64 participants which conducted 50 trials and experiments, with the aim of exploring the potential use of DLT to settle wholesale financial transactions. Learn more about the results of the exploratory work and the lessons learnt.
    Holger Neuhaus, Head of Division, ECB

    10:40
    Short-term track: Pontes
    Deep dive into one of the tracks – Pontes which will provide a short-term offering to the market – including a pilot phase. It will offer euro central bank money settlement, linking market DLT platforms and TARGET Services to settle financial transactions. Learn more about the project roadmap and how you can be involved.
    George Kalogeropoulos, Deputy Head of Division, ECB

    11:10
    Long-term track: Appia
    The ECB will provide insights on its work on the long-term integrated ecosystem using DLT, the collaboration with public and private stakeholders, and the international dimension.
    Holger Neuhaus, Head of Division, ECB

    11:25
    Closing remark
    Dimitri Pattyn, Deputy Director General, ECB

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-EPSgBv4I8

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN joins ASEAN Foreign Ministers in an Interface with Representatives of AICHR

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today participated in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Interface with Representatives of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), held on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Interface saw candid exchanges between the Ministers and AICHR Representatives on human rights in the region and highlighted the important role of AICHR in supporting ASEAN’s efforts in achieving its Community Vision 2045. The AICHR representatives also submitted the AICHR Annual Report 2025 to the 58th AMM for notation.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN joins ASEAN Foreign Ministers in an Interface with Representatives of AICHR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI China: Han Kuang exercise is nothing but a bluffing and self-deceiving trick: Defense Spokesperson 2025-07-08 17:01:06 Whatever weapons the DPP authorities use, the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification will not be stopped, said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Tuesday.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, July 8 — Whatever weapons the DPP authorities use, the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification will not be stopped, said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Tuesday. 

      Jiang made those remarks when asked to comment on the Han Kuang-41 live-troop exercise to be conducted by Taiwan’s military from July 9. It is learnt the exercise will focus on such subjects as the so-called “response to gray-zone harassment”, “joint anti-landing operations” and “resilient defense on the island”. Meanwhile, many US weapons will make their debut during the exercise. 

      The spokesperson slammed that Han Kuang exercise is nothing but a bluffing and self-deceiving trick played by the DPP authorities to hijack Taiwan compatriots on-board its “Taiwan Independence” war chariot, and the DPP authorities are harming Taiwan out of its selfish interests. 

      “We solemnly warn the DPP authorities that seeking ‘independence by force’ is a dead end. Whatever subjects they drill and whatever weapons they use, the PLA’s resolute countermeasures against ‘Taiwan Independence’ will not be deterred, nor will the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification be stopped.” Jiang stressed.

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    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Enhancement Arrangements for Offshore RMB Bond Repurchase Business announced by HKMA

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (July 8) enhancements to the offshore RMB bond repurchase (repo) business (Note 1), to facilitate the participation of Northbound Bond Connect investors in repo business. In particular, the enhancements include:

    1. Supporting the rehypothecation of bond collaterals during the repo period (Note 2):

    The offshore RMB repo business has been well received by the market since its official launch on February 10, 2025. In this initial phase, the bond collaterals acquired by participating institutions are locked and managed by the Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU) platform and cannot be re-used during the repo period. In consultation with relevant Mainland authorities and taking into account industry feedback, we will allow rehypothecation of bond collateral during the repo period, bringing this into alignment with international market practice. The enhancement will facilitate more efficient use of collaterals, reduce the financing costs for market participants, and enhance the efficiency of liquidity management.

    In particular, bond collaterals can be re-used during the repo period in four specific use cases: a) for re-use in offshore repo transactions; b) as collateral for the HKMA’s RMB Liquidity Facility; c) as margin collateral at OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited (OTCC); and d) for cash bond trading through Northbound Bond Connect. Participating institutions shall follow relevant policies and operational rules for the respective use cases when re-using the collateral (for instance, if the collateral is re-used in a new offshore repo transaction during the repo period, the participating institution should follow the latest arrangements of offshore RMB repo business as set out further below).

    2. Supporting cross-currency repo (including HKD, USD and EUR):

    At present, offshore RMB repo can only be settled in RMB. With the enhancement, settlement in other currencies (including HKD, USD and EUR) will be supported, with a view to facilitating participating institutions’ multi-currency funding activities by collateralising onshore RMB bond holdings, enriching their liquidity management tools, and hence increasing the attractiveness of onshore bonds.

    These two enhancement measures aim to adopt international market best practices and enhance operational efficiency. They will further expand the depth and breadth of the offshore repo market, improve the market-based mechanism for offshore RMB liquidity management, and broaden the use of onshore RMB bonds as collateral in the offshore market.

    The above arrangements will be officially launched on August 25, 2025.

    Latest Arrangements of Offshore RMB Repo Business

    To facilitate the smooth implementation of the enhancement measures, the latest arrangements for offshore RMB repo transactions (including repo transactions conducted using bond collateral acquired through a repo transaction) are set out as follows:

    1. Participating Institutions:

    All existing Northbound Bond Connect investors, including CMU members and offshore investors with CMU sub-accounts opened through Hong Kong custodian banks that are CMU members.

    2. Eligible Bonds:

    Bonds held by participating institutions under Northbound Bond Connect, and bond collaterals acquired through offshore repo transactions, regardless of bond type.

    3. Market Maker Arrangement:

    The 11 Primary Liquidity Providers designated by the HKMA (Note 3) will serve as market makers. Each repo transaction must involve at least one of these market makers as a counterparty.

    4. Transaction and Settlement Arrangements:

    (a) Master Agreement: Participants may choose their own repo agreement template (e.g., Global Master Repurchase Agreement (GMRA) or National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors (NAFMII)’s Bond Repurchase Master Agreement, etc.).

    (b) Trading Arrangement: Transactions may be conducted:
     

    1. bilaterally over-the-counter;
    2. in the same manner as existing Northbound Bond Connect transactions, and via the linkage between the infrastructures in the onshore and offshore markets;
    3. through offshore electronic trading platforms; or
    4. through onshore electronic trading platform.

    (c) Settlement Arrangement: Settlement will be completed under the Repo Service by CMU. Settlement currencies include RMB, HKD, USD and EUR.

    5. Data Reporting:

    Market makers are required to report repo transaction data (Note 4) to the HKMA on the same day of the transaction for market monitoring purpose. The HKMA will further communicate with the market makers to finalise the reporting requirements and submission channels.

    The operational details for bond transfer and settlement will be announced by CMU separately. The HKMA will continue to closely monitor market conditions to ensure orderly market operations. The HKMA will also maintain communication with the industry and review and adjust the arrangements as appropriate to support the robust and sustainable development of offshore RMB business.

    Note 1: The HKMA announced the launch of offshore RMB bond repo business on January 13, 2025 (please refer to the HKMA press release). This measure was implemented on February 10, 2025.

    Note 2: Operational details will be announced by CMU later. Currently, the rehypothecation of bond collateral is only applicable to repo transactions settled in the Delivery versus Payment model. The timeline for CMU’s tri-party repo service to support the rehypothecation of bond collateral will be notified separately in due course.

    Note 3: Including 1) Agricultural Bank of China Limited, 2) Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, 3) Bank of Communications Co., Ltd., 4) BNP Paribas, 5) China CITIC Bank International Limited, 6) China Construction Bank (Asia) Corporation Limited, 7) Citibank, N.A., 8) Hang Seng Bank Limited, 9) The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, 10) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited and 11) Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.

    Note 4: The specific information to be reported includes: names of the trading institutions (including both the repo party and the reverse repo party), total amount of funds borrowed by the repo party, bond name, bond code, repo term, total face value, repo rate, transaction/first settlement date, settlement amount, trading platform/means, default-related information etc.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Agenda of tomorrow’s LegCo meeting revised

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat: 

         The agenda of the Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting, scheduled for tomorrow (July 9) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex, has been revised.

         The Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debate on the Bill will be adjourned.

         For the latest agenda items of tomorrow’s LegCo meeting, please refer to the LegCo Website: www.legco.gov.hk/yr2025/english/counmtg/agenda/cm20250709.htm.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile Partners with HashNut to Advance Stablecoin Adoption for Web3 Payments and Broader Use Cases

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced a strategic partnership with HashNut, a leading crypto payment solution provider. This collaboration will drive the adoption of stablecoins for Web3 payments and digital applications, advancing the global circulation and commercialization of digital assets.

    Aurora Mobile has already begun integrating HashNut’s Web3 payment system into several products targeting Southeast Asia and global markets. This move will enable annual stablecoin settlement volumes – including USDT and USDC – to reach several million US dollars. Leveraging HashNut’s technological expertise in on-chain fund management and smart contract payments, Aurora Mobile will significantly improve digital payment experiences in overseas markets, optimizing capital turnover efficiency.

    Going forward, the partnership will extend beyond Aurora Mobile’s current ecosystem with both companies planning to co-develop stablecoin payment solutions designed to provide compliant, secure, and efficient digital payment and clearing infrastructure for overseas clients and Chinese companies expanding globally. These solutions will be applied to cross-border advertising, digital content distribution, in-app economies, and SaaS subscriptions, helping advance the large-scale adoption of digital assets in emerging markets.

    Both companies will use Hong Kong as a strategic hub and its forward looking global digital finance and stablecoin regulatory frameworks to collaborate with licensed stablecoin projects and local financial clearing networks. Together, they will develop a more transparent, secure, and compliant system for fund flows, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global financial center and innovation hub for digital assets.

    Mr. Weidong Luo, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Aurora Mobile, commented, “HashNut’s technical capabilities in transparent on-chain payments and smart contract custody empower us to deliver a highly competitive digital payment experience to global customers. We will work closely going forward to develop open and accessible stablecoin solutions, enabling more Chinese businesses to expand globally and helping overseas clients thrive in the digital economy.”

    HashNut’s CEO and Founder, Mr. Edward Du, stated, “Aurora Mobile’s robust presence in the global developer ecosystem, big data, and enterprise service markets uniquely positions it to advance stablecoin payment adoption. This strategic partnership will enhance Aurora Mobile’s products and provide next-generation stablecoin infrastructure for clients globally.”

    Aurora Mobile and HashNut are committed to expanding their partnership across more regions and markets. Together, they will drive the compliance and standardization of stablecoins and decentralized payments in Web3 applications, creating greater value for companies and users globally.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited
    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China
    Ms. Xiaoyan Su
    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

    In US
    Ms. Linda Bergkamp
    Phone: +1-480-614-3004
    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile Partners with HashNut to Advance Stablecoin Adoption for Web3 Payments and Broader Use Cases

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced a strategic partnership with HashNut, a leading crypto payment solution provider. This collaboration will drive the adoption of stablecoins for Web3 payments and digital applications, advancing the global circulation and commercialization of digital assets.

    Aurora Mobile has already begun integrating HashNut’s Web3 payment system into several products targeting Southeast Asia and global markets. This move will enable annual stablecoin settlement volumes – including USDT and USDC – to reach several million US dollars. Leveraging HashNut’s technological expertise in on-chain fund management and smart contract payments, Aurora Mobile will significantly improve digital payment experiences in overseas markets, optimizing capital turnover efficiency.

    Going forward, the partnership will extend beyond Aurora Mobile’s current ecosystem with both companies planning to co-develop stablecoin payment solutions designed to provide compliant, secure, and efficient digital payment and clearing infrastructure for overseas clients and Chinese companies expanding globally. These solutions will be applied to cross-border advertising, digital content distribution, in-app economies, and SaaS subscriptions, helping advance the large-scale adoption of digital assets in emerging markets.

    Both companies will use Hong Kong as a strategic hub and its forward looking global digital finance and stablecoin regulatory frameworks to collaborate with licensed stablecoin projects and local financial clearing networks. Together, they will develop a more transparent, secure, and compliant system for fund flows, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global financial center and innovation hub for digital assets.

    Mr. Weidong Luo, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Aurora Mobile, commented, “HashNut’s technical capabilities in transparent on-chain payments and smart contract custody empower us to deliver a highly competitive digital payment experience to global customers. We will work closely going forward to develop open and accessible stablecoin solutions, enabling more Chinese businesses to expand globally and helping overseas clients thrive in the digital economy.”

    HashNut’s CEO and Founder, Mr. Edward Du, stated, “Aurora Mobile’s robust presence in the global developer ecosystem, big data, and enterprise service markets uniquely positions it to advance stablecoin payment adoption. This strategic partnership will enhance Aurora Mobile’s products and provide next-generation stablecoin infrastructure for clients globally.”

    Aurora Mobile and HashNut are committed to expanding their partnership across more regions and markets. Together, they will drive the compliance and standardization of stablecoins and decentralized payments in Web3 applications, creating greater value for companies and users globally.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited
    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China
    Ms. Xiaoyan Su
    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

    In US
    Ms. Linda Bergkamp
    Phone: +1-480-614-3004
    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network

  • Bihar govt approves 35 percent job quota for women, sets up Youth Commission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government on Tuesday approved 35 percent reservation in all state government jobs for women who are permanent residents of the state.

    The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, which also cleared 43 other key proposals.

    “Only women native to the state will be eligible for 35 percent horizontal reservation in direct recruitment across all government service cadres in Bihar,” said Chief Secretary S. Siddharth at a press briefing following the meeting.

    The cabinet also approved the formation of the Bihar Youth Commission, aimed at empowering the state’s youth and expanding their access to employment and skill development.

    Announcing the decision on X, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said: “I am happy to inform you that with the goal of providing maximum employment opportunities to Bihar’s youth, training them, and making them self-reliant and capable, the state government has decided to form the Bihar Youth Commission. This has also been approved by the cabinet today.”

    The commission will serve as an advisory body to the state government on all matters related to youth development. It will coordinate with various departments to enhance access to education, skill training, and employment opportunities.

    The commission will include one chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, and seven members.

    “The commission will monitor that local youth of the state are given priority in private sector jobs within Bihar, while also protecting the interests of those studying and working outside the state,” Kumar said.

    A key focus of the commission will be addressing social challenges, including the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse among youth. It will regularly submit recommendations to the government on such challenges as part of its broader mandate.

    Describing the initiative as “visionary,” Kumar said the objective is to make Bihar’s youth skilled, self-sufficient, and employment-ready, thereby ensuring a secure future.

  • With 8% of world’s reserves, India poised to play key role in rare earth elements supply chain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India holds 8 per cent of the world’s rare earth element reserves, which gives it the potential of playing a key role in the gradually evolving global supply landscape as China’s current dominance is projected to decline, according to a CareEdge report released on Tuesday.

    While China currently plays a leading role in both mining and refining, its projected share is expected to decrease from 69 per cent to 51 per cent in mining and from 90 per cent to 76 per cent in refining by 2030, as per the International Energy Agency.

    This trend reflects a broader international effort to develop more balanced and resilient supply chains.

    Despite India’s huge reserves, the country contributes less than 1 per cent of global Rare Earth Element (REE) mining, which prompted the Government to launch the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to build India’s self-reliance in the mineral sector.

    India has recognised 130 deposits as of the 2023 Indian Minerals Yearbook, of which the coastal states have the most rare earth deposits, namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The recent curbs by China on REE exports have made Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), a central government undertaking, consider reducing its exports to save rare earths in the home country and expand domestic processing, the CareEdge report pointed out.

    The importance of REEs extends across a range of sectors, particularly in areas such as clean energy technologies, the automotive sector, and defence systems. For nations with high-tech defence and infrastructure programs, consistent access to REEs is essential to avoid potential disruptions that could lead to cost overruns or delayed deployment timelines, the report states.

    In the near term, however, global reliance on the existing dominant supply source is likely to persist. Despite increasing investments in exploration in mining and processing around the world, alternative supply chains have not yet reached the scale or consistency required to substantially displace current sourcing patterns, it further states,

    The pace at which these alternative supply networks develop will be essential. Increasing investment, simplifying permitting procedures, and encouraging international cooperation are key to lowering concentration risks. As these initiatives gain momentum, the global REE landscape is expected to become more diverse and resilient, enabling critical sectors to remain well-supported amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions, the report further states.

    It also pointed out that since 2020, the US Department of Defence has invested more than $439 million to establish domestic rare earth element supply chains. However, refining remains a major hurdle, as much of the ore extracted in the US is currently shipped to China for refining.

    With China repeatedly capitalising on the supply of rare earth elements to gain leverage in its trade war with the US, the latter is forging partnerships with other countries to reduce its dependency on China.

    (IANS)

  • ‘No palm oil’ label is misleading marketing tactic, says IFBA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA) has termed the growing trend of “No Palm Oil” labels on consumer products as misleading and described it as a marketing gimmick rather than a scientifically backed health claim.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association expressed concern that selective branding tactics were creating confusion among consumers, despite palm oil being widely used and consumed in India since the 19th century.

    “Palm oil has a recognised role in a healthy and balanced diet. Despite this, labels such as ‘No Palm Oil’ mislead consumers by prioritising marketing over science,” said Deepak Jolly, Chairperson of the IFBA, citing the Ministry of Health’s dietary guidelines.

    The association pointed out that palm oil is among the most affordable and versatile edible oils, used extensively by leading global brands due to its long shelf life and nutritional stability.

    It also cautioned that the rise of such labelling practices is encouraging consumers to make food choices based on social media trends rather than verified scientific evidence. “These narratives distract from the importance of overall nutritional balance and can undermine India’s efforts towards self-reliance, ultimately harming farmers, producers, consumers and the national economy,” Jolly said.

    India consumes about 26 million tonnes of edible oil every year, of which nearly 9 million tonnes is palm oil.

    Shilpa Agrawal, Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at IFBA, noted that the Dietary Guidelines for Indians–2024, released by the ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition, recognise the role of tocotrienols found in palm oil in lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health. The guidelines recommend a rotation of edible oils, including palm oil, to maintain a balanced fatty acid profile, she added.

    The association also lauded the government’s National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹11,040 crore, which aims to expand oil palm cultivation and reduce India’s dependence on edible oil imports.

    “Consumers should be cautious of influencers who exaggerate claims without understanding nutrition science. Marketing tactics such as ‘Palm Oil Free’ labels are no substitute for balanced dietary advice,” the IFBA said.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKAEA launches International Fellowships Scheme for fusion

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UKAEA launches International Fellowships Scheme for fusion

    UKAEA has launched the International Fellowships Scheme to help expand the global talent pool supporting the fusion industry.

    Remote Handling Control Room at UKAEA’s Culham Campus – Image Credit: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

    • UKAEA to fund UK-based post-doctoral Fellows in fusion research
    • First collaboration established with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University
    • Partnership marks a major step forward in advancing global collaboration in fusion research and talent development

    The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has launched the International Fellowships Scheme, an initiative to help expand the global talent pool supporting the fusion industry.

    The Scheme is part of the UKAEA’s Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) Programme, which aims to train, support, and empower the next generation of professionals, who will help deliver fusion power to the grid.

    The first International Fellowships Scheme partner is Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), which is ranked among the world’s top 15 universities by the QS World University Rankings.

    The scheme is designed to create high-impact post-doctoral research opportunities through collaborations between UK-based and international institutions. Under this initiative, Fellows will be recruited in complementary pairs, with one Fellow employed and primarily based in the UK, and the other employed and primarily based overseas. Working together in areas of shared interest to help build scientific knowledge across borders and solve key fusion challenges.

    NTU is building on the pilot phase of the scheme and has begun recruiting its first Fellows.

    Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills Operation and Delivery at UKAEA, said:

    As a sector, we have recognised the need to develop the next generation of research leaders for fusion and have launched a programme of international fellowships for post-doctoral candidates to do just this. I’m excited that the first of these exciting opportunities is in collaboration with NTU, which shares our passion and drive, and I look forward to seeing our respective Fellows undertake their exchange programme in coming years.

    Professor Simon Redfern, Dean of the College of Science, NTU Singapore said:

    We are delighted to partner with the UK Atomic Energy Authority on the FOSTER International Fellowships Programme, which aligns with our commitment to advancing frontier research and nurturing global scientific talent in fusion energy. In recent years, our scientists have enjoyed a number of beneficial collaborations with international partners to pioneer innovative approaches in fusion science and decarbonisation. FOSTER marks an important next step.

    This new partnership with UKAEA will further strengthen cross-border research, enhance institutional capabilities, and accelerate our shared ambition to realise clean, sustainable energy through fusion. It also builds on longstanding ties between NTU researchers and their counterparts in the UK, and ensures that this spirit of collaboration continues to grow across future generations of scientists.

    Each fellowship will run for two years and include a minimum of 12 weeks of exchange between host institutions, enabling cross-cultural research experience and skill development. UKAEA will support the UK-based Fellow while the international partner institution will support the internationally employed Fellow.

    Part of the Fusion Futures Programme, FOSTER supports 32 projects with a vision to build a fusion skills ecosystem – with international reach – that can train, develop, and grow the fusion generation who will deliver fusion energy to the grid.

    FOSTER works with likeminded organisations committed to advancing the landscape of fusion science and technology through post-doctoral research opportunities.

    The first cohort of the International Fellowships Scheme with NTU is expected to start in Autumn 2025.

    More information about FOSTER and UKAEA’s International Fellowships Scheme can be found online.

    International organisations interested in pursuing a fellowship, either with UKAEA or another UK-based organisation, or if you have any further questions, please email fusionskills@ukaea.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ban on controversial NDAs silencing abuse

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ban on controversial NDAs silencing abuse

    The Employment Rights Bill will ban employers from using non-disclosure agreements that silence workplace harassment and abuse.

    • Non-disclosure agreements used by employers to silence employees subjected to harassment and abuse to be banned.
    • Move to protect workers and stop victims from suffering in silence tabled as an amendment to landmark Employment Rights Bill.
    • Welcomed by campaigners, this change is part of wider measures included in the Bill to back workers as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Employees who are subject to harassment or discrimination will no longer be silenced by controversial non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), as part of amendments to the Employment Rights Bill.

    Changes set to be introduced to the Bill, which is due to return to the Lords next week, will void NDAs used by employers against employees who have been subjected to harassment, including sexual harassment or discrimination in the workplace – no longer forcing them to suffer in silence.   

    The move will also mean that witnesses to this abhorrent behaviour can call it out and publicly support victims without the threat of being sued.   

    Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:  

    We have heard the calls from victims of harassment and discrimination to end the misuse of NDAs.

    It is time we stamped this practice out – and this government is taking action to make that happen.

    The Employment Rights Bill will ban any NDA used for this purpose, so that no one is forced to suffer in silence.

    Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said: 

    The misuse of NDAs to silence victims or harassment or discrimination is an appalling practice that this government has been determined to end.

    These amendments will give millions of workers confidence that inappropriate behaviour in the workplace will be dealt with, not hidden, allowing them to get on with building a prosperous and successful career.

    NDAs is a catch-all term to describe any agreement containing confidentiality or non-disparagement clauses or used to describe those clauses themselves. These contracts or clauses restrict what a signatory can say, or who they can tell, about something.   

    Their original purpose was to protect intellectual property or other commercial or sensitive information, but reports have shown they have become commonly used to prevent people speaking out about horrific experiences in the workplace.   

    There have been many high-profile cases of NDAs being used to prevent victims from speaking about crimes, often forcing women and vulnerable individuals to feel stuck in unwanted situations, through fear or desperation.  

    If passed, these rules will mean that any confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements or other agreements that seek to prevent a worker speaking about an allegation of harassment or discrimination will be null and void. This will allow victims to speak freely about their experiences and their employer able to support them publicly.  

    Campaign group Can’t Buy My Silence, spearheaded by Zelda Perkins, former PA to Harvey Weinstein, has led the charge in calling for this change, alongside MPs such as Louise Haigh and Sarah Russell.  

    Zelda Perkins, Founder of the campaign Can’t Buy My Silence UK, said:

    This is a huge milestone, for years, we’ve heard empty promises from governments whilst victims have continued to be silenced, to see this Government accept the need for nationwide legal change shows that they have listened and understood the abuse of power taking place.

    Above all though, this victory belongs to the people who broke their NDAs, who risked everything to speak the truth when they were told they couldn’t. Without their courage, none of this would be happening.

    This is not over yet and we will continue to focus closely on this to ensure the regulations are watertight and no one can be forced into silence again. If what is promised at this stage becomes reality, then the UK will be leading the world in protecting not only workers but the integrity of the law.

    The amendments being tabled today will add to the measures already in place in the Employment Rights Bill – landmark legislation introduced as part of the government’s Plan for Change – ensuring workers’ rights are fair and fit for a modern economy, while tackling the low pay and poor working conditions still facing people up and down the country.   

    ENDS 

    Note to editors:

    • This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation—backed by business and public support. For too long, the UK has lagged behind other advanced economies in modernising employment protections. That’s why we’re banning exploitative zero-hours contracts, ending fire and rehire, introducing day-one rights to sick pay and parental leave, and extending bereavement leave to those facing pregnancy loss through this legislation. These reforms boost job security and wellbeing, which in turn drives productivity and economic growth—the top priority in our Plan for Change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom