NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI: Edge Total Intelligence to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Edge Total Intelligence Inc. (“edgeTI”, “Company”) (TSXV: CTRL) (OTCQB: UNFYF) (FSE: Q5i), based in DC Metro Area, focused on real-time digital twin software, today announced that Jim Barrett, CEO of edgeTI™, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 6th, 2025

    DATE: February 6th
    TIME: 12:30PM EST
    LINK: https://bit.ly/3PZaKOG
    Available for 1×1 meetings: February 7th and afternoon February 10 and 11th

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Recent Company Highlights

    About edgeTI

    edgeTI helps customers sustain situational awareness and accelerate action with its real-time digital operations software, edgeCore™ that unites multiple software applications and data sources into one immersive experience called a Digital Twin. Global enterprises, service providers, and governments are more profitable when insight and action are united to deliver fluid journeys via the platform’s low-code development capability and composable operations. With edgeCore, customers can improve their margins and agility by rapidly transforming siloed systems and data across continuously evolving situations in business, technology, and cross-domain operations — helping them achieve the impossible.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    edgeTI
    Nick Brigman
    Analyst and Press Relations
    Phone: 888-771-3343
    Email: ir@edgeti.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Just Stop Oil’s protest during The Tempest is an extension of theatre’s radical tradition

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Cutler-Colclough, Lecturer in Theatre and Performance, University of Reading

    The theatre has long staged and debated society’s most pressing concerns. But when protest moves beyond the script and into the theatre itself, the reaction can shift from applause to confusion, and even outrage.

    Such was the case last week, when a Just Stop Oil demonstration interrupted a performance of The Tempest at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Actor Sigourney Weaver sat aghast as protesters walked on stage and fired a confetti cannon, holding placards and announcing politely: “We’ll have to stop the show, ladies and gentlemen, sorry.”

    Audience-members can be heard both booing and cheering in footage of the moment. But despite the shock of the crowd and actors, protest at the theatre has a long history.

    The moment Just Stop Oil protestors invaded the stage during a performance of The Tempest.

    Rather than interlopers like Just Stop Oil, these protests have often come from theatregoers themselves. In 1809, for example, riots erupted when the new theatre at Covent Garden in London raised its ticket prices, making theatre less accessible to working-class patrons.

    For over two months, theatregoers disrupted performances with whistles, horns and placards, ultimately forcing a reversal of the price hikes. The message was clear: the theatre belonged to the people, not just the elite.

    In more recent history, the feminist play The Vagina Monologues, has been the subject of protest and the vehicle for it in almost equal measure. Various groups have stood against its empowerment of women, and others have used it to fight for the very same thing.

    And in 2004, the play Behzti (Dishonour) was shut down after just two days of performances at Birmingham Rep, following violent protests by members of the Sikh community.

    The play, which depicted sexual abuse and murder inside a Sikh place of worship, sparked fierce opposition, with critics arguing it was deeply offensive to their faith. While the theatre was intended as a space for difficult conversations, protesters saw it as a site that needed to be defended from perceived harm.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Political theatre

    Protest is not only something that happens at the theatre but an integral part of the art-form itself. Performance holds a mirror to society and asks us to look at ourselves.

    As a result, political theatre has long shaped public discourse in England. Agitprop, for example, a highly politicised theatre movement that originated in 1920s Europe and aimed to educate and mobilise audiences.

    More recently in 2018, participatory London theatre company Coney staged an intervention with their youth arm, Young Coneys at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) annual dinner, blurring the line between activism and performance.

    In a production called Codename Violet, young performers took on the role of activist agitators, posing as “very junior doctors”, informing guests of the health impact of diesel emission air pollution. “Is your event more important than a man’s life?” asked an actor calling out the industry’s role in the climate crisis.

    Like the Just Stop Oil’s action at The Tempest, this protest captured attention. Yet, while political theatre is often praised for its boldness, real-world disruptions are usually met with hostility.

    Perhaps the key difference is control. Audiences willingly engage with radical ideas when framed within a performance, but an uninvited protest strips them of choice. This is likely where the bewilderment arises over Just Stop Oil’s recent intervention. While theatre remains a space for political engagement, many still see it as a controlled environment, where the audience decides when and how to confront difficult and complicated truths.

    The tension between theatre as protest and protest at the theatre reveals an ongoing struggle over who gets to dictate the terms of political discourse.

    As long as theatre remains a mirror to society, the stage – and the spaces around it – will continue to be contested. Whether we see protest at the theatre as an intrusion or an extension of its radical tradition may depend on how willing we are to let performance spill into real life.

    Gemma Cutler-Colclough does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Just Stop Oil’s protest during The Tempest is an extension of theatre’s radical tradition – https://theconversation.com/just-stop-oils-protest-during-the-tempest-is-an-extension-of-theatres-radical-tradition-248688

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the ‘year of the wood snake’ could play out for China’s economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Karen Jackson, Reader in Economics, University of Westminster

    Rimma Bondarenko/Shutterstock

    Chinese people around the world have just celebrated lunar new year, which this year has run from January 28 to February 4. It is the biggest festival of the year in China, signalling the start of spring, and this is the year of the wood snake. According to Chinese astrology, the characteristics of the snake – renewal, potential, opportunity and wisdom – will affect the year ahead.

    As we start the new lunar year, it feels like a good time to look ahead to look at the prospects for the Chinese economy through the prism of these characteristics.

    Renewal of traditional economic drivers

    China dominates global manufacturing – its manufacturing production is as large as the next seven largest competitors combined. This has earned China the title of the world’s manufacturing superpower – but it has come at a cost. The latest data shows that China is among the top 20 most polluted countries across the world.

    Therefore, it’s likely that over the next 12 months, there will be a continued drive towards the renewal, or upgrading, of traditional industrial sectors that have historically driven growth in China but are also heavy polluters.

    This is part of a broader push by China to improve its climate footprint and reduce emissions. These are goals outlined in the national climate action plan, referred to by the Paris climate agreement as the nationally determined contributions.

    Potential for a surge into AI

    China has identified the potential for adopting AI, robotics and 3D printing in transforming its manufacturing base. Meanwhile, the country’s next generation AI development plan sets out clear objectives to make AI the main driver of Chinese economic change and industrial development. Expect to see more progress towards this goal in 2025.

    China’s machine-learning sector has experienced considerable growth, and is predicted to grow by an average of 34.8% a year over the next five years. While the US is the major competitor and commands the largest market size, the recent release of the R1 chatbot by DeepSeek has created a stir.

    DeepSeek claims to have developed its latest R1 model at a cost of around US$6 million (£4.8 million), which is considerably less than its US competitors such as Open AI’s ChatGPT-4, which is reported to have cost more than US$100 million. It’s an indication of the strength of innovation which underlines the potential growth of China’s AI sector, and is likely to help narrow the gap with the US.

    Opportunities for foreign investment

    In addition to upgrading traditional industries, we can expect to see opportunities around new areas of growth in advanced technology sectors such as fintech and green tech. China will continue shifting its focus to industries in which its firms can add lots of value, such as in technology-related manufacturing.

    Major investment is needed to fund these industries and two major changes have occurred in recent months, recognising that this cannot come only from domestic sources.

    First, the changes to China’s A-share market, which went into effect in December 2024, will make it easier for a wider range of overseas investors to enter. For example, smaller amounts of capital are required, and foreign capital can now come from unlisted companies.

    Second, in November 2024, China opened up its manufacturing sector to foreign capital by removing all access restrictions.

    Over the next year, we can expect to see these changes increase the amount of foreign capital in China, and help realise these new areas of growth.

    The wisdom of opening up

    China continues to see the wisdom of opening its economy in terms of investment – and therefore that it is critically important to remain well-connected to the rest of the world.

    The geopolitical tensions with the US are a challenge: the US president, Donald Trump, has said he will impose tariffs of 10% on imports from China. But on a more positive note, breaking protocol last month, Chinese vice-president Han Zheng was invited to, and attended, Trump’s inauguration ceremony.

    It’s an indication of the current US administration’s view of the importance of America’s relationship with China.

    The year ahead is also likely to bring opportunities for the UK to continue its efforts to reset its relationship with China. During the recent visit to Beijing by the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, there was a discussion of a “stable and balanced UK-China relationship”.

    Few expect, or desire, a return to the “golden era” rhetoric of the likes of former UK chancellor George Osborne, who in a speech at the Shanghai Stock Exchange in September 2015 called for Britain and China to work together to ensure mutual prosperity: “Let’s stick together to make Britain China’s best partner in the west. Let’s stick together and create a golden decade for both of our countries.”

    However, greater dialogue with China may be possible, while at the same time carefully managing the UK’s relationship with the new US administration.

    China watchers will be keeping their eyes peeled for other economic developments over the year ahead – for example, the progress of Chinese fiscal reforms and their impact on local and regional finances and income distribution. Also, there is the matter of the real estate market. After significant falls in housing sales and investment during 2024, house prices are showing signs of stabilising.

    China’s economy will face challenges in the year ahead. But there are also some clear opportunities for this manufacturing giant, particularly in the tech sector as it starts to narrow the gap with the US.

    Karen Jackson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How the ‘year of the wood snake’ could play out for China’s economy – https://theconversation.com/how-the-year-of-the-wood-snake-could-play-out-for-chinas-economy-248779

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: DRC rebels take eastern city of Goma – why it matters and what could happen next

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dale Pankhurst, PhD Candidate, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics, Queen’s University Belfast

    In a major escalation in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rebels from the March 23 Movement – or M23 – have seized Goma, the capital city of North Kivu province. At least 773 people have been killed there since the M23 claimed to have won control on January 27, while rebels have also seized several other towns in North Kivu including Sake and Minova.

    The rebels are now reportedly advancing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. And Corneille Nangaa, who leads a rebel alliance of which M23 is the largest member, has vowed to march on the DRC’s capital in Kinshasa. Located 1,000 miles west of Goma, the capture of Kinshasa is unlikely. But the conflict still looks set to spread deeper into the DRC.

    The speed of the M23 advance has taken many by surprise. The rebels captured Goma, a city of 2 million people, within just three days. But the conflict between the DRC and the M23, which takes its name from the 2009 date on which a deal was reached to end a revolt by members of the ethnic Tutsi group, has been grinding on intermittently for years.

    Beginning in April 2012, when the M23 was formally created, the conflict has its roots in the same deep ethnic divisions that led to the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Following the genocide, where radical ethnic Hutus killed roughly 800,000 minority Tutsis, many Hutu extremists fled over the border into the DRC and settled in areas including North Kivu.

    The M23 seeks to act as a self-defence force for Congolese Tutsis against discrimination both by the DRC and non-state actors. This includes targeting by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a Hutu-dominated rebel group that seeks to overthrow the Rwandan government. The group has in the past committed egregious acts of violence against civilians in North Kivu, including mass killings and sexual violence.

    The M23 rebel group seized the city of Goma on January 27.
    The Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute

    The seizure of Goma is crucial for several reasons. First, it means that a sizeable and strategically important border province of the DRC is now in rebel hands. North Kivu is an active volcanic region that is rich in various minerals such as coltan, which is used in electronic equipment and the aerospace industry.

    In May 2024 the M23 seized Rubaya, a key mining town that produces 15% of the world’s coltan. Since then, the group has generated considerable income from controlling mineral production and trade. Indeed, the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime labels the agendas of armed groups in the eastern DRC as “profit-driven”.

    Second, the capture of Goma has exacerbated inter-state tension between the DRC and Rwanda, raising the prospect of another inter-state war. News of the prized seizure came hours after the DRC’s foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwandan troops of invading Congolese territory.

    A UN report from 2013 found that Rwanda not only supports the M23 group, but actively commands its troops. UN experts now estimate that there are up to 4,000 Rwandan troops fighting alongside the M23 in the DRC. Rwanda has denied backing the M23 despite ample evidence to the contrary.

    The Congolese government says Rwanda’s involvement is part of a ploy to exploit North Kivu’s vast mineral resources. In a report from December 2024, a panel of UN experts wrote that “fraudulent [mineral] extraction, trade and export to Rwanda” benefited both the M23 “and the Rwandan economy”. According to the Rwandan government’s own figures, the country exports far more gold than it mines.

    And third, the escalating conflict will deepen an already grave humanitarian crisis in the region. In March 2024, the UN reported that the number of internally displaced people in the DRC had reached 7.2 million – one of the largest such crises in the world. It is estimated that over 6 million civilians in the east of the DRC are now facing high levels of food insecurity.

    What next

    The DRC and Rwandan governments have already gone to war on two previous occasions, once in 1996 and then again in 1998 in what turned into a more protracted five-year conflict. The first war was triggered by Rwanda’s invasion of the DRC to target anti-Rwandan rebel groups seeking refuge there. The war soon drew in other states and became known as Africa’s first world war. Since 1996, conflict in the eastern DRC has killed approximately 6 million people.

    Yet despite this increased tension, there are hopes that a diplomatic solution can be reached. In the past, warring factions in the eastern DRC have agreed to temporary ceasefires following intensive mediation by international institutions such as the East African Community and the African Union, as well as neighbouring countries like Angola.

    However, previous ceasefires have also been violated by both sides. And the stakes are arguably higher this time, with the DRC losing further territory and control over strategic cities to the rebels.

    The Congolese government may be reluctant to accept peace conditions until it regains control over lost portions of territory. Indeed, the Congolese president, Félix Tshisekedi, has already snubbed prospective peace talks to establish a ceasefire.

    Western powers hold key leverage, and may be able to subdue the M23 insurgency. France has given its backing to the DRC government and has warned of the catastrophic humanitarian consequences should the situation deteriorate further.

    The US and other major powers like the UK have also withdrawn state funding for Rwanda in the past over its support for the M23 insurgency. In 2013, for example, cuts to foreign aid forced Rwanda to scale back its support for the rebels, both through reduced military training and supply runs. The UK government has threatened to withdraw funding to Rwanda again following the M23’s capture of Goma.

    Belgium, on the other hand, is leading calls for the EU to suspend a controversial minerals deal with Rwanda that boosts the bloc’s access to several elements in exchange for funding to help Kigali develop its mineral extraction infrastructure. When the deal was signed in 2024, Tshisekedi described it as “a provocation in very bad taste”.

    In any case, a ceasefire between the DRC and the M23 is not enough. What is needed is a long-term, durable solution that addresses the root causes and fears that are driving the armed conflict.

    Dale Pankhurst does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. DRC rebels take eastern city of Goma – why it matters and what could happen next – https://theconversation.com/drc-rebels-take-eastern-city-of-goma-why-it-matters-and-what-could-happen-next-248393

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Guilty pleas secured from illegal waste site owners

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has attained guilty pleas from two men from Preston, in connection with illegal waste activities.

    Waste at the Skeffington Road site.

    At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on 29 January, Jamil Hanif, 49 years old of Garstang Road, Preston, pleaded guilty to operating a regulated waste facility without the necessary environmental permit between 1 November 2021 and 6 December 2023.

    Richard Allen, 39 years old of Pope Lane, Preston, also pleaded guilty to illegally depositing controlled waste on the same site between 1 August 2022 and 31 January 2023, in violation of environmental regulations.

    Both defendants received 12-month Community Orders, requiring them to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. 

    • Richard Allen was ordered to pay a £300 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.  

    • Jamil Hanif was ordered to pay a £1,000 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.  

    Work continues to tackle waste crime

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 

    This case highlights our commitment to tackling environmental crime. Illegal waste operations pose significant risks to the environment and legitimate businesses.  

    We are pleased that the defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

    The case concerns a site owned by Preston City Council, which was initially leased to Finney Skeffington Ltd (FSL), a company directed by Hanif.

    Despite the company’s official dormant status, Hanif used the site for waste storage and sorting activities related to house clearances linked to his wife’s property rental business.

    Allen, acting under Hanif’s instructions, was responsible for tipping waste at the site. 

    Illegal waste activities at the site first came to light in November 2021, when a surveyor appointed by Preston City Council documented significant waste accumulation, including household and commercial waste, construction debris, and car parts.

    As a result, the council terminated FSL’s lease; however, Hanif continued to use the site under a temporary agreement with the council. 

    Further reports from local residents, including photographic and video evidence, showed waste being regularly delivered and dumped on the site, with Allen visibly involved in tipping waste.

    This evidence, along with Environment Agency investigations, led to the prosecution. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Transparency International warns: the Corruption Perceptions Index should not be used to mask democratic decline

    Source: Transparency International

    The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) serves as a global benchmark for assessing perceptions of corruption in the public sector. However, no single measure can fully capture the complexity of corruption or the nuances of governance quality. Due to its limited scope, issues like democratic backsliding and restrictions on civil liberties are not accounted for in the scores. Despite this, some governments have leveraged their CPI rankings – or even stagnant scores – to present a misleading image of their governance.

    Effectively curbing corruption requires governments to act on multiple fronts, including building strong, independent institutions and checks and balances mechanisms; ensuring transparency and open governance; enforcing robust legal frameworks to uphold the rule of law; and empowering civil society and a free press to expose and challenge corruption. Integrity in both public and private sectors, underpinned by ethical standards and transparent processes, is essential, alongside public participation. Without a comprehensive and sustained response, efforts to address corruption may falter over time.

    Although the CPI does not assess all pillars of anti-corruption efforts, some governments have misused the results to create a distorted narrative. In Georgia, for example, the government has failed to improve its CPI score since 2012 but continues to tout the country’s performance to obscure serious attacks on democratic processes, rule of law and civil liberties.

    Transparency International’s highlighted state capture and the rise of kleptocratic practices as key corruption-related challenges in the country, and , over the past five years, Georgia has faced notable setbacks in freedom of association and assembly as well as freedom of expression. These challenges are driven by the harsh suppression of anti-government demonstrations, mounting restrictions on civil society, and an increasingly adversarial climate for the media. Our own chapter has not been immune from this expanding repression, with a member of our chapter in Georgia recently being attacked by people linked to the ruling Georgian Dream party. We have before that restricting is a popular tactic to weaken societal checks on corruption, reducing the chances of being denounced for engaging in corruption and facing consequences.

    No existing index or corruption measure fully captures all aspects of corruption, particularly state capture. This highlights the need for further discussions and additional resources to develop additional assessment tools.

    François Valerian, Chair of Transparency International, said:

    “We condemn the misuse of the Corruption Perceptions Index to disguise poor governance, especially when it masks the dismantling of democratic institutions and attacks on activists. The erosion of civil liberties and checks and balances mechanisms, alongside attacks on press freedom, often goes hand in hand with covert forms of corruption like grand corruption and state capture. Those truly committed to fighting corruption should have nothing to hide – transparency, strong institutions, and an empowered civil society are essential, or efforts will fall short.”

    NOTE TO EDITORS

    Transparency International will launch the 2024 CPI on Tuesday, 11 February 2025.

    See also:

    • The Corruption Perceptions Index Explained (video) here
    • The ABCs of the CPI: How the Corruption Perceptions Index is calculated (CPI FAQs) here.
    • The 2024 CPI media advisory here

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leading figures to help build NHS fit for the future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Baroness Camilla Cavendish, Naomi Eisenstadt CB and Phil Jordan become non-executive directors on the board of the Department of Health and Social Care.

    • Baroness Camilla Cavendish, Naomi Eisenstadt CB and Phil Jordan join the Department of Health and Social Care’s board
    • They bring cross-party and wide ranging experience and will provide strategic guidance to support health and care reforms
    • The appointments come as part of the government’s call for the country’s best talent to join its mission to fix the NHS

    Experts from across the public and private sector have been appointed to the DHSC board to drive forward health and social care reform plans.

    Baroness Camilla Cavendish, Naomi Eisenstadt CB and Phil Jordan’s wealth of experience and expertise across the political divide and both the public and private sector will be vital in supporting the government’s key missions to drive down waiting lists and reform the NHS as part of the 10 Year Health Plan, shifting the focus from hospital to community, from sickness to prevention, and from analogue to digital.

    Baroness Cavendish is best known for her time as head of the No.10 Policy Unit under Prime Minister David Cameron, Ms Eisenstadt was the first Director of Sure Start, widely regarded as one of the most important policy initiatives in recent history, while Mr Jordan has held a long and distinguished career in the private sector, including top roles at Sainsbury’s, Telefonica and Vodafone.

    They will join Lead Non-Executive Director Alan Milburn, former Health Secretary under Tony Blair’s government, on the board of DHSC.

    It comes as part of the Government’s call for the best and brightest to join its mission to fix the broken NHS and reflects DHSC’s commitment to drawing on diverse skills and perspectives to ensure it is fit for the future. 

    Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:

    I am drawing on people of different political persuasions, with public and private sector experience, to help us turn around the NHS, make it fit for the future, and reform social care.

    The NHS is one of the biggest organisations in the world, and building a National Care Service is a generational ambition. We should be competing with global businesses to recruit the best and the brightest to our cause.

    I am delighted to welcome Camilla, Naomi and Phil to their new roles. Their combined expertise in social policy and technology, deep understanding of healthcare and commitment to pragmatism over ideology will be invaluable as we fix our broken NHS.

    If there are other people out there with the skills, experience, and drive to transform the treatment and care of millions of people, then we want your help building our 10 Year Health Plan.

    As Non-Executive Directors, Camilla, Naomi, and Phil will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic advice to the department. Their expertise will help shape the DHSC’s mission to ensure the best possible health and care outcomes for everyone across England. 

    The NHS is broken and through the Plan for Change, it is the mission of this government to fix it and make the health service fit for the future. As part of this national mission, experts are being brought in to help develop policy, and NHS staff and patients have been invited to share their experience and ideas to change the NHS at change.nhs.gov.uk.

    Baroness Camilla Cavendish 

    Former head of the No.10 Policy Unit under Prime Minister David Cameron, Baroness Cavendish brings a wealth of experience across public policy, healthcare, and journalism and will draw on her expertise in social care while working at DHSC.

    The vocal advocate for health and social care reform has led significant reviews that have shaped social care policy and practice. Notably, the Cavendish Review (2013) examined the training and development of health and social care support workers. 

    The review highlighted the need for improved standards of training, greater recognition for care workers, and more robust safeguards for those in vulnerable situations. Her recommendations continue to influence workforce development across the sector.

    Naomi Eisenstadt CB

    Naomi Eisenstadt CB has a distinguished career in public policy and social welfare, including serving as the first Director of the Sure Start Unit, where she spearheaded transformative early years programs aimed at reducing inequality, and will bring her expertise on health inequalities to DHSC. 

    The scheme is one of the most successful social policy interventions in the past 30 years, demonstrating the importance of early intervention and prevention — one of the three big shifts this Government is committed to in our 10-Year Plan for Health.

    Currently serving as Chair of the NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, Naomi’s extensive experience and commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable communities make her an invaluable addition to the department. 

    Phil Jordan

    Phil Jordan will focus on data and digital capability at DHSC, drawing on his impressive background having led major initiatives across both the public and private sector. 

    With a proven track record in strategic leadership, including as Chief Information Officer at Sainsbury’s, Telefonica and Vodafone UK & Ireland, Phil has been instrumental in driving innovation and efficiency in complex organisations. 

    His expertise will support the department’s ongoing efforts to modernise healthcare delivery and enhance digital infrastructure, as part of the vital shift from analogue to digital, equipping the health service with the cutting-edge technology it needs to tackle waiting lists, improve patient experience and speed up diagnosis.

    Background information

    • These appointments are made in accordance with the Cabinet Office Code of Governance for Public Appointments. The regulation of public appointments against the requirements of this Code is carried out by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
    • In line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, political activity is not a bar to appointment but political activity during the last 5 years should be declared. Camilla Cavendish and Phil Jordan have not declared any political activity. Naomi Eisenstadt is a member of the Labour Party.
    • Government non-executives provide advice and bring an external perspective to the business of government departments by sitting on departmental boards. They do not have decision-making powers.
    • See DHSC public appointments: 2024 to 2025 for further information.
    • NHSE is currently advertising non-executive vacancies. For further information, please see: Non-executive opportunities in the NHS » Public appointments

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: January Chapter 11 Commercial Filings Increase 16 Percent Over Last Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — There were 539 commercial chapter 11 filings recorded in January 2025, a 16 percent increase from the 465 commercial chapter 11s in January 2024, according to data provided by Epiq AACER, the leading provider of U.S. bankruptcy filing data. Overall commercial bankruptcy filings rose 11 percent in January 2025, with the 2,358 filings ticking up from the 2,126 filings in January 2024. Small business filings, captured as subchapter V elections within chapter 11, increased 7 percent to 171 in January 2025, up slightly from 160 in January 2024.

    Total bankruptcy filings increased 13 percent to 41,492 in January 2025 from the 36,629 filings recorded in January 2024. Individual bankruptcy filings also increased 13 percent in January to 39,134, up from the January 2024 individual filing total of 34,503. There were 22,938 individual chapter 7 filings in January 2025, a 17 percent increase over the 19,580 filings recorded in January 2024, and there were 16,087 individual chapter 13 filings in January 2025, an 8 percent increase over the 14,873 filings last January.

    “Total bankruptcy filings continue to grow double digit percentages each month,” said Michael Hunter, Vice President of Epiq AACER. “The signs of consumer stress also have become more pronounced as credit card delinquency reach a 12-year high and the share of those active credit card holders making the minimum payments are at a 13-year high. I expect this growth trend to continue and then accelerate after tax season concludes into the summer months.”

    “The pace of year-over-year increases for both small business subchapter V elections and consumer chapter 13 filings continues to taper following the expiration last year of enhanced debt limits for both filing categories,” said ABI Executive Director Amy Quackenboss. “We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to provide the data and research needed to demonstrate how higher debt-eligibility limits for small businesses and individuals creates greater access and a more efficient process for families and businesses looking for a financial fresh start.”

    Compared to December, bankruptcy filings registered moderate fluctuations. Total bankruptcies increased 9 percent over December’s 38,130 filings, and consumer bankruptcies also edged up 9 percent over December’s total of 35,791. Individual chapter 7s increased 5 percent, and chapter 13s increased 17 percent, from December’s filings. Overall commercial filings increased 1 percent from the 2,339 filings registered in December. Conversely, commercial chapter 11s decreased 3 percent from December’s 553 filings, and subchapter V elections within chapter 11 decreased 9 percent from the 187 filed in December 2024.

    ABI has partnered with Epiq Bankruptcy to provide the most current bankruptcy filing data for analysts, researchers, and members of the news media. Epiq Bankruptcy is the leading provider of data, technology, and services for companies operating in the business of bankruptcy. Its Bankruptcy Analytics subscription service provides on-demand access to the industry’s most dynamic bankruptcy data, updated daily. Learn more at https://bankruptcy.epiqglobal.com/analytics.

    About Epiq
    Epiq, a global technology-enabled services leader to the legal industry and corporations, takes on large-scale, increasingly complex tasks for corporate counsel, law firms, and business professionals with efficiency, clarity, and confidence. Clients rely on Epiq to streamline the administration of business operations, class action and mass tort, court reporting, eDiscovery, regulatory, compliance, restructuring, and bankruptcy matters. Epiq subject-matter experts and technologies create efficiency through expertise and deliver confidence to high-performing clients around the world. Learn more at https://www.epiqglobal.com.

    About ABI 
    ABI is the largest multi-disciplinary, nonpartisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. ABI was founded in 1982 to provide Congress and the public with unbiased analysis of bankruptcy issues. The ABI membership includes nearly 10,000 attorneys, accountants, bankers, judges, professors, lenders, turnaround specialists and other bankruptcy professionals, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information. For additional information on ABI, visit www.abi.org. For additional conference information, visit http://www.abi.org/calendar-of-events.

    Press Contacts
    Carrie Trent
    Epiq, Director of Communications & Public Relations
    Carrie.Trent@epiqglobal.com

    John Hartgen
    ABI, Public Affairs Officer
    jhartgen@abi.org

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Melissa Alert Service Revolutionizes Active Data Quality with Real-Time Alerts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CALIF., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The critical nature of data accuracy has paved the way for Melissa’s newest data quality solution—the first of its kind to run automated checks giving businesses real-time insights into changes within their customer data. Melissa Alert Service is a transformative cloud-based contact management service (CMS) that promises to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and maintain the most accurate customer records for organizations across industries.

    “As an all-in-one hub for data storage, validation, and monitoring, Melissa Alert Service represents a dramatic shift in how businesses manage data quality,” said Bud Walker, Chief Information Officer at Melissa, a global leader in data quality and address management solutions. “By continuously monitoring and updating customer data, this service eliminates manual checks, reduces errors, and ensures businesses always have the most accurate and actionable customer insights at their fingertips.”

    Melissa Alert Service allows businesses to upload customer records, such as addresses and property data, into Melissa Vault, a secure cloud-based system. The Melissa Alert Service system continuously monitors these records against Melissa’s current data updates and automatically sends alerts when changes are detected. Whether it’s a change of address, updated property details, such as ownership transfers, the service empowers businesses to act on accurate data immediately.

    Key Features and Benefits of the Melissa Alert Service:

    • Live Notifications: Automatically alerts users to changes in their customer or property records, ensuring up-to-date and reliable data
    • Comprehensive Monitoring: Tracks an array of daily, weekly, monthly data updates, including National Change of Address (NCOA), property ownership, and address corrections
    • Scalable Solutions: Designed for businesses of all sizes, with flexible subscription tiers supporting up to one million records
    • Ease of Use: Offers seamless data uploads via FTP or API, enabling integration with CRM tools like HubSpot and other marketing platforms
    • Future-Proofing: Provides businesses with a scalable platform for ongoing data monitoring and future alert capabilities, including weather events, vacancies, and deceased monitoring

    “Whether you’re a marketing team managing campaigns or an insurance company monitoring properties, Melissa Alert Service provides unmatched convenience and accuracy,” said Phil Maitino, Chief Technology Officer at Melissa. “The service is flexible to accommodate user-scheduled jobs and data attributes required by your particular business—empowering businesses to focus on growth and customer satisfaction based on their specific needs.”

    Melissa is offering subscription-based pricing tailored to business needs, starting at just $95 annually for up to 10,000 records. Higher tiers accommodate businesses managing up to one million records, ensuring scalability for organizations of all sizes.
    For more information, access the Melissa Alert Service page, visit www.Melissa.com, or contact sales@Melissa.com.

    About Melissa
    Since 1985, Melissa has specialized in global intelligence solutions to help organizations unlock accurate data for a more compelling customer view. More than 10,000 clients worldwide in arenas such as retail, education, healthcare, insurance, finance, and government rely on Melissa for full spectrum data quality and ID verification software, including data matching, validation, and enhancement services to gain critical insight and drive meaningful customer relationships. For more information or free product trials, visit www.Melissa.com or call 1-800-MELISSA (635-4772).

    Media contacts
    Greg Brown
    Vice President, Global Marketing, Melissa
    greg.brown@Melissa.com
    +1-800-635-4772 x1130

    MPoweredPR for Melissa
    pr@mpoweredpr.com
    +1-877-794-6777

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Schedules its Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings at 8:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/9jnstij5

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI4b232e4ceea6435ba8f046e92e18e563

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, February 18, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT: Jeff Taylor
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    260.824.2900

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Analysis Function

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Information, news, and resources for all government analysts

    The Analysis Function is a network for all civil servants working in government analysis. There are around 17,000 government analysts working across all departments and agencies and from a wide range of professions and disciplines.

    The best place to find out more about the Analysis Function is our dedicated website: AnalysisFunction.CivilService.gov.uk. You can also:

    • Sign up for our monthly AF Newsletter*Connect with us on [LinkedIn at Gov Analysis Function]https://www.linkedin.com/company/gov-analysis-function/)
    • Follow us on X @gov_analysis to join in the conversation or start a new one
    • Be the first to find out about our events by following us on Eventbrite at Eventbrite/Government Analysis Function

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Bishops’ Letter for the Jubilee period: “There is hope for the nation”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    CC Adam Cohn

    Manila (Agenzia Fides) – “Hope gives us courage and freedom,” says the Pastoral Letter of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, distributed and read in churches on February 2 at the conclusion of the Plenary Assembly of the Bishops. The letter, signed by the President of the Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Caloocan, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, focuses on the theme of hope, a virtue, and makes a reference to the most burning issues of the nation: from the demand for transparency and accountability – in view of the mid-term elections scheduled for May 2025 – to the desire to “become a more missionary and synodal Church”. The bishops declare that they are engaged in “communal discernment on the current realities affecting our nation”. The letter quotes the Letter to the Romans: “Hoping against all hope” (cf. Rom 4:18) and states that the Filipino people “struggle with hopelessness, striving to find hope amidst adversities”.”In the sphere of morality, we sense widespread confusion, indifference, apathy, and helplessness because of murderous attacks against life, particularly against innocent ones. The culture of impunity, self-entitlement, and loss of sense of sin are alarming,” it says. Added to this are the traumas “of disasters and tragedies due to climate emergencies”. In the area of economy, “the increase in poverty, manifested by the rise of unemployment and the price of commodities and services”, which widens the gap between rich and poor. In the political realm, “the misuse of public funds and resources”, “the culture of patronage and mendicancy are truly disturbing”, and also in the field of communications, “falsehood, misinformation, and disinformation are weaponized against the truth”.In the face of this reality, it is necessary “to pursue the path of personal, institutional, and ecclesial conversion in order to rediscover hope. This is the opportunity that the Jubilee Year provides us,” the pastoral letter says.Recalling that “hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts” (cf. Rom 5:5), the bishops proclaim that Christ is the Savior and that “God’s love penetrates our suffering, our misery and death, saves and transforms us.” “Love piercing through darkness reveals glimpses of hope” that can be seen “in principle-driven leaders who champion good governance.” “We see sparks of hope,” the bishops continue, “in the idealism of young people and responsible citizens who do not sell their idealism and patriotism,” and “in the spontaneous collaboration among NGOs, civic, and religious organizations” or “in ordinary laborers committed to sincere service even without recognition or reward.” They continued: “We see sparks of hope in those who stake their reputation, even lives, to fight corruption and pursue justice” and “in the Filipino spirit of resiliency, and in those who dedicate themselves to genuine service despite being overwhelmed by their own need.” “We, your spiritual leaders,” the bishops said, “share the pain brought about by these wounds of affliction. We, too, feel the deep disturbance and seeming paralysis that plague many who are dragged into the pit of hopelessness.” Therefore, “in this Jubilee Year of Hope, together we hold precious, the gift of hope sparked by the Holy Spirit. This hope is not simply optimism or a positive feeling. These are glimpses of the gift of hope that comes from the Holy Spirit urging us to act.” “Any action of hope is sourced from the Holy Spirit,” the Pastoral Letter says. “We therefore ask you, dear people, to allow the hope within you to be rekindled. May it become a flame of hope.” “Let the Holy Spirit renew the face of the earth and breathe transformation into the dark spaces and places of our lives and our nation,” the bishops say. “The grace of the Holy Spirit is a gentle breeze that spurs us to continue” and by promoting a “spiritual revolution of hope” and walking together “on a Pilgrimage of Hope towards the Father’s Kingdom.””There is hope! May Pag-Asa!”, the bishops write in the local language, Tagalog. They conclude with the advice of Saint Paul: “Let us not grow weary of doing good” (Galatians 6:9). (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 4/2/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Excellence in analysis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Celebrating the winners of the 5th Analysis in Government Awards

    The winners of the 5th Analysis in Government (AiG) Awards were announced in January.

    We received a record-breaking number of outstanding nominations this year, which highlights the extent of the great work going on across government analysis. 

    Find out more about our winners and their award-winning work on the Analysis Function website,

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The admissions campaign for international applicants continues at HSE

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The number of applications has almost doubled: to date, more than 2,600 applications have been submitted for undergraduate programs, and more than 2,400 for master’s programs. Such increased interest from foreign applicants in studying at the HSE confirms the status of HSE as one of the most sought-after Russian universities abroad.

    Who most often chooses HSE

    The leading countries in terms of the number of applications submitted for undergraduate programs are Pakistan, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Ghana and Moldova. The countries that most frequently apply for graduate programs are Ghana, India, Nigeria, Gambia, Pakistan, Ethiopia, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Cameroon.

    “HSE University sees one of its tasks as the active promotion of Russian education in the international arena. And the growing interest among applicants from Asian and African countries, from the CIS countries only confirms HSE’s reputation as a leading research university with the competencies of the future not only in Russia but also abroad. Moreover, both in full-time and online forms,” noted Victoria Panova, Vice-Rector of HSE University. – After all, in a rather difficult time, HSE, along with 10 world universities, entered the number of leaders in distance education according to the rating of THE Online Learning Rankings 2024 magazine. A wide range of programs in the socio-economic and humanitarian areas, in the creative sphere, brilliant teachers from almost 50 countries of the world, a high level of support for international students and modern infrastructure of HSE – all this meets international standards, and the cost of education is often lower than in Western universities. Applicants and their parents evaluate the advantages and opportunities that HSE provides during and after their studies, and choose us.”

    What opportunities does the university offer to international applicants?

    One of the key advantages for international applicants to HSE remains the opportunity to choose the admission format. The university offers two options: a competition for budget (quota) places under the state scholarship of the Government of the Russian Federation, which covers up to 100% of the cost of education, and admission on a commercial basis.

    Foreign applicants can receive a Russian Government scholarship (quota) based on the results of international Olympiads (applicants to a bachelor’s degree) and based on the results of selection events (minimum scores for Master’s degree And bachelor’s degree).

    Additionally, applicants to undergraduate programs may re-credit results of international and national examinations, which makes the admission process even more flexible.

    Preparing for Study: What to Do If You Don’t Know Russian

    HSE offers to master the Russian language in The Center for the Preparation of Foreign Students, choosing to study for one year. Applicants to the bachelor’s degree program can take specialized entrance examinations and apply for a budget (quota) place with an additional year of preparation and Russian language training. A similar option is possible for future master’s degree students: upon successful completion of the portfolio competition, they can also receive a budget place with a year of training.

    HSE – accessible, convenient, understandable

    Website for international applicants has been translated into seven languages, including Chinese, Spanish, Arabic and Hindi, allowing candidates to easily find the information they need and navigate the admissions process. In addition, international applicants are contacted on social media and during webinars, answering the most pressing questions about education, visas, life in Russia and even whether there are places with halal food.

    “We strive to attract only the best. We work with talented schoolchildren and applicants on an ongoing basis,” says Alexander Deyev, Director of Talent Abroad. “HSE ensures simplicity and accessibility of the entire process — from online application submission to the start of studies. We understand that entering a university, especially in a foreign country, is an important step that can be associated with many difficulties, especially for international students. Therefore, every year we do everything possible to make the application and document preparation process as clear as possible. Online consultations, personal support at all stages of admission, preparation for arrival in Russia — all this allows our applicants to feel confident and calm, to know that they will always be supported and helped to solve any problem that arises.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on BIGY ($0.5025) and SOXY ($0.4883)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Target 12™ ETFs listed in the table below. The Fund seeks to generate income with a 12% target annual income level.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Reference Asset Distribution per Share Distribution Frequency Ex-Date & Record Date Payment Date
    BIGY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF Multiple $0.5025 Monthly 2/5/2025 2/6/2025
    SOXY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF Multiple $0.4883 Monthly 2/5/2025 2/6/2025

    You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1Each ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about each Fund, visit our website at www.YieldMaxETFs.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

    There is no guarantee that any Fund’s investment strategy will be properly implemented, and an investor may lose some or all of its investment in any such Fund.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lantronix to Debut New LM4 AI-Powered Out-of-Band Management Platform at Cisco Live

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lantronix Inc. (NASDAQ: LTRX), a global leader of compute and connectivity for IoT solutions enabling AI Edge intelligence, will debut its new LM4 AI-powered Out-of-Band Management (OOBM) platform at Stand A10 during Cisco Live, February 10–14, 2025, at Amsterdam RAI. Lantronix’s LM4 is the industry’s first console server specifically designed, sized and priced for Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs) and compact environments such as ATMs, kiosks, and network aggregation points. Engineered for healthcare, finance, utilities, telecommunications, government, retail and manufacturing, the LM4 delivers enterprise-grade automation, compliance and cybersecurity capabilities, leveraging technology proven in military and financial networks.

    “We’re excited to introduce the LM4 Out-of-Band Management platform, which enables our customers to leverage rules-based AI for secure, reliable and automated network infrastructure recovery and mitigation,” said Mathi Gurusamy, chief strategy officer at Lantronix. “At Lantronix, we are committed to enabling network management automation with innovative solutions that enable our customers to be more efficient, secure and bottom-line focused.”

    Serial console servers represented a $320 million worldwide market in 2024 and are growing at a steady 7 percent rate to a projected $391 million in 2026, according to the Dell’Oro Group.

    Out-of-Band Management Everywhere

    An advanced out-of-band management platform, the small yet powerful LM4 provides access, continuous monitoring and automated remediation of issues as well as control of network infrastructure devices. Operational whether the network is up or down, the expert system uses rules-based AI to recover and mitigate network infrastructure automatically, including reliable and secure access to remote gear during an outage. With up to four ports of serial console connections for directly managing gear plus support for up to 48 virtual ports, the LM4’s compact size and affordable price enables network managers to utilize out-of-band everywhere, including many locations previously considered too small and numerous for advanced out-of-band management.

    Running the powerful LMOS software, the LM4 brings the power of NOC-based software to the network’s edge to create a separate management plane in the rack with network infrastructure. With continuous monitoring and automated runbook responses, the LM4 can detect and solve issues before traditional NOC-based tools even know there is an issue. LMOS features a granular authorization model that integrates with existing access controls as well as automated change management functions, including the ability to store multiple config and OS files with local backups to enable automated rollback of failed config changes.

    Standardize on Lantronix LM-Series Solutions for Enterprise-Grade OOB Management

    The LM4 runs the same LMOS software as the LM83X and LM80 console servers, expanding the LM-Series console access options anywhere from 2–104 ports. The LM-Series is centrally managed by the Lantronix Control Center, which is available to run on-premises as a VM or hosted in the cloud. Lantronix’s LM-Series products allow customers to standardize their out-of-band management and deploy enterprise-grade functionality and AI-driven automation at all points in the network. The result is a more resilient network that’s easier to manage with fewer issues, reduced support truck rolls and stronger security and compliance.

    Lantronix is the go-to source for innovative out-of-band solutions, providing a suite of reliable, secure and easy-to-deploy platforms, all supported by its exceptional service team.

    Also being shown at Cisco Live are:

    Out-of-Band Management Solutions

    • LM83X, delivering AI-driven out-of-band management of 8–104 devices over serial console connections in a scalable and robust console server with dual power inputs. 
    • LM80, providing a fixed 8-port serial AI-driven out-of-band management solution that can automate a majority of routine IT maintenance and recovery tasks quickly and error-free.
    • Lantronix Control Center, a single pane of glass for managing all LM-series devices for secure remote access as well as for automating management of each of the connected network infrastructure devices. It is a single source for Authorization-Authentication-Accounting (AAA) controls, creating monitoring and action rules without scripting, centrally archiving both monitored device operating system and configuration files and compliance reporting.

    Reliable Gateways and Console Servers With Trusted Performance

    • EMG 8500, Lantronix’s Edge Management Gateway that provides secure remote access for branch offices, remote locations, retail stores or anywhere an offsite network device gateway is needed and where space is limited.
    • SLC 8000: Advanced Console Manager, providing secure access to IT equipment with 8–48 ports of RS-232 and USB console connections.
    • G520 Series, Lantronix’s next-generation IoT cellular LTE CAT 4G and 5G gateway designed for industrial applications, including pre-enabled Percepxion™ Edge Solution Platform to increase operational efficiency and prevent cyber-attacks. 
    • X300 Series, a Cellular Compact IoT Gateway Solution that includes Lantronix’s IoT gateway hardware and centralized device management, cellular data, enhanced security and expert technical support in an all-in-one package.

    Expert Technical Support

    • LEVEL Technical Services, providing dedicated technical support experts to assist with implementing out-of-band deployments and limited lifetime equipment warranties. 

    About Lantronix

    Lantronix Inc. is a global leader of compute and connectivity IoT solutions that target high-growth markets, including Smart Cities, Enterprise and Transportation. Lantronix’s products and services empower companies to succeed in the growing IoT markets by delivering customizable solutions that enable AI Edge Intelligence. Lantronix’s advanced solutions include Intelligent Substations infrastructure, Infotainment systems and Video Surveillance, supplemented with advanced Out-of-Band Management (OOB) for Cloud and Edge Computing.

    For more information, visit the Lantronix website.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements related to Lantronix leadership. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, future business, financial condition, or performance to differ materially from our historical results or those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement contained in this news release. The potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, such factors as the effects of negative or worsening regional and worldwide economic conditions or market instability on our business, including effects on purchasing decisions by our customers; our ability to mitigate any disruption in our and our suppliers’ and vendors’ supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other outbreaks, wars and recent tensions in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, or other factors; future responses to and effects of public health crises; cybersecurity risks; changes in applicable U.S. and foreign government laws, regulations, and tariffs; our ability to successfully implement our acquisitions strategy or integrate acquired companies; difficulties and costs of protecting patents and other proprietary rights; the level of our indebtedness, our ability to service our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements; and any additional factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on Sept. 9, 2024, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of that report, as well as in our other public filings with the SEC. Additional risk factors may be identified from time to time in our future filings. In addition, actual results may differ as a result of additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware or which we do not currently view as material to our business. For these reasons, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements we make speak only as of the date on which they are made. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in our opinions or expectations, except as required by applicable law or the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. If we do update or correct any forward-looking statements, investors should not conclude that we will make additional updates or corrections.

    ©2025 Lantronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Lantronix is a registered trademark. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

    Lantronix Media Contact:
    Gail Kathryn Miller
    Corporate Marketing &
    Communications Manager
    media@lantronix.com

    Lantronix Analyst and Investor Contact:
    investors@lantronix.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bce840fa-a24a-413e-96ca-23443e7d1d6b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Regula’s ID Verification Software Is Now Compatible with Most Passport Readers on the Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESTON, Va., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leveraging its decades-long expertise in identity verification, Regula has made its advanced document verification software fully compatible with a wide range of third-party ID scanners and passport readers available on the market. Now, border control checkpoints, hotels, banks, medical organizations, and other institutions can take advantage of the most robust, forensic-level automated document verification and authentication regardless of the devices they are currently using.

    Image: Regula’s document verification software is fully compatible with a wide range of third-party ID scanners and passport readers on the market.

    Regula’s ID verification software is an on-premises solution, which means it works offline and keeps sensitive ID data secure. It seamlessly integrates with leading passport readers and can be fully customized depending on the device model and its functional capabilities. This not only ensures quick migration to a robust identity verification (IDV) core solution, but also allows businesses and government agencies to maximize the potential of their existing hardware investments.

    Forensic-level document verification

    Regula’s ID verification software for document readers offers the most comprehensive set of ID authenticity checks. It automatically reads, analyzes, and cross-compares data from multiple sources, including RFID chips, machine-readable zones (MRZs), barcodes, and visual zones, to ensure they are consistent and not tampered with.

    Regula’s software also supports authenticity checks in various illumination modes, such as white, ultraviolet (UV), infrared (IR), and coaxial lighting. Plus, the solution allows checking holograms and other optically variable devices and inks.

    Global ID support

    The software comes with the market’s most comprehensive identity document template database, which Regula owns and maintains. It currently contains over 14,800 ID templates from 251 countries and territories, and keeps growing. Also, the database enables the recognition of 138 languages and a great variety of scripts.

    Optionally, the software can be integrated with the Regula Information Reference System, a unique digital collection of detailed images and descriptions of identity and vehicle documents, as well as banknotes and coins. Covering every country and territory in the world, the Regula Information Reference System contains over 337,000 high-resolution images of documents and their security features captured in different light sources. Thus, the system provides an indispensable and reliable reference to compare against, even for the rarest documents.

    Effortless installation and flexible licensing

    Designed with user convenience in mind, Regula’s ID verification software is a turnkey solution that can be installed in three clicks and requires no development time or tech-heavy resources. With extensive documentation and native support for all major frameworks and programming languages, the software integrates seamlessly into existing systems and workflows. The flexible licensing options fit almost any use case and cover various verification scenarios.

    Streamlined document processing

    Regula’s ID verification software takes document processing to the next level with its powerful and highly accurate Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology. The software offers advanced capabilities such as support for parsing names, surnames, addresses, countries, and other key fields. It automatically divides text into separate fields—for instance, segmenting an address into postal code, state, and country—making the extracted data more organized and actionable. Additionally, the OCR module handles complex date formats and characters from different character sets within a single line, ensuring seamless data interpretation across diverse document types.

    Future-ready solution

    As identity verification standards and document formats continue to evolve, Regula stays at the cutting edge of this transformation. Not only is Regula’s IDV software constantly updated, but it proactively supports new identity document types, security features, and verification methods. For example, with its latest update, Regula ID verification software ensures full support of Digital Travel Credentials (DTCs), a new digital way of presenting and processing travel documents. With this approach, any passport reader will remain comprehensively equipped to perform the most innovative IDV checks.

    “By ensuring compatibility with most passport readers on the market, we’re empowering organizations to leverage advanced ID verification software without the need for new hardware investments and drastic changes. Regula’s software offers forensic-level precision, customization and flexibility, as well as compliance with the highest security standards, setting a new benchmark for document authentication,” says Ihar Kliashchou, Chief Technology Officer at Regula.

    To learn more about the features and capabilities of Regula’s ID verification software for passport readers, please visit the official website.

    About Regula

    Regula is a global developer of forensic devices and identity verification solutions. With our 30+ years of experience in forensic research and the most comprehensive library of document templates in the world, we create breakthrough technologies for document and biometric verification. Our hardware and software solutions allow over 1,000 organizations and 80 border control authorities globally to provide top-notch client service without compromising safety, security, or speed. Regula has been repeatedly named a Representative Vendor in the Gartner® Market Guide for Identity Verification.

    Learn more at www.regulaforensics.com.

    Contact:
    Kristina – ks@regulaforensics.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36dbee31-4060-4c49-881b-8d658f5dfa91

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Xtract One Accelerating Growth with New Distributor Velasea

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA)(OTCQX: XTRAF)(FRA: 0PL) (“Xtract One” or the “Company”) with Velasea, announced a new partnership designed to bring Xtract One’s leading technology-driven threat detection and security solutions to Velasea’s network of integrators. Xtract One and Velasea, a market-leading full-service OEM distributor of physical security, retail analytics, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, will jointly market and sell Xtract One’s products to the broader marketplace, and through Velasea’s channel of over 900 channel partners. Through this offering, Xtract One’s advanced security detection systems, SmartGateway and One Gateway, will be available through the broad channel network to schools, hospitals, museums, theaters, arenas and other venues where high quality security and guest experience are priorities. Velasea’s network spans over 50 countries globally.

    At a pivotal time when modern-day security threats are becoming increasingly prevalent, this partnership enables integrators to offer their customers technology designed to help elevate safety and enhance the overall individual experience. Further, it allows organizations the flexibility to tailor their security solutions to best fit the specific needs of their respective facility. This contributes to advanced protection, operational efficiency, and individual experience.

    “We’re grateful to be partnering with Velasea and to be working together to bring our innovative system to even more forward-thinking organizations. This partnership broadens our reach deeper into the key markets we serve, and wider to a global marketplace” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “By offering our security solutions in partnership with Velasea, we can provide more organizations with the advanced security they require, at a much larger scale, all while enabling individuals to feel the difference our solutions are designed to make in enhancing safety, and overall experience.”

    “The addition of Xtract One solutions to our suite of products we offer to integrators provides a real weapons screening solution tailored to individual users needs from a company who cares about their customers” said Tom Larson, President of Velasea. “Velasea has always been known for delivering cutting edge solutions to our partners and customers, and the innovation that Xtract One leads with fits our business and growth strategy. We’re looking forward to working with Xtract One in setting new standards in security, and supporting a greater range of organizations in their technology needs.”

    Xtract One’s products revolutionize weapons security and operational efficiency by replacing intimidating, traditional metal detectors with fast, reliable, and seamless screening solutions. The system leverages AI-powered sensors to unobtrusively scan individuals and their personal items as they walk through, reducing long entry lines and promoting uninterrupted flow of movement. The systems are designed to help attendees quickly and safely enter the space to enjoy their event with peace of mind – quicker than traditional methods allow.

    To learn more, visit www.xtractone.com.

    About Xtract One
    Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The Company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing- and delivering improved “Walk-right-In” experiences while enhancing safety. Xtract One’s innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions excels at allowing facilities to discreetly screen and identify weapons and other threats at points of entry and exit without disrupting the flow of traffic. With solutions built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers, Xtract One is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience. For more information, visit www.xtractone.com or connect on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

    About Velasea
    Velasea’s mission is to design smarter outcomes for a safer world. Whether building ultra-compact or massive configurations, Velasea successfully provides solutions to challenging emerging technology problems in incredibly demanding, yet varied, environments like casinos, prisons, utility systems, schools, government facilities, etc.

    From our distribution facility and state of the art configuration lab, Velasea designs and implements cost-effective, full stack solutions that involve the most advanced AI and security software available today.

    To carry out their mission, Velasea partners with leading technology manufacturers such as Intel, Nvidia, Dell, Lenovo, NetApp, Microsoft, Hanwha, DDN, Seagate, Western Digital, Infrared Cameras Inc, and more. They are one of only a handful of OEMs certified as a system builder by Milestone. Learn More at www.velasea.com.

    About Threat Detection Systems
    Xtract One solutions, when properly configured, deployed, and utilized, are designed to help enhance safety and reduce threats. Given the wide range of potential threats in today’s world, no threat detection system is 100% effective. Xtract One solutions should be utilized as one element in a multilayered approach to physical security.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “estimates”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks detailed from time to time in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other risk factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. The Company has no obligation to update any forward looking statement, even if new information becomes available as a result of future events, new information or for any other reason except as required by law.

    For further information, please contact:
    Xtract One Inquiries: info@xtractone.com, http://www.xtractone.com   
    Investor Relations: Chris Witty, Darrow Associates, cwitty@darrowir.com, 646-438-9385
    Media Contact: Kristen Aikey, JMG Public Relations, kristen@jmgpr.com, 212-206-1645

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Minister for European Union Relations speech at EU-UK Forum

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    A speech delivered in Brussels at the EU-UK Forum by Nick Thomas-Symonds, Minister for European Union Relations.

    Many thanks, Paul, and many thanks to the EU-UK Forum for organising this conference.

    And, of course, for the invitation for me to come along to speak.

    I suppose I should also say a big thank you to the Prime Minister for the warm-up act last night.

    It’s a real pleasure to share a stage with my EU counterpart Maros Sefcovic.

    Even though, of course, Maros joined us virtually, our mutual goal of reaching a better UK EU relationship is very real.   

    And today, I want to explain why that is so important…

    …what it could mean for the UK and for Europe…

    …and what I believe the defining structure of that relationship could look like. 

    It is obvious to me – as I am sure it is to all of you – that at a time of such intense global change, the UK and the EU have many mutually aligned interests and challenges.

    We want increased prosperity…

    … we want to strengthen our security…

    …and we want our citizens to be safe. 

    Those joint challenges that we face were powerfully set out by our UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves…

    …and, indeed, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen just last week.

    In her growth speech, my Friend the Chancellor didn’t shy away from the economic challenges that we are confronting. She said:

    “Growth will not come without a fight. Without a government willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s future for the better.  

    “But for too long, that potential has been held back.”  

    On the same day, the President von der Leyen presented the ‘Competitiveness Compass’ saying that, and I quote:

     “Europe has everything it needs to succeed. But, at the same time, we must fix our weaknesses to regain competitiveness.” 

    The ‘Competitive Compass’ sets out the importance of “trade openness”, “not only for sustaining Europe’s prosperity, but also for enhancing its resilience”.

    We know that low growth is not the destiny for our economies. 

    Research and innovation…

    …reducing red tape…

    …a new skills agenda…

    …boosting productivity…

    …a more resilient economy…

    …all these elements found in the Compass are also crucial parts of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.  

    These are areas of mutual interest to both of our economies

    It is also clear about the vital interconnection between security and prosperity…

    …that is why the work we are all engaged in – that Maroš and I are driving forward – is so vital.

    In the UK and indeed in Brussels – we are clear-eyed about the scale of challenges that we face – and the opportunities for growth and innovation.

    The European Union is the UK’s biggest trading partner, with trade totalling – in 2023 – over £800bn.

    Many of our best education and science facilities have lifelong links…

    …and our collaboration on research and development has been the springboard for hugely successful innovations that have driven growth and jobs. 

    And in a more uncertain world, we are regularly reminded that allies are more secure together than they are apart.

    This Government’s position is simple: the UK and the EU are linked through trade and international organisations like NATO…

    …and even though we voted to leave the EU, our role as key allies and trade partner remains.

    We know that for these relationships to flourish, trust is a vital ingredient.  

    This Government recognises that the UK’s signature means something.

    So, we are committed to implementing the Trade and Co-operation Agreement and the Windsor Framework and building on that structure to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

    Now, I want to say – straightforwardly – that we see real opportunities to improve the status quo.

    As ‘Businesseurope’ set out in their report this Autumn: 

    “There remain many unnecessary barriers to trade and investment. Following the elections of new governments in the EU and UK, there is a clear opportunity to upgrade the relationship to deliver for businesses and citizens.”

    I agree with them. 

    A study published last year showed that between 2021 and 2023, the goods EU businesses export to the UK were down by 32%…

    …while UK goods exports to the EU were down by 27%.

    That is not good for British business or European businesses…

    …especially at a time when our economies need a kickstart. 

    Reducing trade barriers is of mutual benefit to the UK and the EU. 

    [redacted political content]

    It was vital that we re-joined Horizon…

    …we should never have left in the first place…

    …but the gap in continuity and other challenges means we haven’t together achieved as much as we could have done.

    It’s especially bad when global competition for innovation has never been fiercer.

    When the UK should have been working more closely with international law enforcement on security…

    …we frankly wasted years undermining the role of the ECHR, in pursuit of a doomed Rwanda deportation scheme.

    We cannot continue in this way with one of our largest, most important partners… 

    …that is why this Government will always work in the UK’s national interest…

    …and for me, that means being a ruthlessly pragmatic negotiator.

    That means making the case for closer working with our allies in the EU, to make people across the UK and the EU safer, more secure and more prosperous…

    …that means making sure that we are working to strengthen cooperation, moving away from a zero sum, win, lose dynamic we have seen in recent years…

    …and that is the spirit I take into discussions with the EU. 

    The UK and the EU have many mutually beneficial interests… 

    …I want to build on these as we work to reset our relationship…

    …to help construct a more secure, a safer and a more prosperous UK and EU. 

    Now this British Government was elected on a mandate…

    …to strengthen national security by reconnecting with our allies…

    …to increase people’s safety through strong borders…

    …and increase prosperity through growth.

    Our European friends are a part of every single one of those priorities…

    …and I believe it’s these priorities that form the three pillars of a reset in our relationship.

    On security – you saw yesterday how seriously we’re taking this.

    Our Prime Minister met with all 27 of the EU leaders and the Secretary General of NATO… 

    …discussing the common threats we face…

    …and the value that closer EU-UK cooperation on defence could bring…

    …whether it’s securing undersea cables or working together on research and development. 

    On safety – I am clear that if we want to protect our respective borders and keep our citizens safe, then we need to work together.

    That is the only way we’re going to break up the vile global trade in human trafficking…

    …that’s the only way to tackle organised crime and terrorism, which plagues us all. 

    And on prosperity – if we want to grow our economies…

    …and boost our living standards…

    …then we need to reduce barriers to UK and EU trade. 

    And I am pleased to say that – that on all three of these issues – we are making progress. 

    On security, the Prime Minister and the President of the European Council have made clear they wanted closer cooperation on security and defence…

    …and the EU High Representative and the Foreign Secretary have already agreed to new six-monthly Foreign Policy dialogues 

    On safety, we have already increased the UK’s presence at Europol…

    …but I want us to go further. 

    We need to find to find ways to better coordinate law enforcement so that we can smash the gangs behind the small boats. 

    To make people safer, we must do all we can to strengthen our collective ability to tackle organised crime and work together on illegal migration.

    Afterall, these are shared challenges. 

    And on prosperity, we have said we will seek to negotiate a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement to remove barriers to trade…

    …and find ways to resolve issues like the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications.

    We can go much further on energy and the green transition.

    Our Government’s commitment is to Make Britain a Clean Energy superpower by 2030… 

    …and together, we need to deliver energy security so that we are never again left exposed as we were when Russia – illegally – invaded Ukraine.

    These challenges all span borders and we must work together to seize opportunities that lie ahead.

    All of this work is supported by much greater cooperation between the UK Government and the EU. 

    Right from the very top – with the Prime Minister meeting with President von der Leyen and Council President Costa…

    …agreeing to a leader-level summit that will be held in May, where we hope we can deliver a balanced, yet ambitious outcome to benefit all of our citizens.

    Just before Christmas, our Chancellor attended a meeting of the EU finance ministers…

    …the first time a British Chancellor has been invited to the Eurogroup since Brexit.

    These meetings form only some of the nearly 70 direct engagements…

    …between UK Ministers and our EU counterparts since coming into Government…

    …and I look forward to many more ahead. 

    And I say to you all: I look forward to working with you throughout this year and into the future.

    But ladies and gentlemen – the time for ideologically-driven division is over…

    …the time for ruthless pragmatism is now.

    It is through a new partnership between the UK and the EU that we will deliver for the people of the United Kingdom, and for people across the continent.

    The future of the EU and the UK lies beyond the status quo…

    …reaching forward to deliver benefits for all our people to share.

    So, let us rise to our shared challenges and grasp this opportunity.

    Because together we will create a stronger UK and we will create a stronger Europe.

    Thank you very much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: RN-Purneftegaz produced 280 millionth ton of oil

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The accumulated production of RN-Purneftegaz, one of the main centers of Rosneft oil and gas production in Yamal, has reached 280 million tons of oil since the start of field operation in 1986. This result was made possible by pioneering oil workers and the entire team of RN-Purneftegaz. The qualifications of the company’s specialists, non-standard engineering solutions, and many years of work have allowed the development of the most complex fields in terms of structure, the creation of a powerful production infrastructure from scratch, and the introduction of innovative technologies.

    The total area of licensed areas located in the Purovsky District is more than 14 thousand square kilometers. The operating stock exceeds 2.7 thousand wells, and the length of pipelines is about 4 thousand kilometers.

    In 2024, the company launched the Yuzhno-Tarkosalinskoye field into commercial operation and also began developing new deposits of the Verkhnepurpeyskoye and Komsomolskoye fields. The development of a new resource base will allow maintaining a stable level of raw material production in the medium term.

    The complex geological structure of a number of fields under development requires the selection and implementation of innovative technologies for drilling and oil production. The company successfully uses a domestic automated drilling control system. The development has reduced the drilling time by an average of 11.7 hours/well. The automated intelligent system operates on the autopilot principle: based on the initial parameters, the automation makes adjustments to the control of the technological process without the operator’s participation. At the same time, a high level of industrial safety is ensured.

    RN-Purneftegaz pays special attention to environmental protection. The company carries out systematic work on reforestation and preservation of aquatic biological resources of the region. Over the past three years, more than 1.2 million pine seedlings have been planted on an area of 340 hectares in Yamal. The company has released more than 2.1 million fry of valuable fish species – peled, carp, nelma and muksun – into the rivers of the Ob-Irtysh basin.

    The city of Gubkinsky, built by oil workers, is the base for RN-Purneftegaz. With the support of Rosneft, most of the socially significant facilities were built here: a city hospital, a children’s library, music and art schools, two swimming pools, an indoor ice rink, and a number of residential complexes. The city-forming enterprise provided financial assistance in the construction of the Neftyanik Palace of Culture and Sports. The construction of an Ice Palace with a total area of 6,500 sq. m. is underway. The new facility will allow Gubkin residents to engage in winter sports all year round.

    For over twenty years, the company has been providing ongoing support to the indigenous peoples of Yamal, helping to preserve their culture and traditional way of life. With the support of RN-Purneftegaz, a program to develop education for children of the indigenous peoples of the North who lead a nomadic lifestyle has been implemented in the region since last year. Grants from oil workers have been used to publish teaching aids in the language of the Forest Nenets – a textbook, a workbook, and an online simulator for elementary grades. The district is also developing the practice of preparing children for school directly in the places where families live – in nomadic kindergartens.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft February 4, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese government bans DeepSeek from official devices on security grounds

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Albanese government is banning DeepSeek – the Chinese artificial intelligence model – from all government systems and devices on national security grounds.

    It says this is in line with the actions of a number of other countries and is based on “risk and threat information” from security and intelligence agencies.

    The Chinese platform TikTok is already banned from government systems and devices.

    Under the decision, announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, government bodies must immediately remove all DeepSeek products, applications and services from systems and mobile devices. No new installations are allowed.

    But politicians can still have DeepSeek on their personal non-government devices. This presently happens with TikTok – for example opposition leader Peter Dutton has a TikTok account.

    While the direction only applies to official systems and devices, the government is also urging all Australians to inform themselves about how their data can be used online and to carefully review a company’s privacy policy on how customer data is managed.

    Burke said: “The Albanese government is taking swift and decisive action to protect Australia’s national security and national interest.

    “AI is is a technology full of potential and opportunity, but the government will not hesitate to act when our agencies identify a national security risk.

    “Our approach is country-agnostic and focused on the risk to the Australian government and our assets.‘

    The NSW Department of Customer Service acted late last month to ban DeepSeek from official devices and systems.

    The department told Cyber Daily it had “taken a precautionary approach to restrict corporate access to DeepSeek AI, consistent with the approach taken for many new and emerging applications, systems and services”.

    Commenting on the NSW department’s decision Dana Mckay, Senior Lecturer in Innovative Interactive Technologies at RMIT, said: “The reason Chinese-made and-owned tools are being banned is that the data they collect is available to the Chinese government not just when a crime has been committed, but also for economic or social reasons.

    “DeepSeek even collects keystroke patterns, which can be used to identify individuals, potentially allowing them to match in-work searches with leisure time searches, potentially leading to national security risks,” she said.

    “It is fair to ask whether DeepSeek is more dangerous to Australian national security than, say, OpenAI which collects similar data: the difference is that OpenAI will only give data to government to comply with relevant laws, and this typically means where a crime may have been committed.

    “Whether governments should be concerned about the level of data collected by commercial companies, such as OpenAI and Google, is still a significant question, but one that is separate to the national security concerns raised by China’s data sovereignty laws.”

    Among those banning Deepseek are the Pentagon, the United States Navy, NASA, Italy and Taiwan.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Albanese government bans DeepSeek from official devices on security grounds – https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-bans-deepseek-from-official-devices-on-security-grounds-249022

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Archaeological Discoveries on Display at York Explore

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A display at York Explore Library is showcasing artefacts uncovered during construction of the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme at Clifton Ings.

    Image of a fragment of pottery that was found at the site.

    York Explore Library located at Library Square, Museum Street, York (Y01 7DS) is showcasing remarkable artefacts uncovered during the construction of the Environment Agency’s Flood Alleviation Scheme at Clifton Ings.

    These 19th-century artefacts, originating from a former mental health institution, provide rare insights into the lives of past patients and staff. The display will be available until 27 February 2025. 

    Part of a £21 million investment to protect homes and businesses from flooding, the Clifton Ings Flood Alleviation Scheme not only enhances flood defences but has also led to the discovery of significant historical artefacts.

    The discoveries, made in 2021-2022 by York Archaeology, originate from a rubbish dump associated with Clifton Hospital, formerly the North Riding Lunatic Asylum (established 1847) and later known as North Riding Mental Hospital.

    The hospital was demolished in 1994, making these objects rare physical traces of its history.  

    Among the items on display are a fragment of a hot water bottle with its stopper still in place, an enamelled iron jug, and fragments of ceramic cups, saucers, plates, and dishes, some bearing the hospital’s initials.

    Also featured are a bone toothbrush and dominoes made from bone and wood. These objects provide a rare and valuable insight into the everyday lives of both patients and staff.  

    An image showing an overview of the finds.

    Mental health institutions have historically been overlooked in archaeological research, making these discoveries particularly significant.

    The display sheds light on the lived experiences within Clifton Hospital and highlights the evolving history of mental health care.  

    After the display period at York Explore, the finds will be deposited with the Mental Health Museum in Wakefield, ensuring their preservation and continued study.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation on permit application for Fleetwood landfill opens

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has opened a consultation on a permit variation application from the operator of Jameson Road Landfill in Fleetwood, Lancashire.

    Transwaste Recycling & Aggregates has applied to the Environment Agency for permission to operate a dedicated tipping bay for waste brought on to the site.

    The tipped waste would be transferred to dump trucks that would take the waste to final disposal in the landfill.

    To be able to do this, the company needs to apply for a change to its existing environmental permit for the site.

    The Environment Agency is seeking views from the local community and interested groups on the application.

    The consultation runs from Monday 3 February until Monday 17 March, 2025.

    John Neville, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said:

    We understand the ongoing public interest and concerns around this landfill site.

    I’d like to reassure people that we will carry out a detailed and rigorous assessment of Transwaste’s permit variation application

    Our regulatory controls are in place to protect people and the environment.

    We welcome comments from the public and interested groups on local environmental factors related to this permit consultation.

    In its application, the company proposes that the tipping bay would have sealed drainage and containment. It also proposes the bay would be surrounded by nets to minimise the potential for litter escaping.

    The application includes screening, which would act as a wind shield and visual screen for the tipping operation.

    The Environment Agency assesses applications for environmental permits, or to vary existing environmental permits, under the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR).

    Its role is to assess the application and decide if it meets all requirements under relevant environmental legislation and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health.

    It will only vary the environmental permit for the site to allow the tipping bay if it is satisfied this would be the case.

    The consultation is live on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on accelerating the start of electricity supply to the grid from the Svistyagino plant

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    February 4, 2025

    Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting on accelerating the start of electricity supply to the grid from the Svistyagino plant

    February 4, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Dmitry Patrushev visited the Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow region

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev visited the operating Svistyagino waste energy recycling plant in the Moscow Region. The facility was commissioned in December last year.

    At a meeting following the inspection, the Deputy Prime Minister was informed about the progress of the plant certification. After that, the plant will receive the status of a wholesale electricity and capacity market entity. According to the schedule, Svistyagino will be able to become an electricity supplier in the second quarter of this year.

    Dmitry Patrushev was also told about the operating model of Svistyagino and other similar facilities. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the plant must be financially stable, this will ensure its effective functioning.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crackdown on illegal wildlife products at the border

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Thousands of unlicensed and illegal wildlife products have been seized by Border Force as part of Operation Thunder.

    Operation Thunder is an intensive international operation to target the criminal networks behind wildlife crime,

    From 11 November to 6 December 2024, Border Force officers taking part in Operation Thunder 24 made 217 seizures of wildlife products which are controlled by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES).

    Seizures included live plants, a range of beauty products containing caviar and cactus extracts, a quantity of bear bile, and clothes and accessories containing animal skins.

    Border Force officers also detected over 400 live birds as part of the operation, including rosella parakeets, king parrots, African grey parrots and blue-fronted Amazon parrots. Where possible, Border Force will rehome any live animals found.

    Operation Thunder is a global effort to target the illegal wildlife trade and is co-led by Interpol and the World Customs Organisation (WCO).

    Wildlife crime is estimated to be worth up to £17 billion globally per year and is the fourth largest international crime according to Interpol, behind only arms, drugs and human trafficking. Strengthening border security and breaking the criminal networks that seek to abuse our borders is a key part of the government’s plan for change.

    Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra said:

    Detecting and seizing illegal wildlife products is not just a matter of enforcement, but a vital act of preservation for this planet’s biodiversity.  

    The work of Border Force in interrupting this serious organised crime is critical to the UK’s efforts to regulate the international trade in endangered species.

    Border Force Director for National Operations, Danny Hewitt said:

    Wildlife crime is a serious organised crime which fuels corruption, threatens species with extinction, deprives some of the world’s poorest communities of sustainable livelihoods, and degrades ecosystems.

    We take an intelligence-led approach to detecting illegal trade and work closely with our partners across the global community to share training, expertise and skills.

    Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh said:

    Tackling wildlife crime is essential to protecting iconic biodiversity at home and abroad. Criminal gangs must face justice for the part they play in nature destruction for self-gain.

    These figures reflect the invaluable role of the Border Force in safeguarding wildlife, and are an example of international collaboration to combat global criminal networks.

    Border Force works closely with other enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally, to tackle the illegal wildlife trade and keep borders secure. This includes the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), London Heathrow Animal Reception Centre and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, amongst others.

    This year’s Operation Thunder was also supported by the police, who executed 5 warrants in relation to bird egg smuggling. This has so far resulted in the confiscation of over 5,000 bird eggs.

    Operation Thunder 24 led to seizures in the UK which included:

    • over 400 live birds (51 CITES listed)
    • 7kg of ivory
    • 450 live plants
    • 315kg of beauty products containing caviar
    • over 2,500 pills and 21.5kg of powders containing endangered plant and animal species
    • live corals
    • snow leopard garments

    Border Force is responsible for frontline detection and seizure of items covered by the CITES convention, which tackles the illegal trade in endangered animals and plants. The Heathrow-based Border Force CITES team are specialist officers who are recognised as world leaders in their field.

    Border Force’s work to prevent the trade of unregulated and illegal products made from endangered species is helping the government in its safer streets mission by smashing organised crime.

    Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling and trafficking of any kind can report it online using the report smuggling service.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on discussion on Devolution and potential creation of a Strategic Authority

    Source: City of Oxford

    Tuesday, 4 February 2025

    “Representatives from councils in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Swindon met in Oxford on 31 January to discuss the government’s expectations for a possible future mayoral strategic authority (MSA).

    The discussion highlighted the need to focus on health, growth and economic development and ensuring that any Strategic Authority provides the best possible outcome for all our residents, businesses and communities. 

    Further discussion and work will take place on the optimum size, scope and membership of a Strategic Authority.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A house under the renovation program will appear near the Zyuzino metro station

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Cheryomushki area of the South-West Administrative District, a house will be built under the renovation program. It will be located near the Zyuzino metro station, at the address: Kakhovka Street, Building 20a. This was reported by Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of Moscow (Moskomarkhitektura).

    “Moskomarkhitektura has developed a land planning project for a 0.92 hectare site for the construction of a building under the renovation program with a maximum residential development area of 9.5 thousand square meters,” noted Yuliana Knyazhevskaya.

    In addition to the proximity of the transport network, the advantage for residents of the new building will be the presence of developed social and commercial infrastructure around it.

    Previously Mayor of Moscow reported, that 1.2 trillion rubles have been allocated in the draft budget for three years to implement the renovation program.

    Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses.

    Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149657073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Electronic House”: platform specialists answered the five most popular questions from Muscovites

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Platform “Electronic House” has become an indispensable tool for Muscovites. It helps to participate in the life of the house, saving time and effort on solving both routine household issues and those that are important for all residents of an apartment building. Thanks to the platform, you can, for example, hold general meetings of owners (GMOs) and surveys, send requests about problems in the house or in the yard, post ads, transmit meter readings, and also pay utility bills.

    The platform’s specialists help Muscovites understand the functionality and intricacies of the “Electronic House”. They answered the most popular questions from users, which they ask on social networks and in the “Feedback” section on the website and in the application.

    Questions about the OSS: what does an administrator do and who can become one

    Questions related to general meetings of owners are most often received from city residents. Last year alone, the platform hosted more than 10 thousand OSS.

    Experts note that when holding a general meeting of owners in an apartment building using the platform, an important role is assigned to the administrator. He creates a new general meeting of owners in the system at the request of the initiator, notifies residents of the upcoming meeting, and also collects paper ballots if the owners do not want or have the opportunity to vote electronically.

    “Any owner of premises in an apartment building or a management organization can become an administrator of the general meeting of owners. At the same time, according to the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, at the first general meeting of owners in the system, the role of the administrator is performed by the initiator of such a meeting, and for subsequent ones, his candidacy is approved by a decision of the owners also within the framework of the general meeting of owners. The owners can change the candidacy of the administrator by including this issue in the agenda of any subsequent meeting,” said Alena Krutakova, head of the Electronic House project.

    Where to view the results after the completion of the general meeting of owners

    Based on the results of the AGM, a protocol is formed with the decisions of the owners on all issues on the agenda, signed with the electronic signature of the operator of the Electronic House system. All users of the platform can get acquainted with it in the section “Polls and meetings of owners” of the personal account (the “Meetings” tab). There, the initiator of the AGM can also download appendices to the protocol, which contain decisions, powers of attorney for representatives of the owners and other documents.

    Is it possible to hold a general meeting of owners in a house with a homeowners association?

    According to experts, if the management method chosen in the house is through a homeowners’ association (HOA), then the meeting can be held in exactly the same way on the “Electronic House” platform. However, it is worth paying attention to the agenda items.

    “It is important to distinguish between the general meeting of owners and the general meeting of members of the HOA: their competence includes different issues, enshrined in Articles 44 and 145 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation. For example, determining the amount of the contribution for major repairs is an agenda item exclusively for the general meeting of owners; HOA members cannot make such decisions. At the same time, the meeting of HOA members can consider issues of approving the annual plan for the maintenance and repair of common property in an apartment building or changing the chairman of the HOA board. In the “Electronic House”, owners of premises in buildings managed by the HOA can only hold a general meeting of owners; holding a meeting of HOA members on the platform is not provided for,” explained Alena Krutakova.

    Who is responsible for troubleshooting in the house and yard?

    The platform’s specialists explain that the proper condition of the common property in the building is monitored by the management organization or HOA (depending on the chosen management method). They are also responsible for eliminating deficiencies in the yard if the adjacent territory is part of the common property.

    Where to find information about city points received for activity on the platform

    On the platform there are points of the city loyalty program “A Million Prizes” are awarded for active participation in the life of the house. For example, for transmitting meter readings, paying utility bills, holding and participating in the general meeting of owners, or posting an ad for the first time. They are displayed in the user’s personal account in the “My points” section. The total number of city points received for active participation in all electronic projects of the capital is also visible there. It is also convenient to go from this section to the “Million Prizes” website, where city points can be used to receive goods and services from program partners. In addition, points can be donated to charity.

    You can find answers to most questions, as well as get more detailed information about the platform’s capabilities, in the Knowledge Base on the website and in the Electronic Home app. If you cannot find the answer to your question, users can leave a message in the Feedback section on the ed.mos.ru website or in the More tab of the Technical Support section in the mobile app.

    The Electronic Home platform was launched in November 2020. It helps manage your home online using a website or app. Users have the opportunity to receive important notifications about events in the house in a timely manner, such as hot water supply outages or elevator repairs. You can also report problems in your apartment, house, and yard to the management company, pay for utilities, transmit meter readings, communicate with neighbors in a chat, and hold general meetings of owners electronically.

    The project is being developed by the State Institution “New Management Technologies” together withDepartment of Information Technology the city of Moscow.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant, as well as other services and services in electronic form, corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the Moscow regional project “Digital Public Administration”.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149659073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dragon Dance and Painted Lanterns: Moskino Cinema Park Celebrates Chinese New Year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Last weekend, February 1 and 2, the Moskino Cinema Park hosted a grand celebration of the Chinese New Year, in which more than 10 thousand people took part. A varied program was prepared for visitors, which did not leave either children or adults indifferent.

    Chinese Folklore, Dragon Dancing and Mandarin Throwing

    You could learn about Eastern secrets and myths in the quest “The Coming of the Chinese Spirit”. More than two thousand people took part in it, and their task was to catch the hungry Nyan and get a prize. The guests had to find red objects, and to do this, they had to distract the monster from Chinese mythology, make him laugh and make noise. The participants completed the task and won.

    Fun games in Chinese style were held near a natural green screen in the open air. Children and adults assembled puzzles with images of a dragon, rolled balls through a wooden labyrinth, threw oranges at targets, made cubes from multi-colored figures and played tangerine tic-tac-toe.

    In Chalet No. 1 on the Central Square, master classes were held, where those who wanted to painted white Chinese lanterns with patterns, learned calligraphy under the guidance of masters, and molded a dragon from air plasticine. In addition, street classes were held in Chinese national dance with a dragon. A large head and a long tail on sticks were distributed among the participants. They smoothly moved around the square, creating the illusion that the dragon was hovering in the air.

    The scenery of the Gonzaga Theatre featured Chinese folklore. Drummers performed there: the artists were dressed in traditional costumes and performed rhythmic compositions.

    Master classes, performances and excursions

    For winter sports enthusiasts, the skating rink and tubing hill continued to operate. After skating, you could warm up with hot drinks at the fair.

    At master classes in Chalet No. 2, children painted movie clappers, made “Jolly Snowman” magnets, and decorated a field and sea pebble figures for playing tic-tac-toe. The educational center hosted master classes in acting, dancing, and vocals.

    The weekend also saw the performance of the multimedia play “Cathedral Square”. Spectators saw the performance in the open air, sitting on warm heated seats, and learned a lot about the Time of Troubles. On different days, famous theater and film actors Dmitry Pevtsov, Ekaterina Guseva, Leonid Yakubovich, Anna Bolshova, Elena Zakharova and other artists take part in the play. You can see the production in the historical scenery of “Cathedral Square of Moscow” every weekend until February 23 inclusive. Tickets are available on the play’s page on the website of the Moskino cinema park.

    For those who wanted to see the unique scenery of the cinema park and learn new facts about the cinema professions, the excursion “Cinema Expedition” was held, and during the staged filming based on the Soviet films “Gentlemen of Fortune” and “Varvara-Beauty, Long Braid” it was possible to try on the costumes of the characters, learn the roles and act in front of the camera.

    Nature and scenery. Producer Evgeniya Sholokhova on filming in the Moskino cinema parkSpectators shared their impressions of the play “Cathedral Square”A piece of a plate from an excursion: the Moskino cinema park told about an unusual tradition

    The Moskino Cinema Park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s Moscow — City of Cinema project and an object of the Moscow film cluster. The first stage of development has already been completed here: 18 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built. Among them are the sets of Moscow Center, Moscow of the 1940s, Vitebsk Station, Yurovo Airport, Moscow Cathedral Square, Deaf Village, Partisan Village, County Town, Cowboy Town, St. Petersburg Bar and other sites.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino film park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino film factory, the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

    Project “Winter in Moscow”— the main event of the season, which until February 28 brings together various events in the capital. Citizens and tourists are invited to remember traditions and history, warm up with tea and hot buns, go ice skating, watch ice shows, give gifts to people who find themselves in a difficult life situation, and show concern for those who need it.

    Muscovites and guests of the capital are offered a huge selection of events in the open air and in cultural and sports institutions. The atmosphere of winter traditions has engulfed the entire city: more than 1.9 thousand sites are open. The project organically intertwined with the largest festivals of the capital “Moscow Estates”, “Moscow Tea Party”, “City of Light” and many others. All information about the project and events of the winter season can be found in a special section of mos.ru.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149655073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The My Payments service recommended that residents of the capital pay their utility bills safely

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    You can pay your housing and communal services (HCS) bills quickly, conveniently and, most importantly, safely using the My Payments service. It is available atmos.ru portal and in mobile applications “Gosuslugi Moskvy” and “My Moscow”. When making a payment through this official resource, you can be sure of the authenticity of the invoices, the safety of personal data and the absence of malicious links or programs. This is especially important in connection with cases of fraud using fake receipts for payment of housing and communal services – fakes were dropped into mailboxes.

    “Thanks to the My Payments service, residents of the capital can always be aware of new utility bills and pay them on the mos.ru portal without going to third-party resources. City residents save time by using templates and the batch payment function, and do not worry about the timeliness of payment for services by setting up automatic payments and notifications,” said Vladimir Novikov, Director of the Department for Support of Citywide Payment Systems of the Moscow Department of Information Technology.

    Almost half of the payments that residents make online in city services are for housing and communal services. In 2024 alone, residents of the capital paid more than 8.7 million housing and communal services bills on the mos.ru portal and in mobile applications, and over 46 million in total, they said inDepartment of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

    Finds accounts automatically

    The My Payments service will automatically find all unpaid utility bills if the user has a standard or full account onmos.ru portal, and the personal account contains the address, the payer code of the single payment document (EPD) and the personal accounts of the resource supplying organizations that issue invoices under direct contracts. If the information in the personal account is not enough, you can find the required account and simultaneously enter the information directly in the service using the widget “Documents and data”.

    To avoid missing a payment, Muscovites are being asked to sign up to receive it notifications about new accounts. To do this, in your personal account on the mos.ru portal, you need to select the “Profile” section and go to the “Subscription settings” tab, and in the section categories, check the box next to the form of receiving notifications that is convenient for you.

    Save time: set up templates, auto payments and batch payments

    Save time on paying bills too templates will help. To create them, you need to activate the “Save as template” option when paying for the service. Then the details and amount for making a regular payment will be saved. All templates are displayed in the “My Payments” service on the invoices page, so then you just need to select the one you need and immediately proceed to payment. This is convenient, for example, when regularly paying for solid municipal waste management services. The name and amount of the template can be changed at any time.

    In addition, for convenient and regular payment of bills in the My Payments service, you can set up auto payment on invoice. This function will simplify regular payment of the EPD. You can connect it after the first payment. To do this, you will need to select the frequency and date of the write-off, specify the amount and bank card details, after which the invoice will be paid automatically.

    The service also allows you to use one-time (package) payment function. Simply select the required invoices from the list by ticking them, and then click “Pay”. You will only need to enter one payment confirmation code for the first invoice in the package, which will be sent to your mobile phone number. Payment receipts will be generated separately for each invoice and will be available in the “Payment History” section.

    Payment of water and electricity bills not included in the EPD

    In addition, in the “My Payments” service on mos.ru you can pay bills for water and electricity issued under direct contracts with resource supplying organizations. You will need a standard or full account. To pay for electricity in your personal account on the portal (in the “Real Estate” section), you need to add the personal account of JSC Mosenergosbyt and the number of the electricity meter, and to pay for water consumption, you need to add the subscriber number of JSC Mosvodokanal. The issued bills for water and electricity will be displayed in the “My Payments” service automatically, you will only need to make a payment at any time.

    Fast and easy: how to pay bills via SBP without commission and with cashback

    Paying bills through the fast payment system (FPS) frees city residents from the need to provide bank card details. And until January 10, 2026, when using the FPS in the My Payments service on the mos.ru portal, residents of the capital can pay bills without commission, as well as receive cashback (partial refund) in the amount of one percent of the payment amount when paying for services in certain categories. To do this, you must register in the loyalty program before making a payment onon the website vamprivet.ruCashback in rubles will be automatically returned within a minute to the bank account from which the payment was made through the SBP.

    The promotion is being held by the National Payment Card System. You can find out more about the organizer, terms and rules of the promotion aton the website vamprivet.ru, as well as in the instructions onmos.ru portal. If any questions arise, participants of the action can contact the support service of the mos.ru portal in the section “Feedback” and by calling the hotline: 7 495 539-55-55 (24-hour information and reference service for the provision of government services).

    The My Payments service on the mos.ru portal, as well as in the city mobile applications Moscow State Services and My Moscow, is one of the most popular ways to pay bills for services among residents, legal entities and entrepreneurs of the capital. It allows you to pay for about nine thousand different services. Over the seven years of operation, city residents paid with it over 107 million accounts. More information about all the features of the My Payments service — in the instructions.

    The creation, development and operation of the e-government infrastructure, including the provision of mass socially significant services, as well as other services in electronic form, correspond to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.

    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 access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149676073/

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